It's taken six years, but finally the legendary Nick Holmes from Paradise Lost makes his Into The Necrosphere debut. We discuss everything from the band’s upcoming record, “Ascension”, to his first meeting with Greg Mackintosh, how he keeps his voice healthy on tour, what keeps him motivated after over three decades in music and much more Also on this episode: Justin Coleman from Krigsgrav is my co-host on the Weekly News Rant. No wimps are left un-crushed, nor posers left un-slayed as we round up the latest singles by Blut Aus Nord, Novembers Doom, Primitive Man, Bliss of Flesh and others for judgment. We dive into some of your questions, and a former hero now hawking stage clothes gets dunked in the Swirly of the Week! PLUS: Inhuman Scourge unleashes death metal pain on this week's "Unsanctioned Filth". Please support the bands featured on this episode: Paradise Lost: https://paradiselostofficial.bandcamp.com/ Krigsgrav: https://krigsgrav.bandcamp.com/ Inhuman Scourge: https://inhumanscourge.bandcamp.com/ Vallenfyre: https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/a-fragile-king Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
This week, I'm joined by Markus “Infernal” Kuschke, guitarist for the legendary German blackened thrash band Desaster. We dive into their blistering new album, Kill All Idols, the band's early days, the raw energy of the German metal scene, and tons more. On the Weekly News Rant, I dissect the latest singles from Runemagick, Hooded Menace, Vile Apparition, Mystic Circle, One Of Nine, and others. I also give my take on the Cradle of Filth drama, and issue a savage swirly of the week to the UK's most atrocious newspaper. PLUS: Black Sanctum unleashes a killer new single in this week's "Unsanctioned Filth" segment. Please support the bands featured on this episode: Desaster: https://desaster.bandcamp.com/music Black Sanctum: https://blacksanctumofficial.bandcamp.com/ Absu: https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
This week, I'm back in Bergen, Norway, for a captivating three-part conversation with Svartalv from Gehenna. I caught up with him before and after the band's epic return to the stage at this year's Beyond The Gates festival. Along the way, we dive into his personal journey back to the band, the future of Nocturnal Breed, his other projects, and much more. On the Weekly News Rant, Marco from Stellar Master Elite joins me to round up the latest singles from 1914, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Testament, and Tombs for judgment . PLUS: Conspiracy X is back with their new EP, "Ground Zero," and an exclusive Premiere on The Sphere! Please support the bands featured on this episode: Gehenna: https://gehennadarknessshallrise.bandcamp.com Conspiracy X: https://conspiracyx.bandcamp.com/ Slagmaur: https://www.facebook.com/slagmaurofficial Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast. Thumbnail Credit: The Almighty NECROSHORNS (https://www.instagram.com/necroshorns/)
This week's episode features an in-depth conversation with Mat "Kvohst" McNerney of Hexvessel, diving into their brand-new album, “Nocturne”. We explore his formative years with the UK underground legends Code, trace his evolving musical path, and uncover the inspirations behind his life-changing move to Finland. Next, the Sinister Minister, Reverend Karl Hikara from The Sol Nox Podcast, joins for the Weekly News Rant. We round up the latest recent from Paradise Lost, Coroner, Gaerea, Krigsgrav, and Wode for judgement. Plus, we break down Megadeth's final album and 2026 farewell tour announcement, Tomas Lindberg's recent cancer revelation, and a ton more metal headlines. Please support the bands featured on this episode: Ismere: https://ismere.bandcamp.com/ Hexvessel: https://hexvessel.bandcamp.com/ Code: https://codeblackmetal.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
This week, the legendary Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal makes his return to Into The Necrosphere. I had the opportunity to sit down with him face-to-face at his art gallery in Bergen during this year’s Beyond The Gates Festival, and we set the world to rights—discussing everything from the state of modern society to the recent Gaahl’s Wyrd record, the sequel-in-progress to the last Trelldom album, and, of course, we drank some wine. On the Weekly News rant, the latest singles by Despised Icon, Innumerable Forms, Author & Punisher, Revocation, and others are rounded up for judgment. PLUS, I answer your questions, including my take on the upcoming Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev bout at UFC 319, how I manage to juggle a podcast with a career and normal life, the possibility of a live Into The Necrosphere event, and more. Please support the bands featured on this episode: Gaahls Wyrd: https://gaahlswyrd.bandcamp.com/ Trelldom: https://trelldom.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
Beyond the Gates 2025, held from July 30 to August 2 in Bergen, Norway, was a must-visit for metal fans. This iconic festival, set across historic venues like Grieghallen and USF Verftet, delivered a killer lineup with King Diamond’s first Norwegian show in 19 years, Paradise Lost, Misthyrming and more. Featuring 18 bands making their festival debut and epic sets like Gehenna’s original lineup and Abbath tearing through Immortal’s discography, it was a diverse celebration of black, death, and heavy metal. Fresh from Bergen, here’s my review of the thirteenth edition of Norway’s legendary festival. Thumbnail credit: The ALMIGHTY Necroshorns (https://www.instagram.com/necroshorns/)
This week Matt Wilcock and Sam Bean from Australian death metal juggernauts, Werewolves, return to the show to discuss their upcoming record, “The Ugliest Of All”. Along the way, we also talk about their experience of releasing music independently, the recent re-issue of The Antichrist Imperium’s debut album, delve into some Akercocke lore and compare our favourite Commodore 64 game soundtracks. On my Weekly News rant, I round up the latest singles by Tombs, Internal Bleeding, Esoctrilihum, Imperialist and Ofermod for judgment. Plus, I reflect on the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. Please support the bands featured on this episode: Werewolves: https://werewolvesdeathmetal.bandcamp.com/ The Antichrist Imperium: https://apocalypticwitchcraft.bandcamp.com/ Karyorrhexis: https://karyorrhexis.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
My brothers, Necromaniacs hosts and fellow Horsemen Of The Podcasting Apocalypse, Mike Hill (Everything Went Black, Tombs) and Mike Scondotto (Inhuman), join me for the long-awaited, highly anticipated and sure to be furiously debated countdown of our favourite 80s thrash albums. There’s one twist though: no Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth or Anthrax albums allowed! PLUS: on my Weekly News rant, the latest singles by The Acacia Strain, Grand Cadaver, Cuttered Flesh, Biohazard and more are rounded up for judgment. I also pick my favorite track of each of Akercocke’s six studio albums, and I issue a bruising Swirly Of The Week. Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
Gigi Arabia from Heavy Arabia joins me to unpack the insane journey of pulling off Saudi Arabia’s first-ever international death metal gig, headlined by the brutal Cryptopsy. We dig into her career, the gritty reality of promoting heavy music in Saudi Arabia, the government’s unexpected stance on metal, and more. Then, “The Outlaw” Mike Scondotto saddles up to join me for the weekly news rant, slicing through new singles from Amorphis, Paradise Lost, Abigail Williams, and others. Plus, we tear into Black Sabbath’s “Back To The Beginning” farewell show and what it all means. Support the bands featured on this podcast Hebephrenique: https://hebephrenique.bandcamp.com/ Necrosin: https://necrosin.bandcamp.com/ Desaster: https://desaster.bandcamp.com/ Napalm Death: https://napalmdeath.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
In this episode, recorded live at Fortress Festival 2025 in Scarborough, UK, I sit down with Frank Allain from Fen and Fellwarden to talk about the recording of Fen’s debut record, “The Malediction Fields”, the evolution of the UK black metal scene, his journey as a musician and much more. Then, it’s on to a solo news rant where the latest singles by Sanguisugabogg, Crypt Sermon, Forbidden, Novembers Doom, Unleashed and others are rounded up for judgment. I also reveal - at the Legion’s request - my recipe for the best steak you’ll grill all summer and I unleash a Swirly of the Week from whence its recipient(s) will not soon recover. Support the bands featured on this podcast Fen: https://fenuk.bandcamp.com/ Werewolves: https://werewolvesdeathmetal.bandcamp.com/ Nox Formulae: https://noxformulae.bandcamp.com/ Behexen: https://behexen.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
In this episode, recorded live at Fortress Festival 2025 in Scarborough, UK, I sit down with my friend Christopher Dean, better known as NecrosHorns, widely regarded as the top photographer in metal today. From his past as a commercial airline pilot to capturing iconic moments in music, he shares his journey, photography philosophy, and tips for nailing the perfect shot. We dive into the story behind his legendary photo, “The Omen,” and much more. Follow Necroshorns on social media: https://www.facebook.com/necroshorns https://www.instagram.com/necroshorns/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
This week, Cryptopsy's powerhouse vocalist and Vox & Hops host, Matt McGachy, returns to the show to dive into An Insatiable Violence, social media, podcasting, and Cryptopsy's historic performance as the first extreme metal band to play in Saudi Arabia. But that’s not all! Shayan, the Middle Eastern Merauder from Trivax and Iblis Manifestations, joins for an epic news rant. We tackle your burning questions, go head-to-head to unearth the most absurd movie trailer ever, and check out new singles from Escapism, Panzerchrist, Inhuman Condition and more. PLUS: Two exclusive Premieres On The Sphere premieres Cult Burial and the unrelenting Spells Ov Torment. Please support the bands featured on this episode: Cryptopsy: https://cryptopsyofficial.bandcamp.com/ Cult Burial: https://cultburial.bandcamp.com/ Spells Ov Torment: https://spellsovtorment.bandcamp.com/ Nile: https://nile.bandcamp.com/ Trivax: https://trivax.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
On this special Friday episode of Into The Necrosphere, I sit down with Brendan Hayter of progressive black metal duo Obsidian Tongue. We dive deep into a track-by-track breakdown of their latest album, Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn. Brendan also shares his musical journey, from discovering metal to his passion for cassettes, and much more. If you enjoy this interview, please support Obsidian Tongue on Bandcamp: https://obsidiantongue.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
In this episode, I sit down with Benjamin Guerry - guitarist, vocalist and founding member of The Great Old Ones - at Fortress Festival 2025 for a discussion of their latest album, “Kadath”, French black metal, his love of H.P. Lovecraft and his perspective on who reigns supreme as the greatest metal frontman of them all. Then, on the weekly news rant I give you my verdict on new singles by Lord Belial, Biohazard, Abigail Williams, Nailed to Obscurity, and Till Lindemann. I also answer your questions, including my top 5 favourite releases of 2025 so far, my ideal retirement (!) and the albums I’m most looking forward to for the remainder of the year. PLUS: the black metal album cover that’s got every man, woman and their dogs’ attention, and a follow-up to last week’s comments about My Dying Bride. Please support the bands featured on this clip The Great Old Ones: https://thegreatoldones.bandcamp.com/ Warhammer 666: https://warhammer666kult.bandcamp.com/ Gehenna: https://gehennadarknessshallrise.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
On this special Friday episode of Into The Necrosphere I’m joined by Andy Milnes, guitarist for UK symphonic black metal legends Hecate Enthroned. Andy dives into the band's preparations for their upcoming performance at Metal Threat Fest, reflects on the early UK black metal scene and Hecate's role in it. We also explore the band's storied history, plus I get the scoop on the highly anticipated follow-up to “Embrace of the Godless Aeon”. Check out Hecate Enthroned on Bandcamp: https://hecateenthroned.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
This week, I’ve got an exclusive in-person interview with Rune Eriksen (Blasphemer) of RUIM and Vltimas, recorded at Fortress Festival 2025 in Scarborough, fresh off RUIM’s blistering main stage performance. Blasphemer opens up about the future of RUIM, the spiritual essence of his music, his deepening connection to Norway, his friendship with David Vincent, and his work with Vltimas. Then, I’m joined by Karl Hikara of the Sol Nox Podcast for the Weekly News Rant where we discuss the latest metal headlines, including My Dying Bride writing new material and the debate over their hypothetical future without Aaron Stainthorpe. Plus, we listen to and give first-impression reviews of new singles by Paradise Lost, Mara, Aeon Winds, and Amorphis. Please support the bands featured on this episode: RUIM: https://peaceville.bandcamp.com/album/black-royal-spiritism-i-o-sino-da-igreja Deciduous Forest: https://deciduousforest.bandcamp.com/ Gaahls Wyrd: https://gaahlswyrd.bandcamp.com/ Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and track reviews! Follow me on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the other podcasts by the Horsemen Of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.
Two days of black metal savagery, four killer interviews in the can (and coming soon), a lot of laughs and a ton of memories made with the best people. Fortress Festival 2025 was truly one for the ages and I can’t wait to get back to Scarborough in 2026. Please support the bands featured on this clip Ulcerate: https://ulcerate.bandcamp.com/album Abduction: https://abduction616.bandcamp.com/ Thumbnail credit goes to the ALMIGHTY Necroshorns (https://www.instagram.com/necroshorns/)
This week, I’m joined by Patrik Jensen of The Haunted and Witchery to dive into “Songs of Last Resort”, arguably the band’s strongest release since 2003’s "One Kill Wonder". We explore Patrik’s early days with Seance, the origins of The Haunted, his take on the current metal scene, the music industry’s challenges, and much more. In the weekly news rant, I round up new singles from Blackbraid, Hexvessel, Deathgoat, Lord Belial, and Unleashed for judgment. I also tackle your questions, sharing my top death doom albums, confessing my controversial movie opinions, and revealing my dream list of albums begging for a remaster. PLUS: why I’m betting on a new Emperor album and why Metallica’s support acts for their 2026 European tour are a massive letdown. Please support the bands featured on this episode THE HAUNTED: https://thehaunted.bandcamp.com/ TRIVAX: https://trivax.bandcamp.com/ SEANCE: https://pulverised.bandcamp.com/ CANNIBAL CORPSE: https://cannibalcorpse.bandcamp.com/
Joan Monguio from Spain’s blackened death metal outfit, Jade, joins the podcast this week for a discussion about their latest album, “Mysteries Of A Flowery Dream”. We also explore how the lack of a flagship band has been detrimental to the growth of Spain’s extreme metal scene, compare our favourite album covers and more. On the weekly news rant, Drugoth is back to leave no wimp un-slayed, as we round up the latest singles by Cryptopsy, Inhuman Condition, Imperialist, Blood Monolith and Refusal for judgment. We also get the scoop on his upcoming releases, and stack-rank our favourite Crowbar albums. PLUS - Storming Heaven join the pantheon of future underground legends on this week’s Unsanctioned Filth. Please support the bands featured on this episode JADE: https://emperorjade.bandcamp.com/ STORMING HEAVEN: https://negativeearth666.bandcamp.com/ SKAPHOS: https://skaphos.bandcamp.com/ MASTER: https://master.bandcamp.com/ Check out Drugoth’s latest album, “Battles May Cease But War Is Forever” https://drugoth.bandcamp.com/
This week, Jonas Holmberg, vocalist for Swedish blackened hardcore outfit This Gift Is A Curse, joins the podcast to talk about their blistering new album, "Heir", released on Season of Mist in March. We explore Covid’s impact on the band, how Jonas’ career outside the music industry fuels his songwriting, we discuss the band’s creative process and much more. Then it’s on to a solo news rant where I answer your questions, including ranking my top five Swedish death metal albums, spotlighting bands primed for a comeback, and explaining why I haven’t launched a Patreon. Plus, I check out new tracks from Kaamos Warriors, Sodom, Gaahl’s Wyrd, Gruesome, and Full of Hell, and I weigh in on Machine Head’s latest public humiliation. PLUS - we have another Premiere on the Sphere, featuring Turkish true black metal act Ash Magick with an exclusive track from their upcoming album, “Rituals of the Anathematic East”. Please support the bands featured on this episode THIS GIFT IS A CURSE: https://thisgiftisacurse.bandcamp.com/ SERPENTES: https://serpentes.bandcamp.com/ RED HARVEST: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057788554463 Pre-order the new ASH MAGICK ALBUM, “Rituals Of The Anathematic East” https://apocalypticwitchcraft.bandcamp.com/