S.16 E.12 - Interview with The Haunt

“Cult Classic” has become a classic. The newest EP from LA-based duo Holy Wars showcases unique genre blending in the elements of hard rock and heavy metal, and they do it well. We welcome that duo, Kat Leon and Nick Perez on today's podcast to talk about this new album and what the future holds as they continue to trend upward on their musical journey together. Whether it's alternative rock, nu metal, hip hop, punk, or pop, Holy Wars have cemented an identity on “Cult Classic” that has captured the eyes of renowned outlets like Revolver and Knotfest, all the while racking 10 millions global streams in the process. They've been at this for several years, but Kat dives inside her personal experiences that also helped shape everything into what it is today, for herself and for Nick. Additionally, the experiences these two have gained together, as a couple and as bandmates, can be felt and heard inside the messages of their songs. Holy Wars is a testament to their love for the music, and they pull no punches on “Cult Classic.” Have we mentioned they've been at this for years? Well, make no mistake, they've found their stride and they're only warming up. Sit back, tune in, and buy and stream “Cult Classic” out now worldwide via Pale Chord.

Stay connected with Holy Wars, visit: https://www.holywarsmusic.com/, https://www.instagram.com/holywarsmusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/HolyWarsMusic/

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Brooklyn's finest have never looked better. We are of course, talking about rising metalcore group VRSTY (pronounced Varsity). We are joined by the uniquely talented frontman Joey Tyler. Joey is a Puerto Rican singer raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music, which makes it that much more impressive due to him taking the route to heavy metal. Equally inspired by metallic hardcore as a kid, Joey talks about his influences, musical and personal, that have shaped his repertoire into what it is today. Spoiler alert: It's amazing. Joey also dives into VRSTY's history from the last 10 years, and now, while outlets like SiriusXM, Blabbermouth, Outburn, and Kerrang are praising their work, it's a humbling yet rewarding feeling for Joey and company. And quite honestly, it's something to take note of. “I feel like I was even more just myself on this record,” says Joey about the new album “Levitate.” Many twists and turns are heard on this record, from post-metal, nu-metal, and to melodic metalcore. VRSTY have fused elements effortlessly, which will have other music acts turn their heads in their direction. Ending the year on a high note, it's time for VRSTY to grab hold of the momentum in 2024. Tune in now to our conversation with Joey and be sure to buy and stream another album-of-the-year contender in “Levitate,” out now worldwide via Spinefarm Records.

Stay connected with VRSTY, visit: https://www.vrsty.nyc/, https://www.instagram.com/vrsty.nyc/ and https://www.facebook.com/vrsty.nyc/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

The amazing Sharon den Adel has made her long-awaited return, and not just on IUF, but with a brand new album from Within Temptation, titled “Bleed Out.” We last spoke with Sharon during the early days of the pandemic, and boy oh boy, times have changed since then. 3 years have gone by in a blink, and it's been a breath of fresh air getting the chance to speak to a renowned voice in heavy metal in today's age. Nearly 3 decades in, Sharon and her bandmates continue to refine the sound of symphonic metal, and it serves as a testament on “Bleed Out.” It's their first album since 2019's “Resist,” and it was more than worth the wait. We also dive into her solo project, called My Indigo, and what the future holds for that avenue from here on out. Within Temptation have routinely been credited as this powerhouse in the symphonic metal movement; The fans and even the new up-and-coming bands have cited them as influential to what they do. Sharon has been one of the most humble people we've ever had the privilege of speaking to, and we also want to thank her for her positive impact on the community. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this newest epic from the Dutch giants. “Bleed Out” is out now worldwide.

Stay connected with Within Temptation, visit: https://www.within-temptation.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wtofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/wtofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

We recently welcomed back seasoned veteran guitarist Travis Miguel onto the podcast. It's been a couple of years traversing through the pandemic, and now with the world wide open again, Travis gets us caught up with everything he's been working on. Whether it's touring with metalcore giants Atreyu, or building the foundation with his side project, Fake Figures, Travis talks about his long artistic journey that he's been grateful for. Aside from this, we also talk about this influences, what the future holds for him and his bandmates, and the songwriting ideas that went behind the latest Fake Figures' EP, titled “From Within.” Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this new record, out now worldwide via War Against Records.

Stay connected with Fake Figures, visit: https://www.waragainstrecords.com/fakefigures, https://www.instagram.com/fakefigures/, and https://www.facebook.com/fakefigures/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Welcome to Rose City. Metalcore music of the modern era has been on the rise, and at a breakneck pace too, thanks to Portland, Oregon-based group Dying Wish pushing the movement forward. We were recently joined by the viciously talented frontwoman Emma Boster to talk about her beginnings with the band that kicked off in 2018. Five years into the gig, and two albums in, Dying Wish have amassed over 2.1 million Spotify streams and counting. Additionally, including widespread critical acclaim from outlets like Kerrang and Revolver magazine in the process. Emma talks about the successful path she and her bandmates have been on, and while they are gaining recognition, the focus stays the same: Continue pushing their talents and to keep the creative juices flowing while making the music they love. Plenty of this evidence can be heard on their latest record, “Symptoms Of Survival.” From songwriting, to personal experiences, and the chemistry that has been built from the start, Dying Wish pummels the listener into oblivion with this blistering journey of a record, leaving the consumer wanting for more. OH, and lastly, we should mention that Emma is a die hard Portland Trail Blazers fan, and this interview took place not long after the trade of Blazers' superstar Damian Lillard. We ask Emma about her thoughts on the trade, and what the future holds for her beloved team. This interview has everything. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream Dying Wish's “Symptoms Of Survival,” out now worldwide through Sharptone Records.

