The MetalSucks Podcast

This week, we've got Karl Sanders of Nile  back on the show. This time, however, we're here to discuss The Underworld Awaits Us All, the band's 10th studio album. During our chat, Karl gives us insights on the album's pre-production, including its timeline, how it was a unique experience compared to previous albums, and how Mark Lewis has earned the vital importance of earning the band's trust when mixing an album. He also chats about having a song that is needed in sequence to take a breathe from the sheer brutality of the new album, the process to get the artwork and vinyl pressing just right, and touring in 2024 with realities that dictate how to make it a successful run.

Petar and Jozalyn tackle Tommy Lee’s wisdom of being an escort has a down side when it gets to the escorting part of it, Deicide’s drummer defending the use of AI artwork, John 5 getting everyone hyped up for another new Motley Crue song, and Randy Blythe reminding us once again of the power of being in the moment of a live performance.

Song: Nile “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes”

Song: Nile “To Strike With Secret Fang”

Song: Oceano “The Price of Pain”

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Zeal & Ardor leader Manuel Gagneux joined the MetalSucks Podcast this week, We are in for an awesome treat on August 23 when Zeal & Ardor's latest album GREIF is released, so we decided to start our chat with Manuel by discussing the ceremony that influenced the album, if everyone is making the mistake of calling the album "Grief", and if this is the most vulnerable record he's written. We also talk about the different approach taken on the cover art, why he's not been hit with writer’s block throughout his career, and the true story of how Zeal & Ardor were honored with the coveted national Swiss Music Award.

Petar and Brandon discuss the return of Blake Judd and Nacthmystium, his statement that he is making with the release of the new single Predator Phoenix, leaning into a controversial album title and press release statement, and if fans will accept his firebrand approach considering the apology tour most feel the are owed for supporting him in the past.

Song: Zeal & Ardor “Fend You Off”

Song: Zeal & Ardor “Hide In Shade”

Song: The Jesus Lizard “ Hide & Seek”

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This week's episode features Mikael Stanne, of Dark Tranquillity! Yes, he's back on the podcast, only this time to celebrate the impending release of Endgame Signals, out August 16. During our chat, we discuss the Moment album cycle and how coming back to normalcy was a breathe of fresh air as a creator, why coming across as an honest creator is a high priority for his band, and how being aware of his vulnerability in his art and the journey to get there. We also discuss whether there will ever be another metal scene like the one he experienced in Gothenburg, how festivals have been a part of every tour cycle for him at this stage in his career, and navigating all the new projects he's a part of.

Sylvia and Petar discuss the news of a new Opeth album and the expectations that are brought after the first single is released, Better Lovers and Many Eyes news seeming always happening in unison, Marilyn Manson returns with a new song and video, our feelings about what the future holds for him, and the truth of polarizing artists in our scene having loyalty from their fanbase no matter the documented issues of their past.

Song: Dark Tranquillity “Unforgivable”

Song: Dark Tranquillity “ Not Nothing”

Song: Lamb of God “Another Nail For Your Coffin (Feat. Kublai Khan TX and Malevolence)

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Mushroomhead lifer Steve “Skinny” Felton joined the podcast this week! We are all in on the latest album from Mushroomhead titled Call The Devil, due out August 9! In this episode, we discuss the many meanings fans can take from the album title and artwork, what he was going for when that was created, deciding on the vocal approach in songs when you have multiple vocalists in a project, and the improvisation and file sharing approach that was a part of creating Call The Devil, among a litany of other things.

Petar and Brandon discuss the one of a kind moment metalheads the world over experienced with Gojira’s performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, how this spark can change the genre for future audiences, and seeing something we never thought possible for heavy metal.

Song: Mushroomhead Fall In Line

Song: Mushroomhead Prepackaged

Song: High Parasite “Grave Intentions”

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We've got returning podcast guest Matthew Greywolf of Powerwolf on the show this week! With the new album Wake Up The Wicked set to release on July 26, Powerwolf is poised to get your attention in the coming days. As such, we discuss with Greywolf the cinematic music videos that accompany each new album track, the band's decision to use practical effects instead of CGI, and when he first discovered the story of Peter Stump  would have an influence on the storytelling of the album. We also chat about what it feels like to be featured on a billboard in Times Square, the return of Powerwolf to North America after the successful run in 2023, the importance of bringing justice to your past catalog every time you write a new chapter of songs for fans, as well as a whole lot more.

Petar, Sylvia, and Jozalyn tackle on the hectic week that lead to the hiatus of Tenacious D, we breakdown the off color improvised joke Kyle Gass said, the immediate reaction from the fans in Australia and bandmate Jack Black, the apology the Kyle Gass put on his Instagram, and then us reacting to him removing the apology days later.

Song: Powerwolf “Sinners Of The Seven Seas”

Song: Powerwolf “1589”

Song: AFI “Malleus Maleficarum”

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Gaerea are gearing up to make a major announcement and we are excited to be a part of it! On this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, we have an interview with Gaerea to discuss the band's next chapter, the release of their latest single “World Ablaze,” and how it was liberating to put that song out into the world. We also chat about the process that went into finding an identity in the heavy metal world and fighting to make sure it's not a toxic environment. Gaerea is nearing its 10th anniversary as a band, so the conversation took a bit of an introspective turn as we discuss how they want to continue making art, how they wish they can have the artistic talent of drawing, and how they're being more comfortable with the idea of letting some of the mystique of Gaerea slide so they can connect with fans at live shows.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Serj Tankian’s indifference if System Of A Down continues without him, Armored Saint vocalist John Bush giving Metallica praise for taking chances in their career, Nikki Sixx responding to criticism over Motlëy Crüe’s single “Dogs of War”, and Oxbow breaking up in a way that just plain sucks.

Song: Gaerea “World Ablaze”

Song: Wretched Blessing “Spurious Ovation”

Song: Sugar Horse “Office Job Simulator”

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This week we have Marcus Vik of Invent Animate joining the show! We are discussing the definite edition of last year excellent album Heavener which is out now! The conversation goes into his personal collection of Invent Animate material getting lost in the mail, the “acoustic” rendition of many of his peers having a lot of interest to fans, how making an effort to hike on tour is a must for team building, his new method of connecting with bands he is going to tour with, being mistaken as a band that came from Australia, the challenges of reading books on a bus, Castlevania being near and dear to his heart despite the video game being outdated, living in the moment as the current album Heavener reaches new successes for the band, and why he would be okay watching a month straight of only “tearjerker” films.

Petar celebrates six months gone in 2024 with the albums that he thinks are the best so far, and plays a track of each one to keep them on your spotlight as we go into the next part of 2024.

Song: Dvne “Plērōma”

Song: Persefone “One Word”

Song: Crypt Sermon “Heavy Is The Crown of Bone”

Song: Caligula’s Horse “The Stormchaser”

Song: Invent Animate “Without A Whisper”

Song: ERRA “Cure”

Song: Full Of Hell “Coagulated Bliss”

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Clémentine Delauney of Visions Of Atlantis is our guest this week! She's here to put a major spotlight on the band's latest album Pirates II: Armada, which comes out on July 5! We begin our discussion on the writing process for this record and how it was tied in the the previous album, the transition internally in the songwriting team for those records, her passion for storytelling, and the opportunity she got for the music video scripts. She also goes into the in-depth research and designs she did to complete the look for the universe, touring North America during the last cycle, and the immediate impact it made with fans out here.

Brandon and Petar are here to urge the fantastic idea of and Ozzy and Lemmy cartoon to drop the “superhero” concept before going into production, Rick Rubin once again not having fans after his work and our thoughts on that, and Andreas Kisser of Sepultura putting out a invite to the Cavalera brothers giving us all a little bit of hope for the original Sepultura reuniting for a moment.

Song: Visions of Atlantis “Monsters”

Song: Visions of Atlantis “Armada”

Song: Gasket “Syndicate”

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This week on a very special .5 episode of the podcast we have Ken Candelas of Homerik to discuss the project ten years in the making “The Circle Of Dead Children” with release dates for the album and art book on September  20th and novel October 31st. We delve into the collaboration with artist David “Max” Millgate in the imagery of the project, the narration of master storyteller Jonathan Kruk’s, how the classic tune “Laid To Rest” by Lamb of God fit the storytelling process and so much more. Go to homerik.com for all the information and we also discuss all his work including his podcast on his metal mastermind.com brand! 

Song: Homerik “Godless: A Song of the Night, Part II

Song: Homerik “Laid To Rest”

Song: The Barbarians of California “Far Out, Bro” Featuring Daryl Taberski of Snapcase

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Seven Spires axeman Jack Kosto is joining the show this week to discuss the band's newly released album A Fortress Called Home. We begin the discussions with Jack on his role on the mixing, mastering, and producing of the album, as well as how he gained the trust of the band to take on those responsibilities. We also discuss the album's visual aspect, Adrienne’s lyrical content having a distinct vulnerability this time around,  the approach Seven Spires have when creating music on tour, and the steps it will take to get a headlining tour in the states for the band.

Petar and Brandon discuss our recollections of the 25th anniversary of Limp Bizkit’s multi platinum selling Significant Other, James Hetfield possibly writing more “Unforgiven” tracks, bands needing to do more full album “medleys” in concert, and getting food poisoned at a major festival sounding like a hellish experience.

Song: Seven Spires “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind””

Song: Seven Spires “Architect of Creation”

Song: In Hearts Wake “Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)”

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Powerhouse personality and vocalist Lzzy Hale is back on the podcast! We are here to celebrate Halestorms’s co-headlining North American Tour with I Prevail running from July 9th all the way to August 17th. We also discuss Halestorm keeping the same members for 21 years, some of the secrets of maintaining positive relationships with bandmates, her love for animals of all kinds since because of her upbringing, the story of some diehard fans delivering letters to her on tour and the impact it brought her, being brave in the world not negating being terrified to put yourself out there, having to explain her music when she was 13 years old to a principal, and paying it forward in a recent tour with The Warning.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the release of the first new song for The Black Dahlia Murder following the tragic passing of Trevor Strand, how proud we are of the metal community showering the track with positivity, also we talk about Serj Tankian’s comments on what it would take to make a new System of A Down Record, and Dennis Lyxzén of Refused giving us a huge health scare this week.

Song: Halestorm “Wicked Ways” (Live)

Song: Halestorm & I Prevail “can u see me in the dark?” - Single

Song: Ulcerate “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts”

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Orange Goblin’s Ben Ward is joining the MetalSucks Podcast this week! Their first new studio album in six years Science, Not Fiction is dropping on July 19 and we're here to discuss that and more! We talk about Ward's one and only chance meeting with the late Ronnie James Dio, which is a story in itself. We also get to talking about recording the metal lifer anthem and second single “Cemetery Rats”, how fitness infiltrating the scene has made a much more positive situation for many metalheads, playing shows sober and how it had a little bit of a learning curve. Naturally, we also talked about the mainstream media, the lies they present, and trying to discover the truth about events. Among other things, we also discuss how the band has its 30th anniversary approaching and some of his thoughts on that milestone.

Petar and Brandon tackle Sebastian Bach’s attack on fans' T-shirts at a recent concert, then his decision to double down on social media to explain why he was being a dick, Bon Jovi stating the obvious about Lzzy Hale performing with Skid Row, and this goddamn overpriced Slayer cooler that Petar’s going to end up buying.

Song: Orange Goblin “Cemetery Rats”

Song: Kissin’ Dynamite “The Devil Is A Woman”

Song: X-Cops “Light Em Up”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, Evergrey's Tom S. Englund returns to discuss the band's 14th studio album Theories of Emptiness, due out this Friday, June 7. During our chat, discuess what went into the promotional picture where the band is covered in mud and the experience cleaning all that off after the shoot. We also discuss the music video for “Falling From The Sun” and some of the artistic decisions that went into its creation, Looking to the band's future plans, Englund lists the countries Evergrey will be visiting for the first time on their upcoming South American tour. He also shares how he got Adam “Nolly” Getgood involved in the mixing process early on for the new album, how the constellation on the cover artwork has a direct tie-in to the album title, and some of the projects he's currently working on in the world of video games.

Petar goes solo this week as he answers a fan’s email about the recently released docuseries Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza, how the series missed a major change in the industry, my theory on what changed the festival, and how modern music has been formatted since to audiences.

Song: Evergrey “Falling From The Sun”

Song: Evergrey “Say”

Song: Vision of Atlantis “Armada”

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This week we are putting a spotlight on one of the more interesting releases so far this year, Crypt Sermon's latest The Stygian Rose, which will release on June 14. To that end, we got Brooks Wilson and Steve Jansson on the show to talk about everything from getting into the studio in 2022 to finally being done with it and ready for release. We'll chat about the pros and cons of going into the studio prepared, how doing that helped capture their sound, and how Brooks created the cover art. They also name the video game they feel would be displayed on a video wall before their shows, how vintage 80’s and 90’s action movies have a language of their own. Brooks also does a deep dive into an interesting regional character to inspire lyrical themes on the record and why you can’t miss these guys on tour when shows are announced in North America.

Petar and Sylvia discuss a little WWE and the passing of the the torch for the Women’s Title, Bring Me The Horizon surprise releasing their latest album, our thoughts on bands that choose to do surprise releases, Live Nation’s response to the DOJ’s investigation in their business practices, and how we as fans have to navigate the current monopoly they have on shows.

Song: Crypt Sermon “Glimmers In The Underworld”

Song: Crypt Sermon “Heavy is the Crown of Bone”

Song: Insect Ark “Youth Body Swayed”

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Guitar wizard and Intervals mastermind Aaron Marshall is our guest on this week's MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss their new album Memory Palace out right now! During out chat, we also tackle the guest performances on the new record, how improvising works in the band when it comes to  studio and live performances, and he attempts to breakdown what makes a prog metal instrumental ballad work. Marshall also shares some of the team building exercises he and his crew use on the road and the surreal moment on their recent tour with Mammoth WVH involving a recipe for bread.

Petar and Brandon discuss Sebastian Bach’s statement that reason Skid Row hasn’t reunited is because of a “miscommunication," we attempt to write the email that'll get Mr. Bach back in the lineup's good graces, and we revisit how  how Killswitch Engage’s The End of Heartache changed the game when it came to heavy music in the 2000s.

Song: intervals “Galaxy Brian” Featuring J3PO

Song: intervals “Mnemonic”

Song: Four Stroke Baron “The Witch”

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This week's show features an awesome interview with Joseph Rowland of the mighty Pallbearer! During our chat, we hear all about the new album Mind Burns Alive out this Friday, May 17. We also discuss the band's approach of embracing the “quiet” on many of the songs, the comfort he feels in creating in music in an isolated space, and the approach they take on artwork for album covers. Things also take a turn for the philosophical, as the concept of “fate” comes up, how these days the truth requires compromise to communicate, the power of communication through music, longevity of creating art versus popular content, and the battle with being addicted the our phones.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the passing of Steve Albini, the lesson he leaves behind with his approach as a engineer for heavy music, the return of Kittie with their first full length album in 13 years, Serj Tankian’s comments on only wanting to do short tours for the fans, and Kerry King just needing to be a little less upfront of his conversation with Tom Araya.

Song: Zao “A Last Time For Everything”

Song: Pallbearer “Where The Light Fades”

Song: Pallbearer “Endless Place”

Song: Fu Manchu “Hands of The Zodiac”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we welcome Brittney Slayes, vocalist of the mighty Unleash The Archers! During our chat, we discuss the band's forthcoming album Phantoma due this Friday, May 10. Some of the topics covered during our conversation includes what went into the creation of the album's concept and overarching storyline, how the protagonist in the story is thrust into horrible situations but that hope is always right around the corner, and how this relates to us having to slow life down in modern times to truly be appreciative. On a more philosophical level, we also tackle how new challenges in life can be scary but necessary, why being happy is a conscious choice that isn’t always easy, the negativity that we have to take daily in so many avenues on the internet, the positive messaging Brittney's tried, and how the positive interactions the band has with fans are a blessing for them.

Petar and Brandon discuss the rapper OsamaSon completely ripping off Iron Maiden’s artwork, Deicide’s Glen Benton statement on the modern look of metalhead, and the disturbing allegations made against Knocked Loose’s drummer Kevin Kaine (and his response to those accusations).

Song: Unleash The Archers “Green & Glass”

Song: Unleash The Archers “Ghost In The Mist”

Song: Teramaze “Standing Ovation”

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Iconic guitarist Marty Friedman is back on The MetalSucks Podcast! We're celebrating his new solo album Drama, which is coming out on May 17. In our chat, we discuss his return to touring North America after the pandemic, look back on the visually arresting livestream he participated in during the Tokyo Jukebox album cycle, and a breakdown on the song structure of the centerpiece track “Mirage." We also discuss how having access to a collection of vintage and rare guitars is beneficial to recording the album, writing his autobiography with the intent of sharing things nobody knows about him, and a ballpark release date for when his autobiography will be available to the world.

Before that though, Petar and Sylvia discuss the announcement of the bands on this years Summer Slaughter tour, our thoughts on the reactions that spread all over the metal media, Slipknot’s new look leaning towards the iconic first album, and Motley Crue’s releases a brand new song.

Song: Marty Friedman  “Illumination”
Song: Marty Friedman “Dead of Winter (English Version) Featuring Chris Brooks of Like A Storm
Song: Inter Arma “Desolation’s Harp”

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Eyal Levi of Dååth is our guest on The MetalSucks Podcast this week! He's here to chat about the band's first album in over a decade, The Deceivers, out May 3. In our chat, Eyal describes how his exercise regimen during the pandemic was a direct impact on returning to playing guitar and how he felt about his guitar playing after not playing for eight years. He also reflected on making the decision to create new music and revive the dormant Dååth, the team that was assembled around the project, what it's like having band members spread out across the world, and the production team that was involved in the creation of the record. There's a whole lot more in the conversation as well that you have to hear for yourself!

Sylvia and Petar tackle James Hetfield’s new tattoo with Lemmy’s ashes, Kirk Windstein’s comments about new Down music, Maynard James Keenan’s new music commitments with all his bands, and what order we feel we will see new music from each project.

Song: Leeway “The Simple Life?”

Song: Dååth “Hex Unending”

Song: Dååth “No Rest No End”

Song: Dvne “Abode of the Perfect”

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This week, we've got Wolf Hoffman of Accept back on The MetalSucks Podcast! During our discussion, we take a walk down memory lane to learn how he initially felt about the band's name, the trend of modern bands having hard to pronounce names, if he feels every new record is a discovery record for new fans or if adding to the legacy of Accept is the focus, and why releasing singles has very little merit in our genre. We also talk about Andy Sneap’s opinion and important direction on modern Accept music, the necessary human contact when creating music for him, and why doing written interviews don’t feel like much of a connection for artists.

Brandon and Petar discuss how much we would consider a fair price for Chuck Schuldiner’s Green B.C. Rich guitar, a ticket stub for arguably one of the worst days in heavy metal history, Jerry Cantrell’s guitar going missing and then found, and our thoughts on if Marilyn Manson being sober makes a difference to fans at this point.

Song: Accept “The Reckoning”

Song: Accept “Humanoid”

Song: My Dying Bride “The 2nd Of Three Bells”

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J.T. Cavey of ERRA is joining us this week to celebrate the new album Cure and the headlining North American tour the band's going to embark on starting April 23. We also discuss our current daily caffeine intake, why mixing it with water is a must, and what he feels is the energy drink of choice for metalcore bands these days. We also chat about the positive vibe he's noticed from making the bed everyday, releasing songs in a calculated way in modern times, the addition of guitarist Clint Tustin, and the band art that he gets most excited to see completed.

Petar and Brandon discuss the 30 year anniversary of Kurt Cobain passing, how we remember the tragic event unfolded, how it changed mainstream music and popular culture, and the ripple effects it had in music and society.

Song: ERRA “ Cure”

Song: ERRA “Blue Reverie”

Song: Alpha Wolf “Haunter”

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We have heavy metal legend Buck Dharma of Blue Öyster Cult on the show! We discuss the latest studio album Ghost Stories coming out April 12, as well as how many of the songs have a long history with the band, if having so many demoes of the tracks through the years changed the new recordings, and how they play legacy songs differently throughout the years for the fans to keep things interesting. He also discusses what it's like to perform newer material at this stage in the band's career, the powerhouse that was MC5 and doing a rendition of their classic “Kick Out The Jams”, and why you don’t want to sleep on any upcoming tours with Blue Öyster Cult.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the week's news, including Skid Row announcing a major line up change and the all-star vocalist who will be filling in, Mudvayne’s Chad Gray talking about what's been obvious for years regarding Motley Crüe, and AC/DC selling a boat load of tickets in 24 hours for their upcoming European Tour.

