Giro Nation Metal

Welcome back everyone, this is Jeff with Giro nation metal.  Erik Leviathan is a man who spends much of his waking moments grinding to make the world of music better, by contributing both music and promotion.  Erik is a member of self-made records LLC, who is closely ties with Earache records, and he is also a member of Misanthropik Torment, a black/death metal duo based out of Kentucky, who released two albums this year – Ecdysis and Declaration of war, released on February 14th and August 28th, respectively.  Today we dive into the promotional side of things and touch a little on his musical projects. 

Serenity is a symphonic/progressive power metal band from Austria, who just released their 8th full-length album, titled NEMESIS AD, through Napalm Records on November 3rd of this year.  Fabio D'amore, Serenity's bassist and on of the band's vocalist, joins me today to chat more about the album, introducing a new member to the group, and Fabio's contributions to the music.  Shout out to Jordan at Napalm for helping me set up this episode!  

Texas based melodic death/doom metal band Hinayana will be releasing their sophomore album, Shatter and Fall, through Napalm Records, on November 10th, just three days from the release of this episode.  Today, I am joined by Casey Hurd, founding member and vocalist/guitarist of Hinayana as we chat about the new album, musical direction, Casey's beginnings in metal, Buddhism, and spirituality.  Shout out to Jordan at Napalm Records for helping me set up this episode!

Canadian thrashers Crimson Caliber are releasing their 3rd EP, Destined for Delusion, on November 3rd, just three days after the release of this episode.  Once again, I am joined by my friend Travis Malley, vocalist and guitarist of Crimson Caliber, to chat about upcoming music, a lineup change, themes within lyrics and artwork, the military, and the benefits of being in a band with his spouse.  Shout out to Amber Malley, Keith Aucoin, and Pzychopart. 

Discarded Self is a solo Canadian blackened sludge/doom band based in Lloydminster, Alberta.  Jarret “FuzzGöd” Beach is the mastermind behind Discarded Self, as well as a member of Ashes of Yggdrasil and Destroy my Brains.  Today, Jarret joins me to chat about his approach to sludge/doom, some musical techniques and personal experiences, as well as some of his non-musical influences.  Be sure to check out his two newest singles, "I Like Suffering" and "Our Existence Asphyxiates". 

Cirith Ungol is releasing their latest album, Dark Parade, on October 20th, through Metal Blade Records.  In traditional Cirith Ungol fashion, they've again featured the incredible work of Michael Whelan on their album cover.  During this episode, Tim Baker, vocalist of Cirith Ungol joins me to chat about the new album, artwork, literary inspirations, and using music as a vehicle for storytelling.  Shout out to Lucy of Looters PR for helping set up this episode!

Jorge Mares of Calgary's Wych again joins me on the podcast to help kick off Year 3 of GNM and to promote some new music.  During this episode, we chat about their latest single titled 666 God, featuring Crucifix of Satanic Tea Co.  Wych's lineup has changed and we discuss how that may change their music moving forward, as well as taking a deeper look into the creation of both music videos and visualizer style videos. 

Giro Nation Metal kicks off Year 3 with a great guest and a bold new look.  During this episode, now permanent vocalist of Nervosa, Prika Amaral joins me to chat about their new album, Jailbreak, which was released on September 29th through Napalm Records.  We chat about some of her non-metal influences, social media, and stepping out of one's comfort zone.  Shout out to Jordan of Napalm Records for helping set up this episode!

Episode 104 of Giro Nation is special for two reasons.  It signifies the end of Year 2 of the podcast as well as celebrating the release of Initiation, debut album by the alternative gothic metal band Death Dealer Union, through Napalm Records.  Today, I am joined by CC McKenna, actor, music producer, and most importantly, drummer of DDU.  During this episode we chat about Initiation, their partnership with Napalm Records, and working with Lena Scissorhands, vocalist of Infected Rain.  We also explore CC's vision for DDU as well as his other talents including the firearms training he's undertaken for the screen.  Shout out to Jordan at Napalm Records for helping set up this episode!  Support the show

