Scars and Guitars

Antoinette Anstis is the wife of the late Stuart Anstis, and she joins the show to discuss his career, legacy and much more. Stuart shaped Cradle of Filth’s most pivotal era, and throughout the chat, Antoinette recounts his early days with the band, offering her perspective on its dynamics during his tenure. Antoinette shares her thoughts on Stuart’s relationships with bandmates Nick, Dan, and Les and provides a nuanced account of his departure. She also covers his later projects, including work with Metal Church’s David Wayne and a sliding doors moment with Rob Halford. Additionally, she discusses what happened to the music featured on the demos Stuart created as a potential successor to Cruelty and the Beast. Antoinette shares personal anecdotes and insights, drawing on her unique perspective as his spouse to reveal Stuart’s character, shedding light on the mind of a guitarist whose contributions are iconic in metal history. Many other funny and personal topics are also addressed in this conversation, which will be compelling for everyone who has heard the iconic episode featuring Stuart.

Check out all the conversations with current, alums and associates of Cradle of Filth here: https://scarsandguitars.com/cradle-of-filth-conversations/

Throughout this discussion with Dennis Mikula of Ghost Bath, we focused on their album Rose Thorn Necklace and topics such as the shift from previous work, lyrical themes of mourning and death, collaborations, the album's title duality, the impact of early anonymity, the transition to a collaborative band, artwork choices, navigating criticism and trolling assumptive commentators. 

Watch 'Well, I Tried Drowning' music video:

Stream 'Well, I Tried Drowning':

GhostSeeker vocalist Celeste Bojczuk discusses the creative process behind their album Divergence. She addresses the album’s title, collaboration with new label ROAR, the shift in sound from “Initium Novum, and recording techniques. Celeste also talks about the partnership with Daniel Breen, the challenges of performing specific tracks, the influence of external producers, lyrical inspirations, the impact of Australian and international bands, and strategies for navigating creative differences. Additionally, the episode goes into Celeste’s journey as a vocalist, the formation of GhostSeeker, vocal techniques, and artists who’ve shaped her style.

Watch ‘Wake Up (Imposter)’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxE78ndDg1E

Watch ‘Interment’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07gZELH0wAw

For More Info Visit:

The great Steve Hughes discusses a range of social, political, and cultural topics ahead of his shows in Queensland. He addresses the long-term impacts of economic inequality on working-class communities, the influence of censorship and free speech debates on public discourse, and the emergence of leftist populist movements as indicators of systemic issues. Steve also shares his views on how technology, including AI, and his observations on handling mental health challenges in contemporary society. As a comedian, he reflects on the most significant unspoken issues facing humanity today. Additionally, Steve explores his musical background, detailing how his time with Slaughter Lord contributed to Australia’s thrash metal scene in the 1980s and reflects on his work with cult black metal outfit Nazxul in the 1990s

Adrian Smith talks about Black Light / White Noise, the second album from Smith/Kotzen. This release broadens their sound, drawing from hard rock, blues, and classic R&B. Adrian shares the ideas that shaped the album, the writing process, and the impact of Jay Ruston’s mixing on the final production. With a long history in heavy metal, he discusses what makes this collaboration with Richie Kotzen unique. 

He also reflects on his approach to melody and phrasing on the guitar, the habits he works to avoid, and the methods he uses to keep his playing fresh. As a guitarist who has influenced generations of musicians, he weighs in on how the industry is evolving and the rise of artificial intelligence in music. 

Beyond the technical side of his craft, Adrian shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a great band member, how his views on success and happiness have changed, and what he values most at this stage in his journey. With decades of experience, he offers a clear and honest look at his evolution as a musician, his creative process, and the road ahead.

OrderBlack Light / White Noise from: https://Smith-Kotzen.lnk.to/blacklightPR

Check out the video for White Noise here: https://youtu.be/pABdwOwpjGI

In this conversation, Burton C. Bell discusses his upcoming Australian shows, featuring a career-spanning setlist with rare tracks from Fear Factory, Ascension Of The Watchers, and GZR. He talks about new songs, "Technical Exorcism" and "Anti-DRoid", offering insight into their place in his evolving sound. Burton reflects on his Metal Hall of Fame induction, Soul of a New Machine nearing 35 years, and key moments like recording Plastic Planet with Geezer Butler and Deen Castronovo, opening for Black Sabbath in 1997, and Fear Factory’s performances at Ozzfest ’96. He also shares thoughts on pivotal collaborators, the possibility of unreleased tracks, and the headline that might define his legacy. Additional topics include the 1996 Sydney riot, his biography, and his most significant accomplishment. 

Australian Tour Dates 2025

Wed 11 June: The Triffid, Brisbane

Thu 12 June: King Street Band Room, Newcastle

Fri 13 June: Factory Theatre, Sydney

Sat 14 June: Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Tickets On Sale:  www.sbmpresents.com/tour/burton-c-bell

www.burtoncbell.com | www.sbmpresents.com  

Socials: IG: burtoncbell_official

FB: burtoncbell

#burtoncbell #fearfacfory #drylungvocalmartyr #metal #heavymetal

This chat with Daz took place on the eve of the European tour and the day of the release of Benediction's 2025 album, Ravage of Empires. The discussion covers the album, collaboration with Dave Ingram, production details, producer Scott Atkins's approach to enhancing the band's performance in the studio, the 2020 album Scriptures, the 1998 tour with Covenant, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's last Birmingham performances, and many other topics.

