Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast

Interview with Machine Head Frontman Robb Flynn

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:18:00 -0500

Machine Head have had some great tours recently, including gigs opening for Metallica and Slipknot, but behind the scenes the members have had some serious problems. In Europe, frontman Robb Flynn nearly quit and flew home following endless fights with bassist Adam Duce. Guitarist Phil Demmel suffered recurrent health problems that caused him to pass out without warning, sometimes in the middle of a gig; and after one such incident, he awoke to find out his father had died.

In a moment of down time following the end of the U.S. Metallica tour, Flynn talked openly with HeadbangersBlog.com about how he and Duce have begun therapy to work out their differences, the illness that has haunted Demmel since he was in Vio-Lence in the late ’80s, Machine Head’s upcoming DVD and the incredible power of perseverance. Click here to download the podcast.

interview with Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:27:00 -0500

Lamb of God's new album Wrath is as brutally heavy, scathing and unrepentant as anything from their last disc Sacrament, and the songs explode with a new level of confidence and authority, whether Lamb of God are ranting about politics or the people who've betrayed them over the years. We recently talked to guitarist Mark Morton about the creation of Wrath, the politics of metal, the first video from the album, "Set to Fail," and the changes the band has experienced since their first record came out in 1998 under the name Burn the Priest.Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Slayer frontman Tom Araya

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:24:00 -0500

We recently talked to Slayer bassist and vocalist Tom Araya about the band's upcoming tour with Marilyn Mansin, their writing process, the new tune "Psycopothy Red," which was released on the Internet and "Playing With Dolls," which remains under lock and key. Araya also addressed rumors that Slayer's gonna hang up the inverted cross after the upcoming record, talked about working again with Rick Rubin and Greg Fidelman and shed some new hatred on Metallica's Death Magnetic, which Rubin and Fidelman also produced. Listen to the podcast here.

Interview with Cattle Decapitation frontman Travis Ryan

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:14:00 -0500

Cattle Decapitation's new album, The Harvest Floor, is a virulent feast of savage vocals, ear-bursting guitar scree and stomp-and-clomp rock rhythms that runs circles around the latest music by most of the bands they've been reluctantly sharing bills with. We recently phoned up vocalist Travis Ryan and talked about writing and recording The Harvest Floor the advantages of working under pressure, getting Jarboe to guest on the album, animal rights and the eventual death of deathcore. Click here for the podcast.

Interview with Hellyeah and ex-Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 18:46:00 -0500

In our podcast interview with Hellyeah drummer, ex-Pantera legend and brother of the late, great Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul Abbott talked about how he put together the book "Dimebag Darrell: He Came to Rock!" the legacy of Pantera, how label reps used to try to convince Pantera and their producer Terry Date to integrate alternative and industrial styles within their songs and how Damageplan were misunderstood for most of their short career. Vinnie also recalled the time Dime met Eddie Van Halen, and he broke the news about an upcoming Nick Bowcott book about Darrell and Pantera. Click here to listen.

Interview with Whitechapel Guitarist Alex Wade

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 18:44:00 -0500

Unlike most deathcore groups, which rely on a rigid two guitar assault, Whitechapel have three axemen to carry out their orders of annihilation, providing more of a layered point-counterpoint dynamic to their songs. We recently hooked up with guitarist Alex Wade during some well-deserved time off the road and asked him about the history of the band, the popularity of deathcore, the influence of Jack the Ripper and other serial killers and how Whitechapel often get mistaken for Christian metal. Wade also told us about the creation of their latest album This Is Exile, plans for its follow-up and what awaits on the road in 2009. Click here to listen.

Interview with Sepultura Guitarist Andreas Kisser

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 18:36:00 -0500

We recently tracked down Sepultura guitarist and longtime band member Andreas Kisser at his Brazil home to talk about the band's new record A-Lex, a concept record about "A Clockwork Orange." During our conversation, Kisser addressed the joy of recording concept albums, the inspiration of Anthony Burgess and Stanley Kubrick and the new insights he developed about one of his favorite stories. Kisser also talked about the departure of former drummer Igor Cavalera, the addition of new drummer Jean Dolabella and why he's uninterested in a Roots-era Sepultura reunion. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with God Forbid Guitarist Doc Coyle

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 18:30:00 -0500

Just days after God Forbid premiered their new single “War of Attrition” on their MySpace and Web site, we hooked up with guitarist Doc Coyle to talk about the creation of the band's upcoming album Earthsblood, the metal public’s prejudice against melodic vocals, the difficulty of staying faithful on the road and how being forced to work day jobs might have inspired God Forbid to write such a killer record. Click here to listen.

