Scars and Guitars - podcast cover

Scars and Guitars

Andrew McKaysmithscarsandguitars.podbean.com
With over 900 interviews, Andrew McKaysmith provides a welcoming environment for artists to discuss their politics, social insights, and artistic perspectives. Offering an authentic experience, this podcast invites you to tune in to the conversations with numerous luminaries from hard rock, heavy metal, and extreme metal.
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Episodes

Garrett Alvarado (Maul)

Garrett Alvarado of Maul discusses the band's latest album, In The Jaws Of Bereavement. He talks about the evolution from Seraphic Punishment, shifts in sound and approach, and the experiences behind its heavier direction. The conversation includes insights on working with Adam Tucker at Signaturetone Recordings, the album's themes of loss and resilience, the impact of Hugh Danger's synths and samples on the production, and the emotional intensity of the performances. Garrett reflects on how tou...

Nov 30, 202443 minEp. 75

Jeff Wilson (Contrition)

Jeff Wilson delves into Pariahs, the latest EP from Contrition, offering a deep dive into its creative journey. He unpacks the motivations behind the EP's raw, stripped-down sound and candidly addresses the personal and scheduling challenges faced during production. Jeff highlights the eclectic mix of influences contributed by members of Chrome Waves, Yakuza, and Trouble, emphasising how Contrition carves its path, setting itself apart from prevailing death metal trends. He also discusses the co...

Nov 30, 202419 minEp. 74

Giulio Rimoli and Davide Itri (Bedsore)

Giulio Rimoli and Davide Itri discuss the new Bedsore album Dreaming The Strife For Love and the evolution of their sound. The conversation explores the themes and ideas behind the album, their approach to blending progressive and atmospheric elements with death metal, and the influence of Italy’s metal scene on their music. The duo share insights into their creative process, visual aesthetics, and the challenges of crafting genre-defying music. They also reflect on the subjects they are drawn t...

Nov 30, 202435 minEp. 73

New music show November 2024

This month's feature album is Fit For An Autopsy's The Nothing That Is, a crushing deathcore masterpiece showcasing the band's signature blend of heaviness and atmospheric depth. Get ready to dive into tracks like Red Horizon, Hostage, and Ashes of All, highlighting their intense soundscapes and thought-provoking themes. In addition to this devastating feature, the show is spinning tracks from some of the heaviest hitters and exciting newcomers across the metal and rock spectrum: Scour - Infusor...

Nov 28, 20243 hr 50 minEp. 72

Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth)

Fredrik dives into The Last Will & Testament, the latest album from Opeth, set for release on November 22, 2024, through Reigning Phoenix Music. In this episode, he delves into guitar performance and other related topics. This conversation was initially envisioned as part of an expansive two-part series examining various facets of Opeth's guitar work and musical evolution. Adding to the excitement, Opeth will be touring Australia and New Zealand in November 2025. OPETH AUSTRALIA & NEW ZE...

Nov 20, 202423 minEp. 71

Oliver Amberg (ex-Celtic Frost)

Former Celtic Frost guitarist Oliver Amberg discusses his time with the band, focusing on the Cold Lake era. Oliver shares insights into the album's creative process, studio dynamics, and the band's stylistic shift. He addresses the backlash from fans, reflects on Cold Lake's legacy, and discusses his creative relationship with Tom G. Warrior. We also explore the album's visual branding, the possibility of unreleased material, and how fan perceptions have changed over time. Check out Oliver’s re...

Nov 17, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 70

Max Cavalera (Cavalera/ Soulfly/ ex- Sepultura)

Max Cavalera revisits Sepultura’s groundbreaking early albums - Bestial Devastation, Morbid Visions, and Schizophrenia - sharing stories of challenges, influences, and production. He reflects on Andreas, Paulo Jr., and overlooked contributor Jairo Guedz and dives into the early tape-trading scene with legends like Chuck Schuldiner and Euronymous. CAVALERA Third World Trilogy Australian Tour Dates Friday, January 17 - Liberty Hall, Sydney Saturday, January 18 - The Tivoli, Brisbane Sunday, Januar...

Nov 14, 202440 minEp. 69

Necrobutcher (Mayhem)

Jørn Stubberud, better known as Necrobutcher, joins the show ahead of Mayhem's January 2025 shows in Australia, celebrating the band's 40th anniversary. In this candid conversation, Jørn opens up about his relationship with Varg Vikernes, his thoughts on the late Euronymous, working with vocalist Attila, and the controversial promotion of the bootleg Dawn of the Blackhearts, infamous for featuring a distressing image of his friend and bandmate Per Ohlin, also known as Dead. He also discusses the...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 56 minEp. 68

Andrew Roachford (Roachford)

Andrew Roachford as he reflects on returning to Australia for his *Then and Now Greatest Hits Tour* after nearly two decades. We discuss pre-show rituals, his powerful performance mindset, and his unique journey balancing solo work with Mike + The Mechanics. Andrew shares insights on the lasting impact of his music, pivotal career moments, hidden gems in his catalogue, and his thoughts on rock 'n' roll’s overlooked legacy alongside influences like The Beatles ROACHFORD May 2025 Australian Tour D...

Nov 11, 202432 minEp. 67

John Sanders (Alarum)

John Sanders, one of Alarum's two guitarists, joins the show ahead of the release of their new album, Recontinue, and their upcoming Australian tour with Pestilence and Abramelin. In this dynamic and engaging conversation, John discusses the intricacies of the new album, details of the tour, his career in radio, and how he has confronted personal challenges. Recontinue will be released on November 8, 2024. It explores themes of regeneration, resilience, and finding strength in adversity. The alb...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 66

John Gallagher (Raven)

John Gallagher has been the driving force at the forefront of Raven for over four decades. In this insightful conversation, he shares his thoughts on their upcoming Australian shows in November 2024, the band's enduring legacy, often-overlooked albums, and reflections on former members, including his brother and longtime guitarist, Mark Gallagher. He also opens up about his experiences with the Osbournes, Metallica, and his perspective on the growing wave of authoritarianism across the Western w...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 65

Chuck Billy (Testament)

Testament's Chuck Billy addresses controversies head-on, responding to a question about former bassist Greg Christian and shedding light on the Kukar Rockin' Fest 2014 incident in Indonesia. Chuck reflects on Testament's legacy, sharing thoughts on classic songs and personal favourites while revealing the inspiration behind recent album themes. He also discusses career crossroads, including his Sepultura audition and other band opportunities that might have been. He touches on the Nick Barker si...

Nov 01, 202438 minEp. 64

New music show October 2024

The October 2024 edition of *The Scars and Guitars* new music show celebrates 70 tracks spanning the extreme metal spectrum. The featured album, ORANSSI PAZUZU's Muuntautuja, delivers a mesmerising, boundary-pushing journey through blackened experimental soundscapes. This episode's lineup covers black metal, death metal, doom, stoner, and metalcore, showcasing iconic names and rising talents. Highlights include fresh releases from Jinjer, Hermano, Hangman's Chair, and SYLOSIS, alongside hidden g...

Oct 28, 20245 hr 48 minEp. 63

Jeremy Wagner (Broken Hope/ Earthburner)

Jeremy Wagner discusses the creative evolution of Earthburner, a project that emerged during Broken Hope’s hiatus, where he fuses the relentless intensity of grindcore with modern horror themes. He also reflects on pivotal moments in Broken Hope's history, offering fresh insights into the 2013 tour with Deicide, and shares his thoughts on non-fiction and fiction writing and other personal pursuits. https://brokenhope.com/ Earthburner online: https://earthburner.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Eart...

Oct 27, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 61

CJ Ramone (Ramones/ Me First and the Gimme Gimmes)

A candid chat with CJ about the Ramones, the Australian shows with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, social and current affairs and much more! AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES 2024 Supported by Dwarves Wednesday, Oct 30: The Tivoli, Brisbane Friday Nov 1: Miami Marketta, Gold Coast Saturday Nov 2: Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Sunday Nov 3: The Baso, Canberra Wednesday Nov 6: Enmore, Sydney Friday Nov 8: Torquay Hotel, Torquay Saturday Nov 9: Forum, Melbourne Sunday Nov 10: The Gov, Adelaide Wednesday Nov 13: Th...

Oct 27, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 60

Jordan Von Grae (Carmeria)

In this interview with Jordan Von Grae from Carmeria, we dive into the band's upcoming Australian tour, their fusion of gothic, symphonic, and progressive elements, and the influences behind their sound. We discuss the cinematic qualities of albums like Advenae and Tragédie d'amour and the songwriting and production process. Jordan also shares insights on the importance of storytelling in their lyrics, key themes, and personal experiences that shape their music. We explore Carmeria's live perfor...

Oct 23, 202433 minEp. 59

Matthias Trautes (The Spirit)

We discuss the shift in songwriting on the new album Songs Against Humanity, why it’s best experienced in full, and its concept around themes of ideology and control. Matthias discusses new musical techniques, the band's consistent release schedule, and how recent tours shaped the record. We also touch on The Spirit's switch from Nuclear Blast to AOP Records, the role of Spotify, and thoughts on AI. Plus, insights on The Chronicles of Filth. https://thespiritmetal.bandcamp.com/...

Oct 16, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 58

Patrick Mameli (Pestilence)

Patrick Mameli of Pestilence discusses bringing the band to Australia for the first time and how non-musical influences shape their sound. He talks about balancing Pestilence's roots with experimentation, the evolution of his vocal style, and the role of AI and technology in metal. Patrick also reflects on his experience in the financial industry, the band’s time with Roadrunner Records, and maintaining creative direction within the band. He shares his thoughts on the COVID-19 response, the hous...

Oct 04, 202449 minEp. 57

Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple /Black Sabbath /The Dead Daisies et al.)

Glenn Hughes discusses his upcoming Australian tour showcasing Deep Purple's Burn album, his enduring friendship with David Coverdale, and the creation of iconic basslines. Hughes reflects on his time with Deep Purple, Tommy Bolin, Black Sabbath, and The Dead Daisies, sharing insights into his songwriting process, vocal techniques, and bass-playing style. He also touches on collaborations with Gary Moore and members of Red Hot Chili Peppers. GLENN HUGHES Australian Tour Dates Sat 5th October - C...

Sep 29, 202421 minEp. 56

New music show September 2024

This episode covers a broad spectrum of heavy and extreme metal styles, featuring well-established and up-and-coming artists. It begins with death metal from Nails, highlighting their new release, *Every Bridge Burning*, as the featured album, and includes tracks from Mastodon and Lamb of God. Listeners will encounter a mix of subgenres such as melodic death metal, NWoBHM, hard rock, and black metal. Essential tracks include Satan's "Turn the Tide" from *Songs in Crimson*, Behemoth's "Cursed Ang...

Sep 24, 20243 hr 8 minEp. 55

Richie Kotzen (Poison/ Mr. Big/ The Winery Dogs/ Smith-Kotzen)

Richie Kotzen is a musician with a career spanning over 30 years. He has made his mark as a solo artist and with bands like Poison, Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs, and Smith/Kotzen. In this chat, he discusses his new album Nomad, his musical evolution, collaborations, and industry experiences. He also explores the influences behind his work and his approach to different projects. Nomad will be available digitally, on CD and on standard black vinyl. Presave/Pre-order here https://richiekotzen.lnk.to/No...

Sep 23, 202431 minEp. 54

Leni DiMancari (A Rising Force)

Leni DiMancari of A Rising Force discusses the band's new album Truth and recent lineup changes. He shares insights on balancing creativity and business, collaborations with prominent musicians, and the evolution of his "Old School Rock With a New World Attitude" sound. Leni also offers advice for aspiring rock bands, reflects on his Hurricane Alice days, and explores the challenges facing rock musicians today. We also discuss authoritarianism and political overreach, in particular throughout CO...

