Metalheads Podcast

This episode our friend Nick Pingel joins us to chat about how he first discovered the Metalheads Podcast, the power of underwear hugs and what the metal scene is like in Iowa. We also reminisce about our time at the recent Decibel Metal and Beer Fest in Philly and break down Metal News, New Releases, What We're Listening to and Picks from the Crypt. Plus, in one of the most personal segments ever recorded on the podcast, we reveal the real life stories behind our Top 5 Albums That Make Us Feel Nostalgic

This episode we discuss the big announcement that Brent Hinds has parted ways with Mastodon, plus news about Iron Maiden's new visual history book and documentary, Acid Bath reuniting, Tool potentially being sued by fans, and Danzig being Danzig. We also review new releases from Havukruunu, Nite, Warbringer, Jesse Stiletto and Rwake, share What We've Been Listening To, and kick open the metal mausoleum to reveal our Picks from the Crypt. Plus, Skepticism - Stormcrowfleet squares off against My Dying Bride - The Angel and the Dark River in Markisan's Metal Thunderdome battle of two great doom albums from 1995. AND, in a situational twist, Matt reveals his new Leviathan contract terms and suddenly decides he'll get back to us on... well, everything.

This episode we welcome back Carey Vaughn, Brent Delaney and Harry Hogshead from Skaldr to talk about their new album, Saṃsṛ. We also chat about the latest Metal News, discuss New Releases from Phrenelith, Dream Theater, Saor and Mantar, share What We've Been Listening To, and blow the dust off old albums for Picks from the Crypt. Plus, we count down our Top 5 Bands that Should Reunite! 

We kick off 2025 in grand style with our annual Metalheads Stats and Awards! Find out who won the World Traveler Award, the Get a Room Award, the Jay Award, the Wilson Award and more! We also discuss the latest News and New Releases, reveal What We've Been Listening To, and unearth our Picks from the Crypt. Plus, we discuss the deep cuts Iron Maiden should play on their Run For Your Lives World Tour and George drops a turbocharged bomb on the cast with his surprise Metal Thunderdome! 

Dashing through the snowSix metalheads ready to slayO'er the mics we goLaughing all the waySounds of metal ringMaking spirits brightWhat fun it is to drink and singOur Top 25 lists tonight!

This episode we talk with writer, editor and avid Metalheads Podcast listener, Holly Interlandi, about writing Gene Simmons' Dominatrix and her Last Song comic books, her time as editor on Famous Monsters of Filmland, and how she got into heavy music. Holly also reveals the 3 Albums that Would Help People Get to Know Her Better, then helps us break down the latest in Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, Picks from the Crypt and Top 5 Bands We Want to Play at Decibel Metal & Beer Fest Philly. 

We're back at last! No guest this episode, just your favorite six hosts talking Metal News, New Releases, What We've Been Listening To and Picks from the Crypt. Plus, John recaps his time at ProgPower USA XXIII, Will locks us in a new Metal Thunderdome with Primordial and Behemoth, and we wax poetic about Winger.

Jason Roberts joins the podcast to chat about writing and recording his new BREATHS album, navigating several band implosions and starting his new post-doom sludge band, Violescent. He also shares his varied rock and metal influences over the years, and talks about what it was like to play shows with Slipknot when he was a teenager in the nu-metal band, Eighth Ground. After the interview, Jason reveals what 3 albums would help people better understand him as a person, then he sticks around to talk Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, John breaks down all the vital stats from our Midyear Top 25 Album lists, we unveil listener poll results from our Horrendous Vs. Tomb Mold Metal Thunderdome, present our Picks from the Crypt and count down our Top 5 Bands We Wish Would Release New Music.

Half of 2024 may be extinct, but the Metalheads Podcast has carefully preserved the best metal artifacts from the 1st six months in our Top 25 Metal Albums at Midyear! Discover our favorite heavy records of the year so far in this 5+ hour countdown episode of archeological metal wonder, filled with unique excavations, glorious gems and exploratory merriment. Featuring the historic return of Matt as Brew Metal Will!

We celebrate a decade of podcasting, brotherhood, community and metal with a special anniversary blowout episode! We kick off the show by asking George 10 questions about the origins of the Metalheads, reveal our podcast origin stories and share what the hell we were all up to 10 years ago. We also reminisce about our favorite cast moments, give our predictions for the next 10 years in metal and count down our Top 10 Metal Albums of 2014! Plus, we share all the voice messages we received from YOU, our amazing listeners. 10 years. 150 episodes. What a journey it's been. Thank you to everyone out there who's listened to us talk about all things heavy for 1 episode or 149. This show was created to bring people together through the majesty of metal. So, hoist up a potent brew and come celebrate this podcasting milestone with us, Metalheads!

