Heavy, Theatrical, and Unapologetic: The Rise of NECKO

Heavy, Theatrical, and Unapologetic: The Rise of NECKO

Author: HEAVY Magazine September 8, 2026 Duration: 18:49
Every now and then, a band bursts out of the local circuit with the kind of sonic swagger that leaves your ears ringing and your jaw firmly pinned to the floor. If you haven’t crossed paths with Sydney ’s own theatrical rock powerhouse NECKO yet, you’re about to get a rude, blues-drenched awakening. Dubbed by some as the next torchbearers of massive arena rock, this formidable three-piece—featuring Alek Necko on vocals and guitar, Reno Torrisi on drums, and Alex Damon ripping up the bass and keys—has been quietly plotting a rock revolution. And let me tell you, their latest offering is an absolute monster.
The trio recently unleashed their new EP Necko II, a monstrous slab of music that takes everything you think you know about classic, blues-infused hard rock and turns it entirely on its head. We are talking about a record packed with immersive, medieval themes, navigating the jagged edges of newfound desire and gut-wrenching heartbreak. It is a rare blend of delicate whispers that draw you in, right before hitting you square in the chest with a powerful, stadium-sized roar. To make sure the sonic devastation hit exactly the right notes, the boys teamed up with GRAMMY winners Adrian Bushby and Al Sutton for production and mixing, capturing a raw, unapologetic performance that feels like a classic vinyl master brought to life in the modern age.
To celebrate this monumental release, NECKO is hitting the highway for their massive Come As One Tour, bringing their legendary high-energy live show to the masses. Known for their face-melting extended solos and a stadium-rock presence that commands the entire room, these guys don’t just play a gig—they put on a theatrical showcase. HEAVY caught up with Alek and Alex to dissect the inner workings of Necko II. We dive deep into each of the songs and find out how they represent Necko moving forward, what it was like working alongside heavy-hitting industry legends behind the soundboard, what fans can expect when they bring this raw wall of sound to life on stages across the country and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Dive straight into the raw, unfiltered conversations happening behind the amplifiers and drum kits. HEAVY Music Interviews, straight from the team at HEAVY Magazine, pulls you backstage and into the green room for genuine talks with the most compelling voices in rock, punk, metal, and the wider heavy music landscape. This isn't about polished press releases; it's where artists open up about the craft of a crushing riff, the stories behind an iconic album, and the realities of life on the road. Each episode delivers a new perspective, whether it's a legendary frontman reflecting on decades of noise or a breakthrough band explaining their explosive sound. You'll hear the passion and personality that fuels the music, directly from the musicians creating it. For anyone who lives for the energy of a heavy track and wants to know the people behind it, this podcast serves as a regular, essential connection. Tune in for authentic discussions that go far beyond the surface, keeping you directly plugged into the heart of the scene.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

HEAVY Music Interviews
Podcast Episodes
Making The Odd Seem Normal With DALE TANNER From OCEAN GROVE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:50
If you’ve got your finger anywhere near the pulse of the Australian metal/alternative scene, you know exactly what last night was. It was the official launch of the highly anticipated Oddworld Underground Australian Tour…
Down the Garden Path with JOHANNES ECKERSTROM From AVATAR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:10
Interview by Angela CroudaceIf you like your heavy music served with a massive side of absolute, unadulterated chaos and a theatrical bite, then grab yourself a slice of the dance floor and brace your necks. The Swedish…
CORELEONI Keep The Metal Moving With Generection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:38
Interview by Ali WilliamsCORELEONI have a new album on the way, Generection and guitarist Leo Leoni sounds exactly as you would hope somebody still making rock records after more than thirty years would sound: pleased to…
TEMPLES ON MARS: Build It, Burn It, Keep Playing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
Interview by Ali Williams There are bad weeks, and then there are weeks where the rehearsal studio you spent a year building burns for 4 days, TEMPLES ON MARS guitarist and vocalist James Donaldson joined HEAVY’s Ali Wil…
Small Name, Big Noise With JESSE ATTARD From RUNT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:09
Brisbane has a fiercely proud history of producing world-class rock performers, with the production line rolling out yet another slab of excellence to continue the momentum. The newest addition is Runt, a powerhouse four…
Finding Your Niche With KYLE BLOKSGAARD From BARRIERS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:10
Brisbane is about to get hit by an absolute wall of sonic destruction. The third annual Necrosonic Festival is locking and loading for its most brutal ritual yet, taking over the legendary Mansfield Tavern on Saturday, A…
Owning Your Legacy With ZOLTAN BATHORY From FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Five Finger Death Punch are back with absolute chaos on their tenth studio album, Legacy. Formed in Las Vegas, the multi-platinum metal titans are marking their 20th anniversary by delivering an aggressive masterclass in…