Sep 23, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 53

Zoe Marie Federoff (Cradle of Filth)

Zoe discusses her classical music background, recruitment into the band, and how she influences Cradle's sound. We explore her songwriting process, collaboration with Dani Filth, and the literary themes that inspire her lyrics. Zoe reflects on memorable moments with the band, her musical ambitions, and the challenges of joining a group with a history of lineup changes. The conversation touches on her experience with former members and her plans for the future. Check out all the conversations wit...

Sep 22, 202432 minEp. 51

Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda (Cradle of Filth)

Marek 'Ashok' Šmerda of Cradle of Filth opens up about his journey with the band, diving into the songwriting process and how he balances their iconic sound with his influences. He offers insights into live performances, the curation of setlists, and the enduring legacy of Cradle of Filth. Ashok discusses his diverse musical inspirations, ranging from classical composers to multi-instrumentalists, explaining how these influences shape his unique approach to metal. He also sheds light on the orig...

Sep 20, 202439 minEp. 50

Kai Uwe Faust, Christopher Juul, and Maria Franz (Heilung)

This episode features Kai Uwe Faust, Christopher Juul, and Maria Franz of the groundbreaking Nordic folk ensemble Heilung. Known for their distinctive style, they describe it as "amplified history," the trio discusses their unique approach to music, blending ancient Nordic traditions with modern sensibilities. They offer insights into their creative process, the spiritual depth of their performances, and the challenges of bringing their ritualistic music to audiences worldwide. The conversation ...

Sep 19, 202421 minEp. 49

Matt Wilcock (Abramelin/ Werewolves/ Shotgun Mistress/ The Antichrist Imperium/ Faustian)

Guitarist par excellence Matt Wilcock talks about the new album from Abramelin, Sins of the Father. It is his 12th since 2020 and features his collaboration with renowned percussionist Dave Haley. We discuss any new approaches used on this album and details about the upcoming tour with Pestilence. We'll also cover his recent performance in Japan with Shotgun Mistress, his views on Ayahuasca, turning music into a full-time job, and much more. ‘Conflagration Of The Dreamers’: www.youtube.com/watch...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 46 minEp. 48

Henri Sattler (God Dethroned)

Henri Sattler of God Dethroned discusses his career, from the debut album The Christhunt to the new release The Judas Paradox. We explore collaborations, touring memories, and the return to occult themes. Henri shares insights on album production and his perspective on social and political issues. We also discuss the band's evolution, including lineup changes and their critically acclaimed album Under The Sign Of The Iron Cross. More on GOD DETHRONED: goddethroned.com | Facebook | Instagram | X ...

Sep 14, 20241 hr 30 minEp. 47

"Death to the World" and Apocalyptic Theological Aesthetics - A conversation with Robert Saler

Robert Saler discusses his fascinating book '"Death to the World" and Apocalyptic Theological Aesthetics'. Saler explores the unique blend of punk rock culture and Orthodox spirituality in the "Death to the World" movement, offering insights into contemporary U.S. Orthodoxy. We cover the movement's impact on religious structures, its critique of modernity, and its apocalyptic themes. Read a sample of the book here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/-death-to-the-world-and-apocalyptic-theological-aest...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 33 minEp. 46

Steve Harris (Iron Maiden/ British Lion) - Part 2

Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris discusses his Australian tour experiences and the reception to British Lion. He shares insights on Iron Maiden's current tour, setlist creation, and potential song choices. Harris reflects on the band's musical evolution and long-standing partnership with Bruce Dickinson. The interview covers his use of Lado basses throughout Powerslave, recent media appearances, and his role as a spokesperson for the band. Harris also touches on personal interests, including Wes...

Sep 13, 202420 minEp. 46
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