Endless Metal Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome old buddy and new co-host Markisan to the Endless Metal Podcast! As previously discovered in an earlier episode, Markisan listens to more metal than any other human being on planet earth. He's also a kind hearted fellow cat lover and all around great guy, so we are thrilled he will be joining the brotherhood! Like so many middle-aged metal fans we love Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, and other gods of metal. But our typical sonic assaults of choice are of the more death metal variety--where inhuman growls and torn throat rage--rule the infernal roost. Here, we step away from the mayhem and madness, and dive into six albums released this year with ALL clean vocals. Needless to say, there are many phenomenal vocalists carrying the NWOBHM torch and its endless legacy into 2024. We talk about each others choices in 3 rounds--6 albums total--from least to most favorites, although we concur all these albums are solid METAL 0/ So sit back, strap on your ⁠HEAVYS ⁠or listening devices of choice, and crack open a ⁠Brimming Horn Eternal Champion/Skullseeker Mead⁠ ***Song clips from these albums appear throughout the episode in this order: "Blood and Honor" from the album ⁠Kingdom Torn Asunder by Ironflame⁠ "Dearly Departed" from the album ⁠Daydreaming in Moonlight by Inner Strength⁠ "Rebels of Earth" from the album ⁠Prequel To Madness by Traveler⁠ "House of Warship" from the album ⁠Garden of Heathens by Heavy Temple⁠ "Young God Resurrected" from the album ⁠Ancient Doom Metal by Scald⁠ "Sword of a Thousand Truths" from the album ⁠Kingdom Torn Asunder by Ironflame⁠ "Lamentations By The Lochan" from the album ⁠Traverse the Bealach by Sgàile⁠

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

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

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

He's back! Literally the day after the Metalheads recorded their just released 4+ hour episode 150, 10th anniversary podcast! The inspiration of this podcast was not only huge for rebooting Endless Metal but for appreciating how metal is something much more than music--namely, forging lasting friendships. While not a great photo--a lot of blue light-- you can see Ben and Jeff with Markisan at the April 2024 Decibel Metal & Beer Fest. While it was our first time meeting person, we're excited to join Markisan and all the boys next year's fest! This cast features some of Markisan's most memorable moments on air with the boys, our shared love for the new Glassing record From the Other Side of the Mirror--we include the track "Nominal Will" at the end of this episode. We turn next to favorite concerts and merch at mid-year! A really fun free-flowing discussion. So crack open a 66.6 ABV DDDDDDHHHH Moonshine Barrel Aged IPA and enjoy!

Ben had a great time talking to Kevin Curran and Mike Munro—two legends of the incredible and underrated Boston power thrash metal scene of the 1980s and 1990s. They talk about the brotherhood and musical vision behind their new super group Kingdom of Tyrants and the band's absolutely phenomenal debut album “Architects of Power.” From Ben's signature metal gushry LOL to deep dives into song development and Mike's vocal arrangements, this interview covers a lot of ground. Rather than proceed in any canned linear way, we talk about Mike's artistic development since his last record with Meliah Rage, the tour de force "Masquerade." We also explore the importance of history in Kevin's approach to song lyrics and how the timeless themes of the Guilded Age created connective tissue between each of "Architects of Power" nine tracks, including the mythological lessons of "Daedalus" and the album's epic "Ghosts of Industry." We also hear from the band's manager and videographer par excellence, Rudy Childs! Exploring the early origins of Steel Assassin and Mike's early band Speed Limit, some great stories and laughs are shared as they drink brews and talk metal past and present. Samples of songs on this episode appear in this order: Introduction: Daedalus (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants) II. History Will Tell (from Masquerade by Meliah Rage) III. Ghosts of Industry (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants) IV. Metal or Die (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants) Links to Album Bandcamp sites: Buy or die!!!! ⁠Kingdom of Tyrants - Architects of Power⁠ ⁠Meliah Rage - Masquerade⁠ Kingdom of Tyrants Videos by Rudy Childs ⁠⁠A Boston Metal Story - KINGDOM OF TYRANTS interview⁠⁠ ⁠KINGDOM OF TYRANTS "Ghosts of Industry" music video⁠ ⁠KINGDOM OF TYRANTS "Kingdom of Tyrants" music video⁠ ⁠Kingdom of Tyrants - The Judas Gate⁠

Getting back to why we created this cast in the first place: We're great friends who love metal and digressions about books and other things on our minds! We zoom, drink a beer, and chat it up. Always enjoyable! This chat was in anticipation of the Decibel Magazine Tour 2024 with HULDER, DEVIL MASTER, WORM and NECROFIER on March 8 at Underground Arts in Philly. The picture for this episode is of Ben and Jeff at the venue in full metal pose. We'll talk about that show and the recent Decibel Metal and Beer Festival on future casts! Music for this episode is "Serpent Drug Cult Mythology" from the album "Death Rituals" by Swamp Witch.

With few exceptions most short lived metal bands make forgettable comeback albums. One very recent and clear exception to this rule is the stunning death doom record "Death of Sorrow" by Sorrow (Extreme Records, 2023). "Death of Sorrow" is equal parts catchy crushing riffs and and deeply personal ferocity--killer vocals and lyrics that are brutal commentaries on political corruption, religious hypocrisy, and the dark side of the human condition. If you've listened to earlier episodes, you know Jeff and Ben are huge fans of hardcore punk legends Black Flag, Minor Threat, and many others. We appreciate hardcore's brutally honest lyrics, DIY ethos, and take no prisoners delivery. To that end, Sorrow is a rare gem. While they play slow crushing death metal, songs like "Doom the World" and "Judicial Falsity" are heavy smack downs on America's broken social systems and suffocating hypocrisy. Most importantly, this deeply personal record is characterized by a seething ferocity that acts as a pressure valve for decades of pent up aggression (fear, hatred and disgust too). Not surprisingly "Death of Sorrow" was #15 on the Endless Metal top 30 of 2023. And it may even be higher now, as we continue to listen to this record over and over into 2024. It was thus an honor to interview Sorrow's original and now reformed lineup: Andy Marchione (Vocals and Bass), Bill Rogan (Guitars), Brett Clarin (Guitars), and Mike Hymson (Drums). **** While it may be a point of debate, Sorrow put "death metal" and "doom" on a flier in 1990 and are thus one of the first band's to integrate two of our favorite metal genres. We revisit their (mostly bleak) past, although they played some killer shows in the early 90s with fellow death doom legends Winter and, as the accompanying visual shows, Sorrow headlined a show with another incredibly influential doom band, Grief (now Come to Grief). Prior to becoming Sorrow, the band in the late 1980s cut their teeth as Apparition in Long Island's (New York's) burgeoning extreme death metal scene. A scene where their friends from the obscure (wink, wink) death metal band Suffocation were tearing up now defunct local clubs like Sundance. We learn about the band's early struggles as perpetual outsiders to the scene as well as some classic and harrowing stories from the road. Classic tales are told of Sorrow's ill fated signing to the infamous Roadrunner Records in the early 1990s--the label that released the band's first EP "Forgotten Sunrise" and first proper full length "Hatred and Disgust" (1992)--and then summarily dropped Sorrow barely two years later. Fortunately, the band's last rehearsals of new material were captured on video. Although they considered a reunion circa 2010, it took eleven more years for Sorrow to reunite, re-learn, and properly record a new record. Some 30 years later, thanks to the miracle of home digital recording by Andy (mixing) and Brett (mastering) "Death of Sorrow" was finally given its proper release. While it is highly unlikely that Sorrow will ever play a live show again, there is a possibility we may hear some new music in the future (Sorrow from the Grave?). So turn off the latest news of our corrupt, war ridden world and, indeed, enjoy the gift of Sorrow! Music included in this episode appears in the following order: "Doom the World" by Sorrow "At Dawn They Sleep" by Slayer "Infinite Universe Infinite Death" by Journey into Darkness "Eternal Frost" by Winter "Hidden Fear" by Sorrow "Judicial Falsity" by Sorrow "Leave Me in Hell" by Venom "Flight of the Bumble-bee" by The Great Kat "A Wasted Cry for Hope" by Sorrow "Small Man, Big Fan" by Minor Threat "Dumb and Dumber: So you're telling me there's a chance" "Fracture" by Spacedive "Remembered Eternally" (Complete Track) by Sorrow

