Into the Darkness

Mike Erdody is a staple in the Detroit underground metal scene and vocalist of the Death Doom band TEMPLE OF VOID. He is also the guitarist of ACID WITCH, NUKE, BORROWED TIME and HARBINGER. Multi-band and talents Mike has been credited for artwork, recording and design on various releases. If you like TEMPLE OF VOID buy their music: https://amzn.to/34UZV89 Support the content, ask questions on INTO THE DARKNESS, gain early access to episodes, plus more... check out the Reaper Metal Fan Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

Bay and Rick Cortez are the founding fathers of SADISTIC INTENT and DARK REALM RECORDS. Their passion and devotion to metal is one that made for an awesome conversation for this interview. We talk about the early days as brothers getting into metal and the rise of SADISTIC INTENT. There are a ton of great stories sprinkled within like seeing SLAYER rehearse in the garage days, LA scene in the 80s, analyzing Mexican metal influence, Darkthrone, the list goes on. If there is an underline theme in this video it is how far one can go with passion and ambition. This episode is certainly a treat for INTO THE DARKNESS. If you like SADISTIC INTENT buy their music: https://amzn.to/3hUsc3Y Support the content, ask questions on INTO THE DARKNESS, gain early access to episodes, plus more... check out the Reaper Metal Fan Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

Mike Browning is someone you should recognize as the original Vocalist/Drummer of MORBID ANGEL, NOCTURNUS, AFTER DEATH, NOCTURNUS A.D. and INCUBUS. Not the garbage 'Pardon Me' -band but one of the numerous INCUBUS from the metal underground. Reaper Metal FAN CLUB members have their questions for Mike, but it all starts with Morrisound Studio and working with Jim Morris as opposed to Scott Burns. There are a lot of great stories in this episode about Trey Azagthoth, David Vincent and the Florida Death Metal as Mike vividly remembers it! Join a Fanclub that doesn't suck: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

Zachary Ezrin is the founding member and frontman of IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT who have released their latest 2020 album 'Alphaville' on Century Media. IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT have a knack for interesting imagery and eerie sounding music which embodies a sound and spirit somewhat familiar but largely unfamiliar. The band has risen before our eyes as Tommy G put his seal of approval on the band a few years back with their release Inceste on his label Redefining Darkness Records. This is where INTO THE DARKNESS has a guest that is more current but complex and innovative, making it a perfect fit to dive deeper. Join a Fanclub that doesn't suck: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/

Jörgen Sandström is a founding member of the Swedish death metal band GRAVE. He was the band’s long-standing Guitarist/Vocalist that played on the classic albums 'Into The Grave’, 'You Will Never See' , and ‘Souless’. From there Jörgen involved himself with other Swedish pioneers such as Entombed and Candlemass. With his body of work extending across numerous styles from The Project Hate MCMXCIX to Krux, it’s Jörgen’s Death Metal résumé that interest us most… one that includes time spent in Putrefaction, Death Breath, Murder Squad, Torture Division, and more, making him the perfect guest to join us INTO THE DARKNESS. Join a Fanclub that doesn't suck: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

Dan Swanö is infamous in the Metal world for the bands he’s been involved with such as EDGE OF SANITY, Nightingale, Infestdead, Diabolical Masquerade, Pan.Thy.Monium, Bloodbath, and Ribspreader to name a few . And his Engineer credits read like a metal encyclopedia having worked with seminal acts like Marduk, Dissection, Opeth, Katatonia, November’s Doom, Therion, Incantation, Entails, and so on. This episode is probably the most intense and in-depth we have gone with a guest and we still probably need a part 2 and 3! There is no shortness of breath from Dan so this episode acts as an unwritten memoir of a golden age in metal with various perspectives to describe those cherished times. By the end of this interview you will be left with a hefty homework assignment of discovering all which you may have never heard! Join a Fanclub that doesn't suck: https://www.patreon.com/reapermetalproductions To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

