Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast

Interview with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:45:49 -0500

We recently talked to Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy about the birth of his Progressive Nation tour (which features Dream Theater, Opeth, 3 and Between the Buried and Me); his background in prog metal; the genre's history; Dream Theater's recently released compilation Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs); and how the band almost broke up after their only top 10 radio hit "Pull Me Under." Portnoy was also candid about being a control freak and how alcohol and drug abuse almost ruined his life. Click here to download the podcast.

Interview with Disturbed Frontman David Draiman

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:58:51 -0500

In our in-depth and revealing podcast interview, Disturbed frontman David Draiman discussed the band’s three-week tour, which starts April 26 in Little Rock, Arkansas and runs through May 17 in Columbus, Ohio; the Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour that kicks off July 9 in Auburn, Washington; the torrents of aggression behind the group's new album Indestructible (which drops June 3); the meaning of the album title; his past battles with substances and circumstance; his experience playing for U.S. troops overseas and the betrayal he’s encountered in his search for a soul mate. Download the podcast here.

Interview with Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:59:27 -0500

A few days before flying from Finland to Denver for the launch of this year's Gigantour, Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho talked to Headbangers Ball Blog about the meaning of the band's new album Blooddrunk, the influence of Megadeth, the magnetic lure of the road, the attraction of alcohol and how scorching metal stopped him from cutting himself to ribbons. Download the podcast here.

interview with black metal photographer Peter Beste

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:46:30 -0500

To prepare for the May 22 release of Peter Beste's photo book"True Norwegian Black Metal," Headbangers Ball Blog conducted a podcast interview with Beste about the contents of the book, his initiation into the black metal cadre, his background as a photographer and some of his most memorable experiences hanging with heroes, villains and legends of the genre. Download the podcast here.

Interview with The Sword Frontman J.D. Cronise

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:48:09 -0500

The singer, guitarist and songwriter for Austin's finest doom metal band talks about the creation of The Sword's new album, Gods of the Earth, the meaning of songs like "The Frost-Giant's Daughter" and "Fire Lances of the Ancient Hyperzephyrians," the metal scene in Austin, Texas and the birth and ascendancy of the band most likely to reclaim the power, glory, magic and majesty of Middle Earth. Click here to listen to the podcast interview with J.D. Cronise.

Interview with Deicide frontman Glen Benton

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:52:46 -0500

During the Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Deicide frontman Glen Benton, we talked about the band's new album Till Death Do Us Part, the tragedy of matrimony, the hypocrisy of the media, how working with a record label is as futile as entering into a bad marriage and how he's much more interested in being a good father these days than an icon of the Satanic metal underworld. Click here to hear the podcast.

interview with Nile frontman Karl Sanders

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:54:49 -0500

During our podcast interview with Nile frontman Karl Sanders, we talked about the strength of the band's most recent album Ithyphallic, the surprises in store on their tour with Suicide Silence and Warbringer, plans for Nile's next record, the backlash they've received from some old-school fans and their rumored rivalry with Behemoth. Sanders also revealed the origin of his fixation with Egyptian history and mythology, what's so fascinating about ancient civilizations and why fans of Steven King should hunt down some books by H.P. Lovecraft. Download the podcast here.

Demon Hunter Interview

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:10:27 -0600

In our Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Demon Hunter frontman Ryan Clark, we discussed the band's atypical business model, Ryan and his brother Don's day jobs as graphic designers, the band's upcoming tour, the Living Sacrifice reunion, the musical growth Demon Hunter have undergone over the years, whether fans of Christian metal are less likely to download music illegally than fans of black metal and the many late nights Demon Hunter actually spend sleeping. Check out the podcast here.

Interview with DevilDriver Frontman Dez Fafara

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:05:20 -0600

In the MTV Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with DevilDriver frontman Dez Fafara, we discuss the ailing music industry; the subversive nature of his band and the success they’ve had in spite of disapproving glances from record executives; the group’s current tour with Napalm Death, 36 Crazyfists and Invitro; the singer’s off-the-wall solo album of Native American flute music; his past history with Coal Chamber; and his conviction that stretching boundaries helps him maintain artistic integrity.

