Category Archives: Talks To…

Metal Planet Media Talks To…Eric from DERELICT

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Derelict was formed in 2005 from the remains of some of the original members’ previous band. We took the name from the song ‘Flames of the Righteous’ off our debut album. The song was originally called ‘Derelict’ but we liked it as a band name.

We were very active in the live scene around Canada from 2005 to 2013. We toured the country several times in that period and released three full-length albums and an EP. Our 2012 album, ‘Perpetuation’, got us nominated at the Canadian Independent Music Awards in the same category as Devin Townsend. He won, but we were stoked just to have been mentioned alongside him.

Sometime in 2013, our then-drummer was dealing with a double tennis elbow and needed some time to heal. This came right around the same period where we were hit with several bouts of bad luck, like having festivals cancel on us at the last minute, or others simply not paying us. Several of us got discouraged and after going full-tilt for eight years, we put the band on ice.

We never said never about continuing, but it wasn’t until 2021 that Max and I were chatting about guitar. We decided to see what it would feel like to write a Derelict song together after all that time. We ended up reuniting the ‘Perpetuation’ recording lineup to put out ‘Clear Cut’, a single that we released on the ten-year anniversary of ‘Perpetuation’.

From there, we just continued writing and quickly found ourselves with a full-length album. Jordan bowed out and we were joined by Tommy McKinnon on drums. The other major difference is that all four of us live in different time zones across the world, so we write and record remotely. That said, it all went very well and we’re very proud of ‘Versus Entropy’, which we just released this June of 2024.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

The band formed in Montreal, Quebec. Max and I met in university there. Seb is from Switzerland but lived in Montreal for a while and played in Augury’s live lineup at the time. We met him then and he became our bass player later on. Tommy has been in many bands like Neuraxis and Akurion, and is also from Montreal. We had met a few times and we reached out to him when we needed a new drummer. He was our first choice, and happily, he accepted.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

We’re heavily influenced by the Quebec scene with bands like Cryptopsy, Neuraxis, Beneath the Massacre, Augury, Kataklysm, Quo Vadis, and more making up some of our core influences. We also incorporate a fair amount of American death metal, specifically the early tech-death pioneers like Death and Atheist. A range of modern bands like Lamb of God, The Faceless, Revocation, and Decapitated also influence us quite a bit.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I started playing guitar at age 13 and writing my own music almost right away. My feelings about being a musician have changed over time, but I’ve come to believe that making any kind of art is inherent to humans. The way our system works causes us to evaluate the validity of an activity on if it can earn money, and that’s a shame because art is valid whether or not it’s profitable. In our case, Derelict does not make us any money. If it did, that would be great, but I wouldn’t change what we do to make that possible. I believe in the music we make. We all have other careers beyond this. For me, that’s being a mental health therapist.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I’m currently getting to know the new Extinction AD album. So far, some of my favourites from 2024 have been Ulcerate, Vitriol, Evergrey, and Wormwitch. I’m really looking forward to the new Nile album, too.

Do you sing in the shower?

Once in a while, if I’m in a particularly good mood.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

I’d love to play at any big outdoor European festival.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

I don’t have one favourite, but here are a few that are undeniable classics in my mind and continue to influence me:

Megadeth – Rust In Peace

Lamb of God – As the Palaces Burn

Nile – Annihilation of the Wicked

Death – The Sound of Perseverance

Cryptopsy – None So Vile

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

No, because I don’t think we should ever feel guilty for liking what we like. I listen to a fair amount of hip hop, like Killer Mike and J Cole, and I’m also into some slow alt jazz stuff, like Bohren and der Club of Gore and Black Chamber.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Pantera (the original lineup), Death with Chuck, and Motorhead.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

It was Metallica’s …And Justice For All. I was nine years old. I liked the Black Album, but at first, Justice freaked me the hell out. The lyrics are really heavy and dark for a child’s mind. I think it influenced me a lot. I wasn’t able to stomach it for the first few years and only pulled it back out when I was 11. I don’t have the CD any longer though; I’m all digital for music now.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Just that I’m immensely appreciative to anyone who has ever given us a listen. Making music is just about sharing emotion and creativity, and having people pay attention is very validating.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

For music, it’s Bandcamp: http://derelictmetal.bandcamp.com

For merch, it’s https://derelictmetal.threadless.com/

Our Youtube has some cool stuff on it, https://www.youtube.com/derelictmetal

And of course good old Facebook, Instagram, and Linktree:

https://www.facebook.com/DerelictMetal

https://www.instagram.com/derelictmetal

https://linktr.ee/derelictmetal

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thanks for the interview! It’s much appreciated.

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…Manual Barbara

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

  • This project came together when I decided to take a bunch of music I had written for a couple of failed bands and release them under my own name. I treat it as a vehicle for me to be able to make pretty much whatever I want.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

  • I’ve known myself since birth! Many of my guest performers and collaborators are old friends and colleagues from college.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

  • I got into music via classic rock and metal, particularly Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden. Nowadays, I take a lot of ideas from bands like Periphery, Tesseract, Monuments, Meshuggah… but my love for the more modern styles of “classical” music (as well as Bach and his counterpoint) informs a lot of my decisions when it comes to harmony and shape.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

  • No, I didn’t really care much about music until high school. I was sure I would end up as an engineer or something.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

  • I’ve been listening to a lot of synthwave lately – particularly The Midnight’s Days of Thunder and GUNSHIP’s Unicorn. On the metal side, Monuments’ In Stasis and Allagaeon’s Damnum have been putting in a lot of work for me.

Do you sing in the shower?

  • Occasionally, usually when I’m making a token effort to practice my solfege or trying to work out an idea.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

  • I’ve always thought the Orpheum in Boston was a cool theatre.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

  • Man, that’s a difficult question. If you force me to name one, it’ll change every day. Today, it’s probably War of Being by Tesseract.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

  • I don’t feel guilty about any of the music I like. Although there are some bands like Dragonforce and Sabaton that do one specific kinda silly thing and are the only place where I can get that thing.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

  • I’ve always thought a bill with Leprous, Gojira, and Meshuggah would be awesome.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

  • I’m honestly not sure. It might have been Shinedown’s Leave a Whisper.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

  • Thanks for listening! Hope you like the EP!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

  • I hope everyone has as much fun listening to Whisper as I had making it. Also, go check out Necronomicon Ex Mortis, my death metal band, and The Airborn Sealife Podcast, where I and two other metal nerds talk about music for 45 minutes every week.

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…THE WRING

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

The Wring started around 2015.  I had written a lot of songs and felt like there were at least an album’s worth that were worthy of public consumption.  I gathered some local musicians and we jammed out the demos until they felt good.  Then we recorded and released the first album in 2017.  We did some shows, but after a year or so the guys ran out of gas and decided not to continue.  I’ve done 3 more records but have used studio musicians.  Nemesis features the bass/vocal talents of Reggie Hache and the amazing drumming of Kyle Brian Abbott.  The band name came from a song on the first album called ‘The Wring’.  We had a long list of cool names, but they were all taken!!  One day, the drummer suggested that The Wring would be a great name.  Suddenly, it seemed obvious, and it stuck.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

The original band was all from the city where I live in Northern Ontario, Canada.  It’s not a large city so musicians tend to all know each other.  There were really only a few guys that would be capable and/or interested in something like this, and I sought them out.  It worked well for a couple of years but as an all-original proggy hard rock band, it’s very difficult to find gigs that pay well, or at all.  The clubs here hire cover bands almost exclusively; that’s what sells drinks…

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

There are many, but Rush was my first love.  They still are, but they kind of lost me around 1983 or so.  Early Megadeth was very inspiring; Dave knew no limitations in those days and created some incredible things.  My world changed again when I discovered Opeth.  They combine so many styles and have done so many amazing albums; truly inspiring.  Another significant influence was Tool.  They really impacted my sense of time and mood.  Honourable mentions to Porcupine Tree and King Crimson…

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I have always been a very dedicated student of the guitar.  I’ve played since I was very young.  It was a bit later in life that I started writing original music.  I remember I borrowed a friend’s 4-track recorder and was blown away by how cool it was to record multi-track pieces.  Shortly after, I discovered software that did the same thing, only much better.  I fell down that rabbit hole and have never re-emerged.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I try and mix it up.  Right now, I would say there are a few albums that I am repeating:  Jethro Tull – Heavy Horses, Revocation – Netherheaven, Voivod – Synchro Anarchy, Genesis – Selling England by the Pound, Morbid Angel – Illud Divinum Insanus and Lamb of God – Omens.  A nice cross-section for every mood…

Do you sing in the shower?

No!  It’s not that I am a bad singer, it’s that I am not a singer at all!  I sing the demos for each record to give the real singer an idea of melody and phrasing.  Past that, I would never make anyone suffer to hear me sing!!

If you could play at any venue in the world, where would you choose?

Being from Canada, I think playing Massey Hall in Toronto would be a dream fulfilled.  Rush recorded All the World’s a Stage there in the 70’s and just walking through the doors is a mystical experience.  I met the members of Opeth there on the Sorceress tour, what an experience!

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

I think Rush’s Moving Pictures is the best album of all time.  It has every element of interest for a prog-minded listener, packaged into beautiful compositions of style and brevity (except maybe Camera Eye, which is beautiful but long!).  I have listened to Moving Pictures 1,000 times and never get tired of it.  Honourable mentions:  Opeth – Blackwater Park; Tool – Lateralus; Ozzy – Diary of a Madman.  There are so many more, but these come immediately to mind.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

For some reason, I like Of Monsters and Men.  The female voice is so peculiar and hypnotic.  I think they are from Iceland and the intonation is certainly somewhat alien.  I find it very interesting!

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Cool!  Yes!  Opeth, Tool, Lamb of God, Revocation and, of course, Voivod would open the show!  I would like to say that The Wring would do a short set too… is that hubris?  Probably.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

I remember buying 45s of Rush ‘Spirit of Radio’ and April Wine ‘I Like to Rock’ but I think the first full album I bought was Kiss ‘Dynasty’.  I don’t have any of the original copies anymore, but I did replace them, even Dynasty.  I know it was infamously their ‘disco’ album but there are some great songs on there; Ace was on fire.  I have Rush’s complete catalogue on CD and on vinyl even though some of their later records were not very great.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

First, I would say thanks!  I am grateful to every single person who listens to my music.  I am also grateful to publications like Metal Asylum that help get interesting things out to listeners.  If you like prog music but not always the self-indulgence, The Wring is here to give you interesting riffs, thoughtful lyrics and many cool bits in 5-minute songs.  You can rock out or geek out!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Yes!!  Here:

www.thewring.ca

https://www.facebook.com/thewringband

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-NvVWBllUThjq0shyOxJCQ?view_as=subscriber

https://www.instagram.com/wringband/

https://linktr.ee/thewringband

Sales Links: Bandcamp | iTunes | Amazon | Spotify | Other sales links

https://apps.apple.com/ca/artist/the-wring/id1211696322

https://thewring2.bandcamp.com/releases

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thanks again for including me in your publication!!  Great website!!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…ATOMIS

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

The beginnings of ATOMIS, as well as the origin of the name, may all have to remain a bit of a mystery, unfortunately, as I came into the group a bit after its inception. And even then, the guys really liked to keep everything pretty vague and secretive, and wouldn’t share exactly who was in the band, which meant no band photos for press, and all that.

After recording our debut album in 2014, several circumstances caused ATOMIS to dissolve into a solo project of our drummer Nathan Navetto until his unfortunate passing in 2020. He took the project to Vancouver, LA, Costa Rica, and really was a driving force of creativity. He was also a professional artist, and was hired by a heap of bands to design album art, layouts and T shirt designs.

After the fallout, I carried on with my postrock group Jung People and music lessons business Leroux Studios, Taylor (Guitar) relocated to Quebec with his family to eventually start the psych rock group “Solipsisme”, and Matt (Vocals, Guitar) spends every night pushing himself as a musician, crafting songs, producing. I’m really excited to hear what he does next!

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We all grew up in Calgary, Canada, and became musicians here. Nathan and Taylor played in Somastate together, and they were really getting traction, evening playing the Taste of Chaos tour in the late 00’s. At some point, they wanted a change, and wanted to get out of the mainstream a bit, and eventually linked up with Matt from Pure City, who was seeking the same. I was touring with Kobra and the Lotus, Jung People, and actually turned down Nate’s offer twice to join the band, but he wouldn’t take “no” for an answer, and I’m super thankful for that, as ATOMIS remains some of my proudest moments as a musician!

