Metal Matters

137: Walter Schreifels of Quicksand, Youth of Today, etc

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:00:18 GMT

This week’s guest is the great Walter Schreifels, a NYC mainstay and legend with bands like Quicksand, Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, Warzone and so many more under his belt since venturing into music in this pre-teens. Quicksand is currently out on tour in the US playing in support of their new LP Distant Populations. As a result we talked to Schreifels about touring, the addition of Steven Brodsky on guitar, and the perks and downsides of being a music lifer. Stick around!

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136: Scott Evans of Kowloon Walled City

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 05:25:38 GMT

Today on Metal Matters we are joined by Kowloon Walled City frontman and studio engineer extraordinaire, Scott Evans. Since their inception in 2007, Kowloon Walled City have continually redefined what it means to be a "metal" band. They have expertly harnessed a sound and aesthetic that is equally at home among doom, post metal, and noise rock circles, while not succumbing to a stylistic allegiance to any one genre. The long awaited follow up to 2015's now legendary Grievances will finally see the light of day on October 8th via Neurot Recordings and Gilead Media. We were fortunate to recently have an in-depth conversation with Scott about the advantages and perils of recording your own band, his personal experiences in overcoming the psychic blocks that sometimes prevent one from playing music, and everything in between.

This episode is dedicated to Tony Jacome of Shallow North Dakota who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 2nd. He will live on eternally through his music and the joy he brought through those songs and performances.

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135: Nate Garrett of Spirit Adrift

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Today we’re excited to welcome guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nate Garrett, mastermind behind Spirit Adrift and former guitarist of Gatecreeper. Originally formed as a solo project in Phoenix, Garrett began the classic heavy metal project in the wake of his new found sobriety, channelling his energy into a succession of four LPs and 3 EPs released in the span of six years. The latest is 2021’s Forge Your Future, released in late summer via Century Media. We spoke with Garrett about his latest listening habits, the difference between home and tour personas and the true definition of the term punisher.

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134: Brian Cook of Russian Circles, Sumac, Torment & Glory

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:44:53 GMT

We're honored to have multi-instrumentalist, musician and long time favorite Brian Cook on the podcast! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Cook first became widely known via his involvement in the highly influential Botch, who released two beloved LPs before calling it quits in 2002. From there, Cook participated in both indie rockers Roy as well as post-hardcore favorites These Arms Are Snakes, both of which called it quits in the late 00s. Cook is currently with the much beloved Russian Circles, the massive power trio Sumac and his lates project Torment and Glory, which sees Cook tackling the songs as a solo musician. We sat with Cook to discuss the early days with Botch, the current state of touring and music journalism in 2021. Stick around!

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133: Kerry McCoy & George Clarke of Deafheaven Pt. 2

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:00:37 GMT

This week we are again joined by Kerry McCoy and George Clarke from the band Deafheaven, in the conclusion of our two part chat with the band. Over the last decade or so, Deafheaven have become an institution of sorts that transcends well beyond their underground metal roots. Constant touring have earned them a dedicated fan base and their propensity for sonic exploration leaves them nearly impossible to shoehorn into any sort of conventional genre trappings. Their upcoming album, Infinite Granite, finds Deafheaven in new territory yet again, fully embracing their love of shoegaze and dream pop in ways the band had only hinted at before. We caught up with Kerry and George to talk about the writing process, coping with anxiety, how external influences outside of music can shape a song, and the importance of an evolving approach to their craft. Stick around!

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132: Kerry McCoy and George Clarke of Deafheaven

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 04:00:33 GMT

This week we are joined by Kerry McCoy and George Clarke from the band Deafheaven, in the first of a two part chat with the band. Over the last decade or so, Deafheaven have become an institution of sorts that transcends well beyond their underground metal roots. Constant touring have earned them a dedicated fan base and their propensity for sonic exploration leaves them nearly impossible to shoehorn into any sort of conventional genre trappings. Their upcoming album, Infinite Granite, finds Deafheaven in new territory yet again, fully embracing their love of shoegaze and dream pop in ways the band had only hinted at before. We caught up with Kerry and George to discuss their native Los Angeles, the weird world of touring in 2021, and the advantages of Muppet sleep ASMRs. Stick around!

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131: Iggor Cavalera of Petbrick, Cavalera Conspiracy, etc

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:00:22 GMT

This week we are excited to welcome a true legend in extreme music, Iggor Cavalera. From his early ascension to the top of the music world with the infinitely influential Sepultura, to his work with Mixhell and latest projects Petbrick and Cavalera Conspiracy, Cavalera has blazed new trails and constantly pushed the boundaries of heavy music. In this episode we talk about inserting disparate influence into his music, the pandemic and his love for finding new bands. Stick around!

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130: Dwid Hellion from Integrity

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:00:07 GMT

Today we are joined by musician, visual artist, and living legend Dwid Hellion. For many of our listeners, Dwid doesn’t require much of an introduction, as the man behind metallic hardcore pioneers Integrity and harsh noise mainstay Psywarfare, Dwid has been instrumental in shaping the sound and much of the aesthetic within a large corner of extreme music today. He’s a figure often shrouded in myth and mystery, so it might come as a surprise to some how genuinely personable and downright joyful he really is. We were fortunate enough to have a series of long talks with Dwid spanning many topics, so this is gonna be the first of a two part installment. Today we talk about everything from his roots, his admiration for contemporary music, and the perils of skateboarding in your 50s. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our conversation with Dwid Hellion

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129: Max Bowman of Mortiferum, Caustic Wound

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:00:16 GMT

Today we are joined by friend of the show and one of our favorite human beings, Max Bowman of death doom titans Mortiferum and death-grinders Caustic Wound. Max is one of those rare individuals whose approach to extreme music is all but fully subverted by his warmth. As the frontman/guitarist of Mortiferum, he has released their much lauded demo, an LP and a split with the vicious Hyperdontia (available on Carbonized Records... don't miss our interview!). And though Caustuc Wound is relatively less active, their Death Posture LP was one of the most lauded of 2020. Oddly enough, we here at Metal Matters befriended Max while he was playing guitar with the Tony Molina Band, a pop band whose extreme metal pedigree rivals many of the deepest heads in the world. We caught up with Max to talk about his roots, what it was like to make a record during the pandemic, and to rip on Molina a bunch. Stay right here!

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128: Dylan Walker of Full of Hell, Part 2

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:37 GMT

So nice we had to do it twice… well, not really but you get the idea. This week on Metal Matters, we bring you the second installment of our conversation with Dylan Walker of Full Of Hell. We touched on a lot of shit on last week’s episode and today’s is no exception. We get into the nitty gritty about the lifestyle of underground artists, the impact of music criticism, and the scariest things they’ve ever seen at shows. So kick back, settle in, and enjoy the wild ride that is Dylan Walker: Part 2

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127: Dylan Walker of Full of Hell, Part 1

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 06:21:48 GMT

The first of a two part episode with our dear friend and one of contemporary metal's most endearing people, Dylan Walker. As many of you know, Dylan is the frontman for the herculean death/grind/noise masters Full of Hell. His glass gargling, ferocious vocals and dominating presence on stage and record have helped cement the band into one of today's preeminent extreme music fixtures. Through keeping up an incessant touring schedule and maintaining a prolific output of music, Full of Hell have developed one of the most loyal and ravenous fanbases the world over. We touched on so many subjects with Dylan that we had to break it up into two installments, which is a first for us here on this humble podcast. This week is focused on some of the fundamentals of touring, the thankless job of booking shows, and the invisible lines between punk and metal.

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126: Chad Gailey of Necrot, Carbonized Records, Vastum, etc

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:41:26 GMT

For over a decade, Chad Gailey has been continually cementing himself as one of modern death metal’s hardest working and most respected figures. He’s the man at the drums of the almighty Necrot, whose bombastic sensibilities have helped catapult the band to a leading position among today’s death metal greats. If that wasn’t already enough, Chad is the force behind the much revered Carbonized Records; easily one of the most esteemed contemporary extreme metal labels. We caught up with Chad to discuss his curation of Carbonized, his crust punk roots, and his complete love and devotion to metal. Stick around!

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125: TJ Childers & Mike Paparo from Inter Arma

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:00:39 GMT

Our guests are TJ and Mike from Virginian metal mainstays Inter Arma. For well over a decade, Inter Arma have been a towering fixture in the worldwide metal scene. The band's ever uncompromising brand of doom & death combine glacially paced riffs with the intensity of a cornered pack of wolverines, monolithic and ferocious. A relentless touring force, their dedication to life on the road have earned them respect and admiration the world over. During 2020 they released Garbers Day Revisited, a hyper diverse collection of covers highlighting influences as Venom, Tom Petty, Cro-Mags, Neil Young, and Prince. During our conversation we touch on the built-in existential crisis inherent in being touring musicians sidelined by a pandemic, the importance of progressivism both at home and within metal at large, and why you may or may not want to smoke salvia. Stay right where you are!

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124: Karl Willetts of Memoriam, ex-Bolt Thrower

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:25 GMT

We're honored to be joined today by death metal juggernaut Karl Willetts. For many of our listeners out there, Karl doesn't require much of an introduction.He is the legendary voice behind many of Bolt Thrower's most celebrated albums and currently fronts the brilliantly devastating Memoriam. We spoke at length about tributes and cover songs, the importance of storytelling, and the often overlooked life-affirming powers inherent in death metal. As you'll see, Karl is a real class act and a total joy to speak with!

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123: KW of Vile Creature

Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:01 GMT

We're thrilled to speak with the inimitable KW from Canadian doom juggernauts Vile Creature. From humble beginnings in the DIY community of Hamilton, Ontario, Vile Creature have steadily developed to become one of contemporary extreme music's most acclaimed and influential bands; even earning a Juno award nomination for their 2020 album Glory, Glory! Apathy Took Helm! Those already familiar with Vile Creature will surely know that apocalyptic riffs and rhythms are only a part of what KW and their partner and bandmate, Vic, contribute to the world at large. They are business owners, community activists, and important stalwarts of queer visibility inside and outside of extreme music at large. We caught up with KW to talk about the healing powers of heavy music, growing up queer and endeavoring to create a more positive, safe environment, and what it's like to balance a business, a romantic partnership, and a successful band. In wonderful KW fashion, they completely managed to flip the script on us a number of times and turned your ever serious journalistic hosts into completely disarmed subjects. The whole conversation was a lovely, emotive, and thought provoking experience. We hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did.

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122: Lee Buford of The Body

Tue, 11 May 2021 04:00:54 GMT

This week's episode of Metal Matters features special guest Lee Buford. Lee has an exceedingly deep resume as a musician and visual artist, but he's probably best known as one half of heavy avant garde heroes The Body. Through constant experimentation and a willingness to explore their natural sonic curiosities, The Body has spent over two decades continually redefining themselves while shattering conventional metal paradigms wherever they tread. We spent several hours speaking with Lee about The Body's new record, the origins of the band, and his experiences growing up as a punk in the south. This one is a total trip.

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121: Aaron Turner of SUMAC, Mammifer, ex Hydra Head, Isis

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:00:41 GMT

Our guest is a fixture of heavy music, the one and only Aaron Turner. Since the late 1990s, Aaron has been an integral mainstay of the extreme music underground; with a resume that boasts such notable and influential acts as Sumac, Old Man Gloom, Isis, and Mammifer. Through his musical endeavors and artistic endeavors, as well as his curatorial activities in Hydra Head and SIGE records, he has been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of metal and beyond. We got into a long conversation that touches on the transcendental qualities of pure volume, artistic intention and responsibility, and embracing influences from outside of your immediate sphere without falling into cultural appropriation. Aaron brings a kindness and thoughtful introspection to these subjects that is as refreshing as it is necessary. =

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120: Jacob Bannon of Converge, Deathwish Inc

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:00:52 GMT

For more than three decades, Jacob Bannon has served as the the frontman of Boston's Converge, one of the most influential bands in hardcore and heavy music. In addition to causing major ripples in the water with classics like Jane Doe, You Fail Me, Axe to Fall and more, Bannon has helped shape the hardcore landscape with his mega influential Deathwish Inc label. We spoke to Bannon about the pandemic, being an artist and got super philosophical along the way.

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119: Greg Anderson of sunn o))) / Southern Lord

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

We recently had the opportunity to hang out with the incomparable Greg Anderson. In the world of heavy music, Greg is an individual who requires little introduction. He's the man behind the legendary Southern Lord Records as well as a key player in bands that have become nothing short of institutions such as Sunn O))), Burning Witch, Goatsnake, Thorr's Hammer, and countless other projects. As a curatorial and sonic force, Greg Anderson stands among the most important of our time. We talked with him about the joys of discovering new music and unearthing forgotten classics, the bridge between hardcore, jazz, and metal, and what it means to be a lifer.

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118: Walter of Roadburn

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:00:51 GMT

We're honored to have Walter Hoeijmakers as our guest on today's show. Walter is the key creative force behind what is debatably the most important annual event in extreme music: the legendary Roadburn Festival. Every April since its inception in 1999 until the global pandemic shifted the landscape, Roadburn has hosted everything from the best contemporary heavy artists to once in a lifetime performances from living legends such as Hawkwind, Goblin and GISM. Over the years, the fest has become an integral communal event and pollination site for thousands of metalheads, punks, and heavy music lovers the world over. After the necessary cancellation of Roadburn's 2020 installment, they are back this year with Roadburn Redux; a weekend of special livestream events curated with the love and attention to detail the festival is known for. We caught up with Walter to talk about Roadburn Redux as well as his beginnings, some of the wild and unique Roadburn moments throughout the years, and the ever increasing importance of community.

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117: Youth Code

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 19:03:21 GMT

Sara Taylor and Ryan George of industrial titans Youth Code are the guests for this week's episode. Since their inception in 2012, Youth Code's impeccable blend of pulverizing EBM with hardcore and metal sensibilities have cemented them as true torchbearers for much of today's synth driven extreme music. The band has leveled audiences the world over, touring with acts as varied as Skinny Puppy, Chelsea Wolfe, Code Orange, Deafheaven, and Carpenter Brut. In March they self-released A Skeleton Key in the Doors of Depression; a collaborative lp with esteemed producer King Yosef. We caught up with Ryan and Sara to discuss the new record, the perils of touring, trying to stay creative in the midst of a global pandemic, and the blood feud that is synths vs. guitars. Oh, and I might have gotten myself cursed in the process. Stick around and find out how!

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116: Bryan Funck of Thou

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This week's guest is Bryan Funck, frontman of THOU, the Louisiana-based sludge-doom favorites who kicked in the door by applying old school DIY and eventually blossoming into one of the bigger names in heavy music today. Formed in 2005, the band's catalog contains literally dozens of releases including several splits, full-lengths and even some collaborative albums with The Body and Emma Ruth Rundle, the latter of which makes up some of their most recent output.

Intro/Outro: Thou - By Endurance We Conquer

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115: Ian Shelton of Regional Justice Center

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This week's guest is Ian Shelton, drummer and vocalist for Regional Justice Center. The West Coast powerviolence band has released a series of EPs recently including a split with Wound Man and a collaborative EP with Justice Tripp of Trapped Under Ice / Angel Du$t. RJC is welcoming their new LP Crime & Punishment via Closed Casket Activities in March and as a result we sat down to discuss the new album, the world of power violence in 2020 and much more.

Intro/Outro: Regional Justice Center - Absence

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114: Ethan McCarthy of Primitive Man, Vermin Womb etc

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This week's guest is Ethan McCarthy, the towering frontman and guitarist for the monolithic doom destroyers Primitive Man. Formed in 2012, this Colorado-based trio has been bruising audiences since the 2013 release of the massive SCORN, touring the world over in support of the effort. Two additional LPs, two EPs and several splits followed along with multiple split releases, making Primitive man one of the most in demand doom bands as of late, and increasing the visibility of McCarthy's stark and brutal design work.

Intro/Outro: Primitive Man - Consumption

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113: Mike "IX" Williams of Eyehategod

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

This week's guest is the legendary vocalist Mike "IX" Williams of Eyehategod. Formed in 1988, Eyehategod personified nihilism and destruction by subverting traditional doom with hardcore punk attitude. A true original on the scene, albums like Dopesick set the standard for brutal, nihilistic metal in the 90s, creating an endless number of copycats in the process. 2021 marks their 33rd year as a band and will see the release of their sixth album A History of Nomadic Behavior.

INTRO / OUTRO: Eyehategod - Dixie Whiskey

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112: Domenic Palermo of Nothing

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:00:20 GMT

Nicky Palermo of Shoegaze Favorites NOTHING opens up about mental illness, prison, prescription drugs, suicide and how music changed it all...

INTRO / OUTRO: "April Haha" by Nothing

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111: A Peaceful Transition of Power with Fred Pessaro and Michael Berdan

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:07 GMT

On Mike Hill's swansong episode as host, we have a three way discussion with new hosts Fred Pessaro (Journalist for VICE, Revolver, Decibel etc // NYC Music Promoter) and Michael Berdan (Uniform, ex-Drunkdriver, VEINS, etc) about their familiarity with one another, anecdotes about NYC music and the scene, and what the future has in store for METAL MATTERS.

Intro: Tombs - "The Great Silence"

Outro: Tombs - "The Great Silence"

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110: Classic Records Iron Maiden Number of the Beast

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:23 GMT

Way back on our first episode, Randy and I, kicked things off with a discussion of Killers, Maiden's swansong record with Paul Di'Anno. To close the circle, we're covering the classic record Number of the Beast, the record that introduced the world to Bruce Dickinson and propelled Iron Maiden into mega-stardom.

Intro: "Number of the Beast"

Outro: "Hallowed Be Thy Name"

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109: John Paradiso of Evoken

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 20:40:28 GMT

Evoken is one of the architects of American Funeral Doom, their career has spanned decades and given us an incredible body or work.

I had the fortune of catching up with John Paradiso, long time member, guitarist and vocalist of Evoken.

Intro: "Tragedy Eternal"

Outro: "Mare Erythraeum"

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108: The Burning Witch Episode

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 05:00:54 GMT

Stephen O'Malley along with Greg Anderson have been two of the prime architects in the American Doom scene, exploring the vistas of creativity and extremity with several projects. Randy and I are focusing on Burning Witch, one of O'Malley's bands that is often time overlooked.

Intro: "History of Hell"

Outro: "Warning Signs"

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107: Classic Records Alice in Chains Dirt

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 05:00:18 GMT

Randy Larsen joins us this week for the first Classic Records episode of the year. "Dirt" was the Alice in Chains record that made the biggest impact both commercially and creatively. Check out what we have to say about it.

Intro: "Them Bones"

Outro: "Would"

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106: Funeral Doom

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:56 GMT

I’ve invited my good friend and fellow musician Ralph Schmidt (Ultha, Ropes of Night) on to discuss the sublime metal subgenre known as Funeral Doom. In all honesty, I’m a dilettante when it comes to Funeral Doom but I want to celebrate this style of heavy music.

Intro: “From Tumultuous Heavens…Descended Froth the Ceaseless Darkness” - Atramentus

Outro: “Yearning for Heaven” - Funeral

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105: Goden II

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:45 GMT

Goden’s debut album “Beyond Darkness” figured heavily when it came to our top records of 2020. Founder and guiding force, Stephen Flam, joined us late last year to talk about the band, but we felt like there was more to the band’s fascinating story. This is a companion episode where I talk to member Tony Pannisi and Vas Kallas about their impressions of the band and the parts they played in the development and creation of one of our top records of 2020, “Beyond Darkness.”

Intro: “Twilight”

Interlude: “Manifestation VII – Gaia Rejuvenated”

Outro: “Dark Nebula”

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104: Ralph Schmidt of Ultha / Ropes of Night

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:05 GMT

Happy New Years! We’ve taken the last couple of weeks off so it’s time to get back to business. Ralph Schmidt has been on the show several times over the years to talk about classic records, but this is the first time he’s come on to talk about himself, Ultha, his various projects and his brand new band Ropes of Night. Our friendship has spanned a decades so it was pleasure to catch up; the conversation went off into some interesting directions including the Unholy Passion festival that he helps curate, European squats and some of the difficulties of playing in a black metal band in the Left-leaning European environment.

Intro: “Fear Lights the Path Close to our Hearts” – Ultha

Outro: “The Whispers” – Ropes of Night

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103: 2020 Year End

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:04 GMT

It’s been quite a year and we all hope everyone is doing well and staying safe as we roll into 2021. One of the bright spots of this past year is the number of great records that came out. I’m joined by my good friends Randy Larsen, J Bennet and Ralph Schmidt for an exploration into our picks for the top 5 records of 2020.

Intro: “Entombed in Gold Forever” – Barishi

Outro: “Acting in Gouged Faith” – Napalm Death

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102: Stephen Flam Goden

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:41 GMT

2020 was a surprising fertile year for killer metal records. I had the pleasure of talking with Stephen Flam of Goden and the legendary NYC doom-crust band Winter. Goden is the natural extension of the work Stephen began with Winter and their powerful LP "Beyond Darkness" is a manifestation of years of work. Steph and I cover a plethora of different topics, I hope you all enjoy the episode.

Intro:"Twilight" - Goden

Outro:"Night" - Goden

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101: Classic Records Def Leppard High 'n' Dry

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:11 GMT

Rock journalist and musician J Bennet returns to dive into the classic hard rock album "High 'n' Dry".

Intro: "High 'n' Dry"

Outro: "Bringin' on the Heartbreak"

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100: 100th Episode!

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:00:37 GMT

Randy and I get together to reflect back on the first 100 episodes of the podcast. Thank you to everyone who has been listening from the beginning and thank you to all of you who have joined up along the way.

Intro: "The Ides of March" - Iron Maiden

Outro: "Darkness" - Integrity

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99: Beers, Movies and Metal with Blake Harrison

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:15 GMT

Blake and I talk on the phone about, well, beer, movies and metal. It's always a blast when we talk. Check it out!

Intro:

"Heathen Temple" - Pig Destroyer

Outro: "Trojan Whore" - Pig Destroyer

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98: Daniel Lake USBM

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:21 GMT

This week author Daniel Lake joins us to discuss is new book aptly titled USBM: A Revolution of Identity in

American Black Metal. It's an all-encompassing exploration into the darkest of dark with tons of in-depth interviews

and photos.

Intro: Masochist: "Mistress of Deception"

Outro: Sickdeer "Nights"

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97: Where Does a Body End?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:17 GMT

If you guys listened to the episode with Barney Greenway, you probably picked up on the fact that we both think the Swans are a crucial band in the development of extreme music. Randy and I dig into some of our reflections on the band and give an overview of the history and various changes in sound that they went through. We've also added some of our favorite tracks to illustrate how the Swans changed over the years.

Intro: "Cop"

Outro: "Eden Prison"

Interludes:

"I Crawled"

"God Damn the Sun"

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96: Halloween Episode with Terence Hannum (Locrian)

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:04 GMT

Like many of you, Halloween is my favorite time of the year. To celebrate the spookiest time of the year, I've invited Terence Hannum of Locrian to run us through some of his favorite horror movie films scores. For anyone who is familiar with Locrian's cinematic approach to extreme music, they won't be surprised to learn that he is a bit an aficionado when it comes to movie scores and soundtracks. We had a blast talking about horror movies, their scores and why we dig them.

Intro:"Eternal Return" - Locrian

Rundown of Film Score Selections:

"Mandy Love Theme" - Mandy - Johan Johannson
"Andrew Void" - Under the Skin - Mica Levi
"Mantra 1" - Nosferatu - Popol Vuh
"Darkbeats" - Inside - Francois-Eudes Chanfrault
"Burial Ground" - Burial Ground - Berto Pisano / Elsio Mancuso
"Voci Dal Nulla" - The Beyond - Fabio Frizzi

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95: Jacob Curwen (All Hell) Halloween Playlist

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Like I said last week, we're following a Halloween theme for the month of October. My good friend Jacob Curwen joins us with a Halloween Playlist. Check it out

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94: London May Returns!

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:00:41 GMT

Halloween is around the corner so these next few episodes are going to lean heavily into the season. With that said, London May (Samhain, Misfits, Star of Brutal Realty) joins us to update us on some killer news regarding Brutal Realty, a horror-comedy film that he stars in about a black metal drummer in league with Satan, that is trying his hand at realty. Good stuff!

Intro:"Halloween II"

Outro:"Mother of Mercy"

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93: Deep Cuts with Ralph Schmidt of Ultha

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:05 GMT

I've always relied on old friend Ralph to turn me on to the best music, regardless of genre, so it made sense to invite him on for once of these. Though it seems like yesterday, Ralph and I met nearly two decades ago when I was on tour in Europe. We sent hours, listening to music and talking about horror movies. Not only do I value his diverse musical expertise, Ralph is in my inner circle of friends. Enjoy the episode!

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92: Barney Greenway of Napalm Death

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:13 GMT

Napalm Death was the first extreme metal band that I ever got into. Sure, I was into Slayer and Metallica and thrash but Napalm Death were among the first crop of bands that I heard that really pushed the genre into a new dimension. It’s an honor Barney Greenway on the show this week to talk about “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism” and the general stat of this crazy moment in time we’re living in.

Intro: “The Curse of Being in Thrall”

Outro: “Joie De Ne Pas Vivre”

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91: Heavy Tales with Jon Zazula

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 04:00:38 GMT

If you love thrash and all of the classic bands from back in the day, most likely Jon Zazula was somehow involved in there career at some point. Megaforce Records, Old Bridge Metal Militia, Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven, Metallica…if any of these things mean anything to you, then check out this episode and THEN check out Jon’s book “Heavy Tales: The Metal, The Music, The Madness”

Intro: “Hit the Lights” – Metallica

Outro: “Seek and Destroy” - Metallica

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90: Deep Cuts w Randy Larsen

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 04:00:28 GMT

This week Randy and I take a deep cuts journey.

Intro: “Entombed in Gold Forever” - Barishi

Outro: “Moonlight Motel” – Gun Club

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89: Deep Cuts w J Bennet

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of Deep Cuts. You guys seem to be into the obscure, odd bands that we talk about from time to time so we’re going to be doing these types of episodes from time to time. This week, we have J Bennet back on to talk about some of his go-to listens from artists that you may or may not have heard before.

Into: “Black Car” – Acid

Outro: “Turn in the Dark” – Dax Riggs

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88: Classic Records Circus of Power Vices

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 04:00:42 GMT

Me and Randy are back this week with another classic records episode. This one is for the New York / New Jersey peeps in particular. Circus or Power released their seminal record Vices back in 1990. It stands apart with its stories of down-and-out loners, journeys through the seedy underbelly of New York City, punk-infused blues riffs and a lyrical darkness calls to mind the best of Leadbelly, Howlin’ Wolf and Roy Orbison.

Intro: “Vices”

Outro: “In the Wind”

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87: Modern Darkness Evan Patterson Jaye Jayle

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 04:00:37 GMT

I’ve been tracking Evan Patterson’s career for over twenty years. Jaye Jayle is his latest creative endeavor and his most accomplished, creating stark landscapes and broad sound horizons, concurrently somber and cathartic. It’s music for long drives or possibly a modern Jim Thompson adaptation. I spoke with Evan on the day his new record Prisyn was released.

Intro: “River Spree”

Outro: “Ode to Betsy”

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86: Classic Records Gorgoroth Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:00:07 GMT

Jackie Smit, host of the Into the Necrosphere, joins us for a classic records episode. We dive into Gorgoroth’s black metal masterpiece Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam.

Intro: “Exit”

Outro: “Carving a Giant”

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85: Classic Records AC/DC Back in Black

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 04:00:57 GMT

Rock music scribe J Bennet is back this week for our second installment of AC/DC classic records. After losing Bon Scott, the band recruits Brian Johnson to pick up the vocal duties and records Back in Black which would become one of the biggest selling rock albums in history.

Intro: “Hell’s Bells”

Outro: “Shoot to Thrill”

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84: Classic Records AC/DC Highway to Hell

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 04:00:22 GMT

Rock scribe J Bennet joins us this week for an AC/DC classic records two-parter. Highway to Hell was the record that set AC/DC up for mega stardom, combining the bands no-frills, hard-rocking attitude with the production mastery of Mutt Lange. J and I discuss one of the greatest rock albums ever made and the tragic demise of the

AC/DC’s legendary frontman Bon Scott.

Intro: “Highway to Hell”

Outro: “If You Want Blood (You Got It)”

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83: The Big Check Out

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 04:00:09 GMT

One of the coolest things about doing this podcast is hearing that Randy and I might have turned you guys on to bands or records that you haven’t hear before. As a result, we’re going to devote a whole episode to talking about bands that we love that might not be on your radar so drab a cool drink, dig in and enjoy.

Intro: “Hole in Me” Red Harvest

Outro: “Space is the Place” Craw

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82: Classic Records Eyehategod Take as Needed for Pain

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:00:27 GMT

Randy and I are back this week for another classic records episode. This week, we cove Eyehategod’s second LP “Take as Needed for Pain”. If you dig this, check out the episode with Mike IX from a few weeks ago.

Intro: “Take as Needed for Pain”

Outro: “Shop Lift”

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82: Have You Seen the Twitter Cock featuring Kevin Sharp

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 04:00:32 GMT

Kevin Sharp is primarily known as the vocalist of grind legends Brutal Truth but he is also part of an equally rad band that he formed tihw Shane Embury called Venonous Concept. If you haven’t done so already, get on the Venomous Concept train, they have a new album in the chamber with a release date late this summer.

Intro: “The Promise”

Outro: “Shadows”

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80: Mike IX of Eyehategod

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:00:48 GMT

When I think of Eyehategod, one of the words that comes to mind is “endurance.” The band has been through a lot of ups and downs across their career which has spanned three decades and counting. Another word that comes to mind is “innovative.” They have architected a sound that has been imitated but never duplicate. Mike Williams, aside from being one of the most intense front men in extreme music, is a thoughtful, introspective person. Our conversation covered a lot of ground. Enjoy.

Intro: “Sister Fucker Part 1”

Outro: “Jack Ass In the Will of God”

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79: Classic Records Deadguy Fixation on a Co Worker

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:00:48 GMT

Randy Larsen is back for another Classic Records episode. This week we talk about one of the most important hardcore records of the 90’s. If you’re a fan of Dillinger Escape Plan, you have to be a fan of Deadguy, a seminal band that crossed blistering hardcore with metal and the chaotic elements of bands like Unsane and Today is the Day. Their sole LP “Fixation on a Coworker” stands as a truly influential record to emerge from the evolving hardcore scene of the 90’s.

Intro: “Doom Patrol”

Outro: “Apparatus”

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78: Bobby Ferry of 16 Squashes your Dreams

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 04:00:47 GMT

16 are O.G.’s in the noise-rock / sludge genre, their career has spanned decades and endured the ups-and-downs, line-up changes, substance issues and all of the typical adventures of an underground metal band. The consistent factor is that they continue to release powerful music which is on full display with their most recent record “Dream Squasher” available now on Relapse Records. I caught up with founding member Bobby Ferry to discuss the new record and life under quarantine.

Intro: “Me and the Dog Die Together”

Outro: “Morphinist”

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77: Desert Island Jam with Sammy Duet of Goatwhore

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:00:31 GMT

Goatwhore is the hardest-working, hardest-rocking live bands that you’ll ever see. I’ve loved and respected them for decades so it’s a great pleasure to have Sammy Duet on the show this week. We talk about his forthcoming, signature guitar, the love of playing live and run through a short list of Desert Island must-have records.

Intro: “Under the Flesh, Into the Soul”

Outro: “The Ritual of Death”

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76: Classic Records Buzzoven Sore

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:55:08 GMT

Along with Neurosis and Eyehategod, Buzzoven can be considered one of the architects of the style of extreme music that some people will refer to as “sludge.” Back in the early 90’s, it was a novel move to combine the heaviness of Black Sabbath with the intensity of Black Flag creating an unsettling mixture of pure emotion. Buzzoven were one of the more threatening, unpredictable bands of the era and “Sore,” at least in our opinion, is possibly their defining record.

Intro: “Sore”

Outro: “Done”

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75: Classic Records Van Halen Fair Warning

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:17:43 GMT

As we promised, J Bennett and I deliver the second installment of our Van Halen Classic Records series. This week, we dive deep into Fair Warning, somewhat of a dark horse of a record. You won’t find any hits on this record, instead you get a somewhat darker and more sinister reflection of one of the most successful rock bands in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Intro: “Sinner’s Swing!”

Outro: “Hear About It Later”

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74: Classic Records Van Halen

Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:26 GMT

This week, rock journalist and musician, J Bennet join us for part 1 of our Van Halen Classic Record Series. Edward Van Halen, along with Jimi Hendrix and Tony Iommi, is one of the true innovators of hard rock, heavy metal guitarists and has influenced a legion of players across all genres of extreme music.

Van Halen’s debut was like a shot heard around the world, making a statement that the bar had been raised. The band was an unstoppable live juggernaut, blowing away some of the most respected bands of the era and rose to mega-stardom with one of the most successful debut albums in rock history.

J and I dive into the band and the debut this monolithic debut album. Stay tuned for the Fair Warning Episode, part 2 in the Van Halen Series.

Intro: “Runnin’ with the Devil”

Outro: “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”

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73: Marco Del Rio of Raspeberry Bulbs and Bone Awl

Tue, 19 May 2020 04:00:09 GMT

I’m a Bone Awl Fan. Raw, mysterious, abrasive are all terms I would use to describe bone awl. I discovered Raspberry Bulbs while reading Rue Morgue magazine and when I learned that Marco Del Rio of Bone Awl was in band, I went all in.

Marco and I had an opportunity to talk about both bands, his fascination with weird fiction and the art of tactile media.

Intro: “Given Over to History”

Outro: “Reclaimed Church”

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72: Daniel House of Skin Yard and C/Z Records

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:57 GMT

A while back, Randy and I did a classic records episode on “Hallowed Ground” by Skin Yard, a band that I consider one of the architects of the late 80’s / early 90’s Northwest heavy rock sound which brought the world Soundgarden, Nirvana, Melvins and Pearl Jam. Shortly after that episode went up, I was in touch with Daniel House, Skin Yard’s founding bassist, C/Z Records owner and former Sub-Pop Records operative.

It took a while to organize, but Daniel and I found some time to chat about the formation of Skinyard, the beginning of what became a major epoch of heavy rock and progress on his oral history documenting Skinyard and it’s place in the pantheon of “Grunge” (how I hate that term!) royalty.

Intro: “1000 Smiling Knuckles”

Outro: “Wither”

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71: Classic Records Today is the Day Willpower

Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:19 GMT

Randy and I dive into a record that has a deep personal connection to both of us. Today is the Day is a band that has always represented total commitment to singular vision despite all obstacles and setbacks. Steve Austin, the man behind Today is the Day is a true visionary, and Willpower is a testament to his vision.

Intro: “Willpower”

Outro: “Simple Touch”

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70: BLK OPS Champ Morgan

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:00:11 GMT

Champ Morgan of BLK OPS joins us this week. You may be familiar with his former grindcore band Kill the Client whose reign of terror stretched back all the way to 2002.

We talk about his endeavors into noise, electronics, how he’s been dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown and the value of Black Sabbath’s “Live at Last.”

Intro: “Exoskeleton”

Intro: “High Horse Killer”

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69: Integrity Apocalyptic Meditations

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 04:00:17 GMT

Ralph Schmidt of Ultha returns to the show this week. Ralph and I have been friends for almost 2 decades and share most of the same points of view about music and various life philosophies. As expected, we are both huge fans of the band Integrity whose founder / vocalist Dwid Hellion has appeared on this show twice at this point.

Ralph and I discuss how the band has impacted us on a personal level, share stories and discuss some of our favorite tracks.

Intro: “Those Who Fear Tomorrow”

Outro: “No Time for Sudden Glances”

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68: Charles Elliott of Abysmal Dawn

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 04:00:29 GMT

Charles Elliott the man behind death metal killing machine Abysmal Dawn discusses their new record Phylogenesis, the challenges of the last several years and some insights on what it takes to keep a band going.

Intro: “Mundane Existence”

Outro: “Lament Configuration”

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67: Doomed to Fail Author JJ Anselmi

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 04:00:34 GMT

JJ Anselmi is an author, drummer and disciple of all that is heavy. He joins us this week to discuss him most recent book Doomed to Fail, an analysis of doom, sludge and stoner metal. In the episode I reveal a sort of interested closing of the circle that brought us together.

JJ also has another book out called Heavy, which is a narrative, Bukowski-esque account of bikes, metal and mayhem. Both titles are available everywhere so pick them up!

In addition to his writing, check out his current band Drainage.

Intro: “It’s Not Worth it to Us” – Drainage

Outro: “Second Guessing the Method”

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66: Analogue Black Terror featuring Valnoir (Metastasiz)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 04:00:58 GMT

Jean-Emanuel (Valnoir) Simoulin joins us this week. Valnoir is the man behind the art / design juggernaut Metastazi as well as being involved in the French Black Metal scene with his bands Glaciation, Nova Sodomia, Sombre Chemin and others. His art and design work has been featured on records by Behemoth, Watain, Blut Aud Nord, Black Anvil and a host more.

Most recently, he has released Analogue Black Terror, a curation of black metal demo covers from the early 90’s.

Intro: “1994” – Glaciation

Outro: “Glaciation” Glaciation

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65: Classic Records Type O Negative Slow Deep and Hard with Mike Scondotto

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:54 GMT

My good friend Mike Scondotto joins us this week to discuss the classic record “Slow, Deep and Hard” by Brooklyn metal heroes Type O Negative. Mike has been a fixture in the New York hardcore and metal scene for the past few decades and is the singer of The Last Stand and Inhuman. Additionally, Mike and I co-host the horror podcast Necromaniacs available on all streaming platforms (just like Metal Matters).

Intro: “Xero Tolerance”

Outro: “Unsuccessfully Coping with the Beauty of Infidelity"

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64: Classic Records Judas Priest Hell Bent for Leather with Jon Weiderhorn

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:00:52 GMT

Journalist, author and Gimme Radio DJ Jon Weiderhorn joins us this week for a Classic Records Episode. This time around, we have our sites set on “Hell Bent for Leather” by Judas Priest. Check out Jon’s new book “Raising Hell” available from Diversion Books also be sure to listen to his show “Metalography” only on Gimme Radio, the best metal community on the web!

Intro: “Hell Bent for Leather”

Outro: “Delivering the Goods”

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63: Terence Hannum Locrian / Holy Circle

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:00:54 GMT

My good friend Terence Hannun joins us this week. Terence is a man of many talents: electronic musician, visual artist, author…just to name of few of his talents. He is mostly known for his involvement with longstanding electronic, drone, dark soundscape entity Locrian. Additionally, he has been busy with a relatively new project with his wife Erica Burgner-Hannum called Holy Circle. Erica also joins us for the second part of the conversation to talk about the formation of the band and the collaborative process.

Intro: “Augury in an Evaporating Tower” - Locrian

Outro: “Paris” – Holy Circle

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62: Possessed with Mutant Flesh Farron Loathing of Deth Crux Speaks

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:53 GMT

For the past few months I’ve been obsessing over Deth Crux, this newish band out of Los Angeles. As I dug deeper, I learned that the band was comprised of members of Lightning Swords of Death and Buried at Sea, two bands that I have admired for years.

I was able to track down Deth Crux lead singer, Farron Loathing and we had an epic talk that covered the occult, black metal, darkness and their brand of death rock.

Intro: “Swallowed”

Outro: “Mutant Flesh”

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61: Searching for Ghosts with Alap Momin

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:24 GMT

You know Alap Momin as the founder of Newark, NJ hip-hop group Dalek, a band that he co-founded with Will Brooks in the late 90’s; a band he also left about ten years ago to conquer new vistas. He relocated to Harlem and set up shop to produce a multitude of up and coming hiphop, R&B and electronic artists based I the New York City area. In the interim years he has been busy with MRC Riddims, BKGD Audio and on the ever of this conversation he is gearing up to launch his label Internet and Weed.

I first saw Alap perform almost tow decades ago with Dalek and was devastated by the raw intensity and sheer volume of the sound; probably one of the heaviest experiences in a music setting that I’ve ever witnessed and it taught me a new aspect of the word “Extreme Music.” Dalek, over the years has performed all over the world with the likes of Isis, Melvins and other luminaries in the heavy rock world.

INTRO: “I got the Screw”

OUTRO: “Blue is Not the Red” feat. Avery Arcaro

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60: Point of Entry Ralph Schmidt (Ultha)

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:15 GMT

I particular like these episodes; it’s fascinating to find out what records influenced people fellow musicians. Often times it comes as a surprise.

This week, we’re welcoming back my dear friend Ralph Schmidt of Ultha. Ralph and I have been friends for nearly to decades and it’s always a pleasure when we have the opportunity to chat so aside from finding out what records sculpted Ralph’s unique creative vision, you’ll have to tolerate the intense “bro-down.”

INTRO: “Ghost Walk” – Mighty Sphincter

OUTRO: “One Hundred Years” – The Cure

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59: Classic Records Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard of Ozz

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:27 GMT

In a way, this is part two of last week’s “Master of Reality” episode, sort of the spiritual successor. Ozzy started the 80’s as a man without a country so to speak. He was out of Sabbath and actually thought that his career might be over. Luckily, it was just the beginning for him.

Randy and I dive into Ozzy’s debut record “Blizzard of Ozz” another crucial record to the world of heavy metal and extreme music

INTRO: “Mr. Crowley”

OUTRO: “No Bone Movies”

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58: Classic Records Black Sabbath Master of Reality

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:00:59 GMT

From here on out, we’ll be back on the weekly schedule so to kick it off, the next two episodes are related. This week Randy and I will dive into Black Sabbath’s “Master of Reality” one of extreme music’s most important records, where the roots of multiple genres can be found.

Next week, we branch off and address the Ozzy factor with “The Blizzard of Ozz.” Be sure to catch both action-packed episodes.

INTRO: “Children of the Grave”

OUTRO: “Lord of this World”

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57: Jamie Stillman of Relaxer and Earthquaker Devices

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:35 GMT

We’re kicking the new year off with Jamie Stillman guitarist of Relaxer as well as the man main behind Earthquaker Devices, a company that defines innovations when it comes to guitar effects. I caught up with Jamie when Relaxer rolled through town for a gig at Saint Vitus. Before all of this, Jamie was involved in the D.I.Y. hardcore scene. To me at least, it feels like Earthquaker is an extension of that ethic. We get into it all on this episode!

Intro: “The Endless Slope” Relaxer

Outro: “Abracdadver” Party of Helicopters

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56: Raising Hell with Jon Wiederhorn

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:47 GMT

Welcome to the 2020 debut episode of Metal Matters. We’re kicking the year off with author and music journalist Jon Wiederhorn. If you’re read anything about metal or extreme music, it’s likely that you’ve read Jon’s words. His work has appeared in Decibel and Revolver among others. You may also have read his words in his books Louder Than Hell (co-authored with Katherine Turman), biographies on Al Jourgansen, Scott Ian or Roger Miret.

We’re on the eve of the release of Jon’s new book, Raising Hell, a collection of war stories and anecdotes by some of the sickest dudes in metal including, but not limited to Phil Anselmo, Ben Falgoust, Randy Blythe, Max Cavalera, Gary Holt, King Fowley…the list goes on.

Intro: “Welcome to Hell” – Venom

Outro: “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC

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55: 2019 Year End Episode

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:27 GMT

2019 has been a great year for metal, a lot of amazing records came out this year. Randy and I give out top 5 picks of the years and discuss why we liked them.

I’d like to thank everyone for listening, 2019 was our first full year and trust me the best is yet to come. Have a great holiday and I’ll check you guys out next year!

Intro: “The Hardship of the Scots” – Darkthrone

Outro: “The Dying False King” - Mayhem

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54: Point of Entry with Dylan Walker of Full of Hell

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:00:29 GMT

I got to know Dylan a few years ago when our bands embarked on a US tour with black metal marauders 1349. Immediately, I knew that Full of Hell was a different kind of band, brutal, abrasive yet with an underlying sense of experimentation a unique sense of off-kilter melodies. Dylan was the perfect candidate for one of these “Point of Entry” shows.

Intro: “Angels Gather Here”

Outro: “Aria of Jeweled Tears”

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53: Classic Records Celtic Frost Morbid Tales

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:52 GMT

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Martin Eric Ain, co-founder of Celtic Frost and Hellhammer. Together, with Tom Gabriel Fischer, they crafted Morbid Tales, one of the most influential records on extreme music in the 20th century. The reach of this classic record is deep and traces of its essence can be found in diverse bands such as Winter, Goatwhore, Sheer Terror and High on Fire.

Intro: “Human”

Outro: ”Dethroned Emperor”

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52: Nate Garrett Divided by Darkness

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:02 GMT

I figured by now, Nate Garrett and I would have crossed paths, we move in the same circles and know a lot of the same people. Thanks to Jeremy Sosville, past Metal Matters guest and guitarist in Sanhedrin (as well as Black Anvil), we finally connected.

Nate is a songwriter and guitarist in Spirit Adrift and Gatecreeper. Additionally, he is an avid martial arts fan. This past year, he has two releases under his belt; Divided By Darkness by Spirit Adrift and Deserted by Gatecreeper.

Intro: “Divided by Darkness”

Outro: “Hear Her”

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51: Halloween Episode

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:00:34 GMT

Halloween season, possibly the most metal holiday, is here! My good friend Ron Martinez join us this week to talk about some of our favorite music and movies that characterize the season. Ron sings in Final Conflict, plays bass in the Lowerclass Brats and runs Crawlspace Booking, one the stalwarts in hardcore/punk/metal booking.

Intro: “Halloween” – Siouxie and the Banshees

Outro: “Don’t Fear the Reaper” – Blue Oyster Cult

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50: Classic Halloween Samhain November Coming Fire and Danzig Debut Album

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 04:00:14 GMT

Autumn darkness is upon us, Halloween is around the corner. In preparation for the darkest holiday of the year, Anthony Pappalardo and I dive into Samhain’s “November Coming fire” and the self-titled Danzig record.

Intro: “To Walk the Night”

Outro: “Twist of Cain”

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49: Classic Records Only Living Witness featuring Jonah Jenkins

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:00:09 GMT

Jonah Jenkins, the former singer of Only Living Witness and the current singer of Northern Skulls, joins us this week to talk about the classic record “Prone Mortal Form.” Only Living Witness was a groundbreaking band in New England during the later 80’s and early 90’s blending a strong sense of melody into the hardcore scene. Jonah continues to remain active with his current band Northern Skulls.

Intro: “Prone Mortal Form”

Outro: “Twitching Tongues”

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48: Abraxas Nihil Dwid Hellion

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:06 GMT

After three decades of activity, most bands seem to be going through the motions or have been relegated to being a pale version of their past glory. Integrity, on the other hand, defies that trend and is producing their hardest hitting and most innovative work in the recent years. Dwid Hellion, the band’s sole original member, join sus this week and we talk a bit about the early days of his life, the formation of the band and some of the unique and esoteric subjects that inform his lyrics.

Intro: “Darkness”

Outro: “Fade to Black” (Roses Never Fade side-project)

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47: Point of Entry with Jarrett Pritchard (Pulchra Morte)

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:00:41 GMT

You guys seemed to like the Point of Entry Pilot from a few weeks ago se we’re unleashing another one. This week we have Jarrett Pritchard, one of the hardest working dudes I know. I met Jarrett a few years ago when he was tour managing 1349. Over the years our paths have crossed on numerous occasions. He’s a sick guitarist and songwriter as well as producing, tour manager as well as master of a host of other behind-the-scenes action.

Jarrett was plugged into the early 90’s Florida death metal scene with the seminal band Eulogy which featured members that would go on to be in Monstrosity, Malevolent Creation, Cannibal Corpse and Brutality. He continues creating killer death metal with his band Pulchra Morte.

Intro: “Black Ritual” – Pulchra Morte, from Divina Autem Et Aniles

Outro: “When Legends Die” - Pulchra Morte, from Divina Autem Et Aniles

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46: Classic Records Breach Kollapse

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:00:54 GMT

This was an excuse to talk to my dear friend Ralph Schmidt from the band Ultha, disguised as a “Classic Records” episode. It’s good thing that we picked Breach’s masterpiece “Kollapse” as our subject to discuss. Sweden’s Breach influenced a host of bands that you probably listen to. Unfortunately, they remained relatively unknown here in the States. If it wasn’t for Ralph, I probably would never had heard them.

Intro: “Alarma”

Outro: “Old Ass Player”

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45: Point of Entry Pilot

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:00:52 GMT

We’re trying out a new idea this week with Point of Entry, a recurring show where we discuss the records that hooked us into the world of metal and extreme music. Andy Larsen, my cohost on the Classic Records episodes joins me as we dive into our murky past and talk about some pivotal records and turning points in our lives.

Intro: “God of Thunder” Kiss

Outro: “Starbreaker” Judas Priest

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44: Philip Anselmo's Long Road

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 04:00:35 GMT

Late one Friday after noon, I got an email asking if I would be interested in interviewing Philip H. Anslemo on Monday afternoon. It was a rare opening in his schedule, so I didn’t hesitate. Normally, I like to have time to prepare and do research, but I am also a big fan of rising to the occasion. Also, what research is required for a guy like Phil Anselmo? He has an impressive back catalog and one of the most prolific artists working in extreme music today.

The interview was short and sweet and done over a phone, but I think we covered a lot of cool stuff, especially his newest endeavor En Minor.

