Interview with Six Feet Under Frontman Chris Barnes

We recently phoned up Six Feet Under vocalist Chris Barnes to talk to him about the title of his band's new album Death Rituals, death as creative subject matter, his approach to songwriting, his interest in touring with Cannibal Corpse and the strength of the current death metal scene. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahn (Pt. 2)

In the second part of our exclusive podcast interview with Shawn Crahan, Slipknot's maniacal percussionist and resident artist discusses how he discovered photography, the magic of digital imagery, manipulating machines to "go against the programming," his obsession with death, why his old group To My Surprise broke up and how his new band Dirty Little Rabbits just might save his creative soul. Check it out here.

Interview with Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahan (Pt. 1)

In part one of our two-part podcast with Shawn "Clown" Crahan, Slipknot's percussionist talks about how pain inspires great art, the bones that have broken on the road supporting Slipknot’s new record All Hope is Gone and why it’s not so great to have a number one album. The rock n’ roll Sensei also discusses the next “Voliminal”-style DVD he’s planning to edit for Slipknot, the screenplay he’s been writing for five years and how filming his father’s ashes after he was cremated changed his life for the better. Check it out here.

Podcast interview with ex-Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul

In our podcast interview with Vinnie Paul, the ex-Pantera drummer talked about how he and his dad assembled the book “Dimebag Darrell: He Came to Rock!” the legacy of Pantera, how label reps used to try to convince the band members and producer Terry Date to integrate alternative and industrial styles within their songs and how Damageplan were misunderstood for most of their short career. Paul also recalled the time Dime met Eddie Van Halen, and he broke the news about an authorized Dime book by Nick Bowcott and announced plans to broadcast his cover band Gasoline’s 2009 New Years show over the Internet. Click here to listen to the podcast.

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

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.

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.

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.

Interview with Dillinger Escape Plan Escape Man Ben Weinman

In addition to clarifying the facts regarding why Dillinger Escape Plan recently dropped off a tour with Suicide Silence and explaining what's going on with Dillinger's currently vacant drummer seat, the band's guitarist Ben Weinman filled us in on his plans for Dillinger's next album, the band's upcoming DVD, his opinion of deathcore and his new line of heavy metal t-shirts for dogs. Click here to download the podcast.

interview with The Red Chord vocalist Guy Kozowyk

In our podcast interview with The Red Chord vocalist Guy Kozowyk, we discussed the highlights of the Energy Mayhem tour, why he mocks Suicide Silence (he calls them Spermicide Silence) and their ilk, the next album by The Red Chord and how falling asleep behind the wheel of a touring van has become practically a way of life. Click here to download the podcast.

Interview with Gojira Frontman Joe Duplantier

We tracked down Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier at his home in France to discuss the creation of the band's new album The Way of All Flesh, what inspired him to write an album about death, what he thinks awaits beyond the abyss, his contributions to the Cavalera Conspiracy and why the French metal scene is stronger now than it has been in years.

Click here to listen.

interview with All That Remains Singer Phil Labonte

In our weekly podcast interview, HeadbangersBlog.com talked to All That Remains singer Phil Labonte about the eclectic songwriting on the band's new record, Overcome, the increasing emphasis on melody and the band’s experience working with wingnut producer Jason Suecof. In the process, Labonte addressed the current economic climate, the basic code of morality mankind seems to have forgotten and the misconception that All That Remains is a Christian metal band.
Listen to the podcast here.

Interview with Motorhead Frontman Lemmy Kilmister

HeadbangersBlog.com recently caught up with the Baron of Bad-ass to talk about Motorizer, the Metal Masters Tour, the advantages of dying young, nearly being crushed by a huge stage prop and the sorry state of the music industry. Click here to listen to podcast.

Interview with Cannibal Corpse Bassist Alex Webster

During our podcast interview with Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster, the band's main songwriter talks about the group's upcoming studio album, the seven-plus hour DVD set "Centuries of Torment" (which came out July 8 ) and the recent reconciliation with former lyricist Chris Barnes. Webster also discussed the seeming normalcy of serial killers, America's obsession with the macabre, the return of genuinely unnerving movies, the horrors of digital technology, the new generation of goregrind and more. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Bleeding Through Singer Brandan Scheippati

During an off day on the band's tour with Bullet For My Valentine, we sat down with Bleeding Through singer Brandan Schieppati and discussed the quagmire the band fell into with Trustkill Records, how it rubbed off on the new songs, how the singer was convinced he wad dying from cancer, the misconception that Bleeding Thorough would pull an Atreyu for this disc and get all commercial, and the band's determination to forge ahead and fight to persevere in the face of a record industry that seems to be collapsing like a deck of cards. Click here to download the podcast.

Podcast interview with Trivium Frontman Matt Heafy

In our exclusive podcast interview with Trivium frontman Matt Heafy, we discussed his Japanese ancestry, the growth the band have undergone since The Crusade, the creation of the new songs, recording in Nashville with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Death Angel, Shadows Fall) and the politics of metal. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Nachtmystium frontman Blake Judd

To get to the bottom of Nachtmystium's blackened, ethereal souls we tracked down frontman Blake Judd at his home in Chicago and talked about his musical motivations, his label Battle Kommand Records, why his group signed to Century Media, the indulgences that color his brand of psychedelia and who a metal band has to sleep with to get a burger named after it. Click here to listen to the podcast.

interview with Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono

We recently talked with Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono about the band’s subversive aesthetic, unyielding determination and the life lessons it has learned through adversity. In the process, the singer also addressed Kataklysm’s dramatic history, the lyrical themes of their new album Prevail, and the optimism he tries to maintain in perilous times. Click here to hear the podcast.

Interview with Mastodon bassist and singer Troy Sanders

During our podcast interview with Mastodon singer and bassist Troy Sanders, we discussed the importance of mystery, the musical direction of the new material, the band’s new vocal style, the influence of King Crimson, Yes and Frank Zappa and why Mastodon chose to record its upcoming album in Atlanta. We also addressed the band’s work ethic, why they played three new tunes at Bonnaroo and what 2009 holds in store for one of metal’s most groundbreaking and mesmerizing giants. Check out the podcast here.

Interview with Slipknot Singer Corey Taylor

During our exclusive podcast interview with Corey Taylor, Slipknot's singer discussed: the creation of the new disc All Hope is Gone; the ever-present studio tensions that allow Slipknot to create such explosive albums; the volatile political climate in America and why he's not voting in the 2008 election; the rewards and responsibilities of being a father and the personal hardships he was able to temporarily escape during the making of the new record. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Between the Buried and Me Guitarist Paul Waggoner

While Between the Buried and Me were in Europe, we talked to guitarist Paul Waggoner about the band's efforts to remain original, the difference between experimentation and self-indulgence, the group's upcoming DVD and its next studio record. Waggoner also filled us in on the final show shenanigans of the Progressive Nation tour and his favorite prog and metal bands of all time. Listen to the podcast here.
http://a1926.g.akamai.net/downloadstor.download.akamai.com/10768/mtv.com/downloads/mp3/b/between_the_buried_and_me/betweentheburiedandme.mp3

Interview with Suicide Silence Frontman Mitch Lucker

Aside from touring their asses off, which they've done pretty non-stop since the record came out, Suicide Silence have spent some time writing and recording new songs for their follow up, and according to singer Mitch Lucker, the new stuff blows their deubt, The Cleansing, away. Constant touring has made Suicide Silence better players and improved their musical chemistry. In addition, the next album won't be recorded live in the studio the way The Cleansing was, and the band will spend much longer in pre-production before they begin tracking.

Lucker shared these nuggets of wisdom with HeadbangersBlog.com during our exclusive podcast interview. In addition, he discussed the band's origins and history, his obsessive compulsive disorder, contempt for categorization -- especially deathcore -- and hopes for the Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour. Also, Lucker talked about the bands Suicide Silence have toured with and revealed some of the group's most extreme antics and puke stories. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Cradle of Filth Frontman Dani "Filth" Davey

Headbangersblog.com recently talked with Cradle of Filth frontman Dani “Filth” Davey about the sound of the band's new album, why he decided to to tell the story of 15th Century serial killer Julles De Rais, the band’s new drummer Martin Skaroupka, recording in the country with producer Andy Sneap and upcoming tours with Gorgoroth and Satyricon. Davey also filled us in on the song her wrote for Dario Argento’s new horror film “Mother of Tears,” the horror-themed video he wants to do for the new record and the long-awaited history book he wrote with Gavin Baddeley, "Gospel of Filth: A Bible of Decadence and Darkness,” which he hopes will be out by Halloween — around the time the new record drops. Click more to hear the podcast.

Interview with Job For a Cowboy Singer Jonny Davy

In our exclusive podcast interview, Job For a Cowboy singer Jonny Davy candidly addresses his upbringing as a bastard son, how he discovered extreme metal and the birth of the band. He also discusses Job’s evolution from deathcore to death metal, the band’s plans for the next album, conspiracy theories and his support for illicit music downloading. Check out the podcast here.

Interview with Korn Frontman Jonathan Davis

In our exclusive podcast interview, Korn singer Jonathan Davis dispelled rumors the band was breaking up and revealed that the group will re-enter the studio in November with producer Ross Robinson, who worked on Korn’s first two records, Korn (1994) and Life is Peachy (1996). Davis also filled us in on how he’d love to eventually work with ex-guiarist Brian "Head" Welch again, how he may never again share the stage with former drummer David Silveria, the progress he’s making on his first solo album and his upcoming collaboration with Clive Barker. Click here to download the podcast.

Interview with Behemoth Frontman Adam "Nergal" "Darski

During our podcast interview with Behemoth frontman Adam “Nergal” Darski, we talked about the band's recent tour with Dimmu Borgir, upcoming the new studio EP and live album, the possibility of a live DVD, keeping partying under control and the trouble Nergal caused onstage in Poland by tearing up a Bible. Click here for the podcast.

Interview with Opeth Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt

In the Headbangers Ball Blog Opeth interview podcast, frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt talks about his musical goals for the band's new album Watershed, his personal approach to the lyrics and how having children has made him more angry and aware. He also addressed the musical changes new guitarist Fredrik Åkesson has brought to the band, the impact The Zombies and The Hollies had on the new disc and why he chose to cover songs by Pat Travers and Alice in Chains. Listen to podcast here.

Interview with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy

We recently talked to Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy about the birth of his Progressive Nation tour (which features Dream Theater, Opeth, 3 and Between the Buried and Me); his background in prog metal; the genre's history; Dream Theater's recently released compilation Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs); and how the band almost broke up after their only top 10 radio hit "Pull Me Under." Portnoy was also candid about being a control freak and how alcohol and drug abuse almost ruined his life. Click here to download the podcast.

Interview with Disturbed Frontman David Draiman

In our in-depth and revealing podcast interview, Disturbed frontman David Draiman discussed the band’s three-week tour, which starts April 26 in Little Rock, Arkansas and runs through May 17 in Columbus, Ohio; the Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour that kicks off July 9 in Auburn, Washington; the torrents of aggression behind the group's new album Indestructible (which drops June 3); the meaning of the album title; his past battles with substances and circumstance; his experience playing for U.S. troops overseas and the betrayal he’s encountered in his search for a soul mate. Download the podcast here.

Interview with Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho

A few days before flying from Finland to Denver for the launch of this year's Gigantour, Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho talked to Headbangers Ball Blog about the meaning of the band's new album Blooddrunk, the influence of Megadeth, the magnetic lure of the road, the attraction of alcohol and how scorching metal stopped him from cutting himself to ribbons. Download the podcast here.

interview with black metal photographer Peter Beste

To prepare for the May 22 release of Peter Beste's photo book"True Norwegian Black Metal," Headbangers Ball Blog conducted a podcast interview with Beste about the contents of the book, his initiation into the black metal cadre, his background as a photographer and some of his most memorable experiences hanging with heroes, villains and legends of the genre. Download the podcast here.

Interview with The Sword Frontman J.D. Cronise

The singer, guitarist and songwriter for Austin's finest doom metal band talks about the creation of The Sword's new album, Gods of the Earth, the meaning of songs like "The Frost-Giant's Daughter" and "Fire Lances of the Ancient Hyperzephyrians," the metal scene in Austin, Texas and the birth and ascendancy of the band most likely to reclaim the power, glory, magic and majesty of Middle Earth. Click here to listen to the podcast interview with J.D. Cronise.

Interview with Deicide frontman Glen Benton

During the Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Deicide frontman Glen Benton, we talked about the band's new album Till Death Do Us Part, the tragedy of matrimony, the hypocrisy of the media, how working with a record label is as futile as entering into a bad marriage and how he's much more interested in being a good father these days than an icon of the Satanic metal underworld. Click here to hear the podcast.

interview with Nile frontman Karl Sanders

During our podcast interview with Nile frontman Karl Sanders, we talked about the strength of the band's most recent album Ithyphallic, the surprises in store on their tour with Suicide Silence and Warbringer, plans for Nile's next record, the backlash they've received from some old-school fans and their rumored rivalry with Behemoth. Sanders also revealed the origin of his fixation with Egyptian history and mythology, what's so fascinating about ancient civilizations and why fans of Steven King should hunt down some books by H.P. Lovecraft. Download the podcast here.

Demon Hunter Interview

In our Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Demon Hunter frontman Ryan Clark, we discussed the band's atypical business model, Ryan and his brother Don's day jobs as graphic designers, the band's upcoming tour, the Living Sacrifice reunion, the musical growth Demon Hunter have undergone over the years, whether fans of Christian metal are less likely to download music illegally than fans of black metal and the many late nights Demon Hunter actually spend sleeping. Check out the podcast here.

Interview with DevilDriver Frontman Dez Fafara

In the MTV Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with DevilDriver frontman Dez Fafara, we discuss the ailing music industry; the subversive nature of his band and the success they’ve had in spite of disapproving glances from record executives; the group’s current tour with Napalm Death, 36 Crazyfists and Invitro; the singer’s off-the-wall solo album of Native American flute music; his past history with Coal Chamber; and his conviction that stretching boundaries helps him maintain artistic integrity.

Click here to hear the MP3 podcast interview with Devildriver's Dez Fafara.

Interview with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost Frontman Tom G. Warrior

Headbangersblog recently placed a long-distance call to the bowels of Hell for a podcast interview with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost frontman Tom Gabriel Warrior to discuss: why he decided to finally release Hellhammer's demos on CD as Demon Entrails; the psychic and spiritual pain that birthed the band; the scathing reactions the group received during its existence; the ultimate influence they've had over the years on bands ranging from Mayhem to Sepultura and the possibility of a Hellhammer reunion. We also chatted with Warrior about the inspiration behind Celtic Frost; the band's enormous accomplishments in the metal underground; their failed attempt at being a spandex-clad hair metal band on 1988's Cold Lake; the eventual breakup of Frost; their resurrection with 2006's colossal Monotheist; and the band's next studio album.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Interview with Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn

In our Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn, the sarcastic, fun-loving metalman talks losing this year's metal Grammy to Slayer, the tragedies that have marred the band's triumphant tours, the rewards of shooting a good video, trying to match Hellyeah's Vinnie Paul shot for shot and what he'd pay to see Arch Enemy singer Angela Gossow in an adult diaper. Click here for the podcast.

Interview with Napalm Death Singer Barney Greenway

During the Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview with Napalm Death singer Barney Greenway, the frontman talked about the history of grindcore, the dangers of organized religion, the follow-up to 2006's Smear Campaign, the way bands that break up get more credit than those that stick around and Napalm's upcoming tour with DevilDriver and Walls of Jericho.
Download the podcast here.

interview with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine

In our latest Headbangers Ball Blog podcast interview, we talk with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine about the recent departure of guitarist Glen Drover left, how his repacement Chris Broderick (ex-Nevermore) entered the band, how he chose the bands for this year's Gigantour, the recent resurrection of thrash metal, the disappointing absence of strong Presidential candidates and why you should fork out the cash for a pot of his delicious custom coffee. Download the podcast here.

Bullet For My Valentine interview with frontman Matt Tuck

While touring for their last album, The Poison, Bullet For My Valentine frontman Matt Tuck suffered numerous throat infections, and by the time the band entered the studio to start recording, he could hardly carry a tune. To remedy the problem, Tuck underwent surgery and the vocal rehabilitation that followed, which substantially delayed the creation of their new album, Scream Aim Fire.

During our podcast interview, Tuck talked about his agonizing throat problems, the creation of the new disc, the stress of being part of the music industry, the spoils of success and the horrors of war.

Download the Bullet For My Valentine podcast here.

Exclusive interview with Dethklok

In the following podcast interview with Dethklok, singer Nathan, Explosion, guitarist Swisgaar Skwigelf and drummer Pickles discuss why so many people around them die, why they sued each other, how bassist Murderface doesn't play his instrument in the studio and what's so exciting about helium balloons. So, while the band's heralded reality show "Metalocalypse" is on hiatus, enjoy this rare conversation with the supreme masters of metal. And, prepare to meet your maker.

High on Fire interview with frontman Matt Pike

In this week's Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast, we interview singer and guitarist Matt Pike from the stormin' psychedelic High on Fire. The group recently released the highly acclaimed album Death is This Communion, and will be one of the band's featured on this year's Gigantour, which starts April 28 in Quebec City, Quebec.

During our interview, Pike talked about ascending the metal ladder, the art of complex riffing, breaking out of the stoner-rock box, the spirituality beneath the Fire, the influence of Megadeth, the politics listeners miss in his music and plans for the follow-up to Death is This Communion.

Click here for the complete podcast.

Interview with Pig Destroyer's J.R. Hayes

In our Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast interview with Pig Destroyer's J.R. Hayes, the singer discusses why he likes to be called a misogynist (even though he isn’t one), his struggle with depression and anxiety, why he hates shooting videos, how Pig Destroyer will never tour more than a few days at a time and the bitterness and hate that makes the band's new album Phantom Limb so powerful.