![[Podcast] Ep. 40: [Interview] with SCOTT KENNEDY, Vocalist of UK’s BLEED FROM WITHIN.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1743762054651-AZHHWAD0P5R4UMD06WEG/Podcast+Ep.+40+%5BInterview%5D+with+Scott+Kennedy.png)
[Podcast] Ep. 40: [Interview] with SCOTT KENNEDY, Vocalist of UK’s BLEED FROM WITHIN.
Episode 40 of the Inner-Strength Check Podcast is here! This week, host Brady interviews Scott Kennedy, vocalist of Glasgow’s fast-rising modern metal wrecking-crew Bleed From Within. With Zenith officially releasing as of the 4th April, we discuss the albums’ recording/songwriting process, plus BFW’s history, recent and upcoming tours and more! Check link for video version, audio-only version plus single music videos, artist and album order links and more!
![[Podcast] Interview with DARREN ‘DAZ’ BROOKES of UK Death Metal Godfathers BENEDICTION.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1743163261970-75X362ERO37HUH7ESVOO/ISC+Podcast+Ep.+39+Interview+with+DARREN+BROOKES+of.png)
[Podcast] Interview with DARREN ‘DAZ’ BROOKES of UK Death Metal Godfathers BENEDICTION.
What a venerable honour for this late end of a Friday evening. Tonight, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss upcoming LP Ravages of Empires (and so, so much more) with UK death metal godfathers Benediction’s guitarist and one of two founding members - Darren Brookes! A band that is hugely influential for much of the music we post here, as well as many bands I/we know and love. Great interview, plus the blog post also contains album order links, single music videos and more!
![[Interview] with MARK PALFREYMAN of Melbourne’s ALARUM.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1736152351338-UIL5DK5Q6Y8D3EZI84AM/alarum2-1.jpg)
[Interview] with MARK PALFREYMAN of Melbourne’s ALARUM.
Featured Image: IG: @samuel_phillips_photography. Ah, Alarum. A band decades into a career of constant innovation, but always anchored to a frantic and colourful blend of jazz-fusion, prog and death metal. I caught up once more with bassist/vocalist Mark Palfreyman to talk everything ranging from recording process/response/background of latest LP Recontinue to longevity, touring, the local scene, inspiration and more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 38: Interview with DAN MACHUCA, a.k.a. Dan The Game Master.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1742369671267-GLG5MEFTROAJRDBM1FI8/danpic.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 38: Interview with DAN MACHUCA, a.k.a. Dan The Game Master.
Local educator, TTRPG game master, game therapist and all-around good freaking bloke Dan Machuca (aka Dan The Game Master) has the distinct honour of being our first industry professional interviewed in video/audio format! In this episode, Dan and I discuss his efforts merging hobby passion with education via his rules-lite/accessible TTRPG, regular game sessions for at-risk youth in Melbourne, his teaching work, men’s mental health, favourite RPG systems, work-life balance, and more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 37: Interview with Jeff Sahyoun of LETLIVE. Ahead of 2025 Australian Tour!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741828791993-QJSHOV98OVLMO0YAVL1Z/letlive.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 37: Interview with Jeff Sahyoun of LETLIVE. Ahead of 2025 Australian Tour!
What an incredible opportunity this morning, to have a chance to speak with Jeff Sahyoung, guitarist of the seemingly-undefeatable post-harcore/soul-punk heroes letlive.! Check out the link for video interview/audio-only streams plus tour dates, ticket links and more. You do not want to miss this gig, Australia - these guys know how to put on an energetic and impassioned live show, and we have our chance to respond in kind!
![[Podcast] Ep. 36: Interview with Nathan Brunning & Ben Astbury of Melbourne's GHOSTSMOKER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741597379678-SJVH8DY4Q307PYS2W5FB/ghostsmokerband2.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 36: Interview with Nathan Brunning & Ben Astbury of Melbourne's GHOSTSMOKER.
Another fantastic interview in the chamber! Nathan (Vocals/Lyrics) and Ben (Guitars) of fast-rising acclaimed Melburnian doom/sludge unit Ghostsmoker are set to unleash devastation on the metal masses with the upcoming release of the brutal Inertia Cult LP, via Art as Catharsis. Check the link for: video interview, podcast audio-only version, tour dates, singles links, album preorder links, artist/label links and more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 35: Interview with BRETT CAMPBELL of PALLBEARER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739267843987-9CMOZ8BKRXK0XSNUAGNI/pallbearercover.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 35: Interview with BRETT CAMPBELL of PALLBEARER.
