Blag Dahlia (The Dwarves)

The Circle of Life: The Dwarves The Dwarves always seem to be a little late or a little early for the party. When they released the self destructive Blood Guts & Pussy, a savage 12 track album that had about a 13 minute running time, punk had died out, replaced by grunge. While Blood, Guts, and Pussy was certainly influenced by earlier hardcore, it was singular in its dedication to annihilation and its gruesomely comedic take on what Kurt Cobain took so seriously. The album was also notable in its incorporation of sound samples, something that had rarely, if ever, been done in punk, but would later become a staple of the genre. Still, although they never got the adulation of their plaid-clothed contemporaries, they remained in the back of alt-music consciousness, due in part, to their penchant for putting naked girls covered in blood on their album covers, fist-fighting with fans, and for spray painting, "Sub pop owes us $" on the lobby of the Sub Pop offices. Some twenty odd years later, they are releasing The Dwarves Are Born Again after their longest hiatus to date. The new record features musicians from throughout the Dwarves history, that, while incorporating their earlier viciousness, also utilizes styles from across the musical map. Staff writer John Gentile recently sat down with Blag Dahlia, the band's lead singer and ringleader, to talk about both records and what it's like showing up at a bad time to a party that he wasn't invited to in the first place.

Basement

Just over a year since their formation, not only are Basement quickly making a name for themselves on their home turf, but they also seem to be one of the few UK bands managing to garter interest and appeal overseas. Punknews interviewer Faye Turnbull caught up with frontman Andrew Fisher and guitarist Alex Henery on tour with Hostage Calm and Daylight in London, to discuss this popularity, along with talk about their impending new record, Title Fight comparisons and how they're, "just trying to be honest".

Shane Told (Silverstein)

After four full-length releases via long time label Victory Records, Canadian post-hardcore vets Silverstein established that progression was essential, and change was key. The band set out to not only find a new home, but also write and release a fresh and honorable disc from start to finish. Silverstein recently released their fifth full-length record and Hopeless Records debut, Rescue. Prior to heading out on the Take Action Tour, vocalist Shane Told spoke with Punknews' interviewer Mark Millard about the label switch, the writing process behind the new album, and for the first time, the story behind one of the most personal songs he's ever written.

Jack Terricloth (World/Inferno Friendship Society)

The Circle of Life: The World/InfernoFriendship Society In the early 1994, New Brunswick, NJ band Sticks and Stones collapsed. Front man Pete Ventantonio moved to New York and transformed into the anarchy praising, noir styling, soliloquy spouting Jack Terricloth. Shortly thereafter, Terricloth created the World/Inferno Friendship Society. A punk band unlike any other, World/Inferno mixed the power chord with the horn line, combining punk with cabaret music, borrowing from equal parts Darby Crash and Tommy Dorsey. After their initial release, the thunderous "Tattoos Fade," World/Inferno became an elite touring unit whose shows regularly included odes to property theft, indictments of police activity, and segments for waltzing.

Now, World/Inferno is gearing up to release their newest album, The Anarchy and the Ecstasy, which shows the group paying respect to their rapscallion ways while incorporating a.. dare I say mature… element of reflection and forecast to their colorful sonic palette. What better time for Jack to look back at the group's past as well as give us a taste of what's 'round the bend…

Slim Cessna (Cessna’s Auto Club)

If you've ever seen Slim Cessna's Auto Club in concert, then you know that the backwater revival isn't dead- It has just changed. With their legion of banjos, jugs, slide guitars, and harmonickers, SCAC don't so much play to their audience as they pull them from their seat and baptize them in an orchestra of Americana. Masterfully mixing folk, country, blues, gospel, and gothic into a singular shifting pylon of sound, the group pays tribute to the roots of the USA, but for some reason, always seem to have a sinister bent to their twang.

