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


Jeff Becerra Of Possessed Talks New Album, Death Metal History And More


Death Metal legends Possessed are gearing up for a huge year in 2018. The band have been busy preparing a brand new album, due for release this year from Nuclear Blast Records, one of the most anticipated new albums for this year. Ghost Cult’s Keith Chachkes caught up with frontman Jeff Becerra at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest this past fall, where the band played a blistering set, blowing away the crowd. We found Jeff in great spirits, sharing his enthusiasm for people to hear this new Possessed music. We also chatted about some death metal relationship, Jeff’s close friendship with late Death frontman Chuck Schuldiner, other death metal favorites, and more. Videography and photos 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


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


INTERVIEW: Don Jamieson Talks Comedy, Metallica, Lemmy, Kiefer Sutherland And More


Ghost Cult caught up with comedian Don Jameson at The Watering Hole in New York City to hang out and talk about his comedy album, Communication Breakdown, which came out in April on Metal Blade Records. Don is known for his hilarious comedy, as the co-host of That Metal Show, and much more. We knocked back a few with Don and talked about a lot of topics close to his heart. Videography by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography.Continue reading


JT Woodruff Of Hawthorne Heights Talks Past And Future With Ghost Cult


 

Ghost Cult hit up the 2017 Vans Warped Tour last month in Arizona. In the midst of the brutal heat several bands stood out that day, including metalcore veterans Hawthorne Heights. Our Victoria Anderson and Isabel Uzcategui caught up with JT Woodruff to discuss the Warped tour, playing new music, playing the classics, and their new album on the way, expected sometime in 2018.Continue reading


Otep Talks Trump’s America, Touring, And Surviving


For over fifteen years Otep Shamaya has fought a battle on many levels to shift paradigms in both society and the music industry. Leading her band OTEP, she has made a career of making protest music with her mix of spoken word, theater, metal, art, hip-hop and punk rock. Keith Chachkes of Ghost Cult met up with Otep at Webster Hall in New York City to chat about the current political climate in America, LGTBQ issues, making art, being a veteran band, touring and much more. Videography by Lisa Schuchmann.Continue reading


Philip H. Anselmo On His Upcoming Projects, The Housecore Records Family And More


After over thirty years in the scene, Philip H. Anselmo remains one of the biggest names in the business. From his time fronting Pantera, to his numerous other projects, Phil’s love of music has taken him in several directions over the years, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. One of his newest projects, Scour, absolutely destroyed Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn last week, and before their set I got to speak with the legendary vocalist about everything going on in the world of Phil. The front man reveals that new music from Scour and The Illegals is coming, hints at two other projects, talks about his special performance with Warbeast next month, shares his opinion on the Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor fight, and much, much more. Continue reading


Derrick Green Discusses Sepultura History, And Future Plans


For almost 20 years Derrick Green has helped guide Sepultura’s journey in the second half of their career, celebrating their rich history, but also creating new musical frontiers. Armed with their recent album Machine Messiah (Nuclear Blast), the band embarked on a full US tour with label-mates and thrash veterans Testament and Prong. In an EXCLUSIVE wide-ranging interview with Ghost Cult’s Jason Korolenko, Derrick discussed the new album, the history of the band, the high cost of touring, and future tour plans, including a headlining gig at Rock In Rio 2017. Videography and photos by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography.Continue reading