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Laughingmonkeymusic

Author: Shawn Ratches

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Hi welcome to Laughingmonkeymusic a show that explores all genres of music. As someone with autism, I bring a unique perspective to my interviews, aiming to create an authentic and engaging experience for both artists and listeners.Thanks for listening!

661 Episodes
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Finnish extreme metal innovators …And Oceans join the show for a conversation about one of the most distinctive and unpredictable careers in underground metal. Rising in the mid-1990s out of the ashes of death metal outfit Festerday, the band built its name by fusing symphonic black metal with industrial, electronic, and experimental elements, refusing to stay in one lane for very long. Their catalog has moved from the early ferocity of The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts and The Symmetry of I – The Circle of O to the more futuristic and abrasive territory of A.M.G.O.D. and Cypher, making them one of Finland’s more adventurous extreme bands.  In this interview, the band reflects on that evolution, the creative risks that shaped their sound, and how …And Oceansreturned in recent years with a renewed focus that reconnects their symphonic black metal roots to the more expansive vision they developed over time. Since reforming under the …And Oceans name, the group has released Cosmic World Mother and As in Gardens, So in Tombs, proving that their comeback was not nostalgia but a genuine continuation of the band’s identity.  This episode is a deep dive into artistic reinvention, longevity, and the restless mindset that has kept …And Oceans both relevant and difficult to categorize. For longtime fans, it is a chance to hear the story behind one of metal’s most shape-shifting bands; for newer listeners, it is a strong entry point into a catalog that has always balanced extremity, atmosphere, and experimentation.  
Andy Brings joins the show to talk about the new deluxe reissue of Sodom’s 1994 album Get What You Deserve, which was reissued on February 27, 2026 through BMG. The expanded edition was remastered and newly mixed by Brings himself, and it also includes the remastered/remixed Aber Bitte Mit Sahne EP, bonus live material, and additional archival content from that era. Sodom’s official channels have also been promoting Andy’s involvement through recent box set unboxing and playback features tied to the release.  During the conversation, Andy looks back on his time in Sodom, where he served as guitarist in the early 1990s and played on Tapping the Vein and Get What You Deserve—two records that remain fan favorites for their intensity, rawness, and refusal to follow trends. In discussing the reissue, Brings has described Get What You Deserve as an intentionally hostile, stripped-down album, while Tom Angelripper has said the band was aiming for something more rooted in Venom and Motörhead, with Andy’s punk influence helping shape its short, aggressive attack.  This episode is a chance to revisit a chaotic and underrated chapter in Sodom history with the guitarist who helped create it. From the band’s creative mindset at the time to the process of revisiting and remixing the material decades later, Andy offers an inside perspective on an album that still sounds like a bar fight pressed onto vinyl—in the best possible way.  
In this episode, I sat down with Ross Dolan of Immolation to talk about the band’s latest chapter and the upcoming release of their new album, Descent, due out April 10, 2026 through Nuclear Blast. We got into the creative process behind the record, the mindset of the band going into this release, and what fans can expect from a record already previewed by the singles “Adversary” and “Attrition.”Ross spoke in depth about Immolation’s continued drive to push forward while staying true to the dark, punishing identity the band has built over decades. Our conversation covered the themes and intensity behind Descent, the evolution of the group’s songwriting, and how Immolation continue to stand as one of death metal’s most respected and uncompromising bands.We also talked about the response to the new material so far, especially the early impact of “Adversary” and “Attrition,” which have already given listeners a strong sense of the atmosphere and aggression surrounding this new album. Ross gave great insight into where the band is creatively right now and why Descent feels like an important record in Immolation’s ongoing legacy.
Kyle Thomas of Exhorder joins the show for a great conversation about his voice, life touring on the road, and the reality of what goes on behind the scenes when a band is out performing night after night. He also talks about new music currently being worked on, first for Trouble and then for Exhorder, giving fans a look at what may be coming next from both camp
Ron Rinehart of Dark Angel joins the show for a conversation about the band’s history, the intensity and legacy of their music, his approach to songwriting and singing, and what may be ahead for the band in the future. Ron reflects on Dark Angel’s place in thrash metal, the creative process behind the songs, and the passion that continues to drive the band forward.It’s a strong look at one of thrash metal’s most respected names, with insight into the past, the music, and the road ahead.