Interview with Six Feet Under Frontman Chris Barnes

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 16:55:00 -0500

We recently phoned up Six Feet Under vocalist Chris Barnes to talk to him about the title of his band's new album Death Rituals, death as creative subject matter, his approach to songwriting, his interest in touring with Cannibal Corpse and the strength of the current death metal scene. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahn (Pt. 2)

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 16:51:00 -0500

In the second part of our exclusive podcast interview with Shawn Crahan, Slipknot's maniacal percussionist and resident artist discusses how he discovered photography, the magic of digital imagery, manipulating machines to "go against the programming," his obsession with death, why his old group To My Surprise broke up and how his new band Dirty Little Rabbits just might save his creative soul. Check it out here.

Interview with Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahan (Pt. 1)

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 16:42:00 -0500

In part one of our two-part podcast with Shawn "Clown" Crahan, Slipknot's percussionist talks about how pain inspires great art, the bones that have broken on the road supporting Slipknot’s new record All Hope is Gone and why it’s not so great to have a number one album. The rock n’ roll Sensei also discusses the next “Voliminal”-style DVD he’s planning to edit for Slipknot, the screenplay he’s been writing for five years and how filming his father’s ashes after he was cremated changed his life for the better. Check it out here.

Podcast interview with ex-Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 16:22:00 -0500

In our podcast interview with Vinnie Paul, the ex-Pantera drummer talked about how he and his dad assembled the book “Dimebag Darrell: He Came to Rock!” the legacy of Pantera, how label reps used to try to convince the band members and producer Terry Date to integrate alternative and industrial styles within their songs and how Damageplan were misunderstood for most of their short career. Paul also recalled the time Dime met Eddie Van Halen, and he broke the news about an authorized Dime book by Nick Bowcott and announced plans to broadcast his cover band Gasoline’s 2009 New Years show over the Internet. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Halloween Podcast with Horror Director Darren Lynn Bousman

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:55:00 -0400

During our special Halloween podcast interview with horror film director Darren Lynn Bousman ("Saw II, III and IV," "Repo! The Genetic Opera") talks about why he turned down “Saw V” to direct “Repo!”; how he picked the cast; what happens when you put Paris Hilton in the same room with Ogre, a guy who simulates eviscerating himself onstage every night; what caused the actors to burst out in tears on set; and the headbanging soundtrack of "Repo," which was performed by members of Korn, Filter, Slipknot and others.

Bousman also discusses how he got into horror, how a script he wrote earned him the “Saw II” gig, the value of plot over splatter, how far is too far when it comes to graphic violence, true crime exploitation movies like “Faces of Death” and “Traces of Death,” why his “Saw” party was raided by a SWAT team and the influence of directors like Takashi Miike, Ruggero Deodato and Dario Argento. Fasten your straitjacket and click here to stream or download the bloodcurdling podcast

Video Podcast Interview with Metallica Drummer Lars Ulrich

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:15:00 -0400

Instead of our usual Friday audio podcast, we’ve ramped it up a little bit in commemoration of our 20th anniversary celebration of “Headbangers Ball.” We’ve put together a video podcast for you, and not just any video podcast, a video podcast with Metallica founder Lars Ulrich that was shot at the band’s San Francisco practice space/hangout/home studio Metallica HQ.

During the interview, Ulrich talks about the birth of and enduring influence of “Headbangers Ball,” referencing ex-host Riki Rachtman and some of the highlights of the program; the uniting force of the program; and the importance of Metallica’s “One” video, which broke the band into the MTV world.

Ulrich also discusses the tremendous success of the band’s new record Death Magnetic, the perceived “failure” of its last album St. Anger, the decision to revisit elements from past releases for the new disc, what producer Rick Rubin brought to the band and the challenge and importance of relinquishing control and rolling with the punches. Click "here" to watch it all.

Interview with Five Finger Death Punch Frontman Ivan Moody

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:38:00 -0400

We recently hooked up with Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody and talked about the success of his band's debut album The Way of the Fist, the group's history, its love for mixed martial arts fighting, and the emotional and physical scars that have impacted 55DP's churning, melodic metal. Click here to listen too the podcast.

