In this episode of the Bleeding Metal podcast, host Kiki interviews Corey Doremus from the band FACE YOURSELF. They discuss the band's journey, their recent EP release called “Fury”, and the band’s collaborative songwriting process.
Corey shares insights into his musical influences, the impact of technology on music production, and the themes explored in their lyrics, particularly around beauty standards and mental health. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of being in a band, the challenges of touring, and the importance of communication and understanding within the group.
00:00 Kiki welcomes FACE YOURSELF's Corey Doremus
01:09 FACE YOURSELF: band history and growth
04:37 Corey's personal background and influences
05:41 Songwriting and remote collaboration in FACE YOURSELF
14:40 Lyrics and themes of social critique
17:05 Band conversations about social issues
23:17 Health on tour with FACE YOURSELF
Recorded on October 28th, 2025 live on Kiki’s Twitch channel.
Show notes:
Check out Corey’s other band LEVITATED
Music videos made by FACE YOURSELF-drummer Eric’s production company
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki with Riverside.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki starts a new series of episodes called “Pod Friends” by welcoming Savvier Nelson, the Finnish multi-instrumentalist and vocalist behind LEECHCRAFT, to discuss his musical journey, the evolution of his project, and the release of a new album.
They explore themes of self-promotion, the challenges of creating music, and the importance of feedback and reviews. The conversation also touches on their shared musical influences and the current state of the music industry.
00:00 Introduction to Pod Friends and Leechcraft
02:50 The Birth of Leechcraft
07:00 Evolution of Musicianship and Collaboration
09:38 The Journey of Self-Promotion and Growth
14:10 Musical Background and Influences
19:19 The New Album: Leechcraft
20:57 Challenges in Music Production
23:42 Exploring Song Structures and Progressions
24:57 Journey into Heavy Music
27:14 Innovations in Metal Music
28:50 The Role of Album Reviews
33:04 Navigating Criticism as an Artist
37:06 Experiences with Music Reactions
40:44 Finding New Music in the Digital Age
46:49 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Recorded on October 16th, 2025 live on Kiki’s Twitch channel.
Show notes:
Find LEECHCRAFT’s music
Hang out with Sav on Twitch
Former vocalist Otto’s band SAATTUE
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki with Riverside.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki interviews Lukas from the German band DEVIL MAY CARE. They discuss the band's unique social media initiative, 'Downfall of the Week,' which highlights societal and environmental issues.
Lukas shares his journey into music, his activism with Sea Shepherd, and the band's commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through their music. They also delve into the upcoming album “Limit,” its themes, and the importance of activism in the music industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to use their platforms for positive change and the role of fans in supporting these efforts.
05:01 The Downfall of the Week Concept
14:02 Activism and Environmental Responsibility
19:50 The Impact of Social Media on Music
29:09 The New Album: Limit
35:18 Touring and Upcoming Shows
Recorded on October 10th, 2025.
Show notes:
DEVIL MAY CARE’s website has their tour dates and everything you need
Check out the Downfall of the Week on the band’s Instagram
Volunteer for Sea Shepherd
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Kiki and Martha are back to discuss Kiki's recent concert adventure on the Bleeding Metal Podcast. She shares her experiences seeing THE GREAT AMERICAN GHOST and AFTER THE BURIAL supporting BLEED FROM WITHIN at Tavastia in Helsinki. Kiki also had an interesting discussion with Ali Richardson, the drummer of the Scottish headliners.
The episode highlights memorable moments from the concert, political statements made by the bands, and an exciting, possible product cooperation.
00:58 Kiki's Concert Adventure in Helsinki
01:53 A Chat with Ali from BLEED FROM WITHIN
13:37 Concert Highlights and Reflections
21:44 Personal Updates
Recorded on September 16th and 19th, 2025.
Show notes:
Check out all of BLEED FROM WITHIN’s tour dates
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Hosts Kiki and Martha discuss their decision to not release the last of the sessions of Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal 2025.
In the live interview that has now been archived, Mark Vollelunga and Daniel Oliver told NOTHING MORE's stories, from their religious beginnings in San Antonio, Texas, to their worldwide success, and how they find and spread hope through music nowadays - the opposite of what singer Johnny Hawkins has now called his fans to do.
Recorded on September 19th, 2025.
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
On the third and last day of Tuska Festival, there still were some wonderful conversations happening at Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal. On this episode, Kiki and Martha bring you the story behind BATTLE BEAST’s stage outfits and how every detail of the Finnish band’s performance and music is meant to empower you.Tune in to learn how Noora Louhimo and Joona Björkroth get into the right mindset to perform and how they deal with the difficult passages that not always go well on stage.02:17 BATTLE BEAST stage outfits and Noora’s horns of encouragement15:30 BATTLE BEAST wants to empower their listeners18:26 Audience Q&ARecorded on June 29th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Kiki and Martha present another session of this year's Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal. During the live interview that took place at Tuska Festival in Helsinki, Kiki sits down with Finnish up and coming band ROYAL SORROW.
Despite their young age, Eero, Janne, and Markus have a lot of wisdom to share . They talk about many experiences, from starting musical careers in early childhood, to rebranding their band, and even about their favorite Pokemons.