Song: Blue Öyster Cult “So Supernatural”

Song: Blue Öyster Cult “Don’t Come Running”

Pallbearer “Where The Light Fades”

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Anders Fridén is back on the show! We're celebrating their upcoming North American tour with Gatecreeper and Creeping Death, so naturally we discuss Fridén's involvement in selecting the opening acts for the tour, how playing live means so much more after the pandemic, the importance of a scene for heavy music to rise, and how In Flames rehearses with members living in different countries. We also discuss the importance of artwork for heavy metal, what he considers the 30th anniversary of In Flames, and if they have anything planned for that milestone.

Petar and Brandon discuss Rex Brown’s comments on possibly recording new Pantera music, Charlie Benante on the possibility of a new Pantera live album, and Maynard James Keenan assisting Mike Tyson during a strange time in boxing.

Song: In Flames “Foregone, Pt. 1”

Song: In Flames “State of Slow Decay”

Song: Melvins “Addicted to Food”

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This week, we've got Steve Moore of Zombi joining us on The MetalSucks Podcast. In our chat, we discuss the band's latest album Direct Inject out this Friday, March 22. We discuss 2024 being the 20th anniversary of Zombi, if he thought that milestone would have happened when the band started as a side project, and how important their label Relapse has been in keeping the band alive. We also discuss some of the approaches Zombi take to make new fans, his experience as a touring musician during the pandemic, the tour with The Sword that brought momentum back to the Zombi camp, what it was like touring with Goblin as a keyboard player, and the future of Zombi and friends releases.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss the tragic passing of Blake Harrison, share an email from a fan who went to see Jozalyn do stand up comedy, Mastodon’s Troy Sanders being a fantastic Little League Baseball Coach, and Fear Factory wanting a fill in bassist that can drink a bottle of tequila with no negative results.

Song: Pig Destroyer “Loathsome”

Song: Zombi “The Post Atomic Horror”

Song: Zombi “Bodies In The Flotsam”

Song: CNTS “I Won’t Work For You”

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Dragonforce’s Herman Li is joining us for this week's MetalSucks Podcast! The band’s latest album Warp Speed Warriors is coming out this Friday, March 15, so Li tells us how Dragonforce landed the Despicable Me 4 trailer, how we have noticed metal is getting its due in the advertising world, his physical music collection being across the pond, and how his London home is a bit of a time machine. Naturally, we also discuss the last video game he remembers beating in the arcade, the album artwork from concept to completion, the extra goodies Dragonforce gives out when the band does  meet and greets, and  why it’s important to be able to compromise on co-headlining tours.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the momentous release of the new Judas Priest record Invincible Shield and how they're the first heavy metal band to release two albums 50 years apart. Petar also shares a personal 'Proud Papa' moment involving the record. As for the news, they discussed Phil Demmel being surprised about the Slayer reunion announcement, Burton C. Bell releasing his first solo track, and a bill being introduced to Congress that would increase streaming payments for musicians.

Song: Dragonforce “Astro Warrior Anthem”

Song: Dragonforce “Doomsday Featuring Elize Ryd of Amanrathe”

Song: Judas Priest “Panic Attack”

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Don't look now, but Kittie's very own Morgan Lander is back on the show! We are here to discuss Kittiepig, the only non-alcoholic beverage with the Canadian band's name and stamp of approval. In our chat, we talk about the idea and origin story behind the collaboration, some of the notes she gave after doing a taste testing, what a Saskatoon berry tastes like, and if there will be any available at the merch both when the band tours your city. We also celebrate their first single in 13 years “Eyes Wide Open,” the music video that  accompanied the song, and the plans for Kittie in 2024.

Petar and Jozalyn tackle the tale of a vocalist getting fired for his creative attempts to steal a bandmates girlfriend, our thoughts on if the new Judas Priest record is their final one, and Avenged Sevenfold releasing a VR concert to the fans.

Song: Kittie “Eyes Wide Open”

Song: Coffin Storm “Over Frozen Moors”

Song: Boundaries ”A Pale Light Lingers” (featuring Alpha Wolf’s Lochie Keogh)

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Øystein Brun of Borknagar is on the show this week! During our chat, we discuss the latest album from the Norwegian black metal legends Fall. We also chat about we discuss Øystein's childhood in Norway, the concept of nature’s connection with man on the new record, music truly being something created from nothing, touring Borknagar more the last 10 years and the perspective that has given him. 

Petar and Brandon discuss all the thoughts and emotions that surround Slayer's return, how this affects the excitement of Kerry King’s solo project, how we feel they are part of the future festival headliners, and if it hurts the legacy of the band in anyway.

Song: Borknagar “The Wild Lingers”

Song: Borknagar “Moon”

Song: Illumishade “Riptide”

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This week's guest is none other than John Henry of Darkest Hour! He's here to celebrate the band's first full length record in six years, Perpetual/Terminal coming out February 23. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of following up on Godless Prophets and The Migrant Flora, how Ozzfest shaped the band's professionalism, the brotherhood that bands had when doing traveling festival packages, and at what point in his career that he was comfortable doing stage banter. In a bit of fun sports talk, Henry also talks about Darkest Hour creating a fight song for the Washington Capitals and how the terming “selling out” has changed since the inception of the band.

Later on in the show, Brandon and Petar discuss the laughably bad Motley Crue action figures, Kittie releasing their first song in 13 years, High on Fire announcing their first new album since winning a Grammy, our thoughts with the AI generated video they released, and how artists are now secondary to the event for mainstream audiences.

Song: Darkest Hour “Perpetual/Terminal

Song: Darkest Hour “Societal Bile”

Song: Hiraes “Dormant”

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Ihsahn is joining the podcast this week to celebrate his new self-titled album coming out Feb. 16. In this episode, we discuss his passion for film composition, some of the names that he's followed over the years, his drive to always have an orchestral element to his music, the rock artists that transition into doing full time film work, and how he created a world based on the orchestral release of the self titled album. In addition to all that, we chat about what perimeters would need to be met for the orchestral version of the new album to get a proper live presentation, how it's been working on the documentary of Fascination Street Studios with Jens Bogren, and the importance and magic of capturing the inexplicable moment in art that can’t be replicated.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the reveal of Kerry King’s new band, our thoughts on the first track released to fans, his upcoming tour with Lamb of God and Mastodon, the update on his relationship with his old Slayer bandmates, and Bon Jovi stating that he won’t use backing tracks live to perform to his legion of fans.

Song: Ihsahn “Pilgrimage to Oblivion”

Song: Ihsahn “The Distance Between Us”

Song: Persefone “One Word”

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Ross Jennings and Peter Jones of Haken join the podcast! We are here to discuss their upcoming North American tour starting February 10, the anticipation of playing the latest album Fauna will be played in its entirety, Peter Jones releasing a keyboard guide of his work on the album, playing Japan for the first time in the band’s history after the North American tour, the positive experience when albums make year end lists, saving a cat’s life last time they toured America, the team building the band does when on tour in America, the desire to start writing new material, and the open discussion of how singles being released instead of full lengths can have a positive impact.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the passing of legendary MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Ihsahn’s comments on creating a new Emperor album, how difficult it is for a band to capture the essence of their youth, Marilyn Manson paying the price of a new home in legal fees to Evan Rachel Wood, and we share a story of co-host Brandon jumping out of a plane with the late Jesse Jane.

Song: MC5 “Kick Out the Jams”

Song: Haken “Nightingale”

Song: Haken “The Alphabet of Me”

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The ever-talented Lena Scissorhands of Infected Rain is our guest on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! During our time together, we discuss the band's latest album Time out February 9. Other, totally not super heady topics also get discussed, such as the journey we all take to ensure we're not wasting time, the realization of how a toxic element in your life can affect you, and how singing the new songs live will take an emotional toll on her. We also chat about the music videos and how they were created, capturing a vulnerable moment that was genuine and sharing it with her fans, and her love for movies.

Petar and Brandon discuss MetalSucks reader’s poll on who the fans think is metal’s favorite asshole, Kanye West doubling down on his antisemitism by wearing a Burzum shirt, and Martyrdom throwing a pig’s head out at the audience during a live show.

Song: Infected Rain “Because I Let You”

Song: Infected Rain “Dying Light”

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Don't look now, but Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth is on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! Naturally during our chat we discuss the latest album Death: An Anthology and how parts of it were written in a parking lot. We also learn all about the story behind  the featured guests that helped out, the process of completing five music videos at the same time being less stressful then past music videos, and the changes that occurred in the Enterprise Earth camp since the previous album. 

On a more personal note, we also learn more about Mangold's former nomad lifestyle that he lived for the last seven years and the joy he gets from doing the mixing, mastering, and producing on all the albums since 2020.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the upcoming 30th anniversary of the best E.P. of all times, Chad Gray’s comments on all new music sounding the same, and discuss our thoughts on keeping up with newer bands in modern times.

Song: Enterprise Earth “Casket of Rust”

Song: Enterprise Earth “The Reaper’s Servant” Featuring Darius Tehrani of Spite

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Sam Vallen of Caligula’s Horse joins the podcast this week! We discuss the latest album Charcoal Grace coming out January 26 and how this is the end of the band's longest gap between albums. We also chatted about how they worked through writer’s block, how they stayed genuine to the thematic presence in the new album, and the excitement behind their upcoming North American tour. Well, that and a whole lot more.

Petar and Brandon discuss Cannibal Corpse going into the dog collar business, Kerry King stating his new band is an extension of Slayer in many ways, Mike Portnoy almost sharing the stage with Nickelback, and Code Orange canceling their upcoming North American tour.

Song: Caligula’s Horse “Golem”

Song: Caligula’s Horse “The Stormchaser”

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It's the first MetalSucks Podcast episode of 2024 and we've got the voice of the mighty Lucifer, Johanna Platow Andersson, back on the show! In this episode, we discuss the band's recent tour in the United States with Coven, the cost associated with touring internationally in the current world, and how things may change for US bands touring Europe. We also get down to talking about the writing formula that's worked for Lucifer, how it's been working together with the same lineup over the last few records, the attention to detail that has always been vital for Lucifer. We even learn which regional animal puts the fear of God in her.

Petar and Sylvia discuss a recent study showing fans of heavy music lie to their physicians, Corey Taylor choosing to take a mental health break and canceling his upcoming solo tour, and Rage Against The Machine calling it before completing the reunion tour commitments.

Song: Lucifer “At The Mortuary”

Song: Lucifer “Slow Dance In A Crypt”

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It's finally here. The final episode of 2023. As such, we share our top five albums of the year and chat with some of the artists that made them. Misha Manor of Periphery, James McBain of Hellripper, and Him from Sermon all join the podcast.

So come on and join us as we countdown what we feel are the five best albums of the year and play some of 2023's most memorable songs in heavy music.

Song: Periphery “Atropos”

Song: Periphery “Wildfire”

Song: Green Lung “Mountain Throne”

Song: Green Lung “One For Sorrow”

Song: Hellripper “Warlocks Grims and Withered Hags”

Song: Hellripper “The Nuckelavee”

Song: Dying Fetus  “Unbridled Fury”

Song: Dying Fetus “Compulsion For Cruelty”

Song: Sermon  “Royal”

Song: Sermon “Golden”

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This week we start our two part episode on our favorite 15 albums of 2023, a year that truly delivered the goods when it comes to our favorite genres of music. The episode features in depth interviews with the artists on the albums that moved us like no other, six artists join the podcast this week, and tracks off every record as we count down from number 15 all the way to our number one. Listen and find out what made the cut and maybe even find something amazing you may have missed this year!

Fuming Mouth - “I’ll Find You”

Rancid - “New American”

Domkraft - “SlowBurner”

Uada - Crepuscule Natura

Insominum - "Godforsaken" Featuring Johanna Kurkela

Enslaved - "Forest Dweller"

WillHaven - "Diablito"

Horrendous - “Cult of Shaad’oah”

Bell Witch - "The Clandestine Gate"

Baroness - "Last Word"

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Before we unleash our 15 favorite albums of the year in a two-part episode featuring interviews and music galore, we decided to reach out to the most important part of this show — its fans! Handpicked from email correspondence throughout 2023, our guests this week have a unique and great passion for the music of the year and the scene. 

First we have the reason that I decided to get the fan’s involved in the show and his name is Chad Pabianek. His email was asking me how I select my favorite albums of the year and I answered but also gave him the tall task this year to weave through the great albums to pick just one. Next we have J. Clark, a listener that's been with the show since its inception and a true lifer of the power of this music and scene. After him, James Murray gives us a truly intelligent breakdown of the year in heavy music and region he holds close to his heart by putting a focus and spotlight on the heavy music world in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Lastly, Amit Elisha, I am so sorry for mispronouncing your name again on the lead before the interview, co-owner of blastbeatvinyl.com joins us to discuss his favorite album of the year but also his favorite cover art of the year. As a small business owner that specializes in selling vinyl to our community. he gives passionate insight in what he feels is the subgenre of the year. 

Don’t miss this episode of listeners just like yourself, the community that we all live for and discover some of the bands that deserve the coverage just like the voices of these four fans.

Song: Dream Unending “So Many Chances”

Song: Queens of the Stone Age “Time and Place”

Song: Runemagick “Endless Night and Eternal End”

Song: Thantifaxath “Solar Witch”

Song: Exsang “Crown of The Dead”

Song: Moonlight Sorcery “In Coldness Embrace”

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Tool bassist Justin Chancellor and Peter Mohamed of Sweet Noise join our show this week to discuss the second album from their project MTVoid, we discuss returning to the project, the joy of creating music through file sharing, the conceptual team that create the music video for “MaBeLu,” all the collaborators that mad contributions to the songs on the album, the lyrical technique that was used on the record, and why a project like MTVoid is helps Chancellor grow as a bass player.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss The Black Dahlia Murder entering the studio to record their first record after the passing of Trevor Strand, Madi Watkins of Year Of The Knife back to creating music six months after the brutal van crash, and if there is any real interest in David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar sharing a stage to celebrate Van Halen.

Song: MTVoid “Drop-Out” Featuring. Isabel Munoz-Newsome (Pumarosa)

Song: MTVoid “Propagtor” Featuring Aric Improta (Night Verses, Ex- Fever 333)

Song: Tortuga “Lilith”

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Dying Wish vocalist Emma Foster is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast. In our chat, we discuss her band’s current North American tour and their second album Symptoms of Survival. Emma also lets us know how the new songs are going over in a live setting, the importance of booking the tour to land at home for Thanksgiving, the challenge of staying healthy while traveling through extreme weather, and some of the challenges of keeping healthy routines on the road. Aside from our music discussion, we also chat about her being a life long NBA fan, which players she's supporting, and Nikola Jokic’s reaction of winning the NBA title being relatable for a touring band.

Petar and Brandon discuss all the amazing new music the dropped this week, Bring Me The Horizon cancelling a performance mid show for the right reasons, Laura Jane Grace’s social media post on Jay Weinberg getting let go from Slipknot, the comic book created for the 30th anniversary of Type O Negative’s Bloody Kisses, and the musician who felt the need to attack that celebration.

Song: Dying Wish “Lost In The Fall”

Song: Dying Wish “Path To Your Grave”

Song: Hinayana “Triptych Visions”

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The great Devin Townsend returns to The MetalSucks Podcast this week, as he celebrates the 25th anniversary re-release of Infinity. In this episode, we discuss topics like how he feels looking back on his music catalog, the science behind releasing singles to the masses, how he defines compromise when it comes to his art, and the conversation he would have with himself 25 years ago. Naturally, the conversation also covers his thoughts and defense of the limits of AI, and some thoughts about how he may present his latest creation The Moth to the world.

Petar and Sylvia discuss her recently getting married, Jay Weinberg parting ways with Slipknot, if we feel there will be a lot more music from Slipknot in the future or they are going to be more like SOAD, Kerry King announcing his solo project, and our thoughts on if he should play Slayer songs live anymore.

Song: Devin Townsend “Christeen”

Song: Devin Townsend “Noisy Pink Bubbles”

Song: Unprocessed “Blackbone”

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Our guest for The MetalSucks Podcast is none other than Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation! During our chat, we discuss the band’s latest album Bleed Out, as well as their decision to release a majority of it in a single format, starting their own label, and some of the roles they’re taking on by releasing the album independently.

Sharon also shares details about the time she met Peter Steele of Type O Negative, what it was like releasing the NSFW video for the track “Ritual,” Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris watching the band nightly, why they release instrumental versions of their tracks, and the importance of investing culture in our society.

During the news section, Petar and Jozalyn discuss Sharon Osbourne blaming the end of Ozzfest on ‘greedy managers,’ Rage Against The Machine officially getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Metallica taking on bootleg merch vendors, and the tragedy that occurred during this year’s Headbangers Boat Cruise.

Song: Within Temptation “Shed my Skin” Featuring Annisokay

Song: Within Temptation “The Purge”

Song: Earthside “Pattern Of Rebirth Feat. AJ Channer (Fire From The Gods)

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This week, Doc Coyle is back on the show! During our chat, we discuss all his projects, including the latest opus from Bad Wolves Die About It. We also chat about the vinyl reissue of the classic God Forbid album IV: Constitution of Treason and his voice in the scene with The Ex-Man Podcast. Other topics of discussion include escapism through entertainment and how that can be detrimental if not checked on occasion, our thoughts on having to be more than human as an entertainer to get noticed, and where Constitution of Treason stands in his opinion regarding God Forbes’s catalog. Naturally, we also talk about Bad Wolves and the challenges thatband encountered during the Dear Monsters record cycle, and why Die About It is a very important record to the future of Bad Wolves.

Petar goes solo this week and answers a fan’s question on what is the best year of music in the 1990’s according to him, what tragic event changed everything for popular heavy music in that decade, and why that year will always stand above the rest.

Song: Bad Wolves “Bad Friend”

Song: Bad Wolves “Legends Never Die”

Song: God Forbid “Chains Of Humanity

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This week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast is a special one, as we've got John Gallagher of modern death metal icons Dying Fetus as our guest! In our discussion, we chat about the first week sales success of the band’s latest offering Make Them Beg For Death and the upcoming North American tour. We also discuss how he had to be forced to take guitar lessons by his mother in his youth, the need to keep Dying Fetus' integrity intact with fans, his favorite shirt design through all the years of creating merch, as well as the one shirt design that may have been a “stinker.” the one topic he thinks is TOO MUCH for a Dying Fetus song, and their recent experience renting a bus from a new vendor during the summer European Tour.

Petar and Brandon discuss the grossness of Aaron Lewis playing with dead things for political purposes, Dave Lombardo’s comments on Slayer being the best band on the Big Four thrash bands, Ozzy’s revelations that he peed on himself while performing live, and Korn teaming up with Adidas for a clothing brand.

Song: Dying Fetus — “Compulsion of Cruelty”

Song: Dying Fetus — “Unbridled Fury”

Song: Plaguemace — “Rhythmic Demise”

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Film, television, stage actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under) joins us this week with his bandmates Matt Katz-Bohen and Peter Yanowitz to celebrate their project Princess Goes and the release of their debut album Come Of Age. During our chat, we discussed the band's use of additional instruments that had an impact on the album, the importance of keeping the lyric and chorus writing process mysterious, and what they learn when performing songs live. The conversation also explored what it was like participating in meet and greets on the latest tour, giving creative control to the visual artist that created the album artwork and music videos, and what it was like working with equipment including a 100 year old piano and a discarded synthesizer.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss the importance of art in modern times, what our definition of modern art is, how it has changed throughout our lifetime, and why consuming it is vital to us all.

Song: Princess Goes “Take Me Home”

Song: Princess Goes “Shimmer”

Song: Tomorrow’s Outlook “Wait For The Sun”

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Get them snapping fingers ready, because we got Tommy Victor of Prong on the podcast this week to celebrate the release of State of Emergency. During our chat, we discuss the band's recent push in releasing five albums in five years after taking a creative break. Tommy also riffs on his preference to write everything himself, how his values in life have changed after becoming a father, and his excitement level of playing classic Prong albums in their entirety. We also enter a bit of a philosophical conversation about feeling a bit disconnected to people who need instant gratification in life, what tools of modern live performances he prefers to avoid, and how important it was to be respectful to older musicians when he was coming up in the scene.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Doc Coyle of Bad Wolves calling out the online attack and boycott efforts on Thy Art Is Murder after they replaced vocalist CJ McMahon, and how we are in love with the idea of Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle concept behind the Sessanta Tour.

Song: Prong “Breaking Point”

Song: Prong “Non-Existent”

Song: Green Lung “Maxine (Witch Queen)”

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’68 frontman Josh Scogin is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss the new album Yes And… that is out right now, including how its title is based on the improv technique and how improv plays a part in the band’s music and live performance. Apart from the new music, we also discuss his preferred method to address confrontation in modern times, how to adapt to conversations where people that you disagree with see you as an enemy, and the problem with presenting facts from unreliable sources to win arguments. There's also some chat about frustrating moments during the pandemic and touring with Thrice as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Artist and The Ambulance.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the “On The Road Again” program by Live Nation, the response by NIVA on what this will do to independent music venues, Greg Puciato’s claims on the money on the table for a Dillinger Escape Plan reunion, Ben Weinman shooting this claims down as false and hinting at some possible tension between its ex-members.

