Chord Progression Podcast: The Gateway to New Rock and Metal Music

7 and a half years we have had Jonathan Norris of Kingdom Collapse come to the Chord Progression Podcast. From when they were just a small band starting to break out of the San Antonio scene, to them picking up support shows with Three Days Grace, Nothing More, and Hinder. All throughout that time, the band has continued to release new music and grow as a larger touring act. But the one thing that we have been waiting for, their debut album, seemed to never come.Then in June 2026, we got word that Kindgom Collapse were announcing their debut album releasing at the end of October, and we had the guys on the podcast to talk about the singles, releasing their debut album, and what it all meant. However with the time we had, we were not able to dive deep into the new album with the band like we normally would. We wanted to make sure we gave the quintessential Chord Progression Podcast band their due, and do an episode where we deep dive the album and get you ready for it. And right now, that promise has been fulfilled.Jonathan Norris from Kingdom Collapse is back for the 7th time and finally, their debut album “Survivor” is releasing on October 30th. This is the deep dive album episode that you have been waiting for as we talk about:- Why “Survivor” by Kindgom Collapse speaks to the ethos of self worth & empowerment to one’s self through their hard rock sound, the message the band always wants to project.- Diving deep into the non-singles on “Survivor” for an in depth preview of what inspired each track to speak to the Kingdom Collapse ethos.- Why Kingdom Collapse believes their own message to break through the negativity in their own lives and the negativity directed at the band.This episode was a long time coming and was well worth it. Tap the subscribe button because we are not stopping.Find Kingdom Collapse Online:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingdomcollapseTwitter: https://x.com/kingdomcollapseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdomcollapse/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingdomcollapseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGuSNZQ9u9FMUNM1k3UpRAWebsite: https://www.kingdomcollapse.comMerch: https://kingdomcollapse.myshopify.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5OA7FiSNGhsL2ryfAtarP4?si=WxJYaz-iRh-fZ1_UGEaYrwApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kingdom-collapse/789801659Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!https://darkfusionsystems.comFollow us on social media!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/cppodofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/YouTube:https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQChord Progression Podcast (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLkChord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4baChord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/Podcast Webpage:https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/Welcome: (0:00)Finally, the Debut Album Episode: (1:42)The Key to the Kingdom Collapse Ethos: (3:00)Getting into the Non-Singles, In Depth, Starting with “Up In Flames”: (6:15)“Blue Skies” Takes a Massive Turn: (1:04)“Who I Am” with a Metalcore Sense: (17:41)Back to “Blue Skies” Positivity: (22:03)“Ripping Our Your Heart,” “Burn,” “More Than a Memory”: (28:26)Finally Can Branch Out Past Only Singles: (34:45)What’s Next?: (38:59)New Artist Suggestions: (42:12)Kevin’s Final Thought; Truly an Accomplishment: (48:07)

When Joel Hokka and Blind Channel parted ways in 2025 (on respectable terms), the band was left with a decision to make, and taking a break was the best way to make that decision. No the decision was not about if the band should stay together or not, that was never a question. The decision to make was where does the band go from here musically now with one of the longstanding members now gone from the band?Well the break was just what they needed. Deadlines for new music were no longer present, they had the time and they had the ability to work on their music in a brand new way. They had a chance to not just sit in a musical style that they are comfortable with and write the style of songs they know how to write, they had a chance to find their identity again, and find their creative itch once again.Niko from the Finnish violent pop band Blind Channel rejoins the Chord Progression Podcast for the 3rd time, with the band’s brand new album “Painstream” releasing on October 30th. Join us for the return of Blind Channel as we talk about:- Why Blind Channel went on a break following their split with Joel Hokka, doing it for musical reasons in order to write music like it was an adventure again, and not just sitting in their comfort zone over and over again.- Writing “Painstream” without the stress of deadlines, making it an album that sounds like a conglomeration of the sounds and styles all 5 members love and represent.- The non-singles on “Painstream” that we need to highlight, while building up the album as a wholistic experience for us listeners.It is always a great time when Blind Channel comes to the podcast and this is no different. Tap the subscribe button to follow along with us ever Tuesday and Thursday.Find Blind Channel Online:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindChannelBandTwitter: https://twitter.com/BlindChannelFINInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindchannel/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindchannelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx61MSkRHBn4N2eAovTxvGAWebsite: https://www.blindchannelofficial.comMerch: https://www.blindchannelofficial.com/shop?page=2Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3L58J6a7f0jyy2p6f3MSAs?si=Cg3Ahfk6S1y2O5glbY7J7AApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blind-channel/844843839Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!https://darkfusionsystems.comFollow us on social media!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/cppodofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/YouTube:https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQChord Progression Podcast (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLkChord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4baChord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/Podcast Webpage:https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/Welcome: (0:00)3rd Time with Blind Channel: (1:34)Positivity of Taking a Break: (3:12)Writing “Painstream”: (6:47)Writing Music is Not a Competition of Speed: (14:20)Non-Singles to Highlight: (16:16)What’s Up in 2027?: (22:46)New Artist Suggestions: (24:41)Kevin’s Final Thought; Taking a Step Back Might Be the Right Move: (28:49)

Turn on the news in 2026, and a story about the increased amount of AI data centers being built, along with the opposition to them, is more than likely going to be shown. We currently live in a world where AI is the next frontier of expansion in the minds of so many, but a massive concern of an equal amount of people. How will AI be used responsibly? How will it be regulated? How negative will the environmental impact of these AI data centers be? We are all asking these questions.Musicians have always had the freedom and responsibility to make artistic commentary on the world we live in today, in an effort to express opinions as well as create a connection to humanity about those opinions. The more musicians that feel that freedom, the further we inquire, learn, and understand the world around us with all the opinions that come with it. And in 2026, when a band does that with their own unique take on their sound, great things happen.The guys in Glasswaves join the Chord Progression Podcast. When this dark pop band, mixing alternative rock & nu metal into music, are set to release their debut album “while(True)” on October 23rd, we make sure you get into the band and the album. Discover more on this conversation as we talk about:- Why Glasswaves wrote a concept album around a dystopian world that is manipulated by AI, to commentate on the current state of lacking regulation around AI & data centers.- Sonically challenging themselves to tie songs to the concept of the album, while being as out of the box musically as they possibly could.- Investing in an album experience so as a fan, you do not miss out on greatness due to convenience.Commentary about the social condition with music is needed, and this band is doing just that. Tap the subscribe button as we are set to bring you even more artists like this.Find Glasswaves Online:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasswavesmusicTwitter: https://x.com/glasswavesmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasswavesmusicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@glasswavesmusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@glasswavesmusicWebsite: https://www.glasswavesband.comMerch: https://sharptonerecords.co/collections/glasswavesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dTPsW2GddlLDEuuj8Jj4P?si=78fVN6dOS9iDSodYnWKjJQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/glasswaves/1684788123Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!https://darkfusionsystems.comFollow us on social media!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/cppodofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/YouTube:https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQChord Progression Podcast (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLkChord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4baChord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/Podcast Webpage:https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/Welcome: (0:00)Bringing You Glasswaves: (2:02)The Backstory to Commentate on AI & Data Centers: (4:39)Pissed Off around Environmental Impacts of Data Centers: (10:00)Dynamics of Songs Played Into Concept: (15:01)Cracked On Caffeine: (18:59)Sonically, Writing “while(True)”: (23:46)Which 1 Band Would You Listen To, Stuck on an Island: (30:55)Non-Single to Highlight: (34:16)Investing in an Album Again: (38:18)New Artist Suggestions: (48:19)Kevin’s Final Thought; Music Needs Social Commentary as an Acceptable Concept: (53:36)

