DJ Valkyrie Interviews

British thrashers Sworn Amongst, the foursome behind one of 2008’s most ambitious metal debuts And So It Begins, bring you their uncompromisingly fearsome follow-up, Severance. Driven by the band’s unrelenting will to cause general mayhem, Severance brings the best of what was to be found on their previous release and turns up the heat tenfold. Severance showcases the band’s diversity and ability to create powerful modern metal while honoring the roots of traditional thrash and speed metal.

Since forming in 2003 Sworn Amongst has steadily built a fan base with their studio release and their brutal live performances. After 2005’s independently released debut Derision of Conformity, Sworn Amongst caught the eye of metal label Rising Records who signed them in 2007. The band headed into the studio to record And So It Begins which was well received by fans and critics, with Metal Hammer calling the album “A massively promising & accomplished debut.”

In my interview you will hear more recent news some of their sites need to be updated with latest information. This was a follow up interview first one was right around the release of the "Severance" album they have since released a ep called "Evolution"

http://www.swornamongst.com/
http://www.facebook.com/swornamongst

6 Years ago Mudface began their ascent to the forefront of the San Francisco bay area metal scene.

Formed in the summer of 2005, Chris Dinsmore and former guitarist Ted Aguilar (Death Angel) wanted to create music that was heavy and brooding, yet carefully balanced with flawless dynamics, and cathartic interwoven breakdowns. A blueprint that the band proudly adheres to this day.

The sound is dark, heavy, electric and explosive.

Their collective influences include many genres past and present, paying respect to those who have come before, yet focused on carving their own path. Passion drives this band not trends, while striving to constantly evolve.

On the stage ultimately is where this band belongs.
A Mudface show is a charged vortex of chaotic energy.
A perfect storm between audience and band ensues, bodies flying.
And experience never forgotten.

Vocalist Chris Dinsmore is and enigmatic powerhouse, with words that burn into your mind effortlessly from one extreme to the other.

On Guitar Rich Pia is a freak of nature. Heavy groove and unorthodox riffing are the order of the day. For Rich there is no box.

Holding down the low end on bass, Hugo Calderon storms the stage with and uncompromising subsonic assault. Bringing a vengeful and melodic intelligence to the Mudface sound.

On Drums Pete Bostaph, brother of Paul Bostaph. (Slayer, Testament, Exodus) brings the monster to life injecting it with organic beats mechanized destruction and a tasteful dose of raw power.

Keyboardist/Vocalist Brett Crane infects the sound with profound contrast and character through synths, samples and a cacophony of noises as well as his voice.

With a brand new album and two 4 song EP’s in their catalog this self proclaimed blue collar group of musicians feels they are ready to take on the world. Their mission statement is simple

World domination!!
Period

http://www.mudface.us/band/

Memory of a Melody is a 5 piece from San Antonio, TX. Having paid its dues working club shows, touring, and opening for immensely popular touring acts, the band has quickly risen to local dominance through high energy stage shows and an unforgettable array of songs.

After much demand by fans for an album, MOAM enlisted producer Bryan Scott to begin work on their debut record “Things That Make You Scream." An album that boldly attacks the blandness of modern rock by wrapping pounding rhythms, and intricate guitar work around catchy, hard-edged vocals. The diverse collection of songs masterfully demonstrates the band's ability to pummel and thrash while fitting in perfectly with radio rock.

The band is currently working on putting together a collection of live recordings. The live collection will include video and sound recordings from both intimate and high profile shows including their Things That Make You Scream CD Release party and the highly successful 2nd annual MELODYFEST, as well as others.

The band also has intentions to take MELODYFEST (an annual festival appropriately named for Memory of a Melody) on the road.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/melodyfestrocks and www.thingsthatmakeyouscream.com

A banda inicou seu trabalho em setembro de 2007, quando foi fundada pelos irmãos Igor(Teets) e Yuri(Baby), juntamente com o antigo baixista Murilo.Desde setembro de 2007, a banda já fez vários mais de 90 shows, e já passou por mais de 27 cidades diferentes,em cerca de 5 estados brasileiros.Onde deles, participaram bandas como Sepultura, Angra, Dr.sin, Velhas virgens , raimundos e mais.A banda também já lançou dois E.p.s(“Killer Klowns” em fevereiro de 2010 e “Women Pleaser” em novembro de 2010) e um clipe oficial,que foi gravado pelo projeto “Lei de incentivo à cultura de Uberlândia”, onde mais de 264 participantes finalistas tentaram as vagas, e nós conseguimos a primeira colocação totalizando 99 pontos em 100.Alem dos dois E.ps e do clipe, já lançamos pela “Hard Zone”(Selo de música de Belo Horizonte) a coletânea mineira de Hard rock, que foi gravada pela Sony Music, e difundida pelo Brasil todo.Desde então, fazemos sempre shows diferentes, e somos reconhecidos por trazemos sempre, aquela energia que foi quase perdida em cima dos palcos, e por trazer o hard rock de volta.Tocamos sempre as nossas músicas com energia,com o intuito de trazer de volta,aquela época maravilhosa do hard rock.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Killer-Klowns/181179348600525?ref=ts

Stigma Strain is a groove/melodic metal band formed in 2011. The four-piece blends the best elements of American groove with the bone-chilling, dark sounds of melodic European metal. Stigma Strain possesses the technical ability and song writing prowess to rival that of its peers. Along with its aggressive, heart pounding sound; Stigma Strain has a live show that is second to none. “Larger than Life” is the resounding mantra that is held within every member of the band. Fans of the Nashville based quartet will find something that they can relate to in both a live setting and on tape. Each member exudes a level of care and professionalism to fans and members of the music community alike, treating each individual that comes in contact with the band not only as fellow fans of heavy music but more so as friends and extended family. Such is evident with nominations for Best New Artist and Metal Song of the Year for the track “Lost” at the 2012 Music City Mayhem Awards. Stigma Strain is poised to release their debut EP “Patient Zero” in March of 2012 and is on pace to set the world ablaze with its uniquely enthralling, yet somewhat familiar sound.

http://www.facebook.com/stigmastrainband

Born in Germany in the year of 1976 Adrian Weiss began playing guitar at age 15. From 1996 - 2002 he was a member of ThoughtSphere, played many gigs and recorded four albums with the band two of which where released through B.Mind Records.
Since the end of 2000 he has been playing with the Progressive Metal band Forces@Work. After two self produced CDs in 2003 and 2004 followed by a guest appearance on Victor Smolskis Solo CD "Majesty & Passion" in 2004 the band released its third CD "REVERSE FENG-SHUI AUDIO GUIDE" in 2006, and has also performed many concerts. Forces at Work finished their recordings for their 4th release in early 2010. Post production was completed the same year, release is expected in 2011.
In 2007 Adrian began to record his first instrumental solo CD with 11 songs he has written since 1999 including quite a few of his friends he got to know in the music scene over the years as guest musicians. The following musical guests are included on the CD:

Victor Smolski (RAGE)
Joachim Kremer and Björn "Burn" Sondermann (ASSASSIN)
Daniel Dring (PAUL DIANNO – BAND, RE-VISION, PERZONAL WAR)
Thorsten Praest (COLDSEED, GUT, HUEHNERFRIEDHOF)
Sabir Salkic, Mischa Blum and Marcel Willnat (FORCES AT WORK)
Demian Heuke, Lars Zehner (N-JECTED, MERCURY ARC)
Goran Vujic (GUT, LAFEE, PHISHBACHER)
Michael Schröder (NOISE DRUG)
Mf-C (SCARFILES, ELASTIC)
Jan Ristau (THOUGHT SPHERE)

The production was completed in March of 2011 and was engineered by Bjoern Sondermann in his studio in Duesseldorf. Being a drummer he also layed down his playing on 6 tracks.
The CD is expected to be released in mid 2011.
As a solo musician Adrian has also performed clinics and gigs at various events including the Guitar Fight Club Convention 2009 and 2010 where he also took part in the live shows 2009 through 2011 - making second place in 2010 and 2011. He also performed at the MyMusicExpo in Dresden in late 2009 as well as the NEW DUESSELDORF POP music convention in 2011.

http://www.adrianweissmusic.de

‘You now hold the key to the eighth gate. Beware within – for it’s your fate!’
In 1979 a dark formation occurred, a black ripple that would soon become a wave: one which made a huge impact on the metal world. Taking the name of Mantas, the legendary guitarist Jeff Dunn formed an outfit that rivalled the stage shows of bands such as Kiss and challenged the occult themes that Black Sabbath had pioneered. He took the knife edge that had made Judas Priest dangerous and the volume that had made Motörhead so intense, and rolled it into a big, black dirtball called Venom.
With renewed hunger and inspiration, Mantas joined up with the Demolition Man, bassist/vocalist Tony Dolan, in 1988. The duo penned Prime Evil, an album hailed as a return to form with its cleaner sound and the mighty vocal attack of Dolan. After Demolition Man’s exit in 1992, drummer Antton (Antony Lant) took up the sticks for the powerful Resurrection album, after which Mantas departed from Venom.
In 2010 Mantas’s work with his own band, Dryll, seemed to be paying dividends, and following his drummer’s departure, Antton – who played in his own outfit, Def Con One – joined Dryll. It didn’t take long before the mutterings began. What if Mantas and Antton could coax The Demolition Man back? The call went out – and in came Dolan once more...
The trio decided that they needed to produce something befitting of their musical prowess. Something unashamedly heavy and without restraint; free of ego, deception and unreasonable behaviour – and fulfilling for them as musicians.
The band’s die-hard fans were left to chose a name for the new group, as it was they who had pushed for the new group to form. Naturally, in hindsight, Prime Evil was the name they chose – and so the band were free to make the music that they had always wanted to make, without pretending that it was 1982 all over again. After announcing themselves to the world the band were asked to reconsider the chosen name out of respect for another act who had named themselves after the self same Venom album title. Without hesitation and with understanding and the respect to be expected by this honorable trio, they changed their name…….and so to the future…….
This is M-PIRE of EVIL. This is Mantas, Antton and the Demolition Man. This is 2011.
Hell is coming to the holy.
MANTAS – ANTTON – DEMOLITION MAN
M-PIRE of EVIL

http://www.mpireofevil.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mpireofevil

DAVIDIAN released their first self-produced full length album "Abuse Of Power" at the end of 2003, which received rave reviews from international press. DAVIDIAN also performed at dozens of various festivals and lots of concerts in Germany and neighbouring countries during the last years to extend their sphere and listenership. In 2007 the band signed a record deal with Limited Access Records to release their new album "Hear Their Cries" in spring of 2008. The album, produced by Andy Classen, is distributed worldwide by companies like Rough Trade and Intergroove. After performing many shows and larger festivals in 2009 (supporting Hatebreed, Heaven Shall Burn, Vader, Cryptopsy, Whitechapel, Maroon and many others) and a short period of songwriting, DAVIDIAN entered the Antfarm Studio in Aarhus/Denmark in May 2010 to produce their upcoming album with new shouter Tobi Brausch aboard and producer Tue Madsen. DAVIDIAN played some gigs and festival shows, including the famous german "Summer Breeze Open Air" in 2011 and signed a record deal with Massacre Records later that year in November to release their upcoming album "Our Fear Is Their Force" on February 24th 2012. Stay tuned and watch out for the NEW RELEASE! GET INTO IT!

http://davidian.de/
http://www.facebook.com/DAVIDIANofficial

Fallen Fate are a Modern Metal Band from the North East of England.

Starting out in 2005, they have been working hard writing, recording, gigging, promoting their name and building up a strong fan base along the way.

In Early 2008 Fallen Fate began work on their first EP. The Self Produced and Released 'Revengance' EP received much positive feedback from fans and critics, has been aired on many Online and FM Radio Shows and earned a slot on Bruce Dickinson’s Rock Show on BBC 6 Music.

In June 2010, FF played to 1500+ fans at the Download Festival after being picked by the Fans on the Download Forum to play. In October 2010 they were shortlisted with 3 other bands to Open the Main Stage of the Damnation Festival, chosen ahead of hundreds of the UKs best known and Unsigned Metal Bands. Fallen Fate also returned to play the Download Festival in 2011 on the 3rd Stage of an Invite Only BBQ Event. They have also been twice A&R Rated 7.0/10 on Roadrunner Records ‘SignMeTo’.

After selling hundreds of EPs in Hard Copies and many more through Online Downloads, Fallen Fate Recorded and Released their Debut Album in June 2011, named 'The Virus Has Spread'.