Song: ’68 “End This War”

Song: ’68 “Removed Their Hats”

Song:  Harm’s Way “Undertow” featuring King Woman

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Carnifex vocalist Scott Ian Lewis is our guest this week! We discuss their latest album Necromanteum, if he revisits the back catalog on a regular basis, the album fan’s love that he isn’t sold on, the therapy of heavy music for the band and fans, the importance of looking for a deeper meaning in all art, if he feels fan’s are loyal to any streaming services, his thoughts on if film has lost the battle of being art, the honor code bands and fans have in the music industry not reflecting those that run it, companies with the most power continually running at a loss, and why unionizing the music industry may not be possible in modern times.

Petar and Brandon discuss the whirlwind of Chris McMahon getting let go by Thy Art Is Murder, how he found out he was no longer in the band, certain peers like Ronnie Radke taking sides with him, and our thoughts on how the split was handled.

Song: Carnifex “Necromanteum”

Song: Carnifex “Death’s Forgotten Children” feat. Tom Barber of Chelsea Grin

Song: Nervosa “Jailbreak”

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Vidar Landa of the mighty Kvelertak is our guest for this week’s episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! During our chat, we discuss the band’s journey to create their fifth album Endling and go over some of the folklore and stories that inspired the songs — some of which include the celebration that would follow funerals in older times. We also discuss why gathering together is very important for the entire human race, how consuming the same popular media is having a positive effect on society, and why it’s so important to stick to what you know in a live setting for rock and metal bands.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Flotsam and Jetsam being honest about why they are canceling their North American run in September, Corey Taylor stating he’s in constant pain while traveling on the road, how difficult it is to continue in aggressive music after a certain age, and Steve Harris’s comments of Iron Maiden’s focus on quality touring over quantity.

Song: Kvelertak “Krøtervag Te Helvete”

Song: Kvelertak “Endling”

Song: The Hirsch Effekt “Granica”

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Gina Gleason of Baroness is our guest on this special half episode! We're here to celebrate yesterday's release of the new Baroness album Stone. During our chat, we also discuss her experience in Philly during last years Super Bowl, the DIY approach they took to create music videos for Stone, and how the creative process can’t benefit from extra time. 

Our conversation also shifted to her experience changing between creating Gold & Grey compared to Stone, the importance of evolving the sound of a heavy music act, their upcoming tour across North America, and plans of touring for the next year.

Song: Baroness “Shine”

Song: Graveyard “Twice”

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We know you want to know everything he's thinking, so we got the man himself — Corey Taylor is our guest on The MetalSucks Podcast! He's got a new solo album CMF2 coming out this Friday, September 15 and he's gonna tell us all about his growth as a solo artist. During our chat, we discuss his experience writing about his wife and the request she gave him. The conversation also turns to the reason he abandoned social media five years ago and how he's handled it since, and why he feels modern society and AI are a destructive relationship.

We also talk about his son's musical career in the band Vended and how proud he is. Naturally, Slipknot came up so we discussed the tentative release date for the iconic band's long lost album and what fans should expect musically. And how he looks back on some of the strangest and sometimes dangerous situations his younger self was in.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Sharon and Kelly Osbourne’s reveal of Ozzy being heartbroken over canceling the Power Trip Concert, Chris Fronzak of Attila announcing his bid for president, and Tommy Vext wanting to fix things with his former bandmates.

Song: Corey Taylor “Beyond”

Song: Corey Taylor “Talk Sick”

Song: KK Priest’s “Reap The Whirlwind”

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Josh Middleton from Sylosis is our guest this week! In this episode, we discuss their new album The Sign Of Things To Come, how important album reviews were for him finding albums in his youth, reading album booklets from cover to cover as a fan, how he has grown as a lyricist through the years, and social media being a part of the job for modern artists. We also find out what profession Josh would have chosen if it wasn’t music, the upcoming tour being the first tour Sylosis has done since 2016, and the new platform that will help them know where to tour in the current climate.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss Nick Oliveri’s top 10 punk rock songs for the apocalypse, what our apocalypse playlist would consist of, and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” reaching one billion streams on Spotify.

Song: Sylosis “Deadwood"

Song: Sylosis “A Sign Of Things To Come”

Song: Empire State Bastard “Harvest”

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“Conan” Gonzalez of Exmortus is back on the show! We discuss the five year break between records for Exmortus, fighting the depression of being unable to perform shows during the pandemic, finding the new inspiration through that break, being a guitar teacher and the age that he thinks is best to learn the craft, the time needed to be able to play video games, and our thoughts on potential shoe deals for heavy metal bands.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss Tim “Ripper” Owens being surprised he wasn’t asked to be at the Rock ’N’ Roll Hall of fame induction of Judas Priest and David Draiman wanting to collaborate with Taylor Swift.

Song: Exmortus “Beyond The Grave”

Song: Exmortus “Mind of Metal”

Song: Marc Hudson “Starboard Stories”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we welcome Metalocalypse creator Brendon Small to the show! And if you've been following his work lately, you know we have so much to discuss, including Dethklok’s Dethalbum IV and the new feature film Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar. Also we discuss the upcoming tour with Babymetal and if he has any jitters taking the stage. We also chat about his passion for physical media, how DVD audio commentaries taught him to be a filmmaker, the secret legendary screenwriter he collaborated with on the new film, what getting into character feels like for him, and the importance of the very first two episodes of the series to the overall world of Metalocaypse.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss our thoughts about the new Guns N’ Roses single “Perhaps”, and celebrating the 30th anniversary of Type O Negatives “Bloody Kisses”.

Song: Dethklok “Aortic Desecration”

Song: Capra “Tied Up”

Song: Knife “Heaven Into Dust”

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Maurizio Iacono of Kataklysm is back on the show for a bonus episode! We're here to discuss all things Goliath, the band's latest album, which is out right now via Nuclear Blast Records. During our chat, we also discuss what it was like releasing their previous album Unconquered in the middle of the pandemic, being one of the first bands to tour the United States coast to coast after the pandemic, and the band's goal of getting the new album done and out to fans. 

We also chat about his experience in the last year with managing bands and the rising tour cost, the breakdown and reality of what venues are doing with merch cut percentages in modern times, the importance of championing a young band and navigating them through the current climate, and why it is a human right to question authority and have a clear open discussion in these times.

Song: Kataklysm “Dark Wings of Deception

Song: Kataklysm “Die As A King”

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Better Lovers axeman Jordan Buckley is joining us this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this week's episode, we discuss the ritual of sleeping and listening to episodes of Forensic Files, his thoughts on the upcoming football season and the potential of his team the Buffalo Bills, and his thoughts on a possibly questionable move by QB Josh Allen in a golfing event. Since this isn't a sports podcast, we also talk about what it's like watching vocalist Greg Puciato jump off a balcony during recent live performances, the pros of recording on the road when your producer is in the band, who is the greatest vocalist of the 90’s in his opinion, and the plans for Better Lovers in 2024.

Petar and Brandon tackle Chad Gray’s comment on Mudvayne being nu metal, our feelings on metal sub-genres  representing scene movements instead of the music of the band, Andreas Kisser’s comments on a Sepultura reunion, and Scott Ian’s comments about backing tracks at love concerts.

Song: Better Lovers “30 Under 13”

Song: Better Lovers “Sacrificial Participant”

Song: Final Gasp “Climax Infinity”

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For the 500th episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, we got Jesse Shreibman and Dylan Desmond of Bell Witch on the show! With their 83 minute epic Future’s Shadow Part 1: The Clandestine Gate released earlier this year, we discuss what it takes to write a song at this length, what instrument doesn’t stand out to open the composition, letting the notes and instrumentation breathe for effect, and the three album conceptual plan that's tied to Future's Shadow. We also chat about touring with a visual artist on the upcoming tour cycle, some of the modern day touring challenges that bands are facing, and how the extreme metal scene has grown so vibrantly in the last decade.

And of course, we couldn't go through this special episode without Petar and Jozalyn celebrating the milestone 500 episodes. As such, we discuss the journey, the players, and give gratitude to all the people at MetalSucks past and present for allowing us the opportunity to be able to add and promote the music we love for close to a decade.

Song: Bell Witch “The Clandestine Gate”

Song: Mutoid Man “Broken Glass Ceiling”

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Fernanda Lira of Crypto is back on the show and she's here to celebrate Crypta's second album Shades of Sorrow. coming out August 4. During our chat, we discuss why writing the debut album  proved to be more challenging than its follow up, how important it was to find the right identity for the project, and some of the major issues bands are facing with high costs and how it effects touring. Speaking of money matters, we chat about Patreon and why it's becoming an important tool for bands, making music videos that are awesome on a small budget, and the importance of album artwork for death metal.

Elsewhere in the show, Petar and Sylvia discuss Phil Bozeman’s comments on wanting metal to intimidate him, Deafheaven’s 10 year mark of Sunbather, and Fear Factory celebrating the 25th anniversary of Obsolete.

Song: Crypta “Lords of Ruin”

Song: Crypta “Trial of Traitors”

Song: Voyager “Ultraviolet” featuring Sean Harmanis of Make The Suffer

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Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust is our guest this week! We are here to celebrate their 14th studio album Truth Killer coming out July 28. We also perspective that came after the pandemic, the Huntridge Theater in Las Vegas being a hub for heavy music in the late 90’s, how Sevendust feels about releasing new music to the fans, which songs he feel are the most difficult to revisit for him, touring to celebrate the anniversary of Animosity, and how revisiting past records are for him. We also cover which crooner he feels he would love to cover, what it was like releasing a new album during a pandemic, the livestream experience, and some advice on keeping a band together throughout all these years.

Petar and Brandon discuss Gary Holt’s comments on Slayer reuniting, the passing of Tony Bennett, and Jacob Shaddix’s comments on what bands will be replacing Metallica after they retire.

Song: Sevendust “Everything”

Song: Skindred “Gimme That Boom”

Song: Ringworm “No Solace, No Quarter, No Mercy”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we’ve got none other than Austin Haines from Outer Heaven on the show this week! During our chat, we discuss his love for the Alien film franchise, how it may have the best sequel of any series, and how the world create on their new album Infinite Psychic Depths is a prequel to their previous one. We also chat about the album’s artwork, how the band’s two full lengths tie together, the guest vocalist he secretly hoped would commit, and how important it is to stay true to Outer Heaven’s sound.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss Ozzy Osbourne dropping off the Power Trip festival and the band announced as his replacement, our thoughts on the impact of a Creed reunion, and Puddle of Mudd releasing a new song that doesn’t really live up to their past.

Song: Outer Heaven “Pillars of Dust” Feat. J.R. Hayes of Pig Destroyer
Song: Outer Heaven “Liquified Mind"
Song: Evile “Reap What You Sow”

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Oxbow frontman Eugene S. Robinson is our guest this week! We discuss the new record Love’s Holiday coming out July 21, how his lyrical approach changed on the new album, approaching his vocals in an almost live format while in studio, and why he's always been fascinated with artists that have proven to be troublesome humans. We also talk about becoming a father and how he this has made him view his relationship with his father, writing his memoir “A Walk Across Dirty Water And Straight Into Murder’s Row,” his experience of missing out on interviewing Prince, and the importance of not missing band’s you love perform love these in modern times.

Petar and Brandon discuss the passing of Drive Like Jehu frontman Rick Froberg, Better Lovers dropping a surprise E.P. to its fans, Frank Bello giving an update on a new Anthrax record, and Mick Mars' latest statement about his former bandmates in Motley Crüe.

Song: Drive Like Jehu  Yank Crime Song: “Here Come the Rome Plows”

Song: Oxbow “Dead Ahead”

Song: Oxbow “Icy White & Crystalline”

Song: Cadaver “The Age Of The Offended”

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Nita Strauss is back on the show! We are here to celebrate her second solo album “The Call of the Void” coming out this Friday, July 7 and as such, we discuss the patience she had to show prior to getting the album released, how the pieces came together to get David Draiman of Disturbed to guest on the album, returning to the road with her solo project last year supporting Black Label Society, and some of the new challenges on road life. She also touched upon having to challenge herself constantly in the ever-changing music industry, receiving a Super Bowl ring when the LA Rams became champions, and why the universe needs to remake the classic Walter Hill film “Crossroads” with Nita replacing Steve Vai.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Corey Taylor’s comments on possibly hanging it up in five years with touring Slipknot, Shavo Odadjian once again commenting on the musical hiatus of SOAD, a new study suggesting listening to metal doesn’t help with your college GPA, the tragic passing of Ryan Siew of Polaris, and coming together to help Year of The Knife after a horrible van crash while touring.

Song: Nita Strauss “The Golden Trail” featuring Anders Fried of In Flames

Song: Nita Strauss “The Wolf You Need” featuring Alissa White-Gluz

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Madeleine Liljestam and Rikard Ekberg of Eleine joined us on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss their new album We Shall Remain coming out July 14, the mindset that they were in during the recording of their previous album Dancing In Hell, the surprise diagnosis Madeleine received during the pandemic, how important the fans on their Patreon were during that time and now. We also discussed the current touring situation regarding the rising costs of touring for European bands coming the North America, why they feel merch cuts by venues is an evil practice, and winning over those fans that initially look miserable at the beginning of their set.

Petar and Brandon debate Trent Reznor’s comments on releasing new NIN music, celebrating the 30th anniversary of both Morbid Angel’s Covenant and Death’s Individual Thought Patterns.

Song: Eleine “We Are Legion”

Song: Eleine “Never Forget”

Song: Enforcer “Nostalgia”

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On this week's MetalSucks Podcast, we've got Fascination Street Studio Founder Jens Bogren on the show! 

During our discussion, we chat about his and Ihsahn’s course at URM Academy “How It’s Done” available until July 12th, why he decided to put together a step by step course, and how much of the actually course was scripted. Of course, we had to have a deeper discussion about his experience in the studio, so we asked him about things like: when spending a lot of time on pre-production makes sense, what it's like when bands enter the studio with “demo disease," and what he feels are the most overused elements in demos. We also talked about studio tech and the considerations that go along with it, like what it takes to adapt modern technology in his studio, if he has ever lost an entire song when a hard drive crashed, what he feels can be the most tedious step in recording, and why capturing clean singing in a metal band is vital to the song when needed.

Petar and Brandon discuss Dani Filth calling “Spotify the biggest criminals in the world,” Avenged Sevenfold’s Johnny Christ stating they may make the move to single only releases, Dave Mustaine's thoughts about  the one thing that would end Megadeth, and Rammstein drummer Christoph Schneider's statement on Till Lindemann’s sexual assault allegations.

Song: Ihsahn “The Observer”

Song: Ihsahn “Contorted Monuments”

Song: Vexed “Anti-Fetish”

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This week's edition of The MetalSucks Podcast features Mlny Parsonz of Royal Thunder! In our discussion, we discuss the band's first album in over five years Rebuilding The Mountain, the ability to shake off negativity before a performance, having extra time to write and record being good and bad at times, and how the album artworks colors and texture go through the approval process. On a more personal level, we talked about her transition to sobriety and her taking steps to stop the negative cycles in life and focusing on having hope.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss all the news stories surrounding Slipknot this week Craig Jones leaving the band, his replacement, a throwaway surprise E.P., and Corey Taylor planning on taking all of 2024 for his solo project.

Song: Royal Thunder “The Knife”

Song: Royal Thunder “Fade”

Song: Black Spiders “Alright, Alright, Alright”

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Fates Warning frontman Ray Alder is our guest for this week's edition of The MetalSucks Podcast! He's here to discuss his latest solo album II, coming out June 9. As such, we discussed when he had time to focus on following up What The Water Wants, why it’s more difficult for him to write music for his solo project as opposed to Fates Warning, and why he decided on calling the record II. We also get to chatting about the long break from touring he's currently experiencing, how he adapts to change in modern times compared to his youth, if there are any plans for Fates Warning’s 40th anniversary next year, and an update on all his other current projects including Fates Warning and A-Z.

This week is a music episode and we present our mid-year best of list, and play a track off of every album we feel you need to listen to before moving into the summer!

Song: Insomnium “White Christ” Featuring Sakis Tolis

Song: Enslaved “Congelia”

Song: Venemous Concept “Fractured”

Song: Sermon “Golden”

Song: Ray Alder “This Hollow Shell”

Song: Ray Alder “My Oblivion”

Song: Hellripper “I, The Deceiver”

Song: Entheos “I Am The Void”

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On this, the Memorial Day episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, we've got Leprous frontman Einar Solberg on the horn! In our interview with him, we discuss his debut solo album 16, out June 2. Our conversation also takes us along what  the writing process was like for the single “Over The Top” and revisit many memories from his formative years, and if he can remember emotions or moments more when looking back. We also talk a bit of shop, asking him when he started working for songs on what became his solo project, what it was like collaborating with Ihsahn through the years, his plans on touring for his solo project, and an update on a new album from Leprous.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the passing of original Saint Vitus bassist Mark Adams, Foo Fighters announcing the drummer who will be replacing the late Taylor Hawkins, Corey Taylor’s comments on AI music, and Burton C. Bell’s upcoming solo tour featuring a lot of Fear Factory songs.

Song: Saint Vitus “Born Too Late”

Song: Einar Solberg “Over The Top”

Song: Einar Solberg “Home” (Featuring Ben Levin)

Song: Ignea “Nomads Luck”

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Legendary thrash metal bassist David Ellefson is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In our chat, we discussed how his new project Dieth came to be, if there ever was a competitive nature between thrash and death metal bands in the late 80’s, and why Dieth will not be playing on songs from the members previous bands. He also elaborated on how when starting a new project each member's role is defined, how he grew out of his role in Megadeth, and his thoughts on laptops and backing tracks in modern live metal and rock shows.

Petar and Sylvia discuss seeing Avenged Sevenfold's first performance in five years, watching Danzig Sings Elvis in a Vegas lounge, the Sick New World festival experiencing sound issues during performances, and how to manage the Vegas heat at all day music festivals. We then read our fan email’s, answering questions, and promoting some of bands and business ventures.

Song: Dieth “To Hell And Back”

Song: Dieth “Don’t Get Mad…Get Even”

Song: Sleep Token “The Summoning”

Song: Skölldvägg “Heart Of A Viking”

Song: Kamikaze Zombie “Cable 54”

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In this special half episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, we get a quick chat with M. Shadows and Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold! Co-host Sylvia Alvarado got them to sit in on her show at KOMP 92.3 to discuss their latest album Life is But A Dream… coming out on June 2. 

During their chat, they discuss how the album is an existential crisis in audio form, why they want to take every possible left turn when creating music at this stage, how Avenged Sevenfold can be viewed and a legacy band to many fans, and their influences behind the new single “We Love You.”

Song: Avenged Sevenfold “ We Love You”

Song: Avenged Sevenfold “Nobody”

Song: Gozu “Tom Cruise Control”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we’ve got ProgPower USA promoter Milton Mendonca on the show! During our chat, we discuss how he started out as a fan before becoming a promoter, the process of booking bands for a festival, what a possible VISA hike from the United States government would do to bands, and the financial challenges of doing exclusive North American shows. 

Like most interviews these days, we also discuss the impact of having to take a two year break due to the pandemic, what he thinks is the secret to maintaining a festival to keep making money after 20 years, shutting his phone off to watch certain bands, and the hardest lesson he learned promoting a festival every year.

Petar and Brandon discuss the impact Anthrax’s “Sound of White Noise” on its 30th anniversary, Vince Neil judging anyone in anything in life on National TV, Vulvodynia drummer almost getting “murdered” by his singer, and the singer releasing an apology before explaining why he almost killed his drummer.

Song: Beast in Black “Moonlight Rendezvous”

Song: The Halo Effect “In Broken Trust”

Song: Cynic “Veil of Maya”

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Dez Fafara of Devildriver is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we celebrate their new album Dealing With Demons Vol. 2, emoji’s making their way in business communication, the income a band would get for plays 20 years ago compared to today, and younger audiences embracing late 90’s bands. We also talk about what it was like touring with Type O Negative in the early 2000’s, the lesson Peter Steele gave him one night while drinking wine, how he gravitates to people in music without ego, his take on the feature of releasing new music for the heavy scene, and how the Devildriver fanbase has accepted any direction he feels his art should go through the years.