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE RAVAGE OF EMPIRES: https://benediction.bfan.link/ravage-of-empires

STREAM 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES': https://benediction.bfan.link/crawling-over-corpses

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES': https://youtu.be/tfQJT29e6T0 

Niilo discusses Insomnium's May tour (2025) in Australia, unexpected inspirations behind their music, and the creative process for selecting lyrical concepts. Niilo shares insights on unexplored musical styles, intriguing fan interpretations, and a dream collaboration with a historical figure. We revisit the bold decision to release Winter’s Gate as a single 40-minute track in 2016 and its reception nearly a decade later, plus the epic Anno 1696 album from 2023. Topics also include tackling dark historical themes like witch hunts, navigating music industry challenges, observations on freedom versus responsibility during the COVID pandemic, and reflections on utopian ideals versus human nature in their work.

INSOMNIUM with guest Omnium Gatherum performing at:

May 6th - Brisbane, The Triffid

May 7th - Canberra, The Baso

May 9th - Sydney, Metro Theatre

May 10th - Melbourne, The Croxton

May 11th – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory

TICKETS ON SALE at:

BRISBANE, ADELAIDE - www.moshtix.com.au

CANBERRA, MELBOURNE – www.oztix.com.au

SYDNEY - www.ticketek.com.au

www.insomnium.net/tour

The internet's only no-bullshit metal music show spans black metal, black n roll, death metal, deathcore, doom, grind, hard rock, hardcore, modern heavy metal, industrial, instrumental, metalcore, nu metal, post-hardcore, post-hardcore/nu metal, power metal, prog jazz metal fusion, punk, rock, rock metal, symphonic metal, thrash, and traditional heavy metal.

On the label and PR side, the tracks are bought for you by Nuclear Blast, Acherontic Arts, Carcosa PR, Sentient Ruin, Csquared Music, Inverse Records, Gore House Productions, Earsplit, Kostas Salomidis, Willowtip Records, Carcosa PR, Sharptone, Rising Phoenix Music, Spinefarm, Earsplit PR, Frontiers Music s.r.l., Maric, Secret Service PR, MDPR, MNRK, LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS, and Cult Etiquette. 

The feature album is Saddiction from Hangman's Chair. The album is defined by slow tempos, clean vocals, and layered guitar work, aligning with the band's established doom and post-metal style. The album presents a consistent sound across all tracks, with an emphasis on structure and atmosphere. It reflects a continuation of the band’s previous musical direction without significant deviation from their core approach.

Show track list: 

1. Hangman's Chair – Kowloon Lights, 2. Cabal – Snake Tongues, 3. Ghost – Satanized, 4. Spiritbox – No Loss No Love, 5. FALLUJAH – Kaleidoscopic Waves, 6. BEHEMOTH – The Shadow Elite, 7. KING PARROT – Punish The Runt, 8. BENEDICTION – Crawling Over Corpses, 9. MARTY FRIEDMAN – Tearful Confession, 10. ELUVEITIE – Awen, 11. Hidden Intent – The Ruins, 12. BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, 13. Enevelde – Nigromantia, 14. GLORIOR BELLI – Weltschmerz Wield Power, 15. Nachtheem – Drift_van_nostalgie, 16. Robust – Enchanter, 17. SUTEKH HEXEN – Equinox, 18. Exiled Hope – The Summoning (Official Lyric Video), 19. GHOST BATH – Rose Thorn Necklace, 20. Hangman's Chair – 2 AM Thoughts, 21. Funeral Dancer – Manananggal, 22. Cannibal Accident feat. ULTI MAKE – Viimene Fiitti, 23. Necrambulant – Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit, 24. ANCIENT DEATH – Unspoken Oath, 25. CONJURER – All You Will Remember, 26. KAIVS – Sepulchrist, 27. Messiah Paratroops – Out of Reality, 28. OMINOUS RUIN – Seeds of Entropy, 29. GATES TO HELL – 21 Sacraments, 30. MALEVOLENCE – If It's All The Same To You, 31. Oobris Ios – Kesais Irabad Xogolo Arait, 32. Dosgamos – On day Seven He Regretted, 33. FLESH PRISON – DEATHBED MESSIAH, 34. Ghostsmoker – Incarnate, 35. Hangman's Chair – In Disguise, 36. DISEMBODIED TYRANT – 8.6 BLACKOUT, 37. God Complex – Ba'al's Trick, 38. BLEED FROM WITHIN – God Complex, 39. CABAL – Redemption Denied, 40. Doomsday – Never Known Peace, 41. АНТАЙТЛД – потужна, 42. Myth Carver – Untamed Steel, 43. Sinner – When You Were Young, 44. Chamber Mage – The Emerald Tower Revealed, 45. ASKA – 1944, 46. Alfa Pentatonik – Palvot, 47. MERAKIN OVERDOSE – GENIE IN A BOTTLE, 48. Lauren Babic – Breathe You In, 49. Disturbed – I WILL NOT BREAK, 50. WHISPERHEAD – My Game, My Rules, 51. Thornhill – Tounges, 52. PROFILER – Fakers, 53. Sons of Ra – Lividity and the Ascension, 54. CLAN DOS MORTOS CICATRIZ – Nada, 55. Buckcherry – Roar Like Thunder, 56. CROWNSHIFT – Black Velvet, 57. ENVY OF NONE – FOR THE STORY, 58. POP EVIL – Wishful Thinking, 59. BATTLE BEAST – Wings of Light (Live in Helsinki 2023), 60. EPICA – T.I.M.E., 61. Hangman's Chair – 44 YOD.

This chat with Kip Winger is one of the most accomplished interviews broadcast on the show in its eight years on air. The stage is set for an almighty journey of discovery and insight. Kit discusses resilience through the turmoil, significant milestones such as a Grammy nomination, his view on band management over the years, his enduring friendship with Metallica's James Hetfield, thoughts on Warrant's Jani Lane (RIP), and more. 

Tickets from: silverbacktouring.com

VIP Upgrades available at: wingertheband.com

Tour dates: