Welcome to the ultimate rock & metal fan experience. Join Brendan & Chris as they discuss their takes on everything happening in the music world, debate the heaviest topics, and much more! They'll wait while you name three songs. New episodes every Tuesday morning!
Grab a drink refill & enjoy part 2 of Russ & Chris' final episode of the year! The boys start right away with their Top 3 Rock Songs of 2024, then close it out with their Top 10 Metal Songs of 2024. Thank you for watching & listening in this historical year for the podcast! The team can't wait to show you what we have planned in 2025!!
Grab some ice for your beverage & join the boys in their most epic discussion of the year as they trade their personal lists of: The Top 10 Rock Songs and Top 10 Metal Songs of 2024. On top of their heavily debated lists, this episode is filled with fun facts, a few fantastic sidebars, and rapid fire rock & metal news. Part 2 out SOON!
MATCHING HAIRCUTS! On episode 48 (NOT 38, as Chris says in the intro), the fellas kick things off with their new "Rapid Fire" rock & metal news segment. To celebrate 2024, Chris & Russ give their personal Top 10 Best Albums of the year. And don't worry, Russ has some HOT takes in his list..Next week they will continue wrapping up the year by comparing their lists of: The Top 10 Rock Songs and The Top 10 Metal Songs of 2024!COMMENT YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM OF 2024!!
Chris and Russ reflect on Thanksgiving, music, and memorable moments, including Chris' incredible experience at Creed's sold-out Madison Square Garden show. They debate the art of balancing heavy music with holiday vibes, navigating family preferences, and each of their top 3 things they're grateful for from rock & metal in 2024. The duo also unpacks the chaos surrounding Knocked Loose's fiery performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the backlash it sparked, and what it means for metal's place in the mainstream. Plus, get ready for a deep dive into upcoming rock and metal tours, from Spiritbox to Trivium, and why 2024 is shaping up to be a killer year for live shows. Stay tuned for the laughs, hot takes, and plenty of heavy riffs to keep you headbanging through the holidays! SUPPORT THE SHOW: Use our promo code NICESHIRT15 at puckhcky.com for 15% off of the best officially licensed & artist approved rock & metal merch!
THE GLOVES ARE OFF! After starting a shitstorm with a hot take about Linkin Park, Chris decides to address his take straight on. Before that, the boys kick things off with the news which is full of new album announcements (SPIRITBOX, THREE DAYS GRACE, & MORE). The main event features Russ & Chris reacting to and debating hot takes posted on @rockmetalfanstruggles Instagram post. The takes are WILD, some include: enjoying Lars' snare drum in St. Anger, Deftones not being metal, Knocked Loose vocals being trach, and many more juicy subjects. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 at puckhcky.com for 15% off your order of the best officially licensed & artist approved rock & metal merch!
Russ and Chris dive deep into the concert experience, covering everything from ticket buying struggles to the ultimate pre-show rituals. The guys kick off with news, including Ghost's upcoming 2025 world tour and share mixed feelings about the band's mainstream success. The real heart of this episode lies in their guide to concert culture and etiquette. Russ and Chris share invaluable tips for both rock-show newbies and seasoned fans, including tricks for scoring the best tickets, the pros and cons of GA versus seats, and why nothing compares to feeling the bass hit in a small, packed venue. Their advice doesn't stop at ticket-buying strategies; they also get into crowd conduct, concert-day prep, and even their favorite drinks to enhance the concert vibe. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their live music experience or dive into the mosh pit with confidence. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 at puckhcky.com for 15% off of the best officially licensed & artist approved rock & metal merch!
Join Chris and Rockstar Rusty on Eppy 44 as they dive into high school throwbacks and deep musical memories. Rusty relives near-miss rockstar moments, while Chris opens up about how bands like Seether and A Perfect Circle helped him navigate social anxiety and dark times. Packed with humor, raw reflections, and stories of survival through music, this episode reminds listeners that rock and metal aren't just sounds—they're lifelines. Tune in for a journey that balances wild laughter with heartfelt honesty. SUPPORT THE POD: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 at puckhcky.com for 15% off the best officially licensed & artist approved rock & metal merch!
In this special Halloween episode, Rusty & Chris dive into the spine-chilling side of rock and metal, exploring the season's shock rock legends like Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, and debating the appeal (or lack thereof) of bands like Ghost and Ice Nine Kills. From the best rock and metal band mascots to top Halloween albums and the heaviest horror movie soundtracks, they're covering it all. The boys also discuss the highs and lows of “gimmick metal” and reflect on how Halloween-themed tracks have influenced our playlists and live show experiences. So grab your favorite Halloween candy, crank up "Dragula," and join them for a haunted trip through the spookiest corners of rock and metal. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 at https://puckhcky.com/ for 15% off the best officially licensed & artist approved rock & metal merch in the market.
