SHARE YOUR NEWS:

CONTACT [at] RADIOMETAL [dot] FR

Interviews   

Steve Hogarth’s vision

Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 6:11 pm by Metal'O Phil

“Singing is the most indecent thing ever. It’s even worse than striping off, since it makes you unveil your soul”, André Manoukian (French Music Producer) once said. We will not claim yet again thatwe never thought we would ever quote that kind of “celebrity” in one of our articles, otherwise no one would believe us anymore. And yet, Manoukian’s very relevant statement would enchant Steve Hogarth, Marillion’s singer, whose interview is available below. On the occasion of his new album with Richard Barbieri, an album he couldn’t wait to record, Hogarth discovered the pleasure of working by himself on his vocals, which enabled him to fully express himself. An intimacy so artistically and emotionally liberating that he hopes to experience again during the recording of Marillion’s next albums. And apropos of Marillion’s albums, it was a good opportunity for us to take stock of the band’s latest news.

Steve Hogarth’ writing has always been really personal and this new project with Richard Barbieri is no exception. Every song is an excuse to confide his opinions on our world, on human nature and psychology, or to tell an anecdote. By the way, the one which inspired the song “Your Beautiful Face” is really worth it.

Discover what Hogarth wants to tell us….



Interviews   

Chickenfoot : The Red Rocker’s explosive cocktail

Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 2:40 pm by Radio Metal

We have already had the pleasure to discuss with Joe Satriani and Michael Anthony, but listening to Sammy Hagar talk about Chickenfoot made clear the reason why these musicians decided to start up a band together. With the same enthusiastic, good-natured and carefree mind, it was impossible for them to dissociate pleasure and fun from the will to create good songs since, at least as far as they’re concerned, there’s no other way to make music : “We have a lot more fun ‘cause we don’t have to pretend we’re good musicians”, explains Sammy Hagar. He also confesses that he can’t help laughing when Satriani plays guitar because “he’s so good that it turns to fun”. No need to say these guys hit it off!

This interview with The Red Rocker was an opportunity to talk in greater detail about various themes related to Chickenfoot that we already mentioned to his bandmates, plus other topics. One of these topics the medias haven’t actually covered that much until now, has a clear political aspect. Through poignant lyrics, Hagar indeed evokes the question of the economic crisis and his personal disappointment towards politicians in the songs “Three and A Half Letters” and “No Change”. It was therefore a good opportunity to let him outline his own vision of the current socioeconomic context.

However, it was definitely impossible not to talk about Van Halen. Since the ex-singer of the band has never been at a loss for words when it comes to the inactivity of his previous band, we had to know what his feelings were on the eve of the release of their new album, whose first single “Tattoo” is already available. And, once more, he doesn’t mince matters! “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, you’d better shut up” declares Sammy in response to one of our first questions. A precept that doesn’t apply to Van Halen yet. But who could hold it against Hagar for answering us, all the more so as he did it sincerely? Not us, of course…

Click here to discover all this in the following interview…

Interviews   

BLIND GUARDIAN: CONVERSATION ON A TIME TO COME

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 4:24 pm by Radio Metal

The release of a best of is a trick as old as the music industry. But despite a certain traditional aspect, it always implies several questions. Starting with: is it the right time? For Blind Guardian, after a career of twenty-five years, the question barely needed to be asked, especially since the band, as vocalist Hansi Kürsch will tell us, had already been planning it for several years, after a suggestion from their record company. The second question would be: what songs to choose? And that’s precisely where problems arise for a band that long-lived: the choice is far wider, and therefore more difficult.

These questions are at the core of this interview. How did Blind Guardian go about devising Memories Of A Time To Come, this compilation covering twenty-five years worth of music, which will be released on January 20^th ? How does the band consider this record? Is it an assessment? The end of an era? Is Blind Guardian opening a new door with this best of? This interview with Hansi Kürsch also revolves a lot around the band’s future, this “time to come”. And according to him, this time has already come, since the band is working on an upcoming orchestral album (whose “Blind Guardian-ish” nature is still under question, as you will see) and on a new traditional album.

Just click for more info.



Interviews   

Devin Townsend in Heavy Metal Food: holy cow, this is zen

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 11:50 am by Gilles Lartigot

Life is made up of encounters. Among those, there’s the ones that will touch you and make you grow. On December 14th, I was extremely lucky to talk privately and at length with the great Devin Townsend. We talked about the reason that led him to a vegetarian diet, his childhood, his passion for cows, his philosophical point of view on free will… and I even had the pleasure to offer him his first raw food meal in three months. To see him so touched by the dishes I’d cooked specifically for him was extremely gratifying. Yes, I’m decidedly a lucky guy.