MARK RIDDICK is a name that has appeared nearly everywhere in the Underground Extreme Metal scene for years now, but without a recognizable face outside his work. Like most artists driven heavily by passion with a giant body of work, it is hard to follow everything they do, which is what makes this episode extra special. We get to dive deep into Mark’s beginnings including the origins of his passions for art and extreme music… A path, which up to now, has landed RIDDICK an endless labor of love with a handful of unexpected ventures like his work with JUSTIN BIEBER and the STAN AGAINST EVIL TV Show. At our side we have one of his books, COMPENDIUM OF DEATH: Collection of Mark Riddick, helping to provide visual and conversational references while we explore some standout pieces for DECEASED, NUNSLAUGHTER, FETID ZOMBIE, and CRUCIFIED MORTALS. We also step outside the music and focus on the art itself, specifically his process and inspiration. As always, there is a lot more to uncover, so join us on our journey INTO THE DARKNESS. To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

Kyle from Incantation has a mustache. Kyle from Incantation had to take a piss. If this all sounds familiar to you, then you know where we are going with this Episode... This week we had the opportunity to chat with Kyle Severn, most notably of Incantation, but also of Escalation Anger, Wolfen Society, Funerus, Vital Remains, Acheron, Shed the Skin, and the soon to be released, Hell is Here. Not only do we get into Kyle's history, discovering he's not actually from Hell, but from Cleveland! (Which some may consider Hell!)... we also find out the REAL story behind Mortal Throne of the Apocalypse vs. Upon the Throne of the Apocalypse, how the infamous Anal Cunt song "Kyle from Incantation has a mustache" came to be, who taught Kyle how to blast, how Daniel from The Chasm ended up in Incantation, the origin of Shed the Skin, the creation of Hell is Here, Afterparty Massacre, Horror Conventions, and more! Join us on Episode 14 of Into the Darkness...

For some years now it seems ACID WITCH has become the soundtrack to many fans' Halloween. There are many dynamics that craft their creepy sound which derives from the love of all things horror from Slasher Dave and Co. In this episode it was fun to dive deep into horror soundtracks, specifically John Carpenter inspiration, and the creation of the ACID WITCH character. Dave also shares stories about meeting Glen on their tour with DANZIG and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, staying at Phil Anselmo's house, the days with Lasse of HOODED MENACE on vocals, and Shagrat's killer art. And now it's time to join us in HELLucinating this brand new episode of INTO THE DARKNESS. To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/

If you know King Fowley, you will agree he is a perfect guest for INTO THE DARKNESS. From stories about MORBID ANGEL acting like rockstars, to King reflecting on the past discussing early demo tapes, becoming a drummer/vocalist, and which DECEASED album is his least favorite, this Episode is full of Fowley gold! Stories on Kerry King, Will Rahmer, Voivod, and Horror movies also cannot be overlooked, and with that enjoy the 12th installment of INTO THE DARKNESS. To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest

While Dirk Verbeuren's seat upon the drum throne of Megadeth may be all the headlines these days, Dirk also has an extensive discography and passion for extremity. His life's journey has taken him all over the world touring or on other grinding adventures. Dirk takes us down those roads and talks about his early days in France, Scarve, Aborted, Soilwork, session work, his grind band Bent Sea, InstGRIND, a look into his entry into Megadeth, and much more.... Come along and join us in Episode 11 of INTO THE DARKNESS... To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Photo of Dirk Verbeuren courtesy of (c) Hannah Verbeuren - hannahvphotography.com Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry - https://horst-art.com/

In this Episode, Rodney Dunsmore, vocalist of Texas Death/ Thrash legends DEVASTATION discusses the origin of the band's iconic blindfolded skull 'mascot', Violent Termination to Idolatry, working with Scott Burns, live shows/touring, the early / mid 80's Texas scene, Rodney's vocal approach / influences, Combat Records, the demise of the band, and why it is that Texas bands always seem a bit more extreme than bands from the rest of the country... If you are a fan of DEVASTATION this conversation will not disappoint. To view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry - https://horst-art.com/

In this Episode Piotr Wiwczarek shares stories about the early Polish scene behind the Iron Curtain, the story surrounding originally recording “The Ultimate Incantation” at Sunlight Studios, lyrical contributors, Doc & the Vader Drummers, the evolution of his now iconic vocals, and Solitude in Madness… strap in as we take you INTO THE DARKNESS of Eastern Europes most Brutal export! to view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry - https://horst-art.com/

For the first time ever Lord Worm & Mike DiSalvo appear in the same interview joining Reaper and Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS.. In this Episode Lord Worm & Mike DiSalvo share their individual histories, the early beginnings of Cryptopsy, the origin of the Lord Worm moniker, Earwigs and Beer, sleeping in coffins, the legendary None So Vile, the evolution to Whisper Supremacy, and so much more... hang on tight as we take you INTO THE DARKNESS with two of the most extreme and iconic Brutal Death Metal vocalists of all time! to view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry - https://horst-art.com/

Death Metal Producer pioneer SCOTT BURNS of the once infamous Morrisound Studios joins Reaper and Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS.. In this Episode Scott opens up about the early days and what it was like to work with now seminal bands such as Deicide, Napalm Death, Sepultura, Obituary, Cynic, the list goes on. He also breaks down some techniques used back then that eventually altered Death Metal / Metal production forever. We discuss Euronymous and Deathlike Silence's disdain for the 'Morrisound sound' and the entrance of the Black Metal revolution. Nothing is off the table here and it was a true honor to talk to such a true innovator and supporter of the music we hold dear.. Enjoy! Chapters: (2:00) - How does Scott Burns feel about being ingrained in the Classic Death Metal Scene? (8:00) - Glen Benton, Deicide, Bloody Virgins, and Pig’s Blood (11:50) - From Small Budgets to Producer Points (16:28) - Were bands prepared for the studio in those days? (19:50) - Audio Nerdery Alert - Innovation of triggered samples (40:42) - ..On Drummers (44:40) - Beneath the Remains (50:15) The Morrisound Sound (54:14) Deathlike Silence - No Fun, No Core, No Mosh, No Trends, No Scott?! (1:00:16) Mick Harris & Napalm Death (1:07:10) Questions from YOU - the Fans… Starting with Deicide - Legion (1:16:21) Albums that stand out to Scott.. (1:24:00) Is the first album from a band always best? (1:26:50) Will we be seeing a Scott Burns Audio Suite anytime soon? (VST Plug-ins) to view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznFdtwo8hRVca1JPzzAmBw FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records - https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/ Photo of Glen courtesy of Frank White Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest - https://www.deviantart.com/kaos-nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry - https://horst-art.com/

What is INTO THE DARKNESS you may ask? In this mini-episode we break down who we are and what we are trying to achieve with this Podcast - Thanks for tuning in and we hope you enjoy! Catch video Episodes via the Reaper Metal Productions Youtube Channel - https://youtu.be/jv9ONkbWH38 Follow Redefining Darkness Records - http://redefiningdarkness.bandcamp.com/ Follow Reaper Metal Productions - https://reapermetalproductions.com/ Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry https://intothedarknesspodcast.com/

THE CROWN guitarist Marko Tervonen joins Reaper and Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS; the interview series which digs deep... Marko discusses bassist Magnus' battle with COVID-19, Crown of Thorns - era to Cobra Speed Venom, the importance of capturing a 'vibe' when recording, Tomas Lindberg of At The Gates, good and bad album art, the band's hiatus, how The Crown were very much ahead of their time and preceded the now popular Death / Black Thrash movement, and his son's band Sarcator! Tune in as there is A LOT uncovered & unearthed in Episode 6 of INTO THE DARKNESS! THE CROWN METAL BLADE RECORDS SARCATOR FOLLOW REAPER METAL PRODUCTIONS Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry (00:39) The CROWN vs. COVID-19 (3:49) THE CROWN - 30th Anniversary?!? (4:53) The many names of THE CROWN... (5:37) Crown of Thorns to THE CROWN (9:20) Stockholm, Gothenburg, Florida Death Metal, Oh my! ..breaking down the many influences of THE CROWN (12:23) Are THE CROWN overlooked or un-appreciated? (16:30) "Worship" genre and feelings on bands that may be inspired by THE CROWN (19:45) THE CRÖWN..? Was it ever close to happening? Discussing the popularity of The Umlaut... (21:52) Where does the D-Beat influence in THE CROWN come from? (27:26) The affect AT THE GATES Slaughter of Soul had on the scene (34:39) The Exit of Johan (38:54) The Entrance and Exit of Tompa (36:26) Crowned Unholy... (43:04) Should a band ever re-record a full album? (40:32) Possessed 13 & the Beginning of the End for THE CROWN (47:04) A Hiatus or break up? ( 2004 - 2010 ) (51:20) Angel Blake-era and other projects (54:15) The return of THE CROWN - The Century Media-era (1:03:05) Century Media days (continued) [1:00:09] The End of 'Scenes'? Does anyone get in a room to jam anymore? (1:11:23) On Janne's drumming... The difference between REAL drums vs. the alternative (1:19:40) Cobra Speed Venom - THE CROWN rejuvenated! (1:30:57) Marko ranks THE CROWN albums from worst to best... (1:47:21) The Old School sound... Manufacturing bad quality recordings vs. just being genuine (1:59:45) Marko's rankings continued... he reveals his Top 3 (2:11:12) Marko's son's band SARCATOR!

Promoting the 2018 Deicide album Overtures Of Blasphemy, Glen Benton gives us a blasphemous, funny and an insightful interview including the Top 5 reactions to his inverted cross scar, censorship of Once Upon The Cross album cover, a day in the life of Glen and much more! *Originally aired on Hellcast Metal Podcast in 2018 - Interview secured by All About the Rock UK to view Video, FOLLOW Reaper Metal Productions FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Photo of Glen courtesy of Frank White Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry

Cannibal Cam of Rabidog Films & The Growl Death Metal Documentary joins Reaper and Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS; the interview series which delves deep... Cam opens up about The Growl updates, Horror Conventions, 90’s Death Metal Demo Re-Issues, the Growl Interview Series, Hot Topic Pants & Vader, Empty Beer cans and Chris Barnes...!? And after chatting and drinking beer for nearly 2 hours Cam was still able to name over 30 + Canadian Death Metal bands...can you!?! The GROWL Death Metal Documentary The GROWL YouTube Channel Rabidog Films To watch the video version FOLLOW REAPER METAL PRODUCTIONS YouTube Channel FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry

NAPALM DEATH vocalist Barney Greenway joins Reaper and Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS; the interview series which delves deep... The conversation dives into his days in BENEDICTION, Trade Unions, Humanitarianism, his life in Death Metal, love of cinema and even Barney's haircut! As a master of the Extreme, we had to take it to extreme lengths - 1 hour and 48 minutes worth! NAPALM DEATH CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS To watch the video version FOLLOW REAPER METAL PRODUCTIONS YouTube Channel FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry

Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder, and staunch supporter of all that is Underground, joins Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS... As always, Trevor brings the comedy as we discuss a bit of BDM, tour rituals, favorite drummers, "Sippin' Time" , his Obituarist column on Metal Injection, and some metal trivia... *Originally aired in 2015 THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER METAL BLADE RECORDS THE OBITUARIST @ METAL INJECTION FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Photo of Trevor courtesy of Jonathan Pushnik Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry

Gregor Mackintosh of Paradise Lost | Vallenfyre joins Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS... Greg covers it all from Draconian Times to The Plague Within, favorite drummers, his time with Sisters of Mercy, Craft Beer, the Australian economy, Depeche Mode, being a fact junkie and his deep interest in Blue Whales! A definite must listen for any Paradise Lost fan. Originally aired in 2015* - - Interview secured by All About the Rock UK PARADISE LOST VALLENFYRE NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS INTO THE DARKNESS PODCAST FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Photo of Gregor courtesy of Paul Harries Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry

In this episode James joins Thomas INTO THE DARKNESS discussing his brief time in Agent Steel and covering everything from Morbid Angel, Chuck & Death, Obituary, Shrapnel Records, Safehouse Productions, Murphy Tacos, to some of his favorite records and much more!! Over an hour of great insight from a Metal Master.... *Originally aired in 2015 SAFEHOUSE PRODUCTION INTO THE DARKNESS PODCAST FOLLOW Redefining Darkness Records Background image courtesy of Kaos Nest INTO THE DARKNESS logo created by Christopher Horst at Horst Foundry