Metalheads

Terry speaks with René of Equilibrium about the creation of "Equinox", the long break since their previous album, and the lineup changes that shaped the band’s direction. He discusses selecting singles such as “Bloodwood,” collaborating with Roanit, writing and recording across home studios and professional sessions, incorporating guest musicians, and the band’s hands‑on approach to visuals and artwork. René also talks about their evolving sound, touring plans, and the importance of creative authenticity for younger musicians.

Terry then talks with Professor Black of Aktor about the new album "Professori: Season Two", its detective‑themed concept, and how Nordic crime shows influenced the narrative. He explores the band’s open‑ended creative process, the role of trust between members working remotely, the choices behind the singles, and their use of file sharing and digital tools in recording. Professor Black reflects on his musical beginnings, the influences that shaped his songwriting, his vocal approach, and offers guidance for emerging artists.

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Terry speaks with Damien of Starlight Ritual about the creation of "Rogue Angels", covering its early reception, single choices, in‑house video production, the album’s hand‑painted cover art, the band’s recording setup, and the mix of horror, history, and personal conviction that drives their lyrics. He also discusses gear choices, vocal approach, physical formats, and advice for young musicians.

Terry then talks with Aaron of Struck a Nerve about the band’s rapid rise toward their debut album, their DIY approach to videos and recording, the role of friendship in their writing process, and the unexpected path that led them to signing with Listenable Records. Aaron reflects on his musical origins, bass and vocal style, live energy, touring plans, and the resurgence of their local metal scene, while offering guidance to younger players.

The episode also features a set of Kiwi metal, including tracks from Depths, Plague and the Ditch, and Dead Set.

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Xan presents a replay built around numerological themes and personal creative exploration, blending metal, darkwave, glam, and experimental music with reflections on synchronicity, energy, and artistic process. The show weaves together classic tracks from Twisted Sister and Dio, recent releases from Xandria and WASP, and a series of darker contemporary selections from DeathbyRomy. Xan introduces new material from Angel 1111, including “Beltane’s Fire” and the AI‑generated “666,” sharing context around their creation, performance practice, and the connection between music, ritual, and personal symbolism.

Xan also features underground and international artists including Artie Grotesca, Dury‑Gury, Hardboy, and Terminatryx, noting stylistic contrasts and the role of production approaches from DIY to fully electronic. The programme closes with darkwave from John Copperboots and reflections on creativity, technology, and musical community, framed within Xan’s characteristic narrative style.

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Terry speaks with Ulf from Mezzrow about "Embrace the Awakening, discussing its extended writing period, lyrical themes drawn from cyber conflict, media manipulation and global instability, and the inspiration behind tracks such as “Architects of the Silent War,” “Symphony of Twisted Souls,” and “In Shadows Deep.” Ulf talks about reinterpreting Ghost’s “Ritual,” collaborating remotely across Sweden, working with cover artist Pär Olofsson, the band’s recording process, festival plans and touring challenges, plus reflections on Sweden’s thriving thrash resurgence and advice for younger musicians.

Terry then talks with Ben and Jesse from Stellar Circuits about "Phantom Phoenix", covering the choice of singles, the shift to a more DIY visual approach, the writing process between rhythm section and vocals, and the studio methods blending analogue gear with DI re‑amping. They discuss lyrical inspiration, experimentation with dynamics, practice routines, touring ambitions, experiences performing in unusual locations, and the importance of staying true to personal creativity amid modern technological changes.

Terry continues with Matheus from Creatures about "Creatures II", exploring the development from a solo project into a full band, the writing of the singles “Devil in Disguise” and “Beware the Creatures,” and the extended version included on the album. Matheus explains taking a leading role in visuals and video concepts, working with artist Velio Josto on the cover, creating music largely from home demos before expanding ideas with bandmates, recording with real amps and drums, musical influences from classic heavy metal, and plans for touring in Brazil and beyond.

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Terry speaks with Booga from Head Like a Hole about the reissue of "Double Your Strength, Massive Your Mental" and the brand‑new single “Strange World.” Booger discusses the writing of the new track, rediscovered pre‑production recordings, future vinyl reissues, the band’s writing dynamic, vocal approaches, gear preferences, and performing at Homegrown.

Terry then talks with Tessie from Hell in the Club about the new album "Joker in the Park", covering her joining the band, vocal development, inspiration behind tracks such as “Magnetars” and “Robert the Doll,” the collaborative video‑making process, and recording across Italy and Sweden. She also reflects on her past projects, stage experience, warm‑up habits, and the band’s upcoming live plans.

Terry continues with Belzebub from Mystic Circle to discuss "Hexenhammer 1486", exploring its concept rooted in inquisitorial history and the band’s long‑developed thematic universe. Belzebub describes guest contributions, the collaboration with illustrator Natalie Ostermeyer, the trilogy‑based artwork, the duo’s studio workflow, inspirations from film, literature, and dark folklore, and plans for future albums and touring.

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Terry speaks with Neil from Chairmaker about the upcoming album "The Leviathan Carcass", covering the process of self‑releasing, navigating vinyl production, and writing and recording all elements himself. Neil discusses themes centred on frustration with political and social collapse, the fast and abrasive structure of the songs, the collaborative artwork with Arif from Wormrot, musical influences, and plans for eventually bringing the project to the stage.