Petar also tackles Paul Stanley’s comments on gender identity as being a fad, Dee Snider getting remove from the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade because of his support of Paul Stanley, Dustie Waring of BTBAM addressing rape allegations, and Rage Against The Machine getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Song: Devildriver “Through The Depths”

Song: Currents “The Death We Seek”

Song: High Priest “Divinity”

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Burning Witches vocalist Laura Guldemond is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss the writing process for their latest record The Dark Tower, the lyrical inspiration that Countess Bathory played, the importance of the comic book style cover art the band strives for with each release, touring on a cruise, getting sea sick and still performing, the importance of social media for bands in modern times, the craziest time she had at a metal show as a fan, and if she gets more energy from the audience singing or moshing during live shows.

Petar and Brandon breakdown the video of Crazy Town singers getting into an ugly fight, Hed(P.E.) kicking them off the tour because of the video, and Bam Margera threatening to kill his family before turning himself into the police.

Song: Burning Witches “The Dark Tower”

Song: Blood Ceremony “Ipsissimus”

Song: Dave Lombardo “Inner Sanctum”

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This week, we've got Cattle Decapitation axeman Josh Elmore as our guest on The MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss what it's like having to answer the same questions in interviews, the process of getting a Cattle Decapitation song passed by all of the band members, and which member sends memes in the group texts. We also talk shop, as he shares his experience touring the European festival circuit last Summer, if he thinks taking an opening slot on a tour to grow the band is a good idea at this stage, merch cuts being a reality of touring for the past 10 plus years, and what he feels is the best way to support a band.

Petar and Jozalyn also talk about last week's headlines, including the new band featuring ETID and Ex-Dillinger Escape Plan members, our reaction to their first single and name of the new band. They also discuss Foo Fighters announcing a new album and Mötley Crüe gong back in the studio to work on new music.

Song: Cattle Decapitation “We Eat Our Young”

Song: Cattle Decapitation “Scourge Of The Offspring”

Song: Zozobra “Born In A Blaze”

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This week on the MetalSucks Podcast, we've got the one and only Dani Filth, frontman of the irreplaceable Cradle of Filth as our guest this week! During our chat, we discuss their new live album Trouble and Their Double Lives, what it was like going through hours of tape to put together the tracklist, and how the album was not pre-planned before starting the project. Filth also shared details about the challenges of doing a livestream right after the pandemic, the cost of Visas going up and how that will deter European bands from touring the states, his timeframe for the next Cradle of Filth album, and his future collaboration with Ed Sheeran.

Petar and Jozalyn also discuss how her recent comedy tour went and promoting the her new album. They also share their thoughts on the new Metallica album, wonder if it will connect with younger audiences, and debate where in ranks in their output of the last 20 years.

Song: Cradle of Filth “She Is A Fire”

Song: Magnus Karlsson’s Free Fall “Holy Ground” (Feat. Girish Pradhan)

Song: Valensorow “Bird And The Bear”

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Legendary thrash metal lifer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we discuss Overkill's 20th album Scorched, coming out this Friday, as well as the positive changes he's witnessed in the last 40 years of being in the music business. And in that vein, we also try to find out what his secret is to longevity in the heavy metal scene, the difficulty of separating the business with the love of making music, how the demo of Scorched kept him sane through the pandemic, and how third time was the charm for completing the new album.

Along with his chat with Ellsworth, Petar is joined by Brandon to tackle the sheer fraudulent embarrassing that is Kid Rock, him catering to hate and transphobia to sell tickets to his show, what makes an artists clearly disingenuous to their fanbase, and Mötley Crüe setting off their latest drama for all of us to see.

Song: Overkill “The Surgeon”

Song: Netherlands “Omisha”

Song: The Hellfreaks “Weeping Willow”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we've got the one and only Brann Dailor, of Mastodon! Since the band's upcoming tour with Gojira and Lorna Shore is coming up soon, we get down to business and discuss topics like why they have two legs booked of their upcoming tour. We also chat about the time they had two weeks' notice for their first post-pandemic show, what went into the decision of performing a majority of songs of their latest album while on tour, and how that setlist conversation occurs with the Mastodon camp.

Dailor also chats about the art of playing the right deep cut for the fans, what he feels is the sweet spot for the length of a concert, what food he wishes he did not see backstage after a show, and how his diet has changed through the years as a touring musician.

Aside from the interview, Petar and Sylvia discuss the tragic events that occurred at the Morbid Angel show in Illinois over the weekend, as well as our thoughts about yet another mass shooting at an American elementary school. They also find the time to talk about the six arena headliners performing at the inaugural Power Trip Festival.

Song: Mastodon “Pain With An Anchor”

Song: Mastodon “Teardrinker”

Song: Ad Infinitum “From The Ashes”

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You better strap yourself in for one hell of a conversation, as we managed to get Ben Weinman (founder and guitarist of The Dillinger Escape Plan) as our guest for this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! During our chat, we discuss his new course on SoundFly called “The Business of Uncompromising Art.” In that discussion, we learn about how The Dillinger Escape Plan took unconventional avenues towards success. 

The rest of our conversation also focused on finding the point that one’s art is genuine, how happy accidents can help an artist find their identity, the ever-present debate of artist versus craftsmanship, if there is an actual blueprint for success as a musician, how having the desire to be polarizing is motivation enough, and why some of the most technically proficient musicians sometimes don’t reach success.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Ronnie Radke’s response after Spiritbox decided to not to tour with Falling In Reverse, Carmine Appice silencing Nikki Sixx’s “washed up” comments, and Russian Circles' decision not to sell merch in Paris due to venue merch cuts.

Song: The Dillinger Escape Plan “Farewell, Mona Lisa”

Song: The Dillinger Escape Plan “Disassociation”

Song: Giraffe Tongue Orchestra “No-One Is Innocent”

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Dustin Davidson of August Burns Red is our guest on the latest episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! While chatting with our host Petar, Dustin talks about starting work on the band's new album Death Below right after finishing Guardians and what went into recruiting Jesse Leach, Spencer Chamberlain, and many other guests for the record. He also explains why the band has never felt the need to write a more accessible record, what it's like having the same production team for the last decade, how bandmates and their family lives dictates the touring schedule, and why bands should go through touring boot camp before making it a career.

Aside from the interview, Petar and Sylvia discuss Sylvia's recent recovery from COVID, Avenged Sevenfold announcing their hew album, Lars Ulrich’s statement that Metallica’s collaboration with Lou Reed aged extremely well, and Carmen Appice’s comments about Mick Mars being unhappy with Motley Crue’s stadium tour.

Song: August Burns Red “Ancestry” Featuring Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage

Song: August Burns Red “Reckoning” Featuring Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath

Song: Judiciary “Engulfed”

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Kamelot guitarist and founder Thomas Youngblood is our guest this week! We discuss the large gap between studio albums, the large scale production and planning that went into their most recent live album, and his preferences in not writing music while touring with Kamelot.

We also chat about his personal battle with COVID during the pandemic, the track on new album he worked on first when getting back from quarantine, the timetable of the new songs and music being extended on new album The Awakening, and how playing tracks for the latest album keeps Kamelot relevant to the fans.

Petar discusses the passing of Dark Angels’ Jim Durkin, answers a fan’s email about the concert that got away in his life, and celebrate the songs he wish he would have heard live at those shows

Song: Kamelot “Opus of The Night”

Song: Kamelot “One More Flag in The Ground”

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Avatar frontman Johannes Eckerström joins The MetalSucks Podcast this week! During his chat with our host, Petar, he opens up to us about starting a potential solo album during the pandemic, how metal bands would be nothing without the audience's energy, and their experience recently touring Europe and being one of the first European bands to tour America after the pandemic. They also chat about what it's like to release their latest album Dance Devil Dance on their own label, what went into getting Halestorm's Lzzy Hale to guest on the closing track, and why he stands by the best length for an album is 45 minutes in our genre.

The rest of the show features Petar and Brandon discussing the latest MetalSucks news, including Marty Friedman reuniting onstage with Megadeth and how that might not be a one-night thing after all, Mikkey Dee saying Motörhead will never do a reunion tour without Lemmy, Ozzy Osbourne saying his touring status is still up in thew air, and Kiss making the announcement of their final two shows before retiring. Oh and Brandon makes the case that the Scorpions is a safe rock band opposed to their counterparts in the 80’s.

Song: Avatar “The Dirt I’m Buried In”

Song: Avatar “ Violence No Matter What” Feat. Lazy Hale

Song: Tribulation “Vengeance (The Pact)”

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Legendary extreme metal vocalist Kevin Sharp in our guest this week! In this episode we discuss Venomous Concept’s “The Good Ship Lollipop,” why it is important that the writing for his projects are loose, the personal impact that he had during the pause in a life of motion, why he hates the term “supergroup,” and why creating music with his long standing friendships is vital to his existence.

Petar and Brandon discuss the announcement of the new Fear Factory vocalist, if we feel their will be two touring Fear Factories in the future, our thoughts on the first original track by Kings of Thrash possibly dissing Dave Mustaine, Jeff Young calling Dave Mustaine a pathological liar 30 years after working with him, Ice-T getting his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Crowbar and Type O Negative members creating a new project called Eye AM.

Song: Venemous Concept “Fractured”

Song: Venemous Concept “Timeline”

Song: Acid King “Destination Psych/Beyond Vision”

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This week The MetalSucks Podcast welcomes Periphery vocalist Spencer Sotelo onto the show! During our chat, we discuss what it's like to create music after starting their own label, how Periphery V was originally a sequel to Juggernaut: Alpha, and how seeing a band live it can easily make them your new favorite band. Spencer also shares his experience going to EDC every year in Las Vegas, how he feels Slipknot’s Iowa is the most visceral metal record, the video game that was the most influential for him as a writer on the new album, and why planning to make a record less than 70 minutes long never works out for Periphery.

During the rest of the show, Petar and Brandon discuss the passing of Tim Aymar, Fear Factory finally deciding to let everyone know who is replacing Burton C. Bell after a two year wait, Marty Friedman jumping onstage again with Megadeth, and Slash’s feeling on Guns N’Roses being canceled today.

Song: Control Denied” Breaking The Broken”

Song: Periphery “Wildfire”

Song: Periphery “Atropos”

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Legendary drummer and metal lifer Charlie Benante is our guest on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! During our chat, we discuss Anthrax’s current North American tour with Black Label Society and Exodus. The conversation also moved on to other topics, like what he considers which Anthrax's live album is their best, how the album art for the last three Anthrax studio albums tie into a potential comic book idea.

Speaking of comics and fandom, Charlie also explains why he's not a fan of the MCU, what classic horror film icon he was never a fan of, how The Joker has evolved through the years, and what film series he feels has the least flawed sequels.

As always, Petar and Jozalyn discuss the latest news, including Ozzy Osbourne taking home this year’s metal Grammy, Homeland Security wanting the jack up visas for international artists, and Limp Bizkit using deep fake technology for their latest music video.

Song: Anthrax “Blood Eagle Wings”(Live)

Song: Anthrax “Breathing Lightning” (Live)

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On this week's MetalSucks Podcast, we've got Insomnium guitarist Markus Vanhala as our guest. During our chat, we discuss how the band's latest single, “The Witch Hunter,” almost didn’t make it on the new album Anno 1696. We also learn more about the short story that inspired the concept album, as well as how he felt  releasing singles to the fanbase instead of a complete EP.

Speaking of EPs, we got Markus to share his favorite EP’s of the 90’s, how the special edition of Anno 1696 comes with an exclusive EP of bonus songs, what ideas  people feel would be “commercial suicide” working for the band, and his optimistic outlook on the future of the music industry.

Also in the episode is a discussion between Petar and Sylvia, where they tackle the sad news that Ozzy Osbourne is retiring from touring due to his health issues, Steve-O pleading with Bam Margera in hopes of choosing recovery over death, their excitement over Jason Newsted working on new heavy music, and Dee Snider’s comments on reunion tours being “lame.”

Song: Insomnium - “The Witch Hunter”

Song: Insomnium -  “White Christ” Feat. Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ

Song:  Lord of the Lost - "Leave Your Hate In The Comments”

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Hope you're ready for some death metal destruction, because Sanguissugabogg frontman Devin Swank is the guest for this week's edition of The MetalSucks Podcast. As an Ohio native, we couldnt' help but ask him how he became a die hard Minnesota Vikings fan and the sports chat continued a bit as we asked him what his least favorite sporting event to watch live is. But don't worry — this isn't going to be a strictly jock episode, since we also chat about the last video game he finished and the last book he read. You can rest easy, nerds.

We also chat about what it's like to star in a music video where he had to portray heavy violence on band members, as well as the importance of getting to take enough time as a band to complete Homicidal Ecstasy. 

Aside from our chat with Devin, Petar and Brandon discuss Pantera getting removed from festivals in Germany and Austria due to his past racist actions, Biohazard reuniting and possibly doing new music, the return of Job For A Cowboy, and Marilyn Manson’s latest legal update.

Song: Sanguissugabogg “Face Ripped Off (Feat. Aaron Heard of Jesus Piece)

Song: Sanguissugabogg “Pissed”

Song: Hellripper “The Nuckelavee”

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Grutle Kjellson of Enslaved joins us this week! We discuss the Cinematic Universe Boxset that was released celebrating their livestreams in 2020, performing social distanced concert in large venues, how new album Heimdal has a very introverted feel to the songwriting, taken live music for granted prior to the pandemic, the difficult on touring that bands are currently experiencing, why its crucial for the fans to support live music now more than ever before, and on returning to North America after a long absence with Insomnium.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia also discuss the latest Metallica single “Screaming Suicide”, Danzig Sings Elvis playing a one of show and why we feel this is an event to see, and our expectations on what Danzig will wear and how he will sound.

Song: Enslaved “Congelia”

Song: Enslaved “Caravans of The Outer Worlds”

Song: Ahab “Mobilis in Mobili”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we've got Katatonia frontman Jonas Renkse behind the mic as our guest! In this jam-packed episode, we discuss the creation of the band's album Sky Void of Stars coming this Friday. We also chat about his habit of trying to read as much news as possible and how he had to change that habit during the pandemic, having selective memory in most things not including all the music he created, the music industry still healing after the pandemic, and more. 

Speaking of the pandemic, Renske also explains some of the hardships that cropped up from coming back to performing live, including the difficulty of finding crew for tours and his thought on performing livestreams concerts and albums in their entirety.

Petar and Brandon discuss the passing of legendary guitar Jeff Beck, our excitement for a John Bush Anthrax tour with guitarist Paul Crook, and Brandon became a first time father with the birth of his son Atlas.

Song: Jeff Beck “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”

Song: Katatonia “Birds”

Song: Katatonia “Atrium”

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appy New Year, everyone! We're back with a bang and starting off 2023 with none other than Obituary’s Donald Tardy! He joins us at the perfect time, as the band is set to release its first record in six years, The Dying of Everything. With that in mind, we discussed how having their own studio since 2007 has changed how the create music, what sport always gets in the way of progress in the studio, as well as the emotions he felt after playing his first show post-pandemic.

We also get around to chatting abOut his experience recently touring North America with Amon Amarth, why the album's release window is perfect for the band, and why the new album's lead single, “The Wrong Time,” was a perfect track in so many ways.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Dee Snider’s debate about great frontman versus great performers, Rolling Stones misguided attempt at naming the 200 greatest singers, and John Dolmayan’s comments about SOAD in hindsight should have considered getting rid of Serj Tankian in 2006.

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It’s finally here. The very last MetalSucks Podcast for 2022 and the end of the line for one hell of a year. To celebrate, we’re unveiling this year’s Top 5 Albums and explain they made such an impact on us. 

We’ve also got interviews with four of the five artists behind those records, where we chat about the making of, the impact, and what it’s like to play those songs around the world. There’s also a quick look to 2023 and the plans for what comes next.

So come join us and see our picks, agree or disagree, and hopefully check out a great album from 2022.

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One of our favorite times of the year is finally here! Yes, it's time for us at The MetalSucks Podcast to share the collection of bands and music that's been the soundtrack for 2022.

Though you're gonna have to listen to the episode to find out what we've chosen, we're willing to give you these hints: there will be one non-metal arena-filling act on the list (it's not Ghost, by the way). There's also a veteran punk rock band from the 90s and for the first time ever, ZERO BLACK METAL. Believe us when we say that shit was completely unexpected, but hey — our list is just what we listened to the most this year.

So join us as we celebrate our number 15 to 6 albums on this episode, get interviews with seven of those artists, and play tracks from each in celebration of this wonderful year of heavy music! And make sure to check out all the MetalSucks Best Of contributions this year right here.

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This week, we’re joined by the one and only Tarja Turunen on The MetalSucks podcast! In our discussion, we chat about her getting to handpick the songs on her “Best Of” compilation album, why she included video of a recent live performance with that album, and the timeframe for her next solo release.

We also discuss what it was like doing her annual Christmas Together shows last year as a livestream, how she’s handling having dates to perform in the currently embattled Ukraine, and how fans come up with the strangest questions for her.

The show also features Petar and Jozalyn sharing their impressions of the new Metallica song and how the it, the new album, and two years of tour dates were announced seemingly out of nowhere. They also chat about Pantera’s first show back with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, GG Allin possibly getting the biopic treatment, and Nickleback wanting to cover Meshuggah.

Song: Tarja Turunen “Dead Promises” Featuring Bjorn “Speed” Strid

Song: Tarja Turunen “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

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This week, we've got Candlemass' inexorable frontman Johan Längqvist on The MetalSucks Podcast! During our chat, we discuss following up his successful return album The Door To Doom, the songs he heard on a jukebox that made him want to be a musician, and the how the recent tour in the States went for the band. Johan also shared the story of getting Tony Iommi to solo on a Candlemass song, he shares which era of Black Sabbath is his personal favorite, and what vocalist he would love to duet with.

Petar and Jozalyn discuss the fact that lawmakers are planning to hold a hearing on Ticketmaster's business practices, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold putting some blame on the artists for the Ticketmaster issues, and The Misfits cancelling their Vegas New Year’s Eve Show.

Song: Candlemass “When Death Sighs”

Song: Candlemass “Sweet Evil Sun”

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Travis Stever of Coheed and Cambria joins us this week to talk about his latest project L.S. Dunes. Thoughout the rest of the episode we discuss the origin of the project that eventually would become a supergroup, the energy and excitement of all the songs and how important that is to any project, and the story about establishing a link between his son’s name and a famous English musician. We also discuss his excitement for The Damned going back to there original formation and playing shows, L.S. Dunes first performance ever at Riot Fest, and how Anthony Green was recruited into the project.

During other parts of the show, Petar and Jozalyn discuss Ozzfest going to the Metaverse, how we felt watching the video clips, and Maynard James Keenan’s comments about how TikTok “turns to desperation to very quickly.”

Song: L.S. Dunes “Permanent Rebellion”

Song: L.S Dunes “2022”

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This week, we have Corrosion of Conformity bassist Mike Dean on the show! During our chat, we discuss their North American tour running all the way until November 27th, performing on Thanksgiving Day this year, celebrating the band's 40th year, and why frequent collaborator and producer John Custer is vital to their sound. We also learn about that time he was left a Texas Circle K barefoot, how Gene Ween helped with long distant phone calls in the pre-cell phone days, what happened if you performed with the SWANS and smiled on stage in the 90’s, and the tours that he feels were his all time favorites.

The show also has Petar and Sylvia discussing the passing of stand-up comedian Gallagher, my opportunity to go onstage and use the famous Sledge-O-Matic, our thoughts on any kind of Type O Negative reunion, and Nergal’s comments about “kids getting a proper job” instead of starting a band.

Song: Corrosion of Conformity “Vote With A Bullet”
Song: Corrosion of Conformity “Paranoid Opioid”
Song: Spirit Adrift “Sorcerers Fate”

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we've got the one and only Devin Townsend back on the show! This time around, we sat down to discuss his recent effort to use social media to reach out to fans to check in on them, the reality of the modern economy for a mid-level touring band, and how sometimes his creative compulsions go against his fanbase. Our discussion also veers into other directions like what his thoughts are on embracing a section of his audience that desires brutal music, the need in our genre to categorize artists and albums, and recognizing that there is a fracture that needs to be healed for us as a collective.

In the show, Petar and Brandon also discuss Darkthrone’s comments that they'd rather never play live than be rich, Metallica being the worst band of all time according to a pop singer, and Rob Halford watching the Glam metal movement as a closeted gay man.

Song: Devin Townsend “Lightworker”

Song: Devin Townsend “Moonpeople”

Song: Warkings “To The King”

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On this special Halloween edition of The MetalSucks Podcast, we've  scared up one Hell of an interview, as we've got the legendary  Slayer/Testament/Dead Cross drummer Dave Lombardo back behind the mic! In this week's episode, we chat with the legendary drummer as we discuss his role in helping complete the second Dead Cross album, why it's important to be a glass half full person, and some of Mike Patton's live antics on the first Dead Cross North American tour.

We also get down to talking about how important it is for artists to sometimes navigate through issues that everyone can relate to, the power of listening to the right album at the right time in life, watching bandmate Mike Crain defeat cancer while recording II, and his gratitude to the fan base for gravitating to any of the albums he's performed on throughout his career.

