The MetalSucks Podcast

Seven Spires axeman Jack Kosto is joining the show this week to discuss the band's newly released album A Fortress Called Home. We begin the discussions with Jack on his role on the mixing, mastering, and producing of the album, as well as how he gained the trust of the band to take on those responsibilities. We also discuss the album's visual aspect, Adrienne’s lyrical content having a distinct vulnerability this time around,  the approach Seven Spires have when creating music on tour, and the steps it will take to get a headlining tour in the states for the band. Petar and Brandon discuss our recollections of the 25th anniversary of Limp Bizkit’s multi platinum selling Significant Other, James Hetfield possibly writing more “Unforgiven” tracks, bands needing to do more full album “medleys” in concert, and getting food poisoned at a major festival sounding like a hellish experience. Song: Seven Spires “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind”” Song: Seven Spires “Architect of Creation” Song: In Hearts Wake “Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Powerhouse personality and vocalist Lzzy Hale is back on the podcast! We are here to celebrate Halestorms’s co-headlining North American Tour with I Prevail running from July 9th all the way to August 17th. We also discuss Halestorm keeping the same members for 21 years, some of the secrets of maintaining positive relationships with bandmates, her love for animals of all kinds since because of her upbringing, the story of some diehard fans delivering letters to her on tour and the impact it brought her, being brave in the world not negating being terrified to put yourself out there, having to explain her music when she was 13 years old to a principal, and paying it forward in a recent tour with The Warning. Petar and Sylvia discuss the release of the first new song for The Black Dahlia Murder following the tragic passing of Trevor Strand, how proud we are of the metal community showering the track with positivity, also we talk about Serj Tankian’s comments on what it would take to make a new System of A Down Record, and Dennis Lyxzén of Refused giving us a huge health scare this week. Song: Halestorm “Wicked Ways” (Live) Song: Halestorm & I Prevail “can u see me in the dark?” - Single Song: Ulcerate “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orange Goblin’s Ben Ward is joining the MetalSucks Podcast this week! Their first new studio album in six years Science, Not Fiction is dropping on July 19 and we're here to discuss that and more! We talk about Ward's one and only chance meeting with the late Ronnie James Dio, which is a story in itself. We also get to talking about recording the metal lifer anthem and second single “Cemetery Rats”, how fitness infiltrating the scene has made a much more positive situation for many metalheads, playing shows sober and how it had a little bit of a learning curve. Naturally, we also talked about the mainstream media, the lies they present, and trying to discover the truth about events. Among other things, we also discuss how the band has its 30th anniversary approaching and some of his thoughts on that milestone. Petar and Brandon tackle Sebastian Bach’s attack on fans' T-shirts at a recent concert, then his decision to double down on social media to explain why he was being a dick, Bon Jovi stating the obvious about Lzzy Hale performing with Skid Row, and this goddamn overpriced Slayer cooler that Petar’s going to end up buying. Song: Orange Goblin “Cemetery Rats” Song: Kissin’ Dynamite “The Devil Is A Woman” Song: X-Cops “Light Em Up” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, Evergrey's Tom S. Englund returns to discuss the band's 14th studio album Theories of Emptiness, due out this Friday, June 7. During our chat, discuess what went into the promotional picture where the band is covered in mud and the experience cleaning all that off after the shoot. We also discuss the music video for “Falling From The Sun” and some of the artistic decisions that went into its creation, Looking to the band's future plans, Englund lists the countries Evergrey will be visiting for the first time on their upcoming South American tour. He also shares how he got Adam “Nolly” Getgood involved in the mixing process early on for the new album, how the constellation on the cover artwork has a direct tie-in to the album title, and some of the projects he's currently working on in the world of video games. Petar goes solo this week as he answers a fan’s email about the recently released docuseries Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza, how the series missed a major change in the industry, my theory on what changed the festival, and how modern music has been formatted since to audiences. Song: Evergrey “Falling From The Sun” Song: Evergrey “Say” Song: Vision of Atlantis “Armada” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are putting a spotlight on one of the more interesting releases so far this year, Crypt Sermon's latest The Stygian Rose, which will release on June 14. To that end, we got Brooks Wilson and Steve Jansson on the show to talk about everything from getting into the studio in 2022 to finally being done with it and ready for release. We'll chat about the pros and cons of going into the studio prepared, how doing that helped capture their sound, and how Brooks created the cover art. They also name the video game they feel would be displayed on a video wall before their shows, how vintage 80’s and 90’s action movies have a language of their own. Brooks also does a deep dive into an interesting regional character to inspire lyrical themes on the record and why you can’t miss these guys on tour when shows are announced in North