PureGrainAudio.com - Interviews

Gear Review: Chasing Claymores lead guitarist Scott Baird on his Gibson SG

2012-05-27T15:59:29Z

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Scott Baird, lead guitarist of the San Diego based alternative rock band Chasing Claymores, about the gear he used when recording the band’s newest release, Hindsight’s 20/20. Here's how the conversation went.

Gear Review: Spider Rockets guitarist Johnny Nap on his 1995 and 2011 Gibson Les Pauls

2012-05-26T13:26:08Z

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Johnny Nap, guitarist for the melodic hard rock band Spider Rockets, about the gear he used when recording the band’s latest release, Bitten. This female-fronted rock group has a knack for creating solid, melodic tunes with classic rock influences that are more than enjoyable to listen to. Here's what Nap had to say about his gear.

Interview with P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval

2012-05-25T13:11:30Z

P.O.D. of Southtown, San Diego is back in business and ready to rock with their recognizable, lyrical hooks and infectious bassy rhythms. I spoke with lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval recently about the band's return to the music scene, faith as the basis for music and much more. Enjoy!

Interview with Demon Hunter vocalist Ryan Clark

2012-05-24T14:53:49Z

Recently Demon Hunter vocalist Ryan Clark took a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with me about the band and their newest release, True Defiance. The group has been cranking out metal for more than ten years now and True Defiance might very well be their best disc to date. I absolutely feel that it's heavier and more aggressive than anything Demon Hunter has done in the past. Here's what Clarke had to say.

Interview with Korpiklaani bass player Jarkko Aaltonen

2012-05-23T14:00:52Z

Late last year I had the opportunity to speak with Jarkko Aaltonen, bass player for the Finnish folk metal act Korpiklaani, about their latest disc, Ukon Wacka, and their then current North American tour. This was the second to last show for the band on this leg of the tour and even though they had a blast on this side of the pond they were all looking forward to heading home for the holidays. Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with Alisha Turull of In De Goot Entertainment

2012-05-22T18:26:54Z

Alisha Turull started out in the music business by playing instruments. Quickly though her focus on music would redefine what she wanted her career goals to be: working behind the scenes in the music industry and helping her clients to become rockstars. Turull started her career while in college in her school's radio station, then joined the heavy metal artist management company, Heavy Hitter. Now she's the Executive Assistant to CEO Billy McGathy at In De Goot Entertainment (a company that manages artists such as: Shinedown, 10 Years, Adelitas, Way, Black Stone Cherry, Chevelle, Halestorm, In This Moment, Neon Trees, Sevendust, and Theory Of A Deadman). PureGrainAudio had some time recently to talk to Turull and this is what she had to say.

Interview with Echidna guitarist Nikos Parastatidis

2012-05-19T10:41:01Z

Echidna is an extreme metal band from Greece that creates a modern mix of thrash, death and progressive metal. They take their name from Greek mythology where Echidna was a ferocious half woman, half snake that brought fear and trepidation to all she came in contact with. She has also been called the "Mother of All Monsters" because apparently many of the gods in Greek mythology were nurtured by her. I think the name fits the band quite well because at the end of the day these guys dish out an unbelievably ferocious assault. I recently was able to chat with guitarist Nikos Parastatidis about the band and their new disc, Manifests of Human Existence. Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with Arrow Haze drummer Theo Green

2012-05-18T20:12:10Z

I recently had the opportunity to speak with drummer Theo Green of the Belgium hard rock band Arrow Haze. The group is currently hard at work putting the finishing touches on their debut album which is due to be released in June. Here's what Green had to say about the news songs and upcoming release.

Intervew with Scythe lead guitarist and vocalist Rick Scythe

2012-05-17T20:08:54Z

Rick Scythe has been playing blackened death metal and thrash metal for quite some time now as part of the band Usurper. When Usurper broke up, Rick continued to play music and eventually formed the aptly named Scythe. Scythe, while not too far removed from Usurper, is still its own beast with heavy, crushing songs and an old-school vibe. The band recently released the album Beware The Scythe which can be streamed in its entirety below. Here's how my chat with Rick went.

Gear Review: Mörglbl guitarist Christophe Godin on his Vigier guitars and Laney amps

2012-05-17T13:19:50Z

Recently guitarist Christophe Godin took a moment out of his schedule to speak with me about the gear he uses to obtain his signature sound. As the main guitarist for the French experimental, jazz metal band Mörglbl for the past fifteen years, Godin has had time to develop and hone his sound; which can be heard on the group's upcoming release, Brutal Romance. Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with Sleepy Sun vocalist Bret Constantino and guitarist Matt Holliman

2012-05-16T13:23:56Z

"Shoegaze" bands today are a dime a dozen, but finding a psych band that produces jams with truly infectious grooves is far more rare. San Francisco based group Sleepy Sun is at the forefront of an emerging scene of flowery, trance-y, hypnotic rock that needs no label to be set apart from the crowd. Check out what singer Bret Constantino and guitarist Matt Holliman had to say, and buy their latest album Spine Hits, out now.

Interview with Subscribe singer Máté Tilk

2012-05-15T18:33:06Z

I recently had the chance to speak with Máté Tilk, singer for the Hungarian metal band Subscribe, about their new disc Bookmarks. This is a band I was recently turned on to and I have quite honestly been listening to them ever since. At its foundation, they are a metal band (a strong one at that), but dig a bit deeper and you'll find many musical layers at work that make their music multidimensional and so much more. Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with the band To Speak Of Wolves

2012-05-13T15:34:25Z

Recently I chatted with the metal band To Speak Of Wolves about their new album, Find Your Worth, Come Home. The new disc is scheduled to be released on May 22, 2012 via Solid State Records and is already racking up tons of positive praise. The band also talked about their future plans and what it is that makes them who they are. Check it out!

Interview with Ancient VVisdom singer and songwriter Nathan Opposition

2012-05-11T13:14:04Z

Ancient VVisdom are an occult rock band similar in style to The Devil's Blood and Ghost. They're kind of like a cross between Alice In Chains, Folk Music and 70s rock. Their newest release, A Godlike Inferno, is one of the best albums of 2012 thus far and has been getting rave reviews. Recently singer and songwriter Nathan Oppostion took the time to answer some questions for me about the band, Satanic lyrics and more. Read on to find out more and then pick up a copy of A Godlike Inferno fast!

Interview with Whitechapel drummer Ben "New Guy" Harclerode

2012-05-07T12:31:34Z

Having this job as an interviewer certainly has its perks including free records and free shows, but one of the absolute best parts is meeting the bands and getting to know them on a more personal level. Having said that, this was my second interview of the year with Whitechapel and this time had the chance to sit down with drummer Ben Harclerode. Ben is also known as "New Guy" because well, A. he is the new guy in the band and B. there's already another Ben in the band. Not only did I get to interview Ben, but also hang out with him and bass player Gabe Crisp for a few hours. While we watched TV, Ben gave a drum lesson to a French guy who gave him a case of 24 Stella tall boys, then we smoked some fine sticky icky after I called my buddy Kron down to hook us up. Here's how the chat went.

Interview with Blotted Science guitarist Ron Jarzombek

2012-05-06T14:41:36Z

Blotted Science is an instrumental, technical metal super group of sorts comprised of guitarist Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower, Spastic Ink), bassist Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse) and drummer Hannes Grossmann (Obscura, ex-Necrophagist). I recently had a chance to speak with Ron Jarzombek about the band's newest EP, The Animation Of Entomology, a disc that is literally scored and written to bug movies. Hard to believe at first, but if you sync up the songs on this disc to various bug movies found on the internet the result is absolutely amazing. The EP stands on its own as well though thanks to the incredible talent of all three members. Here's what Jarzombek had to say about this truly unique project.

Gear Review: Teramaze guitarist Dean Wells on his Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars

2012-05-04T15:27:50Z

Dean Wells, guitarist for the Australian progressive metal act Teramaze, sat down to chat with me about the gear (including his Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars) he used to hone in on his unique and signature sound for the band's newest disc, AnhedoniA. Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with Hypno5e bass player and backing vocalist Gredin

2012-04-29T17:08:21Z

I recently had a chance to speak with Gredin, bass player and backing vocalist for the French experimental metal band Hypno5e, about their new record, Acid Mist Tomorrow. If you haven't heard these guys yet, you owe it to yourself to check them out. While definitely metal at the core their music is also experimental, abstract and adventurous. Here's how the conversation with Gredin went.

Gear Review: Orchid's Curse guitarist Brian Jones on his EVH 5150 3 Head

2012-04-24T20:33:10Z

Orchid's Curse are one of the leading Canadian East Coast metal bands. They are currently playing shows in support of their latest album Voices: The Tales Of Broken Men, which came out on Diminished Fifth Records. Guitarist Brian Jones recently gave PureGrainAudio some time to talk about his EVH 5150 3 Head.

Interview with Exumer vocalist Mem Von Stein

2012-04-20T14:56:26Z

In light of the release of Exumer's third studio album, and first in over 25 years, I caught up with frontman and vocalist Mem Von Stein to discuss among other things, the new record Fire & Damnation, his day job and his view on why Exumer didn't make it into the revered ranks of the Big Three of teutonic thrash metal. Von Stein and I also go on to speak about the difficulties faced by the band over the years, his retrospective views on the unholy trio's success, the surprisingly un-metal activities he does outside of his music career, and an inane question from yours Truly. Read on and enjoy!

Interview with For Sleeping or Jumping drummer Taylor Pile

2012-04-18T17:32:32Z

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Taylor Pile, drummer for the band For Sleeping Or Jumping, about their new EP, Dead Languages. This is an unpredictable and super-technical disc with surprises lurking around every corner. Here's what Pile had to say about the band, the EP and their extremely interesting name.