This show also features Petar and Sylvia discussing the week's biggest news, including Bruce Dickinson’s on stage meltdown over some weed smoke at an Iron Maiden show, Dez Fafara's take on Dickinson’s comments, Serj Tankian’s disinterest in doing a System of a Down tour, and John 5 is now a member of Motley Crue.

Song: Dead Cross “Heart Reformer”

Song: Dead Cross “Christian Missile Crisis”

Song: Sodom “After The Deluge”

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On this week's edition of The MetalSucks Podcast, we sit down with Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Comalies. In this special episode, we discuss how important that record was for the band when they were starting to reach a larger audience, how an identity of a band comes to fruition, the breakout tour that changed everything, and their decision to reimagine and record new versions of classic songs. We also go over the lessons they learned over the pandemic, the future of live-streaming for them as a band, and the reimagined track they are most excited for us to hear on Comaliex XX.

Later on in the show, Petar and Jozalyn also discuss the story that Zakk Wylde hasn't learned Pantera material yet, Ivan Moody’s rant on retiring from heavy metal, and Paul Stanley calling out Kanye West about him spewing hate speech.

Song: Lacuna Coil “Swamped XX”

Song: Lacuna Coil “Tight Rope XX”

Song: Wednesday 13 “Good Day To Be A Bad Guy”

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With the weekend ahead of us, we've managed to wrangle Will Ramos, of Lorna Shore, to join us for a very special end of the week episode!  In today's episode, we discuss if he remembers when he was taught to ride a bike, the first video game he ever defeated, and his opinion on if he has a good memory.

Oh and we also talk about important things too, like the process that Lorna Shore implemented when writing Pain Remains, what artist was most influential for his music, and how sometimes it is helpful to write something passionately and true then deciding not to hit send and deleting it.

Song: Lorna Shore “Pain Remains II: After All I’ve Done, I’ll Disappear”

Song: Lorna Shore “Pain Remains III: In A Sea Of Fire”

Song: Ingested “ From Hollow Words” featuring Sven De Clauwé (Aborted)

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This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti joins the show! While chatting with our host Petar, the two discuss whether the band's new album Pawns & Kings is influenced by recent world events, the importance of passing down knowledge from each generation, and how the pandemic was a creativity killer for the first six months for him.

They also discuss how Tremonti's passion project would be covering Frank Sinatra songs, the excitement of finally doing a tour with Alter Bridge since the world paused, the side projects that all members have and the positive energy those bring the Alter Bridge, his love for Halloween decorations, and his last great costume that he got to wear.

Later in the episode, Petar and Sylvia discuss the Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson media back and forth, and why we feel Avenged Sevenfold’s “Hail To The King” has captured so many streams despite its the obvious criticism about that album.

Song: Alter Bridge - "This Is War”

Song: Alter Bridge - “Pawns and Kings”

Song: Poly-Math - “Zenith”

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Fresh off the release of Lamb of God's Omens, bassist John Campbell sits down with us for another edition of The MetalSucks Podcast! In this week's episode, Campbell and show host Petar discuss the unique things that can happen during store signings, the various moments of uncertainty whenever change happens within the band, and the difference between putting out the self-titled record compared to Omens.  He also explains when a song warrants a guest vocal appearance on it, what it was like to participate in Slayer's final world tour for two years, if he'd ever been kicked out of a show as a fan.

The pair also discuss what two VHS tapes Campbell still owns, the adrenaline rush that comes with playing new songs live, what he would do with a Grammy award when he finally gets one, the need to talk to "Weird Al" Yankovic at the Grammy Awards, and the importance of the first week sales for a band in the music industry.

Petar and Brandon discuss their thoughts on the possible exit of John 5 from Rob Zombie and Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer hiding from the FEDS.

Song: Lamb Of God “Ditch”

Song: Lamb Of God “Grayscale”

Song: Rattlesnake Venom Trip “Dead Empire”

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Death metal legend Chris Reifert is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this week's episode, Reifert joined host Petar and discussed the unicorn that was GG Allin, what it was like performing right after pandemic restrictions were lifted, how he can over tinker with songs if he allows them to linger without being released, and the new album having a real feeling and sense of urgency. 

They also get down to Reifert's criteria of blindly buying an album in the '80’s, how he never wanted to re-record a classic Autopsy album, his thoughts on commemorating Scream Bloody Gore as it reaches its 35th anniversary, and the biggest difference between death metal fans from the early days compared to now.

Later on in the show, Petar and Jozalyn discuss Jim Root’s comments on being “unsure” about the new Slipknot album, how we as fans have had trouble connecting to mainstream metal albums in 2022, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Alice In Chains' Dirt and our thoughts on the potential Dio museum.

Song: Autopsy - “Skin By Skin”

Song: Autopsy - “Knife Slice, Axe Chop”

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In Flames vocalist Anders Fridén is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we discuss he indulges in American Football when touring the States, how to put together a setlist that won’t disappoint fans after 14 albums, and how the world we entered post-pandemic is somehow more hostile.

We also chat with Fridén about the importance of Alice In Chains to heavy music and to him as a lyricist, the direction he gave on the cover artwork for new album Foregone, the reaction and new feeling he's experienced touring the States post-pandemic, and the one time his eight year old son was needed to help In Flames in a video game competition.

Petar and Brandon celebrate Ozzy Osbourne’s first number one album on the Billboard Charts, Gene Simmons’s statement declaring “I Don’t Have Friends,” and we breakdown MetalSucks' 10 people we can’t stand at metal shows.

Song: In Flames “Foregone Pt. 1”

Song: Defacing God “Rise Of The Trinity”

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Guitarist Matteo Di Giola from Destrage is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this exciting episode, we discuss the title of the first single and how he feels he is a part of things that currently suck, how trying to communicate in modern times is too much effort for many people, the decision behind signing to Periphery’s 3DOT record label. We also chat about the band's Stone Temple Pilots cover on the new album, the story behind Devin Townsend’s guest spot, a analogy that he was told about the difference between cultures in America and Italy, and why he questions the phrase cultural appropriation.

This week's episode also features a discussion between Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia about some of the week's big headlines, including the tragic passing of Soilwork guitarist David Andersson, our thoughts on The Black Dahlia Murder continuing on without Trevor Strnad, and Tommy Lee overcharging his fans to join his Only Fans page.

Song: Soilwork “Tongue”

Song: Destrage “ Everything Sucks and I Think I’m A Big Part Of It”

Song: Irist “Heal”

Song: Holy Fawn “Void of Light”

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Iconic lyricist and frontman Neil Fallon is our guest this week! We discuss the livestream sessions known as the Doom Saloon that was done to celebrate 30 years of the band, why he felt the need not to do streaming performance pre recorded, on how the latest album was a study centric scenario for the band, on focusing more on storytelling when he wants to present lyrical content, how music videos have been a huge part of their creative process the last decade, the lessons that he learned through the years opening for audiences that seemed not being receptive, if he is open to writing a Clutch autobiography, the importance of traveling to help you empathize with people, and what he wanted to write about when he started writing the new album Sunrise on Slaughter Beach.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Jozalyn recording her first comedy special in Colorado, missing the Motley Crüe Stadium tour, Trent Reznor’s comments on watching the Taylor Hawkins tribute show, and our thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne’s comments on his future.

Song: Clutch “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)”
Song: Clutch “We Strive For Excellence”
Song: Reformist “Hivemind”

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With Netherheaven crushing skulls everywhere today, Revocation's David Davidson took some time to sit down and have a fun little chat on this bonus episode of The MetalSucks Podcast. 

In this episode, we discuss the last movie David saw in theaters, the negative reaction he gets about the types of art he loves and how it affects his perception, and a warning to not watch a certain film while under the influence of drugs.

Oh, and as the band gears up for its tour in support of the new record, we also discussed Davidson's journey of finding his true identity as a musician, what it was like learning new software to produce his own music, and knowing when a song is done.

Song: Revocation - “Re-Crucified” (ft. Trevor Strand and George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher)
Song: Brymir - “Voices In The Sky”
Song: A thru Z - “Stranded”

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Electric Callboy vocalists Nico Sallach and Kevin Ratajczak are our guests this week! We discuss the importance of music being a part of culture, their experience of mashing up different styles of music with heavy metal, how YouTube has helped people be more open minded during the pandemic, and how the empathy the youth should get for making it through the pandemic years.

We also chat about their new album Tekkno having the ultimate goal of making people feel good, the difficult time away from performing live, the fans that kept them afloat, and the upcoming U.S. tour with Attack! Attack!

After the interview, Petar and Sylvia discuss Scott Ian’s comments about Mike Patton being asked to join Anthrax, Corey Taylor’s comments on Stone Sour’s hiatus, and researchers finding lyrics that are misheard the most.

Song: Electric Callboy “Pump It”

Song: Devil Wears Prada “Watchtower”

Song: Space of Variations “Someone Else”

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Nick Holmes of Bloodbath and Paradise Lost is our guest this week! We discuss the concept behind the bloody music video for lead single "Zombie Inferno," the album artwork bringing him back to being in the record store in 1988, the zombie films that infected him when he was 9 years old, and the element of the mystery being lost in modern horror films. We also chat about getting Barney from Napalm Death and Luc Lemay from Gorguts to guest on the new album, how the Florida sound influenced Survival of the Sickest, the visa issues that caused Bloodbath to miss shows in North America, the pandemic hindering the last Paradise Lost album Obsidian, what it was like to perform to a digital audience during that time with Paradise Lost, and his thoughts on doing a livestream with Bloodbath.

Petar and Brandon discuss Avatar thinking its their duty to save heavy metal, and Ozzy tripping on acid and talking to a horse for an hour.

Song: Bloodbath “Zombie Inferno”

Song: Bloodbath “Carved” Featuring Luc Lemay of Gorguts

Song: Conan “Righteous Alliance”

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Morgan Lander of Kittie is our guest this week! We discuss how the When We Were Young Festival started the ball rolling for them to reunite, creating the documentary on the history of the band, the importance of being able to tell their story on there own terms and how the reunion has sparked a renewed interest in the band. Over the course of our discussion, we also talk about the positive of keeping some distance with fans and going on a hiatus, the Kittie album Lander would prefer to play in its entirety, her new project Karkaos and its current status, what her current deadline is for new music from Kittie, and her thoughts on rerecording their classic debut album for its 25th anniversary.

Petar and Brandon report on going to Psycho Vegas this weekend, Jimmy Page not collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne on his new album, and Charlie Benante telling haters to stay at him when Pantera reunites.

Song: Kittie “Cutthroat”

Song: Telekinetic Yeti “Ancient Nug”

Song: Fallujah “Radiant Ascension”

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Film composer Tyler Bates is back on the show! We discuss his involvement in producing new music and touring with Jerry Cantrell, how performing again after the pandemic was a almost spiritual connection with the fanbase, recruiting the band that would perform on Jerry’s new album Brighten, producing the major label debut for Starcrawler, all the details in composing the music for the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coasters, on collaborating with Chelsea Wolfe on the soundtrack to the film X, and his latest soundtrack works including Dayshift starring Jamie Foxx.

Petar and Jozalyn we discuss our plans for the Psycho Las Vegas Festival this upcoming weekend, how we navigate so many bands playing on six stages, Satyr from Satyricon unwilling to apologize for Black Metal, and Max Cavalera possibly plotting an original Soulfully reunion to celebrate the debut album.

Song: Tyler Bates and Chelsea Wolfe “Dolls” X Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Song: Tyler Bates “Big John’s Sacrifice” Dayshift Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Song: Jerry Cantrell “Brighten”

Song: Starcrawler “Stranded”

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Film Composer and Musical Icon Danny Elfman is our guest this week! We discuss the remix and reimagined album Bigger. Messier coming out August 12th, the importance of being curious when creating a remix album with other artists, the sequencing of the remix album being lead be music opposed to Big Mess, why he felt he needed to create his own deadline to complete his latest solo record, the pandemic being a perfect combination of having to create to keep sane, on how he know when a song is complete in his creative process, album artwork being such an important piece to him creating an album, getting Iggy Pop as a dream collaborator on the new project, and the difference between his soundtrack work being a character in the film or capturing a specific moment.

Petar, and Jozalyn discuss Korn Guitarist Head’s statement about the metal community being inclusive, Def Leppard’s guitarist Phil Collen waiting for the next Metallica, and Phil Anselmo making a statement about Vinnie Paul and Dimebag on his recently announced Pantera reunion.

Song: Danny Elfman & Trent Reznor “ True”

Song: Danny Elfman & Iggy Pop “ Kick Me

Song: Mirror Queen “Inviolate”

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The Halo Effect vocalist Mikael Stanne is our guest this week! We discussed the origins of his new band The Halo Effect, how the pandemic helped the project in crafting the debut album, the decades he has known his other bandmates in the project, the secretive nature of the project and the excitement to rollout the announcement to fans, if he felt the expectations that the project would bring to the fanbase when writing the songs, the story behind naming the project, the approach on writing lyrics based on his history with his band members, focusing on negativity, injustice and destructive thoughts being part of the writing process, and the experience of performing 4 songs in the freezing cold on a roof top in Sweden.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the fan that rushed the stage at a Rage Against The Machine show that lead to Tom Morello getting tackled, Ivan Moody disowning Five Finger Death Punch’s Music Video, and Michael Keene’s latest moment before a performance of The Faceless.

Song: The Halo Effect “Shadowminds”

Song: The Halo Effect “Feel What I Believe”

Song: Stick To Your Guns “Hush”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Imperial Triumphant’s Steve Blanco is our guest! We discuss how he got Kenny G as a guest performer on the band's new album Spirit of Ecstasy, recently touring the border countries of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, and the film composer that is the biggest inspiration on his band. We also discuss Stanley Kubrick being a perfect example of cinema, his thoughts on modern-day art versus entertainment, how everything they do is somehow tied to New York City, and looking forward to their upcoming tour with Zeal & Ardor.

Petar, Sylvia, and Brandon tackle Scott Ian’s comments about S.O.D. being canceled in modern times, Corey Taylor giving up on changing people’s views, and Mike Patton’s need to step away from lives shows due to his mental health.

Song: Imperial Triumphant, “Merkurius Gilded”

Song: Imperial Triumphant, “Maximalist Scream”

Song: Psycroptic, “A Fool’s Errand”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Nile mastermind Karl Sanders is our guest this week! We discuss his third solo effort Saurian Apocalypse, the journey to complete the trilogy he started back in 2004, how guitarist Rusty Cooley gave him guitar lessons during the pandemic, and the number of guest performers that he included on the record. Karl also breaks down the era of music in which he feels that creativity was more encouraged, the importance of the album covers to all his solo projects, and the upcoming book that the wrote for this project.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the recently-announced Pantera reunion, the band members that were chosen to replace the Abbot Brothers, and Nita Strauss leaving the Alice Cooper band to join up with Demi Lovato.

Song: Karl Sanders “The Sun Has Set On The Age of Man”

Song: Karl Sanders “Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition)"

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Diehard metal fan and Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tim Keller is our guest this week! Tim discusses how he looks to metal for inspiration when he is writing speeches, which bands help us focus when we need to create a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and how many of his peers in public service are also hardcore metalheads. He also discusses the show that he attended the day after he became mayor, the last time that he went into the mosh pit, at what heavy metal show he decided to run for mayor in the first place, how he got the parks department to livestream a Metallica show at a drive-in during the pandemic, the one metal musician he would want to give the keys to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the  band that he never got to see see because he was kicked out of a concert.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the programmer who wore a Tool shirt to a job interview and got the job, and Vince Neil using a teleprompter.

Song: Anthrax “Among The Living”

Song: Wake “Swallow The Light”

Song: My Sleeping Karma “Perma”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Mudvayne and Hellyeah frontman Chad Gray is our guest! We discuss his early touring days with Slipknot before Mudvayne broke out, the trek the ended a 26-month touring cycle, Mudvayne’s motivation for wearing make-up in their early days, and the importance of mystique to the success of the band. 

Chad also talks about connecting with the fans with his live performance, protecting openers when the Mudvayne fanbase is disrespectful to them, which album was more difficult to follow up -- L.D. 50 or Lost and Found -- Vinnie Paul seeing every show he could in Vegas, how Dime and Vinnie Paul celebrated Dime’s birthday every year in Vegas, and Vinnie Paul transitioning from Dallas mainstay to Las Vegas legend.

Petar and Sylvia discuss the 24 hour-straight Rage Against The Machine protest at a Canadian radio station, the backsplash we recently received for our negative comments about Mötley Crüe stadium tour kick off, and our thoughts on Dave Mustaine’s recent comments about ex-Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson.

Song: Mudvayne, “Death Blooms”

Song: Hellyeah, “Black Flag Army”

Song: Grey Daze, “Starting To Fly”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Municipal Waste frontman Tony Foresta is back on the show! We discuss the concept of Municipal High that the band has been working on for a decade, an update on the screenplay that may feature a Paranormal Janitor, our thoughts on the Hollywood remake of The Toxic Avenger, how difficult it is to commit to watching great TV shows, and our gripe with the new trend of three-hour-long comic book films. Tony also tells us a great story about when he was checking out a live Panic At The Disco Show, regales us with his worst onstage spill moment, and explains how all of us are losing years of photos because of the digital age.

Petar and Brandon tackle the debut of the new tracks by Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne, which song met our expectations and which music video left us concerned, and the heartbreaking ruling made by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade in the United States.

Song: Municipal Waste “Electrified Brain”

Song: Municipal Waste “High Speed Steel”

Song: Greg Puciato “Lowered Featuring Reba Meyers of Code Orange”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Mille Petrozza of thrash legends Kreator is our guest! We discuss his love of coffee and how Kreator got into the coffee game, what metal-branded coffee he would vouch for, what he always wants to achieve when writing a new album, the pandemic not being good for him creatively the way it was for many other bands, and why now was the time to write a song about the metal community. He also talks about how filmmaker Ari Aster influenced the music video for “Midnight Sun,” missing Nirvana at small clubs when they played in Germany years ago, how the European festival circuit killed a lot of competition, and the difficulties of living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle on tour.

Petar and Sylvia discuss Motley Crüe’s return to the stage, all the build up by the band prior to the show, the drama that happened immediately after the first show, and Herman Li from Dragonforce exalting the guitar virtuoso known as Kurt Cobain.

Song: Kreator “Hate Über Alles”

Song: Kreator “Become Immortal”

Song: Lord of The Lost “The Heartbeat of The Devil”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater is back on the show! We discuss his upcoming North American solo tour that kicks off June 25th, the medley that he has created for the tour (which includes Liquid Tension Experiment and Dream Theater tracks), how his solo shows can be viewed as a musical autobiography, what goes into good ambient music, and how that genre brings him peace. He also talks about practicing meditation while playing the piano, his thoughts on competition when he attended Julliard, enjoying social media, what drove him to start a Patreon, and why he prefers to write music with other artists in the same room.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Larrisa Stupar’s decision to pause Venom Prison live shows as she takes on motherhood, Johnny Rotten’s statement on anarchy being a terrible idea, and Kirk Hammett telling us all that Metallica “warned everyone” of the negative effects of streaming.

Song: Jordan Rudess “Weightless”

Song: Liquid Tension Experiment “ Hypersonic”

Song: Dream Theater “The Alien”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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The legendary Max Cavalera is our guest this week! We discuss his current tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic Sepultura albums Beneath The Remains and Arise, the lyrical content on those records having a better meaning now than it did 30 years ago, how society in general considered the material ridiculous back then, and the younger generation discovering his classic records. We also talk about what it will take to get Killer Be Killed to do a full tour, why he had doubts that the project would work at all, the journey of two years that went into the latest Soulfly album Totem, and the reason the closing song is over ten minutes long.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the inconveniences of going to concerts win your 60’s, the first trailer for Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe, and Wolfgang Van Halen’s response to Reelz doing an ‘Autopsy’ program on his father

Song: Sepultura “Beneath The Remains”

Song: Sepultura “Desperate Cry”

Song: Temple Of Void “Hex, Curse, & Conjuration”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Blöthar the Berserker of GWAR is back on the show! We discuss how there is nothing more boring than Ken Burns’ Baseball, GWAR possibly doing a country EP inspired by Miranda Lambert, the GWAR comic book coming out the same day as their new record, if GWAR is more art- than music-based, and how the pandemic allowed the band to focus on many different aspects of GWAR. The intergalactic sexlord also talks about catching COVID on their last North American tour, performing one show with only two members during that trek, why GWAR wrestling shows occur before a major production show, his favorite GWAR “scripted” tour, why the lyrics of their new single “Mother Fucking Liar” were easy to write, GWAR being the hardest band to be in, and how GWAR ruined a Goo Goo Dolls album.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the mass shooting that occurred in Texas, our thoughts and reactions to gun violence in America, and Mike Shinoda’s comments on artist feeling forced to be social media stars.

Song: GWAR “Mother Fucking Liar”

Song: GWAR “Berserker Mode”

Song: Alestrom “P.A.R.T.Y”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Brett Boland of Astronoid is our guest this week! We discuss why lyrics are the part of creating music that he finds the most difficult, how current events affected the words that he placed on the record, and what recent film that he felt was an influence on him sonically. We also discuss the A24 film universe, why the PBS streaming service is all he needs for television, having his daughter and the transition that comes to your life with having kids, the stride that the band hit before the pandemic and how that pause affected their momentum, and of course, his thoughts on the final Rambo film.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia blast Vince Neil for being the face of a pay day loan commercial, Bon Jovi’s current vocal issues, and Emperor Rhombus’ piece on Dio always being the coolest metal singer.

On this week’s episode, Petar mentions that a GoFundMe has been launched for the family of his late friend Ben Black. You can donate to Ben’s campaign here.

Song: Astronoid “Human”

Song: Astronoid “Sleep Whisper”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Editor's note: On this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, our hosts discuss the death of Trevor Strnad, and in doing so talk at length about suicide and mental health. I want to take this moment to thank them for sharing their stories so bravely, and hope that their experiences can offer our listeners an insight into their own. If you or anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Don't hesitate, just call. Please know: you are not alone.

This week, God Forbid vocalist Byron Davis joins the show! We discuss the vinyl reissue of the band’s classic album Gone Forever, how vital the fanbase was in getting God Forbid to reunite, seeing the world of music differently ten years later, and if he found maturing in a band a difficult process. Byron also discusses the first show he went to completely by himself, modern music becoming background noise from many consumers, the limitations that creatives have in modern times, the industry having fewer gatekeepers because of the decline of physical media, the world losing the ability to reach common ground, ways in which society can possibly change for the future, and all the opportunities that we can bring to the next generation.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia tackle the tragic news of the passing of Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder, the weight of his passing on all of us, our friends and families’ personal experiences with Trevor, and our personal mental struggles in modern times.

Song: The Black Dahlia Murder, “I Will Return”

Song: God Forbid, “The End Of The World”

Song: Cage Fight, “Respect Ends”

Song: Dälek, “A Heretic’s Inheritance” featuring Adam Jones

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Evergrey guitarist/vocalist Tom Englund is our guest! We discuss the huge number of songs he wrote and recorded during the pandemic, working on video game soundtracks (including the new Evil Dead game), how a musical director dictates their vision when creating music for any game, and making music on a day job schedule every week. We also discuss how he got fans to participate vocally on the band’s upcoming album A Heartless Portrait (The Orphan Testament), how Evergrey are planning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, and updates on new albums from his other projects including Redemption and Silent Skies.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Judas Priest getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Danzig stating that his current tour may be his last, at what age heavy music artists should call it a day, and Rob Zombie’s The Munsters being nearly 3 hours long.

Song: Evergrey “Save Us”

Song: Evergrey “Midwinter Calls”

Song: Jani Liimatanien “Breathing Divinity Featuring Bjorn “Speed” Strid

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie and songwriting partner Paul Logue join us! We celebrate James’ new solo album Beautiful Shades of Grey and discuss how they got James’s son Chance to work on drums for the album, and why they decided to cover Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On." We also talk about how the album was originally just acoustic guitars and vocals, life advice from our fathers that has stuck with us, and the powerful tribute James wrote for his late brother.

Petar and Sylvia also discuss Kid Rock and Prince not being nice to Steve-O, Metallica playing its album to a barrel of whiskey, what record we can listen for 24 hours straight and still enjoy, and the most expensive rock song to use in feature films.

Song: James LaBrie “Devil in Drag”

Song: James LaBrie “Give and Take”

Thank you to our sponsor Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Darkest Prince of All Rebellion from Philly’s Devil Master is our guest! We discuss him losing band members during the pandemic, regrouping to create the band’s new album Ecstasies of Never Ending Night, the difficult transition of balancing “adventure time” to “business time” on tour, landing stadium gigs opening for My Chemical Romance, and Gerard Way buying all their merch at an L.A. performance. We also discuss whether or not the band’s setlist will cater to the MCR crowd, recording the new album on analog tape, and the book that he gives to people as a challenge to complete.

Meanwhile, former MetalSucks podcast hosts Chuck and Godless return to the show! They join Petar to discuss Trevor Strand of The Black Dahlia Murder teasing a Couples Video on his lady’s OnlyFans, Dino Cazares withholding who the new singer for Fear Factory is until 2023, and our take on Emperor Rhombus opinion piece on “Gatekeepers” and “Elitists” in our genre.

Song: Devil Master “The Vigour of Evil”

Song: Devil Master “Acid Black Mass”

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Maylene and the Sons of the Disaster frontman Dallas Taylor is our guest this week! We discuss the long road to recovery following his life-changing accident, the mental state he was in prior to it, how getting off medication allowed him to truly focus on his return to music, and being haunted by the ‘what if’ that motivated his creative life. Dallas also talks about noticing that people are embracing the real less and escaping more, learning that the majority of the things we worry about don’t really matter, how easy it is to hurt people emotionally when we are hurting, and how his new vampire film The Virginia Bitches came to fruition.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn also discuss Jim Carrey’s first time hearing Pantera, their own experiences when first hearing the band, and Jason Newsted not partaking in a Van Halen tribute band.

Song: Maylene and the Sons of Disasters “Step Up (I’m On It)”

Song: Maylene and the Sons of Disasters “Open Your Eyes”

Song: Moon Tooth “Alpha Howl”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Destruction frontman Schmier is our guest this week! We discuss the 40th anniversary of the band, how writing music for their new album Diabolical was his personal savior, how influential GBH was during the the early days of Destruction, if the punks vs. metalheads feud of the ‘80s was a positive for thrash's image, and how Destruction got hate from their South American fanbase for canceling shows in Russia. He also discusses his thoughts on how social media became nothing more than a propaganda tool, his surprise at how easy it was to divide the world between vaxxers and anti-vaxxers during the pandemic, the story behind the Chef Schmier’s Cooking Studio videos on YouTube, what the first stop always is when Destruction tour America, and why he feels he is the best guy to man the  grill when the band is on the road.

Petar and Brandon also discuss Dragonforce not getting paid a ton for Guitar Hero, the impact of video games and music in their youths, and Chris Jericho admitting to using backing tracks at live shows

Song: Destruction “No Faith In Humanity”

Song: Destruction “State of Apathy”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Lord Ahriman of satanic black metallers Dark Funeral is our guest this week! We discuss his thoughts on Shakespeare and memorable theatrical performances, why the rhythms on the band’s new album We Are The Apocalypse were a primary focus, and being unable to leave Cancun, Mexico, when the pandemic hit the world. We also talk about how someone stole Dark Funeral’s stage armor the last time they toured America, how the philosophy and vision of the band has changed in the last 30 years, and how finally having a proper budget has allowed him to make the music videos he always wanted to do.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Alex Skolnick’s comment on the Chris Rock/Will Smith Oscars slap and the ramifications of the slap on modern culture.

Song: Dark Funeral “Nightfall”

Song: Dark Funeral “Let The Devil In”

Song: The Spirit “Celestial Fire”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Our guest this week is Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo! In celebration of his new solo album War of The Worlds Part II, he tells us about his first memories of the H.G. Wells classic that inspired the work, if the record is a part of a trilogy that he has planned,  changing  vocalists between Parts I and II, the CGI-inspired videos that he has released to promote the new album, and keeping the lyrics in the science fiction realm. He also discusses his favorite kaiju character of all time, the reason he feels a vocalist is important for his solo projects, how he writes music for his solo albums as opposed to how he does it for his main project Symphony X, and why he feels he needs to get back on tour before recording a new Symphony X album.

Petar, Brandon and Jozalyn also discuss the heartbreaking news of the passing of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and the legacy he left behind.

Song: Foo Fighters “I Am A River”

Song: Michael Romeo “Divide & Conquer”

Song: Michael Romeo “Metamorphosis”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Sen Dog of the legendary Cypress Hill is our guest this week! We discuss the positive effects of the pandemic in regards to creating new music, how the legalization of marijuana turned out differently than the public thought it would, his crew’s upcoming tour with Slipknot, and how a heavy metal audience changes their setlist. He also talks about the upcoming Showtime documentary on Cypress Hill celebrating hip hop at 50, some of the difficulties of looking back on his career for the documentary, the challenges of success and adapting to nonstop touring, an update on his metal band Powerflo with Billy from Biohazard, and why he chose to pursue a career in hip hop over heavy metal in his youth.

Meanwhile, Petar and Brandon discuss Dolly Parton removing herself from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ballot, the public responses from Dee Snider and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest, how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shrugged her statement off, and whether or not there will be another Tool record in the next 13 years.

Song: Cypress Hill “Open Ya Mind”

Song: Cypress Hill “Certified” Featuring Demrick

Song: Undeath “Rise From The Grave”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week, Periphery guitarist Mark Holcomb joins the show! We discuss the debut full-length album from his project Haunted Shores, how the band’s formation led to him join Periphery, the riff graveyard that he uses to create songs, and on treating music for Haunted Shores like a 9-to-5 job. We also talk about how to deal with writer’s block to meet deadlines, how ‘Mario Party’ was a big part of writing ‘Periphery 4’ (not to mention who his Mario Party character was and how it caused anger within the group), how their own record label 3DOT Recordings has benefited the band in so many ways, and how intense the process has been to get ‘Periphery 5’ to sound just right.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the two-year anniversary of the pandemic, how we have changed as people from the COVID lockdown, our initial reaction on the show two years ago, and where we go from here.

Song: Haunted Shores “Hellfire”

Song: Haunted Shores “When In Oslo”

Song: Nekrogoblikon “Right Now”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Sabaton vocalist Joakim Brodén is our guest this week! On this episode, we discuss the stories behind three of the tracks on the band’s new album The War to End All Wars, the history and research behind those songs, and why he decided not to watch recent hit films on WWI. We also discuss almost coming to the states for the Judas Priest tour that was eventually postponed, developing the storytelling process with each album before recording, his favorite source of research, creating the Sabaton History Channel on Youtube, and the song he is most excited about performing off of the new album.

Petar and Brandon also discuss Jinjer’s unfortunate cancellation of their upcoming tour dates due to the invasion of the Ukraine, Slaughter to Prevail frontman Alex Terrible addressing the conflict in the Ukraine, Matt Pike not buying into the flat-earth conspiracy theory, the return of Pete Sandoval to the world of David Vincent, and Dave Lombardo rejoining Testament.

Song: Sabaton “The Unkillable Soldier”

Song: Sabaton “Christmas Truce”

Song: Konvent “Pipe Dreams”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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The mighty Kirk Windstein is back on the show! This week, we discuss Zero and Below, the new album by Kirk’s band Crowbar. We also talk about writing the record back in 2019 prior to the pandemic, the rehearsal process and livestream reunion he has planned with southern metal act Down, the 20-year anniversary of the second Down album, the making of the record as a follow-up to NOLA, and his current tour package with Sepultura and Sacred Reich being rescheduled three times. Other topics include how difficult it was for Crowbar to cancel tours during the pandemic, why it’s difficult to tour the European festival circuit in the current climate, the importance of defeating one’s fears in his life, and if there is a new Down album in the works.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn also discuss our feelings on Cannibal Corpse fans chanting “Fuck Chris Barnes” at a recent show, Tool selling an expensive box set of Fear Inoculum, and the tragic passing of grunge and desert rock pioneer Mark Lanegan.

Song: Crowbar “Chemical Godz”

Song: Crowbar “ Bleeding From Every Hole”

Song: Friends of Hell “Friends of Hell”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada is on the show this week! We discuss releasing the standout alone singles “Watchtower” and “Sacrifice, what they’re looking forward to on their upcoming tour with Silverstein and Beartooth, his being a passionate hockey lifelong hockey fan, and the mental health aspect of playing hockey as part of his routine. He also discusses doing a podcast with the band when the pandemic hit and its importance to him, how important therapy has been in helping him understand himself, being a avid reader but struggling to embrace that during the pandemic, and the expectations of playing thier standalone single on tour.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge’s statement about being “a dictator and control freak,” Mötley Crüe adding five new dates to their stadium tour, and Dave Grohl putting out an entire death thrash album.

Song: The Devil Wears Prada “Watchtower”

Song: The Devil Wears Prada “Sacrifice”

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Olli-Pekka Laine of Amorphis is our guest this week! On this episode, we discuss the band's new album Halo and completing the trilogy they started with Under The Red Cloud. Also covered on this episode: using a separate lyricist to write all the lyrics for the band, the complex process of getting Finnish lyrics translated into English, their upcoming North American tour and the visa process post-pandemic, creating an Amorphis wristwatch for the fans, playing in the snow for eight straight hours for their latest music video, the possibility of putting out a live release on VHS, and the current status of Olli's other project Barren Earth.

Meanwhile, Petar and Brandon discuss Steve Albini’s comments on “Juggalos being less annoying than deadheads” and David Draiman missing the boat big time on Spotify “saving music”.

Song: Amorphis ”On The Dark Waters”

Song: Amorphis “The Moon”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!!

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Mark “Barney” Greenway of Napalm Death is back on the show! This time around, we discuss getting visas post-pandemic on tour in the states, getting COVID aboard during their tour with GWAR and Eyehategod, how we need to focus on the venerable at this time before getting back to a new normal, and how he feels he's not influenced by marketing or misinformation in modern times.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Eddie Vedder’s comments about Mötley Crüe, Rob Halford admitting that four-piece Judas Priest idea was his, and our thoughts on the direction Machine Head will take on their new album following 2018's Catharsis.

Song: Napalm Death “Narcissus”

Song: Author and Punisher “Drone Carrying Dread”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Cannibal Corpse frontman George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher is back on the show! We discuss his new solo album, titled simply Corpsegrinder, why he finally decided the time was right for a solo album after all these years, working with Jamey Jasta on the effort, his work with Dee Snider on the Twisted Sister frontman's own solo album, and how his artwork requirements for his solo material differ from those for his main band. We also talk a whole lot of NFL football -- including his take on the current playoff picture -- as well as his love of comics.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the upcoming Pam & Tommy mini-series, Jason Newstead being smart with his Metallica jackpot, the Neil Young vs. Joe Rogan Spotify drama, and a deep dive into the lyrics of Kid Rock's latest conservative anthem.

Songs: Corpsegrinder - “On Wings Of Carnage," “Acid Vat” Featuring Erik Rutan

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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This week our guest is Michel “Away” Langevin of the legendary Voivod! We discuss how the band wanted their new album Synchro Anarchy to be more thrash metal than their previous record The Wake, how the band barely rehearsed and wrote the album as they recorded, the band's recent live record Lost Machine, the upcoming Voivod documentary that was funded on Kickstarter, and the 40th anniversary Voivod book they're putting together for fans. Michel also tells us about his Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor approach as a heavy metal drummer, his favorite and least favorite Voivod artwork, and the art book he is compiling from all his years of drawing.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the break up of Every Time I Die, their personal memories as fans of the band, and the passing of Meat Loaf.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Voivod - “Paranormalium” and “Planet Eaters”

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Will Putney joins us again this week! We discuss Fit For an Autopsy's latest album, Oh What The Future Holds, producing the latest Every Time I Die record, Radical, the importance of having a message in his lyrical output, how he finds it difficult to support artists whose messages misalign with his own, why he is happy to be “a little dumber” so modern issues don’t consume him, his upcoming tour cycle with END, and what his home stereo system is like as a music producer.

Petar and Brandon discuss what Judas Priest would sound like as a four-piece, Bruce Dickinson recording a new solo album, and Metallica and Tool employing Covid-sniffing dogs for tour safety.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Fit For An Autopsy - "Two Towers" and “Far From Heaven," END - “Hesitation Wounds”

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Shadow of Intent guitarist Chris Wiseman is our guest this week! We discuss their brand new album, Elegy, his lyrical approach to the record, and how he got Chuck Billy and Phil Bozeman as guests. We also talk about postponing their European tour due to rising Covid cases, what they learned on their recent U.S. tour with Born Of Osiris, the big spectrum of how headlining bands set rules for modern touring, the pros and cons of self-releasing the band's music, why signing to a label feels like “giving up," and his plans to release different versions of Elegy.

Petar and Brandon tackle Avenged Sevenfold singer M. Shadows' comments that the band's new album was “very influenced by Kanye West”, their thoughts on the latest reboot of Beavis and Butt-Head, and the viral video featuring children who don't know any songs by the bands on the shirts they're wearing.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Shadow Of Intent - “Where Millions have Come to Die” (featuring Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel) and “From Ruin… We Rise”

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Venom Prison vocalist Larissa Stupar is our guest this week! We discuss the challenge of making their new album, Erebos, as the world continued to change around them, recording vocals at her home studio, why the artwork is such an important piece of Venom Prison's presentation, the healing effect of writing “Pain of Oizys” about past trauma, returning to the stage at the Bloodstock festival after over a year off, and how Brexit has affected bands from the U.K. touring in Europe. We also talk about how society needs to offer support to the lower class with more compassion, the message and marketing that promotes addiction to social drugs, and harmful immigration policies across the world.

Petar and Brandon discuss Sammy Hagar's claim that he was asked to replace Phil Anselmo in Pantera, Corey Taylor's prediction of a new Slipknot album in 2022, and Avenged Sevenfold working on completing their own new record in January.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Venom Prison - “Judges Of The Underworld" and “Pain of Oizys”

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On our final episode of the year, we continue our Best of 2021 recap (stream part 1 here), revealing our top 5 albums of the year and chatting with some of the artist that made our list, including Chevelle's Pete Loeffler, Zao's Scott Mellinger and members of Green Lung. Don’t miss out on celebrating the music that left the biggest impression on us and broke through all the noise of 2021. Until next year, friends... thank you for every minute you gave us, and we are excited to jump back into it in 2022!

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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2021 is almost behind us, so this week on The MetalSucks Podcast we celebrate all the hope and despair that our favorite artists gave us in a year of comebacks and the new normal we collectively felt. We play one track from every record we loved and praise those artists for giving us music that has been unforgettable. Please join us in celebrating the first half of our top 15 albums of the year and gain some insight into those releases through featured interviews with some of the artists that brightened and enlightened, connected to us from a distance, and channeled all the emotions that remind us we are human.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Jami Morgan from Code Orange is back on the show! We discuss the recent standalone single "Out For Blood," his perspective on the growing importance of singles in rock and metal, the reality of having to create new music faster in the current landscape, how being a frontman is more exhausting than being a drummer, Max Portnoy becoming a full time member of the band, why he feels Code Orange are in it for the long game and how they are intentionally polarizing.

Petar and Brandon tackle the police raid of Marilyn Manson’s home and seizure of his hard drives, The Word Alive befriending the thieves who stole their gear, and John Cooper of Skillet calling Rage Against The Machine “government rock.”

Songs: Code Orange - “Out For Blood," Daxma - “The Clouds Parted”

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Imperial Triumphant guitarist Zachary Ilya Ezrin is our guest this week. We discuss the band's latest album, Alphaville, his thoughts on NFTs in music, embracing all the changes that come into the industry, making the band's new live album available only on vinyl, the band's relationship with New York City, and completing their first headlining tour since the pandemic began.

Petar and Brandon tackle the jaw-dropping Lars Ulrich toilet, Kid Rock’s latest misfire, and Danko Jones calling out fellow Canadian artists Monster Truck.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Imperial Triumphant - "Transmission to Mercury (Live at Slipper Room)," Darkwoods My Betrothed - “In Evil, Sickness, and in Grief”

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Death Angel riff master Rob Cavestany is our guest this week! We discuss the Grammy nomination of their last record, Humanicide, performing acoustic songs on the band's latest live album, The Bastard Tracks, and what it was like revisiting deep cuts for it, fan backlash for having to reschedule the Bay Strike Backs tour with Testament and Exodus again, the precautions he and Death Angel will take once they're back on the road, and how he wants to get out there just as badly as the fans want him to.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn tackle Rammstein guitarist Richard Kruspe's comments about Ghost not being a stadium band, why today's artists can’t make the same impact as previous generations, and Marilyn Manson’s lawyer's recent comments that he's open to a "global" settlement with the shock rocker's alleged victims.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Death Angel - ”Where They Lay," Exodus - “The Years of Death and Dying”

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Converge frontman Jacob Bannon is our guest this week! We discussed the band's forthcoming 10th studio album, Bloodmoon: I, and the story of how he finally got to collaborate on it with Chelsea Wolfe, Cave In's Stephen Brodsky and multi-instrumentalist Ben Chisholm, how the songs evolved with everyone’s contributions throughout the process, how each participant pushed one another's creative boundaries for the better, the music he's been listening to lately, the negativity of making music a competition within scenes, and reaching your goals in life with a positive path.

Petar and Brandon discuss Trivium frontman Matt Heafy’s comment that Metallica are the greatest band on Earth, Avenged Sevenfold waiting to release their next album, Limp Bizkit’s new record, and the Foo Fighters upcoming horror-comedy film.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Converge and Chelsea Wolfe - “Blood Moon” and “Coil," Thulcandra - “Funeral Pyre”

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Khemmis co-guitarist and co-vocalist Phil Pendergast is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album, Deceiver, the long and difficult process of writing lyrics for it, fighting through a lack of motivation and depression during the pandemic, how Deceiver connects to the band's breakthrough album, Hunted, the exit of bassist Dan Beiers during the record's creation, and why they are planning their touring schedule for the next year especially carefully.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss Marilyn Manson joining a prayer circle with Kanye West and Justin Bieber, the possibility of Manson turning to Christianity, Mastodon's Brent Hinds use of a homophobic slur and the band's subsequent apology, and Slipknot fans starting a fire in the pit at a show in Arizona.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Khemmis - “Living Pyre” and “House of Cadmus," Dream Unending - “In Cipher I Weep”

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Whitechapel vocalist Phil Bozeman is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new record, Kin, the challenge of revisiting his childhood for its lyrical themes, the necessity of tackling your past and forcing yourself to face it regardless, the music videos that accompany the storytelling on the album, and how his perception of reality has changed dramatically as he grows into his 30s. We also talk about how he doesn’t get TikTok, how social media has become our main news source and how that affects us culturally, adapting to the generational gap and how quickly it changes, and his thoughts on touring after the pandemic.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Nikki Sixx's comment about performing “tired and with a beer belly," Ivan Moody choosing a side in the Bad Wolves / Tommy Vext beef, and Gene Simmons selling his Las Vegas mansion for a very large profit after less than a year.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Whitechapel - “A Bloodsoaked Symphony" and “Orphan," Be’lakor - “Hidden Window”

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Steve "Stevic" MacKay of Twelve Foot Ninja is our guest this week to discuss the band's new album, Vengeance, sitting on it for over a year while the pandemic raged on, the new novel and graphic novel connected to the album, teaching himself how to code to build a Twelve Foot Ninja video game, working with Huey Lewis and Jinjer's Tatiana Shmayluk on music videos, and a session gig he took working on a season of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, among other topics.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss Dani Filth blowing off Faust’s murder confession in 1993, and Chino Moreno blaming weed for Stephen Carpenter’s flat-earth and anti-vaccine viewpoints.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Twelve Foot Ninja - “Start the Fire" and “Over and Out" (Featuring Tatiana Shmayluk of Jinjer), Wolftooth - “The Voyage”

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Melvins drummer Dale Crover is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album of acoustic re-imaginings, Five Legged Dog, how the band narrowed down the song list for it, which songs the band attempted to rework but failed, and his thoughts on doing an acoustic tour. We also talk about the recent passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, how he found out fellow Melvins drummer Coady Willis got the job with High On Fire, his new pandemic hobby of golfing, and an update on his solo material.

Petar and Brandon discuss two members of Mötley Crüe making the news for falling and hurting themselves this week -- Tommy Lee’s pool slip and Vince Neil’s stage fall -- which legendary artist gets the funnier news treatment, Danzig or Vince Neil, and Kerry King’s statement that Slayer called it quits too early.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Melvins - “Night Goat” (Acoustic) and “Sway” (The Rolling Stones Cover), Monolord - “I’ll Be Damned”

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Lewis and Henry de Jong, the brothers behind Alien Weaponry, join us this week! We discuss the the band's new album, Tangaroa, the record's themes of environmental awareness and how everyone needs to do more, why they felt writing about their Maori heritage was extremely important, how touring has changed their perspective on major issues affecting the world, how to fix mistakes made by previous generation by being vocal, and their recent performance with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Petar, Brandon and Jozalyn turn in another music episode inspired by a listener email asking about the best nu metal bands people may not have heard of, and we discuss how the movement holds up 20 years later.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Alien Weaponry - “Buried Underground” and “Tangaroa”

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Jeremy Spencer, aka Grim Synner from Psycho Synner (the band formerly known as Psychosexual) -- and former drummer for Five Finger Death Punch -- is our guest on this special half-episode of the podcast! We discuss why the band rebranded from Psychosexual to Psycho Sinner, his plan to release nine albums on the same day (and when that will happen) and the visual aesthetic of the band changing along with its name. We also talk about the horror film script he is currently working on, creating three feature-length films he wrote and directed with adult stars, how he believes people are extremely sensitive these days, how he hopes to push the envelope of the current culture with the band, and the massive influence of Gwar on the project.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss Jozalyn going on tour during the pandemic, the audiences she has been encountering, accidentally bullying people in attendance and much more.

Songs: Psycho Synner - “On Your Grave” and "Devil From Hell”

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Our guest this week is Local H mastermind Scott Lucas! We discuss the band's latest album, Lifers, and his activity on social media to promote it during the pandemic, working on the record with legendary producer Steve Albini, his tribute song to George Floyd, and how artists are often unaware of how many people their music reaches. We also talk about performing all of his albums in full throughout the years, allowing the audience to pick what tracks the band performs, how he has been in his own head during recent performances because of the extended time away from touring, and his passion for film scores.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss David Lee Roth announcing his retirement from music, and whether Ozzy Osbourne will ever tour again in light of the slew of legendary guests on his next album.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Local H - “Hold That Thought," “(We Are) The Road Crew" (Motörhead cover) and “Hackensack" (Fountains of Wayne cover)

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Guitarist Jani Liimatainen of Insomnium (ex-Sonata Arctica) is our guest on this special half-episode of the podcast! We discuss the band's new EP, Argent Moon, releasing the songs as singles throughout the pandemic, how the tour for their last album, Heart Like A Grave, was completely cut short but they decided to forge ahead with new music anyway, the upcoming 25th anniversary of the band, the emotions of seeing his first live concert (as a fan) in a year and a half, why he likes to play obscure tracks live for fans, and the timeframe for a new full-length Insomnium record.

Songs: Insomnium “The Conjurer” and “The Antagonist," 1914 - “…And A Cross Now Marks His Place” (Featuring Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost)

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Rivers of Nihil vocalist Jake Dieffenbach is our guest this week to discuss the band's new album, The Work! We talk about how the band fearlessly continues to pursue their own musical direction with no boundaries, the meaning of and story behind the Dan Seagrave cover artwork, the pressure of following up their critically acclaimed 2018 album Where Owls Know My Name, why he felt he needed 18 months off after touring non-stop in support of that record, feeling a little rusty after entering the new normal of pandemic road life, the challenge of being hard of hearing and pursuing a career as a musician, the reality that his hearing could continue to degrade as a result of performing, and how Rivers are Nihil are going to convert podcast host Petar's stepson into a metal lifer.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the disgruntled fan who drove his car into the front of the venue at a P.O.D. show, Petar talking his stepson to his very first heavy metal concert, and Metallica’s Black Album returning to the top ten on the Billboard charts.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Rivers of Nihil - “Clean” and "Focus," Livløs - “And Then There Were None”

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Sven de Caluwé of Aborted is back for a special half-episode of the podcast! We discuss how he needed the band's new album Maniacult to keep him connected to music, how the horror movies he binge-watched during the pandemic inspired the album, why he feels the first two Friday the 13th films didn’t age well, how the 25th anniversary of the band passed by during Covid, creating an action figure to sell to fans for the new album, and his favorite action figure toys from his youth.

Petar and Brandon get ready for October by celebrating the horror films that made them fall in love with the genre, the series they need to revisit, and the first film that scared them into loving the feeling of fear from cinema.

Songs: Aborted - “Dementophobia” and “Drag Me To Hell”

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Mike Stringer of Spiritbox is our guest this week! We discuss their new album, Eternal Blue, the strategy of releasing standalone singles to introduce the project to fans, spending three years promoting music while unable to tour, the cancelation of their recent run with Limp Bizkit, how the FACTOR program from the Canadian government helped them start Spiritbox, and his hopes to tour nonstop in 2022.

Petar and Brandon dissect the onstage meltdown of Ronnie Radke, Tommy Lee being “stoked” that a film about his leaked sex tape is being made, and Dave Mustaine's recent "medical tyranny" comments.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Spiritbox - “Circle With Me” and “Hurt You," Wage War - "High Horse"

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Björn “Speed” Strid of The Night Flight Orchestra and Soilwork is back on the show! We start out by discussing the brand new album from The Night Flight Orchestra, Aeromantic II; why they released standalone singles that are not on the record, the entire band catching Covid-19 after their last tour in March of 2020, why there would not have been a new album if not for Covid-19, the band's plans on investing in a tour at this stage of the pandemic, his view on how Sweden handled the pandemic with only restrictions and no lockdowns, why he feels sometimes Sweden is a very spoiled country, and how The Night Flight Orchestra started as a side project but has since become so much more.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Corey Taylor’s son's thoughts on Joey Jordison’s passing, the rumor of John Corabi replacing Vince Neil on the Motley Crüe stadium tour, and the drama between Bad Wolves and former lead singer Tommy Vext.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: The Night Flight Orchestra - “Burn For Me” and “Chardonnay Nights”

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Jinjer vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk is back on the show! We discuss the band's new album, Wallflowers, the preparations the band is currently undergoing to get ready for a heavy touring schedule, what last year's socially distanced shows were like as performers, filming music videos and putting out a live album during the pandemic to stay engaged with their fans, and her desire to tour as much as possible despite the current climate. Tati also updates us on her family, who are currently living in a war zone.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss someone pooping in the pit at a Turnstile show, the Dio hologram turning into a screen, and David Lee Roth’s refusal to open for Motley Crüe.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Jinjer - “Mediator” and “Wallflowers”

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Derrick Green of Sepultura is back on the show! We discuss the band's upcoming touring schedule, his thoughts on fans having to show vaccination cards to attend shows, how Sepultura decided to stay connected with each other through Zoom during the pandemic, why he feels the conflict currently happening in the Amazon needs more media attention, and which Sepultura deep cut was most interesting to revisit on the band's new live album, SepulQuarta.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the passing of The Skull / ex-Trouble vocalist Eric Wagner and his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccine, the Nirvana Nevermind baby suing the band, Insane Clown Posse retiring from touring, and the passing of The Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Trouble - “Pray For The Dead," Sepultura - “Mask (Featuring Devin Townsend)” and “Slave New World (Featuring Matt Heafy), White Stones - “New Age of Dark," The Rolling Stones - “Street Fighting Man”

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Between the Buried and Me guitarist Paul Waggoner is our guest this week! We discuss why he feels the time was right to make a sequel to their classic album, Colors, the difficulty of being in the right mental state to write music during the pandemic, all the work that went into the animated video for “Fix The Error," the emotional experience of returning to live music, his thoughts on the experiment of releasing the Automata album series in two parts, how he feels about performing The Great Misdirect in its entirety on tour right now, and his thoughts on the role of livestreams in the future of heavy music.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Randy Blythe's Covid-19-related plea to fans, and our own return to live music at the Psycho Las Vegas festival, the good, the bad, and all the other feelings that have come with it.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Between the Buried and Me - “Revolution In Limbo” and “Fix The Error”

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Spirit Adrift mastermind Nate Garrett guests this week! We discuss the band's new EP, Forge Your Future, how his move to a new environment impacted the music, on being open to his influences when writing songs, the compliment that he got from Fenriz of Darkthrone, and the timeframe on a new Spirit Adrift full length. Nate also tells us how he's become an MMA fan while leaving boxing behind, his go-to music during his own fitness routine, and how he turned a Donald Trump phrase into a line on the track “Invisible Enemy."

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the podcast's 400th episode milestone, Til Lindemann's $117,000 price tag for a meal out with the Rammstein frontman, who we would pay to have dinner with, and the split between Max Cavalera and Marc Rizzo.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Spirit Adrift - “Forge Your Future" and “Wake Up," The Ugly Kings - “Technodrone”

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Gost mastermind Baalberith is back on the show! We discuss the inspiration behind the new album, Rites of Love and Reverence, his mindset on following up Valediction after getting some harsh feedback from long-time fans, the need to be adventurous as a musician as he grows as a person, and the positive side of not touring during the last year.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Live Nation's decision allowing their venues to require proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 tests for admission to concerts, Madball’s decision not to perform any shows where vaccinations are required, and our reaction to the New Guns N’ Roses song.

Songs: Gost - “Coven” and “Bound By The Horror," Wizardthrone - “Black Hole Quantum Thermodynamics”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

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Booka Nile from Make Them Suffer is our guest this week! We discuss their latest single, "Contraband," how the collaboration with Spiritbox's Courtney LaPlante came together; the current state of COVID in her native Australia, and the mental health issues that come with the pandemic; our strong sense of community across the heavy metal scene; not being able to perform any of the songs off their latest album live yet; her participation in the reality TV show Married at First Sight, and the difficulty of having a relationship as a touring musician; and the current plans for the next album from Make Them Suffer.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn also tackle the tragic news that Slipknot's Joey Jordison, ZZ Top's Dusty Hill, and Metal Church's Mike Howe have all passed away. 

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Make Them Suffer - "Contraband" (featuring Courtney LaPlante), Make Them Suffer - "Erase Me," Ex Deo - “Boudicca (Queen of The Icieni)" (featuring Brittney Slayes), Slipknot - “The Blister Exists,” ZZ Top - “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers,” and Metal Church - “Sky Fall In.”

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The legendary Dee Snider returns to the podcast this week! We discuss his new solo album, Leave a Scar, writing and recording it with Jamey Jasta and his team, if he feels the "sophomore effort" label applies to this record given his history, and how this was the first time he has written lyrics since the Widowmaker days in the '90s.

Dee also offers his take on the recent David Ellefson scandal, explains why he has stayed sober throughout his entire career, his thoughts on separating the art from the artist, his story about listening to Lzzy Hale’s live monitor mix to make sure she was really singing live, his gripe with young bands honoring the past by replication, and his timeline for retiring as a live vocalist.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the retirement of the Dio hologram for now, the Dave Grohl vs. John Joseph Covid-19 battle, and, in honor of Aaron Lewis’s recent double performance, we go down memory lane of artists we saw play live while hammered.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Dee Snider - “Time To Choose” (Featuring George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher) and “I Gotta Rock (Again)," King Woman - “Psychic Wound”

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Periphery mastermind Misha Mansoor is back on the podcast this week! Our conversation centers around his new solo album, Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious, releasing ten albums worth of Bulb archives last year, whether he ever plans to perform the Bulb material live, collaborating with his brother, and the trouble with getting honest feedback from friends. Misha also talks about Periphery, including all the work that goes into running the band's own label, 3Dot, how his previous management team put too much pressure on the band, looking back at Periphery IV, and an update on the eventual Periphery V.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Stormy Daniels running the merch booth at an upcoming Eyehategod show, our take on the new Iron Maiden track, Ed Sheeran being open to death metal, and Oli Sykes getting some vampire fangs with his wife.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support.

Song: Bulb - “Upload Apathy” and “Far Too High” (Featuring Axel Mansoor)

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Mayhem vocalist Attila Csihar guests this week to discuss the band's new EP, Atavistic Black Disorder/Kommando, which consists of three new originals and four classic punk covers. Attila shares the punk rock albums that shaped him in his youth, how he had to smuggle music into communist Hungary while growing up there in the early '80s, his first time meeting Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, Discharge reacting to the Mayhem cover of their track, and why he prefers today's audiences to the violent shows of the '80s. Attila also relays how the pandemic has affected Mayhem, how they plan to tour with ever-shifting rules in every country, and the horror movie soundtrack he's working on with Greg Anderson of Sunn O))).

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the mother that named her children Metallica, Pantera and Slayer, Dave Mustaine running up his Cameo price in under a week, and our thoughts on the upcoming Woodstock '99 documentary.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Mayhem - “Voces Ab Alta," “Everlasting Dying Flame," Mordred - “Demonic #7”

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Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage and Times of Grace is our guest this week! We talk about the new Times of Grace album, Songs of Loss and Separation, their first in 10 years, and reflect on its predecessor, The Hymn of a Broken Man. Adam shares his thoughts on the importance of keeping his mind busy during dark times, working on music videos with Nick Hipa (ex-As I Lay Dying, ex-Wovenwar), his attempt at the Big 4 of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, how he gets grumpier as he gets older, and the silver linings that are happening now after a rough year mentally.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss “old country” methods of healing things and cultural differences between consumers in America and other parts of the world. Apologies for the audio issue during our banter.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Times of Grace - “The Burden of Belief” and “Medusa”

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Prolific death metal drummer and multi-instrumentalist Hannes Grossmann is our guest! We discuss the recruitment process for his latest solo album, To Where The Light Retreats, the role he takes on as composer for his own material, how Tori Amos inspired a song on the new record, the story behind the hand-drawn cover artwork, how the songs on his first solo album were originally intended for Obscura, the less experimental nature of his solo project compared to Alkaloid, and the elitist mentality he takes towards his own music. Hannes also says he hopes there will never be another Necrophagist record and explains why.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss Wes Borland’s statement on Fred Durst’s high standards for the next Limp Bizkit record, the official reunion of Shadows Fall, and our thoughts on the next NWOAHM bands to reunite.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Hannes Grossmann - “The Great Designer" and “In The Glacier’s Eye”

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Howard Jones is back on the podcast! We discuss H.A.I.T.(How Awesome Is That), his movie watching podcast with Jamey Jasta and Charlie Bellmore; the imprint '80s action movies left on us growing up' the work environment that surrounded him during the making of the new Light the Torch album; his lyrical approach on the new record; being open to change; the decision to cover the Terrence Trent D’Arby; preparation for his upcoming livestream on June 25th; going back out on tour after the pandemic; an update on rescheduling the North American tour with Killswitch Engage the was cut short; and his love of seeing live stand up comedy. 

Petar and Brandon discuss Pete’s first foray back into concertgoing, how show attendees' behavior has changed, the reason we think Vince Neil cancelled his second show of 2021, whether or not Robb Flynn is the dictator of Machine Head, and Atreyu's disappointing first-week record sales. 

Songs: Light The Torch - “More Than Dreaming,” Light The Torch - “Let Me Fall Apart,” Vexed - “Epiphany”

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Aaron Beam of Red Fang is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album, 'Arrows,' the dark turn in the playful music video for their single “Why?”, reuniting with producer Chris Funk, the album's title, the benefits of meditation, how that process makes him more productive in all of his avenues of creativity, and more.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss their BEST OF 2021 SO FAR!

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Zao - “Transitions,” Tomahawk - “Business Casual,” Epica - “Freedom - The Wolves Within,” Soen - “Deceiver,” Red Fang - “Why” and “Funeral Coach,” Gojira - “Born For One Thing,” Harakiri for the Sky - “I, Pallbearer," Erra - “Divisionary,” The Crown - “We Drift On”

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Perturbator mastermind James Kent is back on the show! We discuss his first new album in five years, Lustful Sacraments, why it took him so long to complete the record, the heavy influence of goth music this time around, why he feels it's important to tour less than he did in the past, and the 10 year anniversary of Perturbator. He also tells us about opening for John Carpenter, his plans for his own newly launched record label, his favorite French metal band, and how he feels about French cinema in comparison to the rest of the world's art.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Vince Neil's awful performance at his first post-pandemic show, their joy that Jason Newsted is not joining Megadeth, whether Ozzy Osbourne should have accepted Weezer’s song “Hash Pipe” when it was offered to him, and our thoughts on Bad Wolves' new singer Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz (ex-The Acacia Strain).

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Perturbator - “Death of the Soul" and "Dethroned Under a Funeral Haze," Stormruler - “Reign of The Winged Duke”

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At The Gates frontman Tomas Lindberg is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album, The Nightmare of Being, the emotions that informed its songwriting process, the difficulty of choosing a single from an album designed to listen to from start to finish, recognizing art as a defensive mechanism for himself, and his feeling about At War With Reality’s legacy. Tomas also talks about rejoining Lock Up and gives an update on their new album, tells us who he considers to be the inventor of death metal, and reveals the career he would have chosen instead of metal in hindsight.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Megadeth's firing of David Ellefson, the whirlwind story of child supergroup Suspect208, and Bruce Dickinson’s decision to finally use a smart phone at 62 years old.

Songs: At The Gates - “Spectre of Extinction” and “The Paradox," Scar of The Sun - "Quantum Leap Zero II: Transition To Turbulence”

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Crypta bassist and singer Fernanda Lira (ex-Nervosa) is our guest this week! We discuss the journey of creating Crypta's debut album, Echoes of The Soul, why leaving Nervosa was both the best and most difficult decision she ever made, the recruitment process for finding the right members in the new band, why the old-school cover painting by Wes Benscoter was vital to the album's presentation, how the pandemic is still raging in her native Brazil thanks to government mismanagement, her past experience as a metal journalist, and a quick update on the progress of Crypta's next album.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snubbing Iron Maiden, Les Claypool auditioning for Metallica, and Whitesnake topping the charts after the passing of Tawny Kitaen.

