And Now The Band

In Episode 317 of And Now The Band, host Tom sits down with Kyle Thomas, legendary vocalist of Exhorder, for a wide-ranging conversation on songwriting integrity, vocal longevity, and the evolution of heavy music culture.Kyle breaks down his songwriting philosophy, emphasizing brutal self-critique, honesty, and cutting anything that doesn’t genuinely excite him. He discusses how this mindset applies not only to music, but also to parenting, creativity, and personal growth—focusing on doing your best without unhealthy comparison.The conversation dives deep into Kyle’s musical background, including his early choral training and how it shaped his vocal control, endurance, and technique. Kyle also shares practical insights on vocal care, avoiding damage, maintaining health on the road, and sustaining a long career in extreme music.Tom and Kyle also discuss Exhorder’s upcoming tour, the excitement of returning to familiar cities while exploring new territories, and the importance of diverse mixed-genre bills featuring bands like Ringworm, Phobia, and others. Kyle reflects on his early acceptance within the punk and hardcore scenes, and how today’s metal audience is more open than ever to genre crossover.The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on how metal culture has evolved, Kyle’s journey from strict metal purist to embracing a wider range of music, and why staying authentic ultimately attracts the right audience.If you’re interested in thrash metal history, vocal technique, touring life, songwriting discipline, or the legacy of Exhorder, this episode delivers insight straight from one of heavy music’s most respected voices.#KyleThomas#Exhorder#ThrashMetal#HeavyMetalPodcast#MetalPodcast#ExtremeMetal#VocalTechnique#Songwriting#MetalHistory#HardcorePunk#AndNowTheBand

In this episode, host Tom sits down with Gary and Matt of Weaving Spiders to unpack the band’s unconventional origin story, creative process, and evolving sonic identity.Born out of isolation during the COVID lockdowns, Weaving Spiders began as a solo GarageBand project after Gary’s departure from Bad Wizard. What started as remote experimentation slowly transformed into a fully realized band once Matt—initially reluctant to step into the role—became the group’s vocalist. The conversation explores how solitude, restraint, and trust shaped the band’s sound.Gary and Matt dive deep into the realities of remote collaboration vs. writing in the same room, the limitations of Dropbox songwriting, and why their next chapter will likely sound very different once everyone is physically together. They discuss influences ranging from Refused to Spotlights, the importance of presence while writing, and the decision to avoid unnecessary banter in live performances.The episode also touches on:Writing outside traditional verse-chorus structuresBalancing simplicity with heavinessLoud drummers, bigger amps, and basement practice spacesThe philosophy of letting songs exist without over-explaining themWhy lockdown solitude was creatively freeingThis is an honest, grounded conversation about modern underground music, creative trust, and allowing a band to become what it needs to be—naturally.

Dirty Dave and Andy “Lil Bucky” of The Glasspack join Tom for a deep dive into punk ethics, underground survival, and the realities of making heavy music across multiple decades.From early tours disrupted by 9/11 to vinyl pressing delays, label collapses, and the shift from analog to digital creation, this episode captures what it actually means to stay active in the underground. The conversation covers punk roots, rock history, artist compensation, Louisville’s influence, and why DIY still matters more than ever.Essential listening for fans of punk, stoner rock, heavy underground music, and real-world band history.#TheGlasspack#PunkRock#UndergroundMusic#DIY#StonerRock#HeavyRockThe Glasspack podcast, Dirty Dave interview, punk rock history podcast, underground rock bands, stoner rock musicians, vinyl punk records, DIY rock ethics

Tom sits down with Sonia of Velkhanos to explore the discipline, technique, and personal drive behind modern extreme metal vocals.From joining Velkhanos in 2020 to touring Europe and teaching vocals professionally, Sonia shares how anatomy, control, and mindset are critical to sustaining aggressive vocal styles. The conversation touches on theatrical live performances, the influence of bands like GWAR, the rise of modern deathcore, and the pressure young bands face as they gain rapid attention.This episode is a must-listen for fans of extreme metal, death metal, vocal performance, and the technical side of heavy music.#Velkhanos#ExtremeMetal#MetalVocals#DeathMetal#MetalCommunity#HeavyMusicVelkhanos podcast, Sonia metal vocalist, extreme vocal techniques, death metal singer interview, metal voice teacher, modern metal vocals, Spanish metal scene

Tom sits down with John Gist to preview Planet Desert Rock Weekend VI, happening January 29th–February 1st in Las Vegas.John breaks down how the festival lineup comes together, the importance of diversity in heavy music, and why Planet Desert Rock focuses on community, fairness, and artistic integrity over trends. The conversation covers standout bands on the bill, the Ripple Showcase, the realities of rock promotion in the U.S., and the challenge of bringing younger audiences into the scene.They also dive into genre evolution — from hair metal to grunge to modern stoner and desert rock — and why live music remains the most powerful way to sustain underground scenes. This episode is essential listening for fans of stoner rock, heavy psych, doom, and independent festivals.#PlanetDesertRock #StonerRock #HeavyPsych #UndergroundRock #MusicFestival #RippleMusicPlanet Desert Rock interview, John Gist podcast, stoner rock festival, desert rock weekend, underground rock festivals, heavy psych podcast, Ripple Music bands, Las Vegas rock scene

Revisiting Tony and ISD because they both rock!

Hiroe holds one of my favorite albums this year with Wield. I am going to revisit chatting with them at Post Fest this year. Watching these folks perform and chatting with them was like seeing long lost friends. The conversation was great on and off camera and as a group, they are some of the nicest folks out there.

Tom is joined by Temptress to discuss their upcoming album, releasing January 23rd, and the years-long creative process behind it.The band dives into their favorite songs on the record, the emotional weight behind tracks like “Be Still,” and how collaboration helped shape an album that reflects both personal growth and their powerful live sound. A major highlight of the discussion is Temptress’ unique dynamic of three lead vocalists, a rare approach that gives the album depth, variety, and a distinct identity.They also talk about upcoming European tour plans, touring with Friendship Commanders and Buick, discovering new music on the road, and the finer details of vinyl production and collectibles. From gear quality to festival experiences, this episode offers a well-rounded look at where Temptress is headed next.Temptress interview, Temptress album release, heavy rock podcast, alternative metal interview, female fronted metal, European tour metal bands, vinyl records music podcast, underground rock bands#Temptress #HeavyRock #AlternativeMetal #UndergroundMusic #NewMusic #MetalPodcast#IndependentArtists

With Down expecting a new album in 2026, lets revisit an early episode with Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod and Down. He talks about some of the writing of the Down material among other things.Thanks for watching and listening across the various platforms. Follow me on instagram for the most up to date giveaways. Sometimes tickets to some Danny Wimmer Presents festivals, albums from artists I love or whatever. @and_now_the_band

One of my favorite bands for the last few years is Blessed Black. They are on a constant rotation for me.We are going to revisit this conversation with Murphy. I'm ready for Vol 3 and Vol 4 to grace my ears.#blessedblack #thirdhousecommunications #andnowtheband

In Honor of 2 Years doing this show, I am going to repost EP 20 with Sol Williams and Cathode ULT. Cathode has their third EP coming out in as long as this show has been going.Enjoy the show and check out Cathode ULT and the other episodes of ANTB

Revisiting EP2 with Chris Enriquez because Spotlights recently released a Rarities album. It has some killer songs on it that were not available previously on vinyl. Hooray!As I come to the end of Year 2 of And Now The Band, I am going to revisit some of the early episodes. It's amazing to see how far this thing has come since it's inception. Has there been a favorite episode for you? Over 300 numbered episodes.

Host Tom is joined by Elijah Kellogg of floodlit for a wide-ranging conversation about grief, purpose, and the role of heavy music in processing real-world trauma.Elijah discusses floodlit’s latest single “Ama,” his vocal influences, and the challenge of balancing clean singing with harsh vocals in modern heavy music. The conversation turns deeply personal as Elijah shares how his time doing community development work in Myanmar — and the abrupt evacuation caused by a military coup in 2021 — became the emotional foundation for the Floodlit album.Together, Tom and Elijah explore how music evolves once it’s released, why heavy music carries cultural weight, and the responsibility artists have in creating safe, inclusive spaces without losing intensity. They also touch on the changing nature of hardcore shows, mentorship in heavy music, and upcoming releases including “Akko.”A thoughtful, emotional episode for listeners interested in heavy music with depth, meaning, and purpose.#floodlit #HeavyMusic #PostHardcore #Metalcore #MusicAndMeaning #UndergroundMusic #HeavyMusicPodcast #IndependentArtistsElijah Kellogg floodlit, floodlit Ama, heavy music podcast, post hardcore interview, metalcore podcast, grief in music, underground heavy bands, emotional metal, modern heavy music discussion, independent heavy artists

