Einar Selvik Talks First Wardruna Tour Of the USA, Vikings And More


Though his musical output with Wardruna, his work on the score of History Channel’s hit show Vikings, his many collaborations with other bands and his solo work Einar “Kvitrafn” Selvik has helped keep traditional Norse music alive. With Wardruna’s “Rune Trilogy” and most recently through his solo EP release Snake Pit Poetry (By Norse), Selvik continues to explore these ancient themes, but still relevant to our modern world through lyrics and instrumentation. By keeping some piece of this art in both worlds, he is also creating something new and fresh in the world of heavy music. Ghost Cult’s Keefy caught up with Einar before Wardruna’s New York City début at the prestigious Town Hall venue. He spoke of Wardruna fans, touring with fickle centuries-old instruments, his solo music, creating music for and appearing on Vikings and the next Wardruna album! Thanks to Heather Wilkerson for her Vi

deography and live photos from the show.  Continue reading


Marc Lopes Talks Let Us Prey And The New Ross The Boss Album


In a lot of ways, no one in a band has more pressure on them night in and night out than a lead singer. In the case of Marc Lopes, he was bred for this job, being a veteran of several metal bands running the gamut of old school and modern styles. Marc recently put an album out with his band Let Us Prey, The Saint Of All Killers, and it just slays (imagine if Lamb Of God played power metal like Blind Guardian). He is also the lead singer for heavy metal legends Ross The Boss, bringing the music of Manowar and other RTB originals to the masses nightly. With new tour dates kicking off this week and new music on tap, Ghost Cult editor Keefy caught up with Marc at Fete Music Hall, in Providence RI where we talked about all of Marc’s bands, playing in front of 70,000 people at Wacken Open Air, the upcoming new Ross The Boss album, and the power of pizza! Photos and videography by Omar Cordy and Heather Wilkerson.Continue reading


Benji Baret From Ne Obliviscaris Talks Urn, Progressive Metal And More


Without a doubt, one of the best albums of 2017 was Urn by Ne  Obliviscaris. The band has changed the game of what can be considered extreme, melodic and progressive metal all at once. They have created a musical world where all the elements can co-exist equally, without sacrificing one for the other. On their recent tour of the USA, Ghost Cult’s Keefy caught up with shredder Benji Baret in New York City at Le Poisson Rouge. The two discussed the success of Urn, the bands’ process of making and producing the record, what progressive metal means in this day and age, and a lot more. Videography and photography by Omar Cordy/ OJC Photography, assisted by Heather Wilkinson. Continue reading


David Sanchez Of Havok Talks Thrash Metal, Thinking For Yourself And More


Havok has become of one of America’s best, most-consistent thrash metal bands. On the back of their excellent 2017 release, Conformicide (Century Media), the band has worked tirelessly to get their music in front of as many new fans as possible. Ghost Cult’s Keefy caught up with frontman David Sanchez at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest last fall to catch up on all things Havok. We also got a special appearance by Sammy from Goatwhore!  Look for the band coming to a venue near you in 2018. Videography by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography. Continue reading


Michael Alago Talks Signing Metallica, White Zombie, And His Life Beyond Music


Music industry legend Michael Alago is as down to earth, forthright and humble as they come, but he doesn’t have to be. Coming from New York City in the late 1970s, in the early 80s he cut his teeth on discovering new artists and becoming a taste-maker in an emerging scene. In his quarter century as an A & R rep he helped put Metallica on the map by signing them to Elektra Records and changing the course of music history. Later he helped catapult White Zombie to fame while at Geffen Records and discovered, signed and cultivated countless scores of bands in rock, metal and other genres. In this feature interview with Ghost Cult, Michael discusses Who the Fuck is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago, a documentary by filmmaker Drew Stone (All Ages: Boston Hardcore, New York Hardcore Chronicles). The film examines Michael’s entire life up to now, from his early days in Borough Park, Brooklyn through his music career, and into his work today as a celebrated photographer. In addition to our chat about his life and times so far, Michael opened up his personal photo archive, sharing with us many rare or never before seen candid photos of him with musical royalty. Continue reading


Pepper Keenan Discusses His Return To Corrosion Of Conformity, “No Cross No Crown”, And More


Photo by Meg Loyal Photography

It’s been a dozen years since Corrosion Of Conformity recorded new material with Pepper Keenan at the helm, but the long wait for fans is almost over. The legends will be releasing their highly anticipated new album, No Cross No Crown, on January 12th via Nuclear Blast, and I recently got to speak with Pepper about his return to the band, the new record, and so much more.Continue reading


Ben Flannigan Of Black Map Talks Touring, Winning Over Fans


In a recent interview with Ghost Cult Magazine, Ben Flannigan, bassist, and vocalist for Black Map caught us up on the bands’ exciting year so far in 2017. With a charting single from an impressive album In Droves (eOne), festival appearances, and touring partners, the band is riding high. We interviewed Ben right after he got off stage at the 2017 Rock Allegiance fest and chatted about the past, present and their bright future. Videography and photos by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography.Continue reading


Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet Talks New Double EP


Greta Van Fleet is likely the hottest band in the USA right now. Their mix of classic rock majesty and surprising maturity and skill for such young musicians is making fans from all over take notice. Ghost Cult caught up with GVF guitarist Jake Kiszka right after their amazing performance at Rock Allegiance Festival in Camden, New Jersey. Jake talked about the formation of the band, cutting their teeth on the road, his personal musical heroes and their forthcoming double-EP, From The Fires, releasing on November 10th via Lava/Republic Records. Videography and photography by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography for Ghost Cult Magazine. Continue reading


Todd Youth Talks Bloodclot, Punk History, Rock Royalty And More


Todd Youth is a legend of New York Hardcore, rock and metal. At 12 years old he played bass in Agnostic Front and later went on to play in or work with Murphy’s Law, and Warzone. Youth has also played with Danzing, Samhain, D Generation, Glenn Campbell, Son Of Sam, The Chelsea Smiles, Cheap Trick, Ace Frehley (current band), and briefly with Motorhead. Todd is currently playing with his hardocre punk supergroup Bloodclot, with members of Cro-Mags, Queens Of The Stone Age, and The Dwarves. Ghost Cult chatted with Todd outside Saint Vitus Bar In Brooklyn. Bloodclot’s Up In Arms is out now on Metal Blade Records. Videography and photos by Omar Cordy/OJC PhotographyContinue reading


How Do You Scream? An Interview With Katie Gallagher


Photo by Petteri Lamula

New York Fashion Week is a semi-annual series of events when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press and the general public. Coming on September 8th, designer Katie Gallagher will be presenting her seventeenth collection entitled Rain. Unlike any other designer out there, her clothes will be shown to a backing soundtrack that features the likes of The Cure, Burzum, Xasthur, and Hesperius Draco, and this is nothing new. In previous years, she’s presented collections to numerous goth and metal artists songs, and it makes for quite the unique experience. As you’ll read in my interview below, that’s exactly what she wants.Continue reading