America. Petar and Sylvia discuss a little WWE and the passing of the the torch for the Women’s Title, Bring Me The Horizon surprise releasing their latest album, our thoughts on bands that choose to do surprise releases, Live Nation’s response to the DOJ’s investigation in their business practices, and how we as fans have to navigate the current monopoly they have on shows. Song: Crypt Sermon “Glimmers In The Underworld” Song: Crypt Sermon “Heavy is the Crown of Bone” Song: Insect Ark “Youth Body Swayed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guitar wizard and Intervals mastermind Aaron Marshall is our guest on this week's MetalSucks Podcast! We discuss their new album Memory Palace out right now! During out chat, we also tackle the guest performances on the new record, how improvising works in the band when it comes to  studio and live performances, and he attempts to breakdown what makes a prog metal instrumental ballad work. Marshall also shares some of the team building exercises he and his crew use on the road and the surreal moment on their recent tour with Mammoth WVH involving a recipe for bread. Petar and Brandon discuss Sebastian Bach’s statement that reason Skid Row hasn’t reunited is because of a “miscommunication," we attempt to write the email that'll get Mr. Bach back in the lineup's good graces, and we revisit how  how Killswitch Engage’s The End of Heartache changed the game when it came to heavy music in the 2000s. Song: intervals “Galaxy Brian” Featuring J3PO Song: intervals “Mnemonic” Song: Four Stroke Baron “The Witch” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's show features an awesome interview with Joseph Rowland of the mighty Pallbearer! During our chat, we hear all about the new album Mind Burns Alive out this Friday, May 17. We also discuss the band's approach of embracing the “quiet” on many of the songs, the comfort he feels in creating in music in an isolated space, and the approach they take on artwork for album covers. Things also take a turn for the philosophical, as the concept of “fate” comes up, how these days the truth requires compromise to communicate, the power of communication through music, longevity of creating art versus popular content, and the battle with being addicted the our phones. Petar and Sylvia discuss the passing of Steve Albini, the lesson he leaves behind with his approach as a engineer for heavy music, the return of Kittie with their first full length album in 13 years, Serj Tankian’s comments on only wanting to do short tours for the fans, and Kerry King just needing to be a little less upfront of his conversation with Tom Araya. Song: Zao “A Last Time For Everything” Song: Pallbearer “Where The Light Fades” Song: Pallbearer “Endless Place” Song: Fu Manchu “Hands of The Zodiac” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, we welcome Brittney Slayes, vocalist of the mighty Unleash The Archers! During our chat, we discuss the band's forthcoming album Phantoma due this Friday, May 10. Some of the topics covered during our conversation includes what went into the creation of the album's concept and overarching storyline, how the protagonist in the story is thrust into horrible situations but that hope is always right around the corner, and how this relates to us having to slow life down in modern times to truly be appreciative. On a more philosophical level, we also tackle how new challenges in life can be scary but necessary, why being happy is a conscious choice that isn’t always easy, the negativity that we have to take daily in so many avenues on the internet, the positive messaging Brittney's tried, and how the positive interactions the band has with fans are a blessing for them. Petar and Brandon discuss the rapper OsamaSon completely ripping off Iron Maiden’s artwork, Deicide’s Glen Benton statement on the modern look of metalhead, and the disturbing allegations made against Knocked Loose’s drummer Kevin Kaine (and his response to those accusations). Song: Unleash The Archers “Green & Glass” Song: Unleash The Archers “Ghost In The Mist” Song: Teramaze “Standing Ovation” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iconic guitarist Marty Friedman is back on The MetalSucks Podcast! We're celebrating his new solo album Drama, which is coming out on May 17. In our chat, we discuss his return to touring North America after the pandemic, look back on the visually arresting livestream he participated in during the Tokyo Jukebox album cycle, and a breakdown on the song structure of the centerpiece track “Mirage." We also discuss how having access to a collection of vintage and rare guitars is beneficial to recording the album, writing his autobiography with the intent of sharing things nobody knows about him, and a ballpark release date for when his autobiography will be available to the world. Before that though, Petar and Sylvia discuss the announcement of the bands on this years Summer Slaughter tour, our thoughts on the reactions that spread all over the metal media, Slipknot’s new look leaning towards the iconic first album, and Motley Crue’s releases a brand new song. Song: Marty Friedman  “Illumination” Song: Marty Friedman “Dead of Winter (English Version) Featuring Chris Brooks of Like A Storm Song: Inter Arma “Desolation’s Harp” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eyal Levi of Dååth is our guest on The MetalSucks Podcast this week! He's here to chat about the band's first album in over a decade, The Deceivers, out May 3. In our chat, Eyal describes how his exercise regimen during the pandemic was a direct impact on returning to playing guitar and how he felt about his guitar playing after not playing for eight years. He also reflected on making the decision to create new