In this episode, we reflect on the music that sparked our love for rock and metal (after we talk the latest news). From early influences that made us feel alive to the heavy riffs and lyrics that shaped who we are today, we explore how music gave us purpose and pushed us to become independent & who we are today. Listen as we discuss the bands and moments that inspired our journey and continue to fuel our passion for life. The Moment (Early Inspiration) The Formidable Years (Grade School/High School/College) Present Day (What Inspires Us Now)
In this electrifying episode, Chris and Rockstar Rusty kick things off with the latest news in the world of rock and metal before diving into the most exciting band reunions of recent years, including: Creed, Oasis, Blink-182, Pantera, Linkin Park, Shadows Fall, Three Days Grace, and MANY MORE! From legendary groups returning to the stage to iconic riffs being reborn, we're breaking down the epic comebacks you won't want to miss. Which bands still have that fire, and who's making the biggest waves in the scene? Tune in as we celebrate these reunion tours, albums, and the raw energy only these legends can bring!
Part 2 of the boys' latest discussion focuses in on current rock/metal events, including: a first read into the upcoming Killswitch Engage upcoming album release timing, Linkin Park's reunion drama, and finally they give a track by track review Seether's brand new album: The Surface Seems So Far. Chris & Russ wrap things up with a teaser of what's to come, including their takes on the biggest rock/metal festivals in the world.
Rockstar Rusty is BACK! Chris and his fiery new cohost dive deep into the latest rounds of questions you all submitted, especially: "What song/band made each of you fall in love with heavy metal/rock?" Things get philosophical, they get rowdy (MYLES KENNEDY TALK), and the kindred headbangers argue about many hot topics in the rock/metal world today. Your questions sparked so much conversation that the episode is split into 2 parts! In next week's part 2, the fellas give Seether's new album, The Surface Seems So Far, an in depth review + much more.
We're back!! This special episode is cohosted by one of Chris' closet friends, please welcome RUSS! Chris considers Russ to be the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable rock & metal fans he's ever met. The fellas dive into some of their favorite concert memories together, as well as their friendship of nearly 10 years. Listen to hear his qualifications as Chris picks his brain about his: heavy music origins, top 3 bands, 3 most overrated bands, and their biggest disagreements. After Russ gets a proper introduction, the boys get into the state of the rock & metal world, including: the Linkin Park reunion, Dave Grohl's (happy?) news, the Jane's Addiction brawl, Oasis' reunion, and several new tour announcements.
YOU WANT NEWS?! Gojira is performing at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony, Woodstock '99 turns 25 this week, and several new album announcements are just a taste of this week's latest rock & metal news headlines that Chris digs into. Next, Chris takes you through an in-depth history and album review of his favorite modern rock band: Highly Suspect. Their brand new album 'As Above, So Below' (7.19.24) is simply a MUST LISTEN! SUPPORT THE SHOW: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & meta inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best coffee made for metalheads at https://conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal inspired merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
Steve, the mastermind of @talesofaconcertjunkie , and Chris are back at it as they discuss: concert etiquette, how they survive weekday shows, the magic of concert photography, the art of pregaming before metal shows, and A WHOLE LOT MORE! Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES COFFEE: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best coffee made for metalheads at https://conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
Season 2 is upon us! Chris is joined by the legendary concert junkie and creator of one of the biggest pages on IG @TalesOfAConcertJunkie himself, Steve! The boys discuss their most recent concerts, why both gatekeepers and TicketMaster are the worst. They then scratch the surface on how heavy music positively impacts their mental health.. Stay tuned for part 2. Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's Rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best coffee made for metalheads at https://conceptcafes.com PUCKHCKY: Use NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
ST.ANGER IS 21! On this week's very special episode, Chris and Brendan are joined by a lovely guest to talk through St. Anger 21 years later. The iconic album was a lot of things... and no stone is left unturned. and we answered all your questions about the notorious album.