01:25 Getting to know ROYAL SORROW
07:54 From Edge of Haze to Royal Sorrow - The Rebranding
11:19 Mental Health in ROYAL SORROW's lyrics
21:27 Audience Q&A
26:19 Royal Sorrow on tour
Recorded on June 28th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Hosts Kiki and Martha are back together to catch up about their festival summer. Kiki brings reports from two festivals in one weekend as well as interviews recorded live at Hellsinki Metal Festival.
Tune in to hear about a metalhead’s experience at a mainstream festival, how a Metal festival can be turned into a very comfortable event, and how LUNA KILLS-vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen learned to scream.
02:43 Kiki goes to two festivals in one weekend
06:19 Flow Festival Experience
11:10 Conversation with Toni from Hellsinki Metal Festival
17:57 Interview with Lotta from Luna Kills
34:17 Flow Festival Finale
Recorded on August 9th and 19th, 2025.
Show notes:
Hellsinki Metal Festival report by Karina Coss on Henkipress (in Spanish with great photos)
Beth Gibbons' performance at Flow Festival
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In another session of the Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal, host Kiki sits down with Natasha Skult, a game developer, academic, and passionate metalhead, to explore the powerful intersection of storytelling in games and music. Natasha shares her journey from indie game studio founder to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry, and discusses how her love for metal music influences her creative work.
Whether you’re a gamer, musician, or just curious about the creative process, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a celebration of the communities that bring us together.
02:48 Meet Natasha Skult
05:06 The importance of inclusive games and teams
07:50 Storytelling in Metal music and gaming
15:29 AI and the future of creative industries
30:03 Games and mental health: safe digital spaces
Recorded on June 28th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this special Finnish-language episode recorded live at Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal 2025, our guest journalist Cristina Gregori sits down with Eicca Toppinen (APOCALYPTICA) and Joel Hokka (formerly of Blind Channel) for a candid conversation about the impact of the world on artists.
The discussion explores the realities of touring, the evolution of band life, mental health, the pressures of the music industry, and the importance of resilience. The episode also features an audience Q&A, personal stories, and practical advice for musicians and fans alike.
03:10 — Finnish Interview
37:46 — Audience Q&A
46:29 — Closing Remarks
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Hosts Kiki and Martha bring you a new session from Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal: a powerful conversation with Charlotte Wessels about music, community, and creative independence.
Dive into Charlotte’s journey becoming a solo artist, the realities of life as a musician, and her insights on activism.
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
01:27 – Charlotte Wessels Takes the Stage
03:00 – Transitioning from Band to Solo Artist
06:07 – Building Connections Through Music
10:12 – The Financial Reality of Being an Artist
12:23 – Learning Music Production
16:18 – Taking Control of Your Art
20:54 – Activism in Metal Music
29:11 – Q&A Session
37:37 – Final Thoughts on Community
Recorded on June 28th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Check out Charlotte’s Patreon
Charlotte got her Tuska stage outfit from the Fashion Brand Company
Blast from the past: Kiki’s first interview with Charlotte Wessels at Metal Female Voices Fest 2013
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
This episode of Bleeding Metal brings you hosts Kiki and Martha discussing their most recent live music experiences, with a concert report of DARK SARAH’s comeback performance and a festival report of Nexus Nerd Rock Festival 2025.
Shortly before the concert in Helsinki on July 5th, Kiki was also able to catch up with DARK SARAH-vocalist Heidi Parviainen about her businesses, hobbies and plans for the future of the band and their upcoming album.
0:00 Catching Up with Martha and Kiki
3:35 Interview with Heidi Parviainen from Dark Sarah
15:45 Nexus Nerd Festival - Martha's Experience
27:05 Upcoming Episodes
Recorded on August 1st, 2025.
Show notes:
Check out our last podcast episode with Heidi from DARK SARAH
Get your tickets for Nexus Nerd Rock Festival 2026
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
Hosts Martha and Kiki present an insightful discussion with the Swedish band IMMINENCE, recorded at the Tuska Forüm by Bleeding Metal during the Tuska Festival in Helsinki this past June. The conversation delves deep into the concept of 'purpose' in music, as the band members reflect on how their fans give their music meaning. They explore the emotional and existential impact of their art, the band's creative process, resilience in challenging times, and the evolving landscape of the metal community.
This intimate and thought-provoking live interview provides a heartfelt look at the connection between musicians and their listeners, highlighting the powerful role of music in offering comfort, a sense of belonging, and even escapism in times of uncertainty.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:26 The Purpose of Music with Imminence
04:09 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges
21:15 Exploring the Emotional Impact of Music
24:45 The Evolution of the Metal Scene
28:38 Fan Questions and Personal Insights
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Check out the band’s acclaimed merch on IMMINENCE’s website
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha present an insightful conversation from the Tuska Forum with SKYND. They discuss SKYND's deep interest in true crime, her creative process, and the therapeutic impact of her music.
SKYND also shares her journey with ADHD, the importance of mental health, and her aspirations to support abuse survivors through a foundation. The conversation concludes with a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion towards oneself and others.
01:21 Starting the Session: Finding Light in Darkness
02:37 Exploring the Creative Process
05:10 Musical Upbringing and Inspirations
06:21 Vocal Health and Performance Challenges
07:59 True Crime Community and Mental Health
09:41 Importance of Mental Health Conversations
14:07 ADHD Diagnosis and Personal Struggles
15:23 Therapy and Medication: Breaking the Taboo
16:28 Impact of Medication on Creativity
17:31 Haunting True Crime Stories
20:33 Activism and Supporting Survivors
21:18 Musical Inspirations and Style
22:54 Balancing Mental Health and Awareness
24:24 Finding Light in Community
25:50 Understanding and Compassion
27:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
SKYND recommends True Crime Garage
Kiki recommends My Favorite Murder
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha bring you the first session of the Tuska Forum, 'The Values of Metal'. The conversation with activist Sera Heikkilä about the values within the metal community and metal culture, highlighting the balance between positivity and critical perspectives.
The discussion delves into topics such as inclusivity, diversity, and representation of women, queer people, and people of color in metal. Sera and Kiki explore the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and making metal spaces safer and more welcoming. The episode also tackles broader issues of consumer responsibility, systemic change, and creating a supportive, engaged community. The live audience as well as the listeners online are all encouraged to reflect on their own contributions to making the metal community more inclusive and respectful.
00:48 Tuska Festival Highlights
01:01 The Values of Metal
04:29 Diversity in Metal
09:17 Inclusivity and Representation
14:36 Consumer Responsibility
16:22 Challenges and Solutions
17:57 Empathy and Conversations
19:13 Final Thoughts and Q&A
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki meets Morgan Lander and Tara McLeod of the legendary band KITTIE.
The musicians share insights on their long career, their experiences with gender representation in metal music, and their individual growth as well as the band’s, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and authenticity. The conversation also highlights the progress made towards a more inclusive and respectful industry.
01:19 Meet the Band: KITTIE
02:01 Discussing Gender and Representation in Metal
03:24 Role Models and Inspirations
04:55 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Industry
08:45 Evolution of the Music Industry
16:40 Musicianship and Personal Growth
19:00 Advice for Women in Metal
Recorded on June 17th (and July 8th), 2025.
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha provide updates on their summer plans and preparations for the upcoming Tuska Forum. They reflect on their recent interviews with Maria from Future Palace and Lulu Davis from Raising Rock Stars. The hosts discuss the challenges and excitement of organizing the Tuska Forum, their experiences with imposter syndrome, and the importance of activism through music.
Additionally, they share insights on how they approach interviewing artists and the values they aim to promote through their platform. The episode concludes with anecdotes from a recent Future Palace concert and an invitation for listeners to join them at the Tuska Festival.00:53 Exciting Summer Plans and Upcoming Interviews01:31 Tuska Forum: Reflections and Preparations07:11 The Role of Music in Social Change09:30 Challenges and Joys of Interviewing Artists16:55 Live Concert Experiences and Final Thoughts
Recorded on June 13th, 2025.
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Martha.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Martha and Kiki welcome artist manager and founder of Raising Rock Stars, Lulu Davis. They discuss Lulu's extensive experience in the music industry, her daily routines, and the importance of mental health and boundaries.
Lulu shares valuable insights into artist management, the challenges faced by musicians, and her commitment to raising the next generation of rock stars.
04:38 Balancing Passion and Burnout
12:54 Raising Rock Stars: Lulu's Journey
15:37 Gender Dynamics in the Music Industry
23:19 The Importance of Kindness and Respect in the Industry
26:15 Diversity and Inclusion in the Music Industry
35:23 Manifestation and Achieving Big Goals
Recorded on June 4th, 2025.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha discuss the upcoming festival season and the recent changes within popular metal bands like Electric Callboy and I Prevail.
The episode also touches on the importance of promoting inclusivity at music festivals. Find out their latest music recommendations, including bands like Deadlands, Sixth Wonder, and Future Palace.
00:59 Festival Season and Band News
05:34 Women and Queer Representation in Festivals
13:30 Band Recommendations and Discoveries
15:33 Stage Outfits and Personal Preferences
Recorded on May 23rd, 2025.
Show notes:
Martha recommends DEADLANDS
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Martha & Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.
In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki welcomes Maria, the vocalist and songwriter of the band FUTURE PALACE. Together, they discuss their shared commitment to Feminism, the importance of diverse representation in the Metal scene, and Maria's personal journey with Mental Health.
The conversation covers how the Berlin-based band uses their music as a platform for activism and the challenges and strategies of touring while taking care of one’s mental health.
01:49 Personal Definitions of Feminism
05:12 Stage Clothing and Self-Expression
18:35 Challenging Gender Norms in Music
23:34 Band Dynamics and Personal Growth
24:58 Promoting Diversity in the Music Industry
27:22 Mental Health and Songwriting
35:07 Touring and Mental Health Management
39:55 Advice for Aspiring Female Musicians
40:54 Upcoming Performances
Recorded on May 26th, 2025.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki. Cover photo of Maria by Hello Bipo.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.