music and revive the dormant Dååth, the team that was assembled around the project, what it's like having band members spread out across the world, and the production team that was involved in the creation of the record. There's a whole lot more in the conversation as well that you have to hear for yourself! Sylvia and Petar tackle James Hetfield’s new tattoo with Lemmy’s ashes, Kirk Windstein’s comments about new Down music, Maynard James Keenan’s new music commitments with all his bands, and what order we feel we will see new music from each project. Song: Leeway “The Simple Life?” Song: Dååth “Hex Unending” Song: Dååth “No Rest No End” Song: Dvne “Abode of the Perfect” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Wolf Hoffman of Accept back on The MetalSucks Podcast! During our discussion, we take a walk down memory lane to learn how he initially felt about the band's name, the trend of modern bands having hard to pronounce names, if he feels every new record is a discovery record for new fans or if adding to the legacy of Accept is the focus, and why releasing singles has very little merit in our genre. We also talk about Andy Sneap’s opinion and important direction on modern Accept music, the necessary human contact when creating music for him, and why doing written interviews don’t feel like much of a connection for artists. Brandon and Petar discuss how much we would consider a fair price for Chuck Schuldiner’s Green B.C. Rich guitar, a ticket stub for arguably one of the worst days in heavy metal history, Jerry Cantrell’s guitar going missing and then found, and our thoughts on if Marilyn Manson being sober makes a difference to fans at this point. Song: Accept “The Reckoning” Song: Accept “Humanoid” Song: My Dying Bride “The 2nd Of Three Bells” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J.T. Cavey of ERRA is joining us this week to celebrate the new album Cure and the headlining North American tour the band's going to embark on starting April 23. We also discuss our current daily caffeine intake, why mixing it with water is a must, and what he feels is the energy drink of choice for metalcore bands these days. We also chat about the positive vibe he's noticed from making the bed everyday, releasing songs in a calculated way in modern times, the addition of guitarist Clint Tustin, and the band art that he gets most excited to see completed. Petar and Brandon discuss the 30 year anniversary of Kurt Cobain passing, how we remember the tragic event unfolded, how it changed mainstream music and popular culture, and the ripple effects it had in music and society. Song: ERRA “ Cure” Song: ERRA “Blue Reverie” Song: Alpha Wolf “Haunter” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have heavy metal legend Buck Dharma of Blue Öyster Cult on the show! We discuss the latest studio album Ghost Stories coming out April 12, as well as how many of the songs have a long history with the band, if having so many demoes of the tracks through the years changed the new recordings, and how they play legacy songs differently throughout the years for the fans to keep things interesting. He also discusses what it's like to perform newer material at this stage in the band's career, the powerhouse that was MC5 and doing a rendition of their classic “Kick Out The Jams”, and why you don’t want to sleep on any upcoming tours with Blue Öyster Cult. Petar and Sylvia discuss the week's news, including Skid Row announcing a major line up change and the all-star vocalist who will be filling in, Mudvayne’s Chad Gray talking about what's been obvious for years regarding Motley Crüe, and AC/DC selling a boat load of tickets in 24 hours for their upcoming European Tour. Song: Blue Öyster Cult “So Supernatural” Song: Blue Öyster Cult “Don’t Come Running” Pallbearer “Where The Light Fades” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anders Fridén is back on the show! We're celebrating their upcoming North American tour with Gatecreeper and Creeping Death, so naturally we discuss Fridén's involvement in selecting the opening acts for the tour, how playing live means so much more after the pandemic, the importance of a scene for heavy music to rise, and how In Flames rehearses with members living in different countries. We also discuss the importance of artwork for heavy metal, what he considers the 30th anniversary of In Flames, and if they have anything planned for that milestone. Petar and Brandon discuss Rex Brown’s comments on possibly recording new Pantera music, Charlie Benante on the possibility of a new Pantera live album, and Maynard James Keenan assisting Mike Tyson during a strange time in boxing. Song: In Flames “Foregone, Pt. 1” Song: In Flames “State of Slow Decay” Song: Melvins “Addicted to Food” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Steve Moore of Zombi joining us on The MetalSucks Podcast. In our chat, we discuss the band's latest album Direct Inject out this Friday, March 22. We discuss 2024 being the 20th anniversary of Zombi, if he thought that milestone would have happened when the band started as a side project, and how important their label Relapse has been in keeping the band alive. We also discuss some of the approaches Zombi take to make new fans, his experience as a touring musician during the pandemic, the tour with The Sword that brought momentum back to the Zombi camp, what it was like touring with Goblin as a keyboard player, and the future of Zombi and friends releases. Petar and Jozalyn discuss the tragic passing of Blake Harrison, share an email from a fan who went to see Jozalyn do stand up comedy, Mastodon’s Troy Sanders being a fantastic Little League Baseball Coach, and Fear Factory wanting a fill in bassist that can drink a bottle of tequila with