This episode we are joined again by David Gregor of Morta Skuld. David talks about the latest album, Creation Undone, the band's tour in South America, Alice Cooper, and his love of pizza (as well as what make acceptable toppings.) We also talk about the recent Decibel Metal & Beer Fest in Philadelphia, and we learn about the origin story for TR's newest nickname, The Linchpin. And of course all the usual segments: News, New Releases, What We Are Listening To, T-Shirt and Beer Check and finally, Picks from the Crypt. 

This episode we welcome Lord Dying bass player and tattoo artist Alyssa Maucere to the podcast. Alyssa chats with us about joining Lord Dying, what it was like to work on the band's new album, Clandestine Transcendence, and developing her punk rock bass sound. She also gives us a peek into her life as an illustrator and tattoo artist, talks about creating her solo metal project, Grigax, and reveals what life is like in the "heavy metal retirement" community of Portland. After the interview, Alyssa shares what 3 albums would help people better understand her as a person and sticks around for a super fun count down of our Top 5 Judas Priest Album Covers. Plus, listener poll results from last episode's Metal Thunderdome, what we've been listening to, the latest in metal news and new releases, and Picks from the Crypt!

Trevor Portz returns to the cast for a record 7th time to talk about Abhoria's sophmore album! He reminisces about nearly freezing his hands off during a video shoot in the mountains, predicts his sad fate in an apocalypse and announces the amazing new vocalist for Ashen Horde! After the interview, Trevor helps us break down the latest in metal news, and we chat about new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, a discussion on AI art, Picks From the Crypt and a Metal Thunderdome kerfuffle between Anthrax - Among the Living and Overkill - Taking Over. 

We start 2024 of hot with Ian Gillings of Rannoch! We talked to him about the big success of the band's 2023 album Conflagrations (including a No. 12 spot on the Metalheads Podcast Top 25), how his music is influenced by acclaimed comic book writer Alan Moore, what it's like to produce his own records and why he longs for the complete destruction of his early band demos. After the interview, we throw back a few more beers with Ian and discuss metal news, new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, we unearth some gems for Pick From the Crypt and count down our Top 5 Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2024!

The most magical time of the year has arrived. The Metalheads Podcast Top 25 Metal Albums of 2023 is here! We've secretly wrapped the very best extreme metal albums and piled them high under the tree just for you. So, wipe the sleep crusties from your eyes, pour yourself a yuletide beverage and nestle into your favorite battle snuggie, because you've got 5 hours of joyous unwrapping to do. Happy Holidays!

This episode we welcome master artist and musician Chuck BB to the podcast. Chuck is the creator of Stone Cold Lazy, a comic strip found in the pages of Decibel Magazine every month, and he co-created and illustrated the epic, Eisner Award-winning graphic novel Black Metal. We talk with Chuck about making comics, getting into metal, creating art for the game company Exploding Kittens and crafting his solo black metal album, Nosk of the Void. After the interview, Chuck helps us break down the latest in Metal News, then we dig into New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. We also give our initial impressions of the recent lineup announcement for the 2024 Decibel Metal and Beer Fest in Philly and we choose our favorite songs on Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind to celebrate the album's 40th anniversary. Plus, we fall down an 80s/90s action film hole, praising the punchery powers of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Ahnold, AND we count down our Top 5 Metal Album Covers of 2023. An explosive 5-hour flight with artist Chuck BB awaits you, dear metalheads. GET TO THE CHOPPA!

This episode we welcome guitar virtuoso Christian Münzner of Alkaloid, Obscura and Eternity's End to the podcast for the first time. He takes us behind the scenes of the new Alkaloid album "Numen" and we discuss his illustrious career in metal.  Chris shares how he started playing guitar by learning AC/DC and Metallica songs, reveals what it's like to live with focal dystonia, and tells us which guitarist's powers he'd want if he had the mutant ability to absorb them!After the interview, Chris helps us break down news, new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, we unveil a new segment called Pick From the Crypt, Jay locks us into Metal Thunderdome 1986 where Slayer “Reign in Blood” takes on Metallica “Master of Puppets” in a thrash battle for the ages.

This episode we welcome Ed Levitsky of The Anchoret to talk about the band's debut album, It All Began with Loneliness. He shares how he channeled his feelings of isolation and sadness during the pandemic into an outlet for creating the progressive metal record he always dreamed of. Ed also discussed what goes into his writing process, how his Dad influenced his love of prog music, what it's been like to bond with musicians from around the world, how he signed with Willowtip Records and why he can never have enough saxophone in metal.After the interview, Ed helps us break down news, new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, we turn back the clocks to a time before we were metalheads to count down our Top 5 Albums that Led us to Metal.

This episode we welcome back the incomparable Keith D to talk about his new Dragons of Krull and Panda Kingdom albums! He also gives us an update on the next Unearthed Elf record. We discuss his writing and recording process, where his deep love for Krull came from, what he learned from the mastering genius Maor Appelbaum and how a trip to the dentist led to the discovery of an enchanted realm of metal. After the interview, we cover news, new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, John delivers a surprise Metal Thunderdome and we chat about the influence of 80s films and TV on us as young metalheads. This ep also features the full Dragons of Krull track, "Prophecy of Krull," AND a complete segment music takeover by Keith D!

This episode we cover the latest metal news and new releases, then reveal what we've been listening to lately. Plus, our Top 5 Back-to-Back Albums by Metal Bands and a conversation on gardening and pest control?! Ants. Aphids. Tomatoes. Pumpkins. Japanese beetles. Praying Mantises. Woodchucks. Metal.

We're halfway through the year and you know what that means, dear metalheads... Our Top 25 Metal Albums at Mid-Year is here! 5+ hours of lists, libations and laughs! We're joined by our good friend Justin Riley, AKA the Dr. of Death Metal, as we count down our favorite records released between January and June. Plus, Will returns, delivering his classic caveman charm for the first 30 minutes before heading off to Atlas Brew Works to run a metal show. Fortunately, he leaves his list in the snuggable embrace of Matt, who reads each pick... as Will. This massive episode also features joke revisionism with Jay, George becoming a sexy billboard, Decibel Metal and Beer Fest memories, and an incredibly intelligent discussion on how some albums just hit us right in the nuts.

This episode we are joined by Sami Sati and Tanner Swenson of Oak Pantheon. We start off with an interview and much hilarity ensues. George announces your opportunity to become fashion outcasts, before moving on to the usual traditions of T-Shirt and Beer Check, News, New Release and What We Are Listening To. We reveal the final results of the last Metal Thunderdome before moving on to Matt's Thunderdome opponents: Carcass' Swansong vs Celtic Frost's Cold Lake. Sami and Tanner, clearly suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, choose to stay for the entire episode. 

This episode we preview the 2023 Decibel Metal and Beer Fest in Philly with our friends Stacy Ciccone and Justin Riley!  We discuss what bands we're most excited to see, sift through the mighty beer list and talk about how the metal community is mostly fluffy puppies and kitties. We also dig into News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening to. Plus, our Top 5 Death Metal Bands that Have Debuted Since 2015.

This episode we got to hang out with THREE metal guests! Chris Danacek (SKÁLA, Infera Bruo), Karl Chamberlain (SKÁLA, Alcyone) and Galen Baudhuin (Street Tombs, Aridus, Infera Bruo) joined us to discuss their current and upcoming projects. Chris shares his thoughts on the cathartic writing and recording process for his SKÁLA album, we get the low down on the "permanent hiatus" of Infera Bruo, Galen takes us inside his new one-man project Aridus, and Karl declares that no character will ever survive in his lyrics.After the interview, Karl and Galen stick around to talk news, new releases and what we've been listening to. Plus, Markisan dusts off two great solo records by Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford, and makes them battle it out in a fun Metal Thunderdome. AND we feature the return of full songs to the podcast, including tracks from SKÁLA, Street Tombs and the exclusive, world premiere of the first Alcyone single, "Ensconcing Sorcery."

This episode we were down a couple men, but we carried on and crossed the finish line nearly three hours later. George receives the gift of beer, Matt receives an infamous first in D.C., and per usual we cover the News, New Releases and What We Are Listening To. For our Top 5 we count down our favorite deceased artists we are glad we saw live. 

