Author: Raymond Westland

Arjan Hoekstra Of The Good Hand Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Arjan Hoekstra Of The Good Hand Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Posted by | Jun 21, 2014 | , |

Sometimes the best music comes from the most unexpected places. A close friend of mine introduced me to The Good Hand and I was immediately blown away by the band’s musical prowess and versatility. I had the pleasure of talking with Arjan Hoekstra, the band’s singer and guitarist. We discussed The Good Hand’s latest album “Atman“, the current retro/stoner rock trend and how to make ends meet as a musician… Hi there, can you start by shedding some light on The Good Hand’s history and origins? The Good Hand officially started about five years ago, but we are making...

Read More
Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Posted by | Jun 3, 2014 | , |

Drummer Vinnie Paul may be linked forever with Pantera, but he’s carving himself a nice piece of the action with Hellyeah, together with Chad Gray from Mudvayne and former Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell. The band is about to release a new record called “Blood For Blood” which very well may be their finest release to date. Reason enough for ThisIsNotAScene to caught up with Mr Paul to probe his mind on Hellyeah’s latest ventures.. “Blood For Blood” is the most focused and concise Hellyeah album to date. How did it come out that way? We really wanted to make...

Read More
Anathema – Distant Satellites

Anathema – Distant Satellites

Posted by | Jun 2, 2014 | , |

“Weather Systems”, the previous Anathema record, made quite an impact upon its release. It’s widely regarded as one of the band’s finest works, since 1999’s “Judgement”. In line with their current work ethic the Cavanagh brothers decided to use the momentum to work on yet another Anathema record. Let’s see whether “Distant Satellites” has the chops to stand up against its illustrious predecessor… Never content with making the same album twice “Distant Satellites” marks the next step in Anathema’s ongoing musical evolution. The band themselves describe the new record as the culmination of everything they’ve worked towards the last...

Read More
Crowbar – Symmetry In Black

Crowbar – Symmetry In Black

Posted by | May 22, 2014 | , |

The departure of Kirk Windstein from Down to concentrate on Crowbar again caused quite a stir in the metal community. His own band had its fair share of turbulence and misfortune and it never really managed to break into the metal mainstream like Down managed to do in the last couple of years. However, Kirk’s motivations may become a lot clearer after listening to “Symmetry In Black”, Crowbar’s latest musical offering..’ On “Symmetry In Black” the band sounds inspired and rejuvenated again. Literally every track on this album is spot on. The party starts with the thunderous ‘Walk With...

Read More
Ady From Die Apocalyptischen Reiter Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Ady From Die Apocalyptischen Reiter Talks To ThisIsNotAScene

Posted by | May 21, 2014 | , |

Generally speaking record labels aren’t too keen about releasing double albums, due to the high recording costs and the small revenue they bring up. However, this didn’t discourage German experimental metal outfit Die Apocalyptischen Reiter to release such an album under the “Tief/Tiefer” moniker. ThisIsNotAScene caught up with guitarist Adrian “Ady” Vogel to discuss the background of this remarkable album, the need of the band to evolve constantly and the cultural wealth of their home town of Weimar, Germany. “Tief/Tiefer” is double album, one metal orientated the other half rock orientated. Where did this idea originate from? We were...

Read More