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

I can tell you for sure that Nathan, Matt and Taylor all really loved Silverchair (specifically the album”Diorama”), as well as Radiohead, Neurosis and Tool. Other bands we collectively liked and pulled from were Isis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mars Volta, Meshuggah, This Will Destroy You, and Oceansize.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Always. For all of us, for certain, I feel I can speak on behalf of everyone that being a musician was and still is the goal. The first time I picked up a hockey stick and held it like a “guitar”, I was already making fictional band names.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Lately, I’ve been listening to The Armed, Marcelle, GUSH, Sigil, and preparing for the new Dream Theater album, so sort of deep diving on the Portnoy-era albums.

Do you sing in the shower?

Exclusively, I sing songs from my highschool metal era. That means 3 Inches of Blood, Avenged Sevenfold, Himsa – the 00’s classics.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

I’d have to choose Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. What an insanely beautiful place.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Nearly impossible to pick one, but I can say a “Perfect Album” that comes to mind is “Self Preserved While The Bodies Float Up” by Oceansize.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

2010s Nicki Minaj. But there’s no guilt, really! It’s like sugar.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

If I could turn the clock back to 2013, and play an ATOMIS show again, that would truly be special. If I were to curate a three-package tour myself of active groups – I’d have to lean prog and go with Dream Theater, The Mars Volta, Oceansize (reunion).

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

One hundred percent, it was “Life Is Peachy” by Korn. I do not have it, as I gave away all of my CDs to my guitar students over the years, or sold some off for my vinyl habit!

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy this long awaited release. 14 years is a long time, I know, but we’re happy to finally share everything!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Please find us on our new socials , and check out the new music videos!

Instagram: @atomis.official

Youtube: @atomisofficial

We, Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Hey, thanks so much for supporting Metal, and giving me the time to share!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…PYTHONIC

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Our band name came from our original drummer AJ Rettger. Not sure exactly where he came up with it, but it was selected from a list of potential band names. We wanted to go with Pythonic for its ancient meaning of being oracle-like. This band came together in a very organic way with each member finding their way through mutual friends and bandmates. All members keep a rather chill vibe and stand strong for each other. We are like the 5 musketeers!

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

All members and previous members of Pythonic are from the Saskatoon area. The band started back in 2016, singer Dustin answered a kijiji advertisement to guitar player Vincent who was seeking others to form a new metal band based in Saskatoon. We spent only a few months trying out other guitar players before we met Ryan who joined the band to be a perfect fit for lead guitars. On bass, we were joined by Alyxx Frayne who was a long time friend of Ryans’. Alyxx played with Pythonic for a number of years before moving to the big city, but played a huge role in us finding our sound. The band started with drummer AJ Rettger who played with us for a couple years, and later we had back to help engineer drums on this EP. After we let AJ go we spent many years searching for the right drummer, but did find this to be our greatest challenge. A few drummers stayed with us for a good amount of time and also played a huge role in making Pythonic what it is today. Honourable mentions to Carter, Tristan “The Destroyer” Mathiason and Jordan Gall! Jordan Gall was also a huge part of the EP being the recorded drummer and using his studio Powder Room Studios to record them. Fast forward to 2022, singer Dustin is holding down the bass and vocals, we are still writing new songs, but here we are in need of a drummer yet again. Out of nowhere, Ryan suggests we reach out to an old school mate named Jayden Warriner who has been drumming for many years and was actually interested in joining Pythonic before. The stars aligned and before we knew it, Jayden had joined in and learned all our songs quickly while adding his own flare to each track. As a bonus cherry on top, Jayden brought in his brother Morgan Warriner to take over on bass. Morgan also brings many years of experience in playing metal to the band and allowed for singer Dustin to focus on vocals and hone into the Pythonic sound that we have now spent 8 years perfecting.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

In Flames, Devildriver, Cannibal Corpse, Alice in Chains, Black Dahlia Murder, Rise Against, Morbid Angel, Wu Tang. Each member of Pythonic brings a unique and diverse influence to our sound. We have never tried to write in a specific way. Instead, we flow naturally with our approach and allow the music to come out with an instinctive and primitive feel. With our diverse blend of influences, we have been able to hone in on a sound unlike anything we have ever heard.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Nope, each member of Pythonic has been a musician since they were young. It’s in our blood.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

ODB – Return to the 36 Chambers,

Do you sing in the shower?

Absolutely.

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

Keep playing as many shows as possible including small tours, record our new songs, continue to write more new songs, launch a website, and create more deadly merch.

Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

So many new songs to record. We have our work cut out for us.

If you could play at any venue in the world, where would you choose?