Ben had the great privilege of talking to one of his favorite artists, Rebecca Vernon of the great @subrosaslc and now, after many trials and tribulation @thekeeningmusic Rather than presenting linear interview audio, the episode is mixed to reflect Rebecca's journey in music. As the drummer for bands such as Violet Run and the all women power punk of Stiletto, Rebecca takes us into the Salt Lake City scene as it was blowing up in the late 90s- early 2000s. Working as a reviewer for City Weekly and the associate editor for Salt Lake Underground (SLUG) magazine, Rebecca was completely immersed in the scene—writing exquisite mini-reviews of cutting edge bands—and interviewing dozens of Salt Lake bands and covering hundreds of shows. We talk about the @red.bennies —the legendary sludge rock band that performs with unmatched sonic intensity—and had the most lasting impact on Rebecca's musical vision and trajectory. We learn also about the genesis of SubRosa and the stunning timeless album “More Constant than the Gods.” Of course, we talk about The Keening's deeply inspired chamber doom masterpiece “Little Bird.” Ben gushes (surprise!) and learns the harrowing story of how this record was recorded. And how a second album, “Devotion,” is also complete. Enjoy this joyous mini-podumentary! Music heard in this episode comes from: The Keening, Red Bennies, and SubRosa. #chamberdoom #folkdoom #heavymusic

He's back! We're back! After a crappy start to the new year for Ben, we are joined by our buddy Markisan Naso of the Metalheads podcast. It's an epic beer guzzling hang and recap of best live shows, and metal albums from 2023 that continue to grow on us, including “Foreordained” by the mega monsters of doom Phobocosm and post metal-hardcore mind-blower of a record “Vanta” by Bear (as a special treat, this cast ends with the killer title track of that album released by @pelagic_records in 2023). And then we talk about new records we are looking forward to in 2024, including Glassing, LLNN, Judas Priest, High on Fire and more, including bands not scheduled to release this year but really should (Are you listening, Evoken!?!). A lot of laughs and great time was had by all! So crack open a Third Rye Blind Double Dry-Hopped Rye Double IPA w/ Hallertau Blanc, Simcoe and Citra hops by Mikerphoner Brewing and enjoy! **The first 1:32 intro to the show is the extended saxophone solo from the killer song “Until the Sun Illuminates” from the album “It all Began with Loneliness” by The Anchoret —Markisan's #1 record of 2023 and a huge grower for Ben!

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

We open with the killer RIFF slamming-heavy-AF track "Ootah" by the“Pop Doom” band Kannabinõid @kannabinoidband. Zooming in from Tailin, Estonia--a country with a remarkable history of struggle and recent independence in the early 1990s--an easy going and informative conversation follows with both Mihkel–Madis Rebane (drums/ vocals/guitar) and Taniel Tegelmann (guitar/vocals). We begin with the guys roots as children of “The Singing Revolution” in the ancient capital city of Tallinn and blast into Kannabinõid's origin story and the evolution of their fantastic new record MASS. We discuss the lyrics to "Ootah," and the band's reemergence after the covid lock down. After the interview ends we close with another banger of a track "Vaata." Big thanks to the guys for the chat! Please enjoy! #heavymetal #sludgemetal #riffs #stonermetal #metalpodcasts #tallinestonia #estonia #popdoom #popdoommetal

We open with a snippet of "Light in the Suffering," a track from the Philly post-metal cello doom band Oktas's 2022 record The Finite and the Infinite; a mournful congregation of four talented musicians that is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece. As huge fans of Oktas, Ben and Jeff were honored to interview the entire band--Agnes, Bob, Carl, and Ron-- in person at Surreal Sound Studios in Philadelphia. In a free flowing conversation, we dip into the origin story of this truly unique heavy band. From tales of cutting teeth in Philly's hardcore, metal, post-rock, and Agnes fascination with cello in heavy music (we send our deepest thanks to Bob's wife Nicole for connecting her with the guys!). Oktas then takes us on the road with them--we absolutely love the vicarious enjoyment of tour stories--and this interview doesn't disappoint. We also get a chance to talk to Bob about his poetic lyrics on the Carl Sagan inspired title track and hear briefly about Agnes's passion as a longtime music teacher in Philly's school system. We left this interview feeling inspired and our thirsts well quenched (cheers!). Thank you to the Oktas for having us. Please enjoy!

Ben welcomes Blake Carrera, mastermind behind the genre bending doom metal project, Aiwass. Hot on the heels of an epic new release, "The Falling," released on the excellent King Volume records, we were excited to go deep into this masterpiece as well as to learn more about Aiwass's origin story. The title of this episode, "Promethean wounds," speaks to a visionary musical language forged in pain and an ongoing healing. Blake's life experience is the catalyst for his tremendous creativity and clarity of vision. While only his second full length album, "The Falling" combines massive heavy doom with stunning neoclassical atmospherics and Blake's hypnotic Gregorian chant-like vocals. This record must be experienced, because no words can do it justice...We explore the album's incredible artwork--a surrealist painting by the artist Justyna Koziczak--and lyrics to the massive album opener, "Prometheus." These points of engagement serve as touchstones for going deeper into understanding how this music cuts the listener so deep. Please enjoy! **Many thanks to Spencer Jacob Grau for mastering to the interview audio,

Ben and Jeff welcome Sam and Andrew Marandola of the ethereal and immersive doom group, @oldestsea . After seeing the band live for the first time in August at Philadelphia's legendary Kung Fu Necktie, Ben and Jeff were eager to talk about what inspires the band's haunting brew of beautiful melodic vocals, cowboy chords, and crushing heaviness. The discussion explores the origins of Oldest Sea as Sam's solo dark folk project inspired by her visceral fascination with time, landscapes, and Pangea: The massive Paleozioc era contiguous continent that combined all of North America, Africa, South America, and Europe. We move into the band's ever developing sound and forthcoming album, "A Birdsong, A Ghost" (due in December from @darkestrecords). Exploring lyrics from the band's first single. "Sacred Destruction”—a fitting title from a deeply personal and inspiring record—we learn about Sam's recent journey to sobriety. We end with some fun riffs on Oldest Sea's love of professional wrestling, Andrew's surprising inspiration for power weight lifting, and the band's upcoming intentionally less big city tour of New England and upstate New York with Philadelphia post-metal doom innovators @oktasband. Enjoy! ::Available wherever you listen to podcasts::

We had a really nice chat with A.L.N. aka Mizmor @whollydoomedblackmetal - the powerful blackened doom metal force behind a series of 4 deeply personal and cathartic records—including the recent raw energized epic “Prosaic” released on @profoundlorerecords in 2023. Jeff and Ben were especially excited to catch up with A.L.N. after seeing Mizmor's epic live performance in Philly in August. We get a chance to dialogue about Mizmor's first national tour, the potency of experiencing the band live, and the enormous commitment and reward A.L.N. shares about playing such emotionally HEAVY music live. The interview then covers some points on the timeline of Mizmor's origin story, including creating with longtime collaborator M.S.W. mastermind behind the seminal bludgeoning doom band HELL @loweryourhead, his early years in the Salem's small but incredibly talented scene of extreme metal musicians and sonic experimenters. We explore A.L.N.'s path back into Christianity and his subsequent crisis of faith. We hear about A.L.N.'s experiences reconnecting with M.S.W. as well as his gradual reemergence at Salem's Burial Grounds (BG) house—a place that spawned several incredible bands including Leech, Hell, Blood Incantation, and Mizmor as a touring band. The interview winds down with some dialogue around a shared passion for classic ambient drone music and Mizmor's mesmeric collaboration “Dialethia” with his best friend, longtime collaborator, touring band mate, and ambient sound sculptor, @andy_____black . Please enjoy! #nerdtalk #metal #agnosticism #atheism #antiguru #catharsis #metalcommunity #dronemetal

Ben chats with one of his favorite artists in heavy music, the prolific (anti) guitarist, vocalist, and even flautist, Aidan Baker. Aidan is incredibly prolific artist who releases solo works under his own name and the epic doom gaze duo with bassist Leah Buckareff: Nadja. We learn about Aidan's early years in the punk scene growing up in a rural town near Toronto. And then after a move to Montreal his early engagement with metal. We discuss perhaps Nadja's heaviest record ever, Labyrinthine. We also talk quite a bit about Aidan's approach to songwriting and improvisation in his own work and numerous collaborations, often blurring genre boundaries.

Jeff and Ben are joined by Adam Wright, owner of one of the most important extreme music labels of the 21st Century, Crucial Blast Records. As artists who released records as part of the label's Crucial Bliss CD-R series, it was wonderful to finally meet and talk to Adam at some length. During the interview we cover a lot of fascinating ground, including his early years as a musician in the Maryland doom and hardcore scenes, the enduring influence of horror films in his love of heavy extreme music; a theme that moves from Adam's earliest years to the devastating horror noise doom-filth of the infamous Crucial Blast artist Maurice de Jong aka Gnaw Their Tongues. We also discuss the label's origin story and some of Crucial Blast's seminal early releases by Merzbow, Weed Eater, The Angelic Process, The Goslings, among numerous others--the beginning of a deep dive into the label's massive discography. The interview covers a lot of interesting topics including the evolution and eventual nexus of hardcore and extreme heavy music, our shared love of harsh noise, and Adam's recent passion for the emerging improvisational death metal scene. We really look forward to part 2 and hopefully meeting Adam in person in the near future!

Jeff and I had the pleasure of talking to Urlo and Poia, founding members of the incomparable heavy psych-sludge band UFOMAMMUT. We explore the early history of the band, how their sound evolved and is connected to their work as incredible visual artists, and Ufomammut's total embrace of their craft as an unfolding sonic journey. We hope you enjoy this special interview!

Andrew Corson's Fathoming Heavy podcast was seminal for what Jeff and Ben have aspired Endless Metal to become--namely, a place where both deep appreciation for heavy music and shared bonds of friendship could happen effortlessly and without the typical boundaries associated with the traditional interview format. While Fathoming Heavy has been on an indefinite hiatus, it was a true gift to hear Andrew reflect on the experience as whole. And he shares thoughts on some memorable interviews, including an epic dialogue with the great Mike Scheidt of Yob. This dialogue also takes a most welcome detour into our shared love for the late and great Leonard Cohen (among other heavy off ramps). We also learn about Andrew's recent trip to the Roadburn Festival! Occurring annually in April in the Dutch city of Tilburg, he shares how his ninth Roadburn experience differed in exciting ways. Specifically, the festival has evolved away from stacking lineups with established bands into showcasing some of the most fascinating, truly underground artists in heavy music. Andrew shares with us songs from two of his favorite new discoveries from this year's fest--the captivating folk drone worlds of ambient viola player and vocalist Allison Cotton. We listen to a portion of a composition from her latest record The Portrait You Painted of Me (2022 Rocket Recordings). And then plunge into a stunning work of oppressive heavy, almost ritual industrial from Mütterlein. Another solo artist whose latest album Bring Down the Flags (2021 Eitrin Editions) has quickly become a new favorite of ours. We were also excited to listen to a snippet from the great Ufomammut's latest record album Fenice (Neurot 2022)--another one Andrew has been spinning a lot lately.

