Suns Owl: Bird Songs.

Suns Owl play the QSM Basement on Sunday and the Rose’n’Crown, Surfers Paradise on Sunday. Recharged is in stores now.

Japan’s finest metal exponents Suns Owl make their Australian live debut with Devolved, who have recently returned from a string of shows with the same touring partners in Japan. Their Recharged album is a punishing excursion into extreme modern metal sounds, the perfect soundtrack to a big night of moshing yourself unconscious. Great stuff. The band answered some questions through a translator via email.

What does the name of the band mean? What are its origins?

“Suns is 'light' and Owl is the 'shadow'. Like Yin and Yang.”

You've been voted Japan's best metal act, are accolades like this important to the band?

“We are of course happy with this result, but it's not important to us as our focus is always to better ourselves.”

How would you describe what Suns Owl is about?

“We've got melodic tunes, fast paced songs and pretty much fuse all elements, but more than anything else we've got a dark side and rely on heaviness.”

Your new album Recharged rocks! What can we expect from the live set? What are you expecting from Australian audiences?

“The most important thing for us is that everyone enjoys themselves!”

You've played with some of the biggest metal bands in the world, what have the highlights been for you?

“Performing with Slayer has been the biggest highlight of our career.”

How did you get into metal? What were your first influences, and what are you listening to now. What are your favourite records ever?

“Initially we were drawn to all things heavy. In our early days we were influenced by bands like Slayer, Metallica and Pantera. Lately we get into bands like Skindread.”

Where do you draw inspiration for your material?

“We draw inspiration from everything melodic, rhythmic and anything with groove.”

How did this tour come about? Did you play with Devolved when they were in Japan?

“Basically they are returning the favour as we took them around Japan in August.”

What kind of vehicle do you need to successfully navigate the Death Mosh Highway?

“Marijuana and a car that goes 300km per hour!”

Mulling Up is one of the hardest tracks on the album; aren't you worried it's a little too hardcore to get stoned to?

“The feel is hardcore but the guitar riff bangs into your head so it's cool.”