no negative results. Song: Pig Destroyer “Loathsome” Song: Zombi “The Post Atomic Horror” Song: Zombi “Bodies In The Flotsam” Song: CNTS “I Won’t Work For You” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dragonforce’s Herman Li is joining us for this week's MetalSucks Podcast! The band’s latest album Warp Speed Warriors is coming out this Friday, March 15, so Li tells us how Dragonforce landed the Despicable Me 4 trailer, how we have noticed metal is getting its due in the advertising world, his physical music collection being across the pond, and how his London home is a bit of a time machine. Naturally, we also discuss the last video game he remembers beating in the arcade, the album artwork from concept to completion, the extra goodies Dragonforce gives out when the band does  meet and greets, and  why it’s important to be able to compromise on co-headlining tours. Petar and Sylvia discuss the momentous release of the new Judas Priest record Invincible Shield and how they're the first heavy metal band to release two albums 50 years apart. Petar also shares a personal 'Proud Papa' moment involving the record. As for the news, they discussed Phil Demmel being surprised about the Slayer reunion announcement, Burton C. Bell releasing his first solo track, and a bill being introduced to Congress that would increase streaming payments for musicians. Song: Dragonforce “Astro Warrior Anthem” Song: Dragonforce “Doomsday Featuring Elize Ryd of Amanrathe” Song: Judas Priest “Panic Attack” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't look now, but Kittie's very own Morgan Lander is back on the show! We are here to discuss Kittiepig, the only non-alcoholic beverage with the Canadian band's name and stamp of approval. In our chat, we talk about the idea and origin story behind the collaboration, some of the notes she gave after doing a taste testing, what a Saskatoon berry tastes like, and if there will be any available at the merch both when the band tours your city. We also celebrate their first single in 13 years “Eyes Wide Open,” the music video that  accompanied the song, and the plans for Kittie in 2024. Petar and Jozalyn tackle the tale of a vocalist getting fired for his creative attempts to steal a bandmates girlfriend, our thoughts on if the new Judas Priest record is their final one, and Avenged Sevenfold releasing a VR concert to the fans. Song: Kittie “Eyes Wide Open” Song: Coffin Storm “Over Frozen Moors” Song: Boundaries ”A Pale Light Lingers” (featuring Alpha Wolf’s Lochie Keogh) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Øystein Brun of Borknagar is on the show this week! During our chat, we discuss the latest album from the Norwegian black metal legends Fall. We also chat about we discuss Øystein's childhood in Norway, the concept of nature’s connection with man on the new record, music truly being something created from nothing, touring Borknagar more the last 10 years and the perspective that has given him.  Petar and Brandon discuss all the thoughts and emotions that surround Slayer's return, how this affects the excitement of Kerry King’s solo project, how we feel they are part of the future festival headliners, and if it hurts the legacy of the band in anyway. Song: Borknagar “The Wild Lingers” Song: Borknagar “Moon” Song: Illumishade “Riptide” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's guest is none other than John Henry of Darkest Hour! He's here to celebrate the band's first full length record in six years, Perpetual/Terminal coming out February 23. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of following up on Godless Prophets and The Migrant Flora, how Ozzfest shaped the band's professionalism, the brotherhood that bands had when doing traveling festival packages, and at what point in his career that he was comfortable doing stage banter. In a bit of fun sports talk, Henry also talks about Darkest Hour creating a fight song for the Washington Capitals and how the terming “selling out” has changed since the inception of the band. Later on in the show, Brandon and Petar discuss the laughably bad Motley Crue action figures, Kittie releasing their first song in 13 years, High on Fire announcing their first new album since winning a Grammy, our thoughts with the AI generated video they released, and how artists are now secondary to the event for mainstream audiences. Song: Darkest Hour “Perpetual/Terminal Song: Darkest Hour “Societal Bile” Song: Hiraes “Dormant” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ihsahn is joining the podcast this week to celebrate his new self-titled album coming out Feb. 16. In this episode, we discuss his passion for film composition, some of the names that he's followed over the years, his drive to always have an orchestral element to his music, the rock artists that transition into doing full time film work, and how he created a world based on the orchestral release of the self titled album. In addition to all that, we chat about what perimeters would need to be met for the orchestral version of the new album to get a proper live presentation, how it's been working on the documentary of Fascination Street Studios with Jens Bogren, and the importance and magic of capturing the inexplicable moment in art that can’t be replicated. Petar and Sylvia discuss the reveal of Kerry King’s new band, our thoughts on the first track released to fans, his upcoming tour with Lamb of God and Mastodon, the update on his relationship with his old Slayer bandmates, and Bon Jovi stating that he won’t use backing tracks live to perform to his legion of fans. Song: Ihsahn “Pilgrimage to Oblivion” Song: Ihsahn “The Distance Between Us” Song: Persefone “One Word” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices