Let's speak with Ian Highhill (Classic Metal)

In recent months I read a issue of the Rock Hard megazine. It had a special inside that took the readers back to the year 1992. One part talked about Black Sabbath that released the "Dehumanizer" album in those days with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. 

Later on a E-Mail flew into my inbox that said that the music of Ian Highhill comes with a similar flavor like the Sabbath album so I couldn't resist to listen and was warmly welcomed by the sound that took me back to the days of the Birmingham legend with Dio on vocals. Who stands behind such great songs and what does Ian Highhill want to express with them? His full independent release of a new album made me even more want to know details behind the album "A Hymn Among Gravestones".

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did you start your career as a musician?

Ian Highhill: I started my career in the early 80s. A friend of mine wanted to start a band, and around the same time, I got my uncle's old electric guitar as a birthday present. And obviously, the NWOBHM was happening at the time, so you couldn't have asked for more inspiration to start a band, could you? This was followed by many line-ups, perhaps most notably the power metal bands Olympos Mons and Astralion, and now my solo project Ian Highhill.

Ian Highhill talks to us about his life as a independent artist.

Do you think that today's musicians have the chance to take more control on the material they release?

Absolutely! Thanks to Pro Tools, social media and streaming services, artists now have complete control over their work. However, they also bear the entire burden of advertising, sales and, of course, creating the product itself. In my case, that includes recording, mixing, producing and mastering. It's all the things that record companies used to take care of. However, lately, it seems like the bands have been taking care of most of this themselves, while the labels have been making the money. So, I'm not sure what's best anymore.

You've just released a brand new album called "A Hymn Among Gravestones". Which topics did you cover in the lyrics?

The new album covers many themes. The first one I came up with was the title track, 'A Hymn Among Gravestones', which is directly linked to the war in Ukraine and other ongoing unrest. The same goes for 'King of Ashes'. This, in turn, leads us to one of the greatest sins of mankind: greed. Hence the song 'In the Name of Greed'. I also wrote a song about young people who join criminal gangs in search of respect: 'Deal with the Devil'.

Do you write songs when a idea sparks up or do you work on new songs in sessions?

I like to do everything myself, so I can work whenever I want and whenever I have ideas. The great thing about this is that I don't have to book studio time or wait around for other musicians to finish. I can make the songs from start to finish without any hassle. I haven't written at band sessions since Pro Tools came along. It's great that I can work from home in peace and quiet, and at my own pace.

The cover artwork has been done by you, too. The front and back cover seem to accompany each other. Are there some hints on the meaning you would like to share with us?

Ian Highhill completed all steps for the new album by himselves.

Yeah, I've been doing digital art as a hobby for a while, so it was only natural that I should make the cover myself. I also did some oil painting back in the '90s, which has been helpful too. The cover shows a soldier coming back from war, only to find that the only reward he gets is a hymn among gravestones when he dies. I've been around long enough to have met some World War II veterans. I'll always remember the sad look in their eyes whenever the war was mentioned. With everything going on between Russia and Ukraine right now, I thought it'd be a good idea to make the album title track about war and forgotten war heroes.

You can listen to songs of the album by picking a streaming service of your choice of this list.

Physical copies are available of Ian Highhills own webshop.

You can also watch a video here directly.

Let's speak with Stephen Chesney about All-Star-Project Agents Of Your Demise

Slash's Snakepit Vocalist Eric Dover, Bass Legend Billy Sheehan, KoRn Drummer Ray Luzier and Dizzy Reed of Guns N' Roses - that's together with guitarist and songwriter Stephen Chesney who stand's behind the brand new band Agents Of Your Demise.

A mix of the single artwork along with the musicians that performed on it. 

Having heard the very first single it became quickly evident that this wasn't going to be one of the many All Star Projects without substance. The raw, heavy and punching sound breathes real music life and energy that can be felt by the listener. Heavy Metal Underdogs took the chance to speak to Stephen Chesney and get some more in-depth information about what is going to be the upcoming debut album, due for release in the first quarter of 2025.

Question: Do you still remember what exactly brought you to the world of music (maybe an event or a song)?

Stephen Chesney: To be perfectly honest with you, I was around music from the time I was born. My mum was a singer, my dad had played guitar in bands outside of his career profession, and I was carrying around toy guitars from the moment I was able to walk… probably before I could walk, actually.

My late cousin was a massive fan of the British rock scene back home. He suffered from cystic fibrosis, and rock music was his escape from what he had to fight daily. When I was probably five or six years old, he made me a mixtape of Guns N’ Roses, Little Angels, and Thunder, and that was it for me. I fell in love with it then and never grew out of it or changed. I’ve broadened my horizons a little, but I still love now exactly what I loved then.

That might’ve been a bit young to have been training me to get into GN’R, looking back, but hey, I’ll take it—no complaints, lol.

Question: Having read that you perform in various genres, do you think every musician should try other musical territories to learn better writing abilities?

It depends on what their goal is. If someone’s passion is strictly within one realm, then that’s exactly what they should adhere to if they feel led that way. But personally, for me, I can’t see it as anything other than a positive to listen to different genres. Even if it’s not something you’d write or choose to listen to as a first choice, you’re still going to hear melodic structures, chord changes, and ideas that you may have never thought of, which you can bring to your own writing and into your preferred style.

I grew up a massive Jimi Hendrix fan. There was a BBC show called Rock Family Trees, and during an interview with Chas Chandler about Jimi, Chas said that no matter what style of music— even if the band was terrible—he always took one thing away from every song or performance he ever saw. Because even if something was terrible, there was always one hidden gem that he could add to his own playing and writing. That stuck with me.

The single is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer and YouTube Music.

Question: Do you have certain people in mind at the time of writing songs, or does this part of selection happen after the music is complete?

It depends on what I’m writing for—what the project is. For the Agents of Your Demise record, I already knew who I had involved, so I was writing whatever I wanted musically because there was absolutely no question as to whether the guys involved had the ability to pull off what I wanted to do. Knowing who was waiting to play on these songs pushed me to be better to make sure I could keep up with them, lol.

That said, I purposely wrote the music to Hat on a Hat, which is the lead-off song on the album, specifically to play with Billy. I put the demo of that together in 2015 after I’d first started jamming with him, so that song was definitely written knowing exactly who I intended to have on board, lol.

Question: Is the upcoming full album of Agents of Your Demise reflecting on your private life or things that happened to you as a musician?

All of the above, lol. There’s a cover song at the end of the record that ties into a lot of my own life too. I think there’s really only one song that isn’t personal to me. Track 4, Raise Hell or Die, was one where I wrote the music, but Eric wrote the lyrics, so that one particular song is a separate thing. But everything else on the record is basically the story of the last 10–15 years of my life in some form or fashion.

There are probably going to be some people that hear it and think, “WTF? Is that about me?!” And guess what, pal—it might just be, lol. It might not be… but it might.

Question: Do you think the lyrics could also help people looking for advice?

When I wrote these songs, they were, in a lot of cases, my own form of therapy. But that said, my hope is that they’re relatable enough that someone may find some sort of help in them and be able to adapt what they hear to their own life experiences.

Some of the lyrics are more lighthearted than others, but across all of the tracks, if you listen to the actual musical style, the songs sort of camouflage how serious the lyrics are. I tried to make sure that the tunes are still upbeat—something you can nod your head to—without immediately realizing, Oh… this is kinda dark.

There’s a lot of very personal experience in the songs, and I think people who seek out the words will find they can relate to them in some way. Hopefully, they’ll be reminded that no matter what situation they’re in, everyone is in the exact same spot in some way, regardless of their standing in the world. It’s okay to feel like giving up… but don’t f***ing give up.

Question: The cover art of the single Nothing’s Made to Last shows a darker atmosphere presented in a comic style. Do you prefer this style, or does it just fit better with the heavier guitar sound that’s so prevalent in the first single?

There are a ton of different things I intend to do with bits and pieces of artwork styles for pushing the songs. When possible, I wanted to try and get away from the stereotypical rock image… which is ironic because I wound up with a skull and a rose on this one, so I guess I didn’t move too far away from it after all, lol.

That said, there’s a lot of other imagery coming that’s entirely different from what was used with the first single.

In my head, it probably has different meanings than just being a rock skull or whatever. There’s a bit of humor in where it came from when I designed it. In a way, it’s like… there were people who knew of me and what I was doing, and then I sorta went quiet publicly for a few years after the pandemic. Then life got in the way of things moving along quickly.

So that skull version of me has a bit of a “Hey, what’s up? Uhh… told ya I’d be here—so how’s it goin’?” vibe in the pose, lol. But I think you’ll see a lot of different styles for each song as we go.

Make sure to stay in connection with Agents Of Your Demise so you won't miss out on how the other songs sound like.

https://www.agentsofyourdemise.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StephenChesney

https://instagram.com/stephenchesneymusic

Let's speak with Still Dusk (Alternative Rock)

In the beginnings it was the music that was compelling for me. It was the creativity, the never ending of expression and feelings through melodies and sometimes the raw energy of the guitars or the beat of the drums.

Later on as I began to buy music I started to watch the lyric sheets that often came with the records. That's the second time music became so important to me because I often felt that I was able to relate to the text. Other times it was inspiring to see other perspectives on a similar topic. 

Still Dusk give a fresh look upon today's society.

The alternative rock formation Still Dusk quickly draw me into their music with the lyric video for "Sugar". Having been teased before by a short info in a mail I was curious to hear how this sounds. Minutes later saw me be being feeling touched by the straight rocking riffs mixed up with lyrics that create some reaction and reflection in my mind. I was sure I wanted to know more about who stand's behind all of this and some questions for a interview were sent away. 

Here's what vocalist Konstantina answered to mostly lyrics-related questions about the music of Still Dusk.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer some questions for the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog. How did the band find together in it's initial days?

Konstantina (vocals): The band initially came together in 2018 through an ad posted on a website by a former member who had the vision to start a music project. In its early days, the band explored a different musical style. However, the pandemic brought a period of reflection and change. Afterward, we reorganized, redefined our direction, and evolved into what we are today. Now, we're thrilled to be just a step away from releasing our debut album, marking a new chapter in our journey.

Your lyrics seem to be outworked a lot and something you center upon. How do you work them out?

Our approach to lyrics is like weaving a tapestry. Every thread has a purpose, and every detail matters. We don’t write them just to fit the music; we see them as an extension of the song's soul. Sometimes, a lyric begins with a single word or phrase that lingers in our minds, and we build from there, layering meaning and emotion. We also like to explore contrasts, pairing raw vulnerability with bold imagery or blending abstract ideas with vivid storytelling. It’s less about following rules and more about creating something that feels alive and honest.

Are the topics based upon personal experiences?

Many of our topics are drawn from personal experiences, but we don’t limit ourselves to just that. Sometimes, a song starts with a deeply personal moment or emotion, and other times it’s inspired by observing the world, exploring human nature, or imagining alternate perspectives. Even when the lyrics come from personal stories, we like to write in a way that leaves room for listeners to find their own meaning. It’s a mix of introspection and storytelling, always aiming to connect on a deeper level.

Do you write the music first or are there moments where the lyrics define the sounds they are going to be combined with? 

It’s a bit of both, depending on the inspiration behind the song. Sometimes the music comes first, an idea, a riff, or a melody that sets the tone and the lyrics are written to fit the emotional landscape of the sound. Other times, the lyrics are so vivid or powerful that they dictate the mood and direction of the music. There are also moments where everything happens simultaneously, as if the words and music naturally find each other. We enjoy the flexibility of letting each song take its own path during the creative process.

Follow the band on social media so you won't miss anything on the upcoming album.

Bandcamp: https://stilldusk.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillduskofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StillDuskofficialchannel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillduskofficial

Let's speak with Darren Michael Boyd (Instrumental Rock/Metal)

Instrumental musicians work different in my eyes. Since they don't use refrains and anything of that kind they need to put in more and different elements to keep the music attractive to the listener.

This fact makes talking to such musicians extra exciting and when the chance knocked at my door to speak with guitarist Darren Michael Boyd I send him some questions without hesitation. Even more because the first song I listened to had sort of healing effect on me. ("Solitary Green Witch" - which you can listen to scrolling further down this interview)

Darren Michael Boyd creates a lot of positive sounds.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Did you start to play the guitar already before the car accident that seems to be the spark of your solo career?

Darren Michael Boyd: Oh yes, I’ve been playing guitar for as long as I can remember. I actually started out playing drums – I took lessons for a few years. Somehow, I always knew that guitar would become my main instrument. On my solo albums, I play all the instruments, with the occasional exception, but the guitar is my instrumental “voice”. 

Creating this instrumental music has been therapeutic for me, and I hope other listeners feel a similar benefit.

How did you start to write songs at the beginning?

I started attempting to write songs by about age 7, although I couldn’t really play any instruments. It was just part of artistic development, I suppose. Eventually I started to actually form bands and write complete songs by age 15. Back then it was a case of bringing the idea to the band members and hammering it out during rehearsals.

Is there a preference to write songs on your own or in cooperation with other artists?

I love doing both. Obviously writing music for myself gives me 100% creative freedom, but it’s also important to collaborate for educational purposes, and to be challenged. There’s definitely something magical about teaming up with another artist and creating something special together. I should make a point of doing that more!

Do you write music only when you schedule time for it or spontaneously when inspiration comes your way? 

I can certainly sit down at a scheduled time and write with intention, but I do love that feeling of pure inspiration, creating a killer composition that seemed to just float out of the air. Whenever I pick up an instrument I immediately seem to slide into writing mode for some reason, which makes hard to simply “practice”! I just let it happen, I’m in the passenger’s seat along for the ride, giving some directions. I also have notes and voice memos filling up my phone, like most writers, I assume.

Is there a favorite setup you use for writing music or do you put it all together the moment it happens?

I have a modest home studio where I record almost everything. I tend to take all those idea from my phone memos and start fleshing them out when I have a block of time.

Have you never thought of joining a band for a long time?

Yes, absolutely. I have played in bands my entire life, sometimes as a hired musician, sometimes as the leader. Either way, I’m happy to play great songs with great people, for a great audience. If I’m fortunate enough to get a great paycheck too, that’s a bonus haha!

But after my car accident, things had changed once I started to become active again, and I wanted to make things happen instead of waiting around – starting my solo career it allowed me that freedom.

What's coming up next? Any dates you can share with us?

My new album should be released by Halloween – I had some serious technical setbacks, so I’m currently concerned about that particular deadline, but I’m working late nights and crossing all my fingers (when I’m not playing guitar, of course).

I only have one live show coming up, at Avant-Garde Bar in Ottawa Canada on October 10th.

I will be attending the Josie Music Awards in October as a nominee in three categories; Musician of the Year (guitarist), Instrumental Song of the Year (Darkling), and Instrumental Album of the Year (Hexalogy).

The JMA’s are world’s largest independent music awards show, held at the Grand Ole Opry House, in Nashville, Tennessee, so it’s an honour to be nominated. Especially being this weird Canadian instrumental artist, playing “Spooky Surf” and Metal!

Thanks for including me on Heavy Metal Underdogs; it’s important work you do – sharing new Metal with the people! And thanks to the readers, it’s wicked to meet you!

Darren

You can check out the website or Bandcamp page for more details and music of Darren Michael Boyd.

Let's speak with Memories of a Dead Man (Post Hardcore, 2020)

It was the cover of Memories of a Dead Man's album that quickly lead my attention towards their music. A deer crying out while he is standing in ruins - I never saw something similar before.

 

The music turned out to be balanced. Some very rough songs (Shapeshifter) are to be hard while other tracks stick to a far more melodic side. Let's see what stands behind such a diverse post hardcore formation and the newest release (re) M.A.Z.E.d.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the idea with the deer on the cover come up?
Thierry :The stag has many meanings, especially in the post/hardcore world, and can symbolize the everlasting cycle of life, losing its crown and growing it back up. (re)M.A.Z.E.d is a record made after a long break, a sort of rebirth for a 15 years old band with an history, so the image fits well for the record.
 

Does the new album (re) M.A.Z.E.d follow a concept when it comes to the lyrics?
Thierry :There is no specific theme for the whole album, but some “things” came back naturally one after another, and it kind of binds the record together. Every track is based on introspection, feelings, and social unrests, with a changing point of view, depending on the vocalist or on the track itself. 
 
The songs are mixed to a loud volume. Do you want to express something as well this way (maybe inner pressure) ?
Ben : Indeed to give intensity the mix is strong enough, it sticks to our style for a long time and inner pressure is increased !
And in addition we play hard it would appear  ;) 

 
Is the album linked in any way to it's predecessor V.I.T.R.I.O.L - the cover of both records have a similar style and color with them ?
Thierry :In a way, it is linked, because the band has an history, and the records of yesterday made the sound of today. It was a way for us to express the “back to roots” side we did with (re)M.A.Z.E.d, as well as the coming back of the band, while the line up and styles of vocalist are totally different from the previous record.
 
