Endless Metal Podcast - We're constantly listening to metal in all its glorious forms !

“I have not, but there’s another genre we have to escape at some point, right?”, he responds after a laugh, referring to the band’s past efforts to distance themselves from the nu metal movement."-From the interview "We told Deftones singer Chino Moreno what ‘baddiecore’ is and this was his response" by Matt Mills ( Metal Hammer, Louder ) last updated 25 August 2025This episode is all Deftones. It features Markisan, Ben and the triumphant return of Jeff!! We begin by hopping into the time machine and discussing "Adrenaline." Deftones debut album that turns 30 this year! Markisan than leads the discussion with some history about the album and music in the early 90s. We share our reactions when we first heard the album and what we think about "Adrenaline" when we spin it today. This leads to a discussion of the nu metal tag in the 90s and how Deftones broke away from it. We then shift to the stunning new Deftones album “private music“! We reflect on the Deftones musical development and how has their sound grown from Adrenaline to private music and where it ranks in their fantastic catalog? We also consider Deftones surging popularity recently today! Other questions that animate this fun and free flowing discussion also include: From blowing up on tiktok to playing arenas, how did this resurgence happened and what does it say about the band’s generational draw? How do we think Deftones has impacted/influenced music and bands over the years? Is the Deftones discography our favorite of all time? Next we open the discussion up to metal adjacent bands we love more broadly--how the Deftones straddle the line between genres and what are some of our other favorite Alt Metal or Metal Adjacent albums released in the last few years. If you dig the Deftones, sit back and crack open a Deftones Phantom Bride IPA from Belching Beaver Brewing: "Named after the ethereal song by the one and only Deftones, Phantom Bride IPA is a blend of Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops delicately balanced for the perfectly drinkable mix of citrus and hoppy goodness. A truly original Deftones/ Belching Beaver collaboration envisioned by Chino Moreno and skillfully crafted by Thomas Peters. Sit back, put on your headphones and drink away. (ABV: 7.1%))."

On this special, end of the year episode, Ben welcomes Ian Gillings of the West Midlands (UK) band Rannoch. After another banner year for metal, Ben selected Rannoch's incomparable epic "Conflagrations" * as his number one album of 2023. The interview was thus an opportunity for Ben to both gush and deep dive into this stunning and, indeed, timeless prog death metal album. In a three hour-plus dialogue, Ben and Ian dig deep into the album's artwork, lyrics, and Ian's process as the band's lead song writer, among other topics. So sit back, crack open your favorite beverage, and enjoy this special interview to cap off 2023!*From Rannoch's Bandcamp page:Accompanied by Australian drumming legend, Dan Presland (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava) the seven tracks contained within open up new levels of musicality, punishing aggression, melancholic refrains and winding aural avenues of dark depths and complexity. Produced by Ian Gillings and mixed by James Stephenson (Cradle of Filth, Onslaught, Ghosts of Atlantis) “Conflagrations” represents a new hybrid of progressive death metal.creditsreleased July 21, 2023Ian Gillings - Guitars, vocals, synths and electronicsRichard Page - GuitarsPaul Lloyd - BassDan Presland - DrumsMusic included:Episode introduction: "Conflagrations" (sample)Post-Interview: "Threnody to a Dying Star"

In this episode of the Endless Podcast, Markisan and Ben had the privilege of talking to the mysterious post-metal artist Thumos. While there are no artist "reveals "in this cast, we had a fantastic time talking to Thumos. We begin with his origin story, development as a musician, and the birth and development of this stunning post-metal project. We talk about Thumos's early works, including last year's riveting and rifftastic EP Atlantis--a record that made both Markisan and Ben's top albums of the 2024. Next, we dive into the creative process that spawned The Trial of Socrates an EPIC double-album released on July 4, 2025 on Snow Wolf Records. After a deep dive into Thumos's approach to crafting songs based on one of the most influential works of ancient philosophy ever produced, the discussion shifts gears. Drawing on a great idea by Markisan, we discuss how some of Socrates's most influential quotes have influenced our own lives. What ensues is an enjoyable and often introspective dialogue by three metal heads posing as philosophers LOL. In all seriousness, we are really thrilled with how this interview came together and the document produced herewith. So retreat to your cave, kick back, and crack open a Hemlock Modern West Coast IPA by New Trail Brewing Company! "Γεια μας!"***A short selection from the track "Timaeus" from the EP Atlantis appears after the introduction. After the interview concludes, we include The Phaedo"--a song about Socrates coming to terms with his own death--in its entirety. Thumos shared some deep insights into interpreting this climactic moment of the saga into music, so we highly recommend listening!