Tommy Victor of Prong joins the show to talk about the band’s new live album, the energy of bringing Prong’s music to the stage, and what fans can expect next. Tommy also shares that new music is on the way, with a possible release coming around November. It’s a great conversation covering the current state of Prong, the live experience, and what’s ahead for one of heavy music’s most distinctive bands.For longtime fans and anyone into heavy, groove-driven metal, this is a solid look at where Prong stands now and where they’re heading next.
John Corabi joins the show to discuss his new solo album, New Day, due out April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. The album is being described as Corabi’s first full-length solo album of original material, and it was recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by Marti Frederiksen. The title track was released first, followed by the single “That Memory.” Corabi is widely known for his work with Mötley Crüe, The Scream, Union, ESP, and The Dead Daisies, and New Day marks a different chapter by putting the focus squarely on his own material. According to the album announcement, the record draws from classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences. The album’s announced track list includes “New Day,” “That Memory,” “Faith, Hope And Love,” “When I Was Young,” “One More Shot,” “1969,” “Laurel,” “Good To Be Back Here Again,” “Love That’ll Never Be,” “Cosi’ Bella,” “Your Own Worst Enemy,” and “Everyday People.” For this interview, John talks about the making of New Day, the songwriting and recording process behind the album, and where this release fits into the next stage of his career. No fake hype, no mystery smoke machine, just Corabi and the record. 
Thrash legends Whiplash are back, and a new record is on the way. On this episode, I’m joined by Tony Portaro of Whiplash to talk about the band’s long-running place in thrash metal, what still drives him creatively, and the upcoming album Thrashquake.We get into the energy behind the new material, the mindset going into this release, and what fans can expect from Thrashquake. Tony also talks about the legacy of Whiplash, the band’s connection to old-school thrash, and what it means to keep pushing forward while staying true to that raw, aggressive sound the band is known for.If you’re a fan of real, unapologetic thrash metal, this is one you’ll want to check out.https://www.officialwhiplash.com
Corrosion of Conformity returns with Good God / Baad Man, a new double album born out of major change, loss, and a fresh creative surge. In this interview, Woody Weatherman talks about the making of the record, the writing sessions with Pepper Keenan in Mississippi, the album’s split personality between the heavier Good God side and the more rock-driven Baad Man side, and the band’s path forward after the loss of Reed Mullin and Mike Dean’s departure. The album also features Stanton Moore on drums, Bobby “Rock” Landgraf on bass, and was produced by Warren Riker. 
Today on the show I’m talking with Tonino Baliardo of Gipsy Kings as the band celebrates the new album Historia. Across a career that has included 25 million albums sold, a GRAMMY Award, global touring, and enduring classics like “Bamboléo” and “Djobi, Djoba,” the Gipsy Kings have built one of the most recognizable sounds in modern flamenco and rumba. Their recent run also included a widely praised Glastonbury 2024 performance that The Times said gave tired festival legs “a new lease of life.” What makes this story even stronger is where it started. The group came up from Arles, France, where they played streets, weddings, bars, beaches, and restaurants before worldwide success arrived. That rise grew out of a deep family tradition connected to flamenco, Catalan gipsy culture, and the musical legacy surrounding José Reyes and Manitas de Plata. With Historia, Tonino says he wanted both “an adventurous spirit” and a record that reflects the story of the Gipsy Kings—including what happened when their signature songs became global hits. The album also continues the band’s long commitment to carrying those traditions forward, now with the next generation involved, including Tonino’s sons. More at the official website: gipsykings.com 
David Davidson is best known as the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of Revocation, the Boston extreme metal band whose sound blends technical death metal, thrash, and progressive elements. On his official biography page, he is described as a musician recognized for combining metal with fusion, rock, and jazz, and it also notes that he graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2008. As a player, Davidson is widely associated with Revocation’s intricate riffing, advanced lead work, and demanding compositions. Revocation’s official site identifies him as the band’s spearheading founder, while Metal Archives documents his long-running role in guitars, vocals, songwriting, and lyrics across the band’s catalog, including albums such as Empire of the Obscene, Chaos of Forms, Deathless, Great Is Our Sin, The Outer Ones, and Netherheaven. Beyond Revocation, Davidson also maintains a solo professional presence through his own official site, where he offers lessons, tabs, and gear-related content tied to his work as a guitarist. Taken together, the available official and discography sources present him as a central modern figure in technical extreme metal: a musician known not just for speed and precision, but for bringing formal musical training into a very aggressive style
Dino Jelusick (born June 4, 1992, Požega, Croatia) is a Croatian singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter known for powerhouse rock vocals and serious musicianship (he also plays keyboards, guitar, and more). He first gained international attention as the winner of the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest (2003), then grew into one of the most in-demand modern voices in hard rock and metal. Over the past decade, Dino has built a reputation as a tour-ready, studio-ready vocalist with the range to cover classic hard rock swagger and progressive/modern intensity. In 2016, he became a touring vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), a major turning point that launched him deeper into the global rock circuit. In 2021, he joined Whitesnake as a backing vocalist and keyboardist, stepping into a high-profile legacy camp and earning attention from fans for his vocal strength and stage presence. Dino is also the creative force behind several projects, including Animal Drive (founder/frontman; active until the band’s split) and his later band Jelusick, which released the album Follow the Blind Man (2023)—a modern hard rock record built for big choruses, musicianship, and live energy
Episode 647 features a conversation with Blaze Bayley discussing the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album Silicon Messiah. Released in 2000 after his tenure with Iron Maiden, the record marked a major turning point in Bayley’s career and established the direction of his solo work. In this interview, Bayley reflects on the creation of the album, the lineup behind it, and why the record remains such an important milestone for both him and his fans.The discussion also explores Bayley’s years with Iron Maiden from 1994 to 1999, when he recorded the albums The X Factor and Virtual XI and toured extensively around the world. Bayley shares perspective on performing songs from that era, how those tours shaped his career, and how fans have continued to rediscover and appreciate the material over the years. The conversation touches on the lasting legacy of those albums and their place within Iron Maiden’s broader history.In addition to revisiting the past, Bayley talks about the present and future of his music. The interview includes discussion about touring, continuing to perform Silicon Messiah material live, and hints about upcoming creative work. As always, the focus is on the music, the stories behind it, and Bayley’s ongoing connection with fans who have followed his career from Iron Maiden through his solo releases.
Evermore is a Swedish power metal trio known for blending melodic precision with a darker, more aggressive tonal palette than many of their genre peers. Formed in the late 2010s, the band quickly established itself with tightly structured songwriting, soaring vocal lines, and a dual focus on speed-driven passages and mid-tempo, groove-heavy weight. Their sound draws from classic European power metal traditions while incorporating modern production clarity and a slightly grittier rhythmic attack, giving their material both anthem-ready hooks and a heavier edge.Their latest full-length, Mournbraid, further refines that identity. The record emphasizes cinematic atmosphere, layered guitar harmonies, and dynamic vocal arrangements while maintaining sharp, riff-centered foundations. Lyrically and thematically, the album leans into epic and introspective territory, pairing dark fantasy aesthetics with resilience-driven motifs. Rather than chasing excessive technicality, Evermore prioritizes memorable choruses, structural discipline, and controlled intensity—positioning Mournbraid as a confident statement within contemporary power metal.
Norman L Skinner III is an American heavy metal vocalist best known for his powerful range, clean high-register delivery, and disciplined traditional metal technique. He built his reputation in the U.S. underground metal scene through years of consistent studio and live work, developing a style rooted in classic 1980s heavy metal rather than extreme vocal approaches. His singing emphasizes pitch control, sustained projection, and clarity, making him particularly suited for technically demanding material.Skinner first gained broader recognition as the longtime frontman of Imagika, a California-based band blending thrash aggression with power metal structure. During his tenure, he appeared on multiple albums including Devils on Both Sides (2005), Portrait of a Hanged Man (2010), and Feast for the Hated (2013). His performances on these releases highlighted his ability to balance melodic phrasing with speed-driven riffing, helping establish Imagika as a respected name in the American power/thrash circuit.Beyond Imagika, Skinner has contributed to additional heavy metal projects, including work associated with members of Attacker and other traditional metal collaborations. Across these efforts, his approach has remained consistent: high-energy delivery without reliance on growls or extreme vocal distortion. His technique reflects classic heavy metal fundamentals, positioning him within the lineage of traditional and power metal vocalists rather than modern extreme subgenres.He was later announced as the new lead vocalist for Forbidden, one of the defining acts of the Bay Area thrash movement. Originally fronted by Russ Anderson, the band’s catalog demands precision and range—qualities that align with Skinner’s established strengths. His addition marks a new chapter for Forbidden while maintaining continuity with the band’s technically driven thrash identity.
The best of Eric Martin compilation from 6 years of interviews and live music!
Frayle is a Cleveland, Ohio–based doom/occult rock band known for blending crushing low-tuned riffs with ethereal, haunting vocals. Their sound sits at the intersection of doom metal, post-metal, and dark alternative rock—often described as hypnotic, cinematic, and emotionally immersive.Core Members • Gwyn Strang – Vocals • Sean Bilovecky – GuitarThe band operates as a tight creative partnership, with Strang’s layered, almost choral vocal approach contrasting against Bilovecky’s slow, detuned, fuzz-laden guitar textures. Live, they expand with additional musicians to deliver a heavier, more enveloping wall of sound.
In this episode, Eric Martin speaks directly about hearing loss and tinnitus — issues that have become part of life after decades in loud environments. He does not dramatize it. He explains it plainly.He acknowledges that years of touring, stage volume, and studio work have taken a toll. The tinnitus is persistent. Some hearing loss is measurable. It is not reversible. What has changed is how he manages it. In-ear monitors, volume control, and pacing are now part of the routine. Protecting what remains is a priority.Martin reflects on sustaining a career rather than chasing past expectations. There is no self-pity in the conversation. The tone is practical.Regarding new music, he addresses the question of a solo album. There is no formal announcement. He confirms the idea has been discussed over the years. Timing, creative direction, and commitment matter. He is open to it, but not forcing it.The episode centers on sustainability, realism, and continuing forward with intention.
Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter best known for his 1971 epic “American Pie,” a composition that has become one of the most analyzed and culturally referenced songs in popular music history. Born in 1945 in New Rochelle, New York, McLean emerged from the late-1960s folk revival scene, drawing influence from artists such as Pete Seeger and the broader Greenwich Village movement. His songwriting is characterized by narrative structure, symbolic lyricism, and melodic sensibility rooted in traditional American folk forms.Released in 1971, the album American Pie cemented McLean’s commercial and artistic stature. The title track, running over eight minutes, achieved No. 1 status on the Billboard Hot 100 and has endured as a generational touchstone, often interpreted as a meditation on the evolution—and perceived loss of innocence—within American rock and cultural life. Beyond that signature work, McLean also achieved international success with songs such as “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” a tribute to Vincent van Gogh that showcased his capacity for intimate, emotionally direct songwriting.Over a career spanning more than five decades, McLean has continued to tour and record, maintaining relevance through licensing, covers, and renewed chart activity tied to cultural anniversaries and media exposure. His catalog remains widely performed and referenced, underscoring his role as a transitional figure between the 1960s folk revival and 1970s singer-songwriter era. McLean’s enduring impact lies in his ability to merge poetic narrative with accessible melody, creating works that operate simultaneously as popular hits and interpretive texts.
John Kevill is best known as the frontman and primary lyricist for Warbringer, a key band in the modern thrash metal movement. Since co-founding Warbringer in 2004, Kevill has been central to shaping the band’s aggressive sound and uncompromising attitude, channeling the spirit of classic 1980s thrash while keeping it firmly grounded in contemporary relevance. His vocal delivery is raw and commanding, perfectly matched to the band’s high-speed, precision-driven assault.Kevill’s lyrics are a defining element of Warbringer’s identity, frequently exploring themes of war, political corruption, historical conflict, authoritarianism, and the darker aspects of human behavior. Known for his depth and research-driven approach, he brings a sense of intelligence and purpose to the band’s music that goes beyond aggression alone. This lyrical focus has earned Warbringer respect not only for their musicianship, but also for the substance and urgency behind their message.Outside of recordings, Kevill is widely recognized as a powerful and engaging live performer, delivering intense, no-frills performances that reinforce Warbringer’s reputation as a formidable live act. He is also well regarded within the metal community for his thoughtful perspectives on music history, culture, and the evolution of thrash metal. That balance of insight, conviction, and relentless energy has made John Kevill a standout voice in modern heavy metal.Social / Online PresenceInstagram: johnkevillsucksX (Twitter): johnkevillsucksWarbringer official websiteWarbringer official InstagramWarbringer official Facebook
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