Today in heavy music, we are living in a world full of genre blending and experimentation. We are seeing artists like Electric Callboy blend heavy metal with German house music to create something insanely fun and bouncy. We are seeing artists like Babymetal blend heavy metal and J-pop, connecting 2 massively contrasting sounds both stylistically and culturally to create sheer magic. And we are seeing Bring Me The Horizon, literally do it all.It is a great world that we live in with music like this, and all of this genre blending is a reaction to the world around us, and a reaction to the musical generation that came right before this one. But what is the reaction going to be for this massively experimental style of heavy music? Is it going to go in reverse to being more reserved and focused in on one style? Is it going to be something even wilder? What if it is going to still be full of experimentation and genre blending, but with more of a focus on coherent transitions, not just viral craziness?Liam from the experimental Australian metalcore band Windwaker rejoins the podcast for his second time, and the band’s third time. The band’s 3rd time on the podcast coincides with their 3rd album “smile, you’re on camera” releasing on October 23rd. The experimentation continues on this album and on the episode as we talk about:- How Windwaker created “smile, you’re on camera” that stays eclectic with their style of experimentation between metalcore & hyperpop, but with more of a focus on album cohesion instead of each song as a single, while still being infections all the way around.- Why “smile, you’re on camera” was written as a living diary of the band between 2025 and 2026, instead of being focused on a singular topic or concept.- The reason Windwaker wants to keep experimenting with metalcore & hyperpop, along with other styles of music, and not depend on the standard metalcore topes if they do not make sense to throw into a song, as a response to too many people creating music for the sake of “going viral.”3rd time’s the charm bringing Windwaker to the podcast, and they are sure to return. Tap the subscribe button as we are going to keep this rolling over and over again.Find Windwaker Online:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windwakerofficialTwitter: https://x.com/windwakertweetsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/windwakerofficial/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@windwakerofficialYouTube: https://youtu.be/TD58qKZOzgE?si=Yhh2y2ALSQE6xWudWebsite: https://windwakerband.comMerch: https://windwakerband.com/store/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/46le9d4IkW3C6zTxhkuxIS?si=rdGOsAh2Tcik7OlPPWiKCgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/windwaker/955986347Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!https://darkfusionsystems.comFollow us on social media!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/cppodofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/YouTube:https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQChord Progression Podcast (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLkChord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4baChord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/Podcast Webpage:https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/Welcome: (0:00)3rd Time’s the Charm for Windwaker: (1:53)Continuing to Stay Eclectic, but Being More Consistent on an Album: (4:31)Favorite Song on “smile, you’re on camera”: (8:17)The Concept Behind “smile you’re on camera”: (14:20)Evolution of the “Attack Attack” Vibe: (20:41)How Musical Revolutions are Reactions to Current System: (24:00)More Infections Windwaker Songs: (26:27)Not Always Chasing Common Metalcore Tropes: (29:45)When Windwaker Wants to Respond to Current Music: (39:04)Wanting A Viral Moment, Naturally: (43:09)What’s Next?: (45:30)New Artist Suggestions: (48:32)Kevin’s Final Thought; A Fan of the Band Always Defying Expectations: (54:05)

It is a true joy when we are able to watch a musician and an artist grow over the course of the almost 8 years that we have been doing the Chord Progression Podcast. We get to see them gain more fans, make a larger impact in the world around them, and take a step back to see that they are truly living their dream. We have had many of those artists come through the podcast. And this one, exemplifies all of it.From our first conversation at the end of 2021 with some new music in tow and trying to get more people into it, we have seen this band play larger shows, take risks, and grow all along the way. Metalcore is in a good spot with this band around. And now with a new album out that has more of a bite to it, along with some big life changes along the way, you have to root for this band.Damon from the Michigan metalcore band Of Virtue rejoins the Chord Progression Podcast for the 5th time, while on the road in Europe as the band is supporting the release of their new album “Death of the Altar” which is out now. Join us for another great 5 timer as we talk about:- The release of “Death of the Altar” and why Of Virtue is looking at the bigger picture of this album, by being thankful that they are able to live their dream of playing the music that they made, for people all across the world.- Damon’s update as he is about to become a father for the first time, and his ability to use his music experience over so many years to be the best dad that he can possibly be.- “Death of the Altar” and why the music has an increased bite to it, but why the writing foundation of the whole album had the idea of the live crowd interaction in mind.A great episode with a great guest that deserves all of the support. Tap the subscribe button as more and more episodes like this will keep coming your way.Find Of Virtue Online:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofvirtueTwitter: https://x.com/OFVIRTUEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofvirtue/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ofvirtuebandYouTube: https://youtu.be/0B6NLYcDcv8?si=MLpPy7bfeGD59ZOPWebsite: https://ofvirtueband.comMerch: https://ofvirtueband.com/collections/allSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GnK2zRFtw1gBoiFORWHsA?si=1YkzwpPmTqaUfVIcjbMxYgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/of-virtue/349940584Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!https://darkfusionsystems.comFollow us on social media!Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/cppodofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/YouTube:https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQChord Progression Podcast (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLkChord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4baChord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/Podcast Webpage:https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/Welcome: (0:00)The Next 5 Timer, Of Virtue: (2:09)Post-Release of “Death of the Altar”: (3:31)Damon is Going to be a Dad!: (9:21)More Important to Respond to Moments in Life: (13:02)The Increased “Bite” on “Death of the Altar”: (15:39)What’s Happening in 2027?: (21:19)New Artist Suggestions: (23:34)Kevin’s Final Thought; He’s Going to Be a Great Dad: (27:10)