Host Tom is joined by S. Patrick Brooks of Heavy Underground Farm Report to unveil the inaugural HUFR Fest, happening April 24–26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.In this episode, Sean breaks down how HUFR Fest came together, why Denver’s underground scene is the perfect home for it, and what makes this festival stand out in a crowded live-music landscape. With a lineup that already includes Lost Relics, Sonolith, Lord Velvet, Violet Rising, Hibernaut, Vashon Seed, Cobranoid, Blue Heron, Luna Sol, Godzillionaire, Momovudu, Psalm, Shadow of Jupiter, Messiahvore, Black Sunrise, Nomestomper, and more to be announced, HUFR Fest is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-attend heavy music events.Tom and Sean also talk candidly about where their passion for live music began, the importance of community-driven festivals, and the immense amount of work that goes into launching something new. Sean sends special thanks to Zeth (Luna Sols amazing drummer) and his (Seans) wife Andrea for their tireless support behind the scenes.A must-listen for fans of underground metal, doom, stoner rock, and independent festivals.#HUFRFest #HeavyUndergroundFarmReport #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #DenverFestival #DoomMetal #StonerRock #MetalPodcast #LiveMusicHUFR Fest 2026, Heavy Underground Farm Report, underground metal podcast, Denver music festival, doom metal podcast, stoner rock podcast, heavy music interviews, independent music festivals, underground rock scene, live music culture, metal festival planning

In EP309, Alex Skolnick (Testament, Metal Allegiance, Alex Skolnick Trio) joins host Tom for an in-depth discussion on collaboration, musicianship, and metal’s evolving legacy.Alex reflects on Metal Allegiance’s 10-year history, their tradition of performing around the NAMM Show, and their upcoming House of Blues Anaheim performance in 2026. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into how Metal Allegiance assembles elite vocalists and musicians, balances limited rehearsal time, and consistently delivers high-level performances.The conversation explores how different vocalists reinterpret classic material, the importance of preparation in supergroup settings, and why musical professionalism matters at the highest level. Alex also explains how his jazz training enhances his metal playing, improving rhythm, listening, and adaptability without sacrificing aggression or identity.This episode offers rare perspective from one of metal’s most respected guitarists and is perfect for fans of thrash metal, guitar-driven music, metal supergroups, and genre-crossing musicianship.#AlexSkolnick#MetalAllegiance#Testament#ThrashMetal#MetalPodcast#HeavyMusic#GuitarLife#ModernMetalAlex Skolnick podcast, Testament interview, Metal Allegiance podcast, thrash metal guitarist, jazz metal discussion, metal supergroup interview, heavy metal musicianship, NAMM metal bands, guitar podcast metal

In EP308, host Tom welcomes Stu Folsom of SpiritWorld for an in-depth conversation about the realities of modern heavy metal touring, live show evolution, and building longevity as a band.Stu discusses SpiritWorld’s transition into a four-piece live lineup, how rotating fill-in musicians have influenced their performances, and why the band is shifting toward more intentional setlist dynamics rather than nonstop intensity. He also shares lessons learned from touring with Avatar, including insights into modular stage design, production scalability, and connecting with diverse metal audiences.The episode covers crowd management, safety in extreme live environments, and the responsibility bands have to read the room during volatile moments. Stu and Tom also explore the changing relationship between musicians and fans, touring hierarchies, and how SpiritWorld has grown from an underground project into a full-time touring act.The conversation wraps with reflections on tours alongside Obituary and Municipal Waste, plus early insight into SpiritWorld’s upcoming fourth studio album.A must-listen for fans of heavy metal, thrash, hardcore, touring culture, and live music strategy#SpiritWorld #StuFolsom #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #TouringBand #LiveMusic #ModernMetal #ThrashMetal #UndergroundMetalSpiritWorld podcast, Stu Folsom interview, metal band touring, heavy metal podcast, modern metal interviews, thrash metal discussion, hardcore metal podcast, touring musicians, live metal shows, underground metal bands, metal industry podcast

Tom and Zach of Howling Giant join the show to explore the creative universe behind one of heavy music’s most imaginative and dynamic bands. From sci-fi concept albums and cosmic storytelling to airtight musicianship and relentless touring strategy, Howling Giant has carved out a distinctive place in modern stoner, psych, and doom metal.In this episode, Tom and Zach discuss the band’s origin story, how they craft narrative-driven albums, and the chemistry that’s kept the band tight and evolving. We dive into their approach to vocal harmonies, gear choices that shape their tone, and how they build huge soundscapes as a (now) Four-piece. The duo also shares practical lessons learned from constant touring, including maintaining energy, creating memorable live experiences, and staying connected with fans.Whether you love space-themed heaviness, airtight musicianship, or simply the craft behind building a successful modern heavy band, this conversation delivers insight and inspiration at every turn.If you like what you're hearing: subscribe, like, comment, share.Title: EP307 – Tom & Zach of Howling GiantGuests: Tom Polzine & Zach WheelerShow: And Now The BandKeywords: Howling Giant interview, stoner metal, doom metal, Nashville heavy scene, concept albums, heavy music podcastDescription:Tom and Zach of Howling Giant discuss their origin story, cosmic songwriting, vocal harmonies, gear, touring lessons, and the creative universe behind one of modern heavy music’s most imaginative bands.Howling Giant interviewTom PolzineZach WheelerNashville heavy bandsStoner metal interviewDoom metal podcastPsych metal bandConcept album songwritingHeavy music podcastAnd Now The Band

