Radical Research Podcast

Australia’s Vauxdvihl (or, for a short time, Vaudeville) came quickly, evolved swiftly, and left behind a beautiful corpus of 19 documented songs. We have stood in awe for three decades of this short but impressive discography, and episode 123 of our weird little podcast is an attempt to bring you into the Vauxdvihl fold. (Beware of the ridiculous amount of Fates Warning mentions here…or make a drinking game of it.)Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:Intro: “Summoning” (Siberian Church Recordings, 2001)“To Dimension Logic” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“Questions or Misanthropy” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“Separate Ends” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“Comedy of Errors” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“Philosophia Mosaica” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“In Search of Forever” (To Dimension Logic, 1994)“Assassination” (Vog, 1998)“The Funeral Party” (Vog, 1998)“For the Son Has Gone to Hell” (Vog, 1998)“Plots, (T or F) Are a Necessary Thing?” (Siberian Church Recordings, 2001)“Isis/Pekt” (Siberian Church Recordings, 2001)“Movement” (Siberian Church Recordings, 2001) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Jeff: “Was talking with my friend S. Craig Zahler a few days ago, and we were discussing Sarcofago’s 1987 debut, I.N.R.I. Zahler noted that there are some bewildering timing issues in 'Nightmare,' and how he’d like Hunter ('who is 20 times the drummer I am') to try and identify what the hell’s going on. I put this quandary/query to Hunter and let ‘er rip.”Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance:Sarcofago, “Nightmare” (I.N.R.I., 1987)Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

This episode brings to a close our periodic investigations of the Steven Wilson-curated 'Intrigue' compilation. Covering progressive sounds in UK alternative/post-punk music from 1979-89, 'Intrigue' nails its intention, proving that, while traditional prog rock may have waned in the '80s, that spirit of adventure and invention remained alive through the work of dozens and dozens of UK music-makers in this time period. This episode focuses on Kate Bush, Dif Juz, Cardiacs, Dead Can Dance, SLAB!, Momus, No-man and a host of others. Note I:If you don’t want to hear about our awesome Patreon supporters and how YOU TOO can support us, and if you don’t want to hear about Deserts of Hex #2, which YOU ALSO would love to read…then skip to the 9:07 mark of this show where we finally start talking about the subject at hand: Intrigue compilation, CD 4. Thank you. Note II:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note III:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:­­­intro: Talk Talk, “Living in Another World” (The Colour of Spring, 1986)[all snippets are taken directly from the Intrigue compilation; the following indicates where the songs originally appeared] Kate Bush, “Waking the Witch” (Hounds of Love, 1985)This Mortal Coil, “Ivy and Neet” (Filigree & Shadow, 1986)Perennial Divide, “Beehead” (Beehead 7”, 1987)The Sisters of Mercy, “This Corrosion” (Floodland, 1987) O Yuki Conjugate, “Ascension” (Into Dark Water, 1987)Dif Juz, “No Motion” (Lonely is An Eyesore, 4AD compilation, 1987)SLAB!, “Gutter Busting” (Descension, 1987)Momus, “Murderers, the Hope of Women” (Murderers, the Hope of Women, 1987)Dead Can Dance, “The Host of Seraphim” (The Serpent’s Egg, 1988) Cardiacs, “R.E.S.” (A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window, 1988) The The, “Good Morning Beautiful” (Mind Bomb, 1989)The Shamen, “Omega Amigo” (Omega Amigo single, 1989)No-Man, “Night Sky, Sweet Earth” (Speak, 1999 re-recording of 1989 version, originally from The Girl from Missouri EP)Kitchens of Distinction, “The 3rd Time We Opened the Capsule” (12” single, 1989) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it. UNTIL WE PERCEIVE BIFROST...THIS is Radical Research

In this .5 episode (the longest point-5 we’ve done to date), we offer up 6 subjects of previous Radical Research episodes and take a look at their activities since we last put our spotlight on them. (As we explain at the beginning, the sound quality is rough this time, as Hunter is still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s effects on his household's technology.)Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance:­­­Hail Spirit Noir, “The Road to Awe” (Fossil Gardens, 2024)Hammers of Misfortune, “Ghost Hearts” (Overtaker, 2022)Manes, “End of the River” (Pathei Mathos, 2024)Diskord, “Cogged Pother” (Bipolarities, split with ATVM, 2024) Xysma, “Midnight Call” (No Place Like Alone, 2024) Kayo Dot, “Get Out of the Tower” (Moss Grew on the Swords and Plowshares Alike, 2021) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Switzerland’s deadliest export, Coroner, which sliced and sawed its way through the metal landscape of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, has finally found its way under the Radical Research microscope. From the savage thrashing mayhem of R.I.P. to the reclined elegance of its final missives, Radical Research dives deeply into the methods and madness of one of metal’s ablest battalions.Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:­­­“Pale Sister” (Mental Vortex, 1991)“Son of Lilith” (Mental Vortex, 1991) “Spectators of Sin” (Death Cult demo, 1986)“Coma” (R.I.P., 1987)“Absorbed” (Punishment for Decadence, 1988)“R.I.P.” (R.I.P., 1987)“Shadow of a Lost Dream” (Punishment for Decadence, 1988)Canvas Solaris, “Arc-Lite” (Tribute to Coroner, 2010)“Paralized, Mesmerized” (Grin, 1993)“D.O.A.” (No More Color, 1989)“Tunnel of Pain” (No More Color, 1989)“Read My Scars” (No More Color, 1989)“Grin (Nails Hurt)” (Grin, 1993) “Shifter” (Coroner, 1995)“Gliding Above While Being Below” (Coroner, 1995) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

A quick look at Queen’s “The Prophet’s Song,” its a cappella middle section, and the treatment it was given by one Jeff Scott Soto in various live performances. It’ll all make a little more sense when you listen… Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:­­­Queen, “The Prophet’s Song” (A Night at the Opera, 1975)Jeff Scott Soto (fronting Sons of Apollo), “The Prophet’s Song” (live in Orlando, FL, February 2018)Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Is there an album more representative of this podcast's main focus? Not outside of Norway, there isn’t. Montréal’s DBC (Dead Brain Cells) released ‘Universe’ in 1989, a tech-y cosmic opus of 37:26 that manages to cover the big bang, the evolution of life, the fall of the dinosaurs, man’s eventual dominance on Earth, and humanity's possible future in the album's brief but eventful duration. Join us as we spelunk through the black holes and blocky, monolithic riffs of DBC's second and final album…   Note I:All Ye Who Enter: Tangents on other Canadian metal bands will happen throughout this episode. And a Swiss one, too. And time machines…and the moon…and Phil Anselmo’s Mind Over Four shirt.Note II:Although Hunter claims Garth Richardson (aka GGGarth) produced Helmet’s Betty, the RR fact-checking department can find no evidence that the guy was anywhere near that album. Hunter apologizes and says, “Total brain fart. It was T-Ray [Todd Ray].” Note III:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note IV:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance:­­­[all snippets from DBC, Universe, 1989]“The Genesis Explosion”“Heliosphere”“Primordium”“Exit the Giants”“Rise of Man”“Estuary”“Humanity’s Child”“Phobos & Deimos”“Threshold” “Infinite Universe”Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

This is a “careful for what you wish for” kind of thing. For years and years, we hoped that we could hear the mighty Steve DiGiorgio’s bass work with more clarity on Death’s 1991 masterpiece, Human. Once we could, thanks to the 2011 reissue, we relented and realized we preferred the original version after all. We present this mini-episode in good humor and with an anxious heart, because we hope no one, least of all DiGiorgio himself, understands this is not a critique of his playing. The man is a god to us…we just prefer the original sound of the 1991 ‘Human’ over the 2011 reissue. This shit’s important! Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:­­­Death, “See Through Dreams” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue])Death, “Suicide Machine” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue])Death, “Vacant Planets” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue]) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Operating outside of the metal infrastructure, but heralding its glory and complexity more so than most “true” metal bands, The Fucking Champs, in their 1994-2007 rampage, cobbled together elements of Trouble, Confessor, Don Caballero, and Kraftwerk and reshaped the geometric possibilities of math metal, all with the insouciance of its indie rock roots. Please join us as we attempt to solve this riddle wrapped in a conundrum. You’ve got a thirst, Portland! Note I:We talk about the various name changes our San Franciscan heroes have endured…from The Champs to C4AM95 to The Fucking Champs. We failed to mention what might be our favorite name, one they never recorded under but adopted for a short spell: The Champs UK.Note II:Apologies for the confusion on the tracks we sample from V. You’ll hear the correction within the episode, and the correct song titles are noted below. Drag City, we are pissed! But…we’re already over it.Note III:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note IV:All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.orgMusic cited in order of appearance:Intro: “Lamplighter” (IV, 2000) “Guns in Our Schools” (Triumph of the Air Elementals demo, 1994)“So Then I Was All Why’d You Say Fuck My Style” (Songs for Films About Rock demo, 1994)“Merry Go Round” (Songs for Films About Rock demo, 1994)“Flawless Victory” (III, 1997)“Heart to Heart” (III, 1997)“Tonight, We Ride” (III, 1997)“These Glyphs Are Dusty” (IV, 2000)“Esprit De Corpse” (IV, 2000)“Thor is Like Immortal” (IV, 2000)“Children Perceive the Hoax Cluster” (V, 2002)“I Am the Album Cover” (V, 2002)“Major Airbro’s Landing” (V, 2002) “A Forgotten Chapter in the History of Ideas” (VI, 2007) “Dolores Park” (VI, 2007) “Earthen Sculptor” (VI, 2007)ep. 120 preview: DBC, “Infinite Universe” (Universe, 1989)Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Sometimes it takes a while to come around to an album. In our case, it took 28 years with Cryptopsy’s second album, None So Vile. Better late than never. We repent!!! Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Note III: RR listener Joseph Schafer pointed out that we incorrectly credited the sample at the beginning of 'None So Vile.' It is, in fact, from the film 'The Exorcist III: The Heretic.' Our apologies and thanks, Joseph, for helping us come correct! Music cited in order of appearance: All from Cryptopsy, None So Vile (1996) “Slit Your Guts” “Orgiastic Disembowelment” “Crown of Horns” Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