Songs: Crypta - “Starvation” and “From The Ashes”

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Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares is our guest this week! Front and center is the band's new album, Aggression Continuum, and the public spat between Cazares and former singer Burton Seabell, whose vocals appear on the album. Dino discusses the communication breakdown between he and Burton after recording the album in 2017, how he is handling all the negative attention from the fanbase, his response to reports of a physical altercation between he and Burton, the reason he left Burton’s vocals on the record in spite of everything, and why the future of Fear Factory with a new vocalist is exciting for him. Dino also talks about his feelings on Digimortal 20 years later (revealing that Bob Rock almost produced it!), the difficulty of replicating a groundbreaking record, how angry fans were that the band used programmed drums on The Industrialist, how every classic Fear Factory album had chaos behind the scenes, the upcoming Divine Heresy vinyl reissues, and his version of the altercation between he and former Divine Heresy vocalist Tommy Vext (also ex-Bad Wolves).

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the news that Metalocalypse is getting a movie, the tabloid headline that states listening to metal makes you fat, and the controversy involving Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

Songs: Fear Factory - “Disruptor” and “Fuel Injected Suicide Machine”

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Caliban guitarist Marc Görtz is our guest on this special half-episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss the band's decision to re-record some classic songs in their native German tongue for the Zeitgeister EP, the reason they choose the track "Intoleranz" for a video, advice on how to keep a band together for 25 years, the difficulty of touring America at this point in their career, why they feel meet and greets aren’t something they are willing to do, an update on their completed new full-length album, and the upcoming "Part 3" in their split series with Heaven Shall Burn.

Petar and Brandon break down the Marilyn Manson allegations after even more women have come forward, and share their thoughts on what the eventual outcome will be for him.

Songs: Caliban - “Nichts” and “Intoleranz, Tooth and Claw - “Your Crucifixion”

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Ben Thatcher of power duo Royal Blood is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album, Typhoons, the emotional clash of the lyrics and music, the importance of dedicating the record to Ben's mother who recently passed away, using his DJ mind when it comes to sequencing an album, and the lasting mental effects the pandemic has had on him. Ben also dissects the "rock is dead" statements many older musicians have made recently, the lessons he learned from going on tour with Queens of the Stone Age, and the changes that may have to made on the road now that frontman Mike Kerr is sober.

Petar and Brandon discuss Willow Smith’s Mother’s Day gift to her famous mom, James Hetfield being “skeptical” about the COVID-19 vaccine, and if rebooting The Osbournes makes any sense at this point.

Thank you to our weekly sponsor Metal Blade Records for their continued support!

Songs: Royal Blood - “Typhoons" and "Boilermaker," Sumo Cyco - “Bystander”

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This week we bring Hollywood and thrash metal icons together on one episode to celebrate the soundtrack of the new film Thunder Force! Composer Fil Eisler tells us why he felt he needed to pitch adding Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo to the Melissa McCarthy-led Netflix film, how avant garde techniques can be brought to scoring film that wouldn’t work in traditional songwriting, how they got Corey Taylor and Lzzy Hale involved to write a theme song, which film soundtrack he would like to do a heavy metal remake of with Scott and Dave, and updates on both the new Motor Sister and Dead Cross records.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn have their yearly debate about the new petition for Metallica to play the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and they discuss Lucas Mann and Rings of Saturn being dropped by their label for alleged threats.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Corey Taylor, Lzzy Hale, Scott Ian, Dave Lombardo, Fil Eisler, and Tina Guo - “Thunder Force Theme Song," Mr. Bungle - “Bungle Grind” (Live), and Tommy’s Rock Trip - “Got To Play Some Rock N Roll”

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Steve Von Till of Neurosis is our guest this week! Steve tells us how the door first opened to him as a solo artist, the path of his solo records throughout his career, and wrestling with negative thoughts as he worked on his latest album, No Wilderness Deep Enough, and his first book of poetry in 2020. He also discusses his alter ego, Harvestman, how music has saved him many times throughout his life, the courage that punk rock gave him, and an update on new music from Neurosis.

Petar, Sylvia, and Brandon discuss the Mudvayne reunion -- are they bigger than ever before because of their long hiatus? -- Weezer marketing their new record as metal, the '90s icons we feel can put out a great metal album, the NWOAHM band that we think can put out a great Weezer album, and Dee Snider calling out Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their support!

Songs: Steve Von Till - “The Spiraling Away” and “Indifferent Eyes”

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Gojira frontman and guitarist Joe Duplantier joins us this week! We discuss the band's new album, Fortitude, the lessons they learned while making their previous album, Magma, that directly affected the new record, getting legendary engineer Andy Wallace to mix it, why he feels Gojira have been able to maintain the same line up for 20 years, and achieving success in a progressive way that has benefited them. Joe also explains his passion for the band's charitable effort in conjunction with the song "Amazonia," the importance of artists using their platforms for positive change in the world, and his excitement for the band's North American tour with Deftones scheduled for later this year.

Petar, Jozalyn, and Brandon debate Dave Lombardo’s comment that Slayer wouldn't have survived if they debuted in the internet era, our thoughts on Van Halen's record label asking them to change their name when Sammy Hager joined, and the cringe-worthy press for Fear Factory this past week.

Songs: Gojira - “Into The Storm" and “Amazonia," Evile - “Hell Unleashed”

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Daniel Freyberg, former guitarist of both Children of Bodom and Bodom After Midnight, joins us this week. Our focus is Bodom After Midnight's forthcoming EP, Paint the Sky with Blood, as well as the late Alexi Laiho, as we dive into working with Laiho on those new songs and the decision to move forward with their release after his death. Freyberg also details what it was like as a fan of Children of Bodom before he was invited into the band, his experience writing and recording on the band's final record, Hexed, the possibility of a future concert celebrating Alexi’s life and music, the next project for him now that Bodom After Midnight are finished, and if there is any leftover Bodom After Midnight material, including a live release.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Mike Patton’s statement that every player in the many band's he's been in are better musicians than him, former Fear Factory vocalist Burton Seabell saying Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory is just "Demanufacture for kids," Lordi's plans to release seven albums at once, and our thoughts on artificial intelligence writing a Nirvana song.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Bodom After Midnight - “Paint The Sky With Blood," Endseeker - “Unholy Rites," Devil Sold His Soul - “Burdened”

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Zao guitarist Scott Mellinger is our guest this week! We discuss the band's the new album, The Crimson Corridor, the feeling of being a bit more introspective this time around, the importance of the physical product to the record's overall experience, and how the band collaborates with artists to interpret their visions. Scott also looks back at the band's 2006 classic, The Fear is What Keeps Us Here, what it was like working with legendary producer Steve Albini, the difficulty of getting the masters back from Ferret Records, and how they learned from past labels before launching their own.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia hash out their fears of Metallica working with Elton John, the recent peak behind the scenes of Some Kind of Monster, and Corey Taylor's adventure into filmmaking with Ninjas vs. Zombies.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!

Songs: Zao - "The Final Ghost" and "Ship of Theseus"

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Corpsegrinder is back on the show! We talk about Cannibal Corpse's upcoming new album, Violence Unimagined, the experience of recording it during the pandemic and welcoming longtime producer Erik Rutan into the band as a guitarist and writer, how Cannibal Corpse pick singles for their albums, and his desire to learn new technology despite his admittedly old school ways. We also discuss Corpsegrinder's passion for the NFL, including his thoughts on Tom Brady bringing a Super Bowl to his hometown of Tampa Bay, him being a Denver Broncos fan despite being born in Baltimore, how his father worked for the company that moved the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis, and him refusing to perform during the Eagles Super Bowl game on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss various metal musicians' comments on the tragic mass shootings last week in Atlanta and Colorado, including Dee Snider, Sebastian Bach and System of a Down's Daron Malakian. We also chit chat about Lemmy’s ashes being put into bullets and sent to his close friends, and Rob Zombie nabbing the #1 album on the Billboard charts.

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support.

Please help out Petar's personal friend and his family during a difficult time by following this link. If you can donate it would mean the world to the podcast team. Thank you.

Songs: Cannibal Corpse - “Murderous Rampage," and “Inhumane Harvest”

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Our guest this week is Josh Scogin of ’68, The Chariot and ex-Norma Jean. We discuss the danceable quality of '68's new record, Give One Take One, the year-long journey of making their animated, hand-drawn video for "Bad Bite," missing out on a tour opening for Faith No More because of the pandemic, the pros of being in a duo as opposed to a band with four or five members, his preference to forego set lists to keep live shows spontaneous and natural, and creating guitar solos on the spot instead of prepping them before recording.

Brandon, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Flaw's frontman dropping a racist epithet on stage, Spotify's new initiative to ostensibly provide payout transparency for artists, and Deftones' Stephen Carpenter doubling down on flat earth and 9/11 conspiracies.

Songs: ’68 “Bad Bite," “The Knife, The Knife, The Knife" and Mythic Sunship - “Going Up”

Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records!

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Mark Morton of Lamb of God is our guest this week! We discuss a number of topics including his memories of Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho, his picks for the Big 4 New Wave of American Heavy Metal bands, his thoughts on the Black Crowes reunion as a huge fan, how he's never seen any classic action movies from the '80s, and his choice for the de facto heavy metal TV sitcom. Mark also gives us a quick update on the new material he's been working on this year.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the tragic passing of Entombed's LG Petrov, Jeremy Spencer starting over with Psychosexual, Geezer Butler talking credit for the iconic devil horns, and Serj Tankian's love for his brother in law, System drummer John Dolmayan, despite their vastly different political views.

Songs: Lamb of God - “Ghost Shaped People," Gizmachi - “Look What I’ve Become” (featuring Björn “Speed” Strid), Entombed - “Full of Hell”

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Tomahawk and The Jesus Lizard guitarist Duane Denison is our guest this week! We discuss Tomahawk's new album, Tonic Immobility, the 20-year anniversary of their self-titled debut, how he first presented the idea for the band to Mike Patton, and what it's been like working with him over the years. Duane also shares his thoughts on what touring will be like when it returns, his day job working at a library during the pandemic, the importance of practicing and improvising to generate new ideas as a songwriter, his thoughts on people who continue to go to extremes when it comes to their opinions, and historical patterns that help him understand the world today.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia hash out the financial killing The Mars Volta made on their new 18-LP box set, how streaming accounted for 83% of recorded music revenue in 2020, and Michael Sweet of Stryper’s comments that the Bible is in danger of being canceled.

Thanks to this episode’s sponsors, The Punk Rock MBA Podcast and Metal Blade Records!

Songs: Tomahawk - “Business Casual” and “Dog Eat Dog”

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Demon Hunter frontman Ryan Clark is our guest this week! We talk about the journey of creating acoustic versions of classic Demon Hunter tracks for their new album, Songs of Death and Resurrection, which track was hardest for him to convert from heavy to acoustic, how an acoustic livestream concert went from an afterthought to a very successful event, which song they'll play acoustically going forward even at regular shows, and his thoughts on the silly tradition of encores. We also talk about Ryan's career as a visual artist: his recently published book of the cover artwork he's done for bands over the last 20 years, whether he needs to hear a band's music before creating artwork for them, why self-titled album covers have always been the most difficult, and being tasked with the album art for the 30th anniversary edition of the Alice in Chains' classic, Facelift.

Petar and Brandon discuss Mike Portnoy’s opinion that Neil Peart was a better drummer than John Bonham, Rob Zombie’s comments on his latest album title's meaning, and us loving that August Burns Red’s music was used as a torture device on NCIS: Los Angeles.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, The Punk Rock MBA Podcast!

Songs: Demon Hunter - “Loneliness (Resurrected)," Conan - “Satsumo” (Live), Greenleaf - “Tides”

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The Crown guitarist Marko Tervonen is our guest this week. We discuss the band's upcoming album, Royal Destroyer, and how their previous one, Cobra Speed Venom, was a comeback album of sorts, why having an outside producer this time around was helpful, writing a tribute song to late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, and how the band's new lineup has given them a new dynamic and added momentum. Marko also tells us how his son finds younger bands that still inspire him, shares some memories of the Swedish metal scene in the '90s when every band seemed to inspire one another, and reveals which concert he regrets missing out on during the explosion of the Swedish metal scene.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia talk about the lawsuit brought on Attila’s Chris Fronzak by two security guards he attacked at a show, our thoughts on the comments about encores by Korn's Brian “Head” Welch, and our vote for our favorite Ozzy Osbourne guitar player.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, The Punk Rock MBA Podcast!

Songs: The Crown - “Motordeath," “We Drift On," and Baest - “Abbatoir”

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Brand of Sacrifice guitarist Michael Leo Valeri is our guest this week! We discuss the band's new album, Lifeblood, the various guest spots on the album (members of I Prevail, Emmure, Shadow of Intent, Traitors and Viscera), the chemistry of writing the record with so much distance between band members, their plans to tour endlessly when live shows return, and the importance of having a digital-first mindset and leaning into social media to keep momentum going during this time. Michael also shares how the band originated as a fun side-project, shares his thoughts on how he thinks younger bands have a certain responsibility to be positive to the scene, why the band will wait it out to tour instead of doing a livestream concert, and the positive beauty of music to modern times and culture.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn try to break down the innovator who made a guitar out of a human skeleton, the recent study showing heavy metal can help with anxiety, Marilyn Manson’s music getting a boost after abuse allegations, and Brandon hates on the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame again despite Iron Maiden getting nominated this year.

Songs: Brand of Sacrifice - “Animal" and "Lifeblood," and Enforced, “Hemorrhage"

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Epica vocalist Simone Simons is back on the show! We discuss the band's new album, Omega, why the addition of a children's choir on the record was a bucket list item for them, the alternative ways they are looking to promote and present the album during the pandemic, the decision to record the album acoustically in addition to its standard version, how the downtime last year flew by despite the fact they couldn’t tour, and how she is really antsy to get back on the road to play songs from Omega live. We also talk about writing the Essence of Epica book during the pandemic and the importance of getting many different sides of each story from each band member, as well as the story of a family member giving Simone negative feedback on her singing when she was 16.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia talk about the allegations against Marilyn Manson from exes and peers alike and the massive blowback that has occurred, and we share our thoughts on all the details we saw last week via social media.

Songs: Epica - “Freedom - The Wolves Within," “Abyss of Time - Countdown to Singularity," Sirenia - “We Come To Ruins”

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Johannes Persson of the mighty Cult of Luna is back on the show! We discuss the band's new EP, The Raging River -- which Johannes describes as an artistic continuation of their previous album, A Dawn To Fear -- writing songs based on instincts instead of the clear start-to-finish approach they utilized in the past, how coming up with new ideas has become more difficult over the years, and the band's collaboration with Mark Lanegan. Johannes also talks about the decision to release The Raging River independently and the amount of work that went into creating the band's own record label, Red Creek, as well as his passion for directing film and the energy he'd like to put into completing a screenplay.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the sad catfish story of a woman who thought she was engaged to Bret Michaels, Machine Head's Robb Flynn defending their last album, Catharsis, Maynard James Keenan's thoughts on social media, and Ozzy’s daughter Aimée’s decision to opt out of the family's infamous reality TV show.

Songs: Cult of Luna - “Three Bridges," Soen - “Illusion”

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Tribulation guitarist Adam Zaars is our guest this week. We discuss the band's new album, Where The Gloom Becomes Sound, and the departure of guitarist Jonathan Hultén, who wrote most of the material on it. Adam tells us that the band discussed breaking up after Jonathan's departure, mulls over how the writing dynamic will change in the future without his presence, and reveals that new guitar player Joseph Tholl was key in the band's decision to continue. Zaars also tells us about his ongoing study of religion at university, why he feels Sweden is the most secular country, how religion is a form of oppression, and how convenience has driven many peoples' moral codes in modern times.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia theorize on how a random bullet ended up in Dino Cazares's car windshield, and we take the guess on when summer festivals will return now that 2021 cancellations have begun.

Songs: Tribulation - “Funeral Pyre" and “Hour Of The Wolf," Korpiklaani - “Niemi”

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Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann is our guest this week. He discusses the band's new album, Too Mean To Die, working with producer Andy Sneap virtually due to the pandemic, his complete lack of interest in doing any kind of livestream concerts, and why he feels the music he's written in the past decade is the best of his career. He also tells us which sub-genre of metal he likes the least, how today's music fans are more relaxed and open-minded than in the past, and which Accept record he feels is the most underrated.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia tackle Tommy Vext's split with Bad Wolves, Marko Hietala walking away from Nightwish, and Suspect208's firing of Scott Weiland's son, Noah, due to alleged drug issues.

Songs: Accept - “Zombie Apocalypse," The Dead Daises - “Holy Ground (Shake The Memory)," Demon Head - “The Feline Smile”

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This week our guest is JJ of the post-black metal duo Harakiri for the Sky. We discuss his dual life in two different parts of the world, how the second lockdown in Austria hasn’t been taken seriously by most people, his thoughts on the current restrictions for shows in Europe and what it would be like to perform for 50 sitting people, his thoughts on anti-vaxxers holding the world back from moving forward, how his lyrics have grown sadder the older he gets, the challenges of building friendships after you turn 30, and whether he wants to beef up or scale back the band's touring schedule when things go back to normal.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia tackle the two biggest stories in metal from the past week: the passing Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho and Iced Earth leader Jon Schaffer’s involvement in storming the Capitol.

Songs: Children of Bodom - “The Nail," Harakiri for the Sky - “Sing For The Damage We’ve Done," “And Oceans Between Us”

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The one and only Ice-T is back on the program to celebrate Body Count’s second Grammy nomination, this time for "Bum-Rush" in the Best Metal Performance category. Ice tells us that if Body Count win he'll dedicate the award to late Power Trip frontman Riley Gale and recalls the intense experience of attending the Grammys in person in 2018 (nominated for "Black Hoodie" in the same category) and why he is glad it's being done remotely this year. He also shares his thoughts on Donald Trump leaving office, the demonstrations that inspired "Bum-Rush," an update on his new book, Split Decisions, and whether there is any new Body Count music on the horizon, and the recent passing of many of his colleagues from Covid-19.

Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Kiss breaking a Guinness record for pyrotechnics on New Year’s Eve, the hater assault on Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton’s Instagram account, Rob Halford showing off his ass to ring in 2021, and Glenn Danzig’s feelings being hurt by all the memes about him.

Songs: Body Count - “Bum-Rush” and “Point The Finger" (Featuring Riley Gale), Faith No More and Boo-Ya T.R.I.B.E - “Another Body Murdered”

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Guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman is our guest this week. We discuss how 2020 went for him creatively, missing out on performing at the Olympics due to the pandemic, the collaboration with visual artist Nobuyuki Hanabusa for his upcoming livestream concert on New Year’s Day, and the importance of pursuing musical endeavors he has never tried before. Marty also tells us how he misses American cereal while living in Japan, how the Beach Boys have been the “room cleaning” band for him this year, and the importance of finding things that distract from reality to stay positive.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn talk about New Year’s Eve shows as stand-up comics, seeing arena-level bands in small venues at huge ticket prices, our personal takes on New Year's Resolutions, and much more.

Songs: Marty Friedman - “The Perfect World” (Featuring Alfakyun), Nervosa - “Perpetual Chaos”

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Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale is our guest this week! We discuss her progress on Christmas shopping this year and how it feels like drunk shopping, the story behind her Christmas song with Dee Snider, “The Magic of Christmas Day," and how a gift Celine Dion gave Dee's wife inspired it. Lzzy also speaks about how revisiting past years' music brings back distinct personal memories of those years, the upcoming David Bowie tribute concerts that she will be participating in, her upcoming role hosting the She Rocks Awards, and an update on the progress of the next Halestorm record.

Songs: Dee Snider & Lzzy Hale - “The Magic of Christmas Day," Halestorm - “Break In” (Featuring Amy Lee of Evanescence)

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MetalSucks Podcast hosts Petar, Brandon, Jozalyn and Sylvia go all out to celebrate the art we loved in this trying year of 2020. We let the music do most of the talking as we play a track from each one of our collective 15 favorite albums of the year, and we share in the celebration by chatting with the artists that made that music: Barney Greenway of Napalm Death, Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers, Madeleine and Rickard of Eleine, Jamie Graham of Viscera, Johanna Sadonis and Nicke Andersen of Lucifer, and JP and JD of Loviatar.

Enjoy and celebrate some of the songs, bands, and artists that made this year unforgettable for the right reasons as we count down from 15 to our number 1 album of the year.

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