On that day, I also learned a lesson in humility. Devin presented his way of getting his convictions through, without conflict or violence. He also confessed to the direct impact food has on his music and his daily actions. I met a humble man, highly intelligent, courteous, attentive to others and… at peace with himself. This particular interview will be divided in two parts, with a third video in which I will give you Heavy Metal Food Signature “Devin Townsend” recipes.


EDIT : The third and the last part of the interview is online.

Watch the video interview…

Interviews   

Pain Of Salvation: looking back on the departures

Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm by Radio Metal

These past few months have been pretty eventful for Pain Of Salvation! Right in the middle of the band’s promotion for Road Salt 2, two longstanding musicians decided one after the other to leave the ship. First it was Johan Hallgren, not only a gifted guitarist but also a talented vocalist and a strong element on stage, due to his dazzling charisma and rare energy. He was followed by keyboard player Fredrik Hermansson, more discreet but known for the delicacy and sensitivity of his playing skills. Needless to say, after these two announcements, Pain Of Salvation looked a little the worse for wear. All the more so since the band had yet to find a permanent bassist after Kristoffer Gildenlöw, Daniel’s brother, left, six years ago.

Even if the band took the time to communicate about these departures – claiming family reasons for Hallgren’s –, even if had talked about this with drummer Léo Margarit, several questions remained, especially regarding Hermansson desertion. We took advantage of the band’s stay in Paris on November 16th to ask a few questions to the captain, Daniel Gildenlöw. Particularly tired that night, he was nevertheless talkative and went very deep in his answer.

Since the interview, new musicians have been hired, at least for the shows: Daniel Karlsson, the original bassist, who, as Daniel explained, had already replaced Hermansson behind the keyboards for a few shows before going back to the bass, then to the keyboards when Hermansson left for good (phew!), Gustaf Hielm, Meshuggah’s former bassit, and one Ragnar Zolberg on guitar.

Read the interview…



Interviews   

SOME NEWS FROM MÖTLEY CRÜE WITH MICK MARS

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 11:50 am by Metal'O Phil

Sometimes interviewing the most discreet member of a band might be an interesting move. “He doesn’t talk much, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t think a lot”, you might tell yourself, hoping to deal with a lively character who will show you another side of their band. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work every time.

In the present case, Mick Mars, Mötley Crüe’s guitarist, is neither the most talkative, nor the most committed of musicians when it comes to interviews. When we ask him the meaning or the reason behind the sudden re-release of the band’s albums, his answer is a terse: “I don’t know”. He couldn’t even tell us what the atmosphere’s like during his own band’s tours, since, on his own admission: “When I’m on tour, what I do is, I come in, I play, I leave”. In this instance, we wanted to know more about the atmosphere during the shared Mötley Crüe/Poison tour, given that the relationships between the various members of the band were a little tense. Most notably, Nikki Sixx, bassist for the former, and Bret Michaels, vocalist for the latter, had violently bashed one another on Internet in the months leading up to the announcement of this shared tour.

But we’ll forgive his answer to the next question, regarding Vince Neil’s (the Crüe’s singer) strong presence in the media in the past year, due to his legal setbacks and sometimes violent love affairs. “How are the other members of the band living this situation? Do they talk together about that? Aren’t they a little upset about being associated with all those problems?” Mick Mars’ answer: “No comment”.

Nevertheless, we did manage to learn a few things regarding the band’s future, as well as his own current affairs.

Click Here To Read Next…



Interviews   

Gojira: Joe Duplantier answers your questions

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 10:40 am by Metal'O Phil

Gojira’s case raises a lot of questions. Even though it’s seen as a source of national pride and an achievement for these guys from Bayonne, the band’s contract with Roadrunner Records is worrying for some of the purists, who fear the comfort the financial means of a big label bring will destroy the band’s enthusiasm. Vocalist/guitarist Joe Duplantier fully understands these concerns, and he answers them with the never-ending humility that characterizes him. During this interview, we took the opportunity to shatter some preconceived ideas about labels or the band’s financial condition. It would be a mistake to think it’s as big as the band’s fame, and Joe talks honestly about it.

Nevertheless, Gojira manage to make a living from their music, even if it isn’t the most accessible kind. We therefore had to ask him advice on how to make it in this world.

We also took the opportunity to learn more about the musical evolution in the band’s next album, the lyrics, and the Sea Shepherd EP we’re still waiting for.

The following is an extremely rich and thorough interview with a very nice man who managed to remain simple, contrary to what some bitter (or jealous) people may think.

Read the interview…



Interviews   

HEAVY METAL FOOD: SEPTIC FLESH DON’T FALL FOR EXTREMES

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 at 11:53 am by Gilles Lartigot

Heavy Metal Food celebrated its first anniversary yesterday. One year of interviews, columns, recipes, militant videos and daily posts on Facebook. Thank you for your fidelity. You’ve given the lie to those who didn’t believe in it and, through your comments, you’ve undermined the many prejudices we remain the victims of.