This uneasy marriage of the holy with the horrific is never more apparent than on the groups newest disc, Unentitled. The group touches on the concept of self, religion, and communication with the Divine father in some depth, but never make it clear if they are pro or con. Topped by their thick melange of American bred instrumentation, Unentitled leaves the listener with more questions than answers. In order to pry down into the group's twisting message, staff interviewer John Gentile dandied himself up in a 12 gallon hat and some nice overalls, and then rode to yonder prairie to ask Slim about the new album, his contact with the popular culture, and why he doesn't know what it is that he's talking about.

Sheena Ozzella (Lemuria)

Lemuria is a band of fluctuating size and shape. Considered to be primarily a trio, they recently wrote and promoted their newest release, Pebble, as a duo (featuring just Alex Kerns and Sheena Ozzella). Shrinking their numbers further, Ozzella rarely handles interview duties, allowing Kerns to speak for the group. Dashing aside convention and stepping to the forefront, Ozzella sat down with Punknews interviewer Kenneth Flenniken to talk about the band, the new album and even baking.

Lauren Denitzio (ex-The Measure [SA])

Lauren Denitzio's (The Measure [SA]) essay, You Know What Makes Me Feel Unsafe? caused a sea of controversy, much agreement and even more debate in the Punknews' comment section. Lauren spoke to Punknews Interviewer Justin Dickman regarding the contents of her essay, the most confusing complaints, the elements of feminism and you (the Punknews commenters). This year, if you attend what could be your last Measure [SA] show culminating at this year's Fest in Gainesville, FL I advise you to watch what you say, keep it safe and keep your shirt on.

Mikey Erg (The Ergs/The Dopamines/Star F*cking Hipsters)

On an unusually cold North Carolina night Mikey Erg was kind enough to brave the elements and talk with Punknews interviewer Alex Eschbach. Now, known news of his Paper + Plastick debut and drumming with the Star Fucking Hipsters was discussed. But Mikey also talked about working with Stza, tried to figure out just how many sets he was involved in at Fest 9, what else he has planned for 2011, and explains why exactly The Ergs! broke up.

Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes)

A plume of black smoke is creeping out of a chimney today, and across the frozen Chicago sky. This is the signal letting everyone know that a new Smoking Popes album has been released. Founding members and lifelong brothers, Matt, Eli and Josh Caterer have teamed up with drummer Neil Hennessey of the Lawrence Arms for the new record, called , This is Only A Test. It is the second Popes album they have recorded since reuniting in 2005, and is their first attempt at a concept album. It is a semi-autobiographical account of singer and interviewee Josh Caterer's life in high-school that like most punk rockers, was rife with issues of identity, musical aspiration and teenage suicide. Punknews interviewer Wes Tickle has said his Hail Mary's, taken a swig of Holy Water and is stepping into Pope Josh Caterer's confession booth to find out what the future holds for one of the holiest men in punk rock .

Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying)

As I Lay Dying is currently spreading their seeds of metal across the land in support of their newest (and some say overall best) release The Powerless Rise. Punknews interviewer Jason Epstein went backstage on the 2nd night of two sold out shows at NYC's Gramercy Theater for an interview with drummer Jordan Mancino. They talked about new As I Lay Dying music on the horizon, the band's strange link to Jimmy Eat World and more.

Chuck Ragan

After more than 20 years of brotherly love, disagreement and songs, Hot Water Music seems to be more unshakable than ever with its individual members going off on their separate ways only to return home with new tales to share at the family table.

Chuck Ragan went off in several different directions after the band's break and has since returned a little older, revived and a shade more haggard. Whether it's toe-tapping folk songs or customized window frames, the jack of all trades has a big passion for life that's only matched by his gigantic, contagious laugh.

Briefly leaving a tour with Social Distortion, Chuck brought his solo show north of the border to Vancouver, BC where he played the passionate, unbridled show that people come to see him for. Literally minutes before he stepped onto the tiny Media Club stage, he sat down with Punknews interviewer Gen Handley to talk about the music, the band and the bright future.