Gear Review: Despite Exile guitarist CarloAndrea Ferraro on his Peavey 6505 and Ibanez ts-9 combo

2012-04-14T13:06:56Z

Despite Exile are a metal band from Udine, Italy that plays metalcore with progressive influence. They are currently supporting their amazing album Scarlet Reverie that they self released. Guitarist CarloAndrea Ferraro recently gave PureGrainAudio.com some time to talk about his Peavey 6505 and Ibanez ts-9 combo. Read on to find out why this duo.

Interview with The Lucky Ones vocalist Steve Stumble

2012-04-09T14:58:41Z

Do you like drinking? Do you like rock n' roll? Do you like both drinking and rock n' roll? Well then if you do, you'll probably love Ontario's own The Lucky Ones. The group has now released two studio records, the latest being Heartbreak, Hangovers and Punk Rock, just released in February. The band has really been gaining some steam lately, thanks to their new album as well as some opening slots for bands such as NOFX, The Forgotten Rebels and The Bouncing Souls. These guys aren't just a band though, they also run their own indie rock label, promote other bands and even help manage a pub. The Lucky Ones will be one of the featured acts at this year's Canadian Music Week in Toronto between March 21st and 25th. We recently spoke with the band's lead singer Steve Stumble to learn a little more about this up and coming Canadian group.

Tattoo Talk: Demon Hunter vocalist Ryan Clark on his Ink

2012-04-07T14:12:05Z

If anyone has seen Demon Hunter live or checked out their promo photos they will noticed a bearded bald man covered in tattoos. That inked man is none other than vocalist Ryan Clark and he is covered like it's nobody’s business. I recently got the chance to ask him some questions about the meaning of his tattoos.

Interview with Dr. Acula guitarist Ricky Ostolaza

2012-04-06T15:39:44Z

Guitarist Ricky Ostolaza of the party metal band Dr. Acula took a moment out of his touring schedule to speak with me about the band and the current tour. Dr. Acula are out on the road headlining the "Fuck Your Friends Tour." Here's how the conversation went.

Interview with Black Light White Light vocalist and guitarist Martin Ejlertsen

2012-04-05T20:33:41Z

In the emerging scene of psychedelic resurgence, there is a sort of connectivity between artists and enthusiasts that transcends time and place. Such is exemplary in the up-and-coming Danish band Black Light White Light, who are steadily gaining recognition all around with their lysergic grooves and infectiously groovy sound. Check out what Martin Ejlertsen, singer and guitarist for the group, had to say about the past and expectant future of psychedelic music.

Interview with Cai.ro vocalist Nate Daniels and guitarist Dante Berardi

2012-04-04T19:26:28Z

Cai.ro is a band that is truly dedicated to their craft. The group originates from Toronto, Ontario and interestingly enough, lead singer Dante Berardi found every other member of the band off of Craigslist. What is truly respectable about the group is that they write and play music just for the love of music, not necessarily for the pursuit of a million dollar recording contract from a major record label. It's hard to describe what genre Cai.ro fits into as their music blends many different styles and even includes a violinist. Their debut EP is called The Young Love EP, six tracks that are a mixture of years of sounds and ideas. Cai.ro frequently plays shows in the Toronto area and have a very big gig coming up as part of Canadian Music Week March 23rd at Rancho Relaxo. We recently spoke to the band's lead singer Nate Daniels and guitarist Dante Berardi to get a little more insight into what Cai.ro is all about.

Interview with Freshman 15 vocalist Davey Fortner

2012-04-02T18:48:51Z

Freshman 15 are a pop/punk band that infuses harmony and humor into their music. Recently released album, Here's To Feeling Good, Freshman 15 will be touring with one of their hereos, Bowling For Soup. PureGrainAudio sat down with vocalist Davey Fortner about the band's current plans. Read on to find out what Freshman 15 have to say about the goofy funny things they do while not playing music.

Gear Review: Orchid's Curse guitarist Keith Macleod on his Fulltone Fat-Boost

2012-04-01T19:11:28Z

Orchid's Curse are one of the leading Canadian East Coast metal bands. They are currently playing shows in support of their latest album Voices: The Tales Of Broken Men, which came out on Diminished Fifth Records. Guitarist Keith Macleod recently gave PureGrainAudio some time to talk about his Fulltone Fat-Boost.

Gear Review: DaiTribe guitarist Tristan "1690" Grigsby on his Signature Series Sarricola Guitars

2012-03-30T12:34:13Z

Tristan "1690" Grigsby, guitarist for the Chicago-based metal band DaiTribe, spoke with me recently about his signature series Sarricola guitars. Grigsby and the band just finished working on their newest release, Epochalypse A.D., which is due in stores on April 17, 2012. Here's what he had to say about his gear.