Renowned doom metal merchants PALLBEARER make their return to Australia in March 2025 for an electrifying tour promising to deliver their signature blend of haunting melodies and crushing riffs. Joining them on all dates will be special guests UK doom metal titans CONAN. I was fortunate enough to catch up with vocalist/guitarist Brett Campbell earlier today. Check the link for full video interview, Spotify/alternative podcast platform audio-only versions, ticket links, tour dates and more!
![ISC Podcast, Ep. 34: [INTERVIEW] with OBSCURA frontman/Guitarist STEFFEN KUMMERER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739010770230-8V6YDC94R5ZH9JJSYD6I/obscurabandpic.jpg)
ISC Podcast, Ep. 34: [INTERVIEW] with OBSCURA frontman/Guitarist STEFFEN KUMMERER.
Originally posted on our now-defunct old website, dead as a doornail as of NYE 2024 (RIP) - check the link for both video and audio-only podcast formats re: Brady’s interview with Steffen Kummerer, frontman/guitarist of German progressive/technical death metal juggernaughts Obscura! Recorded on 22nd Dec ‘24, it’s an interesting exploration into the writing and process behind latest LP A Sonication, with additional artist/album bio, order links and much more within!
![[Interview]: with Tabletop Designer, Steve Dee](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1738660506102-DEVWWJU7JVFM3J9VZMA8/Kickstarter_banner.png)
[Interview]: with Tabletop Designer, Steve Dee
Steve Dee is one of Australia’s most prolific tabletop designers. I probed him about his upcoming Kickstarter project, The Worldwell, and his philosophies on design.
![ISC Podcast Ep. 33: [INTERVIEW] w/ ROBERT ERIKsSON, Drummer of Sweden’s THE HELLACOPTERS.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1738414509042-Y091QM06C17X67PJU9IS/hellacopterscover.jpg)
ISC Podcast Ep. 33: [INTERVIEW] w/ ROBERT ERIKsSON, Drummer of Sweden’s THE HELLACOPTERS.
Another music-scene veteran with many years of industry experience under his belt in Robert Erikkson! Robert is the long-term mainstay drummer of Swedish hard-rock institution The Hellacopters. We caught up on Tue 28th Jan just prior to release of their infectious, hooky and fun latest LP Overdriver, available as of the 31st. Check out the full interview plus artist bio, album order links, latest singles and more! Rock on, Svenska style.
![[Archive] Interview with AARON TUCK of Black Metallers LUMEN AD MORTEM.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739080389492-88WXR2185K96UDW5IW73/image-38.png)
[Archive] Interview with AARON TUCK of Black Metallers LUMEN AD MORTEM.
Pic Credit: Jai from @crannkmedia. Originally posted on our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) in November 2024, ahead of their imposing presence/our review of same @ Froth And Fury Festival - here’s a Q&A interview with indominable frontman Aaron Tuck of South Australian black metal all-stars Lumen Ad Mortem! It’s a great chat and worth revisiting. Go check out their stuff, fantastic live too - can confirm.
![[Riffs] Interview with Adelaide’s SUNDOWNER, Pre-Froth and Fury 2024.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737783213222-MV13J0FE4CD3P1V8UI1Q/sundowner.jpeg)
[Riffs] Interview with Adelaide’s SUNDOWNER, Pre-Froth and Fury 2024.
Originally posted on our unfortunately now-defunct old website in November 2024, prior to our coverage (and their fantastic set) of Froth and Fury Festival in Adelaide, SA. Since then, we’ve added in additional artist links, footage of their set from the festival and more! Doom on, enjoy some of SA’s most groovy and hostile blues.
![[Archive] Interview With OPETH’s MARTIN MENDEZ + Australian/NZ 2025 Tour Details.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737534970321-ZWJZODG02GL6Z7D57841/image-34.png)
[Archive] Interview With OPETH’s MARTIN MENDEZ + Australian/NZ 2025 Tour Details.
Originally posted to our prior website, which died an unexpected and sudden death on 31.12.24 (RIP), we have revived a seminal interview from late ‘24 with Martin Mendez, long-term bassist for Sweden’s progressive-metal titans Opeth. Check the post for video interview, as well as full details (ticket links, bio, artist links, The Last Will and Testament order links etc) of their upcoming November 2025 Australian/NZ tour!