Damned and Decayed is the sophomore album released by Canadian death metal band Cryophilic.  Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, and formed in 2016, Cryophilic has teamed up with CDN records for not only the release of Damned and Decayed, but the re-release of their first album, Barbarity.  During this episode, I am joined by Curt Scythe and Ben Spectre of Cryophilic to chat about the new album, aspirations for the band, martial arts, meditation, and music as an outlet for emotion.   Support the show

Power metal and death metal/deathcore?  I really didn't think that would work.  Dragoncorpse proved me wrong.  Very wrong.  Mardy Leith and Noah Laidlaw of Dragoncorpse join me today to chat about how Lorna Shore inadvertently inspired the formation of the band, a healthy dose of humour, and doing it all for the Dragussy.  We cover both Noah and Mardy's other musical projects and take a detour through a quick look at country music.  Support the show

Knife just released their 2nd album, Heaven into Dust, on August 25th of this year through Napalm Records.  Knife was formed in 2019 and consists of members with decades of musical experience.  Continuing the slasher/horror theme, their mascot, the Slasher Dude, makes another appearance in the album art by Timbul Cayhono.  During this episode, I am joined by Gypsy Danger to chat about Knife, their latest album, and more.  Shout out to Napalm Records for helping set up this episode.  Support the show

Garry Brents has taken a unique approach to his music.  Not only is he involved with an obscene number of musical projects, he's also been able to keep up an intense release schedule with his bands Gonemage, Memorrhage, Cara Neir, KSSL, Sallow Moth, and Perfumed Saturnine Angels, to name a few.  Today we get to dig a little bit deeper into Gonemage and Memorrhage.  Check out his latest albums, released on May 12th and June 16th, 2023, respectively.   Support the show

Signs of the Swarm just released their 5th album, Amongst the Low & Empty, on July 28th of this year.  Featuring two new members, Signs of the Swarm has somehow been able to display a throwback to their roots while simultaneously pushing themselves.   During episode 099, Bobby Crow, drummer and sole remaining original member of Signs of the Swarm, joins me to talk about the album, adversity, moving forward, and the path to success.  Shout out to Looters public relations agency for helping me set up this episode.  Support the show

Spirit Adrift is releasing their 5th full length album titled Ghost at the Gallows, through Century Media records on August 18th, just 3 days from the release of this episode.  Nate Garrett formed the band in 2015 as a solo project and has fronted the band since that time.  In addition to hosting the Big Riff Energy podcast, Nate and the rest of Spirit Adrift will be playing the first Metal Injection Festival.  During this episode, Nate talks about Spirit Adrift and their upcoming album, addiction and recovery, balancing time, and the importance of positive personal relationships.  Support the show

Syryn is a Canadian power/thrash metal band from Calgary, Alberta, who is currently working on their 3rd album which will be released in 2024.  Vocalist Sloan Voxx and bassist Lyxx Rose join me for episode 097, where we chat about dogs & vox, walking the plank, and mosh pit sword fights.  On a more serious note, we talk how Sloan and Lyxx became involved in metal, women and racism in metal, and some of the inner workings of the Decimate Metal Fest.     Support the show

Rob, “the Witch”, of Canadian death metal band Necronomicon joins me for episode 096, as we officially conclude the countdown to the Loud as Hell Festival this weekend in Drumheller, Alberta.  During this episode, we discuss band member changes, overcoming obstacles during a recent tour, Conan the Barbarian, and backing tracks during live performances.  Necronomicon will be playing LAH on Saturday night, just before Narcotic Wasteland.  Support the show

Hooker Spit is a death metal band from Red Deer, Alberta, who are releasing their debut album titled “Krötch Splitter” on July 28th, just 3 days after the release of this episode.  Vlad Glyegore and Dan White of Hooker Spit join me to continue the Loud as Hell countdown, chat about their music, connecting with fans, rubber ducks, and to give a shoutout to both Geoff Bourrie of LAH and Palea Raptor, Hooker Spit's artist.   Support the show

Voivod is celebrating 40 years in metal and are dropping Morgöth Tales, their latest full-length album today, Julyl 21st.  The new album features 8 re-recorded tracks featuring Voivod's current lineup, one brand new song, and guest appearances by two former Voivod members – Eric Forrest and Jason Newstead.  Long time drummer Michel Langevin joins me for this episode of Giro Nation Metal.  Shout out to Looters public relations agency for helping set up this interview! Support the show

Eye of Horus is currently working on their newest album, set to be released later this year.  Today, they unveil the artwork for the upcoming album, just in time for the Loud as Hell Festival.  Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Diego Fernandez of death metal band Eye of Horus talks of LAH, scrapping an album, the story behind the tower, engaging with humour, and gives a shout out to Christian Donaldson. Support the show

We are less than a month away from Loud as Hell.  Ashes of Yggdrasil is a melodic death metal band from Lloydminster, AB, who will be playing the fest on August 4th.  During this episode, Rob Hayman, drummer and founding member of Ashes of Yggdrasil, joins me to talk about the band, metal in a small city, working with Andrea Guardino, and upcoming music. Support the show

Arrival of Autumn is a metalcore band from Grande Prairie, a small city in Alberta.  Hot on the heels of two tours and the release of their 3rd full length album, Kingdome Undone, vocalist Jamison Friesen joins me for episode 092 to chat about Loud as Hell, their album and partnership with Nuclear Blast Records, and an exchange on Twitter.  We dive into the origin of the band's name, how the band has achieved success in getting noticed, and curating a proper setlist.Support the show

Alex McIntosh and Jess Leduc of Edmonton death metal band Brain Stem join me for this episode, continuing the countdown to the Loud as Hell festival in Drumheller, Alberta from August 3rd to 6th.  We chat about LAH, CEMR, and venture into Brain Stem's new music.  We take a closer look at the guys' personal musical tastes and explore how the band came up with their logo and matching artwork on their 2 EPs.  Support the show

Juliet Ruin was set to play Loud as Hell in 2022, however due to a destructive windstorm, they made the decision to surrender their time slot, which allowed the festival to continue without any further delays. Releasing their latest single, Give me the Crown, on March 31st of this year, Juliet Ruin are again gearing up to play Loud as Hell. Jess Ruin and Kent Geislinger join me for episode 090.Support the show

Necht is a black metal band from Calgary, Alberta, who has already taken the Canadian scene by storm. Seemingly coming from the abyss, they made it all the way to the Wacken Metal Battle Canadian Final. Necht will also be playing the Loud as Hell Festival, and during this episode I was able to chat with the elusive Maharg, vocalist and frontman of Necht. Welcome to the Cult of B'ahn.Support the show

The Convalescence is joining the Loud as Hell lineup for 2023, playing on Sunday, August 6th, just before the festival headliners, Jungle Rot.  During this episode, Keith Wampler, vocalist and founding member, joins me for a chat about LAH, The Convalescence, touring, unique merch ideas, sponsoring a race car, and working with guest vocalists.  Keith also puts on the Toledo Death Fest, which just took place on June 3rd.  Support the show

Episode 087 signals the beginning of the countdown to Loud as Hell 2023, which takes place in Drumheller, AB from August 3rd to 6th.  To kick off the countdown this year, I wanted to take a different approach by shining the spotlight on one of our local legends, who goes by the name of Sword Guy.  Donning his titular swords, he brings an extra level of cheer and awesomeness to each show he attends.  Support the show

Fractal Generator is in the process of making new music, working again with Mark Erskine and releasing through Everlasting Spew Records. During this episode I get the chance to chat with all three members of Fractal Generator about their music, science fiction theme, building a shroud of mystery, the guys' musical beginnings and an interesting way to use a cello.Support the show

Fall of Earth is a new metal band from Edmonton who are already making waves in the metal scene.  During this episode, I get to speak with vocalist, Alex Rye, and guitarist, Brody Bauer.  This special episode is in support of Fall of Earth, embarking on their From the Ashes tour, beginning with two shows with Allegaeon.  Tonight, they will be playing with Allegaeon, Whorrify, and Wych at Dicken's Pub in Calgary, AB.  See you there! Support the show

Denmark's Chronicle is releasing their 3rd full length album titled “Where Chaos Thrives” on May 19th, 2023.  This is just three days from the release of this episode, during which I have the pleasure of speaking with vocalist/guitarist Lars Bo Nepper.  We chat about the new album, the impact of COVID on their previous release, some memorable shows, and a bit about Lars' personal musical journey.  Check out Where Chaos Thrives, released through Mighty Music.  Support the show

Thulcandra is releasing their 5th full length album, Hail the Abyss, on May 19th, 2023, just over a week from the release of this episode.  The melodic black/death metal band hails from Germany and was founded by the talented Steffen Kummerer.  Steffen is also the founding member of Obscura, another great band that you all need to listen to, if you haven't already.  Steffen covers a variety of topics from upcoming music, changing lineups, and his experience at a boarding school for the musically gifted, to his introduction to metal, the loss of someone close to him, and how he chose to pay his respects through music.  Shout out to Natalie Camillo of Napalm Records for helping me out with this episode! Support the show

Will Wright, one of the founding members of UK metal band Past the Fall joins me for episode 083.  Will is the vocalist and bassist for the group, and we get to chat about a wide range of topics, from Spotify, new music, and his personal approach to his lyrics, to the impact of music, weapons at metal shows, and how someone close to Will made a lasting impression. Support the show

Christian Donaldson has made his mark in the world of metal both through his music and prowess as an audio engineer.  During episode 082, Christian revisits his intro to metal and audio engineering, his journey with the Montreal Garage Studio, the Grid, Nail the Mix, and of course, Cryptopsy.  We chat about his processes, working with clients both locally and abroad, and a hint about upcoming music. Support the show

Sword is a Canadian heavy metal band that was formed in 1980 by brothers Rick and Dan Hughes.  Rick has also kept busy in the music world by pursuing other side projects, such as the Rick Hughes show and having his talents bless the screens of Quebec TV show, La Fureur.  During episode 081, Rick talks of his musical history, signing with Massacre Records, playing with Metallica, Motorhead, and Alice Cooper, and pursuing music as a lifelong passion. Support the show

Rob Wharton of New Jersey's Cognitive joins me for episode 080.  As this episode airs, they are currently on the road with Gorod, Flub, and Summoning the Lich, playing in Tampa, FL tonight, and Orlando tomorrow.  Rob and I chat about the band, preparing for tour, their move from Unique Leader to Metal Blade, and working with Pedro Sena. Support the show

Crucifix, the heart and soul behind Pitch Black North and the Satanic Tea Co. joins me today to chat about both his tea and music.  We explore STC from the beginning, to ethically sourcing tea, collaborating with a variety of bands, and finishing up with the spotlight on the STC music.  Shout out to Sarjesa Tea, The Grizzlar Coffee & Records, and New Level Brewery.  Support the show

Jacob Björnfot, mastermind behind Sweden's Kvaen, joins me to talk about the music, his approach to metal, and working with a number of accomplished musicians.  We explore signing with Black Lion Records, the meaning behind the Great Below, cancel culture, and the impact of metal then vs. now. Support the show

Kai & Porkchop of the Canadian thrash metal band Rising Sun join me during episode 077 for a good chat about the band, new music, their musical history, and Porkchop's journey from India to Canada.  Rising Sun released their latest single, Archons of Death, on October 7, 2022.  Keep your ears peeled for new music! Support the show

Blake Lamoureux and Steven Sorensen of blackened death metal band Mourning Veil join me to talk about their debut album, Communion, the formation of the band, and their approach to music.  We also chat about their other projects, Ophidian Memory and Archetype of Destruction, and working on a tight schedule. Support the show

Kosm is gearing up to release their next EP, Vacancies, on March 24, 2023.  During episode 075 I am joined by Jessie Grace, their vocalist, and Erik Leonhard, one of the band's guitarists.  We chat about Metalocalypstick and the double edged sword that is “women in metal”, vocal techniques and Jessie's writing process, and tattoos.Support the show

