And Now The Band

On EP386 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Gavin Zollo to discuss the modern music industry, independent releases, record labels, underground music and the creation of In the Key of Doom, a new doom-focused festival built around community rather than corporate festival culture.Gavin and Tom begin with a discussion about how dramatically technology has changed the music business. Artists now have access to recording, distribution, promotion and direct-to-fan platforms that make it possible to release music independently without relying entirely on traditional record labels.They acknowledge that labels can still provide valuable resources, but the conversation focuses on how independent artists can use self-releasing, PR companies and modern digital platforms to build audiences while maintaining greater control over their music.The conversation then moves into the underground festival world and Gavin's philosophy behind In the Key of Doom.Rather than immediately trying to build a massive festival, Gavin chose to start with a two-day event in a 450-capacity Brooklyn venue, following his production company's philosophy of “big loud music in small dark rooms.” The goal is to create an intimate environment where the music, bands and audience remain at the center of the experience.Gavin talks about the importance of keeping ticket prices reasonable, paying bands fairly, using local gear and artwork, providing quality food and hospitality, and keeping as much money as possible circulating within the underground music community.He also explains why he considers himself a producer rather than simply a promoter, and how his approach to festivals is based on creating a memorable experience for both musicians and fans.The festival's concept originated with Gavin's personal playlist “Meditations in the Key of Doom,” which became the inspiration for Friday night's Meditations portion of the festival. The lineup includes bands such as Bongripper, while the second night, Celebrations, provides a contrasting experience built around shorter and faster songs.Gavin also discusses the challenges of festival curation, including losing High Desert Queen because of medical issues and bringing in Heavy Temple as a replacement. Rather than booking bands strictly according to popularity, Gavin describes building the lineup around sonic progression, creating an experience that introduces audiences to bands they may not already know.The discussion covers Insomniac, Howling Giant, Spotlights, Bongripper, Heavy Temple and other bands connected to the underground doom, stoner, sludge and doomgaze communities.Tom and Gavin also talk about the importance of experienced local organizers and consultants, including Gavin's decision to bring in Ryan, who works with Ripple Fest. They discuss festival logistics, backline equipment, minimizing gear changes and maximizing the amount of time bands actually spend playing.The inaugural In the Key of Doom festival is scheduled for October 2–3 at The Meadows in Brooklyn, with the industrial setting allowing bands to play at high volume without the typical outdoor festival dB restrictions discussed in the interview.Gavin also talks about the realities of selling festival tickets in the post-COVID era, including the trend toward last-minute ticket purchases and the difficulty of relying on early presales to determine whether an underground event will break even.From independent music and record labels to doom metal, festival production, artist compensation, venue selection and building community, EP386 goes behind the scenes with someone actively working to create a different kind of underground music experience.

BRAT is back with a new album, a new creative approach, and bigger ambitions. On EP385 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Liz and Brenner of BRAT to talk about the band's upcoming album ‘Manslayer,’ arriving September 25 through Prosthetic Records. Liz discusses taking over lyric writing for the new record and how stepping into that role created a new creative outlet while allowing her to bring more of her own perspective into BRAT's music. The band also talks about evolving their sound on Manslayer, adding more catchy, participatory elements while still maintaining the heaviness that has become part of BRAT's identity. The conversation dives deep into the band's influences and the importance of touring. They talk about Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under, EyeHateGod, Crowbar, Acid Bath, Goatwhore and the ways different bands and tours have influenced BRAT's songwriting. One of the most interesting examples comes from “Social Grace,” where Brenner explains how a riff was inspired by BRAT's experience touring with EyeHateGod. Rather than simply copying their influences, BRAT approaches these musical homages as a way of acknowledging the bands that have helped shape them—while still trying to make the ideas their own. Tom, Liz and Brenner also discuss the resurgence of the New Orleans metal scene, particularly the renewed attention being given to legendary bands like EyeHateGod, Crowbar and Acid Bath. They talk about how younger audiences are discovering these bands through newer platforms such as TikTok and why the work ethic of New Orleans musicians has helped these bands remain relevant decades later. Touring becomes another major topic, including memorable tours with Revocation and Of Sulfur, the unique atmosphere of Nekrogoblikon, concert etiquette, taking care of pets while on the road, and some of the venues and bands BRAT hopes to share stages with in the future. Liz and Brenner talk about dream tours with bands including Metallica, Cannibal Corpse and Dying Fetus, as well as the significance of playing St. Vitus in New York during BRAT's early touring years.The band has plenty more touring ahead, including shows with Gwar, a headlining Manslayer tour, and a six-week European tour with Napalm Death that will take BRAT into several countries they haven't previously visited. BRAT will also celebrate the release of Manslayer with an album release show at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, featuring local support from Joystick and Fiend. The show marks what the band describes as the first metal show at the venue.Looking further ahead, Liz and Brenner discuss BRAT's ambitions to headline larger venues and reach new audiences in South America, Southeast Asia and Australia. From Manslayer and songwriting to New Orleans metal, touring, influences, dream lineups and BRAT's future, this is a deep conversation with one of the most exciting bands coming out of the underground heavy music scene. EP385 Topics BRAT Liz and Brenner Manslayer Prosthetic Records New BRAT album BRAT songwriting Liz taking over lyric writing BRAT's evolving sound Catchy and participatory songwriting Cannibal Corpse Six Feet Under EyeHateGod Crowbar Acid Bath Goatwhore New Orleans metal New Orleans underground music TikTok and discovering older metal Touring with Revocation Ov Sulfur Nekrogoblikon Concert etiquette BRAT's touring experiences St. Vitus Gwar Napalm Death European touring Metallica Dying Fetus BRAT's future touring goals South America Southeast Asia Australia Manslayer album release show New Orleans Jazz Museum Listen, subscribe and follow And Now The Band for more conversations with the artists pushing heavy music forward. #BRAT #BRATBand #Manslayer #LizBRAT #BrennerBRAT #ProstheticRecords #NewOrleansMetal #DeathMetal #Grindcore #Metal #HeavyMetal #ExtremeMetal #NapalmDeath #CannibalCorpse #AcidBath #Crowbar #Ihategod #Goatwhore #AndNowTheBand #MetalInterview

Peter Tägtgren has spent decades building one of the most recognizable careers in extreme metal — from Hypocrisy and The Abyss to his industrial-metal project PAIN — and on EP384 of And Now The Band , Peter joins Tom for a wide-ranging conversation about music, family, creativity, recording and what comes next. Peter talks about his new single “I Don’t Give a Fukk,” explaining the personal meaning behind the song and why it isn't intended as a political statement. The conversation also explores how the internet and modern technology have changed the way people receive information compared with the 1980s and '90s. One of the most personal parts of the interview is Peter's discussion of his son Sebastian Tägtgren , who joined PAIN as the band's drummer at 18. Peter talks about watching his son develop as a musician, Sebastian's contributions to the heavier elements of PAIN's recent material, and what it's like having a father-son partnership inside the band. Peter also reveals his plans for a new song and video every six to eight weeks , with upcoming tracks featuring guest musicians. Rather than following the traditional album-release cycle, Peter is embracing a singles-driven approach and plans to release multiple standalone collaborations over the coming year. Tom and Peter also discuss the possibility of putting some of these standalone songs onto 7-inch vinyl , Peter's massive KISS singles collection, the changing landscape of music promotion, and the differences between creating and promoting metal music in the past versus today. Peter opens up about his recording process as well, including his upcoming work , why he limits long studio sessions, taking breaks to protect the quality of the work, and why focusing on one band at a time helps him stay creatively focused. From Hypocrisy to PAIN , from extreme metal to industrial music, from fatherhood to the future of music releases, EP384 offers a personal look at one of metal's most prolific musicians, producers and songwriters. EP384 – Peter Tägtgren | PAIN | Hypocrisy | New Music | Sebastian Tägtgren | Metal Peter Tägtgren's career with PAIN and Hypocrisy The Abyss and Peter's early metal career New single “I Don't Give a Fuck” The meaning behind Peter's new song Music and politics The internet and changing information landscape Peter and Sebastian Tägtgren Sebastian joining PAIN at 18 Father and son making music together Songwriting and PAIN's heavier direction Peter's new singles strategy Releasing music every 6–8 weeks Collaborations and guest musicians Standalone singles vs. traditional albums 7-inch vinyl releases Peter's KISS singles collection Recording with Elevati Peter's studio philosophy Taking breaks during long recording sessions The evolution of music promotion PAIN and Hypocrisy The future of metal music Subscribe to And Now The Band for more interviews with the musicians, producers, artists and people shaping heavy music. #PeterTagtgren #PAIN #Hypocrisy #SebastianTagtgren #IndustrialMetal #DeathMetal #SwedishMetal #HeavyMetal #Metal #NewMusic #AndNowTheBand #MetalInterview #ExtremeMetal #TheAbyss

On this episode of And Now The Band , Tom sits down with Early Moods to talk about their highly anticipated new album, “Ready for the Grave,” and the journey that has taken the band through three albums, international touring, festivals, and the ever-evolving world of heavy music. The band breaks down the writing and recording process behind Ready for the Grave , including some of their favorite tracks such as “Ashes of the Damned,” “Eternal Grief,” and the title track. They discuss how their songwriting process has developed while maintaining the core identity of Early Moods and what makes this new record different from their previous releases. The conversation also dives deep into doom metal, heavy rock, touring, vinyl, physical media, music discovery, and the importance of playing live . Early Moods discuss their upcoming European tour , including stops across Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, and Budapest, as well as plans for future U.S. touring. Tom and the band also talk about the modern festival landscape, from major events like Hellfest and Maryland Deathfest to smaller festivals and underground gatherings that continue to keep heavy music thriving. There’s plenty of discussion about the Kentucky and Louisville music scene , vinyl collecting, DIY touring, memorable concerts, and the bands that continue to inspire Early Moods. If you're into doom metal, stoner metal, heavy psych, classic heavy rock, underground metal, vinyl collecting, and discovering new bands , this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🔥 EARLY MOODS – READY FOR THE GRAVE 📅 Album Release: September 18 on Easy Rider Records Topics Covered: • Early Moods – Ready for the Grave • “Ashes of the Damned” • “Eternal Grief” • “Ready for the Grave” • Doom Metal & Heavy Rock • Songwriting & Band Evolution • European Touring • Metal Festivals • Maryland Deathfest • Hellfest • Vinyl & Physical Music • DIY Touring • Kentucky & Louisville Heavy Music • Underground Metal Community • Favorite Bands & Music Recommendations 🎧 Listen to And Now The Band wherever you get your podcasts. 🎥 Subscribe to And Now The Band on YouTube for more interviews with musicians, bands, producers, and people shaping the heavy music underground. #EarlyMoods #ReadyForTheGrave #DoomMetal #HeavyMetal #StonerMetal #HeavyRock #MetalInterview #AndNowTheBand #UndergroundMetal #NewMusic #MetalPodcast #Vinyl #Doom #HeavyPsych #LouisvilleMusic

In this episode of And Now The Band , Tom sits down with Colin Marston of Krallice for an in-depth conversation about Krallice's evolving sound, their return to a two-guitar lineup , their latest album, and the band's approach to live performance after more than 20 years of creating experimental extreme music. Colin explains why Krallice moved away from their previous synth-heavy live setup and returned to two guitars, allowing the band to bring older and newer material together in the same live set . He also reveals how the band approaches their upcoming tours, including their unusual strategy of preparing more songs than they need and sometimes deciding the setlist only minutes before taking the stage. The conversation explores spontaneity, mistakes, improvisation, creativity and authenticity in live music . Colin explains why he isn't interested in making performances—or recordings—perfect, arguing that mistakes and unexpected moments can make music feel more alive. Tom and Colin also discuss Krallice's songwriting and production philosophy, including Colin's excitement about two particular songs from the new album and the highly collaborative process behind “Unceasing Path.” The episode also looks ahead to Krallice's month-long European tour , their successful U.S. tour opening for Blood Incantation , as well as the band's October 5th warm-up show at St. Vitus in New York . Krallice's return to a two-guitar lineup Why the band moved away from their synth-heavy live setup Mixing new and classic Krallice songs in live sets 90-minute sets and constantly changing setlists Why Krallice sometimes chooses songs just minutes before a show The importance of spontaneity in live music Why Colin embraces mistakes and imperfections Krallice's approach to recording and mixing Colin's favorite songs from the new album The collaborative creation of “Unceasing Path” Revisiting material from Krallice's first four albums Playing a song from Demonic Wealth that was never intended for the stage Krallice's 20+ year musical journey Touring with Blood Incantation The challenges of promoting underground music in the social-media era Krallice's upcoming European tour The October 5th St. Vitus warm-up show The difference between playing music and being a touring band Krallice isn't a band built around simply replaying the past. This conversation explores how a band can continue challenging itself, stay unpredictable onstage, and keep extreme music feeling alive after two decades. #Krallice #ColinMarston #ExperimentalMetal #BlackMetal #AvantGardeMetal #ExtremeMetal #ProgressiveMetal #UndergroundMetal #NewMusic #MetalPodcast #MusicInterview #BloodIncantation #DemonicWealth #StVitus #AndNowTheBand #HeavyMusic Krallice, Colin Marston, Krallice interview, Colin Marston interview, Krallice new album, Krallice new music, experimental black metal, avant garde metal, extreme metal, progressive metal, experimental metal, black metal, underground metal, Krallice tour, Krallice Europe tour, Krallice St Vitus, Blood Incantation, Demonic Wealth, Unceasing Path, metal podcast, extreme music podcast, heavy music interview, experimental music, New York metal, And Now The Band

In this episode of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with the Jasons of Molly McGuire to talk about the band's 30th anniversary of Lime, the history of Molly McGuire, their new album Disaster in Reverse, and the experiences that shaped the Jason's musical career.They discuss returning to the Molly McGuire material after years away and how surprisingly natural the songs felt when the band reunited. The conversation also dives into the band's new record, and the recording process with produced by Sisters and engineered by Paul Malinowski of Shiner and Mario Quintero of Spotlights/MollyMcGuire/Sisters.The episode goes well beyond the reunion, covering hardcore punk, Bad Brains, underground music, classic rock, songwriting, recording, live performance, and the importance of authenticity when performing another artist's material.We also share some wild stories about recording sessions, unexpected sounds captured in the studio, and their experiences with psychedelic culture and live music. They discuss what makes certain records timeless and why less-polished recordings can sometimes have more impact than heavily produced modern music.The Jasons also talks about what's next for Molly McGuire, including the band's upcoming October shows and the first single from the new album, “It's Not For You.”In This Episode:Molly McGuire's 30th anniversary of LimeRevisiting the band's classic materialThe new album Disaster in ReverseThe story behind the title Disaster in ReverseRecording with Paul Malinowski and Mario QuinteroThe first single, “It's Not For You”Bad Brains and the hardcore punk influenceUnderground music vs. mainstream productionSongwriting and recording techniquesPerforming cover songs authenticallyLed Zeppelin, Rainbow and classic rockStudio accidents and unexpected recordingsTouring and upcoming October showsThe evolution of Molly McGuireThe importance of staying true to your musical identityIf you're into heavy music, hardcore punk, underground metal, classic rock, independent music, vinyl, and the stories behind the bands you love, this episode is for you.Subscribe to And Now The Band for more conversations with musicians, producers, artists, and people working behind the scenes in heavy music.#MollyMcGuire #DisasterInReverse #ItsNotForYou #HardcorePunk #BadBrains #PunkRock #HeavyMusic #Metal #UndergroundMusic #NewMusic #MusicInterview #AndNowTheBand #LouisvilleMusic #HeavyMetalPodcast

Jeff Golden of Blood of the Earth and Six Feet Under joins Tom for EP380 of And Now The Band! While Six Feet Under was on tour, the band stopped in Louisville at the Whirling Tiger , giving Tom the opportunity to hang out with Jeff before the show. After grabbing some food and running around Louisville, the two sat down for a conversation about Blood of the Earth, Six Feet Under, death metal, music history, and what's coming next. Jeff goes deep on the story behind Blood of the Earth , including the long-awaited addition of J Costa of Thy Will Be Done on vocals. Jeff explains how long he and J had been discussing the project and why bringing it to life has ultimately been roughly 10 years in the making . The conversation also explores Jeff's introduction to death metal , the influences that helped shape his musical journey, and how those experiences eventually contributed to Blood of the Earth's sound. Jeff also talks about opening Lucky 13 in Tampa , what fans can expect from the new venture, and the work involved in creating a space for the music community. And of course, Tom and Jeff discuss Six Feet Under's current tour , including the band's extensive touring schedule and their plans to take the music around the world. Jeff Golden's work with Blood of the Earth Jeff's time with Six Feet Under The story behind J Costa joining Blood of the Earth Why Blood of the Earth has been 10 years in the making J Costa's crushing vocal performance Jeff's introduction to death metal The bands and music that influenced Jeff Blood of the Earth's development Opening Lucky 13 in Tampa Building a venue and music community Six Feet Under's current tour Touring around the world Life on the road Louisville's Whirling Tiger The underground death metal community What's next for Blood of the Earth If you're into death metal, Six Feet Under, Thy Will Be Done, underground metal, extreme vocals, touring musicians, and new heavy music , this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to And Now The Band for more conversations with the musicians, artists, producers, promoters, and people working behind the scenes in heavy music. 🔥 In This Episode:

Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red joins Tom on And Now The Band for a conversation about Seasons of Surrender , August Burns Red's 20-year career, songwriting, authenticity, vocal technique, live performance, touring, and maintaining creative chemistry after decades together. Jake explains how August Burns Red approached Seasons of Surrender with the goal of creating the best version of an August Burns Red record rather than chasing trends or making a drastic stylistic departure. He discusses the band's creative process, rewriting songs and endings, pushing one another in the studio, and developing the trust necessary to accept criticism from bandmates. Jake and Tom also compare the new album with Death Below , discussing how the darker and more progressive character of that record reflected the COVID era while Seasons of Surrender represents the band embracing who they are while continuing to evolve. The conversation covers authenticity, songwriting, collaboration, audience connection, live performance, vocal technique, touring, and longevity . Jake shares the story behind developing the low vocal technique required for "Legions" , including working with vocal coach David Benitez, and explains how he prepares his voice for touring and live performances. The episode also explores what it takes to keep a band healthy after 20 years: trust, humility, honest criticism, compromise, personal relationships, and the willingness to keep challenging yourself. Topics include: August Burns Red, Jake Luhrs, Seasons of Surrender , Death Below , metalcore, songwriting, vocal technique, "Legions," "Sonic Salvation," touring, live performance, audience engagement, vocal health, and 20 years of August Burns Red.

Sebastian of God Mother joins Tom on And Now The Band to discuss the band's massive new album Kottvarld, 15 years of God Mother, recording across multiple studios, international touring, handmade merchandise, and the importance of maintaining genuine connections within the underground music community. After nearly two years of work, God Mother are preparing to release Kottvarld, a massive album that represents a significant new chapter for the band. Sebastian explains the band's unique recording process, which involved multiple studios, including an iconic drum-recording facility where ABBA previously recorded. Sebastian also discusses the extensive network of people behind God Mother. After roughly 15 years together, the band has built a support system that extends far beyond the four members, including family, friends, engineers, PR support, and other collaborators. From recording in Daniel's father's basement to working with Michael as the band's sound engineer, that community has played an important role in helping God Mother create their music. As a graphic designer, Sebastian is also heavily involved in the band's visual identity, including album artwork, merchandise, and handmade designs. He shares the story of creating a limited-edition Stanley Kubrick-inspired poster at a show that became so meaningful to one fan that they traveled from Canada specifically to purchase it. Tom and Sebastian explore how merchandise can become more than something fans buy at a concert—it can become a physical reminder of a particular show, band, or moment in someone's life. The conversation also covers God Mother's experiences playing major venues, including Terminal 5 in New York, where they encountered fans and notable musicians including Mike Patton. Topics discussed include: God Mother's new album Kottvarld Two years of work behind the record God Mother's 15-year history Recording across multiple studios An iconic studio where ABBA recorded Recording in Daniel's father's basement Michael's role as engineer Sebastian's graphic design work Album artwork and merchandise Handmade concert merchandise Stanley Kubrick-inspired artwork Building relationships with fans Terminal 5 in New York Meeting Mike Patton European touringUK and Scandinavian shows The challenges of touring the United States International visa and touring issues Stockholm's Cyclops venue Introducing children to heavy music Metallica and Motörhead God Mother's 2013 Central America tour Spotify and music discovery The importance of underground music communities Future touring plans Sebastian and Tom also discuss the changing live-music environment and why personal interaction between bands and fans remains one of the most important aspects of underground music. For fans of God Mother, experimental metal, hardcore, extreme music, Swedish metal, underground music, and international heavy music, EP378 provides an inside look at the band's creative process, their new album Kottvarld, and the community that has helped sustain God Mother for more than a decade. Subscribe to And Now The Band for more interviews with the musicians, artists, producers, and people shaping today's heavy music scene. #GodMother #Kottvarld #Sebastian #ExperimentalMetal #ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #MikePatton #SwedishMetal #HeavyMusic #AndNowTheBand

Alec of IATT joins Tom on And Now The Band to discuss IATT's ambitious concept album Etheric Realms of the Night , the psychology of sleep and insomnia, and the band's incredible feature-length black metal rock opera film now available through Thunderflix. Etheric Realms of the Night explores the different stages of sleep and the psychological experiences surrounding them, including insomnia, sleep deprivation, somniphobia, and the human mind . Alec explains how IATT approaches songwriting through extensive research and discussion of psychology, allowing the album's themes to influence both the music and the band's larger visual presentation. The conversation goes much deeper when Alec discusses the 18-month process of creating IATT's feature-length black metal rock opera film . Created independently and largely self-financed by Alec and his team, the film was produced on a shoestring budget and combines IATT's music with cinematic storytelling without traditional dialogue. Alec draws on his background in film school and music-video production to explain how the project came together, the enormous amount of time invested in it, and the self-doubt that comes with spending more than 500 hours on an ambitious creative project. The film premiered in Philadelphia before being released on Thunderflix , and Alec discusses plans for film-festival submissions, a potential special-edition DVD/CD release, behind-the-scenes material, and the possibility of eventually presenting the film with a live pit-orchestra-style performance. Tom and Alec also discuss: IATT's Etheric Realms of the Night Black metal and concept albums Sleep, insomnia and somniphobia The psychology behind IATT's music IATT's feature-length black metal film Black metal rock operas Thunderflix Independent filmmaking Film school and music-video production Spending 500+ hours on a creative project Overcoming self-doubt Album artwork and visual storytelling Vinyl, CDs and physical music Black Lion Records Envima Records The importance of the complete album experience Streaming vs. physical music IATT's upcoming West Coast tour Narcotic Wasteland Future live screenings and performances The future of IATT Alec also talks about "Walk Amongst," one of his favorite IATT songs to perform, including the possibility of incorporating live saxophone into future performances. The episode closes with discussion of IATT's upcoming touring plans, including their September West Coast tour , a show with Narcotic Wasteland , and the possibility of bringing their film to Louisville for a special screening and live event. If you're a fan of black metal, extreme metal, concept albums, experimental music, independent filmmaking, psychological horror, or ambitious DIY music projects , this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Tom sits down with recording engineer, producer, and mixer Mario Quintero for a deep conversation about three decades of recording music, the evolution of digital production, and the philosophy behind creating massive yet authentic-sounding records. Mario discusses his work with bands including Spotlights, Pallbearer, Hiroe, Shiner, Amblare, Moon Destroys, and Bunuel, explaining how his approach to recording has evolved throughout his career. Rather than relying on endless processing or technical tricks, Mario emphasizes the importance of the song, the performance, and finding the right balance between instruments. After beginning his recording journey with ADAT machines and eventually moving into Pro Tools, Mario explains how the transition from analog recording to modern digital production changed the way musicians and engineers work. He describes how today's musicians have access to an unprecedented amount of information and learning resources, allowing them to develop their skills faster than previous generations. Mario also explains his "less is more" approach to production and how, over the last decade, he has moved away from heavily manipulating individual tracks toward creating space, balance, and interaction between instruments. Additional topics include: Mario's 30-year recording career Engineering, mixing, mastering, and production Working with Spotlights and Pallbearer Hiroe and long-term musical relationships Shiner and the pressure of working with established bands Amblare and the Brian St. Pair recording Moon Destroys Bunuel with Eugene Robinson Working with smaller independent bands Analog recording and ADAT The transition to Pro Tools Modern digital recording techniques Why "less is more" can produce better records Balancing huge production with live energy Mixing and mastering Translating studio recordings to live performances Getting musicians to think about the band as a complete unit Mario shares how being both a musician and engineer allows him to work backward from a desired sonic result, often envisioning the final record while creating demos. He also discusses the challenge of remaining objective when you're deeply involved in every stage of a project and the importance of having trusted people who will provide honest, unfiltered feedback. The conversation goes beyond recording technology and into the psychology of making records. Mario explains why producers need to help musicians understand their role within the overall arrangement rather than focusing exclusively on their individual parts. He discusses overplaying, excessive effects, the importance of space, and why emotional impact ultimately matters more than technical perfection. Mario also talks about why he particularly enjoys mixing, describing the process of discovering what a great recording can become once all of the individual performances are brought together. For musicians, producers, engineers, and fans interested in what happens behind the scenes of heavy music, this episode provides an inside look at the creative and technical decisions that turn great performances into great records.

Tom welcomes legendary vocalist Mark Sunshine for an in-depth conversation covering more than three decades of heavy music, from his early days with Elysium and System Addict to his current work with Patriarchs in Black, Unida, and the emerging progressive metal project Lost Beacon. Mark reflects on his musical journey, explaining why he stepped away from music at various points throughout his career rather than settling into performing cover songs. He discusses his time with Elysium before joining System Addict alongside Damon Trotta and Ed Furman, laying the foundation for a career built on authenticity and powerful vocal performances. The conversation explores Mark's recent contributions to Patriarchs in Black, including recording "Immigrant Song" after being recommended by Mike of Non-Fiction. Mark also shares updates on the upcoming 4 Patriarchs release, revealing that three new songs are currently being completed ahead of a September deadline. He also teases another cover song suggested by Johnny Kelly of Type O Negative and Quiet Riot. Additional topics include: Mark Sunshine's career history Elysium and System Addict Patriarchs in Black Recording "Immigrant Song" The upcoming 4 Patriarchs album Working with Johnny Kelly Unida's return Mojave Festival 2027 Tabernas Festival in Spain Lost Beacon with Trevor from Ashen Hoard Performing classic songs while maintaining originality The importance of authentic live performances Touring as the ultimate test for new music Mark also discusses his role as the vocalist for Unida since 2022, including upcoming appearances at Mojave Festival 2027 alongside Yawning Man, Mondo Generator, Red Fang, and Deathchant. While excited about the band's future, he candidly addresses the frustrations surrounding delays in releasing new material and emphasizes the importance of getting music into fans' hands. Tom and Mark also dive into the philosophy of performing classic songs, discussing Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, and Chicago while exploring the balance between honoring iconic performances and maintaining one's own artistic identity. The conversation closes with updates on Lost Beacon, Mark's collaboration with Trevor from Ashen Hoard, which blends progressive metal and power metal into an exciting new creative direction.

Tom welcomes David back to the show for a complete recap of Holler of Doom 2026, reflecting on one of the festival's biggest and most successful years despite unpredictable weather, logistical challenges, and the ever-changing realities of organizing an independent music festival. David shares how heavy rain and overnight storms threatened portions of the weekend but ultimately had little impact on the performances themselves. Thanks to careful planning, dedicated volunteers, and an incredible community effort, the festival ran smoothly with no major incidents while delivering two unforgettable days of underground heavy music. The conversation highlights many of the standout performances from across the weekend, including unforgettable sets from Vibrolas, Crystal Spiders, Faerie Ring, Wyndryder, Year of October, Hollows, Phoxxxy Grandma, Earth Tomb, Riffzard, Ghost in Me, and Veilcaste, whose appearance marked the venue's 100th show. David also discusses how Vibrolas' partnership has helped shape the future direction of Holler of Doom, creating an even stronger foundation for future festivals. Additional topics include: Holler of Doom 2026 recap Overcoming severe weather conditions Festival logistics and organization Record-breaking pre-sale ticket numbers Supporting more bands than ever before Vendor and sponsor appreciation Hagtronics' festival sponsorship Merchandise sales and festival branding Growing attendance from across the United States Community volunteers and teamwork Heat exhaustion response and attendee safety Planning Holler of Doom 2027 Building one of the Southeast's premier underground heavy music festivals David also reflects on more than two decades of involvement in underground heavy music and how Holler of Doom has evolved from its humble beginnings into a destination event for doom, sludge, stoner rock, and underground metal fans. The episode concludes with a look ahead at future festivals, upcoming shows, and the continued growth of the Holler of Doom community.

Tom welcomes Patrick of Nashville-based heavy rock band Nehoda for a thoughtful conversation about the band's musical evolution, recording philosophy, the realities of balancing music with full-time careers, and the ever-changing Nashville music scene. Patrick shares the story of relocating from Seattle to Nashville nearly a decade ago in search of a more affordable city where musicians could continue creating while maintaining sustainable careers. Together, Tom and Patrick reflect on Nashville's incredible level of musicianship and how many world-class performers balance their artistic passions alongside everyday professions. The conversation explores Nehoda's evolution across four albums, highlighting the band's decision to embrace a more studio-oriented approach for their latest recordings. Patrick explains how layering guitars, vocals, and additional textures allowed the band to expand beyond their traditional live recording style while preserving the emotional core of each song. He also discusses revisiting earlier material by re-recording five songs with drummer Chip, giving longtime fans a fresh perspective on the band's growth and improved production. Additional topics include: Moving from Seattle to Nashville Nashville's thriving music community Building songs inside the recording studio The band's evolution over four albums Re-recording classic songs with drummer Chip Independent music promotion and PR strategies Balancing a full-time career with touring Quality over quantity in live performances Weekend touring and regional expansion The changing Nashville music landscape Staying artistically authentic in a commercial music city Learning to enjoy the present instead of constantly chasing the next goal Family, loss, perspective, and finding balance through music Patrick also opens up about the challenges of managing the business side of an independent band while maintaining his passion for creating music. The discussion concludes with an honest conversation about personal growth, the importance of appreciating each milestone, and why making meaningful music remains the band's greatest priority.

Tom welcomes David, Rodrigo, and Antonio of UK heavy rock band Okay You Win for an in-depth conversation about their debut full-length album End of Days , recording with producer Andy Hawkins, signing with Blues Funeral Recordings, and building a career through authenticity rather than chasing trends. The band reflects on the creation of End of Days , discussing how every song was written honestly from personal experiences without trying to fit into commercial expectations. Tom praises the album's dynamic songwriting, particularly the opening track "Smoke," while the band shares the stories behind standout songs including "Beat Me Down," "The Greatest Lie," and "Red Flag." David explains how the lyric "I won't break" became a defining statement for the record, representing perseverance through life's challenges. Rodrigo discusses the collaborative effort that shaped "The Greatest Lie," while Antonio highlights the spontaneous punk energy that made "Red Flag" one of the band's favorite songs to perform live. Additional topics include: The making of End of Days Recording with producer Andy Hawkins in Leeds Signing with Blues Funeral Recordings Honest songwriting and artistic authenticity Lessons learned during the recording process Desertfest London Opening for Alan Johannes Performing at London's legendary Underworld Opening for Orange Goblin at Cart & Horses Queens of the Stone Age's influence Favorite emerging UK bands Touring Europe and future U.S. plans Expanding internationally while remaining independent The conversation also explores the band's rapid growth, from early local performances with friends to festival appearances and major support slots. The members discuss the importance of staying true to their artistic vision while building momentum across Europe and looking ahead to future tours in the United States. Their passion for songwriting, friendship, and genuine connection with listeners shines throughout this engaging interview.

Tom welcomes Atlanta extreme metal trio Apostle for an emotional and insightful conversation about their latest EP, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon , the band's creative evolution, and how personal loss has shaped both their music and outlook on life. The members of Apostle discuss how transitioning from a four-piece to a three-piece lineup strengthened their chemistry, streamlined their songwriting, and created a more focused creative process. Working through daily rehearsals, collaborative vision boards, and open communication, the band has developed an approach that balances technical precision with emotional intensity. A major focus of the conversation centers on grief, healing, and finding purpose through music. Maurice shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired much of the EP following the loss of multiple family members in 2024, explaining how those experiences brought greater clarity to both his songwriting and his perspective on life. Tom also reflects on his own experiences with loss, leading to an honest discussion about the healing power of music and the connections it creates between people from all walks of life. Additional topics include: The making of A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon Working with Terminus Hate City The evolution from four members to three Vision boards and collaborative songwriting Building stronger band chemistry Touring throughout the Southeast Long-term plans for the Northeast, Canada, Europe, and Japan Vinyl color variants and physical releases Creating artwork alongside Fabio using early demos and visual concepts Balancing day jobs with independent touring Atlanta's thriving underground metal community Favorite albums and artist recommendations The band also discusses the importance of maintaining friendships outside of rehearsal through regular non-music gatherings, demonstrating how strong personal relationships continue to fuel Apostle's creative growth. The result is an honest conversation about resilience, artistic purpose, and building meaningful heavy music through trust, collaboration, and shared experience.

Tom sits down with the members of Soft Curse—Jonny (vocals/guitar), Jef (bass), Michael "Mitch" (guitar), and Dan (drums)—to discuss their debut album Liminal Ritual , the band's origins following State Faults, and their unique blend of doom metal, post-rock, and atmospheric songwriting. The band reflects on how lifelong friendships and years of playing together naturally led to the formation of Soft Curse, allowing them to explore slower tempos, massive riffs, clean vocals, and cinematic textures while moving beyond the screamo and post-hardcore foundation of their previous band. The conversation explores the making of Liminal Ritual , including the decision to record the entire album live to two-inch analog tape in a single day. The band explains how the pressure of capturing complete performances created an organic energy that perfectly matched the emotional weight of the songs. Additional topics include: The creation of Liminal Ritual Recording live to analog tape Vinyl collecting and rare pressings Favorite records and musical influences The transition from State Faults DIY artwork, music videos, and independence Spotify music discovery Spotlights and modern "doomgaze" Chelsea Wolfe, Pallbearer, Electric Wizard, Acid King, and Mars Red Sky Building Dan's custom drum kit Favorite songs from the album "Weight of the Sky" and its deeply personal inspiration Bringing melody and atmosphere into heavy music Touring opportunities and future East Coast shows The band also shares stories behind several of the album's standout tracks, discussing the collaborative songwriting process, the emotional experiences that shaped the record, and why maintaining complete creative independence remains central to Soft Curse's identity. The result is a thoughtful conversation about friendship, artistic growth, and creating emotionally powerful heavy music without compromise.

Tom welcomes Ralph Torres of New York hardcore band Total Meltdown for a conversation covering the band's new EP2, the evolution of modern hardcore, vinyl releases, live performances, and the importance of mental health within the music community. Ralph discusses how Total Meltdown expanded beyond the traditional hardcore formula on EP2, introducing dynamic songwriting, noise textures, and greater emotional depth while maintaining the intensity and speed that define the genre. He also explains the band's decision to release shorter EPs, allowing listeners to experience focused collections of songs that encourage repeat listens while adapting to today's music consumption habits. The conversation explores the band's unique vinyl presentation, featuring a striking triptych artwork created by Chuck Barrett with creative direction from bassist Drew Castle. Ralph also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome while starting the band alongside longtime friends and experienced musicians, including guitarist Chris, whose musical background helped shape the band's early direction. Additional topics include: The release of EP2 on vinyl and streaming platforms The evolution of New York hardcore Vinyl artwork and collectible releases Performing their first livestream during the pandemic First live shows and building confidence on stage Touring throughout the Northeast Supporting independent music scenes Spotlights, Mr. Bungle, Melvins, and Gorilla Biscuits Non-alcoholic beer and changing lifestyles Community, friendship, and hardcore culture Men's Mental Health Month Using music as an outlet for mental health awareness Ralph also shares how songwriting has become a powerful form of self-expression, allowing him to address personal struggles while creating meaningful connections with listeners. Together, Tom and Ralph discuss how hardcore music continues to build supportive communities where honesty, resilience, and shared experiences remain at the forefront.

Tom welcomes Amos Rifkin of Insomniac for a special episode announcing the band's upcoming Fall 2026 tour while discussing independent touring, festival culture, the evolving live music landscape, and what's next for the band. Amos shares details about Insomniac's newly announced fall tour, which follows directly after their summer run and features performances throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and East Coast. He discusses the importance of reaching new cities, returning to longtime supporters, and building sustainable touring opportunities through strong relationships with venues and promoters. The conversation also explores the realities of booking tours in today's music industry, the resurgence of smaller markets, and why intimate venues continue to be the backbone of underground heavy music. Amos reflects on the changing culture surrounding live events, including the growth of all-ages shows and the increasing popularity of alcohol-free social spaces. Additional topics include: The Summer and Fall 2026 Insomniac tours Touring with Slumbering Sun Bog Social's 12th Anniversary celebration Booking shows across the United States Building audiences in smaller music markets The rise of all-ages venues Non-alcoholic bars, THC beverages, and changing concert culture In the Key of Dune Fest Joint Jam Festival Wisconsin Doomed & Stoned Festival Visiting Acadia National Park while on tour Writing Insomniac's next album Exploring themes of grief, healing, and personal growth through music Amos also reflects on how the underground music community continues to thrive through collaboration, grassroots promotion, and meaningful relationships, offering an inside look at what it takes to keep independent heavy music alive while preparing for Insomniac's next creative chapter.

Tom welcomes Nick Crider of Dumb Waiter for a conversation about the band's latest album Change , the evolution of their songwriting, the Louisville heavy music community, vinyl collecting, and balancing music with the visual arts. Nick reflects on Dumb Waiter's progression from an intensely technical, genre-bending style influenced by Mr. Bungle toward a more focused and emotionally driven approach on their sixth album, Change . He explains how simplifying arrangements and emphasizing a single emotional direction has strengthened the band's songwriting while allowing the music to connect more deeply with listeners. The discussion also explores the band's decision to handle vocals internally after experimenting with several vocalists, resulting in a more natural integration between the instrumentation and vocal melodies. Additional topics include: The Louisville underground music scene Connections with Young Widows, Photo Crime, and Coliseum Running Gallery5 in Richmond An upcoming art exhibition with Evan Patterson Vinyl, cassette, and physical music releases Modern vinyl production and pressing improvements Favorite recent albums and underground bands Music videos for Deaf Club Greg Puciato, Better Lovers, and Jerry Cantrell Live music in intimate venues versus larger clubs Supporting independent artists and regional music communities Nick also shares his passion for collecting records, creating visual art, and maintaining a healthy balance between multiple creative outlets while continuing to push Dumb Waiter's sound into exciting new territory.