![[Archive] Interview with OLOF WIKSTRAND of Sweden’s ENFORCER + Australian Tour Details.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737520812639-U43J3B80ZKQQ5WVCID3A/472871823_1144203967066725_9209872957837145904_n.jpg)
[Archive] Interview with OLOF WIKSTRAND of Sweden’s ENFORCER + Australian Tour Details.
AUSTRALIA! Are you ready to rock out in your finest leathers and gauntlets? You should be, ‘cause Swedish heavy/true-metallers Enforcer are on our shores and are about to show Newcastle the Steel! Check the link for my video interview with Olof Wikstrand, frontman/guitarist, which was originally posted on our website that unfortunately went down on 31.12.24. It’s too late, however - peep the link and get the scoop on tickets, artist links, new singles and more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737166933930-0IDD356JFLU6VIGIYXUW/diploidtour.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.
Originally posted to our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) in May of 2024. Diploid are one of Australia’s most interesting underground extreme metal acts, blending metallic hardcore, grind, noise, electronica, post-metal and much more into a fierce live show. I caught up with bassist/electronic noise-maker Reece about their most recent EP ‘Mantra’, touring prospects, band history and much more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737094866088-U91IOXIINK1RFJ9C9N6I/image-8.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.
Note: This is an archival repost, brought back to life from the bones of our sadly now-defunct prior website (RIP). Check the link for both video and audio-only versions of the fun and insightful conversation with Tony Foresta, vocalist and frontman for thrashers Municipal Waste ahead of their 2024 tour of Australia. We also talk side projects, recording, musicianship and so much more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 24: Interview with SERENA CHERRY of UK Metal Crew SVALBARD.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737092925514-J2PV5CYV2N19687ES5OS/thumbnail_image011.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 24: Interview with SERENA CHERRY of UK Metal Crew SVALBARD.
Note: This is an archival repost, derived from the bones of our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP). Originally posted May 2024, check the link for a wonderful, fun and sincere interview with Sereena Cherry, frontwoman, vocalist and guitarist for the up-and-coming Bristol, UK metallers Svalbard. Check link for video and audio versions of what was a fantastic chat, as well as relevant album details, tour details, singles and more.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 23 - Interview with MATT PIKE and COADY WILLIS of HIGH ON Fire.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737090938587-X6UUV84JGSLJSQYJ5NQN/image.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 23 - Interview with MATT PIKE and COADY WILLIS of HIGH ON Fire.
Note: This is an archival repost, brought back to life from the bones of our sadly now-defunct prior website (RIP). Iconic U.S. rock band, High on Fire, released their newest LP, Cometh the Storm, on April 19 ‘24 via MNRK Heavy. I was fortunate to be able to interview both Matt Pike and Coady Willis of the band! We discuss Coady's arrival into the band, the songwriting, band dynamics as a power-trio and of course both international touring and the recording process.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep 22.: Interview with ANDREW CRAIGHAN, Guitarist of MY DYING BRIDE.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737011005975-6677WFNSCGAYMXSK0KHY/mdb.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep 22.: Interview with ANDREW CRAIGHAN, Guitarist of MY DYING BRIDE.
Note: This is an archival repost, originally posted to our now-defunct prior website (RIP old site 22.03.2024, sniff). Check the link for our March 2024 interview with Andrew Craighan, guitarist for perennial UK doom veterans My Dying Bride. We discuss the 2024-released LP among many other topics pertaining to musicianship and sustaining a career in the industry. It’s a sincere, earnest and fun conversation. Thanks again to Andrew and MDB!
Relevant podcast links and additional album/artist info also contained within this post.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep.21: Interview with KYLE THOMAS, Guitarist/Vocalist of EXHORDER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737004158841-5UFV1BW2NC7S4EPHVF8X/exhorderband.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep.21: Interview with KYLE THOMAS, Guitarist/Vocalist of EXHORDER.
Note: This is an archival repost, originally posted to our now-defunct prior website (RIP old site 31.12.2024, sniff). Check the link for our March 2024 interview with Kyle Thomas, frontman, singer and guitarist for veteran US thrash-metallers Exhorder. In the episode we cover a whole smorgasbord of topics - almost too many to mention! See also: artist links/bio details, a statement from the band regarding newest LP Defectum Omnium and more.