North Carolina based deathcore band Sagen just released their second album, Roots of Proctor, on January 7th, 2023.  During Episode 074, I have the pleasure of speaking with guitarist and original creative force behind Sagen, Stephen Hegarty, and vocalist Ryan Vail about the band, Roots of Proctor, the Salem Witch Trials, and AI art.  We also chat about weightlifting, religion in heavy music, and video games as a medium for rock and metal. Support the show

Gravehuffer just released their 4th full length album, titled ….Depart from So Much Evil, on February 17th.  During episode 073, I get to chat with Ritchie Randall, Mike Jilge, and Travis McKenzie of the Missouri based metal band who take inspiration from a plethora of musical genres.  We talk about the album, subjective interpretation to artwork, and how they were presented with a challenge after signing with Black Doomba records. Support the show

Toxic Apokalypse was released by Canadian thrash metal band Korrosive on October 7th, 2022, through CDN Records.  Vocalist Rad Zarei and guitarist Jack Neila join me on Episode 072 to chat about their latest album, the Man with the Gun, working with Ed Repka, and working together as a band.  Listen closely for a couple cool announcements. Support the show

Eaten by Sharks released their debut album, Eradication, on August 26th of 2022.  Eaten by Sharks takes clear inspiration from Jaws and other shark horror movies, while incorporating the gore and violence we've all grown to know and love in traditional death metal.  Chris Chaperon and Jeff chat about the band's partnership with CDN records, their hiatus and subsequent return to music, travelling to the USA for shows, and raising money for Sea Shepherd.  Support the show

Greg Burgess needs no introduction – the sole remaining original member of Allegaeon is well known in the metal world, from his performance in music and contribution to the community by way of teaching, he has influenced the lives of many over the years.  During this episode, we chat about his education, the Suzuki method and training youngsters to play guitar, his current endorsements, and Allegaeon's latest album, Damnum.  We also discuss whether a changing lineup affects a band's success and some difficulty with management teams. Support the show

Julius Kössler, Jon Nellis, and Thomas Fèanis of Spire of Lazarus chat about their intro to metal, their latest album, Soaked in the Sands, and a duck named Chad.  Spire of Lazarus takes their inspiration directly from video games – Dark Souls, God of War, Diablo, and Prince of Persia, to name a few.  We cover the band's name change, motivation behind some of their imagery and subject matter, video games, and changes moving forward. Support the show

Chris Landry, the creative force behind Canada's Darkmage, joins me today as we chat about Tales from Solitude, Chris' approach to black metal, and some of his musical inspiration.  Shout out to Miranda Young and Rotting Reign, for working on the album art and logo, respectively.   Support the show

Alan Averill of Ireland's Primordial and the Agitators Anonymous podcast has been heavily involved in the metal scene since he was just 16 years old. During this episode, we chat about both the band and the podcast, incorporating folk elements into black metal, some unique metal scenes from around the world, how things changed during COVID and policital/social commentary.Support the show

River Jordan and Dave Palenske of Kentucky black metal band Volcandra join me on Episode 066 to chat about Border World, their latest EP, their partnership with Prosthetic Records, video games, and some of their other personal interests.  Border World was released on June 24th and signals their first of three releases with Prosthetic. Support the show

Metal Thrashing Nerd Podcast host Mike Smith joins me for Episode 065 of GNM.  We speak at length about podcasting, music, and some of Mike's personal interests.  Mike also released an album for his solo project, Infernal Tyrant earlier this year.  The conversation also spans home recording, mixing and mastering, and the MCU. Shout out to Titanosaur, Rat Salad Review Network, and Infernal Tyrant. Support the show

Founding members Krista Shipperbottom and Victor Bucur join me today to chat about Lutharo, their latest album, Hiraeth, upcoming music, and creepy locations for music videos.  During this episode we explore some of the bands history, Krista's approach to lyrics, musical endorsements, and the addition of streaming to Lutharo's repertoire.   Support the show