HEAVY CREW End Of Year Wrap Up

KRIS PETERS – The Boss Man

You might know me as Krispy or C#$t or any number of names and I answer to them all!

2024 completes four years at the helm of HEAVY for me and I have to say even though it has (literally) almost ended me a couple of times, I am still loving the experience more than ever!

This year we have introduced new segments like Photo Bomb and covered more live festivals than ever before, but it is the continued focus on Aussie bands and music that is at the heart of what we do at HEAVY. And with so much talent in our own backyard it makes it easy to do.

We have welcomed new family members such as Angela Croudace, Greg Walker and Sarah Gilpin, with Kyra Jade Coombs, Jimmy Glinster and Squirty all increasing their workloads without sacrificing quality. Regular contributors Matt and Angie New have gone above and beyond, as have Metal V, Richie Black, Tracy McLaughlin and Simon-Russell White plus a host of other talented individuals, all of whom are the lifeblood of HEAVY. And the man who has been here longer than me, Dave Griffiths, without whom I would be lost, has yet again kept the flames burning at times where they could have easily faded out.

Next year we plan to expand HEAVY Cinema with some exciting new additions that I won’t reveal just yet but rest assured we will continue to bring you everything from rock to punk to metal from local bands and abroad. Thanks for helping HEAVY grow even further this year. The future is even heavier…

Top 5 Albums (out of the ones that I have reviewed, in no particular order):

1. MAMMAL – The Penny Drop
2. BETTER LOVERS – Highly Irresponsible
3. SLASH – Orgy Of The Damned
4. KERRY KING – From Hell I rise
5. SONIC UNIVERSE – It Is What It Is

Top 5 Gigs (not including festivals):

1. TAYLOR SWIFT (yes, you read correctly)
2. MAMMAL/SCREAMING JETS
3. WEDNESDAY 13
4. HALESTORM
5. CANCER BATS

Something that surprised you/guilty pleasure: TAYLOR SWIFT concert. Here’s the backstory so you don’t think I’m completely mad…

My 9 year old daughter originally asked me to take her and I said I would apply to review – not thinking HEAVY would even get a reply – and if accepted I would take her. The day before the first Melbourne show Frontier Touring emailed me to say I had been approved for a review pass so being the honourable metal loving father I am, dutifully told Scarlett we were going.

Not only was the whole experience (including driving to Melbourne from Adelaide) awesome, with the look of complete bliss on Scarlett’s face something I will never forget, but Taylor Swift put on an amazing performance that blew me away. Not something I expected, but also something that made me value the importance of venturing outside of your comfort zone.

Favourite new artist: The Midnight Devils. These guys from the USA have been around for a bit but I only really discovered them after being lucky enough to act as their tour manager throughout Australia and Japan. These guys are heaps of fun with a stage show that even made me dance!

Predictions 2025: Not original but I predict Australian bands and music will have an even bigger impact on the international market. I also think Australia will get a new travelling festival in the vein of Soundwave around mid year either in 2025 or 2026.

Not a prediction, but something I wish would happen is local bands discard the growing trend of thinking conflict is a pathway to success. Bands should be working together and supporting each other and if you do have differences either pick up the phone and verbalise things – they generally aren’t what they seem – or just don’t say anything. Competition is healthy. Abuse is not.

JIMMY GLINSTER – REVIEWER/INTERVIEWER

I’m that guy from HEAVY Magazine, I’m also that guy from Azreal and Veal. Lucky for me, HEAVY has done a lot this year because Azreal and Veal haven’t done much. Here’s the scoop though, that’s about to change, or is already changing, or something like that. Luckily, I’ve seen more shows this year than you can poke a stick at, because this is the first year in 15 years that I haven’t played a single show. And in saying that, I’ve been living my rock star life through other rock stars and have been lucky enough to meet a literal shit tonne of them this year too.

So, let’s get to my year in review:

Top 5 Albums (out of the ones that I have reviewed, in no particular order):

1. Slash – Orgy of the Damned
2. Jerry Cantrell – I Want Blood
3. Pearl Jam – Dark Matter
4. Void of Vision – What I’ll Leave Behind
5. Make Them Suffer – Make Them Suffer

Top 5 Gigs (In Chronological Order):

1. Mudvayne and Coal Chamber @ Fortitude Music Hall
2. KnotFest @ RNA Showgrounds
3. Machine Head & Fear Factory @ Eatons Hill Hotel
4. Mundi Mundi Bash @ Broken Hill
5. Good Things Festival @ RNA Showgrounds

3. Something that surprised you/guilty pleasure:

Kevin Borich @ Birds Basement

4. Favourite new artist:

Would it be gatekeeping If I said that nothing has really impressed me this year, or since the mid-noughties? Whos is the next big thing?

5. Predictions 2025

AJ Maddah launches some kind of NuMetal/Soundwave style revival tour, Joel King rates some festival drink prices as decent, and Kiss reunite again for another farewell tour.

ANGELA CROUDACE – REVIEWER/INTERVIEWER

Howdy, I’m Angie 

I’m originally from Sydney but I’m currently living in Mid Western NSW.

This year has been one of the best years of my life (and I’ve had a lot of years) because I finished Uni and I started writing and interviewing for HEAVY.

Life as an elder emo is pretty good! Voltaren is my best friend these days. 

RAWR XD.

Top 5 Albums:

1. Clancy, Twenty One Pilots
2. Evolve, Nemophilia
3. From Zero, Linkin Park
4. Everything by Knosis this year
5. Supercharged, The Offspring

Top 5 Gigs:

1. Twenty One Pilots
2. Good Things Festival
3. Ronnie Simmons and the Redback Spiders

(I was pretty busy this year and didn’t get to many gigs sadly but 2025 will be my year of gigs!)

Guilty pleasure:

Fisher, Limp Bizkit+ boy bands of the 90’s 

Favourite New Artist: Knosis

Predictions 2025:

My Chemical Romance will do *something* 

The new Korn album will be pretty good

A huge metal band will reform and tour Australia 

2025 will be the year things take off for Melbourne band Druid and lots of great Aussie bands will debut and blowup.

KYRA JADE – REVIEWER/ INTERVIEWER/ ADMIN

What’s up guys!? I’m Kyra-Jade and I’ve been a part of the family for quite a few years now. You will catch me doing reviews, interviews and working behind the scenes connecting talented photographers and writers to send along to gigs!

Music for me is in my blood, I was very fortunate to grow up around some crazy talented musicians who instilled in me very early on what it means to play music and what real music is. Put it this way, as a baby in the 90s I was slid under the stage in my bassinette as Dad played a gig and Mum kept an eye on me whilst dancing the day away.

Fast forward to being an adult and I’ve experienced being a singer and bass player in a band and don’t get me wrong, that was plenty of fun… although these days I find so much passion and excitement being on the other side, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Finding out interesting information and experiences through talking with not only some of the biggest artists in the world, but Aussie bands that are making their way up in this cut-throat industry. Nothing makes me happier than seeing home grown talent KICKING FUCKING ASS!

I’m so excited for 2025 and the amazing tours already coming through early in the year. I’ve been so lucky to catch some amazing shows and I’m like a bull at the gate ready to bring on the new year.

If you see me around shows come say hey 😊 … I’ll be the girl up the front with my better half, Bones, doing my best Peter Garrett impression and giving zero fucks!

Top Albums:

SPEED – Only One Mode

Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To

BMTH – Post Human: Nex Gen

Linkin Park – From Zero

Void of Vision – What I’ll Leave Behind (they also fucking nailed supporting Parkway Drive on their 20-year anniversary tour!)

Falling In Reverse – Popular Monster

Top Gigs:

1. Kublai Khan, Terror (first time seeing Terror, still buzzing) – The Tivoli, Brisbane
2. While She Sleeps, Stick to Your Guns (STYG were fucking amazing) – The Tivoli, Brisbane
3. Viagra Boys, C.O.F.F.I.N – The Tivoli Brisbane
4. The Amity Affliction, Ice Nine Kills (sorry, but INK stole the show 100%) – The Riverstage, Brisbane
5. Infectious Grooves (Robert Trujillo and Jay Weinberg as the rhythm section… I mean COME ON!!), Suicidal Tendencies – The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
6. Karnivool (bucket list!), Sleep Talk – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

I guess what I’m trying to say about live shows is that support bands FUCKING SLAYED this year. Main acts be sleepin’ as they blew the house down.

Favourite new artist – they aren’t new…. But I absolutely hammered:

Guilt Trip

100 Demons

Guilty pleasures: Ronnie Radke AKA the chameleon of music – Ronald ft. Alex the Terrible & Tech N9ne – goddamn, what a song! And I’m not ashamed to admit I got down to All My Life ft. Jelly Roll too, come at me…

Predictions 2025: MAJOR hardcore bands coming to Australia, I can’t live any longer seeing these amazing shows in the USA. The 90s/2000s resurgence will continue to grow and we will see many more 20 & 30^th year anniversary tours. More festivals circuits after the major success of Good Things 2024. Aussie bands cutting their teeth overseas & supporting international bands on our home turf.

Sevendust will return to Australia! (This is just what I want so I’m putting it out there! Haha)  

Let’s hope that 2025 also brings in an era of community in the local music scene. Being mindful of what you see and contribute online. Thinking for yourself and asking questions about what you are consuming and spreading. Challenge what you are being force fed and think for yourself…

Thank you to all the incredible people we work with throughout the year who make it possible to do what we do and keep bands touring our beautiful country. You are all amazing people, I love you!

Keep safe over the year and see you in 2025 legends, stay HEAVY!

IAN ‘SQUIRTY’

Scottish born, Aussie Bred, shit stirring Bass Player from Brisbane that sometimes remembers to film Heavy interviews. What else can I say?

5 Albums (have no idea what the albums are called):
Better Lovers
Screaming Jets
The Poor
Piston Fist
Reliqa

5 Gigs:
Glenn Hughes
Midnight Devils
Piston Fist
Suicidal Tendencies

Guilty Pleasure:
Too many to list but I guess, finding a way to relax and do nothing , switching off , finding time for myself

Favourite New Artist:
Reliqa, Monique was an absolute pleasure to interview. I have never heard of this band before but the interview gave me a sense of ” I need to hear this band ” and I’ve had them on high rotation ever since, highly recommend them.

Predictions for 2025:

As we all know , Australia has many great artists and this question is always hard but I’m going super local and going to mention 2 bands to keep an eye on:

Pistonfist and Engraved. I believe these two bands are in a position to explode into the National scene and level up very quickly, my fingers are crossed for them anyway.

GREG WALKER – REVIEWER

Growing up in the Northern Rivers region of NSW in the mid-late 1980s, we were starved for the wider musical exposure our city cousins enjoyed. Still, I subsisted on a diet of early Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe and the Sunset Strip scene, graduated to the thrash world via Metallica and Slayer, and was the first at my regional high school to encounter Sepultura just before Arise. This all led to a pursuit for faster and heavier, and I found a lifelong love for death metal, especially the growing UK and Swedish scenes, before the Norwegian Black Metal movement burned its way into my heart. 

Since then, I’ve been open to most genres in our scene, including Nu-metal and selective Metalcore, but always looking for the next-big-thing while cherishing the bands I’d welcomed into my eternal playlist, including all manner of Aussie legends, legends-to-be, and countless never-will-be bands that came and went but left lasting impressions.

I’ve always loved writing, even as a kid I wrote short stories, made comic books, and a couple of decades ago with my future wife’s coaxing I even submitted a children’s book to several big publishing houses, only to be knocked back. Based on a unique approach, I was crushed 12 months later to see a whole range for sale in a bookstore seemingly based on my ideas. I never submitted anything again. 

Many years later, a particular Aussie metal legend, one of my best mates, a big brother, was excited over a review I’d knocked up for his band’s at-the-time latest album, telling me “You should submit this to magazines, they’d publish it”. His encouragement pushed to me approach HEAVY, and it blew me away that Kris immediately published my review. That was the start of my relationship with HEAVY, and in the time I’ve been submitting to them, both Kris and Kyra-Jade have been so encouraging and supportive, and I still get a solid buzz when I see one of my pieces published. 

Since I heard heavy metal for the first time it’s been a passion, and I’d always dreamt of being involved in the industry somehow, so to be able to advocate new and established bands via my hobby is so satisfying and I hope people enjoy reading my opinions as much as I enjoy dissecting and describing what I get out of an artist’s work.

The industry stalwarts are doing it tougher than ever before, so I’ll sign off by asking all to support the artists you love & respect: buy the CD, buy the t-shirt, buy the gig ticket, because the majority are largely persevering for the love of it.

Greg’s top 5 Albums of 2024 (in order of release):

1. Whores – War
2. S.I.D – Thugs & Hooligans 
3. Terminal Zero – Brace For The End
4. Nails – Every Bridge Burning
5. Heriot – Devoured By The Mouth Of Hell

Greg’s top 5 Gigs of 2024 (in order of appearance):

1. Coal Chamber 
2. The Hu
3. Pantera
4. Carcass
5. Iron Maiden 

Something that surprised you/ guilty pleasure: Mick Mars The Other Side Of Mars was largely hated but I’m still enjoying it.

Favourite new artist: Red Giant – Self Titled is an inspired effort of big riffed bluesy rock.

Predictions 2025: Blackbraid III will be a serious album of the year contender.

ANGIE NEW – PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi I’m Angie! I’ve been a contributing photographer for HEAVY Mag in Sydney for 5 awesome years. I’m in my happy place when I’m shooting my favourite bands and I aim to show the energy, the vibrancy and the feel of the music through memorable and creative imagery.

From starting the year photographing NOFX’s final Aussie tour to ending it with the epic

Monolith Festival, 2024 has been a massive gig year for myself and my gig buddy husband, Matt. By the year’s end, we will have seen a total of 136 bands in 2024 and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We hope to continue documenting shows for years to come and thank HEAVY MAG (Kris and Kyra you are the BEST!!) for making everything possible.

Live music is the biggest part of my life and together with photography, it brings me ultimate happiness. So, my advice to everyone is get to that gig you I’ve been thinking about going to, you won’t regret the experience and might discover something new and inspiring!

Top 5 Albums:

1. MINISTRY – Hopiumforthemasses
2. POPPY – Negative Spaces
3. PEARL JAM – Dark Matter
4. CHELSEA WOLFE – She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She
5. KITTIE – Fire

Top 5 Gigs:

1. AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL (Sacramento, CA, USA)
2. PEARL JAM (Sydney, NSW, AUS)
3. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE (Sydney, NSW, AUS)
4. KORN WITH GOJIRA & SPIRITBOX (Denver, CO, USA)
5. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (Newcastle, NSW, AUS)

Something that surprised you/ guilty pleasure: 311

Favourite new artist: BRUTUS

Predictions 2025: RADIOHEAD TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

MATT NEW – REVIEWER

My name is Matt, and 2024 marks five years that I have been contributing live music reviews for HEAVY Magazine. Alongside my amazing photographer wife Angie, we have been very lucky to document some of the world’s best bands in and around Sydney.

Although I miss the thrill of playing guitar in a band, I like to remain active in supporting the live music scene to ensure its survival in Australia. Music is in my DNA and live music is something that holds a special place in my heart. Having the privilege to document these gigs for those who wish to relive the experience is something very important to me.

So many good bands have visited our shores this year, and I have been very lucky to travel to the USA and experience some amazing shows. This included the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, Korn (supported by Gojira and Spiritbox) in Denver, Breaking Benjamin (supported by Daughtry and Staind) in Austin, and Sting in Chicago.

Without Kris and Kyra’s tireless drive and dedication, none of this would be possible. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing team they have assembled to bring the best heavy music media to the masses.

Bring on 2025!!

Top 5 albums:

1. Leprous – Melodies Of Atonement
2. 311- Full Bloom
3. Alien Ant Farm – Mantras
4. Poppy – Negative Spaces
5. Jerry Cantrell – I Want Blood

Top 5 Gigs:

1. Aftershock Festival 2024 – October 10-13 @ Discovery Park, Sacramento, CA
2. 311 – December 11, 2024 @ Liberty Hall, Sydney Entertainment Quarter
3. Pearl Jam – November 21st + 23rd @ Engie Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
4. Tesseract – May 3rd @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney
5. Korn (w/ Gojira and Spiritbox) – October 16th @ Fiddler’s Green Ampitheater, Denver, CO

Surprise/ Guilty Pleasure: 311 returning to Australia after 26 long years, a dream come true!!

