Metal icon John Bush fronts Armored Saint and is gearing up for a North American tour supporting W.A.S.P. . Bush is also on the mic for Category 7. He talks with ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison about both groups and what’s next. Visit Category 7.
Holy Mother singer Mike Tirelli returns to ROTR to discuss the excitement around the band’s new LP, Rise, available from Massacre Records. He and Justin Smulison talk about the band’s new lineup and preparing to tour, including in support of Doro again in 2024. Visit Holy Mother online.
Euge Valovirta returns to ROTR to speak about his new solo album, Hardtones. Euge and ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison discuss the different energies the many singers brought to Hardtones. They also talk about Cyhra joining a tour with Evergrey in Fall 2024. Visit EugeValovirta.com
New York metallers AnAkA return with their crushing, sixth LP, The Oblivion Call. Guitarist Peter Pallis and singer Jimmy Pallis join ROTR Army’s Justin Smulison to talk about the lead singles, history, and the excitement of headlining NYC’s iconic Gramercy Theatre on July 27. Visit AnAkA.net
Metal wailer Wade Black is back with The Awakening, the first offering from Wade Black’s Astronomica. ROTR Army Contributor Justin Smulison caught up with the singer to discuss these 10 new metal epics that capture the spirit of Black’s time with Crimson Glory. Visit AstronomicaRock.com
War Curse guitarist Justin Roth spoke with ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison about the band’s newest LP, Confession. They also discuss the lineup change and the excitement ahead of U.S. shows supporting Artillery in June 2024. Visit WarCurse.com
Gus G. of Firewind returns to ROTR to speak with contributor Justin Smulison about the Greek metal band’s epic new album, Stand United, and an upcoming tour with Immortal Guardian and Edge of Paradise in the U.S. starting on April 11. Visit Firewind.GR
Ray Alder recently released "Really Good Terrible Things", the debut album from North Sea Echoes, a new collaboration with FW founder Jim Matheos. Alder spoke about this musical left turn and some career highlights with Fates, A-Z, Redemption and his solo work. Visit NorthSeaEchoes.com
Swedish melodic metal band Metalite returns with Expedition One. Singer Erica Ohlsson, bassist Robert Majd and guitarist, composer and founder Edwin Premberg discuss the album’s sci-fi themes and Spring ‘24 EU tour with Leaves’ Eyes and NorthTale. Visit Metalite.se
Powerhouse singer David Reece calls in from the Midwest ahead of his U.S. shows , in support of his new solo LP, Baptized By Fire. Reece and ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison talk about the new ground broken on Baptized, his ongoing work with Iron Allies, and touring in 2024. Visit David Reece.
Exhorder frontman Kyle Thomas joins ROTR contributor Justin Smulison to discuss upcoming tours of the U.S. and the EU and themes and select songs from the Louisiana-based thrashers’ crushing fourth LP, Defectum Omnium, available from Nuclear Blast on March 8. Visit Exhorder.com
We’re kicking off 2024 with an interview featuring Aaron Cravens, a stellar guitarist whose debut, Regenerate, released to wide acclaim. ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison spoke with Aaron about the themes and philosophies explored on this stellar instrumental album. Visit AaronCravens.com
Artillery celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024 with various live offerings. The Danish thrash icons will release Raw Live (in Copenhell) via Mighty Music on Feb. 2. Bandleader Michael Stützer spoke with ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison about all-things Artillery. Visit Artillery online.
A Life Divided is an alternative-metal band from Germany who have been featured on ROTR. Their latest LP, is Down the Spiral of a Soul. ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison spoke with singer Jürgen Plangger about the songs and standout moments. Visit A Life Divided.
The Great Tribulation is the third full-length album by Elm Street. Bassist Nick Ivkovic spoke with ROTR Contributor Justin Smulison about this epic album and upcoming shows. Visit Elm Street.
I’ll Be Damned is one of the best metal bands to emerge from Denmark in recent years. Singer Mark Damgaard and drummer Anders Gyldenøhr spoke with ROTR contributor Justin Smulison about joining the band ahead of their most recent studio LP, Cultureand Visit I’ll Be Damned.
The Sons Of Sounds are a German quartet who have produced a succession of outstanding hard rock and metal albums. The tradition continues with Seven. Guitarist Wayne Beselt spoke with ROTR contributor Justin Smulison about Seven, and the Fall 2023 tour with Nazareth. Visit SonsOfSounds.com
Michael Abdow is best known as a touring guitarist for Fates Warning and a frequent collaborator with Ray Alder. Abdow spoke with ROTR Army Contributor Justin Smulison about his new instrumental album, Séance In Black, available from Couch Cat Records. Visit Michael Abdow.
Teutonic German thrashers Vendetta has returned with Black As Coal, now available worldwide from Massacre Records. Singer Mario Vogel spoke with ROTR contributor Justin Smulison about the aggressive new LP and its lyrical themes.
Pyramaze keyboardist Jonah Weingarten joins ROTR Army contributor Justin Smulison to discuss the new power-prog album, Bloodlines, which is available worldwide from AFM Records. Visit Pyramaze.com