In this episode of the Endless Metal podcast, Markisan ⁠conducts a solo interview with Jason Roberts, the man behind the expansive doomgaze project ⁠Breaths⁠. This is a companion piece to Jason’s previous appearance on Markisan’s main gig on the Metalheads Podcast⁠. On episode 152, the metalheads go deep into Jason’s musical development and the origin story of Breaths as well as a discussion about last year’s stunning ⁠self-titled album⁠. Here, Markisan and Jason talk about Breaths latest record, “Death Can Wait.” ⁠ In the first half of this episode, they go deep into the writing and recording process of the album—a truly stunning work that finds Breaths spunding darker and heavier but still retaining the melodic atmospheric, indeed, oxygenated “breathy” beauty of last year’s release. As huge fans of nineties music, Markisan and Jason wax about this formative decade in their lives. Presenting a fitting top 10 count down of their all-time favorite records of the 1990s, they come to a deeper appreciation of the bands they grew up loving—metal, pop, hardcore, or otherwise. So kick back and blast a classic 90s records by Tool, Hum, The Gathering, Earth Crisis, Sepultura, etc. and crack open a classic 90s brew (released in ‘89), Full Sail Amber ale⁠!

On this episode of the Endless Metal podcast Markisan and Ben spend nearly 3 hours ranking every full-length album by our favorite death metal band: Incantation! In presenting our rankings, we take our time sharing our love for the band's genius, experiences listening and seeing the band live, and our awe for Incantation's longevity despite numerous lineup changes. For us, Incantation is a legendary band and very underrated band--not just in death metal but all of heavy metal. We also include a summary of both of our complete rankings at the end of the cast. So sit back and crack open your favorite beverage. Markisan opens his last Incantation mead--Goat's Blood--a collab with the incomparable Brimming Horn Meadery!

Ben and Markisan had a great time talking to Southern New Jersey's superb post-black metal band Deadyellow. The band's devastating record "What Was Left of Them" was a feature album stream on Decibel Magazine's website on 1/29/24 (See Decibel's more extended album review below). The album was Jeff's #1 record of 2024 and Ben's #11. What ensues is a free flowing and candid discussion with the super cool band members Paul, James, and Jon. We begin with Deadyellow’s short but eventful pandemic-era origin story. Along the way we deep dive into the band’s creative process and lyrical and conceptual themes. We talked to the guys the day after they parted ways with their long time bass player, Tim. In the course of the discussion, we learn about the band in a time of great introspection and also creative change and expansion. We learn about the many trials and tribulations the band faced during the creation of "What Was Left of Them." In a word, this is one of the most most human and, for us, best dialogues we ever had with a band. Accordingly, we also decided to include our post-interview reactions.Some good laughs as well! We finish the episode with a fun discussion of our Top 3 Black Metal Albums of All Time! So sit back and enjoy a pint of Golden Monkey, a Belgian-Style Tripel brewed by Philly’s own great Victory brewing company.“What Was Left of Them is the kind of album best enjoyed when one is fully immersed… The album’s first five tracks build to album centerpiece “Fallen Trees,” a stirring 16-minute epic that soars through melodic and emotional highs and lows… melodic and thoughtful in its composition; songs aren’t long just for the sake of length and melody is prioritized over ambience. “What Was Left of Them is an album about change,” Deadyellow tell Decibel. “It’s about embracing darkness and finding the light within to persevere. ‘Birth from death, the light will find a way.'” - Emily Bellino, Decibel Magazine

In the second part of our interview with Vince Verkay, drummer and co-founding member of death doom legends Evoken, we talk about recording the new album. After nearly 2 decades since the band's Shadows of Night Descending record, the band return to the studio to work with guitar legend and sound engineer extraordinaire, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. Next, we move to an ingenious top 3 list discussion created by Markisan: "When I listen to Evoken I am often transported to hauntingly immersive worlds. I get lost in the sinister tendrils of atmosphere that the band unravels in every song. They tear open passageways to dark and forgotten places, and conjure experiences and feelings both imagined and real. Their music is so sweeping and cinematic that it often reminds me of great film scores, which made me think about the movies I love. So, with that in mind, I think the right question for the countdown is: What 3 films had a significant impact on us emotionally and creatively, and why?" A really great and extended discussion of our top 3 films follows!! So sit back and enjoy a Toppling Goliath King Sue full-bodied, 8.2 ABV hazy double IPA. The brewery describes this awesome beer as "a citra-hopped with a juicy combination of mango, orange, and pineapple flavors finishing with a grapefruit aroma and ferocious bite."Music at the beginning of this episode is from the song "Schadenfreude" from Evoken's most recent album Hypnogia released on Profound Lore Records in 2018. At the end, we hear from the title-track to Evoken's classic album The Antithesis of Light released on Peaceville Records in 2005.

