Feckin’ Metal Podcast

In Part 4 of our Angel Witch series, join George and I as we tackle the second, and final album issued with Dave Tattum as lead singer, "Frontal Assault". Naturally, comparisons are made again between vocalists, but, equally, we try to assess this effort on its own merits. We also play clips from versions of songs on this album that were re-recorded for later releases. We hope you enjoy our investigation into this obscure piece of metal history.    Clips featured in episode: 1. Angel Witch - "Frontal Assault" - Frontal Assault (1986) 2. Angel Witch - "Frontal Assault" - 7" (Single - Bonus Disc) - Angel Of Light (2019) 3. Angel Witch - "Dream World" - Frontal Assault (1986) 4. Angel Witch - "Rendezvous With The Blade" - Frontal Assault (1986) 5. Angel Witch - "Guillotine" - As Above, So Below (2012) 6. Angel Witch - "Religion (Born Again)" - Frontal Assault (1986) 7. Tom Jones - "Delilah" - Delilah (1968) 8. Angel Witch - "Straight From Hell" - Frontal Assault (1986) 9. Angel Witch - "Straight From Hell" - 7" (Single - Bonus Disc) - Angel Of Light (2019)   Follow me:   @feckinmetalcast on Twitter https://x.com/feckinmetalcast  @feckinmetal on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/feckinmetal.bsky.social    Follow George:   @riskygeorgeness on Twitter https://x.com/RiskyGeorgeness @riskygeorgeness.bsky.social on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/riskygeorgeness.bsky.social 

Picking up exactly where we left off, George and I continue our Angel Witch retrospective, looking firstly at the "Loser" single, released in 1981, followed by some selections from "Give It Some Tickle", and "Demo #3". We also explore the musical background of new recruit Dave Tattum (vocals), selecting some tracks from his previous bands Bill The Murderer and Blaque Jaque Shallaque. This episode finishes with an evaluation of the second Angel Witch LP "Screamin' n' Bleedin'", and some comparisons between Dave Tattum and Kevin Heybourne as vocalists.    Clips featured in episode: 1. Angel Witch - "Loser" - Loser (Single) (1981) 2. "Metal School - Angel Witch" (Clip) - (Posted to YouTube by Metal School) 3. Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" - Loser (Single) (1981) 4. Angel Witch - "They Wouldn't Dare" - Give It Some Tickle (1981) 5. Angel Witch - "Evil Games" - Give It Some Tickle (1981) 6. Angel Witch - "Goodbye" - Screamin' n' Bleedin' (1985) 7. Bill The Murderer - "I'd Find You" - Blood On My Hands (Split Compilation) (2021) 8. Blaque Jaque Shallaque - "Revenge Is Sweet" - Blood On My Hands (Split Compilation) (2021) 9. Angel Witch - "Whose To Blame" - Screamin' n' Bleedin' (1985) 10. Angel Witch - "Evil Games" - Screamin' n' Bleedin' (1985) 11. Angel Witch - "Screamin' n' Bleedin'" - Screamin' n' Bleedin' (1985)   Follow me:   @feckinmetalcast on Twitter https://x.com/feckinmetalcast  @feckinmetal on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/feckinmetal.bsky.social    Follow George:   @riskygeorgeness on Twitter https://x.com/RiskyGeorgeness @riskygeorgeness.bsky.social on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/riskygeorgeness.bsky.social 

Picking up where the previous episode left off, George and I dive into Angel Witch's debut single, “Sweet Danger,” before taking a comprehensive look their seminal, self-titled 1980 debut album. We examine the band's place within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, draw comparisons with their contemporaries, and explore the lasting impact Angel Witch had on future generations of metal bands.   Clips featured in episode: 1. Angel Witch - "Sweet Danger" - Sweet Danger (EP) (1980) 2. Angel Witch - "Hades Paradise" - Sweet Danger (EP) (1980) 3. Angel Witch - "Angel Witch" - Angel Witch (1980) 4. Angel Witch - "Confused" - Angel Witch (1980) 5. Angel Witch - "Atlantis" - Angel Witch (1980) 6. Angel Witch - "Free Man" - Angel Witch (1980) 7. Angel Witch - "Angel Of Death" - Angel Witch (1980)   Follow me:   @feckinmetalcast on Twitter https://x.com/feckinmetalcast  @feckinmetal on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/feckinmetal.bsky.social 

In the first installment of a multi-part series, I chat to my good friend, and sometimes co-host, George Silano about the NWOBHM stalwarts, Angel Witch. Throughout this series of episodes, we'll be delving deep into the discography of this influential band, who are sometimes (perhaps unfairly) deemed a one-hit, or one-album wonder. We'll make our way through their releases chronologically, and as such, this episode starts with the 1978 Demo.   Clips featured in episode: 1. Angel Witch - "Angel Witch" - Angel Witch (1980) 2. Angel Witch - "Baphomet" - 1978 Demo (1978) 3. Angel Witch - "White Witch" - 1978 Demo (1978) 4. Angel Witch - "The Sorceror" - Demo 1979 (1979)   Follow me:   @feckinmetalcast on Twitter https://x.com/feckinmetalcast  @feckinmetal on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/feckinmetal.bsky.social   

After a lengthy hiatus, Feckin' Metal returns to discuss some newsworthy topics, such as the final Black Sabbath show, the upcoming Seven Sisters album, and the return of Irish metallers, Stereo Nasty. I also give my terribly-late and frankly no longer relevant list of favourite releases from 2024. It's great to be back!   Clips featured in episode: 1. Seven Sisters - "Heart Of The Sun" - Heart Of The Sun  [Digital Single] (2025) 2. Stereo Nasty - "Black Widow" - Nasty By Nature (2015) 3. Judas Priest - "Devil In Disguise" - Invincible Shield (2024) 4. Judas Priest - "Crown Of Horns" - Invincible Shield (2024) 5. Midnight Force - "Choseon" - Severan (2024) 6. Midnight Force - "Severan" - Severan (2024) 7. Angel Sword - "Weekend Warrior" - World Fighter (2024) 8. Angel Sword - "World Fighter" - World Fighter (2024) 9. "Guile's Theme Street Fighter II Guitar Cover" - (Posted to YouTube by FamilyJules) 10. "Ken's Theme Street Fighter II Guitar Cover" - (Posted to YouTube by FamilyJules) 11. Amethyst - "Queen Of A Thousand Burning Hearts" - Throw Down The Gauntlet (2024) 12. Amethyst - "Serenade (Under The Rising Moon)" - Throw Down The Gauntlet (2024) 13. Writhen Hilt - "Death Undone" - Ancient Sword Cult (2024) 14. Writhen Hilt - "Sorcerer's Gate" - Ancient Sword Cult (2024) 15. Dolmen Gate - "Retribution" - Gateways Of Eternity (2024) 16. Dolmen Gate - "Chambers Of Magic" - Gateways Of Eternity (2024) 17. Pulp - "Common People" - Different Class (1995) 18. Coltre - "Feast Of The Outcast" - To Watch With Hands… To Touch With Eyes (2024) 19. Coltre - "Rat Race" - To Watch With Hands… To Touch With Eyes (2024) 20. Freeways - "Can't Deny Destiny" - Dark Sky Sanctuary (2024) 21. Freeways - "Private Myth" - Dark Sky Sanctuary (2024) 22. Heavy Sentence - "Warriors Of Madness" - Warriors Of Madness (2024) 23. Helvetets Port - "Wasteland Warriors" - Warlords (2024) 24. Helvetets Port - "Golden Axe" - Warlords (2024)   Follow me:   @feckinmetalcast on Twitter https://x.com/feckinmetalcast  @feckinmetal on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/feckinmetal.bsky.social   

I catch up with Rob, Tim, and Jarvis from Cirith Ungol/Night Demon regarding recent happenings with both bands, and look towards next week's Frost & Fireland Festival in Limerick, Ireland. Learn how the fellas nearly caught Venereal Disease in Australia, made women cry in China, and what James Bond has in common with Cirith Ungol. We also discuss Night Demon's recent touring activity and support slots with Bruce Dickinson and Michael Schenker. 

