![[Podcast] Inner-Strength Check Content Update, May 2025.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748782232322-JPFA2B828TX8XBJ2BZDQ/6tt7cbea6rpa1.png)
[Podcast] Inner-Strength Check Content Update, May 2025.
It’s been an absolutely bonkers month here at Inner-Strength Check - lots and lots of content! I’ve herded all said content-cats together in one handy compendium-post: gig reviews, album reviews, interviews, podcast episodes, news, covers, music/gaming/tabletop-related content, photo galleries and more!
![[Heavy News] Mayday! Mayday! Five Riff-Bombers on #MusicMonday!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748864744998-O3ZMDS1HIR19NSSJKLBT/492747206_10162827909019391_1853405978499656545_n.jpg)
[Heavy News] Mayday! Mayday! Five Riff-Bombers on #MusicMonday!
No flak or anti-air needed here. This is a most welcome raid upon our cochleas! First of a few May release-roundups we’ll be doing features a Swedish psych-doom delve (Cavern Deep), a Milwaukee (US) man’s Liminal Spirit, a tango with Belgique sludge-monsters (Growing Horns), chopping frenzied Californian tech-death (Ominous Ruin) and ensuring not to pass the black metal post in Romania (Genune)! Open those hatches, bombs away.
![[Gig Review] ALPHA WOLF (AUS) /MALEVOLENCE (UK), The Wool Exchange (Geelong, AU) 29.05.2025.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748574026974-HILUCQQ48AV91GH4LJ7R/499731828_1029957405907952_4880345621613435170_n.jpg)
[Gig Review] ALPHA WOLF (AUS) /MALEVOLENCE (UK), The Wool Exchange (Geelong, AU) 29.05.2025.
I was NOT expecting many, many things when I took on a regional show from destroyalllines to write up Alpha Wolf’s blitzkrieg-tour of Australia alongside beloved UK ‘core-titans Malevolence. Supported by no less than two knockouts in Zuko and Melting. A gig so fun, frenetic, manic, loveable and earnest that I went pretty damn hard in that direction, too.
![[Podcast] Ep. 47: Interview with BRANDON SALLER, Vocalist of US Metalcore Titans ATREYU.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748478568189-ZA1LQLNZ078BPXW5L3FN/download+%2811%29.png)
[Podcast] Ep. 47: Interview with BRANDON SALLER, Vocalist of US Metalcore Titans ATREYU.
Break out the eyeliner, ill-fitting jeans and stretch up for the mosh - Atreyu are headed back to Australia in July for a jam-packed tour alongside fellow metalcore giants Memphis May Fire! I spoke with Brandon Saller around all things Atreyu this morning - the upcoming tour/recent shows, thoughts and reflections on both band and The Curse around the 20th-anniversary LP tour, and much more! Peep the link for podcast interview plus all the tour info you’ll need. Best get in quick, though!
![[GALLERY] of Brewicide, IV: BURNING WITCHES @ The Croxton Bandroom, Melb (AU) 23.05.25.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748431847550-BYWRBL37LNQ622HIOHHC/Burning+Witches+-+The+Croxton+230525-33.jpg)
[GALLERY] of Brewicide, IV: BURNING WITCHES @ The Croxton Bandroom, Melb (AU) 23.05.25.
Master with an eye for all things visual, Richie Black Photography took some time out last Friday to invade the coven presenting all the way from Switzerland in Burning Witches, at The Croxton Bandroom! Check out the link for Richie’s fantastic coverage of the gig, including a slew of pics for Melburnian thrash-supports Mason, plus artist/promoter links and more. Big thanks to Hardline Media!
![[Podcast] [Interview] with CHRIS & DAIF of STALKER (NZ) + Brutefest 2025 Photo Gallery!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748353410352-SQVFX7WSC7NKEM1BEDXH/Stalker+-+Brutefest+2025-9.jpg)
[Podcast] [Interview] with CHRIS & DAIF of STALKER (NZ) + Brutefest 2025 Photo Gallery!
DUDE. This post right here is absolutely STACKED! I was fortunate enough to finally wrangle an interview with legends Daif and Chris from New Zealand legendary speed-metal maniacs, Stalker! Check the link not only for the full video/audio-only interview (a very, very fun and heartfelt chat from these Kiwi legends) but also a whole bunch of additional Brutefest 2025 photo/footage alongside those posted for our recent review of said gig.
![[Gig Review] RAGNAROK FESTIVAL (20th Anniversary), Lichtenfels (GER), 24.04 -26.04.2025.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748241649376-VTPYPXRJE48OAACGS5BK/ragnarok.png)
[Gig Review] RAGNAROK FESTIVAL (20th Anniversary), Lichtenfels (GER), 24.04 -26.04.2025.
Fellow ISC staffer and metal-maniac, Dean Underhill, was asked to enjoy some respite on his sojourn to Europe from Australia. Turns out, Dean’s interpretation of respite is sending in a gargantuan recollection of his experiences at Ragnarok Festival 2025, i.e. the 20th anniversary of this glorious and esteemed Euro-fest! Review includes, damn, nearly the entire lineup - artist links and live footage also included!
![[HEAVY NEWS] FAMOUS DRUMMER AND MUSIC AGENT DIE IN PLANE CRASH](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1748046428651-9TE39K8F9T0LYMPU9TG6/Dave+Shapiro+Daniel+Williams+plane+crash+wreckage.png)
[HEAVY NEWS] FAMOUS DRUMMER AND MUSIC AGENT DIE IN PLANE CRASH
The international music scene is reeling after a double fatality plane crash over San Diego Thursday (22 May) involving Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and his friend, heavy music agent Dave Shapiro.
![[HEAVY NEWS] I PREVAIL RETURN WITH VISCERAL SINGLE ‘VIOLENT NATURE’](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747985982660-XAL9S7HF65KASRBVE811/IPrevail_LP4_ViolentNature_SingleCover_R3C1+Hi+Res.jpeg)
[HEAVY NEWS] I PREVAIL RETURN WITH VISCERAL SINGLE ‘VIOLENT NATURE’
I Prevail return with their heavy visceral track ‘Violent Nature’, assaulting the ears with an onslaught that you might not be ready for.
![[#Tabletop Thursday, 22.05.25]: Unboxing Some Battletech: Mercenaries Kickstarter Gear!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747924623608-KAKSYQDWNTIUZBJKM21P/I-Fits-I-Sits-via-user-Bombast.jpg)
[#Tabletop Thursday, 22.05.25]: Unboxing Some Battletech: Mercenaries Kickstarter Gear!
This week’s feature article for Tabletop Thursdays here at ISC isn’t just an article, but an unboxing video! In addition to my hamfisted attempt to walk you through the many goodies received from my pledge in the Catalyst Gaming Labs’ Battletech: Mercenaries Kickstarter campaign (IT’S FINALLY HERE AAAA). Plus, I also provide a bunch of cool free resources for getting into the whacky (really, it’s whacky) world of Battletech lore. Enjoy!
![[ALBUM REVIEW] SENNA - 'STRANGER TO LOVE'](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747917197889-10PTZMPNC53VQDDKSV8Q/Senna+Stranger+To+Love+Hi+Res.jpg)
[ALBUM REVIEW] SENNA - 'STRANGER TO LOVE'
Edgy hard-rock meets progressive post-hardcore band Senna unveil their ambitious debut album titled Stranger To Love, released 23 May 2025 via Sharptone Records. Creatively crafted by these Mannheim, Germany natives, this LP has a refreshingly dynamic sound,
![[PODCAST] Ep: 45: Interview with DAVE CHAVARRI, Drummer of US Nu-Metal Legends ILL NIÑO.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747880163983-VR1C83LDOXQDAM1G4W42/Ep.+45+%5BInterview%5D+with+DAVE+CHAVARRI+of+ILL+NINO.png)
[PODCAST] Ep: 45: Interview with DAVE CHAVARRI, Drummer of US Nu-Metal Legends ILL NIÑO.
With an Australian tour creeping up quicker than you'd think, alongside first-time Australia-enjoyers ADEMA, we caught up with drummer and longest-serving member of Latin-influenced nu-meta legends Ill Nino, Dave Chavarri! Check the link for video/audio-only interview links, tour dates, ticket links and more! Get your bounce on, this one’s finna groove hard.
![[HEAVY NEWS] THE GHOST INSIDE ANNOUNCE 2025 AUSTRALIAN TOUR](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747824981510-O9O12MVI2IMODJT8EQ9W/promo-2024-hires.jpg)
[HEAVY NEWS] THE GHOST INSIDE ANNOUNCE 2025 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
[Heavy News, 22.05.25]: Don’t give up The Ghost Inside, ‘cause they’re set to hit Australia up in the near future with a whole slew of dates alongside fellow heavy-wreckers Bleed From Within! The tour comes courtesy of destroyalllines - check out the blog post for dates/general tour info, artist links, tickets and more!
![[Review] BRUTEFEST 2025 @ The Tote Hotel, Melbourne (AU), 17.05.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747729637246-RNRKHQTNPROJWMK6SSTZ/Stalker+-+Brutefest+2025-36.jpg)
[Review] BRUTEFEST 2025 @ The Tote Hotel, Melbourne (AU), 17.05.
Brutal Truth have an album titled Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses, yeah? Well, extremely-stacked extreme-metal lineups demand extreme reviews!