In EP306, Tom sits down with Travis of Carrion Vael to talk about the upcoming album “Slay Utterly”, arriving January 16th via Unique Leader Records, and the intense, research-driven approach behind the band’s technical death metal sound.Travis breaks down how Carrion Vael writes songs inspired by serial killers, cult leaders, and true crime, approaching violent subject matter with analysis and storytelling rather than shock for shock’s sake. The conversation explores the psychology of infamous figures, the balance between art and discomfort, and how extreme themes can coexist with technical precision.Also discussed:Writing death metal based on real historical crimesAlbums King of the Rhine and Slay UtterlySongs about Jim Jones and David Parker RayMetal influences and formative live show experiencesPulling inspiration from hip-hop and underground rapPreparing for album release shows and new merch dropsCarrion Vael’s upcoming Metal Monday appearance at MagBarThis episode is a must-listen for fans of technical death metal, true crime, Unique Leader Records artists, and extreme underground music.#CarrionVael #TechnicalDeathMetal #SlayUtterly #DeathMetalPodcast #TrueCrimeMusic #ExtremeMetal #UniqueLeaderCarrion Vael podcast, Slay Utterly interview, Travis Carrion Vael, technical death metal discussion, true crime death metal, Unique Leader Records interview, extreme metal podcast, underground death metal band

In EP305, Tom welcomes James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy for a deep, honest conversation about DIY metal, distortion-driven songwriting, underground touring, and artistic integrity.James reflects on nearly two decades of creating heavy music, from a bedroom project in 2005 to a fully realized band built on texture, volume, and commitment to artistic truth. They discuss the band’s latest album, which intentionally keeps distortion engaged almost nonstop, and why full-album immersion still matters.Topics include:Writing and recording a fully distorted heavy albumStaying true to an artistic vision in a commercial industryThe evolution and monetization of heavy metalThe realities of DIY touring and rising costsInclusive all-ages shows and changing live cultureLifelong friendships formed through underground touringDiscovering and supporting lesser-known bandsThey also share love for bands like Blood Incantation, discuss unforgettable live performances, upcoming festival appearances, and the joy of uncovering hidden gems in the underground scene.This episode is essential listening for fans of metal, psych, noise rock, DIY culture, and underground heavy music.#DoomMetal #TheGrasshopperLiesHeavy #DIYMusic #UndergroundMetal #HeavyPodcast #NoiseRock #PsychDoom #IndependentArtistsThe Grasshopper Lies Heavy interview, James Woodard podcast, DIY doom metal interview, underground heavy music podcast, distortion doom metal, experimental heavy bands, metal touring discussion, independent metal artists, noise doom podcast

In EP304, Tom sits down with Valira of Vesseles to discuss her upcoming album Home, releasing January 16th, 2026, and the deeply personal artistic journey behind her evolving approach to black metal.Valira opens up about discovering heavy music, gravitating toward darker and more atmospheric sounds, and challenging herself with tracks like Flesh Throne, Eternally Within Us, and Scriptures Until They Are Dust. She explains her passion for creating full-album experiences, focusing on flow, pacing, and emotional progression.The conversation also explores:The origins and evolution of VesselesThe creative process using Guitar ProBuilding a cohesive visual identity through custom latex masksBalancing audience expectations and personal fulfillmentThe welcoming nature of the heavy music communityTouring strategy in the Pacific Northwest and future expansionThe 12-month plan for Vesseles (shows, festivals, regional push)Their album release show – Jan 24 @ Neck of the Woods in San FranciscoThis episode is a deep dive into creativity, identity expression, underground metal culture, and the mindset behind building a DIY project from the ground up. If you love black metal, atmospheric heavy music, or stories of artists forging their own path—this episode is for you.#BlackMetal #Vesseles #Valira #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #ExtremeMetal #AtmosphericBlackMetal #UndergroundMetal #ArtistInterview #MetalCommunity #IdentityAndArtVesseles interview, Valira black metal, Home album Vesseles, underground black metal artist, heavy music podcast interview, custom mask artist, Brandy Beast latex masks, Guitar Pro composer, PNW black metal scene, atmospheric metal, Vesseles band 2026, modern black metal evolution