The one-long-song album is a rare event in the metal genre, and a tough assignment to tackle and get right. We hold up these five albums as the finest examples of the approach. While it’s difficult to convey their scope in snippet form, we tried our best and had a lot of fun doing so. (Incidentally, this also happens to be one of our longest-ever episodes!) Join us, even if these albums only have one good song on them… Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: Renaissance, “The Death of Art” (The Death of Art, 1994) Edge of Sanity, “Crimson” (Crimson, 1996) Sabbat, “The Dwelling – The Melody of Death Mask” (The Dwelling, 1996) Fates Warning, “A Pleasant Shade of Gray” part 5 & 11 (A Pleasant Shade of Gray, 1997) Green Carnation, “Light of Day, Day of Darkness” (Light of Day, Day of Darkness, 2001) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Our man Ginn loves him some Gadd! In this brief episode, we extract three of Hunter’s favorite moments by his favorite drummer on the planet, Steve Gadd. It results in something we thought we’d never do on this podcast: play a snippet of a Paul Simon song. But you have to admit, Gadd is Badd…Badd Ass! Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: Chick Corea, “Quartet No. 2, Part II” (Three Quartets, 1981) Chick Corea, “Night Sprite” (The Leprechaun, 1976) Paul Simon, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (Still Crazy After All These Years, 1975) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Pull up a chair and get your ears out! We get giddy when we’re together in the same space, which we were for this episode. You’ll hopefully forgive our exuberance and all the talking over each other in excitement of brotherhood, music, pizza and other various inputs. All in the name of exalting the third of four CDs in the Steven Wilson-curated Intrigue compilation series. Join us for another walk through the fascinating world of progressive-minded ‘80s-era UK post-punk and alternative rock. Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Note III: If you haven’t checked them out already, we encourage you to listen to our first two Intrigue dissections, conveniently linked for you here: Music cited in order of appearance: intro: David Bowie, “Up the Hill Backwards” (Scary Monsters [and Super Creeps], 1980) [all snippets below are taken directly from the Intrigue compilation; the following indicates where the songs originally appeared] Twelfth Night – “Three Dancers” (Smiling at Grief, 1982) Thomas Dolby – “Airwaves” (The Golden Age of Wireless, 1982) Crispy Ambulance – “Are You Ready?” (The Plateau Phase, 1982) Rupert Hine – “The Outsider” (Waving Not Drowning, 1982) A Certain Ratio – “Knife Slits Water” (Sextet, 1982) Tears for Fears – “Memories Fade” (The Hurting, 1983) Peter Hammill – “Patient” (Patience, 1983) Cocteau Twins – “Donimo” (Treasure, 1984) Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Drake – “In a Waiting Room” (Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Drake, 1984) The Art of Noise - “Close (to the Edit)” (Close [to the Edit] 7”, 1984) Dalis Car – “Dalis Car” (The Waking Hour, 1984) Scott Walker – “Rawhide” (Climate of Hunter, 1984) David Sylvian – “Brilliant Trees” (Brilliant Trees, 1984) Propaganda – “Dream Within a Dream” (A Secret Wish, 1985) Ep. 188 preview: Renaissance, “The Death of Art” (The Death of Art, 1994) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

In this brief episode, we spotlight the two metal bands brave enough to tackle the middle part of King Crimson's innovative and highly influential 1969 classic, "21st Century Schizoid Man." Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music Cited in Order of Appearance: King Crimson, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (In the Court of the Crimson King, 1969) Voivod, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (Phobos, 1997) Forbidden, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (Distortion, 1995)

When it comes to a difficult-to-define concept like psychedelia in music, it's subjective. It’s not all hippies with sitars and lava lamps and bongs…but that’s not wrong either. With a little help from author Michael Hicks and his parameters for what makes music psychedelic, we pose the question: “What is Psychedelic Music?” and offer the Radical Research answer. Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: Our friend Tom Hailey counts Stupid Dream as his favorite and only truly loved Porcupine Tree album. That’s fine. We love it too. But we love many other Porcupine Tree albums. So, when Hunter said “I’ve gotta be honest with you, I’ve gone full Tom Hailey, there’s really only one Porcupine Tree record that I really love anymore,” it blew Jeff’s gaskets. And then it appeared Hunter said that one album was Signify (“and maybe Sky Moves Sideways”). The whole thing became maddening. After listening back to this torrid exchange (starting at the 1:03:25 mark), Hunter wants to clarify: “Stupid Dream is my favorite Porcupine Tree album, and like I said, I like all ‘90s Porcupine Tree.“ He was being oblique in the recording and it all got a bit out of hand. This is the sort of first-world relationship problem that Radical Research can occasionally suffer. And the world keeps turning! Note III: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: Can – “Halleluwah” (Tago Mago, 1971) Miles Davis – “Rated X” (Get Up With It, 1974) Steve Hillage – “Meditation of the Snake” (Fish Rising, 1975) Joy Division – “Decades” (Closer, 1980) Seefeel – “Time to Find Me (AFX Slow Mix)” (Pure, Impure, 1993) Beherit – “Summerlands” (Drawing Down the Moon, 1993) Emperor – “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” (Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, 1997) Coil – “The Dreamer is Still Asleep“ (Musick to Play in the Dark Vol. 1, 1999) Portal – “The Endmills” (Seepia, 2003) Steven Wilson – “Significant Other” (Insurgentes, 2008) Melvins – “The Bunk Up” (Hold it In, 2014) Arcturus – “Crashland” (Arcturian, 2015) Cynic – “Mythical Serpents” (Ascension Codes, 2021) ep. 117 preview: Crispy Ambulance – “Are You Ready?” (The Plateau Phase, 1982) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Our second in the Permeable Lines series, and our first point-5 episode since 83.5 nearly two years ago! That enough numbers for you? Join us for a brief dust-up between inspiration and rip-off. You decide. (More numbers: “18 is actually 9…it stuck in his mind….”) Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Note III: Let’s take stock. These are our other .5 episodes thus far. Mini-episodes, if you will. Great for late-night Radical snackin’! Metal Laughs, 83.5 (8 min, 13 sec) Mystery Snippets Part 2, 41.5 (13 min, 51 sec) https://radicalresearch.org/episode-41-5-mystery-snippets-pt-2/ Mystery Snippets, 23.5 (9 min, 28 sec) https://radicalresearch.org/episode-23-5-mystery-snippets/ Riff Similarities (Permeable Lines), 17.5 (10 min, 59 sec) https://radicalresearch.org/episode-17-5-the-curious-the-uncanny/ The Kiss/Nuclear Death Convergence, 5.5 (7 min, 10 sec) https://radicalresearch.org/episode-5-5-calling-dr-morpheus-the-kiss-nuclear-death-convergence/ Music cited in order of appearance: Mercyful Fate, “A Dangerous Meeting” (Don’t Break the Oath, 1984) Megadeth, “Return to Hangar” (The World Needs a Hero, 2001) Diamond Head, “Am I Evil?” (Lightning to the Nations, 1980) Megadeth, “When” (The World Needs a Hero, 2001) Testament, “Over the Wall” (The Legacy, 1987) Sieges Even, “Apocalyptic Disposition” (Lifecycle, 1988) Pestilence, “Out of the Body” (Consuming Impulse, 1989) Suffocation, “Infecting the Crypts” (Human Waste, 1991) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

We celebrate musicians and bands that rapidly evolve and challenge their audience with newness each endeavor. But the abrupt left-turn San Francisco metal band Hexx took between 1986 and 1987 is beyond fascinating, and beyond the norm. It culminates in one of our favorite albums of the early ‘90s, the mighty, seething, adrenaline-injected Morbid Reality. Strap in, freaks, this will be a bumpy ride! Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: “Terror” (No Escape, 1984) “Edge of Death“ (Under the Spell, 1986) “Edge of Death” (Watery Graves 12”, 1990) “Sardonicus” (Quest for Sanity, 1989) “Fields of Death” (Quest for Sanity, 1989) “Twice as Bright” (Quest for Sanity, 1989)  “Morbid Reality” (two moments) (Morbid Reality, 1991) “The Last Step” (Morbid Reality, 1991) “Blood Hunter” (Morbid Reality, 1991) “Persecution Experience” (Morbid Reality, 1991) “Watery Graves” (Morbid Reality, 1991) “Spider Jam” (Morbid Reality, 1991) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Radical Research can’t stay away from Scandinavia for more than a brief spell. To that end, your hosts find themselves in Sweden, digging through the short but robust initial run by Mourning Sign. Over the course of a demo, an EP, and two full-lengths, Mourning Sign twisted and bent metal into a wide variety of shapes. Neither exclusively brutal, progressive, nor melodic, but rather an alloy of all three, Mourning Sign, in the tradition of Sweden’s best and brightest, staked out their own territory and defended it with might. Join us on this, our 114th journey into the vortex of radical sound.  Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: Buy Mourning Sign stuff at Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/268458-Mourning-Sign Note III: We appreciate Chris Warunki, and you can find his myriad of music projects right here: https://warunkimedia.bandcamp.com/artists Music cited in order of appearance: “Inner Calmness” (Last Chamber, 1992 demo) “Supressed Past” (Last Chamber, 1992 demo) “Redeem” (Alienor, 1993) “Desert Sun” (Alienor, 1993) “Godsend” (Alienor, 1993) “I’ll See to That” (Mourning Sign, 1995) “Like Father Like Son” (Mourning Sign, 1995) “Seems Endless” (Mourning Sign, 1995) “I’ll Be Dancing” (Multiverse, 1996) “Subtle Climax” (Multiverse, 1996) “Seed of Revival” (Multiverse, 1996) “Neerg” (Multiverse, 1996) Episode 115 preview: Hexx, “Fire Mushrooms” (Morbid Reality, 1991) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

For our 113th episode, we dispense with the usual exhalations of the past in favor of the thrills of the tense present-future. Thief, the Los Angeles-based brainchild of visionary producer, Dylan Neal, has released one of 2024’s most extraordinary albums, Bleed, Memory, a harrowing journey through the late stages of the human mind and spirit. Without giving away all of the album’s treasures, this episode can be considered an act of seduction, a persuasion. We dare even the heartiest will to resist the siren strains of Bleed, Memory.  Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: Some insight into Dylan Neal’s note to Jeff, mentioned in the early part of the episode (and the question that we borrowed for this episode’s title): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_face Note III: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked: http://radicalresearch.org/shop/ Music cited in order of appearance: all songs from Thief, Bleed, Memory (2024) “Apparitions” “Cinderland” “Paramnesia” “Prankquean” “Dead Coyote Dreams” “Dulcinea” “Behemouth” “Pissing” “To Whom It May Concern” Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

For its 112th episode, Radical Research travels to balmy Greece to investigate the cryptic evildoing of Hail Spirit Noir, whose hellbroth of black metal, prog, psychedelia, and witchery strikes a special chord with your hosts. We take a deep look at the band’s first four albums and find ourselves more spellbound than ever before. There is no warding off the spell, so give in and join us in this most dangerous of meetings.   Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked: http://radicalresearch.org/shop/ Music cited in order of appearance: “Mountain of Horror” (Pneuma, 2012) “Into the Gates of Time” (two moments) (Pneuma, 2012) “Blood Guru” (Oi Magoi, 2014) “Satan is Time” (Oi Magoi, 2014) “The Mermaid” (Oi Magoi, 2014) “Mayhem in Blue” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016) “Lost in Satan’s Charms” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016) “The Cannibal Tribe Came from the Sea” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016) “Alien Lip Reading” (Eden in Reverse, 2020) “Crossroads” (Eden in Reverse, 2020) “Automata 1980” (Eden in Reverse, 2020) “On the Loose Again” (Mannequins, 2021) ep. 113 preview: Thief, “Prankquean” (Bleed, Memory, 2024) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.