Influenced by early Thrash Metal along with the New Wave of American Metal, Fallen Fate deliver a mix of Speed and Heavy Technical Riffs to create a contemporary but unique brand of Metal.

http://www.fallenfate.co.uk/
http://fallenfate.bigcartel.com/
http://www.youtube.com/fallenfate251
http://www.facebook.com/fallenfateband

UK Thrash legends Onslaught! This is the Sound Of Violence! What a great pleasure to welcome to this episode of 'Beyond The Blaze' Nige Rockett. The 2011 release was marked as one of the top metal releases of the year by many people. If you have not checked out the CD you really need to listen up and purchase yours today! In March 2011 they will embark on their SCREAM FOR VIOLENCE NORTH AMERICA TOUR!check out the interview here all about where they are gong and the latest news. Thank you Nige for being my guest and I will be seeing you on the road.

http://www.facebook.com/onslaughtuk
http://www.myspace.com/onslaughtuk
http://www.reverbnation.com/onslaughtofficial
http://twitter.com/ONSLAUGHTUK
http://www.youtube.com/onslaughtofficial
http://www.powerfromhell.com/

After A sucsesful year of touring in merch 2010, Degradead entered the studio once again with producer Jonas Kjellgren to record their third studio album "A World Destroyer". The album ended up mastered and completed in May but unfortunatley there where no release in 2010 due to some economc difficulties with the record label Dockyard1 which sadly went out of buisness shortly after.

While wating to release the record in some other way Degradead played at "Getaway Rock Festival" (Megadeath, Motörhead, Deftones) , "Arvikafestivalen" (In Flames, Hypocrisy) and last but not least they performed at Wacken Open Air (Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe)

After the summer festivals Degradead signed a record deal with Metalville Records and released the single "Human Nature" in November 2010 containing two tracks from the new album which was scheduled for release in late spring 2011.

Before releasing the album Degradead traveled to the other side of the globe to be one of the twenty first international metalacts to tour in India. The response was overwhelming!

Keep your eyes fixed on Degradead's website and myspace profile to find out the latest news of the band!

http://www.degradead.com/

http://www.facebook.com/degradead

Arms To Amen was founded in early 2009 by three metalheads who own a very solid foundation- friendship.
Based on this strong fundament, Timo (Drummer) and Fredi (Guitar/Vocals) started work on some ideas Fredi brought up. First steps to their very own sound were followed by Kensington (Guitar/Vovals) who perfectly harmonizes with the metal screams of Fredi.
After only some weeks, Gregor (Bass) joined this club of total dedication and made the Band complete.
A fresh arrival in the mixed up genre is their first song N.O.V.A. which shows Arms To Amen´s plan how metal should sound like. Technically adept, with a good feeling for catchy songwriting, they hit the scene without any label support.
After creating a setlist with eight songs, Arms To Amen represented their talent as a support act for Emil Bulls, Firescent and Accuser. During that period of rare shows, A2A hit the Desert Inn-Studio to record six Demo songs. Three of them are now available on a Demo CD.
From now on, Arms To Amen is ready to get signed and booked.

https://www.facebook.com/ArmsToAmen

Against All Will was formed by guitarist and principal songwriter, Jimmy Allen, an original member of the band Puddle of Mudd (1992–1996) and (2005–2006). He is an award winning songwriter for “Blurry,” “Drift and Die,” and “She Hates Me,” off the ‘Come Clean‘ album, which was responsible for breaking Puddle of Mudd into the mainstream music scene.

The band also features former Soulfly bassist, Cello Dias, whose collaboration on that band’s first 3 albums, Soulfly, Primitive, and Soulfly 3, earned him certified RIAA Gold records in the US, as well as overseas - selling more than 2 millions copies world wide. The other half of this hard hitting rhythm section is former Instinct of Aggression drummer, Phillip Gonyea. Lastly, AAW is powered by the vocals of frontman Jeff Current, formerly of Seven Story Drop.

Against All Will has had one of two tracks (“All About You” and “The Drug I Need”) in the national Active Rock Top 100 songs for nearly a year. Both hit the upper levels of Mediabase Active Rock rankings for independent label releases, right up there with independent rock powerhouse labels like Eleven Seven (Papa Roach, Buck Cherry, Nikki Sixx, etc).

Sirius XM Octane has had “The Drug I Need” in regular airplay rotation for over six months, and the song is currently in their Top 15!

https://www.facebook.com/AgainstAllWill
http://againstallwill.com/Against_All_Will/HOME.html