This week the guys review their Knocked Loose show experience (02:00) and catch you up on the latest news (17:32) including: Mayhem Festival, several tour announcements, and Pearl Jam's 5 heaviest songs. Brendan & Chris top things off with a list of the best 25+ opening bands they've seen live that you simply NEED to check out (50:22). Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best metal inspired coffee grinds & pods at https://www.conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
The boys are back with a flurry of news topics, before they answer your submitted questions (53:16), AND review Bring Me The Horizon's new album POST HUMAN: NeX GEn (01:09:02) all while pregaming before seeing Knocked Loose in NYC. CHEERS! Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best metal inspired coffee at https://www.conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
Hey everyone and Happy Memorial Day weekend! Christopher and Brendan didn't feel like talking about the news this week, so they didn't. Instead, they reflect on their In This Moment concert (04:30), review Slash's new blues album (15:37), and give you all some of the best veteran inspired songs in honor of Memorial Day (27:00). Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best metal inspired coffee at https://www.conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https"//puckhcky.com
The boys let LOOSE this week and review three brand new releases...Ronald by Falling In Reverse Feat. Alex The Terrible and Tech N9ne, (33:54) Can We Please Have Fun by Kings of Leon (43:54), and You Won't Go Before You're Supposed to by Knocked Loose (55:01). Before that, Chris and Brendan breeze through the latest headlines, including: Serj offering to quit SOAD, Chino's progress on the new Deftones album, Highly Suspect announcing a new album, and Papa Het guesting on Apocalyptica's new album. Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best metal inspired coffee at https://www.conceptcafes.com PUCK HCKY: Use promo code NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
We've been waiting a LONG time to discuss NUMETAL (01:09:23); its origins, the diversity of the genre, why it fell, why it's trending again, and finally we debate the Numetal Big 4! Before that, Chris talks about being back from his business trip & the latest rock/metal headlines: Kerry King, Motley Crue, new Seether album details, and a lot more. Support The Show: BIG DOB'S BEARD BALM: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 20% off of Big Dob's rock & metal inspired beard balm at https://bigdobs.com CONCEPT CAFES: Use promo code NICESHIRT for 10% off of the best coffee made for metalheads https://www.conceptcafes.com PUCKHCKY: Use NICESHIRT15 to get your hands on the best rock & metal merch of your favorite bands for 15% off at https://puckhcky.com
Sick New World, Slipknot dressing like it's 1999, and plenty of new music announcements dominate this week's current event commentary. In this week's main topic (01:03:10), the boys debate which of their birth years had better albums: Chris' (1992) or Brendan's (1997)! Both hosts pick the 10 best albums of their respective birth years and go head to head in each of their rankings.
The boys start off right away with a review of 'One Foot In The Grave' by From Ashes To New ft. Of Mice & Men & Aaron Pauley. Then they discuss headlines including: Slipknot's latest mystery, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees (01:30:22), plus Chris debriefs his experience seeing Kublai Khan & his upcoming vacation. Brendan leads the way on this week's topic: Hidden Gems (0:37:37), a collection of 50 rock & metal songs that simply do not get enough recognition. PLAYLIST LINK: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4lWbIKPkLi16Bypcogma7V?si=Su-uzLzETne5lXrrbP14og&pi=u-iG8CrqhnScOW
The moment Chris has been waiting months for: he listened to Pearl Jam's soon to be released new album 'Dark Matter'. Brendan interviews Chris about his experience in New York City seeing 'Dark Matter In The Dark' (01:19:37), then Brendan gives an in depth album review of Imminence's brand new album 'The Black' (01:41:22). Before all of that fun, the boys dive into a various range of current events: Coachella, Bad Omens teasing something, new Highly Suspect on the way, & a whole lot more!
Episode 25 is jam packed...This week the boys review FFDP's new song featuring DMX 'This is The Way' (02:52) give a world premiere of Nothing More's upcoming new song 'House On Sand' featuring Eric V of I Prevail (20:57), and touch on this week's news. They save the best for last as they discuss the amazing women of the rock/metal world, including: their favorite albums, the best frontwomen of all time, underrated bands, and a new artist spotlight (26:53).
Did some of the most popular rock/metal bands peak on their first album? The boys analyze the list of bands listeners submitted (58:37) after tackling the latest news: Korn claiming to be writing their heaviest album, their experience seeing Avenged Sevenfold live a few days ago, the return of The Summer Slaughter tour, and much more. They also review Sum-41's final double album 'Heaven :x: Hell.' (51:32)
This wild episode features the boys talking about going to Avenged Sevenfold's upcoming concert in New Jersey, their partnership with In This Moment to giveaway 2 free tickets to their upcoming tour (go to our Instagram page for details), and all the current rock/metal events you need to know. Then, we answer your anonymous 'ask me anything' questions (1:00:05).. All we can say is: wow!
Your favorite rock and metal podcast is back with some fresh album reviews of Invincible Shield (3/8) and Higher Power (3/15). Before that, the guys catch you up with this week's news including Mike Tyson being trained by MJK, a potential Pantera live album, Limp Bizkit going viral (again), and several new album announcements.
