The Smashing Skull Sessions

Starting out on the floors of squats and basements, SHORELINE have played pretty much every venue in Europe that has provided them with a power outlet over the past ten years. Since then, they have played shows with scene legends such as FOUR YEAR STRONG, KNUCKLE PUCK, and SILVERSTEIN. This February, they will be touring the UK with ARM’S LENGTH – and just recently, they played a sold-out, acclaimed hometown show at Sputnikhalle in Münster with 600 tickets sold, their biggest headlining concert to date. SHORELINE was formed in 2015 out of a desire to be an active part of the scene back home in Münster. First demo songs on YouTube and plenty of DIY diligence soon got the band on the road. With their third album, To Figure Out, SHORELINE gained attention beyond Europe’s borders when they became the first German band to release an album on the US label Pure Noise Records. I got to sit down with guitarist and vocalist for Shoreline Hansol Sueng where we talked about the band on tour in the UK with Arms Length, Koyo and Ben Quad, the recording process for their new album, 'Is This The Low Point or The Momenbt After?', and what the music scene is like in Münster, Germany. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Shoreline here: https://www.instagram.com/shoreline_band/?hl=en Track played: 'Youthfully Naive', ©️ all rights reserved Shoreline. Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Blaze Bayley- Metal Hall of Fame inductee - is a singer/songwriter born 29th May 1963 in Birmingham, England. Having started his professional music career in WOLFSBANE in 1984, he was elevated to global heights when he joined IRON MAIDEN with whom he released two albums ("X-Factor" and "Virtual XI") and toured worldwide between 1994 and 1999. After leaving IRON MAIDEN, Blaze embarked on a solo career, during which he has released ten full-length studio albums, plus live albums, live DVDs and compilations. He's also enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the hardest working artists touring around. In 2015 Blaze celebrated the 15th anniversary of his first solo release "Silicon Messiah" and then saw a significant worldwide resurgence of interest in his career, not least with the release of the "Infinite Entanglement" trilogy during the period 2016 to 2018. During these recent years Blaze has toured widely in the UK, Europe, North America and Latin America. He’s become particularly recognised as an independent artist dedicated and remarkably connected with his fans, as well as for his unmistakable high energy, no-nonsense, live performances. During the period 2014 to present date, Blaze has benefitted from a settled line-up for his backing band, picked from British melodic metal band ABSOLVA - Christopher Appleton (guitars), Luke Appleton (bass), Martin Mcnee (drums) and Tom Atkinson (guitars). I got to sit down with Blaze where we talked about the recording of his 2024 album, 'Circle Of Stone', his recent visits to Ireland, and some brillaint advice for anyone wanting to start a band in 2026. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Blaze Bayley here: https://www.instagram.com/blazebayley/?hl=en Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Hailing from Finland and known as messengers of melancholy, ATLAS forge a uniquely Northern strain of modern metal where emotion meets cinematic scale. Mixed and mastered by Buster Odeholm (Silent Planet, Vildhjarta, Born Of Osiris, Thrown), the album extends ATLAS’s sonic bridge between old and new. Early singles 'Anodyne', 'Salt and Sulfur' and 'I Whisper Your Name Like a Curse' have already paved the way as ATLAS join Amorphis across Finland this winter, head toward North America with Orbit Culture in early 2026, and return home for Helsinki’s On The Rocks on 23rd May 2026. Sunder distills the band’s core credo - love conquers death - into a modern Metal work of haunting atmosphere and crushing rhythm. The Finnish five-piece blends ancient echoes and Northern mysticism with a contemporary edge, shaped by a towering, emotive production. I got to sit down with guitarist Tuomas Kurikka where we talked about the recording process for the bands new album, 'Sunder', thjeir upcoming tour across North America with Orbit Culture and what the music scene is like in Finland. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Atlas here: https://www.instagram.com/atlasfin/?hl=en Track played: 'Anodyne', ©️ all rights reserved Atlas. Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Imperial Slave is a thrashy death metal band from New Zealand, formed in 2020, with two critically acclaimed albums and extensive live experience across their home country, Europe and Japan. The band has steadily built its reputation through both headline and support performances. Formed in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 2020 by vocalist Sam Sheppard, formerly the drummer for influential New Zealand metal bands Sinate and 8 Foot Sativa. Sheppard stepped into the frontman role and completed the line-up with Anthony Hati (guitar), Isaac JohnstonLundy (guitar), and Achilles Manley (bass). The band’s second album, “…STILL AT LARGE”, which was released in 2023, marked a shift toward a faster, heavier and more aggressive death metal sound. In support of the release, Imperial Slave toured Japan in 2024 with US death metal band Nile, followed by a return to Europe in 2025 for several festivals and club shows. Having achieved significant international exposure in a short period of time, Imperial Slave has established itself as a formidable presence within the extreme metal scene, both as headliners as well as supporting acts for renowned metal bands. The band is currently working on their third studio album, scheduled for release in 2026. I got to sit down and chat with vocalist Sam Shepard where we talked about the bands visit to Ireland in 2025, the recording for their 2023 album, '...Still At Large', and whjat he thought about Metallica's visit to New Zealand. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Imperial Slave here: https://www.instagram.com/imperialslave/?hl=en Track played: 'Priestiality', ©️ all rights reserved Imperial Slave. Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Leisure Hour is an Emo Rock band who has taken the scene by storm, creating an authentic and diverse communities of baddies through their music. Their upcoming record “… and to think .. “ comes out January 30th via Counter Intuitive records. The band has many plans to tour across the country promoting their record and making a ton of friends along the way. I got to sit down and chat with their drummer Raegan where we chatted about how the band started, the recording process for their upcoming album, '...and to think', and so much more! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Leisure Hour here: https://www.instagram.com/leisure.hour/ Track played: 'Ode To Muncie', ©️ all rights reserved Leisure Hour. Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Hailing from the musical landscapes of Swedish coastal city Gothenburg, EF emerged already in 2003. This post-rock ensemble quickly captivated audiences with their emotionally charged instrumentals which they skillfully blended with northern melancholy, indie rock riffs and infusing the short energetic bursts of hardcore into their compositions. What truly did set them apart from other bands at this point of time was the use of tender vocals which made their melodies compelling to a diverse fanbase. The debut album, "Give me beauty...Or give me death!" (2006), marked the commencement of a spellbinding adventure into EF's immersive soundscapes. And with the subsequent releases "I Am Responsible" (2008), "Mourning Golden Morning" (2010), and "Ceremonies" (2013), EF solidified their standing in the post-rock realms. The band's live performances, renowned for intensity and visual allure, added an extra layer to their enigmatic allure and the band have done 400+ shows all over Europe and Asia. In November 2022, EF continued their musical odyssey with the release of their latest album, "We Salute You, You and You!" on the esteemed German post-metal label Pelagic Records. This latest offering would be the bands 5th, their first in 10 years and a celebration of their 20 years together as a creative force. ”We Salute You, You and You!” further showcased EF's ability to craftevocative soundscapes, contributing another chapter to their captivating journey. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of ”Give me beauty...Or give me death!” which of course calls for a celebration. The band really wants to give their debut album the love it deserves and decides to re-record the full album. They want to make it tight, bombastic and give the songs a kiss of modern EF. Focusing on making orchestral arrangements bigger, the explosive parts bolder and even creating a new ”gem” out of an old outro. This is surely a heart project for the members, for the old fans, but hopefully will be embraced and find a place in new hearts as well. I got to sit down with drummer Niklas Åström where we talked about how the band started, going back and recording the 20th anniversary of, "Give Me Beauty...Or Give Me Death!", and the music scene in Gothenburg. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out EF here: https://www.instagram.com/efmusicsweden/ Track played: He Came, He Stayed, He Fell', ©️ all rights reserved EF. Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Containing members of Dead Swans, Throats, Brutality Will Prevail, Last Witness and Bring Me The Horizon (to name a few!), Still In love is the brainchild of UKHC’s brightest talents. Following their acclaimed Withdrawal Symptoms EPs, Still In Love have carved out a distinct identity within the UK hardcore scene. Their music blends raw aggression with introspective lyricism, drawing comparisons to bands like Cursed, Blacklisted and Have Heart. Recovery Language delves into themes of personal struggle, resilience, and emotional catharsis, offering a sonic journey through the complexities of the human experience. The album's soundscape is a fusion of relentless riffs, dynamic rhythms, and poignant melodies, reflecting the band's evolution and depth. I got to sit down with vocalist Nick Worthington where we talked about the recording process for the bands debut album, 'Recovery Language', how the band started and skateboarding. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Still In Love here: https://www.instagram.com/stillinloveuk/?hl=en Track played: 'Preserve & Cherish (feat. Sam Carter)', ©️ all rights reserved Still In Love Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Formed in Essex in the UK in 2018, Beyond Extinction have brought the brutality with their debut album, 'Where They Gather'. With magazines like Kerrang, Metal Hammer and Distorted Group to name a few writing reviews about the album, the band are solidifying their place in heavy music with their brutal breakdowns and hellish soundscape they've created with this album. I got to sit down with all four band members Jasper (Vocals) Jude (Guitars) Danny (Guitars) and Niall (Drums) where we talked about the band playing The Siege of Limerick, the recording process for their album, 'Where They Gather', the music scene in Essex and so much more. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Beyond Extinction here: https://www.instagram.com/beyondextinction/?hl=en Track played: 'Apache', ©️ all rights reserved Beyond Extinction Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

“There’s no point in dressing it up. We’re a meat and potatoes heavy metal band. There are so many genres around these days, people have funny ideas about what heavy metal is. But to me, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s not something you decide to dip into. You either are or you’re not. And it’s for life.” Honest, hard-working, humble and true, Orange Goblin are easy to spot in a world fuelled by bullshit. For the last 30 years, these London-based diehards have tirelessly flown the flag for balls-out heavy metal and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. Driven by passion, persistence and heartfelt love for metal’s dark magic, Orange Goblin have always been a vital force and a risk-free bet. From the boisterous stoner rock uproar of debut album Frequencies From Planet Ten (1997) and the deeper, doomier rumblings of The Big Black (2000), to more recent critically-acclaimed triumphs A Eulogy For The Damned (2012) and The Wolf Bites Back (2018), their contribution to British metal has been vast and enduring, earning them legendary, tribal treasure status among the denim ‘n’ leather legions of the UK and beyond. Orange Goblin have made many great albums in the past, but none as deep and dynamic as Science, Not Fiction. From the explosive death-boogie of opener “The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine” onwards, the band’s tenth album crackles with energy and belligerence. With the new line-up fizzing with chemistry, the hard rocking likes of “(Not) Rocket Science”, “The Fury Of A Patient Man” and “The Justice Knife” breathe new life into some classic Orange Goblin tropes. Meanwhile, twisted prog-doom detours like “False Hope Diet” and “Cemetary Rats” take the Londoners into epic new territory, with everything from skull-shattering punk ‘n’ roll to transcendent space rock hurled into the swirling brew. “It is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, and that’s because when we write, it’s a big mixing bowl of all of our influences and favourite artists, and we try and create the perfect band that we always wanted to hear,” Ben states. “This album, it’s just more accomplished and mature, I guess. None of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve got ten albums under our belts now. I feel like we’re more professional in the recording studio, I feel like we’re better musicians and writers, and now with me looking after myself, I feel like my performance is better as well. It’s all moving in the right direction.” I got to sit down with guitarist Joe Hoare where we talked about the Orange Goblin coming to an end, the final tour and how the band got their name. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Orange Goblin here: https://www.instagram.com/orangegoblinofficial/ Track played: '(Not) Rocket Science', ©️ all rights reserved Orange Goblin Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Formed in Eastbourne in 2023, Believe In Nothing bring together Caine Hemmingway (vocals/noise), Lawrence Rodriguez (guitar), Steve Collier (guitar), and Jasper Lyons (drums). With a history of playing in various heavy South Coast bands, the members hit the ground running, sidestepping the usual growing pains of a new project and quickly locking into a vision of crushing, apocalyptic sonic ritual. Believe in Nothing’s creative ethos centres on sonic mass wielded with weaponised restraint to create jarring dynamic changes. Instead of endlessly piling on layers they embrace controlled tension: Barrages of enormous guitars and drums and noise interjected with sparse movements, cold atonal textures, and stifling silences that feel like all oxygen just got sucked out of the room. The results are dense, oppressive soundscapes not from brute force, but via slow, deliberate accumulation. It’s an immersive, unsettling experience shaped by subtraction rather than excess. They began releasing music in mid‑2024, dropping a demo track ‘Boiling Stone’ to Bandcamp in June 2024. This track was a minimal yet crushing tone‑setting statement that established their turf on a scorched and abandoned earth. The band then planned to dripfeed more demos to Bandcamp at tactical moments but after experiencing their live ferocity, Chuch Road Records picked them up at the end of 2024. The band then began unfolding a string of miserable endtimes inducing singles in 2025. I got to sit down with vocalist Caine Hemmingway where we talked about how the band started, the recording process for their debut album, 'Rot', and how the band got their eye-catching name. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Believe In Nothing here: https://www.instagram.com/believeinnothing_noise/?hl=en Track played: 'The Children Are Cattle', ©️ all rights reserved Believe In Nothing Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Hailing from Norwich, UK, Birdwitch are a self-described “Dream Violence” band, blending elements of doom, shoegaze, post-metal and prog (amongst other influences). Birdwitch offer an emotional, spiritual melting pot of rage, pain and catharsis, introspectively exploring in an attempt to heal, learn and grow in this short life. Their debut EP, 'bless the spark that found its home', was released on October 7, 2025, featuring tracks such as “Starling.” I got to sit down with members Raya (Vocals) and Kieron (Drums) where we talked about how the band started, the recording process for their debut EP, 'bless the spark that found its home', and the music scene in Norwich and more! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Birdwitch here: https://www.instagram.com/birdwitch_band/?hl=en Track played: 'Calcify', ©️ all rights reserved Birdwitch Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Desertion draws inspiration from ‘90s punk greats like Seaweed, Knapsack, or Dear You-era Jawbreaker, and filtering them through a punchy modern lens to create visceral post-hardcore that's sure to inspire stage dives and catharsis in equal measure. "10 Days" follows earlier singles "Stale Change" and "Desert" (which drew attention from Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, and more), and the hard-hitting track and its accompanying delves deeper into the intense themes of Desertion. Vocalist/guitarist Max Lajoie discussed the song and video, saying: "'10 Days' about the time I spent by my mom’s side in the hospital after we learned she had cancer. She was gone 10 days after her diagnosis. The song captures what I felt for leaving her behind years earlier, for all the things I couldn’t do, for not being able to stop time. It’s about holding her hand as she passed and feeling like I was both present and absent, both there and not enough. It’s a reflection on how fast everything can unravel, and how love, even when it feels too late, is all we really have to give. The video drifts through an imagined version of the days that kept unfolding while I was gone—painting, cooking, waiting behind a fragile mask. It’s about coming back too late, and trying to say sorry through the fragments of what was left behind." Desertion explores grief with uncommon vulnerability as Lajoie depicts the immense pain and complicated emotions around the unexpected passings of both his parents. “When I was 17, my dad passed away from suicide,” he says. “Then ten years later my mom called me to tell me she had cancer, and ten days later she passed..Desertion is more about how these tragedies have informed so much of my life–it’s about trying to look them in the eye and reassess them as an adult. I want to move past them but I also want to take some kind of lesson from them.” The stakes feel high with such painful and challenging subject matter, and Desertion holds nothing back musically or lyrically. This is 29 minutes of ultra-urgent music that's sure to leave an impression long after it's over. I got to sit down with vocalist and guitarist Max Lajoie where we talked about the recording process for the bands album, 'Desertion', getting his thoughts on Deftones new album and what the music scene is like in Quebec, Canada. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Spite House here: https://www.instagram.com/spitehouseband/?hl=en Track played: 'Desert', ©️ all rights reserved Spite House Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

French bruisers ten56. have announced the arrival of their brand new album, IO. The highly anticipated follow-up to their earth-shattering debut Downer will drop on 5th September via Out Of Line, presenting a more calculated, more aggressive and far darker version of the band than ever before. Pre-order and pre-save the album here. To celebrate the news, ten56. have also shared a music video for their new single 'I Know Where You Sleep'. Clocking in at under 2 minutes, the single is an unrelenting statement of intent that sees the band brutally utilise blast beats, gutturals, dissonance and towering breakdowns to devastating effect. Speaking on the album, the band shares: “With IO, we’ve taken the distinct foundation on which we built our debut album on, and pushed that twisted, vulgar, yet vulnerable emotional rollercoaster even further. We thoroughly hope people enjoy the journey we created with this pivotal sophomore release.” I got to sit down with members Aaron & Steeves where we talked about the recording process for the album, how they came up with the cover art and Disneyland. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out ten56 here: https://www.instagram.com/ten56hq/ Track played: 'I Know Where You Sleep', ©️ all rights reserved ten56 Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Emerging from the vibrant underground music scene, K L P S is a force to be reckoned with in the realms of post-metal, sludge, and post-hardcore. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Breach, Burst, Converge, Neurosis, and ISIS, the band melds complex rhythms with emotive soundscapes, crafting an auditory experience that is both powerful and introspective. Since their inception, K L P S has steadily carved out a name for themselves, earning significant airtime on renowned platforms, including Daniel P. Carter's BBC Radio 1 show. Their music has captured the attention of critics and fans alike, receiving mentions in prestigious publications such as AFTONBLADET and Sweden Rock Magazine. The band’s raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics have led to an insightful interview on Lambgoat and a highly regarded album premiere featured on Metal Injection. Notable online music outlets like Brooklyn Vegan and No Echo have praised K L P S for their innovative sound further establishing their presence in the post-metal genre. With the release of their self-titled album on These Hands Melt, K L P S is poised to reach new heights, inviting listeners into their immersive sonic world. As they continue to push boundaries and inspire a devoted fanbase, K L P S is not just a band; they are a movement, redefining the very essence of heavy music. Get ready to experience the intensity and depth of K L P S—where every note tells a story. I got to sit down with vocalist and guitarist Daniel Wollenborg where we talked about the recording for their album, 'K L P S', how the band started and our thoughts on Deftones. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out KOLLAPS/E here: https://www.instagram.com/klps_music/?hl=en Track played: 'UNDERTOW', ©️ all rights reserved KOLLAPS/E Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

We Lost The Sea is a cinematic instrumental band from Sydney, Australia. Formed in 2007, friends came together to create a new collection of noise that gathers relentless crushing guitars together with post-rock atmospherics and brooding melody. The group's debut full-length, 'Crimea', engineered and mixed by Cult of Luna's Magnus Linderg, was released in 2010. The group played several successful shows throughout Australia, including performances with American band Rosetta, and signed to Bird's Robe Records in 2012. 'The Quietest Place on Earth', the band's second full-length, appeared on the label that December. The album expanded the group's sound significantly, incorporating pianos as well as greater dynamic changes. In March 2013, tragedy struck when their close friend and vocalist of the band, Chris Torpy, sadly took his own life at the age of only 24. This was devastating for the band, and the next two years were spent rebuilding and trying to figure out how to move forward with their music. From 2015 to 2017 saw the band write and record their cathartic and emotional third album 'Departure Songs' and tour around Australia and Europe. The new album 'A Single Flower' follows six years after their fourth album Triumph & Disaster', and it offers its heaviest - and most diverse collection of songs yet. I got to sit down with drummer Alasdair where we talked about how he joined the band, the recording process for their new album, 'A Single Flower', and Dream Theater! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out We Lost The Sea here: https://www.instagram.com/welostthesea/ Track played: 'Everything Here Is Black and Blinding', ©️ all rights reserved We Lost The Sea Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