The new output comes around well balanced. Aggressive tunes and more baladesque material follow one another. Do you prefer to build a certain atmosphere inside the listeners mind?
Thierry :If chaos seems to be a ladder, music is a conduct where feelings can bloom and mindblown the listener, following changing time signatures and different tempi. Every track from the album was thought as a “one shot piece”, where the decor and different actors are set for a quick duration.
 
Do you write the music together as a band or are only certain members involved in the songwriting?
Thierry We write together as a band, each one of us bringing his personal stone to the edifice from his musical influences, under the attentive orchestration of Ben, the band’s oldest member and founder. Some passages of (re)M.A.Z.E.d were discussed together, in order to mix things up more efficiently.  

How do the digipak and jewelcase CD formats offered on Bandcamp differ from each other?

Thierry :The current digipack of (re)M.A.Z.E.d contains a special offer for the first purchasers (including one “stag” t-shirt and a pick of your choice color, depending on the stocks left). 
 
Ben : You can have all merch here :
Bandcamp : https://memoriesofadeadman.bandcamp.com
 
Season of Mist : https://shop.season-of-mist.com/fr/memories-of-a-dead-man-re-m-a-z-e-d-cd-digipak
 
Streaming : https://id.ffm.to/remazed  
 
And Exclusive T shirt  on  Season of Mist 
 
https://shop.season-of-mist.com/merchandising/print-on-demand?display_all=label_layer&label_layer=15331

Lets speak with...Haiduk (Black Metal, 2019)

How far can one man alone come when he put's all of his passion into music? Haiduk crafts a special form of Black Metal. His songs are short but always feature some melody with it that can be remembered once heard. It leaves something on your mind but listen for yourselves.


Heavy Metal Underdogs had the honour to speak to Haiduk about the beginnings, inspiration for his special way of crafting music and how people react to his music at liveshows.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: What does the name "Haiduk" stand for?
Haiduk: Haiduk is the death metal solo project. The name is based on ‘hajduk’ - a warrior from the forests of Europe.

Can you remember the time you started the project Haiduk? What happened in those days?
In the early 2000’s I wrote a lot of material but then abandoned it. The songs sat dormant for years until I finally revisited and recorded them in 2009. That became the demo ‘Plagueswept’.

I would say that one of the marks that sets Haiduk sound apart from similar music are the little melodies you can find in each track. Are those coming to your mind in special situations or do they find you while working on the material?
It all comes from playing and coming up with riffs and combinations.

The cover of Haiduk's latest album "Exomancer"

 
So far you've put out 3 releases. Would you say that there are connections between those records? Having checked out them on Bandcamp I somehow felt like they could be related to each other.All albums are based on black magic and fantasy set in the realm ‘Callost’ which I’ve been developing. Every release delves into some aspect of that world.

The lyrics are held very short. Do you feel that short messages get more attention than longer one's?The vocals are there to reinforce the theme, not to grab attention. My focus is on the music. Music is more powerful than words.

Do you have plans to play live shows with the new album "Exomancer" ?
There have been shows for 'Exomancer' and there will probably be more.

A shot of Haiduk at one of his live performances.

Would you say that people react different at your liveshows compared to other bands of the dark genre?
Yes, I’ve seen a lot of strange reactions, but always a lot of support.

How important are CDs these days in your eyes? Do you think people prefer to pick music the digital way?
Physical format is best because it lets you add more to the album; extra texts, artwork, maps, stories, etc., and push the album concept further.

Can you give us please a little insight into the creation process of new songs?
I usually pick a key and tempo and start writing riffs in that style. The best riffs are arranged so the song builds momentum and atmosphere. When things align, the song takes a life of its own.

Have you built alliances to be able to write and release music or how do you go along?
Haiduk is a lone wolf. I work with no one.


Keep in touch with Haiduk through these links:
www.haiduk.ca

www.facebook.com/haidukmetal

www.youtube.com/haidukplague

Interview with SpiteFuel (Heavy Rock, 2017)

SpiteFuel are a powerful and relatively young Heavy Rock band from Germany. Their roots go back to the days when Strangelet were still around. This legendary formation brought to life the well respected "First Bite" record that presented the band playing old school Deep Purple vibes all along mixed up with a lot of emotion and slightly modern metal elements while sticking overall to the oldschool sound package.

Following the split up of Strangelet three members (vocalist Stefan Zörner, Tobias Eurich und Finn Janetzky)  joined forces with the Ex-Devil's Darling members Timo Pflüger and Björn Hessenmüller. They didn't waste time and gave birth to a new combo called SpiteFuel that aims at a much heavier sound while keeping the spirit of Strangelet alive through the use of hooklines that people will remind and sing-along to.

After a strong first album teaser in form of the "Sleeping With Wolves" single their debut album "Second To None" is getting closer with each day. While we wait for the release on 7th of April 2017 we seized the time in between to have a prelisten to the songs and talk with vocalist Stefan Zörner about the details of the impending full length release. Have a listen to the first single while reading the interview in the player below.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: The first appetizer to the album was the Maxi CD "Sleeping With Wolves". It came out in the good old tradition some time before the album release as a physical disc (and also download). This is a courageous decision in my eyes.

What gave the point to finally decide to put it out as a real disc in a digital age?

Stefan Zörner: Ha! Yeah, just as you said! In the good old tradition! That was the intension! We decided this together with Markus (Rösner), our label-boss and friend. We wanted to release the single in a physical form to set an first exclamation mark. Also we are no big fans of that “download-Thing” and we wanted to give a first “real” CD to our supporters and fans. And to be a worthy appetizer to the album, of course, haha!

Do you write the songs as a band do you have a strict limitation who is reliable for certain aspects of the songs?