Terry then talks with Eero from Battle Beast about "Steelbound", exploring the singles, the extensive preparation behind the new tour, and the band’s varied approaches to video concepts. Eero explains their detailed arrangement style, the natural instrumentation used in recording, long‑term collaboration with cover artist Jan Yrlund, the band’s musical foundations, bass influences, and the shift to new live production for the forthcoming shows.

Terry continues with Eric from Despised Icon about the new album "Shadow Work", discussing the six‑year gap since their previous release, the songwriting period affected by lockdowns, and the contrast between the early singles. Eric talks about guest contributions, writing with multiple tuning approaches, production work with Chris Donaldson, his influences from thrash, death metal, and prog, upcoming North American touring, and thoughts for new musicians on collaboration and craft.

Terry closes out the programme with a selection of Halloween‑themed tracks, featuring Marilyn Manson, Type O Negative, Helloween, and The Misfits.

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Terry speaks with Brady from Conjurer about the upcoming album "Unsoul", exploring the long writing period, the decision to rethink their recording approach, and the contrast between the advance singles. Brady discusses creating the album as a full‑length listening experience, the influence of Danny’s personal journey on the lyrics, the increased collaboration during pre‑production, and the band’s deep DIY involvement in videos, visuals, and promotion. He also talks about guitar choices, working with producer Joe Clayton, and the band’s touring plans across the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Terry then talks with Anders from Cadaver about the reissue of "Hallucinating Anxiety" and the restoration of early recordings. Anders explains the history of the original release through Necrosis Records, the decision to remaster archival material, and the new artwork created to reflect the album’s intended themes. He discusses the analogue nature of the early sessions, the remastering work with Patrick Engel, the writing methods of the late ’80s, and the lyrical focus on human darkness rather than gore. The conversation also covers touring, physical formats, the modern metal landscape, and Anders’ advice for young musicians on individuality, skill, and resisting the pressures of metrics and trends.

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Terry speaks with Vincent Crowley of Acheron about "Rites of the Black Mass – The Definitive Edition", covering the restoration from original sources, the refreshed audio, the updated artwork, and the album’s history within the early satanic and ritual‑themed metal movement. Vincent explains the original recording circumstances, the connections with the Church of Satan, the involvement of early contributors, limited‑run physical editions, and Acheron’s ongoing work on new material.

Terry then talks with James Rivera from Helstar about "The Devil’s Masquerade", exploring the album’s strong reception, the collaborative writing between long‑time members, and the horror‑based inspirations behind its songs. James discusses vocal preparation, performance routines, production decisions shaped by Larry Barragan, Helstar’s touring plans, formative musical influences, and advice on navigating the industry.

Terry continues with Anders Odden from Cadaver, discussing the reissue of "Hallucinating Anxiety" and the recovery of early recordings from 1990s preservation tapes. Anders outlines the remastering process, the creation of updated artwork, the raw approach of Cadaver’s early sound, the band’s recent releases, future touring possibilities, and reflections on individuality and musicianship in today’s metal environment.

Terry concludes with a tribute to Ace Frehley, featuring a selection of classic KISS material and live memories, acknowledging his influence on generations of rock and metal musicians.

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Terry speaks with Kane from Believe in Nothing about the forthcoming album "Rot", covering its themes of societal collapse, the band’s DIY ethos, their first extended UK tour, and the raw, in‑the‑room writing approach behind singles such as “What Would You Do?,” “Complete Desolation,” and “Gut.” Kane explains the conceptual world that frames the lyrics and the artwork process—documenting a decaying pig heart over weeks—and reflects on moving away from autobiographical trauma toward broader commentary.

Terry then talks with Eric from Bergfried about "Romantik III", exploring its long development, the continuation of a narrative spanning earlier releases, and the collaboration with guest musicians and cover artist Aaron Lawrence. Eric outlines composing music first before shaping lyrics, recording methods, instrument choices, and operating as an international studio project, along with future plans across heavy, black, and pagan metal ventures.

Finally, Jimmy from Mastiff discusses the EP "For All the Dead Dreams", the shift toward a more hardcore edge, and releasing via Church Road Records. He speaks about writing live in the room without clicks or backing tracks, the personal origins of “A Story Behind Every Light,” video and artwork collaborators, upcoming UK dates including the Raging Speedhorn tour, and practical advice for younger musicians.

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Terry speaks with Jay from Half Eaten Horse about the band’s debut EP "H‑E‑H", discussing its recording with Nigel Mauchline at The Stomach, the decision to focus on Bandcamp rather than Spotify, and the long development of the project. Jay talks about the band’s origins, the collaborative writing process built on riff‑based jamming, the evolution of their sound, and the creation of their symbol and visual identity. He reflects on early musical influences, his history in the local scene, instrument choices, warm‑ups, and the importance of enjoying music for its own sake. The interview also covers local gigs, future recording plans, and advice for younger players.

Terry also talks with Charlie from Paradox about the forthcoming album "Mysterium", covering the long production period, the label change, and the release of the advance singles. Charlie explains the album’s concept, the artwork created with Travis Smith, and the decision to perform all instruments himself following the loss of longtime drummer Axel. He describes his writing methods, the influence of dream symbolism on the record, recording techniques, his lifelong connection to heavy metal, and the emotional dedication of the track “Grief.” The conversation also touches on future plans, the possibility of one final live performance, and guidance for emerging musicians on belief, persistence, and creativity.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with the support of NZ On Air