Steve Von Till is an American musician, songwriter, educator, and poet.  He is best known as a singer and guitarist in the highly influential and genre defying collective, Neurosis, which has been credited with changing the face of heavy music over the last 35 years.   Since 1999 Von Till has composed and recorded five solo albums of his unique style of sonic composition. Under the guise of his alter ego, Harvestman, Von Till has recorded several rural psych albums including the film score for the Italian thriller, H2Odio.   He oversees the fiercely independent record label, Neurot Recordings, from a pole barn outside his home in the forests of North Idaho where he also teaches elementary school. Harvestman: 23 Untitled Poems and Collected Lyrics, released in 2020 is his first book of published poetry.  Jeff and I had the privilege to speak with Steve on the heels of a European tour beginning in August. We speak to Steve about his touring band and plunge into an extended history of the present and past. In a very organic dialogue, we learn about his early years as a serious tape trader and zine owner. Focusing on his two favorite bands from the mid-80s, Neurosis and Christ on Parade, Steve tells us the story of how he met Dave Edwardson and joined his dream band in 1989. He shares many stories, and we soon realize we are all huge music nerds. We then have a fascinating discussion of the meaning of the drone and what Brian Eno recently described as the power of surrender in ambient music. Steve shares how surrender has long been central to his own creative process as part of Neurosis and his solo works. Along the way, we listen to music from Neurosis keyboards and electronics wizard, Noah Lands' new band Tension Span's incredible record "The Future Died Yesterday" released on Neurot Recordings in 2022. We also listen to "Trial" by Tribes of Neurot, a song with deep and profound meaning to Jeff. And end on a crescendo when Jeff asks Steve about the Hungarian cosmic sound geniuses, Galloping Corners—a band that Jeff holds near and dear. Steve shares an unforgettable story recording with the Galloping Corners vocalist, Grandpierre Attila, during a late night session after Neurosis played with the legendary band in Budapest.

Jeff and Ben welcome Paul Kaplan, baritone guitar player from the San Diego sludgecore band Candle$. Paul and Ben go way back as colleagues, friends, and fellow metal heads. We get to hear about Paul's metal origin story--growing up in the Bay area--seeing Neurosis in the mid-90s and playing bass in different bands. We listen to a track from the killer new demo from his band Candle$. Formed during the height of the pandemic in San Diego, the band has been tearing it up in both the metal and hardcore scenes, including opening for the classic sludge doom band -!6- (and others). Paul also shares two of his favorite tracks from the mighty Yob! A band Ben and Jeff saw recently with Cave In and High Reaper. And, by the time this episode is uploaded, Paul will see Yob with Pallbearer and Faetooth (a killer San Diego "Fairy Doom" band heard briefly at the beginning of the episode).

On this episode of the Endless Metal Podcast, we** are joined by Greg Chandler, one of the founding members of the seminal extreme death doom band Esoteric. The dialogue comes at a very exciting time for the band, as Esoteric prepares to tour Australia for the first time. We also celebrate Esoteric's return to the U.S. for the first time in eleven years; they perform at the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore May 23-26, 2024. We cover topics such as Ben's belief in long form extreme death doom music as classical music, the emotional language of Esoteric through exploring lyrics and listening to select tracks from the band's most recent album A Pyrric Existence (“Sick and Tired”) as well as The Maniacal Veil (“Silence”)—a monumental record celebrating its 15th anniversary—and Greg's recent guest appearance on Ahab's latest record The Coral Tombs (“The Maelstrom”) (among other topics). We are grateful to Greg for joining us from the UK after a very long day working in his studio and only one week out from the band's Maniacal Pyrronism Tour of Australia. **Unfortunately, due to rolling blackouts and ensuing confusion, Jeff was not able to join Ben for this interview.