During my interviews, I’m always surprised by what my guests tell me. Their lucid approach to their lifestyle and the honesty of their confidences are a great source of satisfaction to me. Because it’s not always easy for me to convince the youngest among you that eating healthy is highly important, and that being addicted to junk food, drugs and alcohol is a dangerous thing. The fact that all these musicians we admire confirm what Heavy Metal Food is trying to teach is a precious support. “Don’t fall for extremes. Don’t stint yourselves, but with moderation”, as Seth (vocals) from Septic Flesh says in the following interview. “Don’t fall into a kind the inevitable routine and temptations” life on tour is strewn with, as drummer Fotis insists.

Read more and Watch the video interview…



Interviews   

The Devil’s Blood: Selim Lemouchi and death

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 at 3:43 pm by Animal

“To be honest, Selim, I must say I have few questions about your music” , said I, exaggerating only slightly, halfway through the interview. Talking to the mastermind behind The Devil’s Blood means talking about much more than just the band’s music and delving into their imagery, their lyrics and their fascination with death.

The members of the band perform on stage drenched in blood. Pig blood, most of the time, but sometimes human. Selim Lemouchi, the band’s guitarist and mastermind, went as far as painting one of the walls of his apartment with his own blood for magic rituals. For this interview, the subject of his fascination with death even led us to talk about his own suicide and the way he would go about it! We’ll let you discover his answer in the interview.

In short, the band represents the very cliché the detractors of metal like to ridicule: “a bunch of blood-covered crazies carrying out morbid rituals”.

However, if the aforementioned people ever happen upon this article, I would only tell them one thing: read the interview. What the extremely humble Selim Lemouchi has to say is essential to destroy this prejudice. These sorts of things are marginal and can be a little scary, but they’re neither futile nor devoid of meaning or interest. And as you will see, Selim is far from crazy. He’s a pleasant, humble sort of fellow (he even envies the listeners who have the opportunity to discover his album for the first time. According to him, his opinion is worth less than that of his audience, since they’re more objective), a smart man with a different vision of life. Different, yes – but still pertinent. To give you an example, we would be hard put trying to contradict him when he wonders whether we really mourn the fate of deceased relatives or friends, or the fact that they abandoned us.


Click here to know more about Selim Lemouchi’s vision…



Interviews   

Pain Of Salvation: Léo Margarit, the other French touch in Sweden

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 at 2:00 pm by Radio Metal

After Daniel Guildenlöw, the mastermind behind Pain Of Salvation, three months ago, it was drummer Léo Margarit’s turn to answer our questions in Anarchy-X on October 25th.

Léo joined the Swedish band in 2007 following the departure of Johan Langell. Given the vibe and playing of the later, we could expect his replacement to be difficult; however it is now obvious that Léo has managed to find his place within the band and regarding the fans. Nothing that surprising after all, given his talent first as a drummer but also as a vocalist, a determining criteria for Pain Of Salvation since the vocal harmonies have an important place in the band’s music.

We had Léo on the phone. This was the opportunity to sum things up with him and talk about the two albums he has done with the band. Two very particular albums in the band history since they let aside the metal component for a more seventies feel. We’ve also tried to find out more about the recent departure of Johan HHallgren, guitarist and vocalist for whom it will, without a doubt, be tough to find a replacement.

Worth noting, Léo has also worked with the band Zubrowska and has took part in Within Temptation’s guitarist Ruud Jolie’s new project called For All We Know, which was released last april, among others.

Read The Interview…



<<Previous
    • Saturday, 4 February 2012 à 21:24
    BLIND GUARDIAN: CONVERSATION ON A TIME TO COME
    Tuesday, 31 January 2012 à 16:42
    The Devil’s Blood: Selim Lemouchi and death
    Monday, 30 January 2012 à 23:25
    Devin Townsend in Heavy Metal Food: holy cow, this is zen
    Saturday, 28 January 2012 à 7:27
    Steve Hogarth’s vision
    Sunday, 22 January 2012 à 18:52
    EXCLUSIVE: DISCOVER LAMB OF GOD’S VIDEO FOR “GHOST WALKING”
    Thursday, 12 January 2012 à 9:22
    To ask or not to ask the question… THAT is the question !
    Sunday, 8 January 2012 à 16:52
    Gojira: Joe Duplantier answers your questions
    Friday, 6 January 2012 à 14:03
    Nic Maeder (Gotthard) : the introductions have been made
    Wednesday, 28 December 2011 à 22:25
    SOME NEWS FROM MÖTLEY CRÜE WITH MICK MARS
    Monday, 26 December 2011 à 21:52
    Disturbed : David Draiman and his metabolism
    1/3
    rockstorm nightwishtournee Metalive mescaline
    textures pos helmet eths devildriver Delain deathstars cob automn anneke amonamarth