Interview: Steel Panther - "I was born to rock, dude" (TheVine)

Depending on which member of the base metal spandex outfit Steel Panther you talk to, they’ve long been locked in an arduous battle to attain their level of notoriety.

Since their 2009 debut record Feel the Steel was forged in a volatile crucible, blast skyward and ignominiously gulped down by fans, they’ve enjoyed it plenty. It’s unbelievable this “comedy metal” act even got itself together, constantly battling addictions to booze, barbiturates and blowjobs from other band member’s “bitches,” cleaving diva-style fissures in their line-up from about 1981 onwards, thwarting their inevitable success alongside contemporaries Motley Crue and/or Twisted Sister.

Read all about what Michael Starr would do if given a boat at TheVine.

Related: My gut-bustingly bitchin' interview with Lexxi Foxxx

Capsule Review: Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes

When Mulder left the X-Files, it was barely watchable. Thus Ensiferum’s "Mulder" aka Jari Maenpaa departed after 2004's Iron, setting the band creatively adrift ever since. (Perhaps a decision borne by the band's tyrranical deadlines of...well, simply having deadlines.) Ensiferum employ Hollywood score-stages full of strings and angelic computer cloned robo-choirs in a desperate attempt to up their epic cred. Flickering acoustic leads, tired medieval inspired riffs and orchestral ostentation cohabit like a marriage at swordpoint. In lieu of a masters' guiding hand, they're only fit to ape them instead. For fans of Rhapsody, Korpiklaani and Nightwish. Out now through Spinefarm Records.

Articles: Hysteria Magazine #11 (August/September)

As part of my first contribution to Australian Hysteria's print edition I've snuck a few articles in: an interview with Corey Taylor of Slipknot, a preview of the upcoming Bastardfest and some CD reviews. There's also some great stuff on Baroness, Periphery, Converge and that so go on, buy a copy!