THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION

(Here's the first interview from MERCYFUL MIKE! And it's a doozy!--Dr. Mality)

Hot on the heels of their brilliant new release "Mondo Tomorrow", I was granted the opportunity of a Q&A session with one half of THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION's riff machine, guitarist Inverted CruciFox! Join us as we navigate the lineage of THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION; time traveling back the beginning, debriefing on present day missions, and receiving instructions on the crusades they are about to embark on. And don't forget!  "Mondo Tomorrow" is about to be unleashed upon mankind April 10th through Cruz Del Sur Music! Can you dig?

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION has been an institution in and of itself since its inception in 2012. Give us the short version on how the planets lined up in the early days.

INVERTED CRUCIFOX: It was a very lowkey beginning - the band began as a studio project amongst a few friends who had played in a ton of bands here in Sydney. We had another friend from the States who sang vocals. I think the challenge of recording that first album remotely was part of the appeal - and it wound up being good practice for doing an album during covid many years later!

WC: THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION was initially labeled as a DIY, "fuzz metal" type of band, but the reality is that not only has the band evolved from album to album, but your sound has really transcended categorization. What do you attribute that to?

IC: I think that was a good description of the very early days though once The Imperial Priestess descended from the skies and joined the band that’s when the scope widened considerably. As time went on we just became more curious as to what sort of music we could make and kept trying things.

WC: To dive a bit deeper... There is undoubtedly a metal foundation upon which THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION is built upon, but there are so many other styles of music nuanced throughout your catalog that I have to ask that ol' cliche question: What are some of the major influences running through the band's veins? I ask this primarily because of the shades of 50s/60s Doo-Wop that have popped up not only on "Mondo Tomorrow", but also on the last few albums.

IC: The simple answer is we like a lot of different types of music and get a huge kick out of incorporating them into our sound. We definitely aren’t fixated with operating strictly within the "metal rulebook” - in fact probably the opposite. That’s not because we don't dig metal, (we really do!) - it’s more that trying to "one up” the classics is a losing cause but trying to fuse things we like together gives us a bit more scope to make something new. But not in an avant-garde way - we still want to sound like we came out of the 70s.

WC: Screaming Loz Sutch, aka "The Imperial Priestess", has really become quite the thematic focus, and compliments the music perfectly. Was this something that came about organically, or was her status part of the original blueprint for the band?

IC: No, she came absolutely fully formed and everything you see and hear there is of her own invention. It was pretty obvious from the get go she would be the focus going forward! Creating a captivating live/unique presence is a pretty tough thing to do but I can confidently say I’ve never seen anything quite like her!

WC: Speaking of themes, THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION have been masters at weaving themes throughout their compositions, and "Mondo Tomorrow" is no exception. Some are a bit more obvious than others, but there is always plenty of room for interpretation on the part of the listener. Would you say this is a fairly accurate assessment? 

IC: I hope so! It has definitely become part of the TNPF way to have a cohesive themed album - I find it’s easier to write when you have a little world you’re trying to build and it gives the whole thing a kind of cinematic vibe. And as with a film or any piece of art really, I do like the idea of it being a jumping off point for the listener. We’re not super didactic and there is I hope a sense of fun with everything we do.  

WC: As of this moment, it looks like the band is gearing up for European dates. How do you feel the band was received back in 2024 (from the live footage on YouTube, it appears that the band was received extremely well!), and what are you planning to do "up the ante" upon your return in 2026?

IC: We have been received incredibly well over there - it continues to blow our minds really. Australia is geographically and culturally isolated - the fact the band exists to people all over the world is amazing. The forthcoming tour is our biggest one so far and we are doing 3 pretty incredible festivals (Rock Hard, Freak Valley in Germany and Muskelrock in Sweden) that all have very different and distinct personalities. I feel it is validation for being the weirdest band in metal!

WC:  I know times are turbulent and financially stressful these days for touring bands, especially those attempting to tour abroad, but has there ever been talk of touring the U.S.? 

IC: Yes, there is a lot of reading the new headlines first thing in the morning to see if WW3 is cancelling our flights - not ideal! Outside of Europe the States is where the band has the most interest so I’d like to think that is a definite possibility. Our bassist Jaytanic Ritual is heading over next week to record THE CHATS’ new album.

WC:  I was elated to see that Cruz Del Sur Music picked up THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION not only for new releases, but also reissuing the back catalog. How has the collaboration between the band and Enrico strengthened the band's reach?

IC: Enrico and Cruz have been amazing - there has never been a hiccup in the relationship - we consider him a friend. We met backstage at the Hell Over Hammaburg in 2019 and he said before we played he really liked the band but wasn’t 100% sure if the Cruz audience would. After we played he was sure and signed us up! We have been together ever since. 

WC:  I was lucky enough to get an advance of "Mondo Tomorrow" for review, and I can honestly say that THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION has once again struck gold. "The Grip Of Death" and "And The Bones Decay" are instant favorites, and "The Barbarian" is a magnificent closer. That said, how much thought process goes into the running order of songs for the album? Do you think in terms of Side 1 and Side 2 for vinyl, or more of a full cycle of continuity that lends itself to streaming?  The flow of "Mondo Tomorrow" is absolute perfection!

IC: Thanks, man, that means a lot! Side openers and closers, general album flow, I do think (overthink?) about that stuff a lot - WAY into the weeds. I think anyone who listens to albums in full subconsciously or consciously values that stuff. I know the majority of music gets consumed via streaming but I think of it 100% as 2 sides of a record.

WC: Can you give us a snapshot of what the Australian heavy music scene is like in 2026? 

IC: Australia has an incredibly vibrant heavy music scene given the inherent challenges musicians face here (relatively small population vs geographically huge space, touring overseas a big cost commitment). Most bands in our world do it for the love of it with no real expectation of “making it” which I think generates the most pure, passionate output. That said, I’m so enmeshed in underground music here and oblivious to whatever is happening in the regular world I couldn’t give you an objective answer!

WC: Bonus Question!  While discussing "Mondo Tomorrow" with a friend, he brought up what a killer package tour it would be to have THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION and CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL on the road together. Thoughts?

IC: We ran across the CHURCH’s work and agree that would be a killer lineup. I feel the Priestess and Brother Bill could do an amazing psychedelic duet together!

WC: Congratulations on yet another incredible release!  "Mondo Tomorrow" will without a doubt be ranked very high on numerous "Best of 2026" lists come December! It was an honor to review the album, and I greatly appreciate your time in answering my questions.  All the very best to THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION!

IC: THANK YOU!! And thanks for the great review!!

THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION