The Integration Of Synth Into Heavy Metal, As Told By DR. MIKE TRUBETSKOV

The Integration Of Synth Into Heavy Metal, As Told By DR. MIKE TRUBETSKOV

Author: HEAVY Magazine April 7, 2026 Duration: 28:14
Interview by Angela Croudace
Dr. Mike Trubetskov isn’t just a metal producer—he’s a guide into one of the genre’s most misunderstood elements: synths. Based in Melbourne, he works with heavy bands to shape what he calls their “cinematic sound,” and a huge part of that comes from what sits beneath the obvious.
For Mike, synths aren’t always meant to be heard, they’re meant to be felt. Whether it’s a subtle, slow-moving pad or an industrial, distorted layer cutting through dense guitars, these sounds define the emotional weight of a track. Remove them, and something vital disappears.
What stands out is his balance between creativity and restraint. He approaches each song like a puzzle, filling gaps instinctively while respecting the band’s vision. Too much layering? It kills the song. The right touch? It elevates everything.
He’s also quick to point out that great synth work starts with songwriting, not sound design. A strong melody that fits naturally within the track will always win over something overly complex. From following vocal lines to adding hidden counter-melodies deep in the mix, these small, often unnoticed details are what transform a good track into something immersive and alive.
There’s also a technical intensity behind it all. In a genre built on distortion, synths need to fight for space—often pushed through layers of saturation to cut through, or buried with reverb to create an eerie, almost subconscious presence. It’s this constant push and pull between clarity and atmosphere that defines modern metal production.
For anyone looking to learn, Mike’s approach is both reassuring and challenging: trust your instincts, focus on the music first, and don’t rely on trends to carry your sound. He shares more of this insight on his YouTube channel, Doctor Mike Metal, where he breaks down techniques and encourages artists to experiment, refine, and ultimately find their own voice.


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: 100

HEAVY Music Interviews
Podcast Episodes
Putting On A Show With TOM KIELY From PATIENT SIXTY-SEVEN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:09
Interview by Kris PetersPatient Sixty-Seven have become one of the most compelling and community‑driven voices in modern metalcore - a band built not on hype or industry shortcuts, but on heart, resilience, and the belie…
Ready To Rock With JACOBY SHADDIX From PAPA ROACH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
Interview by Kris PetersAustralia and New Zealand, big things are coming! In just a matter of days, two musical heavyweights will begin a colossal arena run, with Florida hybrid heavies A DAY TO REMEMBER and California m…
Embracing Perpetual Selection With FERDI From VANTA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
Interview by Kris PetersPerth based melodic death metal outfit VANTA returned with their debut full length album Perpetual Selection on March 13, a cinematic andconcept driven record that explores humanity’s darker insti…
Architects Of Your Own Demise With TOM ENGLUND From EVERGREY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:38
Interview by Kris PetersGothenburg's finest musical expert Evergrey are returning with their fifteenth studio album Architects Of A New Weave, set for release on June 5, 2026 via Napalm Records. Whether it launches EVERG…
Becoming One With The Music With ANDREAS CLARK From SELF DECEPTION [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
Interview by Kris PetersKnown for their fiery fusion of anthemic modern metal and powerful melodic rock, Sweden's SELF DECEPTION have shared stages with the likes of Electric Callboy, Danko Jones, and Adept since their 2…
Fractured Spirits With PIERINA O'BRIEN From DEVIL ELECTRIC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:47
Interview by Kris PetersLast month, Melbourne's elite vintage rock act, Devil Electric came roaring back with Tahlia, the first single from their upcoming third studio album of the same name. It was their first music in…
Live, Raw And Uncensored With DOUG ALDRICH From THE DEAD DAISIES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:31
Formed in Sydney by Jon Stevens (formerly of Noiseworks, INXS) and David Lowy (formerly from Mink) in 2012, The Dead Daisies started life with a view to being a platform for musicians to traverse at will. While always in…
Black Ties And Symphonies With BERT McCRACKEN From THE USED [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:32
Interview by Angela CroudaceFor more than 25 years, The Used have built their legacy on chaos, catharsis and connection, but in 2026, they’re stepping into entirely new territory with a landmark performance at the Sydney…
You Are What You Eat With MATT VERINDER From GRIM RHYTHM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:06
Interview by Ali WilliamsSome interviews kick off with grand statements about art and purpose. This one started with me trying to bully the internet into a split-screen format while Matt from Grim Rhythm sat there, polit…