Tune in to 91.1 or wruw.org to hear tracks from Civilization One's new album, Calling the Gods, and my interview with Chity and Pierre. 

We also have new music from VANDROYA, HEAVATAR, REBELLION, and GOLDEN RESURRECTION. I guess it's already time to start thinking about list for 2013. :)

After some doubt about whether there would actually be a second album, Civilization One finally released 'Calling the Gods' late last year via Limb Music. I had a chance to talk to both Chity and Pierre together via phone last week, and here is the complete audio. Both of these guys have a long history in the scene - Pierre was in the French metal band Heavenly, while Chity was most recently with Power Quest after previously being with Firewind and Avalon. He is also currently with Red Circuit.

I really enjoyed doing this interview, as both of them were very open and honest about their work in a relaxed conversation. With Chity being from Sri Lanka (where he mentions even being around for the introduction of television, a crazy thought) and Pierre from France, you have an interesting mix of accents and backgrounds.

If you haven't checked out 'Calling the Gods', you'll find my favorite track, 'Hell Awaiting', down below. It's a solid album with a good mix of sounds and a bit more aggression than the first release. If you're looking for a great slower song that really shows off Chity's voice, check out 'Reunite'.

When Sonata Arctica played in Cleveland last month, Tony Kakko stopped by WRUW to do this interview with me. I've been a fan of the band for a long time, going all the way back to Ecliptica. 

In the early days, I interviewed Tony a few times on the show, so it was really great to finally meet him in person and talk about Stones Grow Her Name (#2 Album of 2012 in my list) Highlights of the interview were hearing about how he got started, his songwriting process, and his work, from Sonata Arctica to Northern Kings to singing Christmas songs in a tux. He's a busy guy!

While I'm used to recording artists and putting them on the spot, I was taken by surprise when Tony pulled out his iPhone and fisheye lens to record footage for his tour diary. As you can tell in the video, this was a new experience, and all I could manage was a meek 'Hi' while setting up the studio to record the interview. I've linked to that video below, along with a few photos of Tony down at the station. A big thanks to him for doing the interview - it was a very cool way to end a great year!