Click here to hear the MP3 podcast interview with Devildriver's Dez Fafara.

Interview with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost Frontman Tom G. Warrior

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:17:52 -0600

Headbangersblog recently placed a long-distance call to the bowels of Hell for a podcast interview with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost frontman Tom Gabriel Warrior to discuss: why he decided to finally release Hellhammer's demos on CD as Demon Entrails; the psychic and spiritual pain that birthed the band; the scathing reactions the group received during its existence; the ultimate influence they've had over the years on bands ranging from Mayhem to Sepultura and the possibility of a Hellhammer reunion. We also chatted with Warrior about the inspiration behind Celtic Frost; the band's enormous accomplishments in the metal underground; their failed attempt at being a spandex-clad hair metal band on 1988's Cold Lake; the eventual breakup of Frost; their resurrection with 2006's colossal Monotheist; and the band's next studio album.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:30:23 -0600

In our Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn, the sarcastic, fun-loving metalman talks losing this year's metal Grammy to Slayer, the tragedies that have marred the band's triumphant tours, the rewards of shooting a good video, trying to match Hellyeah's Vinnie Paul shot for shot and what he'd pay to see Arch Enemy singer Angela Gossow in an adult diaper. Click here for the podcast.

Interview with Napalm Death Singer Barney Greenway

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:02:27 -0600

During the Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Napalm Death singer Barney Greenway, the frontman talked about the history of grindcore, the dangers of organized religion, the follow-up to 2006's Smear Campaign, the way bands that break up get more credit than those that stick around and Napalm's upcoming tour with DevilDriver and Walls of Jericho.
Download the podcast here.

interview with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:57:54 -0600

In our latest Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview, we talk with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine about the recent departure of guitarist Glen Drover left, how his repacement Chris Broderick (ex-Nevermore) entered the band, how he chose the bands for this year's Gigantour, the recent resurrection of thrash metal, the disappointing absence of strong Presidential candidates and why you should fork out the cash for a pot of his delicious custom coffee. Download the podcast here.

Bullet For My Valentine interview with frontman Matt Tuck

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:53:40 -0600

While touring for their last album, The Poison, Bullet For My Valentine frontman Matt Tuck suffered numerous throat infections, and by the time the band entered the studio to start recording, he could hardly carry a tune. To remedy the problem, Tuck underwent surgery and the vocal rehabilitation that followed, which substantially delayed the creation of their new album, Scream Aim Fire.

During our podcast interview, Tuck talked about his agonizing throat problems, the creation of the new disc, the stress of being part of the music industry, the spoils of success and the horrors of war.

Download the Bullet For My Valentine podcast here.

Exclusive interview with Dethklok

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:45:34 -0600

In the following podcast interview with Dethklok, singer Nathan, Explosion, guitarist Swisgaar Skwigelf and drummer Pickles discuss why so many people around them die, why they sued each other, how bassist Murderface doesn't play his instrument in the studio and what's so exciting about helium balloons. So, while the band's heralded reality show "Metalocalypse" is on hiatus, enjoy this rare conversation with the supreme masters of metal. And, prepare to meet your maker.

High on Fire interview with frontman Matt Pike

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:39:28 -0600

In this week's Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast, we interview singer and guitarist Matt Pike from the stormin' psychedelic High on Fire. The group recently released the highly acclaimed album Death is This Communion, and will be one of the band's featured on this year's Gigantour, which starts April 28 in Quebec City, Quebec.

During our interview, Pike talked about ascending the metal ladder, the art of complex riffing, breaking out of the stoner-rock box, the spirituality beneath the Fire, the influence of Megadeth, the politics listeners miss in his music and plans for the follow-up to Death is This Communion.

Click here for the complete podcast.

Interview with Pig Destroyer's J.R. Hayes

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:49:41 -0600

In our Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast interview with Pig Destroyer's J.R. Hayes, the singer discusses why he likes to be called a misogynist (even though he isn’t one), his struggle with depression and anxiety, why he hates shooting videos, how Pig Destroyer will never tour more than a few days at a time and the bitterness and hate that makes the band's new album Phantom Limb so powerful.

Throwdown interview podcast

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:03:15 -0600

The final MTV2 Headbangers Ball Blog podcast of 2007 will be an interview with Throwdown frontman Dave Peters. With the release of their new album (third for Trustkill), Venom & Tears, Throwdown spread beyond the insular boundaries of hardcore and delved more vehemently into thrash metal.

In our revealing conversation, Peters discusses his love for thrash metal, his fear of snakes and insects, his new year's resolutions, Throwdown's 2008 touring plans and offers a sneak peak at the next Soulfly record (on which he performs a guest spot).

podcast interview with Slayer frontman Tom Araya

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:56:29 -0600

The Headbangers Ball Blog presents a year-end podcast interview with Slayer singer and bassist Tom Araya. During out conversation, the veteran frontman discusses the importance of winning a Grammy in 2007, why Slayer were nominated for a second Grammy for a song from 2006's Christ Illusion, the meaning of the newly nominated track, "The Final Six," his hopes for 2008 and signs that the world will end in the next five years.

Exodus Podcast with Gary Holt

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:23:11 -0600

For our Headbangers Ball Blog podcast with Exodus guitarist and songwriter Gary Holt, the thrash metal veteran discussed the band's new album The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A, his disdain for organized religion, the new pentagram-filled "Riot Act" video shot by "Metalocalypse" producer Jon Schnepp, the golden years of thrash, what the band did wrong in the '80s, selling guitars to pay the rent and when we're likely to hear The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit B.

Interview with Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:46:10 -0600

The Headbangers Ball Blog presents an exclusive podcast interview with Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. During our discussion, the singer addresses why Judas Priest's next release will be a concept album about Nostradamus, the challenges and rewards of creating songs based on a single subject, the grandiose rock opera presentation the band is planning for its next tour, what music is keeping his iPod charged and the empowerment that comes from being an elder statesman of metal. Check out the podcast here.

podcast interview with Dillinger Escape Plan

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:40:03 -0600

Headbangers Ball Blog recently sat down for a podcast interview with Dillinger Escape Plan's Ben Weinman, in which the guitarist discussed the departure of longtime drummer Chris Pennie, the addition of new drummer Gil Sharone (ex-Stolen Babies), the creation of the band's mindblowing new record, Ire Works, the stagnation of heavy music, how to break your foot during a video shoot and the black cloud that seems to follow him.

podcast with Lemmy of Motorhead

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:20:22 -0600

Headbangers Ball Blog sat down with heavy metal pioneer and Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister to talk about the state of modern metal, bands that bitch about touring, plans for the next Motorhead record and 30-plus years of making eardrums bleed. Download podcast here.

Interview with Killswitch Engage

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:05:21 -0600

As Killswitch Engage prepared to head out on a co-headlining tour with Lamb of God, Headbangers Ball Blog sat down with guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz for a candid chat about the laxative effects of coffee; the back problems that threaten his career on an almost daily basis; his role as KSE's Flavor Flav; his side career as a producer and how Killswitch's next record might feature the fastest songs they've ever played. Check out the podcast here.

interview with ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash

podcastsupportmtv@mtv.com (MTV) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:26:24 -0600

MTV2 Headbangers Ball Blog presents an interview with ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash about his new self-titled autobiography. During out conversation, Slash discusses why, after years of turning down offers, he finally decided to write a book, what really led to the breakup of Guns N’ Roses, his relationship with ex-porn star Traci Lords and, of course, the trail of booze, pills, coke and heroin that bounced him from rehab to rehab.