For the latest edition of the interactive, in-depth interview series Defender of the Riff, host Daniel DeKay caught up with Malevolence guitarist Josh Baines for an in-studio conversation at the legendary Studio 606. Currently hard at work cranking new music, Baines took a break to sit in for session of shred that dove into his influences, his ambitions and his earliest education en route to becoming part of Sheffield juggernaut in Malevolence. 

Among his first musical memories, Baines explained his household was filled with a mighty soundtrack courtesy of his father who kept bands like Motorhead, Van Halen, Sabbath and Ozzy in regular rotation. The elder Baines appreciated the guitar and virtuosos like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen - that appreciation would naturally rub off on Josh who took interest very early on. 

Baines explained that in addition to the rock exposure he got within his home, the influence of programming from Kerrang and Scuzz would keep him inundated with music videos from the flourishing nu-metal culture as bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit became fixtures. Baines said that at all of 7 years of age, he understood his path and with his first Squier Stratocaster secured, he never really had a second thought. 

Fittingly, Baines shared that among his first, most formative riffs that stuck with him was Nrivana's "Heart Shaped Box" - a nice homage given the discussion was happening at Studio 606 which houses the console that gave the world, Nevermind. Baines explained the interesting ambiance of the riff and detailed how the stylized darkness of that sound was something that always stuck. 

While bands like Green Day and Blink-182 provided early learning material for Baines to get better familiar with his guitar, he explained that one of his first really formative performance experiences required him to take on a classic. Going to the local pub to join in with the house band, Baines decided to learn the Motorhead anthem "Ace of Spades" - to be able to actually play a full song that resonated with the more seasoned musicians. The experience would prove formative, bringing Baines back to the proving grounds of the pub stage for years while he was cutting his teeth as a player. 

Immersing himself in his instrument, Baines would soak up as much guitar knowledge as possible, such that by the time he was in his early teens, he had already progressed from pop-punk to metal pillars like Lamb of God and Pantera. All the while taking lessons and still jamming with the house band at the pub, Baines opted to go his own way to better discover his true potential as a player. 

Finding a kindred spirit in fellow Malevolence guitarist Konan Hall, the two would first play together in the local band, Decimate. It was Baines first real band and offered his first outlet to better get familiar with the process of writing and gigging. At all of 11 and 12 years old, Baines was taking on local shows and becoming more familiar with his community.

As Decimate would eventually lose steam, Baines would connect with Wilkie Robinson and Charlie Thorpe, who were already in Malevolence. The guys would invite Baines out to jam with the band to see if there was a fit. Eventually, Baines and Hall would join up with Malevolence, finalizing the line-up. Baines began with the band when he was all of 14 years old and hasn't slowed since. 

As Baines continued to evolve and refine his style as a player, he never relented in his thirst for knowledge. Coming up with a pedigree of classic players like the Van Halen's and the Satriani's of the world, Baines would always have a fine-tuned ear for detail. That would lead to him discover the nuance of bands like Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive and Misery Signals - further developing his appreciation for technicality, intensity and even melody. 

As for his foundation however, Baines always refers back to the legends that remain at the top tier in their field. Baines explains that while there is no shortage of great players, the pillars in guys like Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads and Dimebag  Darrell Abbott are consistently referred to as inspirations for a reason. Citing their collective ability to play with soul is something that just can't be replicated and will always make them core to the craft. 

The full episode of Defender of the Riff with host Daniel DeKay and guest Josh Baines of Malevolence can be found - HERE

Catch Josh Baines on tour with Malevolence as the band open the highly-anticipated Ashes of Leviathan Tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lamb of God's Ashes of The Wake and Mastodon's Leviathan. See the complete list of dates and cities below.

Get tickets - HERE