We are joined by Markisan Naso, one of the boys from the always great Metalheads Podcast! Ben begins with a little synopsis of this three and half hour epic dialogue that ensues. We learn about Markisan's metal origin story, share some laughs, beers, and listen to three of Markisan's favorite albums from the past few years. We hope this episode inspires you to give and receive the gift of (endless) metal! Link to Markisan Naso's website https://markisan.com/ Link to the Metalheds podcast https://wearemetalheads.com/ Links to albums featured in this podcast that you can listen to on Spotify: Vazio by Sepulcros Key to a Vanishing Future by Falls of Rauros Let the Earth be Silent by Fvnerals

Jeff and Ben prepare for an upcoming interview with Greg Chandler from the legendary death doom band Esoteric. The talk that ensues broaches a number of well, esoteric, themes. And in post-production, Ben has fun mixing in various sampled sounds some obvious and other less so. Enjoy a little doom therapy.

Jeff and Ben were riffing on Voivod's recent show at Underground Arts in Philly--yep a little Voivod to start the show (and replay)--but a discussion of the metal punk band Ludachrist leads to Ben's story of seeing, um, Scatterbrain: Don't call me dude!!!!!

Ben opens the show with a few reflections about the phrase "endless metal" and the original inspiration for this show--namely, the upcoming Yob and Cave In concert in Philly! But Ben hears the new Dozer "stoner metal" and, um, "grunge" record, Drifting in the Endless Void. In a series of pre-show text messages, Ben and Jeff agree to riff of the now infamous and cliche statement: "grunge killed heavy metal!"   All dots point them to the mighty Cave In! Buckle up and enjoy the ensuing dialogue and listening immersions. Show notes: Listen to the album Heavy Pendulum by Cave In on Spotify Listen to the self-titled album by Rage Against the Machine on Spotify Listen to album Magnified by Failure on Spotify Listen to the album Drifting in The Endless Void by Dozer on Spotify Read Steve Chick's review of Heavy Pendulum in the Guardian

Jeff and Ben riff briefly on great heavy riffs. But the real riffing is in the expansive dialogue that takes them from Slayer to the great jazz imprint ECM records and beyond. In the second half, they deep dive into the great Steve Von Till's most recent records No Wilderness Deep Enough and its ambient companion A Deep and Endless Wilderness. Both Jeff and Ben hold Steve's music in great esteem. Indeed, it is a true gift in their respective lives. Show notes on bands discussed and played in this episode: Steve Von Till - No Wilderness Deep Enough [Full] (2020) - experimental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nREf_c9xW9Y Steve Von Till - A Deep Voiceless Wilderness [Full] (2021) experimental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWTppxmFggk&t=1812s Laraaji - Ambient 3-Day of Radiance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMBNKmZgs_Y "In the Absence of Matter" by UADA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2WqrAEkRU Opening Riff to "Fight Fire with Fire" by Metallica ICE-T interview clips from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiitaegUUbo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67v0YfLyywE Other artists mentioned: Formicide, Meliah Rage, All Out War, Brian Eno, King Crimson (and many others)

Jeff and Ben begin with ongoing "metal origin stories." And then two "heavy immersions" into two of their favorite heavy releases of the past five years: https://windhand.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-return https://thou.bandcamp.com/album/may-our-chambers-be-full

*The audio quality of this show was poor. However, we will improve it significantly on future episodes. To kick off the reboot of the Endless Metal Podcast, Ben and Jeff--although Ben totally hogs the mic-- present riffs on how they met, bonded over metal, made music together, and Ben shares an origin story that starts with one of his favorite early metal bands Anthrax--who he just saw in February of 2023 on their 40th Anniversary Tour. It's clear that such "origin stories" will be a reoccurring theme/topic of entire shows. What's one of your most memorable "metal origin stories"? Opening music is an excerpt from the song "Lungs turn to stone" from Ben & Jeff's ultra-obscure blackened industrial doom project BLACK ROLLER CROP ROTATION album "Prayers from the Rotten Soil" released by Crucial Blast records in 2012 https://crucialblast.bandcamp.com/album/prayers-from-the-rotten-soil Some relevant links to labels and bands discussed in this episode: Crucial Blast Records: https://www.crucialblast.net/ Light of Shipwreck: https://crucialblast.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-idle-cylinders Nadja: https://nadja.bandcamp.com

The second part of a great dialogue with Andrew from the Fathoming Heavy podcast.

Andrew’s Fathoming Heavy podcast inspired me to cast myself. Listening to this interview conducted in June of 2018 inspires me to continue season 2! Here is the first 60 of 90 minutes. The audio isn’t great but I’m really proud of this dialogue. I hope you enjoy!

This epsode plumbs no organized themes...Yeah we may get back to funeral doom...But I hope doesn't happen in an obvious way....Talking to kindred spirits about metal may lead somewhere or not...Here Ben and Jono talk about a lot of bands but one theme that emerges that is the touch stone for this episode is how metal that rejects irony seems to connect most with our raw (hardened) hearts...Music excerpts from The Dillinger Escape Plan, Enslaved, Morphine, and Bell Witch pour forth...A little stoic philosophy sprinkled in as well...

"Atra Mors" the monumental extreme funeral doom record by the seminal band EVOKEN provides the title of the first of several episides exploring a brand outsider music thst could not sound more fresh in 2018. The bands explored here will begin in the late 1980s with bands like Winter, Thergothon, and of course Evoken. It will, indeed, become evident here how much Ben worships the New Jersey legends. Going as far to claim Evoken's "Atra Mors" as the greatest extreme funeral doom record of all time. Other blackened conjurings here include readings from the enormously influential H.P. Lovecraft and other atmospheric surprises to evoke the dark side of the doom! Enjoy both 18 1a-1b as they do flow together (unlike in past technical blunders)...As the great Fister says "If it's too slow, you're too old!"

"Atra Mors" the monumental extreme funeral doom record by the seminal band EVOKEN provides the title of the first of several episides exploring a brand outsider music thst could not sound more fresh in 2018. The bands explored here will begin in the late 1980s with bands like Winter, Thergothon, and of course Evoken. It will, indeed, become evident here how much Ben worships the New Jersey legends. Going as far to claim Evoken's "Atra Mors" as the greatest extreme funeral doom record of all time. Other blackened conjurings here include readings from the enormously influential H.P. Lovecraft and other atmospheric surprises to evoke the dark side of the doom! Enjoy both 18 1a-1b as they do flow together (unlike in past technical blunders)...As the great Fister says "If it's too slow, you're too old!"

Messiah Marcolin or Rob Lowe? Boring question. Both phenomenal and part of the great legacy of Candlemass. Ben continues the journey with reflections, readings from the likes of Caleb Wilde to the classic poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye..As well as our human bond to the ancient stars...Linearity also be damned: Reaching forward from Rob Lowe era Candlemass to young and killer Crypt Sermon sbd their stunning vocalist Brooks Wilson...Enjoy!

Candlemass is a portal into endless metal past and present. The journey begins now! Many thanks to D Franklin for his insightful article "Epicus, Metallicus, Deserticus" which Ben draws extensively from on this episide. The piece appeared in the always superb The Quietus on April 27, 2017.

In the final episode of Marrow, Ben takes a deeper dive into YOB's landmark "Atma," "Clearing the Path to Ascend," and is stunned by Mike Scheidt's recent acoustic performance of "Marrow,"

Ben dives in to Atma with a brief but almost healthy vouced intro to Yob's Atma. In episode 4B Ben will go much deeper into the record and also share some Yob fan stories from the Yob Kicks Ass Facebook Fan Page he solicited in a post!