The third instalment of Billy Talent’s whirlwind career will be in our ears in a matter of days. “I think it’s the best piece of work we’ve done, by far, hands down,” boasts the band’s press release quote. After the success of Billy Talent II, anticipation is growing. I was lucky enough to chat to a member of Billy Talent – bassist Jon Gallant – for the second time this year.

Since visiting us down under in February, the boys went back to their Canadian home via Europe for a few shows. Currently “spotting new material”, Gallant says they are all still itching to play their newbies post album release. ”[We are] currently doing all the non-traditional band things – photo shoots, video clips – that you don’t really think about when you are jamming in your friends’ basement,” Jon shares.

After 15 years of slogging it out as a band, you’d think they’d be used to the occasional photo shoot. When it comes to music, “we are diligent workers and take things very seriously,” Jon says. Needless to say, when given the chance to record with dream producer, Brendan O’Brien, they wanted to up the ante. O’Brien was the man behind the soundtrack for many teens of the ‘90s. Think Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden, just to name a few. When Billy Talent formed in 1993, “we were listening to all those bands and covering their songs,” admits Gallant, so there was much excitement when their ambitions became reality.

Throughout the writing process, Billy Talent was flirting with a meatier, more riff driven sound. Once O’Brien was on board, it made sense to follow through with it. Their grunge-era pasts have organically leaked onto the record. “Working with Brendan O’Brien was incredible,” Gallant affirms. “We were all totally intimidated and nervous about it but he was a good guy to work with. He liked our music and respected us. He really brought out the best in [vocalist] Ben [Kowalewicz ] and shared with us a lot of really cool ideas.”

After listening to records such by Rage Against the Machine and the Chili Peppers, Billy Talent craved that powerful sound. “He makes things sound big. The drum and bass especially finally sound the way the band wanted them to sound.”

With most bands, there is a notable difference between a live show and a record. When questioned whether Billy Talent write for the stage or the studio, Gallant is adamant. ”[We] write for the stage, because that is when it is just the four of us and it’s very raw,” he says. “When you get into the studio, you have the opportunity to make things perfect, and do them over and over again until they are right. There is also more layering and texture added.” One of the primary goals for Billy Talent III was to “amalgamate both, so that is sounds really big and heavy but there’s still, like, this feeling that’s really visceral and alive.”

As well as creating something that Billy Talent are all very proud of, Gallant confirms it has been a learning experience. “I can now listen to a Pearl Jam record and know where all his [Brendan O’Brien’s] touches are.”

Post album release, BT will set out on a worldwide tour. Apparently we can expect them on our shores early 2010, so they can escape the snowy winter back in Canada. After having such a great time here earlier in ‘09, they insist on enjoying our surf, sun and sand.

Billy Talent III is out Friday 17 July through Warner Music.