Southeastern Wisconsin heavy rock veterans CARBELLION are ready to unleash their new full length album, “This Is Our Style”, which will be released on November 13, 2026 via Eclipse Records. So, this is the perfect opportunity to talk to Brandon Bauer, guitarist of the band and learn a few more thing about the band and their important career.
Metalwar: Hello Brandon! Welcome to Metalwar.gr. Thank you for your time. For those who are not yet familiar with CARBELLION, please introduce us the band and describe the story of the band’s formation.
Brandon Bauer: Well I’m Brandon guitar, Cameron is on vocals, Jamie on lead guitar, Steve on Bass and Brent on drums. The band formed originally from a mix of a couple Wisconsin based bands that gigged together. We’ve had a few member changes over the years continuing to move onward and upward.
Metalwar: CARBELLION have already travelled a considerable path in the metal scene. Looking back, what do you consider to be the most significant evolution of the band from its early days until today?
Brandon Bauer: That’s a hard question to pinpoint one certain moment. Through time and member changes it feels we’ve always been evolving and growing. With each new album, tour or rehearsal we try to always learn something new and grow from there.
Metalwar: What have been the most important moments or milestones in the band’s journey so far?
Brandon Bauer: We’ve definitely had some memorable moments. For me personally some highlights have been our tour out to the west coast years ago to play the hard rock in LA, our tour to the UK a couple years ago and signing with Eclipse records. These were all moments that were not only great but projected the band forward.
Metalwar: You have shared the stage with amazing bands and artists such as MOTORHEAD, CLUTCH, ALICE IN CHAINS etc. Is there a story you would like to share with our readers from one of those collaborations?
Brandon Bauer: One moment that stands out for me was being able to stand side stage for Motörhead! To be 5 feet away from Lemmy and hear the sheer volume of his bass rig and energy from him was a magical moment.
Metalwar: What are the main musical influences that have shaped the sound of CARBELLION?
Brandon Bauer: That would be a long list lol. We all have somewhat different listening tastes and styles. But there is definitely cross over between us all with old school metal and thrash, punk, grunge and 70’s/80’s hard rock.
Metalwar: Let’s move on to the new chapter of CARBELLION, the upcoming album “This is Our Style” which will be released on the 13th of November. How did the songwriting process develop and what are the main differences or new elements between this album and the previous ones?
Brandon Bauer: Our writing style has most always been to get in the rehearsal room and work out the songs as a band. Some guys will bring in a couple riffs all the way to a mostly completed song. But usually no matter how far along the song is we always work out the final version as a band. We’ve stretched our “style” a bit on this new album. Took some chances we might not have before and crossed a few genre lines. I think it resulted in a cool mix that takes the listener on a ride.
Metalwar: What is the main idea or central theme behind the new album? Is there a concept connecting the songs?
Brandon Bauer: The album really doesn’t have a theme or concept. A few songs might tie together lyrically a tad but musically we wanted a journey that didn’t stick to one single script. We think there is something on this record for everyone.
Metalwar: Is there a particular song on the new album that you feel best represents the current phase of CARBELLION?
Brandon Bauer: With the variation of styles and influences on this album it’s hard to pick just one song that represents Carbellion right now. I think the full collective of songs is really the best representation of who we are. So I recommend listening to the full album front to back at loud volumes when it’s out.
Metalwar: What are CARBELLION’s plans following the release of the album?
Brandon Bauer: In short: shows, tours, festivals and promotion. Gotta spread That American Heavy Rock. 2027 is looking to be a fun year with a possible return to the UK and many other irons in the fire.
Metalwar: Since you are really experienced musicians and have a long career, I would like to ask you about the future of metal music and if you are optimistic with all these new trends like streaming platforms, artificial intelligent etc.
Brandon Bauer: I mean yeah, those things don’t help and make it more of a challenge but I think rock and metal have a good future. People still like live raw music played with passion and metal thrives on that. As long as kids keep picking up guitars and basses and beating on drums in the basement, metal and hard rock can live on.
Metalwar: And finally, what message would you like to send to the Greek metalheads and the readers of Metalwar?
Brandon Bauer: The key to a happy life is to crank the hell out of one of your favorite albums every day. 🤟
Interview – Text: Kostas Boudoukos
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!