As part of our Highlight of the Week series.

I’m Stephen, and I’m the founder of Get Heavy UK, an online publication dealing in reviews, Interviews & Radio. I have been a fan of extreme music for many years, and the reason for our publication was to give something back to the metal community as a whole because it has supported me mentally and emotionally, and helped me find brotherhood since I was a teenager. After a year of the publication, I met Shaun Payne, who, in such a short space of time, became one of my best friends, shared my vision and passion, and became my partner. Together we created our own festival, known as Get Heavy Festival. And what we’ve achieved Couldn’t have been without him.

Q2. When did you first get involved in underground music? Can you tell us how that journey started? 

I have been a fan for as long as I can remember, but the journey of Get Heavy UK started in August 2021, initially doing watch-along videos on Twitch. We still run a weekly stream to promote music to a wider audience. I have always been fascinated by the raw creativity and independent spirit that define underground music. It’s a space where artists push boundaries, experiment with new sounds, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Q3. Are there any pinnacle events or specific people that have kept you on the path of supporting extreme metal? 

I would say that one of the most significant moments in my life was when I bumped into my brother, Steven Ormston, back in 2007. We hadn’t really seen each other for a few years after school, as we had gone off into different paths. But in that moment, we were both straight into the bar, sharing our music tastes, and from then on, he has been more than just my brother. We’ve been going to as many gigs as possible, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Q4. Can you tell us of any resources, entities or communities that could be particularly helpful for extreme metal bands in the underground today? 

There are many, many twitch streamers doing reactions/watch alongs and that includes ourselves. It’s always a good way to network. Get feedback from actual viewers. I’d also would say you need to have a good work ethic and which to quote our friends in Burial Path “ No One Owes You Anything “ so work hard and people will notice that 

Q5. How many band tshirts and merch items do you think you’ve collected so far? (Pics of your favourites are greatly welcome!) 

I have collected so many shirts over the years, and I would be very curious to know how much I have actually spent since my teens. However, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be my Hammer T-shirt that I acquired from Bloodstock 2024. It has a design of a hand coming out of the ground with nails. It looks sick!

Q6. What is your favourite metal themed movie? (Rockumentaries count) 

Can’t name just one but Bill & Ted, Wayne’s World and of course Airheads

Q7. Are there any extreme metal bands in the underground that you feel the readers need to listen to?

Staying local to Newcastle i’d have to say Swarms UK outside of our area Gnawing Hunger, Uragh, Hammer & Burial Path

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Website:www.get-heavy-uk.co.uk

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