Interview with Amon Amarth Singer Johan Hegg

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:56:00 -0400

HeadbangersBlog.com recently tracked down Amon Amarth singer Johan Hegg to talk to him about the energy that powers the band's new record Twilight of the Thunder God, working with guest musicians, Amon Amarth’s eagerness to explore uncharted realms, their fascination with ancient myths and why they were almost booted from a tour with Brutal Truth. Click here to hear it for yourself.

Interview with Dimmu Borgir Guitarist Silenoz

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:53:00 -0400

When Dimmu Borgir were in Los Angeles for a screening of their DVD, we hooked up with guitarist Silenoz (singer Shagrath isn’t doing press at the moment because he’s too busy doing his celebrity girlfriend Christina Fulton), and talked about the encapsulating might of the band's new DVD set "The Invaluable Darkness," the value of darkness, the band’s recent lineup changes (drummer Hellhammer is on hiatus and guitarist Galder recently had a kid and is staying off the road), the Blackest of the Black tour and the work Dimmu Borgir has already done for the follow up to their 2007 album In Sorte Diaboli. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Suicidal Tendencies singer Mike Muir

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:48:00 -0400

During an exclusive “Headbangers Ball” 20th Anniversary podcast interview with Suicidal Tendencies singer Mike Muir, the frontman talked about his memories of the “Ball,” the important roll Suicidal played in the crossover scene and the misconception that the band brought gangs and violence into the music. We also discussed Suicidal's evolution over the years, the debilitating back injury that put the band on hold and the group’s first album since 2000, which will likely hit in January. Click here to check it out.

Interview with Dillinger Escape Plan Escape Man Ben Weinman

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:38:00 -0400

In addition to clarifying the facts regarding why Dillinger Escape Plan recently dropped off a tour with Suicide Silence and explaining what's going on with Dillinger's currently vacant drummer seat, the band's guitarist Ben Weinman filled us in on his plans for Dillinger's next album, the band's upcoming DVD, his opinion of deathcore and his new line of heavy metal t-shirts for dogs. Click here to download the podcast.

interview with The Red Chord vocalist Guy Kozowyk

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:31:00 -0400

In our podcast interview with The Red Chord vocalist Guy Kozowyk, we discussed the highlights of the Energy Mayhem tour, why he mocks Suicide Silence (he calls them Spermicide Silence) and their ilk, the next album by The Red Chord and how falling asleep behind the wheel of a touring van has become practically a way of life. Click here to download the podcast.

Interview with Gojira Frontman Joe Duplantier

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:24:00 -0400

We tracked down Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier at his home in France to discuss the creation of the band's new album The Way of All Flesh, what inspired him to write an album about death, what he thinks awaits beyond the abyss, his contributions to the Cavalera Conspiracy and why the French metal scene is stronger now than it has been in years.

Click here to listen.

interview with All That Remains Singer Phil Labonte

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:17:00 -0400

In our weekly podcast interview, HeadbangersBlog.com talked to All That Remains singer Phil Labonte about the eclectic songwriting on the band's new record, Overcome, the increasing emphasis on melody and the band’s experience working with wingnut producer Jason Suecof. In the process, Labonte addressed the current economic climate, the basic code of morality mankind seems to have forgotten and the misconception that All That Remains is a Christian metal band.
Listen to the podcast here.

Interview with Motorhead Frontman Lemmy Kilmister

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:24:00 -0400

HeadbangersBlog.com recently caught up with the Baron of Bad-ass to talk about Motorizer, the Metal Masters Tour, the advantages of dying young, nearly being crushed by a huge stage prop and the sorry state of the music industry. Click here to listen to podcast.

Interview with Cannibal Corpse Bassist Alex Webster

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:32:00 -0400

During our podcast interview with Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster, the band's main songwriter talks about the group's upcoming studio album, the seven-plus hour DVD set "Centuries of Torment" (which came out July 8 ) and the recent reconciliation with former lyricist Chris Barnes. Webster also discussed the seeming normalcy of serial killers, America's obsession with the macabre, the return of genuinely unnerving movies, the horrors of digital technology, the new generation of goregrind and more. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Bleeding Through Singer Brandan Scheippati

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:30:00 -0400

During an off day on the band's tour with Bullet For My Valentine, we sat down with Bleeding Through singer Brandan Schieppati and discussed the quagmire the band fell into with Trustkill Records, how it rubbed off on the new songs, how the singer was convinced he wad dying from cancer, the misconception that Bleeding Thorough would pull an Atreyu for this disc and get all commercial, and the band's determination to forge ahead and fight to persevere in the face of a record industry that seems to be collapsing like a deck of cards. Click here to download the podcast.