Check here for our written/photographic coverage of Brutefest 2025 at The Tote in Collingwood, Melbourne (AU) 17.05, feat: Burnout, Mortuary Sickness, Black Jesus, Sufferance, Resistance, Vexation, Choof, Pizza Death and co-headliners Abigail (JP) & Stalker (NZ)!
![[PODCAST] EP. 44: Interview #2 w/ BJORN ‘SPEED’ STRID of THE NIGHT FLIGHT OrCHESTRA/SOILWORK!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747219370492-UO12UQBXM0RE9XQJHTS0/download+%285%29.png)
[PODCAST] EP. 44: Interview #2 w/ BJORN ‘SPEED’ STRID of THE NIGHT FLIGHT OrCHESTRA/SOILWORK!
Welcome aboard, passengers! Yet again, Australian-touring-enjoyer and enigmatic frontman of both Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra, Sweden’s Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid, joined ISC for the second time this evening. We discussed past and recent/upcoming tours (such as the Australian tour happening VERY soon!), the experience of fronting both bands in a live setting, TNFO influences and much more! Check the link for full tour info as well as video and podcast interview links.
![[Heavy News] THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Announce 2nd and Final Melbourne Show - On Sale Now!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747187838430-M8A8T3CMJUUZLKGT6GZE/thumbnail_image001.jpg)
[Heavy News] THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Announce 2nd and Final Melbourne Show - On Sale Now!
Melbourne heavy music fans? THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I repeat, this is not a drill. The Dillinger Escape Plan have announced a second and final Melbourne show on the 14th August at Northcote Theatre! Tickets onsale from midday - get onto this one straight away, as it’ll likely sell out just as fast! Courtesy of ThePhoenix, this is one not to miss!
![[Heavy News] #MusicMonday 12.05.25 - 8 Gr8’s, M8!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1747049322770-1TQPMIJWP4A3RD9UHGJR/maxresdefault+%281%29.jpg)
[Heavy News] #MusicMonday 12.05.25 - 8 Gr8’s, M8!
It’s Monday, ugh. But that means it’s also Music Mondays-time here at ISC mate, that’s great! To celebrate, we have Heavy News to a total of eight. Don’t be late, or even hesitate! Featuring: Skaphos (FR), Metal Charm (TUR), Labyrinthus Stellarum (UKR), Master Charger (UK), Executionist (US), EchoSoul (US), Greengoat (SPN) and All Against (POR)!
![[RIFFS] Goreframe, aka: Big Mumma Hildryn’s Tech-Tunes For Killin’ Techrot To - Part I.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1746620749051-HPD22JKKDL7UM53PXLMO/HildrynPrime.png)
[RIFFS] Goreframe, aka: Big Mumma Hildryn’s Tech-Tunes For Killin’ Techrot To - Part I.
At this rate, I’m just leaning into the chimeric amalgamation that the blog has become - by design. Speaking of, I’ve written a little Riff (article) about the most select technical-death metal tunes from 1999, best suited to slashing up tech-human zombie abominations. Slashing conducted by a Viking-coded exosuit Viking beefcake, Hildryn, in Warframe’s 1999 content, care of devs Digital Extremes.
![[RIFFS] #BehindScreenandSpeaker April 2025: Album Mini-Review Round-Robin.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1746531257633-RPVFHIIZ6AT42MDHIB0C/f3lbgufwual41.png)
[RIFFS] #BehindScreenandSpeaker April 2025: Album Mini-Review Round-Robin.
I do what I want over here at ISC. That’s the beauty of running your own blog and podcast. With that freedom of thought in action, rather than simply pump out a listicle, I decided to give some lesser-known bands from around the globe a slew of mini-reviews in this Riff (article). Featuring April releases from: Slung (UK, power-pop/psych-rock), Felgrave (Norway, avant-garde blackened death-doom), Tigerleech (France, noise-rock/hardcore/stoner), Ancestral Sin (Netherlands, crossover/hxc/deathgrind) and Vyr Muk (Ukraine, dungeon-synth/dark ambient/blackened death metal)!
![[GIG REVIEW] From The Archive: DIRECT UNDERGROUND FEST, Max Watt’s Melb (AU) 07.09.2019.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1746433797817-EV52PXEC9PW1EW3XH8FS/darkfuneral.png)
[GIG REVIEW] From The Archive: DIRECT UNDERGROUND FEST, Max Watt’s Melb (AU) 07.09.2019.
First of several Music Mondays articles for this week is a prior review exhumed from the Overdrive Music Magazine archive (many thanks to Seb Graham for consent to do so)! It also appeared on our own now-defunct website, but it’s back again! Necromancy! Speaking of, check out Brady’s review of Direct Underground Fest 2019 - feat. Dark Funeral, Immolation, Reaper, Abramelin and Christ Dismembered. Blastbeats are eternal.