Blondies Lounge, Detroit.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Devildriver – S/T.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Alannah Myles 1989 – Black Velvet

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Local Saskatoon bands 😉

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Yes, Kris Kross – Totally Krossed Out and I do have the CD somewhere.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Don’t stop believing!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Easy to find;  follow Pythonicband on insta, fb, youtube and any other platforms. We out there.

https://www.youtube.com/@pythonicband

https://www.instagram.com/pythonicband/

https://www.facebook.com/pythonicband

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there anything further that you would like to add?

Music is the most important form of expression. If you are ever feeling down, create some  music with whatever you can. Learn and grow to become the greatest person you can be. To hell with the haters, they can sit back and watch as you claw your way to the top!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To..Antonin Perras-Foisy from Insurrection

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Insurrection is a metal band from Gatineau, Quebec. Formed over 20 years ago (2003), the band is known for their intense and energetic performances. Their sound is a unique twist of groovy death metal mixed with a healthy dose of thrash energy. . The band has released several albums, including “Prologue” (2008), “Fracture” (2010), “Prototype” (2013), and “Extraction” (2017). Their music often addresses social and political themes through bilingual lyrics in both English and French. The band has gained a notable reputation on stage throughout Canada with tours covering coast to coast, including performances at festivals such as Montebello Rockfest, Trois-Rivières Metalfest and Decimate Metalfest.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We are all around the Gatineau/Ottawa region. The local scene is small, so everybody knows each other. Everyone in the band has played with one another in another band in the past so we already knew each other.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Misery Index, Testament, Nevermore, Bloodbath, Decapitated. Just some good groovy death metal!

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I always jammed with friends or bands. As soon as I touched my first guitar, my buddy in high school got himself a drum kit and we started a band. Soon after I joined another band and a couple years later, I started jamming with my guys in Insurrection!

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I’ve been listening to some cheesy 80’s rock this summer. Whitesnake, H.E.A.T. self-titled and the new Unleash the Archers album were all on repeat for a couple of month.

Do you sing in the shower?

Yes. All the time.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

We played Club Soda a while ago which is a big venue in Montreal. I would definitely love to play there again!

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Abbey Road. I love the Beatles. But who doesn’t?

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

My guilty pleasure is Rap. I’ve been listening to Killer Mike’s new album while writing this interview.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

The Beatles featuring Dr Dre

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Ride the Lightning and yes, it’s in a box somewhere in my dad’s attic.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Just a huge thank you for always showing up and supporting us throughout all the years!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Website

https://insurrectionmetal.com/

Facebook

https://facebook.com/insurrectionmetal

X

https://twitter.com/InsurrectionCAN

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/insurrectionCAN

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/insurrectionmetal

Bandcamp

https://insurrectioncanada.bandcamp.com/

iTunes

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/insurrection/1266049641

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Just another big thank you to everyone who’s ever taken the time to support us one way or another!!! Hope to see you all on the road this fall!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…Lea from Dark Lightning (vocals)

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Lea: In the history of there band there was a lot of coming and going of band members and actually I am the last founding member. You can even hear the development and influences of different people in the songs we have published so far. On Our EP (Self titled “Dark Lightning”) you can hear songs from the very beginning, that were written in the basement of our first drummer and then later recorded in our current rehearsal room and they were a total group effort. The two songs of our Single “Lilith” were mainly written by our former Lead Guitarist. And now begins the new chapter as the project has grown.

Our bass guitarist, Frank had once described the forming and the growth of Dark Lightning as “very organic” and that feels like an extremely fitting description.

As for origin of the band name is not exactly spectacular. Back when we had just formed and roughly outlined what kind of music we had in mind we basically just brain stormed band names that sounded good and roughly fitted into the theme and genre. Back then I was often inspired by the idea that not everything is as it seems and how opposites attract, etc. and one of my former band mates had the idea: Well, what is the opposite of light? Correct – dark. So let’s put these two things together and make it a band name! That is the story of the name Dark Lightning.

Right now our Line-Up is:

Alex – Guitarist and main songwriter, Frank – Bass Guitarist and harsh vocals as well as sound mixer, Marvin – pianist and the sticky something that holds the group together ;), Nepo – Drummer and this bands tech specialist, Mike – Lead Guitarist and fashion expert  and finally me, Lea – Clean and harsh vocals, lyrics writer and band-mom

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Lea: Yes, we are roughly from the same area, which is also how we got together. Each of us searched for like minded musicians or a band to join forces with so to speak in the area of Braunschweig. Though two years ago I moved a bit further away, but we make it work.

Who are your favorite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Lea: I can’t really put my finger of who or what influenced me in particular. I like a lot of bands from different genres and developed the ambition to unlock all sound possible with my voice and combine them in the music I make. I started out in a choir singing mainly classical, then had one on one singing lessons with various vocal coaches to unlock other styles of clean singing and semi self taught myself screams and growls. Musically I feel inspired by dark and destructive melodies, some more folky, some more classical or even modern, but all that is part of my personal development as a singer. My lyrics probably come from the darker parts of my brain, influenced by how I perceive the world, my feelings and some works of fiction I consume.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Lea: Yes, I always knew that I wanted to sing. It is my passion. The desire to stand on a stage with a band came later, when I was tired of being just on of many in a choir. So I worked up the courage it takes to stand in the spotlight and founded a band.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Lea: To list all the albums and Songs would take far too long. I have a playlist that consists of over 70 hours of music on Spotify I listen to regularly, so let’s narrow it down to naming some of the artists: Shadow Of Intent, In Flames, System Of A Down, White Chapel, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Stillbirth, Lorna Shore, Linkin Park, League Of Distortion, Eight Lives Down…. I could go on, but I think this will give you a good idea of what I am into at the moment. But please be aware that this covers only one side of my taste in music.

Do you sing in the shower?

Lea: Yes, I like to find resonating frequencies and then form melodies around them. But I only do that when I’m home alone for reasons unknown even to myself.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Lea: Achievable goals first. The Rockharz Festival in Ballenstedt Germany. I go there almost every year since 2017, it was my first metal festival and it would be just a dream for me to play at a place I have so many great memories of.

And beyond that, honestly I have no idea.

Do you have a favorite album? If so, what is it?

Lea: To keep the answer short: No.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Lea: Absolutely yes! “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Hooked On A Feeling”, “Langweilig” by Die Ärzte, “Maria (I Like It Loud)” by Scooter. And I am not ashamed to name these.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Lea: There is just too much to choose from for me. But it would certainly take place on just one stage (at least at a time), so you don’t have to choose between two great artists.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Lea: I guess gifts don’t count, so I think that might have been “Schwarz In Schwarz” by Subway To Sally in its release year, as I was starting to get into heavier music. And yes I still have the physical CD.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Lea: Just a big Thank You to all of you for listening to our music and coming to our concerts! We do this because we like making music and want to share what we make with the world, so thank you for just being there.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Lea: We are on Instagram and Facebook and have a website where you can subscribe to our newsletter as well.

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Lea: Thanks for the interview. We appreciate each and everyone who truly supports the metal community.

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To..MuRphry of Chain Code

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

I(MuRphry) started Chain Code in 2022 as a way of expressing my enjoyment of the progressive rock and science fiction genres.  I am the only member of the band, although I am open to that changing in the future if some other weirdos want to come aboard. Synthetic Outcomes, out October 1st of this year(links below), is the debut album.  I worked on it, along with the second full length that will see the light of day in 2025, for about a year and a half before I started to concern myself with the art.  I didn’t even have a name for the project, but I knew it had to work with the lyrical themes of technology overcoming humanity.   While I feel there is much to dislike about Star Wars, I took the name from one of the more reputable ventures in the canon, The Clone Wars/Bad Batch/Mandalorian, because it represents a way of using technology to control and monitor citizens and a great deal of the lyrics on Synthetic Outcomes concern the disastrous conclusions reached through subjugation to technology. 

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

I wish I had some cool sci-fi answer to give you, about being born in the future and being sent back through time to eradicate machines that were erasing humanity, or being a man’s consciousness trapped inside a robot cop body, but I’m just a nerdy ass progressive rock fan who has called Milwaukee, Wisconsin home for the last 20 some years.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

When I started Chain Code, I started writing with the intention of crossing the career of incredibly underrated Adrian Belew(King Crimson, Solo, Talking Heads, Zappa, etc) with the odd metal stylings of Voivod(Nothingface onward in particular). However, during the writing process, I noticed there were other long-held influences of mine coming through.  I’ve always thought East Bay Ray of Dead Kennedys was a unique guitarist, and I definitely see moments of trying to emulate his style.  I’ve also always been a big Primus fan and noticed some of that influence creeping in, as well.  That being said, I’m a pretty big fan of music in general, so it’s always hard to say what exactly is rolling around in my brain.  I’m a big fan of both picking up an instrument and recording the first thing that comes out and meticulously planning songs.  I don’t argue with whatever process is working through me during any creative moment.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I have played multiple instruments since early childhood and I cherish my creativity, but I have a career that is not related to music in the slightest. Music is both sacred and fun to me, but I’m not particularly concerned with whether or not people ‘get’ what I’m doing.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

This week I have listened to the following albums

The new Tony Levin single, Bringing It Down to the Bass

The new Jesus Lizard singles a bunch

Melvins-Houdini and Bad Moon Rising(also caught the Buzz/Dunn tour in Madison with JD of the Butthole Surfers opening and it was awesome)

Nile-The Underworld Awaits Us All

Random songs by Tennessee Ernie Ford and Al Hirt

Antipop by Primus

Toxicity by System of a Down

Bedtime for Democracy by Dead Kennedys

Paradise Lost-Medusa

Mudcrutch-I

Soundgarden-Down on the Upside

Jethro Tull-Benefit

StarGazer-Bound by Spells

Frank Zappa-Roxy and Elsewhere and Apostrophe(caught the Zappa Plays Zappa tour in Chicago last week and its as awesome)

and I’ve got Black Death Horizon by Obliteration and The White Death by Fleurety on deck.

Do you sing in the shower?

I feel comfortable singing in two places: 1. My home studio. 2. My home shower(much to my wife’s displeasure).   Despite the amount of singing I do in Chain Code, I don’t quite consider myself a singer. 

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

I would form a live lineup simply to play in the biker bar in Terminator 2.   However, I don’t see the possibility of being too faithful to the Chain Code albums in a live environment, as there are simply too many layers.  I’m not opposed to trying in the future, but right now my concern is just getting the albums out.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

I have countless favourite albums.  Too many to choose from, as I listen to all kinds of metal, prog, rock, oldies, etc.  However, as it relates to progressive rock, and the influences of Chain Code,  I would say my favourites are

King Crimson(every album)

ELP-Brain Salad Surgery

Genesis-Selling England by the Pound

Mike Oldfield-Ommadawn

Yes-Close to the Edge

Voivod-Killing Technology or, as it relates specifically to Chain Code, Nothingface or The Outer Limits

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Nope.  I like what I like, no shame involved. Some of my more prog-minded friends find extreme metal to be too much, and some of my extreme metal friends can’t stand Kate Bush.  Whatever. 

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

King Crimson, with and without Adrian Belew

Voivod

Adrian Belew solo

Steve Hackett

Frank Zappa

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

I believe it was either something by Hendrix, possibly even a lame greatest hits or something, or a Sonic Youth CD.  However, I’d been buying cassettes for years before that so it’s hard to tell.  I think I bought Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty, as my guitar teacher at the time, was teaching my 8-year-old self some of the material.  

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Weirdos, put on some headphones, and jam Synthetic Outcomes.  The worst thing that could happen is that you hate it, and that’s ok.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

https://chaincode.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChainCodeBand

Please like and follow CC on Facebook. 

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thank you for your time and exposure.  Cheers!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To BornBroken

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Michael Decker answering Questions

Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Michael Decker – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar and last original founding member

Mike Marino – Bass

Rob Henx- Lead Guitar (Newest Member after recording)

Carlos Ojeda – Drums

The name originated with our first vocalist, while we were searching for a band name back in 2008, he kinda just blurted out the name while we were driving to jam…we immediately knew that was it. We made as one word BORNBROKEN for all online stuff back then.

The history is long as we have had plenty of turnover in the band lineup over the years.  People grow up and tastes change, but we feel we have a really strong lineup for this latest release, we have all been playing music since we were kids, so it’s all in our blood.

We have 3 albums including the last out now and a couple of singles since 2013, our sound has evolved into what we are now. We play what we want, which I feel makes the music and lyrics come across more authentic.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Mike and I are from Montreal, Carlos is from Mexico and Rob is from Brazil

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

A. There are too many new great bands coming out, we try to listen to them all, but sometimes it’s the old tried and true bands from our youth that keep coming back that really keep influencing us ( Slayer, Pantera, Machine Head, Chimiara, Old Metallica, Biohazard, Exodus, Testament to name a few)

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Yes it’s what we all always wanted to do, from a young age. I feel every musician will say the same thing.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I’m listening to a lot of Paleface Swiss and Spite right now, but there is so much it’s hard not to jump the flavour of the day.

Do you sing in the shower?

No, I try to shut my brain off, but it never works

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

The plan is to never give up and keep this band alive till we can’t do it anymore.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

We have all played a couple of major festivals going back to 97’ with all of our past bands. Right now there are plenty of great new festivals coming out, it would be nice to get on a summer run of them all…

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

It always comes back to BURN MY EYES-Machine Head

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

I really like Pain of Salvation and King’s X

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

They are already being put together, but I guess it would be a show where all genres could come together, Pop, Country, Top 40, RnB, Rap, Metal etc. It could introduce a lot of people to styles that they are not usually familiar with or listen to. Check your egos at the gate…

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

I was already listening to a lot of music from the 70’s early 80’s my family had on LPs they were into a lot of cool music, so maybe it helped.

Level 42- World Machine, loved the groove and melody in it,  I soon switched gears after that to Slayer/Metallica/ and every other metal band I could get my hands on, glam/thrash/speed it didn’t matter if it was a great time for music.

no, I do not still have it, I had a fire at my house when I was 15 and lost of all my cassette collection and music gear, that was a hard day for a young musician.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, without you, we are playing to ourselves. You make it all worthwhile when we hear from all of you around the world, saying what you like about our music and how it has helped you out during tough times.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

  1. https://linktr.ee/bornbroken

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

I will answer for all the members of the Band. we all have been doing it since we were kids, When the eternal flame of slayer burns deep inside your soul, what else do you do…. You Express it through Music. It’s who we are and how people know us and how we would like to be remembered.

Take care and thank you for the interview!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…. Patrik Svendsen from Tonic Breed

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band, and a little bit about the various members?

The name Tonic Breed was chosen after a brainstorming session, without any deep meaning behind it. The band hails from Sarpsborg, Norway, and started as a group of friends who shared a passion for metal and rock. Over the years, the band has evolved both in sound and lineup, experimenting with different styles and influences while maintaining a strong foundation in heavy metal.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Yes, the core of the band members are from Sarpsborg. The different lineups through the years have been from different areas in Norway.

Who are your favorite artists/bands, and how have they influenced your own sound?

Some of our biggest influences include Metallica, Pantera, Black Sabbath, and more. These bands have shaped our sound, particularly in terms of energy, heavy riffs, and thematic songwriting. We also take inspiration from contemporary genres to give our music a modern edge.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band, or did you originally have other plans?

For most of us, the dream of being a musician was always there. Growing up listening to heavy metal, the idea of playing music and being part of a band felt like a natural path. Some of us had other interests, but music was always the dominant passion.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Right now, the playlist is filled with everything, old and new. A couple of newcomers are songs from Judas Priest’s, Invincible Shield. Gunship recently released their album, Unicorn, I think that was a great release.

Do you sing in the shower?

Who doesn’t? The shower is where some of the best ideas come from. I tend to sing riff ideas more than lyrics tho.

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

There are some exciting projects in the works, but I can’t reveal too much yet. I’m constantly writing new material.

If you could play at any venue in the world, where would you choose?

Playing at Wacken Open Air would be a dream come true. The festival has become a landmark for metal bands, and performing on that stage would be the ultimate recognition of our music.

Do you have a favorite album? If so, what is it?

Far Beyond Driven by Pantera is an excellent album. It has everything—emotion, technical prowess, and timeless appeal.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

There’s no guilt in enjoying good music! But, if we had to pick something unexpected, it would probably be in the line of synthwave, which is pretty far from metal, but still super catchy and interesting.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

90’s Pantera, Metallica ’86 with Cliff, Nirvana, Motorhead and The Beatles. That would make for one legendary night of music.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

The first album purchased was Ecliptica by Sonata Arctica. I still have it!

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

We want to thank our fans for their continued support. Without you, none of this would be possible. Keep the metal spirit alive, and we can’t wait to see you at a show soon!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

You can follow us on:

Website: tonicbreed.com

Instagram: @tonicbreed

Facebook: Tonic Breed

Make sure to follow us to stay updated on new music, live shows, and everything else!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media