On this episode, I chat to Dave Morrissey: guitarist, and founding-member of Irish trad-metallers Celtic Legacy. This band have been around the block more than a few times and have suffered numerous setbacks, but they're still standing. Dave and his counterpart, Dave "Slim" Boylan have kept the ship afloat during many trials and tribulations, also known as the "Celtic Legacy Curse". Throughout all of this, they have continued to release excellent albums, and kept a positive attitude. Celtic Legacy are survivors. They will not back down and will not take no for an answer. And they may just have their best line-up yet. 

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Graham Killin, one of the two guitarists of NWOBHM band, Bleak House. If you're not familiar with the band, this is the perfect place to start. Formed in the early 1970s, in Hertfordshire, England, they survived many name changes, and the emergence of punk, to release two critically-acclaimed, but relatively-obscure EPs in the 1980s, then disappeared. That was until singer Graham Shaw received a phonecall from Oliver Weinsheimer, organiser of the Keep It True Festival, in early 2021. Since then, they've been on the up and up, and we cover all bases in between.

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc, and we discuss recent activity from his band, then delve into recent releases by Blaze Bayley and Bruce Dickinson, with a brief chat about the latest Judas Priest album/tour as well. I also give a detailed rundown of my recent trip to Germany to attend Keep It True XXIV, and a swift rundown of Bruce Dickinson in Glasgow!

On this episode, I chat to Yves Bradler, guitarist from up-and-coming traditional heavy metal band Amethyst. Amethyst made waves in 2023 with their excellent debut EP "Rock Knights". I chat to Yves about his early exposure to rock music from listening to his parents' record collections, starting to play guitar in his teens, feeling isolated at this time due to lack of likeminded friends, then meeting a new group of people in his 20s when he started attending metal festivals. We also discuss the upcoming Amethyst album, and upcoming festival appearances and gigs for this year. Amethyst are definitely one to watch.

On this episode, I join forces with my friend Melissa from the Metal Chat Podcast to delve into the discography of the original incarnation of Sortilège. We discuss how we discovered the band, rate them against their contemporaries, and examine each of the first three releases: Sortilège, Métamorphose, and Larmes de Héros, playing clips from some of our favourite songs along the way. An ideal introduction for the uninitiated. 

This is the third and final part of my interview with DJ Neal Kay. Here, like in previous installments, we discuss many topics, including: -Getting white labels from record companies  (demos) -Suggestion about putting together a compilation  of unsigned bands, which would become  Metal For Muthas -His original vision for the album vs what  was eventually released -His role/job in this -Which roles paid and which didn't -Being an on tour DJ with Iron Maiden -Star Trek convention -The Vietnam War -The Kennedy Assassination -Supporting Rush -Were Motörhead punk? -Do you believe in ghosts?   Buy Neal's book! Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com   Clips featured in episode: 1. Iron Maiden - "Iron Maiden" - The Soundhouse Tapes (1979)  

Continuing on from last week, here Neal covers his first interactions with Iron Maiden, and what set them apart from the rest of the NWOBHM pack. He also talks about his various dealings with record labels and A&R folk (that's artist and repertoire, you know), how Glenn Miller's Orchestra and Buddy Holly influenced heavy metal, Def Leppard's place in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and a lot more.   Buy Neal's book! Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com   Clips featured in episode: 1. The Damned - "Love Song" - Machine Gun Etiquette (1979)