Both! Most of the songs are created by one of us and come in as demos. In rehearsal we put the tracks together, change some parts or discus the parts, refrains or bridges. When the music feels good and right for all of us, Tobi and Timo think about their solos and I start to write the lyrics and vocal-melodies. Even when I write songs on my own, there is always the music the first in my mind. Tobias is our main songwriter, but Timo and I are writing songs, too. A very comfortable situation for a band, haha! There are so many new songs in stock, we can´t wait to bring them in form and put them on an album!

The album put's a signature with many outworked and long guitar solos. Was this something you had in mind when you composed the music for the album or how did it come together?

Ha, we all love guitar solos and -old school or not- we want solos in our songs! Timo and Tobi are great solo guitarists and so there was no other way for us to create the music! We don´t give a fuck if it´s hip or not, we just do the shit that we love and we would even buy, haha!

These two boys spend hours over hours in their solos and riffs, and I really love the way, they give a special note to the songs! SO all I can say is... more solos, please!!!

Some vocal parts on "Second To None" sound experimental or are performed in a unusual way. How do you work on them and how long does it take until you feel fine with them? Do the other band-members maybe also contribute ideas to them?

Uhhh, most of the hmmm “stranger” (*laughs*) vocal-arrangements happened just as we (Martin Buchwalter and I) recorded them! But ok... I had a kind of concrete vision in my head HOW they should sound, hahaha! In fact, no joke, there was a real close connection between Martin and my humble self, he knew exactly how to push or demand me in a real creative and kind way! This was a so fantastic experience for me to record the vocal-lines!

Vocalist Stefan Zörner performing live, (c) by Tiffany Anne, used with kind permission

Let's have a closer look upon the lyrics. Who writes them?

Most of the lyrics are children of my weird and colourful mind, haha! Sometimes, there are concepts, words, even song-names, that Tobi wants me to write or to complete his music with my lyrics, as you know, we are not just band-mates, we are also close friends (Tobi and Timo are two of my best friends!). A very cool way to write lyrics, too! And I really LOVE new challenges!

Obviously the texts talk a lot about real life aspects. Did you had certain situations on your mind when you wrote these lines?

Definitely! Always! As you can say, SECOND TO NONE is a diary of my inner thoughts, reflections and reactions to all that I experience, feel and even dream. Drama baby, drama! (*laughs dirty*)

To write about shiny demons, castles and how bloody mad or tough I am... no, Sir, sorry, not my cup of tea in the SpiteFuel-context. The real life is the real shit. And I still think, just a hand full of (cool) people read lyrics anyway, so I can write WHAT I want and very intimate... no one cares, hahaha!

Would you say that the lyrics for various tracks are somewhat linked on the album? (I had the feeling)

Okay... YOU are one of the few cool lyric-readers, hahaha! Yeah, it´s kinda funny, some reviewers and even close friends asked me about the “concept” behind SECOND TO NONE. The first reaction was “there is no concept, dear!” But... hell the fuck, there IS a loosely concept! This happened in a ... more subconscious way. But the concept IS there, yes. There are three blocks of lyrics, three emphases. Love, Faith and my reflection on the music scene and the industry... try to figure it out! Haha!

Is there a sort of message you would like to transmit to the listener this way?

No! It really doesn´t matters if the listener just enjoys the music or if she or he is willing to go deeper into the album and it´s lyrics. The only thing I would like to say is: Have fun with the songs, enjoy the sound and let your fantasy do the rest!

The band logo of SpiteFuel, (c) by SpiteFuel, used with kind permission

What do think about the thought of being able to change your past? Do you believe in the Butterfly-Effect? (this refers to the movie of the same name - strictly part 1. In this film the main character is able to change his past using a certain book. In the end every change he does make his life and those of his friends even worser in the present time.).

I really love that movie! I am a great fan of science fiction and theories like used in “Butterfly-Effect”. To answer your question: I think, that every thing we do, every good, every bad word or act comes back to use one day. Karma. Also I am a Christ. I try to do my fucking best. Every day I try not to be a big asshole, haha! And... hmm... no, I won´t change the past. Because all that we are now are the results of what we did once.

The track "Regrets" got me. Do you think that regret also can have a positive effect for someone who has to deal with it?

Jah, of course, man! As I always say... we all are human. In all the brilliant moments, with all the gifts, we are able to use... and in the same way with all the mistakes, defective doings and shit. We are both. Angels and demons. But we can choose. Always! Ant to regret is a basic step into the light, out of that fucking void called “desperation and hatred”.

The cover artwork is outstanding. Would you mind and give us a little hint on the meaning of it? I also had the feeling that the title "Second To None" could have a double-meaning behind it...

(Explanation: This could be related to the saying "We have beat you second to none". Or it's a second leading into nothingness...)

The cover artwork and inlay of SpiteFuel's "Second To None" CD, (c) by SpiteFuel, used with kind permission

Yeah, the artwork by the great Travis Smith is outstanding! We are very honoured! And yep, double-meaning is correct! You can also say hmmmm every song on the album is second to no other track (to none)! Or: The album is second to none before. There are so many ways to interpret the title, yeah!

And the tower, the angel, burning wings, the clock... it all stands for strong symbols. Time is flame that will burn our wings. Live life now. Be human. Just be. There is so many within this artwork. I am very happy with this cover!

Some elements of the "Second To None" sleeve and the "Sleeping With Wolves" single are to be found in both artworks (e.g. the clock). How are both connected to each other?

No big deal! We just wanted to give a hint to the full album within the artwork for the single. So there is the tower/ angel in the background. The more essential details are the wolf and the dollars, of course! “Sleeping” is a statement to the industry and the “Lemmings” nowadays. Same story in “Whorehouse Symphony”. I think, it is important to make a stand. Popular or not... well, I don´t give a fuck!

