Inner-Strength Check Podcast

Inner-Strength Check Podcast

by Brady
LeisureMusic

Ep. 76: [Interview] with NED SMELLY of Party-Grinders GOPHER (AU).

GOPHER is part party-metal, part grindcore, part slam, part hardcore two-piece from Australia & unlike anything you’ve heard before! Grab your durries, pack a bowl, nab your passed-out roomies' nangs and get ready to rock on down to an undisclosed beach-location with myself and NED SMELLY. We have a good old yarn about the project, influences, plans for the live front in future and more. From the mouths of these two nutters comes the bands' bio: Originally hailing from Fanny Barks, UK, and forming in 1790, after having arrived on the first fleet to what was known back then as The British Colony of New South Wales, these two rotting, stinking, bubbling corpses that are GOPHER, have wasted no time piecing together their astonishing, must hear debut album ‘Tunnel Buddies’, set for release on May 1st. You can check out the full show notes including recent singles 'Tunnel Buddies' and 'Party In The Sky', LP order links, additional artist media and more at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog - GOPHER - LINKS: Facebook: www.facebook.com/gopheramassage Instagram: Instagram: @gopheramasage Youtube: YouTube.com/@gopheramassage - As Always, Peace, Love and (Party)-Grindcore - Brady.
E76
May 22, 2026
18:35

Ep. 77: [Interview[ with JOHANNES ECKERSTROM of AVATAR (SWE).

Being too bloody good at his job and therefore stuck with myself admist all the other journos on the podcast earlier this week, was vocalist Johannes Eckerstrom of the uniquely out-there Scandinavian metal-troupe Avatar. Despite being parked up in a cosy hotel bed, Johannes was fully engaged, banter dialled to 'Full Sweden', and looking hugely forward to a return to our shores in August. From the man himself, as part of our discussion about their recent successful overseas leg of the tour cycle, he/they have been receiving universally positive live responses to recent whacky LP Don’t Go In The Forest. They're known for a bombastic show, which we also discuss, but methinks the bands' unhinged musical/performative arc will translate well to Aus/NZ shores. Check out the show notes for ticket links, tour info, additional artist media, links and more at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog/ Big Thanks to 'The One Man Army' John Howarth & ThePhoenix.AU for facilitating this chat and what is surely set to be an out-there tour. Peace, Love And Clowncore, Brady.
E77
May 22, 2026
17:10

Ep. 78: [Interview] with MATT HARVEY of EXHUMED (US) Ahead of 2026 Australian Tour.

What a legendary opportunity this was for one little grindcore-goblinoid such as me. Joining me on the Inner-Strength Check Podcast to talk touring, musicianship, EXHUMED, LEFT TO DIE (US) and the upcoming tour (including shows with none other than the mighty ORIGIN (US)!) is none other than grind-star vocalist/guitarist MATT HARVEY! Matt's a chilled dude behind the mic, but that's because he's bringing decades of veterancy from the likes of Exhumed, Gruesome and Left To Die, among many other experiences. There's absolutely nothing like an Exhumed show, so don't disappoint Matt, the Exhumed lads... or the Doctor. Ticket links and tour info available via the associated show notes for Episode 78 at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog. As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore (Not Just A Slogan This Time Either), Brady
E78
May 25, 2026
18:52

Ep. 79: [Interview] with BILL STEVENSON of DESCENDENTS (US) Ahead Of AU/NZ Tour This Week.

Now this is one that makes my punk-rock heart sing! A very privileged opportunity to chat with Bill Stevenson, drummer from a band that were hugely formative in my heavy/alternative/punk-rock journey, and likely yours too - The Descendents! Going one better, we're also discussing an upcoming tour where they'll be playing a full onslaught of landmark 90's punk LP Everything Sucks and more, as part of the 'Run Down Under' Australian/New Zealand tour which kicks off in two days - right near my place down at Barwon Heads Hotel! We'll catch you guys both at this date and the Forum show on the 5th in Melbourne. Come say hi, we don't bite. Most of the time. Bill and I also discuss said tour, thoughts about returning to Australia, longevity with touring, playing different sized venues and a bunch more. Bill's a charismatic guy and the punk youthful energy is palpable to this day! Full details on the upcoming tour including ticket links, tour dates, etc, available shortly alongside the video interview at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog. - BONUS! Given my spiel at the end of the interview about really wanting to obtain more independent/underground punk-rock, today's Featured Artist is hardcore-punk criminal quarter US Bastards. Details of the upcoming release also included in our show notes - their upcoming LP Negligent Discharge is due for release on June 19th, 2026. - As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady.
E79
Jun 1, 2026
29:29

Ep. 80: [Interview] with RYAN PRIMARCH of POISON THE WELL (US).

17 years - can you believe it?! Seventeen years since my gob was last smacked around pretty firmly by these metalcore/post-hardcore heroes in Poison The Well. And now, the Hardcore Gods have seen it fit for Australia to be blessed with poisoned drinking devices once more. Almost two decades later, guitarist and all-around riff-creation maestro Ryan Primarch graciously joins me at the end of a long run of interviews after a VERY convenient power outage on my end prior, to discuss: the Japanese PtW tour and crowd response to newer material, thoughts on touring Australia, re-entering the touring circuit after a long period of semi-hiatus, and more. Check out the podcast episode show notes also detailing local support additions across the Australian tour, ticket links, additional media and more goodies for poisoning wells, at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog. Video version of the interview also available via the above show notes at our Youtube Channel, simply search @innerstrengthcheck! Also included are three Featured Tracks which have been approved by artists/label for airplay. See show notes for additional album order links, artist details and more for: TORNADO LOBSTER KILLER (Milan, Italy): ‘Rhya’ from the upcoming LP, Lobsteria MANEATING ORCHID (Bangalore, India): ‘Binary Contagion’ from latest LP Cold Logic, released Fri 5th June, via Subcontinental Records, and APOSTLE (Atlanta, US): ‘Exiting The God Hologram’, from the LP A Split In The Infinite Noumenon, released Fri 5th June, via Terminus Hate City. As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady.
E80
Jun 9, 2026
31:47

Ep. 81: [Interview] with DEZ FAFARA of DEVILDRIVER (US).

Another very lucky honour and privilege here at Inner-Strength Check Podcast! As the man fronting Coal Chamber and, later on and to date, Devildriver, vocalist Dez Fafara has been around the block a few times. That also includes our block, and having seen the 'Driver a fair few times (as well as a lucky CC slot at Soundwave one time), he's definitely a frontman who knows how to work an audience. We discuss returning to Australia, the upcoming album release, the imminent tour alongside the UK's Cradle of Filth and more. BONUS: Inner-Strength Check Radio! All tracks featured on the episode have accompanying album-order, artist links, music video/album/single streaming links and more. Check all of that as well as ticket links and info for the upcoming DD/CC Australian tour at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog This episode's featured tracks are: 1. 'Soldier of Fortune' from French heavy/speed-metallers IRON SLAUGHT. New album Metallic Torment is out July 10th via Gates of Hell Records. 2. 'No Blade of Grass' by Tasmania's own tech-death veterans PSYCROPTIC. New album 'The Pulse of Annihilation' releases July 17th via Metal Blade Records. 3. 'Necropolitan Line' by stoner-rock crew GREEN LUNG (UK) - a tribute to the Necropolitan Line in London, from upcoming LP Necropolitan, releasing 11th September, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. 4. 'Pyre' from CONTROL THE SUN (AUS), a brand-spankin' new progressive rock/metal act from Western Australia. 5. 'Repulsion', title-track from the Swedish thrash-metallers DEAD SLEEP's EP, Repulsion (Released Independently, Fri 26th June 2026). As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady.
E81
Jul 1, 2026
49:14

Ep. 82 - [Interview] w/ BORISZ SARAFUTGYINOV & BASTIAN HERZOG of FLESHCRAWL (GER).

You know what they say - if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Here with another instalment of their timeless brand of buzzsaw-laden old-school death metal assault, are Borisz Sarafugyinov and Bastian Herzog of German death-dealers FLESHCRAWL. With latest LP 'Epitome of Carnage' hacking heads and taking names across streaming platforms and stages, we discuss the bands' organic studio and live performance processes, songwriting, changes in the extreme metal scene over time and more. Included in today's podcast episode is a raft of extra goodies - not only have we got full details, singles and other media regarding 'Epitome of Carnage', we also have additional artist info, press releases, media links and more for FUMING MOUTH, DATURA LODGE, THE NOCTAMBULANT and SALLOW MOTH from the US, as well as Chilean rippers... RIPPER! Thanks for taking the time to listen to our podcast. Every bit of engagement and listenership is truly appreciated. Full episode details available at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog. ---- FEATURED ARTISTS: Fuming Mouth (Massachusetts, USA) - ‘Cheat Death’, the first track from the upcoming LP The Ringing Bell (Out July 17th via Triple B Records). Track provided with thanks to Fuming Mouth & Secret Service PR. The Noctambulant (Jacksonville, USA) - ‘Bring The Sorrow’, 2nd track from the upcoming LP Revival (Out Sept 18th via Terminus Hate Records). Track provided with thanks to The Noctambulant & C-Squared Music. Datura Lodge (New Jersey, USA) - ‘Mummy’ from upcoming LP Datura Lodge (Out Oct 2nd via ARQUEN Records). Sallow Moth (Dallas, USA) - ‘Distended in Panglacial Advent’, 2nd track from the upcoming LP Hydrophilous Brood (Out 24th July via Willowtip Records). Track provided with thanks to Sallow Moth & Viral Propaganda PR. Ripper (Chile) - ‘Towards Rebirth’, title-track from upcoming LP Towards Rebirth (Out July 24th via Dark Descent Records). Track Provided with thanks to Ripper & Clawhammer PR.
E82
Jul 3, 2026
46:28

Ep. 83: [Interview] with DANI FILTH of CRADLE OF FILTH (UK) Ahead of Australian Tour (This Week!).

It's not often we get to interview frontmen from not one but two bands co-headlining massive Australian tours, but here we are! Today on Inner-Strength Check Podcast, I'm joined by the one and only iconic Dani Filth of seminal UK extreme-metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH. A band who virtually need no introduction, they're a household name for a reason. With a grandiose, savage and blistering live show, they're hitting the airport to bundle in with DEVILDRIVER (US) for a tour that starts Thursday, 14th July in Brisbane! Thanks once again to Dani and Nuclear Blast for facilitating a cool chat - love the decor in your gaming room, mate! Show notes, including tour details, ticket link, additional Cradle media & links PLUS similar details for the artists featured in the episode (see below), all available at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog Don't sleep on the Cradle/Devildriver tickets - word is they're filling up! --- As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady. ---- FEATURED ARTISTS: 1. VULGAR MEPHITIS (US) - 'Martyr' From the upcoming Dust LP - 11.09.26 (via Willowtip Records) 2. VAEOVON (NZ - apologies for typo in title-text on vid!) - 'Death Proclamation' from Spiritual Nullification LP - 20.04.26 (Gutter Prince Cabal) 3. GOLD SPIRE (SWE) - 'Steps Into Shadow' From: Steps Into Shadow LP - 19.06.26 (Awakening Records), and 4. UR ZIRKEL (GER) - 'Niebo' From: In Silbernen Sprachen LP - 09.10.26 (Independent)
E83
Jul 7, 2026
43:46

Ep. 84: [Interview] w/ GREG MCINTOSH of PARADISE LOST (UK).

Doomin' across the world for decades now, Greg McIntosh of the iconic gothic/doom-metal outfit PARADISE LOST are one of the UK's finest veteran exports. Greg's also an introspective thinker and thus we had a lot to discuss from touring internationally, songwriting and influences, to much broader themes around music and life in general. Many thanks to Greg and Nuclear Blast Australia for facilitating an interesting discussion! Tickets are still onsale for the 2026 Australian Tour, kicking off in October. Check the blog for show notes where you'll be able to order tickets, double-check tour/venue dates mentioned in the episode and more. Stick around afterwards as we're featuring four tracks from across the heavy-globe for another edition of Inner-Strength Check Radio: ANTRHAX (US), MELECHESH (INTL), ANNIHILUS MUNDI (US) & CORROSION OF CONFORMITY (US)! Time-Stamps: 0:00 - Intro & Interview with Greg McIntosh 27:47 - Inner-Strength Check Radio Intro @AnthraxBandOfficial [Heavy News]/Featured Track - 'The Edge of Perfection' 38:23 - [Heavy News]/Featured Track: @melechesh (US) - 'Raptors of Anzu' 46:53 - [Heavy News]/Featured Track: ANNIHILUS MUNDI (US) - 'Absolute Terror', and 56:09 - [Heavy News]/Featured Track: CORROSION OF CONFORMITY (US) - 'Baad Man' Refer to the accompanying show notes on our blog for each artist above re: album/EP order links, additional music videos/additional artist media, artist/label links, etc at: https://www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog As Always, Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady.
E84
Jul 18, 2026
1:02:51

Ep. 85: [Interview] with JASON PEPPIAT of Tasmania’s PSYCROPTIC (AUS).

Gearing up for a massive co-headliner tour with jazzy progressive death metal unit RIVERS OF NIHIL (UK) next week across Australia. Here to chat recently on the Inner-Strength Check Podcast with me was none other than JASON PEPPIAT, 20+-year frontman and vocalist for these hardworking death-metal Devils. Having caught a listen to 'The Pulse of Annihilation' prior to release, we discuss Jason's thoughts on/experiences with recording the album, lyrics and songwriting as well as touring generally/domestically, plus what he's looking forward to for the upcoming tour. Check out the show notes, available soon over at: www.innerstrengthcheckpodcast.com/blog These include further Heavy News features, links to media/tours/merch and more for our featured artists on this episode's ISC Radio: ZVINDIYAR (Bahrain), PSYCROPTIC (Australia), NINTH REALM (US) & MINDVILE (Spain/US). All tracks featured have been endorsed for airplay. See show notes for invidual release details, order links, additional singles etc. Peace, Love and Grindcore, Brady.
E85
Aug 9, 2026
42:36
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