Our first episode of 2023 features honorary Metalheads member, Trevor Portz of Ashen Horde and Abhoria! He chats with us about Ashen Horde's acclaimed new album, Antimony, signing with Transcending Obscurity Records, the strangeness of releasing music years after he's completed it, the ongoing saga of his prog metal album and how he finds the energy to do so many activities with his wife.After the interview we dig into News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. We also count down the Top 5 Metal Albums We're Looking Forward to in 2023 and pay tribute to Jeff Beck. Plus, our thoughts on the vinyl sale slowdown, Dokken trivia with Jay and Markisan reveals a secret that makes George's heart flutter.

Yippee-ki-yay! It's here. The Metalheads Podcast Top 25 Metal Albums of 2022! Featuring James Lewis of Decibel Magazine! We got together, had a few laughs, drank some beers and counted down our favorite extreme records of the year. So, grab a machine gun and make fists with your toes on the carpet because you're about to be trapped in the Metalheads Plaza for 5+ hours. Welcome to the party, pal.

In this uncharacteristically short episode, Will returns to the cast cancer-free and with a renewed distaste for the Black Album. In lightning-quick fashion we make short work of the News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. We announce the winner of last episode's Metal Thunderdome and with tongue firmly planted in cheek we plow through our Top 5 Complaints About Decibel's Year-End List. Make sure to stock up on your own top complaints, because our Top 25 Albums of 2022 will be coming in December.

This episode we kick things off with a roundtable discussion on which bands will be the next big hitters in metal. After using our old metal dick powers to predict the future of heavy music, we dive into News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. We also share our thoughts on the recently announced lineup for the 2023 Decibel Metal and Beer Fest in Philadelphia, and Jay locks Black Sabbath's Born Again and Motorhead's Another Perfect Day inside a bloody Metal Thunderdome. Plus, some of us may or may not spontaneously burst into song...

This episode Will returns! We also welcome Samarth Singh, a new friend we met at Maryland Death Fest in May. We talk to Sam about discovering metal in his home country of India, continuing his education in America and how Will lured him to the dark side at MDF with sweet promises of companionship and beer. After getting to know Sam, we reveal the winner of our last Metal Thunderdome, then dig into Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, Jay and Matt share stories from Psycho Las Vegas, and we count down the Top 5 Bands We'd Recommend to People Who Want to Try Metal.

This episode our friend Steve McDowell returns to the podcast to fill in for Will, who just finished up his radiation treatments. Get better soon, buddy! We kicked things off with a spirited roundtable on bands doing reunions without key members. Then we discussed the latest metal news and new releases, and shared what we've been listening to lately. Plus, John locks us in the Metal Thunderdome with two of the best post metal albums of all time - Neurosis "Through Silver in Blood" Vs. Isis "Panopticon" - and Steve's wife Maggie makes a surprise appearance at the end of the show to talk about Bathory, the perils of Country Thunder and the baddest bitch she ever met.

It's a midyear miracle! This episode we reveal our Top 25 metal albums released between January and June IN UNDER 5 HOURS! Pour a beer and prepare your ears for this aerodynamic countdown of the best metal recommendations around (and no one's ever gonna keep em down). Plus, Will reads his old love letters from Jay.

This episode our friend Justin Riley-Velez drops by to discuss the Edison Lot lineup for this month's Maryland Death Fest. We also reveal last episode's Metal Thunderdome results and dig into news, reviews, new releases and what we're listening to. Plus, Top 5 One Album Wonders, allergy size comparisons and Matt drinks so much he gets the hiccups... for nearly an hour.Going to MDF? The whole Metalheads Podcast crew and friends will be there! Be sure to say hello if you come across a herd of old, battle-worn lushes in MHP shirts.

This episode we chatted with George's high school metal friend, Josh Aiken. We talked about how Josh got into heavy music, reminisced about the good old days of growing up Gen X and revealed our guilty pleasure bands. After throwing back a few beers and marveling at Josh's beard, we dove into Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, Sadus – Swallowed in Black goes head-to-head with Autopsy – Severed Survival in the Metal Thunderdome and Josh tells us why you should never let George drive in snow.

This episode we talked with Mark Deeks about crafting his debut Arð album, Take Up My Bones. We discussed the story of Northumbrian monks carrying a coffin around for 200 years that informs the record, his lifelong passion for piano and vocal harmonies, playing in Winterfylleth and why he made a choice to be "musically selfish." Mark hung out after the interview to chat about Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, our Top 5 Album Opening Songs, unpronounceable names, memorable heckles at metal shows and Matt's plea for Mark to do spoken word with his soothing, storyteller voice.

This episode we welcomed back our friend Trevor Portz to chat about his band Abhoria and their new self-titled album, as well as his forthcoming Ashen Horde record. We discussed the musical differences between the bands, where the Abhoria name came from, signing with Prosthetic and Transcending Obscurity, and why Trevor has abandoned his devil given name, Vor. After the interview, we dug into Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To, then we entered the Metal Thunderdome, where Opeth's “Damnation” faced off against Katatonia's "Discouraged Ones.” Plus, Will becomes a disembodied head, Markisan does the Bango and Matt keeps his palms warm with a new pair of fingerless hand snuggies. 

This episode we threw back a few beers with Warren Hendrickson, head brewer at Forward Brewing! We chatted with Warren about why he got into crafting beer, how his unfortunate early forays into nu metal led him down a trve metal path and what it's like to leave a trail of breweries behind in his beer making wake. After we got the lowdown on Warren's life, we kept the party going with Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. After 4 hours of double-fisting fun, we shut down our first 2022 shindig by revealing our Top 5 Metal (and Non-Metal) Songs to Karaoke!

Hark! Ye olde hosts of the Metalheads Podcast cordially invite you to our annual holiday party! Help celebrate the year in metal with us as we cheerfully count down our Top 25 Metal Albums of 2021. Six naughty lists! Guessing games! Beer! Wilson! RSVP by streaming or downloading this most festive episode at your leisure. BYOB!

This episode we had a phenomenal talk with Khemmis frontman and guitarist Phil Pendergast. Our epic interview was led by Will's 10-year-old daughter and Khemmis superfan, Evelyn, in her journalistic debut! We chatted with Phil about his band's celebrated new album "Deceiver," living with depression and how it influenced Khemmis' most personal songs to date, cats vs. dogs, his least favorite Khemmis track and suffering the horrible burden of great hair.After the interview Phil helped us break down the latest in Metal News and New Releases, then gave us some excellent album recommendations in our What We've Been Listening To section. We finished the cast by delivering last rites to ourselves with the spirited countdown - Top 5 Metal Songs You Want Played at Your Funeral!

This episode we interviewed Dennis Mikula (Nameless), leader of the depressive black metal band, Ghost Bath. We talked with him about the band's new LP, "Self Loather," creating a trilogy of albums that represent human emotion and the experience of an afterlife,  shrugging off media labels and his deep love for fantasy novels.After the interview we discuss Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, George locks Kreator's "Extreme Aggression" and Coroner's "No More Color" inside the Metal Thunderdome to fight for 1989 thrash metal supremacy! 

This episode features a fantastic talk with Luis Flores, founder and editor-in-chief of Heaviest of Art, a website dedicated to approaching music through an artistic lens. He chatted about creating his online magazine, getting into metal thanks to his uncles in Mexico, becoming a photographer, falling in love with Iron Maiden at an early age and exploring the important and emotional connections between art and metal.We also count down our Top 5 Metal Album Covers of 2021 (so far), featuring some of Markisan's most creative art descriptions ever. Plus, Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To, and Grandpa John tells us stories of the before time.

Metalheads Podcast Episode 118 is up! We had the pleasure to talk with renowned drummer and producer, Hannes Grossmann! He talks about his many musical projects, his horrible TV watching habits and his favorite cephalopod! We also discuss Metal News, New Releases and What We've Been Listening To. Plus, Queensrÿche faces off against Iron Maiden in a brand new Metal Thunderdome, the growly whisper power of Kiefer Sutherland and Jay reveals how he ruined his Operation Mindcrime shirt in his first romantic encounter.

This episode we talked with listener Justin Riley-Velez. Justin chats with us about getting into metal, working as an interior designer and bingeing all the Metalheads Podcast episodes in the pandemic. He also shares his thoughts on being a gay man in the metal scene, his experience navigating homophobia and finding his place in the community.After our conversation, Justin reveals what 3 albums would help people understand him better as a person. Plus, Metal News, New Releases, Metal Thunderdome results and What We've Been Listening To. We also count down our Top 5 Metal Album Title Tracks, John reveals stats and awards from our epic Top 25 Metal Albums at Midyear cast, and Justin schools us on various types of bears in gay culture.

Once more unto the breach, dear metalheads! We emerge from a deep, metalogical abyss to bring you excavated treasures of heaviness! Listen to us count down our 25 favorite albums released between January and June 2021. Plus, the lyrical lament of Jay, Will can't shut up about Imagine Dragons, intermission ramblings from Markisan and we drink enough to discuss the very real possibility of cannibal camels. 

This episode we welcome heavy metal cover artist Luke Oram to the podcast!  Luke reveals how he got into drawing and painting, creating album covers for bands like Slugdge, Firelink and Wallowing, and illustrating his first graphic novel, Planet Loss. We also discuss Luke's love for 2000 AD, getting kicked out of bands and what 3 albums would help people understand him better as a person. Plus, a spirited Metal News section, New Releases, What We've Been Listening To and a brand new Metal Thunderdome that pits two comeback albums with classic singers against each other. So,  throw on a smock because we're about to splash some skull men on this audio canvas.

This episode we talked with Dave Kaminsky of Stone Healer.  Dave candidly reveals the difficult life experiences that led to the creation of his band's new record, "Conquistador," and how it set him free emotionally and spiritually. We also discuss Dave's family legacy in music, his album production work, his passion for Alice in Chains, and what 3 albums would help people understand him better as a person. Plus, Metal News, New Releases, Metal Thunderdome results, What We've Been Listening To and our Top 5 Baseball Walk-On Songs. So, knock the dirt off your metal cleats and step into the batter's box. Episode 114 with Dave Kaminsky of Stone Healer is on the mound. 

This episode we welcome Stacy Ciccone from the Dead Letter Omissions Podcast to chat about headbangin' in Chicago, her dislike for clean female vocalists in metal, her love for Kvelertak and how she found her way back to heavy music after a long absence.Once we get to know Stacy, we dive into News, New Releases, What We're Listening To and Albums of the Episode. We also debate a difficult Metal Thunderdome selected by John, who pits two classic doom albums against each other. Plus, Will breaks out an unexpected prop for a special Lightning Round and Markisan gives the low down on Arctic Sleep's BY THE HORNS EP, his first release for Skull Fracture Records.

This episode we crack open some brews and crank up the party volume to eleven with Andy Horn and Jonah Livingston of Loud Night! The boys chat with us about writing songs dumb enough to play blind drunk, riffing their way through the pandemic, and the inspiring power of a bench-pressing brother. We also discuss the latest Metal News, New Releases, What We've Been Listening To and the Top 5 Songs We'd Play if We had a Radio Show. Plus, hot spikes, six degrees of separation from us and Corey's Angels and George opens his denim sack?!?Episode 112 with Loud Night is the best party in town. Listen to it quick before the neighbors call the cops.

This episode we welcome Decibel writers Daniel Lake and Nick Green to talk about Dan's fantastic new book, USBM: A Revolution of Identity in American Black Metal. In an epic, 3-hour chat, Dan and Nick discuss how they got into metal, what it was like for Dan to interview bands for the book, the continuing evolution of U.S. black metal and how the legendary Tom G. Warrior came to write the book's foreword. They also discuss the early days of Decibel Magazine and what it's like to be a part of the highly respected publisher. After the longest, most comprehensive Q&A in the history of metal, we dig into News, New Releases, What We're Listening To and Albums of the Episode. We also reveal our Top 5 Favorite U.S. Black Metal Albums, John delivers vital stats from our 2020 Top 25 episode and Matt gives us a very divided Metal Thunderdome, pitting Gojira against Mastodon from the comfort of his snuggle dungeon. Plus, anacondas, crocodiles and why Markisan loves space.

2020 may have sucked overall, but metal did not. Bands and record labels truly rallied in the 2nd half of the year to deliver us some outstanding audio gifts. So, nestle in to a snug spot by your Christmas tree, pour a tankard of spiked nog and listen to us unwrap the very best metal presents of 2020. Plus, revel in the joy of John's Dork Fartress! Episode 110 – The Top 25 Metal Albums of 2020. Happy holidays to you and yours!

This episode we're honored to have death metal legend, David Gregor of Morta Skuld, on the cast. We talk to him about the band's crushing new album, "Suffer for Nothing," melting faces for 30 years, his favorite bands to play shows with, how metal has changed since the 90s, and driving Ronnie James Dio around when he was a production assistant. After the interview, Dave destroys Will's lightning round and hangs out for the rest of the ep to discuss news, new releases and what we're listening to. We also reveal the listener poll results of the last Metal Thunderdome and break down our Top 5 Metal Albums of 1990. Plus, Will's voice unexpectedly cracks and he becomes a man! So, grab a brew and crank up the volume on your favorite pod player. It's time to bang your head to the tales of a metal god and celebrate 30 years of Morta Skuld! Episode 109 with David Gregor is here.