Finally: was there a moment in your life when music became something outstanding for you? Was there a key situation that maybe changed it all?

Uhhhh... I think, that was when I first listened to David Bowie´s masterpiece “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, must be in the early 80´s. That sound, that championship to use lyrics, that coolness and glitter and (slightly) rock... it never let my down. From that day on I used to sing (ant I am still trying, hahaha!) 

You can preorder the album at the online shop of MDD Records or place your order through Amazon.
If you live in the USA you can order the record through Lone Star Metal based in Texas.  Make sure to have a look upon the band's Facebook account to follow them on the next steps towards the album release and have a look at the tourdates (directly to be found as the sticky first post on the page). 

Senate Of Prevail explore the Hollow Ground

Sometimes it's cool to see how the songwriting in metal bands has evolved over the years.

Looking back to the classic days you could nearly always be sure that there was this verse - refrain way the lyrics were build upon. After that there was another verse and refrain followed by the guitar solo just to lead into the final repeat of the refrain again. The song finished some or other way and that was the way we knew and it and I think most of us loved it.

These days bands attempt it differently. Some tracks start for example straight away with the vocals coming straight in directly at the beginning. Sometimes the vocals are present all the time never giving a break for the solo that is missed out completly.

But most of all the refrains cannot be spotted immediately as such. In the old days it was always the peak of the music. These times the refrains are often build inside not leaving the overall song structure but keeping the structure intact. Nevertheless they can be something that burns down deep in your mind. Try this song below to hear what I'm talking about.


These were my thoughts when Sweden's Senate Of Prevail came around with a brandnew track called "Hollow Ground". Not only that the song kicks from start to finish but most of all it has this dominate vocals with it that rush through the full track duration making it a hell of a ride but with this refrain worked in that won't leave my mind now anymore. 

Check it out for yourselves and pick up the track as free download while it's still up. While you're waiting for the data transmission to finish see the band's social site on Facebook, Instagram and on Soundcloud. Be sure to mark those with a like or follow. We need to make this band coming back in my eyes. Maybe if we call loud enough for them they will come back? I hope for that and would like to ask you kindly to support me in this mission.

Romantic Rebel share ripping explosive video for "Too Far"

I like it when a band goes straight on it and rips it all up in their songs. It's like explosive fire and it can be such a positive kick of energy for yourselves when listening to a band's song like I did with this brand new video single of the hard rock band Romantic Rebel.

The fine thing about "Too far" is that it comes with pumping energy that originates from the pounding guitar riffs along with the hammering drums that change all the way through the song. The drums always seem to fit to the part that is currently played. On top of this there is a voice and lyrics that deeply push into your mind once heard and are hard to get out of the ear.


The band is currently in the studio with Grammy nominated producer, Johnny K (Disturbed, Pop Evil, Sevendust, 3 Doors Down, Megadeth, Machine Head, Nonpoint, etc.) where work has begun on their sophomore album.  

I often asky myselves: what is the role of a producer what can they add to the music?
KT Paige, vocalist of the band gives some insight into the work that is currently going on in the studio:

"This EP is very special to us. Alex and I wrote these songs from the heart; about past experiences and struggles. That said, we were very attached to them and didn't want to see them change. Johnny, being the multi talented producer that he is, helped us take the songs we thought couldn't get any better, to a whole new level. It's amazing how a simple change in melody can make me feel even more emotional about a song than I had felt previously." Says KT Paige.

The cover of the single "Too Far", (c) by Romantic Rebel, used with kind permission

The track is off of their forthcoming EP to be released early Summer 2016 and is available for purchase at iTunes. In addition to the premiere, the band has announced a North American Summer tour with Smile Empty Soul that begins on July 14th in Joplin, MO and concludes September 14th in St. George, UT.

Tour Dates:

5/20/2016 The Back Bar
Janesville, WI

5/27/2016 Brat Fest 2016
Madison, WI

Tour Dates with Smile Empty Soul:
7/14/2016 Guitars Rock 'n' Country Bar Joplin MO
7/15/2016 Fubar St. Louis MO
7/16/2016 Outland Ballroom Springfield MO
7/19/2016 Open Chord Knoxville TN
7/20/2016 Hard Rock Café Louisville Louisville KY
7/22/2016 Oddbodys Dayton OH
7/23/2016 Six Pence Pub Parkersburg WV
7/24/2016 The Gin Mill Northampton PA
7/26/2016 Mac's Bad Art Bar Syracuse NY
7/27/2016 Pineapple Jack's Rochester NY
7/28/2016 The Outpost Kent OH
7/29/2016 The Music Factory Battle Creek MI
7/30/2016 The Machine Shop Flint MI
7/31/2016 Long Shot Rock Falls IL
8/2/2016 Top Fuel Saloon Braidwood IL
8/3/2016 District Bar & Grill Rockford IL
8/4/2016 H.O.M.E Bar Arlington Heights IL
8/5/2016 Q&Z Expo Center Ringle WI
8/6/2016 The Venue Dubuque IA
8/7/2016 The Metal Grill Cudahy WI
8/9/2016 Opinion Brewing Company Newport MN
8/10/2016 Bigs Sports Bar & Billiards Sioux Falls SD
8/12/2016 The Afterlife Lounge Algona IA
8/13/2016 Shamrocks Omaha NE
8/14/2016 The Voodoo Lounge at Harrahs Kansas City MO
8/16/2016 The Vanguard Tulsa OK
8/18/2016 The Rail Club Fort Worth TX
8/19/2016 Clicks Tyler TX
8/20/2016 18th Street Pier San Leon TX
8/21/2016 BFE Rock Club Houston TX
8/23/2016 Boneshakers Corpus Christi TX
8/24/2016 The Patio at La Nueve Luna Abilene TX
8/25/2016 Backstage Lubbock Lubbock TX
8/26/2016 Lowbrow Palace El Paso TX
8/27/2016 The Co-op Albuquerque NM
8/28/2016 Sunshine Studios Live Colorado Springs CO
8/30/2016 City Hall Events Venue Denver CO
9/2/2016 Z Bar Spearfish SD
9/3/2016 Rock Point Bismarck ND
9/4/2016 Bernie's Esquire Club Dickinson ND
9/6/2016 Pub Station Billings MT
9/9/2016 Studio Seven Seattle WA
9/10/2016 The Pin Spokane WA
9/11/2016 Faultline North Bozeman MT
9/14/2016 Firehouse Bar Saint George UT