In this episode of the Endless Metal Podcast, Markisan and Ben are excited to talk to Vince Verkay, drummer and founding member of death doom masters: EVOKEN. In a two-part interview, we begin by talking to Vince about his earliest exposure to heavy music, playing drums, the origin story of Evoken, and the band's very recent success. Although Evoken isn't a full-time job, the band has hit a number of personal milestones including performing at Roadburn with Winter, playing the Decibel Metal & Beer Fest, and finding Profound Lore, a label that band truly appreciates. While Evoken has not released an album since 2018's World War I themed masterpiece Hypnogogia, things are about to change quick! In the fall of 2025, Evoken is set to release a brand new album that is explores both new sonic terrain and harkens back to a more aggressive rage found on beloved earlier records such as The Antithesis of Light. We also share some laughs and great conversation. So sit back and enjoy a pint of Schadenbrew, a full-bodied, blood-red Belgian dubbel, inspired by Evoken and brewed by Atlas Brew Works!

On this special episode of the Endless Metal podcast, Ben reunites with his very old friend and Boston metal lifer, Brian Keane aka “The Metal Monk.” If you’re interested in a deep history of the Boston metal scene from someone who played gigs at the Rathskeller or more commonly known as “The Rat”—the city’s legendary punk rock club (1974-1997).--as well as dozens of clubs in Boston and the New England region more broadly. We talk about Brian’s latest project Choose Your Power; a realization of his love for big riffs, raging hardcore punk, and huge funk inspired grooves. An active live band that also provides a lyrical outlet for Brian’s ongoing fascination with dystopian technology. We then turn to his origin story that spans playing for decades in bands in and around the Boston scene. So, sit back, find some of that legendary “rat brew,” and enjoy!

On this episode of Endless metal, Ben celebrates his top album of 2024: The masterpiece Lost in Memories, Lost in Grief by My Silent Wake (MSW). In a flowing dialogue with MSW's founding member Ian Arkley (Guitars, vocals) and album producer Greg Chandler of doom death legends Esoteric and owner of Priory Recording Studios, they discuss the recording process, the album's title and lyrics--which are inspired by the memory of Ian's mother--and broader reflections on loss, grief, and the possibility hope in the darkest of times.

We wrap up the year by talking about our three metal albums of 2024! Joining us for this episode, is Ben's very old friend: Jono! The man who turned Ben on to underground metal when they were barely teens in the very early 80s. It was awesome to have Jono join us and hear about his top 3 metal records of the year in the first 90 minutes of the cast. We all had different top 3s! We then turn to honorable mentions, our favorite metal, non-metal, and metal adjacent live shows of 2024, and the metal records we look forward to cranking on the HEAVYS the most in 2025! So crack open the new Dark Earth Mead--a collaboration between BY THE HORNS--the incredible comic book Markisan writes--and the Brimming Horn Meadery. This nectar of gods is a 14% AVB honey wine with dragon fruit and vanilla aged in oak barrels!!! See Ben's and Jeff's Top 10 of 2024 here! Ben's Top 11-20 of 2024 here, Top 21-30 of 2024 here and 31-40 of 2024 here!!!Markisan's incredibly detailed Top 40 with Bandcamp links for every album on the Metalheads podcast site! Enjoy!

Ben's celebrates his #7 album of 2024--Liminal by Leaving--with a wonderful free flowing chat with guitarist/vocalist Greg Colson--formerly of Funerary--the band who released the heart wrenching and massively atmospheric death doom record Starless Aeon in 2014. While forged in the pandemic, this is not at all an obvious record. Rather Liminal is a sublime work of moody and shimmering doomgaze. Greg takes Ben inside the album and the band and the incredible performances, including guitarist/vocalist Jackson Heath of death doom geniuses Lycus ability to nail everything in one take. They then gush over Leaving's drummer Chiyo Nukaga Jacobus--the force of nature once behind the kit of the Bay Area underground legends Noothgrush. On Liminal, Chiyo plays with both power and a stunning slow-motion fluidity that adds to the album's deep and hypnotic pulse. The dialogue doesn't shy away from the dark emotions of the pandemic. Gregg and Ben take a brief detour and reflect on that terrible experience as parents of young kids who grew up in that time of lock downs and dread. But the interview as a whole is anything but grim. Rather the discussion is an opportunity to celebrate a special album between friends--Ben looks forward to meeting up with Greg and seeing Leaving live one day. Enjoy!

In this top albums of 2024 spotlight, Ben had the pleasure of talking to Sylvain Bégot founder of the prolific sci-fi death doom band Monolithe . The interview focuses on the band's incredible new tech noir inspired concept album Black Hole District. A record released by Hammerheart Records in November that Ben ranked as his #6 of 2024. We also discuss the history of the band and the origins of the band's name. This discussion also delves into a number of interesting topics, including the dystopian threat of AI--a central theme of Black Hole District--and the band's total rejection of the technology in the crafting of their albums. I also invited Sylvain to share his top 3 Sci-Fi albums of all time. Please enjoy!*Music on this episode comes from the song Those Moments Lost in Time from Black Hole District

Welcome old buddy and new co-host Markisan to the Endless Metal Podcast! As previously discovered in an earlier episode, Markisan listens to more metal than any other human being on planet earth. He's also a kind hearted fellow cat lover and all around great guy, so we are thrilled he will be joining the brotherhood! Like so many middle-aged metal fans we love Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, and other gods of metal. But our typical sonic assaults of choice are of the more death metal variety--where inhuman growls and torn throat rage--rule the infernal roost. Here, we step away from the mayhem and madness, and dive into six albums released this year with ALL clean vocals. Needless to say, there are many phenomenal vocalists carrying the NWOBHM torch and its endless legacy into 2024. We talk about each others choices in 3 rounds--6 albums total--from least to most favorites, although we concur all these albums are solid METAL \00/ So sit back, strap on your ⁠HEAVYS ⁠or listening devices of choice, and crack open a ⁠Brimming Horn Eternal Champion/Skullseeker Mead⁠***Song clips from these albums appear throughout the episode in this order:"Blood and Honor" from the album ⁠Kingdom Torn Asunder by Ironflame⁠"Dearly Departed" from the album ⁠Daydreaming in Moonlight by Inner Strength⁠"Rebels of Earth" from the album ⁠Prequel To Madness by Traveler⁠"House of Warship" from the album ⁠Garden of Heathens by Heavy Temple⁠"Young God Resurrected" from the album ⁠Ancient Doom Metal by Scald⁠"Sword of a Thousand Truths" from the album ⁠Kingdom Torn Asunder by Ironflame⁠"Lamentations By The Lochan" from the album ⁠Traverse the Bealach by Sgàile⁠

Welcome to Endless Metal. This is Ben, and today Markisan and I are bringing you the gift of Warrel Dane on a special episode that celebrates his life, music, and the tremendous impact he's had on both heavy metal and on us. This episode, we're also joined by two of our friends, both massive fans of Warrel's music, particularly Nevermore - Ian Gillings of the progressive, melodic death metal band, Rannoch, And John Comisky, co-host with Markisan on the Metalheads Podcast.If you're already a fan of Warrel Dane, we think you'll enjoy hearing us reminisce about the seminal albums and songs he was a part of. And if you're new to Warrel's music, we hope we can inspire you to spend some time listening to his amazing bands, Nevermore and Sanctuary, as well as his solo material.So sit back and enjoy a Goose Island 2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout: Skål!

On this episode we pay tribute to the SoundGod Steve Albini. The late and great recording engineer on countless killer albums by a diverse array of bands heavy and otherwise. Ben, Jeff, and Markisan dug deep into Albini's discog and, in the process, came to a deeper appreciation of not only his unrivaled engineering prowess but the deep emotional connections we have to so many of the records recorded in his legendary Chicago studio, Electrical Audio. Taking on an almost impossible task, the boys pick their gun-to-the-head-must-pick top 4 Albini recorded albums of all time. We had an absolute blast recording this one and hope you will as well. So kick back and crack open an Allagash Curieux Tripel, a Belgian-style golden ale aged in bourbon barrels! #metalheads #stevealbini #podcast

What are the 3 most haunting metal albums of all time? An obvious question for All Hallow's Eve...But Ben, Markisan, and Jeff present very different choices that are not at all obvious. What transpires is a fun and deep discussion of the visceral emotional connections that feed our metal hearts (reference to Accept intended!). We begin by talking about recent shows we've seen. Ben gushes about seeing Opeth live for the the first time! Markisan is knocked out by Amorphis! Jeff is blown away by Boris on their Amplifier Worship Anniversary Tour! And then we present our top 3 choices and honorable mentions. It's so much fun to share our deep passion for this incredible and emotional music! Metal is life, life is metal. So sit back and crack open a New Trail Double Zombie Double Pumpkin Ale!

Don't adjust your dial! That is HEAVY hip hop you're hearing by CLIPPING. ! A killer artist that performed at this year's Roadburn festival. It was great to have Andrew Corson (Fathoming Heavy) back on the podcast to talk about Roadburn, the festival he has attended 10 times since 2013! We talk about how this massive multi-day heavy music fan's dream in Tilburg (The Netherlands) has evolved and, of course, Andrew provides vicarious enjoyment. Hearing stories (Andrew's chance to ask members of Khanate a hilarious question!) and amazing sets by COUCH SLUT, KHANATE, THE KEENING, & many other killer artists, is something we cannot get enough of! So turn on, tune in and crack open an ice cold Uiltje Brewing Company's The Walter IPA!Intro music for this episode: "Tipsy" by CLIPPPING.Closing music: "The Stupid Man" by COUCH SLUT

Ben and Jeff had a blast talking to the incredibly talented Andrew Black (touring bassist for MIZMOR and new solo black metal project, LITHA). We begin by sharing our love of ambient music and making hypnotic sounds. Andrew is an accomplished sonic explorer who specializes in sublime tape loop manipulations, floaty minimalist piano, and dubby beats. A prolific artist of 12+ ambient albums it was fun to talk to Andy about his sound craft process. Moving freely we also dig into Andy's long trajectory as a metal guitar player growing up in the small Salem scene, his earliest band Fink and the sludgy metal goodness of Sorcerer. We spotlight Andrew's incredible new project as LITHA. Reflecting on the self-titled album on Bandcamp, Ben wrote: "An incredibly personal album that serves as therapy for the artist and listener alike. Gloriously bleak and lugubrious black metal that is at once fragile and beautiful. The contrasts are captivating. Despite the darkest of times, the sun will rise. A stunning and fearless achievement to be savored." The title of this episode is from LITHA's self-titled debut on Tarturus Records in Europe - the album was recently released on vinyl. Music from this episode includes a short tape loop from Part 4 from Andrew Black's wonderful album "Today," and we conclude with crushing "I am many" from LITHA in its entirety. So crack open your favorite brown bottle flu cure and enjoy!

When Sally Gates moved from New Zealand to Florida, she was already an accomplished guitar player. Playing live in a metal cover band and the grindcore assassins, Relentless Attrition, she honed her chops in the Aukland scene. A year or so later circa 2008, she had moved to Miami and became the touring bass player in the mighty death metal cosmic destroyers known as Gigan. Touring on the band's seminal album "The Order of the False Eye"--a death metal record full of mind bending tempo changes and otherworldly aural assaults--Sally began her sonic journey in the U.S. with a proverbially sonic bang. But there was only one problem, she wasn't a bass player! Now writing and creating with her axe of choice, Sally's Orbweaver project picked up where Gigan left off--launching the listener to the outer orbits of extreme prog death metal. At the same time, Miami's ever expanding noise scene seeped into her restless improvisatory soul.The fearless artist followed her own path. Landing in Brooklyn's ever expanding instrumental improvisation scene, Sally Gates could not be happier.Ben and Jeff were thus so excited to talk to Sally about her new band TITAN TO TACHYONS. An all instrumental experimental jazz-metal group featuring drummer Kenny Grohowski and two bassists: Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, Tomahawk) and Matt Hollenberg (Cleric, John Zorn). The band's second album "Vonals" is as mesmerizing as explosive--a strain of heavy music they simply can not get enough of!!! So cozy up with a Tired Hands Brewery Eviscerated Pathway of Beauty Double Citra IPA and enjoy!Music from this episode comes from the composition "Neutron Wrangler" from the album vonals.Check out some of Sally's incredible guitar playing here:Looping the Seas of PrimusBeethoven Piano TappingAnd gorgeous paintings here: https://sallygates.myportfolio.com/