Intro: “Broken

Outro: “On the Floor”

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43: Classic Records Cro Mags "Age of Quarrel" and "Best Wishes"

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:00:24 GMT

If you checked out last week’s episode is Harley Flanagan, the founder of NYHC Legends, Cro Mags, it makes a lot of sense that we would follow up with out reflections on their two classic records, “Age of Quarrel” and “ Best Wishes”. Both of these records paint a portrait an accurate picture of the band during years of volatility and struggle.

Intro: “World Peace”

Interlude: “We Gotta Know”

Outro: “The Only One”

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42: Iron Age of Quarrel The Harley Flanagan Interview

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 04:00:53 GMT

This week’s guest needs no introduction. Harley Flanagan formed and injected his life’s blood into the Cro-Mags, one of the most influential bands in the hardcore punk / crossover thrash scene. Their debut album “Age of Quarrel” as well as their follow up “Best Wishes” will go down as classics in the extreme music world.

Harley was generous with his time and indulged us with a thoughtful, introspective discussion as well as some hard data about the new Cro-Mags records.

Intro: “Death Camps”

Outro: “The Only One”

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41: Walk the Night with London May (Samhain / Brutal Realty)

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 04:00:05 GMT

Most likely you know London May for his work with Samhain, the legendary, genre-defining band that Glenn Danzig formed after the demise of the Misfits. May has been busy all these years playing with everyone from Exene Cervenka to Cold Cave to as well as death rock icon Rikk Agnew.

You may not have known about his acting career where he has been amassing a respectable number of credits in film, TV and on the stage. His new film project is Brutal Realty, a dark horror-comedy where he stars as The Summoner, a frustrated black metal drummer looking for a career change.

Needless to say, this was a very special episode for me. I’m a MASSIVE Samhain fan and London played on November Coming Fire, my favorite record by them.

Intro: “Mother of Mercy”

Outro: “To Walk the Night”

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40: Destroying Angels with Blaze Tishko of In Cold Blood

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 04:00:21 GMT

Cleveland Hardcore definitely has a vibe: evil, apocalyptic and darkly metallic. The term Holy Terror was thrown around with not so subtle allusions to the death-obsessed Process Church of Final Judgement. In Cold Blood along with Integrity and Ringworm stand in the forefront of this vicious style of hardcore

punk.

In Cold Blood’s Blaze Tishko joins us this week to talk about their new album Legion of Angels and

the grind of the last few years.

Intro: “Dark Visions”

Outro: “The Wretched Souls”

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39: Eddie Sutton Comes Back to Haunt

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 04:00:03 GMT

NYHC legend Eddie Sutton joins us this week to fill us in on Leeway NYC, the most recent chapter in the band’s career. For those of you who listened to our “Crossover Episode” you experienced the love we expressed for Leeway and their brand of metallic hardcore.

Leeway NYC, fronted by Eddie and backed by a band of NYHC veterans have a new single out with more music in the works.

Intro: “Rise and Fall”

Outro: “Born to Expire”

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38: Jeremy Sosville of Sanhedrin / Black Anvil

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 04:00:09 GMT

I had a blast sitting down with my colleague Jeremy Sosville, of Sanhedrin and Black Anvil. I’ve had the pleasure of spending long hours with Jeremy driving across the country side overseas as well as in the United States. Though a lot of you may be more familiar with Black Anvil, his newest project Sanhedrin is on the rise, especially over in Europe.

Intro: “Blood from a Stone”

Outro: “The Getaway”

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37: Ryan Patterson on Fotocrime Principle of Pain

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Ryan Patterson is a 20 year plus veteran in the Underground, D.I.Y. scene be it as a musician, designer, promoter or label manager. His previous band Coliseum has released records on Relapse, Deathwish and Temporary Residence, toured the world and the United States alike. Ryan's new band Fotocrime is an extension of his relentless desire to move forward and push himself as an artist and creative force. Relying heavily on electronic music, post-punk and darkwave Fotocrime seeks to push musical boundaries.

I've been friends with Ryan for over two decades. I look forward to our conversations, so this one was a pleasure for me. Enjoy.

Intro: "Gods in the Dark"

Outro: "Love in a Dark Time"

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36: Classic Record S.O.D. Speak English or Die

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:00:13 GMT

This is a companion piece to the Crossover Episode that we released last year. If you haven’t checked that one out go back and listen to it. Randy and I break down our favorite thrash metal / hardcore punk crossover bands and give out sometimes contradictory opinions about who was THE FIRST band to metalize hardcore.

S.O.D. were definitely an originator of the genre, pioneers in metal as well as pioneers in offending people and causing controversy. Even back the day, many were not in on the joke and the band came under a lot of fire due to their off-color sense of humor. Randy and I get down and dirty and give our opinions about what we both agree is one of the most important and influential records in extreme music.

Intro: “Chromatic Death”

Outro: “March of the S.O.D.”

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35: Classic Records Rollins Band Hard Volume

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 04:00:10 GMT

In a way, this is a continuation of the Black Flag “In My Head” episode because it is our opinion that much of the groundwork for the Rollins Band may have been laid down during the final tour for that record. Randy and I discuss that in detail in this episode. We dive deep into “Hard Volume, the second full-length record by the Rollins Band. There aren’t any hits on this one, but this record captures the band at it’s most experimental, raw and intense.

Intro: “I Feel Like This”

Outro: “Turned Inside Out”

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Tonight We Ride with All Hell

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:00:07 GMT

I discovered All Hell last year when I was on a short run of dates with my band Tombs. We ended up playing two shows together and I was completely taken by the band’s songwriting. They combine the grit of early black metal with the catchy songwriting of Misfits and Samhain.

I caught up the band at their show in Brooklyn during their tour with Ringworm. Their new album, The Witch’s Grail, had literally came out on that day so the band was excited. We recorded the episode in my van parked down the block from the venue, so let’s say that there is quite a bit of “urban atmosphere” going on around us.

Intro: “Sorcery and Sanctity”

Outro: “Where Devils Once Danced”

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33: Classic Records Misfits Walk Among Us

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:00:54 GMT

All Hell Breaks loose when Fellow Gimme Radio DJ Diane Farris joins me for another “Classic Records” episode. This week, we dive deep into one of our mutually favorite records, “Walk Among Us” by the Misfits, a record that we take for granted as being a seminal record but back in the 80’s, the band was somewhat of an anomaly. Diane and I discuss all of that, as well as our own experiences with the band and this amazing punk record.

Intro: “All Hell Breaks Loose”

Outro: “20 Eyes”

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32: The Work of Jef Whitehead Lurker of Chalice / Leviathan

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:00:45 GMT

This episode started out as a “Classic Records” episode for the Lurker of Chalice LP but turned into an appreciation of Jef Whitehead, also known as Wrest. There are many one-man black metal projects of merit, but Leviathan / Lurker of Chalice is in our opinion, the deepest, darkest and most interesting.

There information available on Whitehead is economical, very little more than a few interviews; the Noisey mini-documentary on one-man black metal features him but he appears to be private and a man of few words. Randy and I express our impressions of the music with a sense of awe that approaches reverence.

Intro: “Granite”

Outro: “6116”

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31: Ghoul in the Mirror Blaine Cook of The Accused AD

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 04:00:12 GMT

I had the chance to hang out with Blaine Cook of The Accused AD when they rolled through Brooklyn prior to their appearance at this year’s Maryland Death Fest. He was kind enough to set aside some time pre-show down in the subterranean green room at Saint Vitus.

Blaine is one of the architects of “Crossover Thrash,” having been the vocalist on the seminal EP “Martha Splatterhead” by The Accused back in 1985. Their combination of metal and hardcore punk falling in line with a legion of likeminded troublemakers that I talked about way back on the “Crossover Episode” of this very own podcast!

Check out the new Accused AD record “The Ghoul in the Mirror” or better yet, see them out on tour!

Intro: “A Terrible Tail”

Outro: “Juego Terminado”

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30: Classic Records Poison Idea Feel the Darkness

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 04:00:54 GMT

Randy and I tackle Poison Idea’s classic record “Feel the Darkness” in this episode. I have to admit, when I was a kid back in the 80’s, I slept on Poison Idea until 1990, when this record dropped. The record cover looked intense, nihistic, it led me to believe that the people that made this kind of music were living on the edge of the American Nightmare.

From the opening track, “Plastic Bomb” the record stormed with wild turbulence painting a picture of broken hope, darkness and desperation.

Intro: “Plastic Bomb”

Outro: “Just to Get Away”

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29: Night Time Stories and Cold Hope Trevor Shelley DeBrauw of Pelican

Tue, 28 May 2019 04:00:50 GMT

Some of my favorite episodes are the ones where creative admiration and friendship meet and the episode is more on par with two friends catching up as opposed to an interview to promote a new album. This week’s episode is one of those; I had the opportunity to catch up with my friend Trevor Shelley-De Brauw of Pelican, a band that has been performing and releasing great records for nearly twenty years.

Trevor and I talk a bit about the new Pelican record, “Midnight Stories” on Southern Lord available June 7, 2019 as well as RLYR, his other project with Locrian drummer Steven Hess. We also get philosophical and at times inspirational.

Intro: “Midnight and Mescaline”

Outro: ”Final Breath”

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28: Take the Stairs to Hell Randy Larsen of Cable

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:43 GMT

If you’ve been listening to this show for any length of time, you know Randy as one of the co-hosts for the classic records episodes. Randy is also the founding member of Cable, a band that has been performing and putting out records since 1994. They’ve worked with a number of solid independent labels such as Hydrahead, Doghouse, The End and Translation Loss.

Randy and I spoke about the ups and downs of the band over the last 25 plus years and of course, the new record “Take the Stairs to Hell” out on Translation Loss on July 26, 2019

Intro: “Rivers of Old”

Outro: “Failure Comin’ Down”

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27: Classic Records Black Flag In My Head

Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:57 GMT

Author / Journalist / Musician Anthony Pappalardo returns to discuss Black Flag’s sixth and final album “In My Head.” Everyone will agree that Black Flag is an icon, their relentless work ethic, stark imagery and the raw-nerve intensity of their music has carved a permanent channel into the popular music and popular culture.

Released in 1985, “In My Head” is often dismissed by a lot of fans but in our opinion, it is as crucial an entry into their catalog as “Damaged” and “Slip It In.” Despite the fact that it was the band’s swansong, it sounds like a band that was about to expand into a brand new direction.

Intro: “Paralyzed”

Outro: “Black Love”

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26: Classic Records At the Gates Slaughter of the Soul

Tue, 07 May 2019 04:00:48 GMT

My good friend, music journalist and fellow musician, J. Bennett returns to discuss the iconic death metal classic “Slaughter of the Soul” by At the Gates. If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you will notice that we typically go for the more left-of-center classics, but this one is undeniably an influential record that helped define the “Gothenburg sound” of the mid-90’s as well as providing inspiration for a whole legion of bands.

J's work has appeared in Decibel, Revolver, Terrorizer and pretty much everywhere you can read about extreme music. He also wrote the "Slaughter of the Soul" entry into Decibel's Hall of Fame.

Intro: “Blinded by Fear”

Outro: “Suicide Nation”

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25: Classic Records Guns n' Roses Appetite for Destruction

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:31 GMT

My old friend, rock music scribe and fellow musician J. Bennet joins us for a Classic Records Episode this week. Aside from reading J’s work in numerous music-related outlets such as Decibel, Revolver, Noisey and others, he is a member of Mustard Gas and Roses, Ides of Gemini and Black Mare.

Guns n’ Roses’ debut album “Appetite for Destruction” has without a doubt earned its place in the pantheon of hard rock music. We both share some stories about our experiences with the record and how it crushed some of their “Hair Metal” contemporaries.

Intro: “It’s So Easy”

Outro: “Paradise City”

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24: Classic Records Voivod Phobos

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 04:00:07 GMT

Fellow Gimme Radio DJ Diane Farris joins us to talk about “Phobos” the 9th studio album by the Canadian metal band Voivod. You can catch Diane’s show “Lifer” on Gimme Radio.

I’ve always been fascinated by Voivod, a band that has been grinding away since the early 80’s. The emerged during the thrash / speed metal heyday along with Slayer, Metallica, Razor and Testament. In my opinion, they were always the more eccentric bands of that crop, evolving and changing as the years went on.

I think Diane and I agree that “Phobos” is the most unique record from a truly unique band.

Intro: “Quantum”

Outro: “Phobos”

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23: Death Void Transformation Sera Timms of Black Mare and LVXURI

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 04:00:12 GMT

My good friend Sera Timms joins us this week to talk about her newest project LVXURI. We cover a lot of ground ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Ritual Magick, to the mystery of consciousness to performing an acoustic set in a cave. Sera is an inspirational creative force whose body of work included Black Mare, Ides of Gemini and Black Math Horsemen.

Intro: “Decusatta” – LVXURI

Outro: “Ingress to Form” – Black Mare

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22: Ritual Torment and the Value of Pain Colin van Eeckhout of Amenra

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:00:25 GMT

I had the pleasure of meeting with Colin van Eeckhout, vocalist of Amenra, during their stop in Brooklyn on their current tour with Yob and Voivod. It was a beautiful afternoon, the sun was out and there was a hint of spring, so we decided to escape the dark confines of the venue to chat outside. It seemed like a great idea at the time, since Yob was bringing the thunder during their sound check, but for better or worse, you get an “authentic” New York experience with the sounds of the city mixing in with out conversation which covered a broad array of topics from ritual, the peaks and valleys of a 20 year music career and the roots of his own brand of spirituality.

Intro: “Plus Pres de Toi"

Outro: “Diaken”

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21: Classic Records Metallica Garage Days Revisited

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:00:08 GMT

Author / musician Anthony Pappalardo of Adult Inc. joins us this week for a Classic Records episode. Pappalardo has written about everything from skateboarding to hardcore music to urban lifestyle and to date has published two books Live…Suburbia and Radio Silence: A Visual History of American Hardcore. If you’ve been paying attention for the last few months, you realize that we don’t stick to the obvious, instead we set our sights on the records that resonate with us and maybe have a little more personal impact. With that said, this week’s classic record is Metallica’s “Garage Days Revisited” their 1987 EP of covers that opened up entire vistas of new musical possibilities.

Intro: “The Small Hours” (Killing Joke)

Outro: “The Wait” (Killing Joke)

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20: Classic Records Sick of It All Scratch the Surface

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 04:00:50 GMT

The legendary Sick of It All have been deploying their own brand of New York Hardcore since 1986. Founded in Queens, NY by brothers Lou and Pete Koller, the band has employed the blue-collar work ethic and carved out their own channel not only in the hardcore underground, but also put their mark on the mainstream music world with 1994’s Scratch the Surface.

For this episode of classic records, I teamed up with NYHC scribe and former music industry exec Howie Abrams. What started out as a discussion about Scratch the Surface, quickly expanded into a recollection of the band’s formation and the early days of New York Hardcore.

Intro: “Scratch the Surface”

Outro: “It’s Clobbering Time”

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19: Dark Age of Ruin Interview with Erik Rutan

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

When I think of hard work and integrity, I think of Erik Rutan. Having recorded two records with him at Mana Recording Studio, I have witnessed, first-hand, his intensity and workmanship at the recording console. He attacks music with the same relentless virtuosity. With Erik Rutan there is only one way: ALL THE WAY! Last year’s Hate Eternal record, “UponDesolate Sands” was my number one record of the year, which I covered on our year-end special.

We had a great time talking about the creation of “Upon Desolate Sands” and the arduous task of learning a Cannibal Corpse set for their upcoming year of touring.

Intro: “Dark Age of Ruin”

Outro: “Upon Desolate Sands”

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18: Eugene S. Robinson Will Outlast his Enemies

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 04:00:18 GMT

Eugene S. Robinson is a man of many talents: Oxbow front man, martial artist, writer, raconteur and overall modern renaissance man. Oxbow’s most recent record “Thin Black Duke” is a future classic, combining the discordance of the Birthday Party with Robinson’s brutally poetic lyrics and vocal delivery. They are one of the best live bands that I’ve ever seen. During our chat, I discovered that they were working on new material.

Aside from hosting his own podcast Show Stomper! which primarily covers MMA and combat sports, Eugene has launched OZY Confidential, the flagship podcast for OZY.com where he is the editor-at-large.

Intro: “The Killer”

Outro: “Cold and Well-Lit Place”

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17: Recalibrating the Machine with Chris Alfano and Matt Lupo of East of the Wall

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 05:00:05 GMT

At least to me, Jersey has always been the shred capitol of the Northeast with Rochester, NY being a close rival for technical superior, “extreme” metal players. This is the state that gave us Human Remains, Ripping Corpse and Dim Mak to name a few. Despite what Chris Alfano and Matt Lupo may believe, I claim that East of the Wall are part of that Jersey lineage of technical driven, progressive metal bands, with the emphasis more on the progressive elements.

Despite having spent an hour with these guys, I’m still unclear as to when the band actually started and who was in the original lineup; the band seemed to spring, full-formed from two other bands in the area called The Postman Syndrome and Day Without Dawn.

Poised to release their brand-new full-length, NP-Complete on Translation Los, Chris and Matt met up with me somewhere in the wilds of New Jersey to hand out and talk about the record and a variety of other topics.

Intro: “Tell Them I’m Sorry” – East of the Wall, NP-Complete

Outro: “ N of 1” – East of the Wall, NP-Complete

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16: Dani Filth's Dark and Macabre Vision

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:00:58 GMT

In this week’s episode we have Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth who are about to embark on the US leg of their world tour supporting 2017’s Cryptoriana. Aside from being one of the OG’s in the second wave of Black Metal, Dani has an encyclopedic knowledge of the occult, horror and dark literature.

Intro: “Alison Hell”

Outro: “Wester Vespertine”

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15: Freedom and Darkness a Conversation with Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 05:00:24 GMT

The Norwegians and the Swedes get most of the shine when it comes to Black Metal, but there is a vibrant scenes in Greece. If you haven’t checked out the likes of Ravencult, Macabre Omen, Necromantia or Varathron, you’re slipping. Rotting Christ are, in my opinion at least, the kings of “Hellenic Black Metal.”

Their new album, “Heretic”available now on Season of Mist, is a snarling monument to darkness that will not disappoint old fans and will undoubtedly likely capture new fans.

Intro: “Fire God and Fear”

Outro: “Hallowed Be Thy Name”

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14: Gods and Tyrants a Conversation with Vinny Appice

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 05:00:01 GMT

I consider Vinny Appice to be part of the hard rock aristocracy, having put in work with Black Sabbath, Dio and a host of other legendary outfits. His discography is impressive to say the least. For a guy like me, who grew up in the early 80’s, the Dio era of Sabbath was some of the first true metal that I experienced, so being able to chat with Vinny was a high point in my career.

Vinny has a new record hitting the streets with his band Last in Line which features his former band mate guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Phil Soussan (ex-Ozzy Osbourne) and vocalist Andrew Freeman (ex-Lynch Mob). The new record, a follow up to 2016’s “Heavy Crown” is aptly titled “II.”

Intro: “Give Up the Ghost” – Last in Line

Outro: “Turn Up the Night” – Black Sabbath

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13: Continuing Chaos with Al Dawson of Earache Records

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 04:41:51 GMT

You can’t mention death metal or grindcore with out mentioning Earache Records, the label that gave us

Napalm Death, Carcass, Entombed, Godflesh and the bands that defined extreme music. I met up with

Al Dawson, the US Label Manager of the US for a hangout and killer lunch at John Brown’s Smokehouse

in Long Island City. We talked about the salad days of the label as well as the new directions Earache is

heading into.

Intro: “The IVth Crusade” – Bolt Thrower

Outro: “Fall from Grace” – Morbid Angel

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12: Classic Records Skin Yard Hallowed Ground

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:53:30 GMT

When you think of the “Seattle Grunge” scene from the early 90’s, you think of the usual suspects: Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and maybe Alice in Chains. The term grunge was a term coined by generally unimaginative press people and so-called pundits. In the early days, it was just a collection of guys playing in bands that dug classic rock, punk and heavy metal and the weird stew they concocted became known as grunge.

