Music journalist Paky Orrasi (Metal Maniac, Metal Hammer) and Avatar frontman Johannes Eckerström do deep dives into the world of heavy metal music. MetalBreak features interviews, discussions and commentary, all based on the culture of the sub-culture.
Sometimes in interviews, answers warrant follow-up questions. Many times they don't happen. Paky has found a few quotes by Johannes that were left unscrutinized. We're here to fix that. Enjoy!
We invite our patreons into our retrospective review of Testament's Dark Roots of Earth. Enjoy!
As is tradition, we review this years rendition of the Tuska festival. Along some puppy asmr and opeth single review, everybody wins! Enjoy!
Mixing our own thoughts with our beloved supporter on Patreon, we discuss maybe one of the most important metal albums that we're not really that in to. Enjoy!
The listening circle returns, as we share our and our Patreon supporters' opinion on Opeth's legendary debut, Orchid. Enjoy!
Join the listening circle, and add your voice to the conversation! patreon.com/metalbreak In this very first listening circle, we dig in to what many would call the quintessential album of the Gothenburg sound. Slaughter of the Soul by At the Gates redrew the metal map in countless ways, and has stood the test of time like few others. It has also been a huge influence on Avatar, alongside so many other bands. Together we our patreons, we discuss and dissect one of our absolute favorites. Enjoy!
Metallihelvetti is a revered institution in the Finnish metal underground, and in its heart you find Jussi Helenius. Together with his partners in crime he has made Finland in general and Turku in particular a much more extreme place for decades. Turku Saatanalle is the flagship festival of the organisation, and we talk its history, as well as its current state, while also diving into some old school Brazilian metal among many other things. Turku Saatanalle XI takes place March 1-2 2024 at Utopia in Turku. More info can be found here: https://www.metallihelvetti.net/ Enjoy!
In this episode, we play a round of Let's Get Deep, and it get's... deep. Got time had by all! Enjoy!
In this episode, Paky has found out about about next year's reboot of her beloved the Crow. We talk, and try to unpack how this is doom to failed, or if there is any hope at all. Bill Skarsgård will be in it... we like him. And how do we get Avatar on the soundtrack (Hollywood money this way please!). Enjoy!
In this episode we talk with Cryptopsy's Matt McGachy as well as doing some damage control for what would have been our Halloween special! Good times! Enjoy!
[Interview starts at 3:50!] In this episode, Paky interviews Danish death metal band Nakkeknækker. We are head over heals with them and blown away by what they are doing already now. Enjoy!
INTERVIEW STARTS AT 11:34! Paky talked to Clutch drummer Jean-Paul Gaster, and that led us to talk about stuff. Good times are being had by all. Enjoy!
Dr Owen Coggins of the International Society for Metal Music Studies joins us to talk metal in academia and academia in metal. Enjoy!
In this episode, we talk about the metal we gravitate towards in the summer, while trying to unpack what makes certain metal sound more like summer than others. Enjoy! PLAYLIST WITH MUSIC WE TALKED ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6AKwzbIDM8mSIxx77Bskli?si=BQ3yUfBiQxKEgJ5K2LS5Yg MINDFALL'S CLASSIC 2003 DEMO FROM THE BARREN: https://youtu.be/jnVf88JEtUE
PLAYLIST WITH ALL THE SONGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tzn9dPdojlr6gwJlEZPDC?si=cee7d2d7333a4c93 In this episode, we play each other some of our favorite guilty pleasures in music. A lot of pop, and of course a dash of musical theater, Enjoy!
With Avatar's Dance Devil Dance coming out February 17, Paky collected the questions of our fantastic supporters over at Patreon. This giant blue whale of an episode is the results. Enjoy!
We pull out our crystal ball and tell you EXACTLY what's going to happen in the next 365 days. No side tracks or second guesses here. You can thank us later. Enjoy!
Paky and Johannes discuss the album format being challenged by single releases in today's fast paced society. They agree to disagree but also agree. Enjoy!
In this episode Paky answers questions from you for her birthday and we get caught up on what the hell happened this summer.Thanks to you, a donation of 430 USD has been made to the AKC Canine Health Foundation in our Jacob's memory. A engraved brick paver is being put in his name and the money goes towards research in the fight against the disease that took him from us.If you consider donating yourself, you can visit https://www.akcchf.org/donate2015/chf-donate.htmlThank you, and enjoy the episode.
We return from a summer constantly on the move, and we're here to tell you all about it! Enjoy!patreon.com/metalbreakteespring.com/stores/metalbreak
We return once again to the warmth of an open fire in a thunder storm, to tell you tales of hauntings and the Devil himself. We also have our Patreon friend Rob with us who shares some excellent writing of his own. Enjoy!Read more Rob goodness here: reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/570ceu/is_ed_real_or_am_i_crazy_part_1andnightmaresoup.com/products/the-nightmare-society-volume-2
TMAS is back with a vengeance! Lakes and oceans ended up being the theme in a slightly more free flowing formate. Also, our first Patreon guest Chris joins us! If you want to guest a future TMAS and share a tale of your own, consider becoming a supporter over at patreon.com/metalbreak. Enjoy!
Paky joined Avatar for their brief US run earlier this year, which means that it was MetalBreak on Tour! We talk about the experience and find out wether she will finally go mad and run away to join a circus. Enjoy!patreon.com/metalbreakPlease consider getting a Jacob memorial shirt. All the money we get from the Jacob designs go to charity:https://metalbreak.creator-spring.com/listing/jacobbadass
TRIGGER WARNING! LOSS OF PET, DEATH, ILLNESS!This is a two parter, where we try to keep most of the sadness in part one.Jacob was the third host of the podcast, and in many ways its biggest star. As he ended up having so many fans among you, we want to make this very public tribute to him. Thank you again, all of you who reached out and showed love.Please consider getting a memorial shirt. All the money we get from the Jacob designs go to charity:https://metalbreak.creator-spring.com/listing/jacobbadasshttps://www.akcchf.org/https://www.akcchf.org/how-to-help/purchase-a-purina-brick/
In this episode, we sit down with Sam from Rebellix, talking moving country for music, self discovery, their latest EP, Serpent's Kiss (out now!) and more. Enjoy!
Confess returns! We pick it up right where we left off last time (listen to episode 25 with Nikan if you haven't already), and talk the present and future of one of the most driven and resilient bands you'll ever hear! Enjoy!
Johannes has been on tour. He also got sick. Paky and Johannes unpack the experience together, sharing thoughts and some road stories. Enjoy!
We carve pumpkins and talk metal and other scary music. What more can you ask for? Also, something paranormal may or may not have happened...Enjoy!
We return to be judge, jury and executioners. Once again Paky has searched through Reddit for some moral dilemmas in the name of metal. Enjoy!
Johannes has a long talk with fellow Swede and podcaster Henke Brannerydh of Rockpodden, trying to solve the mystery behind the phenomena of Swedish metal. Did we get any wiser? You'll be the judge!Enjoy!Henke's podcast (in Swedish): https://open.spotify.com/show/5RFZ1vzfbLamNOIn9n3ie7?si=xHtnud4YRqO-tik6dadEmw&dl_branch=1Rockpodden
For this episode, Paky went lurking the "Am I the asshole"-subreddit for some heavy metal content and in the TRVE elitist spirit, we will be the sole judges! Enjoy!patreon.com/metalbreakteespring.com/stores/metalbreak
[INTERVIEW STARTS AT 17:57]In this episode, Johannes has a long talk with Fear Factory master mind Dino Cazares about latest album Aggression Continuum and the past, present and future of the band and humanity at large. Enjoy!Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe've got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
[Interview starts at 7:41]In this episode Paky and Johannes have a heartfelt talk with the remaining members of Bodom After Midnight. We talk about the legacy of their colleague and friend Alexi Laiho and the debut EP that came to be their swansong.Our Patreon: patreon.com/metalbreakMerch: teespring.com/stores/metalbreakPhoto by Terhi Ylimäinen
[INTERVIEW STARTS AT 9.23]In this episode Paky and Johannes get to talk to the always inspiring, always delightful Anneke van Giersbergen. They talk her latest album, The Darkest Skies Are The Brightest and all that goes into making such personal work. Enjoy!Listen to The Darkest Skies Are The Brightest on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6MEBn5n2uktdaned7Zc91o?si=lmRP5V-VSVG2CaDvFE_WGwWe’ve got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreakOur patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreak
[INTERVIEW STARTS AT 09:54]In this episode Paky and Johannes talks to Joel Ekelöf of Soen about their latest album Imperial. They about the music, the method and the message as well as touching on the spiritual side of things. Enjoy!Listen to Imperial by Soen: https://open.spotify.com/album/49iLyqy5332uQV3q5qDmA2?si=E3eFouUySVG0jYZ7_AOo1wOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe have merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
[Interview starts at 14:04] In this episode Johannes talks to Korpiklaani about their latest album Jylhä, the energy new members can bring and more or less unconventional ways to write a song. Enjoy!Listen to Jylhä: https://open.spotify.com/album/2gsQLMCZXvrq3Rlb4S424v?si=tH6UNpuVQVGDDwV_LJVZWQOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe have merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
In this episode, Paky and Johannes go to space and listen to various disturbing sounds from way out there. David from Soilwork brings us to the morgue and our Patreon-contributor debates wether or not one should pick up hitchhikers from the afterlife. Enjoy!Our patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakMerch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
Paky and Johannes discuss current trends in metal, trying to guess where we're going, based on where we've been.Let us know what you think about this long-form episode style! Support us on www.patreon.com/metalbreak!
[INTERVIEW STARTS AT 11:20]Paky has a chat with Erlend Hjelvik about his solo debut 'Welcome to Hel', and vikings and metal at large! Enjoy!Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe have merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
We take a moment to remember and pay our respects to a man gone too soon.