For more information please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/RomanticRebelRocks
http://www.romanticrebelband.com/

Interview with From Ashes To New

From Ashes To New is a Rap-rock / Alternative Metal band from Central Pennsylvania. I first came along the band when I was introduced to the lyric video of "Downfall". At that moment I wasn't in a good mood due to some things happening in my life that weren't positive and I was looking for something to cheer me up a bit. 

(c) by From Ashes To New, used with kind permission

The positive uplifting lyrics along with the power that the words "So don't let go" were thundered inside the refrain gave me a lot of strength so I was curious to get to know more about the band. I ended up on the website where the next video was waiting for me. This time "Stay this way" found another like with it's more rough power in it. 

So I wanted to know more about the band and happily had the chance to do so. Matt Brandyberry, who is responsible for Vocals/Guitar/Keys/Programming kindly gave me some information about the way the band works when writing songs, the message of the lyrics as well as about the upcoming album "Day One" and the bands relation to their fanbase.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: In the biography I've read that Matt Brandyberry's first takes in music were related to the Hip Hop scene and writing rhymes but later changed to Rock music. What was the trigger that changed you to focus more on the heavier side of music?

Matt Brandyberry: There are a few different things that lead me to metal. The first thing was not a good thing and actually gives me ground for my lyrical purpose and helping others be themselves. I rapped when I was a young teen. Everyone told me to quit, not because I wasn’t good, but because I was a white teen from a small town. So what did I do? I listened. At the time of me quitting rap the “Numetal” was starting to take off. I gave up rap all together and switched to guitar. Bands like Sevendust, Linkin Park, Drowning Pool, and Disturbed were at the top of my playlist. 

The lyrics in many metal bands are talking about the dark or gloomy side of life. You often use a more positive way of looking at things. Is it maybe a sort of message or giving the listener a piece of hope you want to do with doing different lyrics?

As I answered in the previous question, it’s all about going after what you love. Never take no for answer in this life. We honestly only live one time and we need to be ourselves during that process. Don’t waste your life being something that you’re not, while listening to what others want you to be. Go get yours. 

(c) by From Ashes To New, used with kind permission

Are most of inspirations for the vocals taken from your everyday personal life or where do you draw them from?

That’s where it’s all derived from, yes. 

With the approach of having two vocalist in the band: do you have a sort of scheme for each vocalist or do you try with every song who can do the proper vocal lines better?

We just write whatever feels right. If it’s rap, if it’s rap. If it’s singing, it’s singing. We write from the heart not from a schematic. 

How do you attempt each song in the writing process? Is it mostly Matt that comes around with the ideas or do you put all the ideas you have on a pile and work on them in rehearsal to see what fits best?

It starts with me (Matt). I have a small studio in my house, so it helps make the writing process easier. Chris and Branden are usually in the beginning stages as well. We all like to put our 2 cents into a song before it’s finished, so more lately it’s becoming a full band thing. We like it better as it evolves. 

The Downfall EP shows a wide variation of styles as well as on emotions. Will you focus on these mixture or even go on a heavier way on the upcoming record? (You can preorder "Day One" at the Pledgemusic page of the band.)

We don’t have a set way to do things. If it feels right we do it. We go from soft with pianos and strings to heavy, straight up screaming on the record. You’ll have to wait and see! 

Having seen that you've hit the road recently with Hollwood Undead: have you guys given up all your jobs lately and are focussing on the band alone or do you still work besides playing tours and recording new stuff?

We are all full time musicians now. We believe in this thing with everything we have, so we’re all in. 

Your fans seem to be very inspired by the music. Many of them have just contributed in the lyric video for "Downfall". Have you gotten feedback from them how your music influences their lives? I know of a good bunch of songs for myselves that have kept me going in my life through various hard times in my life.

We get great feedback all the time. That’s what are music is here for, to inspire and encourage everyone to chase their dreams and be themselves. It feels good to know that your own personal trials and tribulations are helping someone else conquer there’s. We’re here for others because it’s becoming harder and harder to find someone else who is. We as people need each other. A constant battle will only cripple our species. 

Since you have been on road recently: is there any funny story that happened that you would like to share with our readers?

I mean we’re always doing funny shit! We end up at Walmart 9 times out of 10. I guess the best way to see the stuff we do is follow our social media and add us on Snapchat FATNofficial. 

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions!

You can connect with the band on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube,
The band is going to hit the road in a few days alongside Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach and In This Moment.

Help Korn to fight against Type 1 diabetes

Korn's vocalist Jonathan Davin son Zeppelin has be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  This made the singer aware of how terrible this desease is so he has teamed up with Rallysong and JDRF to take up the fight to find a way to heal people affected by it.

If you decide to give 1 Dollar or more you can download the full new Korn song "So unfair" and take part in a raffle for a chance to fly to Bakersfield and to write and record a song with Jonathan Davis.

In the video below you can see a private message from the singer about the topic. To hear a preview of the song go to the donation page and hit the player button directly under the campaign description.
The campaign will last for nine more days.

Interview with A Light Within

Short introduction

With this interview a new section on metalunderdogs is opened up. Here we'd like to talk to new, young and upcoming bands about their current or past releases and take a little look behind the scenes.

Today we had the pleasure to speak with Jeff from the band A Light Within. Recently we did a review of their first EP called "Preface" and now it was time to take a closer look upon this band. Hope you all enjoy this new section of the site. Please let us know in the comments below or drop a E-Mail with your suggestions. If you're interested in setting up a interview I'd appreciate a E-Mail as well. Thanks!

Band introduction / player

(c) A Light Within, used with kind permission

A Light Within, are a Post/Progressive Alt Rock band from Kansas City, MO USA. The band started as did so many other bands before, from the demise of the band members previous bands. With no planned direction, a bond was formed and a voice/sound began to develop and be defined. The first EP “Preface “ was recorded by the band in 2012 and was mixed by Kyle Brandt and released in 2013.

The EP is a concept based upon a reflection of one’s life as the end draws near. “Aged eyes gaze upon the vast ocean through the window in the living room. Attempts to recollect life start with what little is known of birth. As these memories strive to keep the lungs breathing, and the heart beating, they slowly trickle from the mind one by one; releasing the will of existence. As questions of life arise, so do questions of death; for the first has been experienced and the latter may be welcome.”. (These notebook pages contain substance of a persons mind, body, and soul while their time was spent on earth.)



The Interview

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Can you tell our readers something about the equipment you use? Is there something special in instruments you use to create the sounds that can be heard on "Preface"?

Thanks for wanting to know more about us. We appreciate the support. Our equipment is nothing out of the ordinary. Guitars, bass, vocals and drums. Our setups are somewhat different. For starters, we have too many pedals (don’t think that can ever be said). Each guitarist has a multitude of pedals, the bass has a good amount and Kyle, singer, uses a couple of pedals for his voice as well as a microphone made from a old school payphone. It’s these different sounds/elements that helped to create our sound.


Did you record the whole album for yourselves? Did you also create the package on your own? The recording has a fine quality!

Both Kyle and I (Jeff, guitar) have home studio setups and since we’re using ProTools, we can easily pass files back and forth. The drums and vocals were done in his studio and the guitars and bass were recorded in mine. Kyle spent many hours mixing, so it’s always good to hear that people like quality of the recording. We’ve both learned a lot since then and can’t wait to get to recording the new EP. I’m a graphic designer and enjoy having the chance to create an interesting package for our music.

(c) A Light Within, used with kind permission

Where do you get your inspirations from?

It’s really difficult to pinpoint where an exact inspiration comes from, I know this may be cliche, but inspiration is all around you, whether it be a sound, a smell or something you see. We’re are inspired by the music we listen to, the people in our lives, our heroes we look up to or just the way your dog looks at you. In practice someone may be fiddling around with an idea and 20 minutes later a song is born. Sorry to be so abstract.

Was there a discussion in the band before recording the EP about the lyrics or how did it come together? Who works on the lyrics anyway?

(c) A Light Within, used with kind permission

The music was mostly written before Kyle was officially in the band, well 2 partially written songs. We’d send him the ideas and he started doing vocal demos and had this concept idea that we all really liked and went with it. Kyle writes all the lyrics.

How is the songwriting going on? Is there one band member that comes around with a idea for a song or is it more done as a collaboration between all the band members? Do you often jam around to find new sounds?

We are pretty organic when it comes to songwriting. Someone may have an idea that they start playing and we jam on it and see where it takes us. We all work on ideas outside of practice, but there’s not one main songwriter, it’s a full on collaboration. We have a few complete song ideas for the next EP and have 2 more that partial thoughts that we’ll finish up to complete it. We started recording drums and we’re really excited to get this EP completed.

The numbers of the songs refer to pages. Why aren't they set in line on the EP, or is it just that the songs fit better this way on the record?

The songs are sequenced how they are because of the way they flow together. There wasn’t a plan on how to place them on the EP, it just felt right.

Is the artwork also somehow involved in the lyrical concept? The backside image of the inlay has some relation to them with the clock and the lyrics in them.

I had the main idea of the artwork completed in my head way before the songs were recorded. I added the clock as a design element to tie into the lyrical concept a bit more. And I thought adding the lyrics was just another layer/texture to add to the visual aspect of our package to coincide with the layering/textural aspect of our music.

What are your plans for the future? Can you already give a little sneak peek on how the lyrical concept of the EP will be continued on the next record?

Right now we are writing and recording our next EP, writing new ideas with our new(ish) bassist and just trying to build our audience and get as much exposure as we can. We are extending the concept of the 1st EP into this one as 2 of the songs were written around the same time as the songs on the 1st EP.

Are there plans to visualise the concept with animations or something else in upcoming shows of the band?

(c) A Light Within, used with kind permission

We did a small visual teaser before the 1st EP was done and we plan on doing another one once we get a song or 2 recorded for the 2nd one. Maybe even do a full lyric video or full concept video, that would be nice. We’ve also talked about projecting some sort of animations on top of us while we’re playing live. We like the whole idea of stimulating all of the senses.

Where does the band play next? I am sure many people would like to experience the songs in a live concert.

We’ve had a few shows in the last couple of months out of town and we play next at Californo’s in KC in June. Then we play in St. Joseph, MO in July at Cafe Acoustic and back in KC in Aug at the recordBar.

Can people out there book the band if they have a event/Open Air where they would like to see the band playing?

We’re definitely open to play anything. I really think our music would sit well in the festival setting, just something about the expanse of playing outside really fits well with our sound. We missed a chance to play the Euroblast festival last year by the skin of our teeth in an online voting competition. (Now that would have been something amazing to have been a part of) Thanks… visit us online at facebook.com/ALWaudio or alightwithin.bandcamp.com