One of the unsung heroes of this was Skin Yard, a band that influenced and even shared members with many of above-mentioned bands. Formed by produced Jack Endino, C/Z Records main man Daniel House and vocalist Ben McMillan in 1985, it is our opinion that they provided the template for what the dreary Seattle sound would become.

We’re going to talk about Hallowed Ground, which is largely considered their crowning achievement.

Intro: “In the Blackhouse”

Outro: “Wither”

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11: Classic Records Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:02:20 GMT

Black Sabbath are possibly the most important band in the history of heavy metal and extreme music. All of our favorite bands owe a least a little bit to Sabbath. The first four records are untouchable in most opinions.

With that said, Randy and I are going to showcase 1980”s Heaven and Hell as a Classic Record. It was the first record to feature Ronnie James Dio and is a huge departure from the work they were doing in the seventies, additionally, the story surrounding the record is very interesting.

Intro: “Neon Nights”

Outro: “Heaven and Hell”

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10: Diatribes in the House of Snakes an Interview with Pig Destroyer

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 05:00:47 GMT

After a six year period of absence, Pig Destroyer deployed their sixth full-length record, “Head Cage” this past fall. In addition to their signature brand of blistering death-grind, “Head Cage” hints at subtle expansions into the realm of noise rock and more traditional “rock ‘n’ roll” styling.

I caught up with the band in the green room on the night of their record release show at Gramercy Theater in New York City this past fall. Usually, I try to limit the conversation to a maximum of three guys, but this time around I was able to get words in from the whole band. It was a little chaotic at times, but still a lot of fun.

Check out Pig Destroyer’s new full-length “Head Cage” available on Relapse Records

Intro: “House of Snakes” – Pig Destroyer off of “Head Cage”

Outro: “Circle River” – Pig Destroyer off of “Head Cage”

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9: Innovator of the Man/Machine Interface, Tristan Shone of Author + Punisher

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:00:43 GMT

“Industrial Music” started out back in the 70’s as a mixture of harsh electronics, confrontation and punk transgression. As time went on, Industrial Music became a “style” instead of a “statement.”

Every now and then, a true innovator comes along that raises the bar of creativity. Tristan Shone, the man behind the industrial juggernaut Author + Punisher is one such innovator. In a sense, he has picked up where originators like Throbbing Gristle, Z’ev and Mark Pauline (Survival Research Labs) left off. True, Mark Pauline is not a musician, but his version of performance art undoubtedly informs Tristan’s work.

Tristan and I met up before his appearance at The Market Hotel out in the wilds of Bushwick, NY.

Check out “Beastland” the new full-length by Author + Punisher available on Relapse Records. Also, if you aren’t familiar with any of the artists I mentioned above, please check them out.

Intro: “Night Terror” – Author+Punisher off of “Beastland”

Outro: “Nazarene” – Author+Punisher off of “Beastland”

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8: Summoning the Beast with Dwid Hellion

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 05:00:11 GMT

For 30 years and counting, Dwid Hellion has been fronting the ever evolving metallic hardcore entity

known as Integrity. Aside from intense metal riffing, guitar solos and lacerating vocals, Integrity has

always been a thinking man’s hardcore band, drawing from many different provinces of extreme

music and the darker recesses of culture. We did manage to talk about music, but most of our

chat was about philosophy, religions and the primal nature of mankind.

Check out the Integrity / Krieg split available now on

Relapse Records.

Intro: “Flames of the Immortal” - Integrity

Outro: “String Up My Teeth” - Integrity

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7: Classic Records Godflesh Streetcleaner

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 05:00:09 GMT

How many times does a debut record smash you across the face like “Streetcleaner” by Godflesh?

Earache Records delivered this monument to anguish, desolation and bleakness on November 13, 1989.

At the time, Earache was putting out seminal records that would define extreme music and Godflesh

stands apart combining machine like rhythms with throbbing bass, discordant guitar work and tortured

vocals creating a soundtrack for the invasion of Hell.

Intro: "Like Rats" - Godflesh

"Merciless" - The Fall of Because

"Why Hide" - Swans

"She Watch Channel Zero" - Public Enemy

Outro:"Dead Head" - Godflesh

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6: Steve Brodsky

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 05:00:34 GMT

Steve Brodsky of Cave In and Mutoid Man joins us. Steve goes into detail regarding the long journey

that Cave In has been on from the band’s D.I.Y. roots to the major label years and beyond. We also

discuss Mutoid Man’s tour supporting Danzig and what that all means. We get into a protracted discussion

about Ronnie James Dio / Ozzy and the Bruce Dickinson / Paul Di'anno dichotomies.

Intro: “Juggernaut” – Cave In

Outro: “Kiss of Death” – Mutoid Man

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2018 Year End Special

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:00:59 GMT

2018 is almost over. A lot of great records came out this past year and everyone is busily putting together their Top 10 lists. Here at Metal Matters, we do things a little different. Instead of a Top 10, we are doing a Top 5 because I feel you often times have to reach to fill out the second 5 of a Top 10.

Anyway, Randy Larsen and I talk about our Top 5 favorite records. Gimme Radio DJ’s Diane Farris (Lifer), David “Bozz” Bosler (Blizzard of Bozz), John Brookhouse (Shadow Hymnal), Thomas Haywood (Forever Underground) and Chris Krovatin (Bleeder’s Digest) weigh in with their Top 5 favorites as well.

Intro: “Giza Butler” – Sleep

Outro: “Dark Age of Ruin” – Hate Eternal

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5: Classic Records Neurosis Through Silver in Blood

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 05:00:06 GMT

Neurosis is a band that transcends classification; their influence can be felt across most genres of

extreme music. Formed in 1985 by Scott Kelly, Dave Edwardson and Jason Roeder, their early sound

was based in the hardcore punk style of Amebix. Discharge, Crass and other UK punks. Steven

Von Till Joined the band in 1989 and Noah Landis replaced their original synth player, Simon McIlroy

in 1995 which completed the modern lineup of the band.

Released on April 23, 1996 on Relapse Records, “Through Silver in Blood” was the manifestation of

all of the strife and turmoil that the band members have been going through. The result was a monolithic

epic drawing influence from a myriad of sources such as Black Sabbath, Swans, Black Flag and a

lethal dose of raw emotion.

Intro: “Eye”

Outro : “Locust Star”

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4: Dan Lilker of Brutal Truth, Venomous Concept

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:00:11 GMT

Metal Lifer and living legend Dan Lilker joins us this week. He’s been making music since 1981,

first as a co-founding member and Anthrax and then as a member of Nuclear Assault. The list of bands that he’s been involved with is impressive: Brutal Truth, Stormtroopers of Death, Exit-13, Hemlock, Venomous Concept…the list goes on and Dan has no intention of stopping. He is making some of the most crucial music of his career with the Rochetser-based Blurring.

Aside from his relentless commitment to creating extreme metal, Dan is now a fellow Gimme Radio DJ. Check out his show Brain Death on Gimme Radio.

Dan and I met up at a beer garden in Rochester, NY to talk about the early thrash days, playing

fast in New York City, Black Metal and having a sense of humor in today’s climate of recreational outrage

Intro:“Pass Some Down” – Brutal Truth

“The Cold Twilight” – Hemlock

“Identity” – S.O.D.

Outro:“Cold Steel” – Nuclear Assault

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3: The Crossover Episode

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 05:00:57 GMT

These days we take for granted how easily artists blend different genres. It’s a generally accepted

fact that metal kids listen to hardcore punk and hardcore punk kids listen to metal, but it wasn’t

always like that. As a matter of fact, the two scenes often times stood in stark contrast to each other.

In this episode, my co-host Randy Larsen and I will delve into the Crossover movement, which

was the melding of thrash metal and hardcore, an innovation that was necessary for the advancement

of both musical genres.

We will be discussing several bands and their contributions; however, this is not meant to be a

definitive list, so excuse us if we leave off one of your favorite bands.

Intro:"March of the S.O.D." - S.O.D.

"I Shot Reagan" - Suicidal Tendencies

"Ground Zero Brooklyn" - Carnivore

"Crab Society North Demo" - S.O.D.

Outro: "Happily Ever After" - Corrosion of Conformity

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2: Aaron Turner of Sumac, Isis, Hydrahead

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 05:00:49 GMT

This week, we start off strong with our first guest Aaron Turner of SUMAC . It seems odd to only mention SUMAC, his latest band, because Aaron has been a stalwart in producing forward-thinking media through his numerous musical projects as well as his visual art. You’re undoubtedly familiar with his other bands Isis, Old Man Gloom and his various collaborations with Justin Broderick, Twilight, Lustmord and Chelsea Wolfe. He is also the main man at Hydrahead Records, whose catalog helped define progressive heavy music.

Our chat was recorded prior to the Caleb Scofield Benefit that happened in Los Angeles during this past October. We talked about the possibility of further Isis performances, parenthood and the over-abundance of fan-provided coffee.

Intro: “The Task” from Love In Shadow

Outro: “Hollow King” from The Deal

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1: Classic Records Iron Maiden Killers

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:13 GMT

Welcome to the debut episode of the Gimme Radio Podcast. In the coming weeks we’ll be delivering weekly episodes covering various aspects of extreme music, heavy metal, punk and all of the associated sub-genres.

Together with my co-host Randy Larsen, we’ll be digging into Iron Maiden’s classic 1981 album KILLERS.

- Iron Maiden began their longstanding relationship with producer Martin Birch on Killers

- It was the last record to feature vocalist Paul Di’Anno

- It was the first record to feature guitarist Adrian Smith

- In the US, Killers cracked the Billboard 200 at 78

Intro: "The Ides of March"

Outro: "Wrathchild"

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Metal Matters Trailer

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:20:45 GMT

Welcome to Metal Matters, the Loudest Podcast on the internet, a Gimme Radio podcast. Join Mike Hill, front man of Tombs, for weekly episodes ranging from interviews with your favorite artists, classic record appreciation or deep explorations into some of the trends in extreme music.

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