Stay connected with Dying Wish, visit: https://dyingwishofficial.com/, https://www.instagram.com/dyingwishhc/ and https://www.facebook.com/DyingWish503/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Siblings, artists, and talented chemistry. Anastasia and Max Haunt have all the tools to put together one of the rising bands in the contemporary alt-pop scene. We were recently joined by this duo to talk about their short yet successful journey in the last 8 years. The Haunt, who have been receiving widespread critical acclaim from their 2021 EP, “Social Intercourse,” have returned with “Dead On Arrival,” which more than picks up where they left off from their previous record. After receiving praise from outlets like Revolver, Outburn, and Alternative Press, it was important for Max, Anastasia, and the rest of the band to stay the course and build from the success. Even though it may be a challenging attitude approach with a young talented group like The Haunt, they make it look like seasoned vets in the industry. “Dead On Arrival” is out now worldwide via Nettwerk Music Group.

Stay connected with The Haunt, visit: https://thehauntband.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wearethehauntand https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheHaunt/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Taking the sound of death metal back to its roots; We are joined by drummer Morten Hansen from danish-based band Asinhell. Morten, alongside bandmates from other heavy metal acts, Michael Poulsen (Volbeat), and Marc Grewe (Morgoth), didn't take long for their chemistry to develop into a full-fledged three piece. We talk to Morten about his relationship with his bandmates that served as a key factor into forming Asinhell in 2022. After a few sessions in a garage while catching the attention from one the worlds biggest heavy metal labels in Metal Blade, came their debut full-length LP “Impii Hora,” roughly translated from Latin to Ungodly Hour. While this may be a passionate side-project, Asinhell have picked up plenty of momentum, and “Impii Hora” is a testament to that combination of talents. Tune in now to our interview with Morten and be sure to buy and stream the new album from Asinhell, out now worlwide via Metal Blade Records.

Stay connected with Asinhell, visit: https://asinhell.com/, https://www.instagram.com/asinhellmusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/AsinhellMusic/

Black metal. But make it western. We welcome frontman Shane McCarthy from Colorado-based black metal outfit, Wayfarer. In this episode of IUF, Shane talks about the 11-plus-year journey for the band, leading up to their fifth studio album, titled “American Gothic.” Powerful riffing, bleak melodic sensibilities and visceral songwriting have cemented Wayfarer as one of the modern innovators of the genre. Black metal may have been born in the Scandinavian countries of Northern Europe and the UK, but Wayfarer have now put in a twist of their own from the Western part of the globe. “American Gothic” showcases this creativity in tremendous fashion. In addition, Shane also talks about his love for Metallica and his first-ever experience in seeing the thrash legends in the flesh, and last but not least, his new chapter in life as a newlywed. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream “American Gothic,” out worldwide on October 27 via Profound Lore Records.

Stay connected with Wayfarer, visit: https://wayfarercolorado.bandcamp.com/album/american-gothic, https://www.instagram.com/wayfarercolorado/ and https://www.facebook.com/wayfarercolorado/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Deathcore will never die. We welcome back a seasoned frontman from one of the genre's finest, Scott Lewis of Carnifex. Now reaching 18 years of brutality, the San Diego-based outfit continues to raise the bar with their upcoming 9th album, “Necromanteum.” Scott sits with us today to talk about the band's journey and bringing that level of consistency to his musicianship. We also dive back into Scott's talents away from the stage, and that entails his work as a published author, including his love for horror films. Plenty of themes and major afterlife concepts come into play with the majesty that is “Necromanteum,” and with Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect soundtrack to get you prepped. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this highly-anticipated album from Carnifex, unleashing hell on October 6 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Carnifex, visit: http://www.carnifexmetal.com/, https://www.instagram.com/Carnifex/ and https://www.facebook.com/CarnifexMetal

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

The French are coming. Lyon's post-metal outfit Resolve have returned with their highly-anticipated sophomore effort, “Human.” We talk to bassist Robin Mariat about the formation of the band and the years leading up to their debut album “Between Me And The Machine” in 2021. Not only was that album a solid effort, but it was a product of work that put them on the map of the new generation of metalcore bands. Robin also talks about the writing and production processes which saw the band members raise the bar for each other, musically and artistically. “Human” is an album that delivers a unique take on the outlook of this wild wild planet we live in. This record not only showcases the talent for Resolve on a whole other level sonically, but it also displays the maturity of songwriting; A recipe for success and growing musicianship. Tune in now to our interview Robin, and be sure to buy and stream “Human,” out now worldwide via Arising Empire.

Stay connected with Resolve, visit: https://resolveofficial.co/, https://www.instagram.com/resolveofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/resolveofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/