The future of British Metal lies in safe hands with Conjurer, who announce their long-awaited new album Páthos, to be released 1st July 2022 via Nuclear Blast. Páthos is not an album for the half-hearted or faint-hearted. Elements of sludge, death, doom, black metal and hardcore influences clash and collide throughout, all masterfully finished by Will Putney's exquisite mix and master. The fifty-minute runtime of Páthos is not without its moments of the sublime. That a band can be at once so triumphantly beautiful and gut-punchingly heavy is testament to Conjurer's quality, and a surefire sign of their future longevity at the top of Britain's heavy music scene. A triumphant return from Conjurer following their world-renowned 2018 debut Mire, Páthos is a band flexing their creative muscles, deepening their approach and thought, and expanding their sound. I got to sit down with guitarist and vocalist Dani Nightingale where we talked about the bands recent visit to Ireland in May with Make Them Suffer, the recording process for their album, 'Pathós', and Star Wars! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Conjurer here: https://www.instagram.com/conjureruk/?hl=en Tracks played: 'All You Will Remember', ©️ all rights reserved Conjurer Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

The Rising Tide are a 4 Piece modern deathcore band based out of Manawatu, New Zealand. Originally formed in 2012 and disbanding in 2016, the band returned in 2021 with a new line up and improved heavy sound. The Risings Tide’s sound consists of stupidly low tuned guitars, crushing sub drops, emotional orchestral elements and over the top harsh vocals. Their debut album, 'Trauma', came out the 21st of March, 3 years after their, ''Visions', EP. I got to sit down and chat with Phil and Cody via the power of the internet where we chatted about how the band started, the recording process of their debut album, 'Trauma', and their favourite things about New Zealand. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out The Rising Tide here: https://www.instagram.com/therisingtide_official/?hl=en Tracks played: 'Sick', ©️ all rights reserved The Rising Tide Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Slovenia’s most awesomely audacious, genre defying metal pioneers Within Destruction have officially announced their next chapter with the reveal of their upcoming album 'ANIMETAL'. Speaking on the news of their upcoming album, the band share: “ANIMETAL is a culmination of all the stylistic experimentations that preceded it. These tracks are unapologetically authentic to the band’s identity. With each album released after the band’s deathcore era, we have gradually pushed the boundaries of electronics, clean hooks, and pop sensibility. Each song has a unique identity within the tracklist while retaining the band’s signature heavy-core sound. In previous albums, we experimented with melodic choruses, but with ANIMETAL, they have become a defining feature of our music. Every song has its own hook and appeal, and we hope it resonates deeply with listeners. “Thematically, ANIMETAL explores a wide range of subjects, shifting between fictional, larger-than-life characters and situations, and motifs that are deeply relatable to everyday life. Heavily inspired by anime plots and protagonists, the lyrics often take on a first-person perspective, portraying the struggles these characters face. From the grim battles within one’s own mind to the delusions we sometimes find ourselves lost in, and the crushing weight of the external world, we aim to create a connection with listeners through the storytelling in these tracks.” Building on the momentum of their previous singles ‘DEMON CHILD’ and ‘KANASHIBARI’, WITHIN DESTRUCTION’s fifth studio album, ANIMETAL pushes their sonic experimentation to new heights. Combining their trademark brutality with anime-inspired electronic flourishes, the album reflects their fearless creativity and relentless drive to challenge genre boundaries. I got to sit down with guitarist and clean vocalist Howard Fang where we talked about the recording process for, 'Animetal', playing the bands album release show at Club Asia in Japan, gearing up for European festivals and more! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Within Destruction here: https://www.instagram.com/withindestructiondm/ Tracks played: 'Cybergirl', ©️ all rights reserved Within Destruction Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Unto Others emerged in the summer of 2017, born from the frustration of singer/songwriter Gabriel Franco following the disbandment of his previous group. Initially named Idle Hands, the band served as Franco's creative outlet, allowing him full control over the songwriting process. With the addition of Sebastian Silva, Brandon Hill and Colin Vranizan, the band quickly gained traction in the underground music scene with their blend of old-school Heavy Metal, Goth, New Wave, and Post Punk. Their EP "Don't Waste Your Time" garnered critical acclaim, leading to a European tour and accolades from renowned metal publications. The momentum continued as Unto Others entered the studio to record their debut full-length album, "Mana," produced by Gabe Johnston and Franco himself. The album's release in 2019 marked a significant milestone for the band, with positive reviews and high streaming numbers. Despite facing challenges like visa issues and the pandemic, Unto Others persevered, signing with Roadrunner Records and releasing their sophomore album "Strength" in 2021. The album received widespread acclaim, and the band continued to tour extensively across the US, Europe and UK, supporting bands like Behemoth, Arch Enemy, Carcass and Napalm Death, building a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Building upon the resounding success of "Strength" in 2023, Unto Others introduced "Strength II ...Deep Cuts" featuring six previously unreleased tracks from the same prolific sessions produced by Arthur Rizk. In 2024, Unto Others embarks on a transformative journey with industry titan Century Media for their highly anticipated third album, "Never, Neverland," set to launch on September 20th. Produced by acclaimed Tom Dalgety (Ghost and The Cult), the album not only solidifies Unto Others as successors to Type O Negative and the Sisters of Mercy but also marks them as a band on the verge of something unholy and massive. Building on their underground classics "Mana" and "Strength", the album represents a departure, with harsh light breaking through their darkened gothic and classic metal motifs. Lead singles like "Butterfly", "Raigeki ", the grandiose "Angel Of The Night" and punkish abandon of "Suicide Today" reveal a progression from their earlier sound, blending melodious gloom with punkish abandon. Amidst this pivotal moment, the band's unwavering focus remains steadfastly fixed on extensive tours across Europe, the United States, and beyond. Fueled by relentless dedication and a fiery passion for music creation and audience connection, Unto Others charges forward. Their distinctive sound reverberates through the veins of contemporary heavy metal, solidifying their position in the genre's evolving landscape. I got to sit down with Gabriel where we talked about the bands visit to Ireland in Febuary with Green Lung, the recording process for the bands album, 'Never, Neverland', and camping! With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Unto Others here: https://www.instagram.com/untootherspdx/?hl=en Tracks played: 'Butterfly', ©️ all rights reserved Unto Others Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Leading lights of British metal, Employed To Serve, take pride of place on the heavy metal world stage as they return with brand new single 'Atonement' feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore, plus long-awaited new studio album, 'Fallen Star', set for release on Friday, April 25th. "We want to fly the flag for heavy metal and the traditions that it holds," offers guitarist and songwriter Sammy Urwin, "But at the same time we want to play our part in taking things forward." Since meeting in their teens on the outskirts of Lurdon, vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist / co-vocalist Sammy have had their sights fixed on the road ahead. At first, it was all about standing with the local scene bands they admired, but before long they were forging a path of their own, lifers with a mission, evolving from the feral mathcore of their early EPs to detonating a full-throttle career high with 2021 album, 'Conquering. And now there's 'Fallen Star', an 11-track tour-de-force that sees the collective ETS vision refined to an even sharper degree... Produced and mixed by Lewis Johns, a longstanding presence behind the desk, it features a number of special guests, including Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach on 'Whose Side Are You On?' and Svalbard's Serena Cherry on 'Last Laugh'. 'Fallen Star', the band's third album via Spinefarm, is a record of dizzying diversity, yet also one that is utterly uncompromising. I got to sit down and chat with Sammy Urwin where we talked about the recording of the bands new album, 'Fallen Star', working with Serena Cherry, Jesse Leach and Will Ramos on the album and going all the way back to 2021 where we talk about Download fest. With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed. Avalible on all streaming platforms. Check out Employed To Serve here: https://www.instagram.com/employedtoserve/?hl=en Tracks played: 'Whose Side Are You On? (Feat Jesse Leach)', ©️ all rights reserved Employed To Serve Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘 The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/