Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Halloween Podcast with Horror Director Darren Lynn Bousman

During our special Halloween podcast interview with horror film director Darren Lynn Bousman ("Saw II, III and IV," "Repo! The Genetic Opera") talks about why he turned down “Saw V” to direct “Repo!”; how he picked the cast; what happens when you put Paris Hilton in the same room with Ogre, a guy who simulates eviscerating himself onstage every night; what caused the actors to burst out in tears on set; and the headbanging soundtrack of "Repo," which was performed by members of Korn, Filter, Slipknot and others.

Bousman also discusses how he got into horror, how a script he wrote earned him the “Saw II” gig, the value of plot over splatter, how far is too far when it comes to graphic violence, true crime exploitation movies like “Faces of Death” and “Traces of Death,” why his “Saw” party was raided by a SWAT team and the influence of directors like Takashi Miike, Ruggero Deodato and Dario Argento. Fasten your straitjacket and click here to stream or download the bloodcurdling podcast

Friday, October 24, 2008

Video Podcast Interview with Metallica Drummer Lars Ulrich

Instead of our usual Friday audio podcast, we’ve ramped it up a little bit in commemoration of our 20th anniversary celebration of “Headbangers Ball.” We’ve put together a video podcast for you, and not just any video podcast, a video podcast with Metallica founder Lars Ulrich that was shot at the band’s San Francisco practice space/hangout/home studio Metallica HQ.

During the interview, Ulrich talks about the birth of and enduring influence of “Headbangers Ball,” referencing ex-host Riki Rachtman and some of the highlights of the program; the uniting force of the program; and the importance of Metallica’s “One” video, which broke the band into the MTV world.

Ulrich also discusses the tremendous success of the band’s new record Death Magnetic, the perceived “failure” of its last album St. Anger, the decision to revisit elements from past releases for the new disc, what producer Rick Rubin brought to the band and the challenge and importance of relinquishing control and rolling with the punches. Click "here" to watch it all.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Interview with Five Finger Death Punch Frontman Ivan Moody

We recently hooked up with Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody and talked about the success of his band's debut album The Way of the Fist, the group's history, its love for mixed martial arts fighting, and the emotional and physical scars that have impacted 55DP's churning, melodic metal. Click here to listen too the podcast.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Interview with Amon Amarth Singer Johan Hegg

HeadbangersBlog.com recently tracked down Amon Amarth singer Johan Hegg to talk to him about the energy that powers the band's new record Twilight of the Thunder God, working with guest musicians, Amon Amarth’s eagerness to explore uncharted realms, their fascination with ancient myths and why they were almost booted from a tour with Brutal Truth. Click here to hear it for yourself.

Interview with Dimmu Borgir Guitarist Silenoz

When Dimmu Borgir were in Los Angeles for a screening of their DVD, we hooked up with guitarist Silenoz (singer Shagrath isn’t doing press at the moment because he’s too busy doing his celebrity girlfriend Christina Fulton), and talked about the encapsulating might of the band's new DVD set "The Invaluable Darkness," the value of darkness, the band’s recent lineup changes (drummer Hellhammer is on hiatus and guitarist Galder recently had a kid and is staying off the road), the Blackest of the Black tour and the work Dimmu Borgir has already done for the follow up to their 2007 album In Sorte Diaboli. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Suicidal Tendencies singer Mike Muir

During an exclusive “Headbangers Ball” 20th Anniversary podcast interview with Suicidal Tendencies singer Mike Muir, the frontman talked about his memories of the “Ball,” the important roll Suicidal played in the crossover scene and the misconception that the band brought gangs and violence into the music. We also discussed Suicidal's evolution over the years, the debilitating back injury that put the band on hold and the group’s first album since 2000, which will likely hit in January. Click here to check it out.