Ancient spirits and haunting battle cries. Paky and Johannes dig through the annals of history for their stories, while Ryan Van Poederooyen unveils some light childhood trauma. Enjoy!Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe've got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
In this episode Paky has a chat with David Andersson of Soilwork. They discuss brand new EP A Whisp Of The Atlantic, religion, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and much more! Enjoy!Listen to A Whisp Of The Atlantic: https://open.spotify.com/album/39FoTXhyioMJWeNi11dZ4p?si=BcnnDYgNSBm9ThFKliHQ8QOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe've got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
[Apologies for the sound quality! This was a bit of a guerilla-recording!]In this episode Paky and Johannes dive deep into the world of witches, while our patron teaches us of the Buck-riders. Our special guests, South Korean Post Hardcore band Monsters Dive, take us to school. Enjoy!CHECK OUT MONSTERS DIVE:https://www.facebook.com/MonstersDive/https://monstersdive.bandcamp.com/album/dive-or-dieFURTHER READING ON TODAY*S STORIES:https://www.therussianstore.com/'Baba Yaga: The Ambiguous Mother and Witch of the Russian Folktale' by Andreas Johnshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malin_MatsdotterMERCH: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreakOUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/metalbreak
This week both Paky and Matt Heafy of Trivium take us to ancient Japan, while Johannes drags us along on a trip to Ukraine and a more recent past. Our Patreon contribution brings us inside a haunted childhood home. All of this and some general banter goodness in this second episode of Tell Me A Story. Enjoy!Check our Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakWe've got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
This is the first episode of our new series, Tell Me A Story! Paky and Johannes compete in spookiness alongside contributions from our dear friends from patreon.com/metalbreak. On occasion we'll also have artist friends dropping by with a story of their own. This time it's the very talented Chiara of Moonlight Haze! Enjoy, and remember to check our new merch over at teespring.com/stores/metalbreak.Check out Moonlight Haze on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1J9Jg6CEtjR3C4SFXz1elX?si=vD-e4Bt0RcCY9pHhJag_gQhttps://www.moonlighthaze.comhttp://facebook.com/Moonlighthazeband/
In this episode Paky and Johannes sit down for they're annual pumpkin carving listening to the academic musings and ghost stories of Karolina Kouvola. Karolina is a theology master, writing a PhD about Finlands-Swedish belief narratives about the cunning folk. She has written several non-fiction books about historical warrior groups and co-authored a book about Helsinki ghost stories.Enjoy!Photo by Suvi KairulahtiOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreakNEW MERCH! www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
In this episode Johannes talks with Finntroll frontman Vreth. On top of talking their latest masterpiece Vredesvävd, they also discuss language, Estonian axemen, wether you want to be a Mick Jagger or a Paul McCartney and much more! Enjoy!Vredesvävd OUT NOW! Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7IGCwxXb9x7n2ILyOaE7hZ?si=9SNkm9_fQpuK9ZMc5evapQOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreak
In this episode Paky and Johannes follow up their latest Patreon watch-along with a talk about the greatness, impact and personal significance of mockumentary masterpiece, This Is Spinal Tap! Enjoy!We've got merch: www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreakOur Patreon: www.patreon.com/metalbreak
In this episode Paky and Johannes has chat with good friend Niclas Engelin. They talk about the past with his formative years and early efforts as well as the here and now, playing with We Sell the Dead and dealing with the current state of the world. Enjoy!Listen to Black Sleep by We Sell The Dead: https://open.spotify.com/album/4SP0pmh8XzJxzM8RnFx6CR?si=LHxlFOG9SxGR7hGvDpvLyQWE'VE GOT MERCH! www.teespring.com/stores/metalbreak
This is the second part of Johannes and Paky discussion the Crow, which they recently watched with their patreons.They review, reminisce and rejoice in a classic while Paky is laying down the facts. Enjoy!Check out Soi Dog Foundation!www.soidog.org/www.facebook.com/SoiDogPageInEnglish/https://www.instagram.com/SoiDogFoundationhttps://twitter.com/@SoiDogPhukethttps://www.youtube.com/user/SoiDogFoundationFollow us!Patreon.com/metalbreakJohannes' Twitter: @johannes_avatarPaky's Instagram: @paky_metalbreak
This is the first part of Johannes and Paky discussion the Crow, which they recently watched with their patreons.They review, reminisce and rejoice in a classic while Paky is laying down the facts. Enjoy!Check out Soi Dog Foundation!www.soidog.org/www.facebook.com/SoiDogPageInEnglish/https://www.instagram.com/SoiDogFoundationhttps://twitter.com/@SoiDogPhukethttps://www.youtube.com/user/SoiDogFoundationFollow us!Patreon.com/metalbreakJohannes' Twitter: @johannes_avatarPaky's Instagram: @paky_metalbreak