This episode features the first part of a lengthy interview I conducted with DJ Neal Kay back in December of last year. Famous for his involvement in Iron Maiden's early success, Neal's name will be familiar to many. Here, Neal discusses the early start of his DJing career, and brings us right up to the point where he got a five days per week residency in The Bandwagon, home of the Heavy Metal Soundhouse, in Kingsbury, London. Along the way he tells numerous stories of his early DJing career, mentioning how he felt Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band changed the face of popular music, the influence of Leo Fender and Les Paul, working the Berlin club scene in 1969, music changing again with the evolution of disco and punk, and a serendipitous event which resulted in his five nights per week slot in the Bandwagon. Enjoy!   Buy Neal's book! Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com   Clips featured in episode: 1. Iron Maiden - "Prowler" - The Soundhouse Tapes (1979)

This episode brings to a close my 2023 wrap-up with George Silano. Here we discuss more releases from 2023, including Tomb Mold, Green Lung, Amethyst (I know it was 2022, before you write in), King Gizzard And The Wizzard Lizard, and more.   Also featuring: Death metal chat, ennui in Swedish metal, Jim Ross references, more learning for me, ridiculous album names, and enormous discographies. Enjoy!   Clips featured in episode: 1. Tomb Mold - "Will Of Whispers" - The Enduring Spirit (2023) 2. Heavy Load - "Ride The Night" - Riders Of The Ancient Storm (2023) 3. Green Lung - "Maxine (Witch Queen)" - This Heathen Land (2023) 4. Green Lung - "One For Sorrow" - This Heathen Land (2023) 5. Amethyst - "Chasing Shadows" - Rock Knights (2022) 6. King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard - "Witchcraft" - PetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth And The Beginning Of Merciless Damnation (2023) 7. High Spirits - "Til The End Of Time" - Safe On The Other Side (2023) 8. High Spirits - "Now I Know" - Hard To Stop (2020) 9. Night Demon - "Obsidian" - Outsider (2023) 10. Black Sabbath - "Cross Of Thorns" - Cross Purposes (1994)

Rollin' on in 2024, I bring you the second installment of my chat with George Silano from earlier this month. Here, we cover some of our favourite releases from 2023, featuring EPs and albums released last year that we haven't discussed in our previous chats, and things take a rather sinister turn... I also include some audio left off from Episode 88 where I interviewed Damian Kolodiy about his documentary: Immortal Soul - A Riot Tribute And Concert Film.   Clips featured in episode: 1. Primordial - "How It Ends" - How It Ends (2023) 2. Primordial - "Pilgrimage To The World's End" - How It Ends (2023) 3. Primordial - "Victory Has 1,000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan" - How It Ends (2023) 4. Bergfried - "May The Devil Pull Me Under" - Romantik II (2023) 5. By Fire & Sword - "Leave A Little Room" - Glory (2023) 6. "Kenneth Copeland Blasts The Poor & Tells Them to Tithe" - (Posted to YouTube by iThinkBiblically) 7. By Fire & Sword - "Tithe (The Money Song)" - Glory (2023) 8. Weald & Woe - "My Heart To Fear" - For The Good Of The Realm (2023) 9. Riot V - "High Noon" - High Noon [Digital Single] (2023)

On the first episode of 2024, I catch up with my good friend George Silano on the year in metal: 2023. The first of multiple parts, on this installment we focus on festivals and gigs that stood out last year (and look towards some from next year), covering Hell's Heroes, Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest, Keep it True, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Saxon, W.A.S.P., and more! I also mention the passing of Tony Clarkin from Magnum and include some clips and personal history with the band. Enjoy!   Clips used in episode: 1. Magnum - "Brand New Morning" - Brand New Morning (2004) 2. Girlschool - "Race With The Devil" - Demolition (1980) 3. The Black Dahlia Murder - "What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse" - Nocturnal (2007) 4. Iron Maiden - "Death Of The Celts - Live At 3 Arena, Dublin Ireland, 24 June 2023" - (Posted to YouTube by Chromeboy2003) 5. Magnum - "Just Like An Arrow" - On A Storyteller's Night (1985)

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Rob Garven for the first time in three years, and speak to Tim Baker for the first time ever, about all of the happenings in Cirith Ungol since late 2020. It's been an extremely busy period for the band, and next year promises to be even busier. We touch on their recently-announced retirement, the departure of guitarist Jim Barazza and who will be his replacement, getting to meet childhood hero Brian Downey, artificial intelligence, and procuring seagulls from the wild! This was a highly enjoyable chat with two very entertaining guests. You can find Cirith Ungol at the links below:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cirithungolofficial Bandcamp: https://cirithungolofficial.bandcamp.com/  Merch: https://eu.kingsroadmerch.com/shop/artist/983    Clip used in episode from the track "I'm Alive", available on the live album "I'm Alive" (2019).

I chat to friend and filmmaker Damian Kolodiy about his upcoming mammoth of a documentary "Immortal Soul", which focuses on the career of the band Riot/Riot V. Damian talks about his own background as a fan of heavy metal, the origin of the documentary idea, the filmmaking process, meeting members of the band and conducting interviews with them, and quite a lot more.   Check out the Immortal Soul trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWgng5NyHU And Damian's NYC Rocks TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NYCROCKSTV 

On the latest installment of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with George Silano to discuss three more NWOTHM releases from 2023. This time we cover the debut album from Tailgunner "Guns For Hire", the fourth offering from Wytch Hazel "IV Sacrament", and the recent EP from Phantom Spell "Tales From The Black Spire".   We delve deep into each release, offering info on the bands, and opinions on the tracks. Featuring several clips, this episode is ideal for those uninitiated with these artists. I also include a recap from Keep It True Rising III, including an airport mishap on my return to Dublin!

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, Udo Dirkschneider talks about the recent, excellent U.D.O. release "Touchdown". He also discusses reuniting with former bandmate Peter Baltes, working with his son, Sven, and his relationship with Wolf Hoffmann. A legend of heavy metal speaks!

In the second installment of Feckin' NWOTHM, I'm back chatting with George Silano, and we select three releases from 2023 that fall under the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal banner. We've chosen recent releases by Tanith, Blazon Rite, and Century, giving a nice cross-section of the various styles currently on offer in the NWOTHM scene, featuring many clips and lengthy chat about our chosen releases, and the NWOTHM movement in general. You will also learn the meaning of the word "antepenultimate"! Educational, as always, here at Feckin' Metal.

On this episode, I welcome the members of Armstrong Gun, and Feckin' Metal alumni, to participate in the first ever Feckin' Metal Quiz! An idea that's been floating around in my brain for quite a while, and a recording that's been sitting on my hard drive for slightly less time than that. Feel free to play along with Dan, Cameron, and Lewis, as they compete head-to-head (-to-head?) in an interactive quiz to determine the inaugural champion of what I hope to be a regular event. Plenty of questions about Wayne's World, and a lengthy tangent about Black Sabbath, because why not? 

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Tom Hewson - bass player, main songwriter, and founding member of UK traditional metallers, Tailgunner. You'll likely have heard their name mentioned recently, whether that's due to being touted as the next coming of Def Leppard by KK Downing, or for their upcoming gigs touring the UK, or being on the bill for Keep It True Rising III in October. But how did we come to this? How did this band appear to achieve great success, seemingly overnight? Tom gives the full back story of the group, and reveals what has been happening behind closed doors to get them to where they are today.

The cultiest of cult bands? The greatest band you've never heard?? On this episode, I return to Ferg's Quest, to explore the discography of mysterious Swedes, Gotham City. But I couldn't do it alone! I had to enlist the help of metal aficionado and Gotham City nut, Chris Coxon, to help me on my way. We delve deep into the discography of the band and discuss the mystique surrounding them, analysing singers, songs, and solos. Plenty of clips in this one for those unfamiliar with the band. Don't hear small sound!

On this episode, the first of a new series, I chat with fellow podcaster and good friend George Silano, to delve into the movement known as the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. We discuss when we first heard the term and early bands we listened to that fall under the banner. We also list some NWOTHM favourites and discuss the future of the movement. 

On Episode 80, I speak to Luke Appleton about his recently-released solo EP "Forever Viking." We discuss the tragic situation which inspired the release, take an in-depth look at each of the four tracks, and delve into the songwriting process behind them. We also discuss Absolva, a band which features Luke's brother Chris, his time spent working with Blaze Bayley, and his time spent in Iced Earth. Luke has many stories to tell about working with his family, and writing songs with Blaze Bayley and Jon Schaffer. Luke is also open and honest regarding his exit from Iced Earth and the situation that led to it. All of this makes for a fascinating and informative chat.

In collaboration with The Mick Wall podcast, this episode features Mick and I having a discussion about Iron Maiden, focusing on the period between 1989 and 1999. Our chat covers off the parting of Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson in the early 1990s, until their eventual return in 1999. We examine the reasons why both felt they needed to leave Iron Maiden, and why both eventually returned. With the Future Past tour just around the corner, there seemed like no better time for another Maiden chinwag with Mick!

It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.

Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap between Night Demon studio albums, the creative process for the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast, and the market for traditional metal in Ireland. As always, Jarvis has plenty of interesting things to say!

It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc. We also discuss gallivanting, camaraderie, pub prices, and the Keep it True Festival! This is one not to be missed by heavy metal fans of any disposition! 

It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.

On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one. 

On this edition of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Oliver Weinsheimer (Oli), who is the organiser of the long-established Keep It True festival in Germany, along with several other heavy metal festivals over the years. We discuss the early days of the festival and the inspiration behind it, consulting the phone book to find bands, branching out to two festivals a year, booking bands for exclusive sets, helping to reunite bands, the placement of legacy acts on the top of the bill, and what the future holds for Keep It True. Oli answered all the tough questions in what turned out to be a very revealing interview. 

In the final piece of my short run of Irish-themed episodes, I speak to Fergal Holmes, also known as "H", owner of DME Promotions. Fergal has been promoting metal and rock gigs in Ireland since 1999 and takes me from his early beginnings putting on gigs for the love of it, right though the development of a successful and profitable business. This is a story of hard work, loyalty, and earning respect of your peers, and the lessons learned along the way. 

On this episode, I speak to speak to John Bonham, singer in Irish metal bands Old Season and Celtic Legacy, as well as Iron Maiden tribute band - Iorn Maiden. Hear about receiving Skype singing lessons from Tony Harnell of TNT, auditions while having bronchitis, participation in talent show "The Voice", in both Ireland and the UK (and the inner-workings of such shows), and replacing singers in two established Irish metal bands.  John is an engaging and entertaining guest with many stories to tell, from multiple decades spent in the music industry in Ireland!

On this episode of Feckin' Metal I speak to Máirtín "Fart" Mac Cormaic, a heavy metal aficionado, former record store co-owner, record label owner, serial festival-goer, and friend to many in the heavy metal community at home and abroad. We talk about early introductions to metal, the Irish scene in the 1990s, travelling to festivals, giving up drinking, music collecting, encounters with Iron Maiden, and a whole lot more! Fart has been there, done that, and bought hundreds of t-shirts!

On the 37th anniversary of his death, Mick Wall and I celebrate the life of legendary Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Mick knew Phil back in the 1970s and 1980s, and draws from his extensive catalogue of first-hand stories, as we discuss the greatest Irish rock star of them all.

Previously released on Mick's podcast "Mick Wall", here is the chat I had with Mick about all things Maiden, featuring bonus content of our chats before and after the official recording!

This episode, recorded in August 2022, but never released, is a conversation between my friend Kevin and I, discussing the eventful day that we travelled by train from Dublin to Belfast to see Iron Maiden in June 2022, and a review of the concert itself. Plenty of stories and shenanigans in this one, and you'll definitely recognise some of the people who pop up!

In this lost episode from the Virtual XI series, I go back in time to April 2022 and excavate an episode that evaded the editing process. In it, Andrew DuBroy and I dissect the missing link of our never-ending Virtual XI story "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger". Also included is a confessional from me, hoping to adequately explain my lengthy absence from your "New Episodes" list. Enjoy!

On this episode, I speak to Andrew and Chris from Nor'easter, a band based in Eastern Connecticut. A band that recorded an album in 1989, and disappeared off the face off the earth. These songs have never been heard, until now! Chris and Andrew talk me through the early days of the Nor'easter, and how they have never played an indoor show. We discuss their influences such as Ozzy, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and Judas Priest, and their early 4 and and 8-track recordings, that were finally restored in 2022. Are they hard rock, metal, or prog? And what does the future hold? Listen to find out!

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I speak to all three members of Armstrong Gun, who have recently self-released their self-titled debut album. You can hear all about how that came together, along with the meaning of the word "Scraggard", how Aretha Franklin is linked to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, and future plans for the band for the next 200,000 years! This was a very enjoyable and informative chat with an up and coming metal band whom I predict good things for in the future.

In the final part of my pentalogy (it's a thing, I looked it up), with Andrew DuBroy, we tackle the Spanish language, British and Argentinian history, an epic Iron Maiden album-closer, but mostly, our own sobriety. This is, of course, the final track on Virtual XI - Como Estais Amigos.   Let us know what you think, on Twitter @feckinmetalcast

I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc and we discuss all the goings-on between the release of Computer Warrior, and his current album "Hallowed Illusions". Hear about the reasons why he left Tantrum, working in a band vs. working solo, the recording studio vs. live shows, operating on 4 hours of sleep, merch, vinyl, profits, royalties, and much more!

Your favourite educated fools are back to bring you the fourth installment in our review of Iron Maiden's eleventh studio album, Virtual XI. This one includes listener feedback on the last two episodes, and contains much soul-searching from both Andrew and I.

Feckin' Metal has finally returned, and on this installment I speak to Jeff Crossdale, lead singer of Dublin-based heavy rock band Strangers With Guns.  Jeff discusses the Irish music scene in depth, and what it's like to be in a gigging, local band.  We talk about the concept of paying dues in the music industry, not getting paid for gigs, dodgy promoters, and unsavoury establishments. We also cover the song-writing process and take a close look at some lyrics and song meanings. This was a fascinating look at music on a local level, and should of interest to an aspiring rockers!

Making his third appearance on Feckin' Metal, is a man who wears many hats in the music industry - musician, band manager, record label owner, and festival promoter, Jarvis Leatherby. In this chat we discuss the machinations of a music festival like Frost and Fireland or Hell's Heroes, and some of the politics that go with it. Should "legacy" bands be given prime billing due to their past glories? Is it time to take a punt on younger bands in the headlining slots? Can we make lunchtime slots a thing where a band plays their hit song and then leaves?? We also discuss the recent Night Demon beer launch, whether or not Jarvis has Bruce Dickinson Syndrome, bands being accessible to fans and whether that's a good or a bad thing, and lots more. Let's spread the word on the home strait and help make Frost and Fireland a huge success!

The Virtual Eleven play on, as Andrew and I examine the next song on the album "When Two Worlds Collide". Don't be quick to dismiss this track as a dud. There's a lot going on beneath the surface!

In a temporary departure from my Virtual XI series, I interview Andy, creator of the Book of Skulls table top board game, which has strong ties to heavy metal. Learn about how the germ of the idea came about from watching an episode of Community, and allow Andy to guide you through the entire creative process of developing a board game, an app, and a heavy metal soundtrack to go with it! Something truly different for Feckin' Metal, which I found absolutely fascinating.

It's Part 2, or maybe II, of my Virtual XI review with everyone's favourite Canadian Andrew DuBroy. Prepare yourselves for alternate takes on lightning Strikes Twice and The Clansman, and truncated Irish history lesson!