Favourite New Artist: Brutus

Prediction for 2025: Iron Maiden inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

TRACY MCLAUGHLAN – PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi I’m Tracy… you may have seen me at a show or two in my happy place (aka the photopit).

When I moved to Australia,  I made a promise to myself to go to more concerts and gigs, with one scene in mind,  the HEAVY scene (yep,  I just did that).

I’ve been photographing gigs for a few years now,  but my first big show was Full Tilt 22 for Sense Music Media.  I was shitting my pants,  but what a way to begin this wonderful adventure, and now I’m addicted.  There’s no feeling in the world like it.

Along the way I’ve met some incredible people and had the most amazing experiences and I can not wait to have many more.  So if you see me at a show, come and say Hi 🙂

My Top five albums:

Are a mixture of old and new. I am old school, and I love CDs… I also have an old dunga of a car which has a CD player in it.  I have a stack of CD’s that I flip between depending on my mood. I’m probably going to get a lot of shit for some of these, but I don’t care lol.  So, in no particular order:

1. Void of Vision – What I’ll leave behind. 

I’m currently obsessed with this album. It is my most played album at the moment,  and I’m incredibly sad that they are calling it a day. 

2. Black Smoke Trigger – Horizon’s

The only album that I have pre-ordered in my entire life.  Hooked since I saw them play this year as they supported Filter at the triffid. 

3. Slipknot – Antennas to hell. 

No explanation needed,  though I think I’ve just about worn this copy out. 

4. Creed – Human Clay 

Guilty pleasure. Girl needs her bass, and this album hits that spot.

5. Nickelback – All the right reasons

Another guilty pleasure and another way to satisfy my need for a band that’s album is heavy on the bass. Some need cow bell, I need bass lol.

My Top five gigs are:

1. Machine Head

This was the show that set the bar for the rest of the year. Absolutely blew me away.  I left the gig speechless.

2. Counterfeit Limp Bizkit – Sea Bizkit

If you haven’t checked out Andy and the boys, you need too. Every time I go to a show I do not want it to end.  This time is was even more spectacular because we cruised up and down the Brisbane River on a boat. Could life get any better!

3. While she sleeps

Anyone that can jump from the mezzanine floor and into the crowd has my vote. Also, all bands were incredible that night. 

4. The Butterfly Effect

Pretty sure Clint hypnotises me each time I go to a show… 

5. Ocean grove. 

Kick ass gig and discovered Intertia, who is loved instantly.  

Something that surprised me: Was how much I enjoyed Monolith. Prog is not something I’m usually in to but I tell you what, Coheed gave me the chills and Leprous did too. The vocals were insane. Leprous is another band I cannot stop listening to, I think I was hypnotised a little that night too lol.

Favourite new artist: Was for sure Black Smoke Trigger… outstanding. 

I’m pretty shit with predictions but I would keep my eye on Vana from NZ. 

SARAH GILPIN – PHOTOGRAPHER

Hey rocker’s, I’m Sarah Gilpin. If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because my Dad was Steve Gilpin – lead singer of the 70’s, 80’s NZ band, Mi-Sex.  So, I guess you could say I was destined to be around the music industry. I started taking photos and videos on my phone at gigs I went to, and people started commenting that they liked them.

I have always been interested in photography, so here I am at HEAVY! 

I’m looking forward to expanding my musical horizons in 2025 with you all.

 So, bring it on!

Top 5 albums:

1. The Screaming Jets – Professional Misconduct album 
2. The Poor – High Price Deed 
3. Any Mi-Sex album 
4. The Superjesus – Sumo 
5. Killing Heidi 

Top 5 gigs:

1. Mundi Mundi 
2. All the Screaming Jets 
3. All Red Hot Summer Tours
4. Wednesday -13 
5. Look Out Festival  

Favourite new artist: Ronnie Simmons and The Redback Spiders

Something that surprised you/ Guilty pleasure:

1. I was surprised with the Wednesday 13 gig. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and band. 
2. Necrosonic Festival really took me out of my comfort zone but in a good way.

The biggest surprise/guilty pleasure: For years it has been my dream to go to Mundi Mundi Bash to see my favourite bands play in the middle of nowhere and this year that dream came true…It exceeded all my expectations and would be hard to top.

Predictions 2025: More travel to more gigs!