Ever wonder what rock/metal songs you can get away with playing at a party or get together? The boys have you covered as they compare & contrast their lists of songs that can win normies over. Some of them are true, and some need to be tried.. Spoiler Alert: pirate metal & 80s alternative are on the table.
In this epic 20th episode, the boys reveal all the details behind their first ever instagram tournament: Best Album Opening Songs. We play several snippets and provide commentary on all 132 song candidates YOU submitted! Check our socials @niceshirtnamethreesongs and @rockmetalfanstruggles to cast your votes!!
Slayer, Knocked Loose, Trivium, and more heavy bands dominate this week's headlines before the boys give a full review of Mick Mars' brand new debut solo album. Then they dive into the Billboard's top rock/metal 'Jock Jam' sports anthems & each rate them.
Chris and Brendan have some big news for you listeners! The gents change up the format and dive into topics related to their big announcements. Hope you like late 90s and early 00s rock/metal.. and Scott Stapp.
The boys' hearts burst into fire in this very special Valentine's Day episode. They open with the new Ozzy & Kanye beef, major tour updates, the list of "Rock & Roll" Hall of Fame nominees, & more. Then they list their favorite rock/metal love AND break up songs (including fan submissions). And yes.. Chris gives Pearl Jam's new single 'Dark Matter' an in depth review.
The boys mix it up! They immediately start with the rock & metal Grammy "results" and then talk: the latest Disturbed show controversy, Rob Zombie's band reuniting, and a shit ton of crazy news headlines. They wrap things up with an in depth analysis of rock/metal supergroups & provide their personal favorites.
Beyond the crazy rock & metal headlines that have come out in the last week, the boys drill into the best & worst song collaborations of the rock & metal world. This includes a review of the brand new instantly controversial Bad Omens x Poppy song 'V.A.N.'
Brendan & Chris do their first album review together: Saviors by Green Day! Before that, they investigate Bad Omens, Spiritbox, Alice In Chains, and more band rumors circulating the web.
The boys squash last week's beef, then jump into major headlines including: new album announcements, Dave Draiman's love life, and Sleep Token wiping their socials blank. They then take a deep dive into rock & metal covers and debate the value of cover songs between old & new bands.
The boys are back and they have BEEF (and Kool Aid). They break the latest news, talk about what they're listening to in 2024, and review Bring Me The Horizon's new song 'Kool Aid' before diving into the biggest feuds in rock and metal. Highlights include: Metallica vs Napster, Chad Kroeger vs Corey Taylor, Creedence Clearwater Revival vs legal and much more!
Happy New Year! Chris and Brendan ring in 2024 with a hint at Ozzfest making a return, the most anticipated albums in the coming year, and what songs and albums to listen to if you're just getting into a band for the first time (from YOUR submissions!).
2023 was a wild year in the rock & metal world and the boys reflect on it all. They compare their (vastly different) Top 5 Songs of 2023 and play "Stud or Dud": where they take top trending bands and decide if they had a stud or dud of a year.
Are guitar solos still relevant? The boys break down the best solos of 2023 and why they are more relevant than Kirk Hammett might think. They also discuss several hot topics including: more 2024 album rumors (including SPIRITBOX), surprising Creed tour ticket purchase demographics, Chris getting himself into trouble for speaking negatively about Sleep Token online, and much more.
The boys are back (and healthy)! This week they celebrate some all time classic songs that have reached one billion streams, the Red Hot Chili finger incident, old guard vs. new guard bands, and their recommendations of bands that everyone should know about.
The boys recap Chris almost (but not really) missing his most recent concert, unwrap their Spotify Wrapped, talk Architects 'anti-fan' song, and debate who the best singers of rock/metal are.
The boys talk Snoop and Ozzy swapping the broccoli, Fortnite being BACK, 5 seconds not being enough, Metallica also not making a lot of money (kidding), and Chris gives his 2024 album release predictions.
In this holiday special episode, Brendan and Chris breakdown what they are thankful for, the bands they couldn't live without, and rapid fire each other "Take or Pass" rock/metal scenarios.
The gents put the finishing touches on last week's episode, recap their latest concert, answer fan submitted questions about RMFN, and discuss the relationship between mental health & heavy music.
The boys react to the rock & metal Grammy nominations, Rockville's lineup, Veterans Day, their many concert experiences, and Dave Draiman singing in the shower.
The fellas discuss Chris' trip to California for Dia De Los Deftones, Slipknot (again) but with AWFUL news, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame totally NOT being rock & roll, plus much more.
The boys, Chris and Brendan, have finally kicked off the pod. In this episode they recap Sober October, current headlines, and address: Robert Plant singing Stairway, Slipknot not making a lot of money, Gen Z requesting numetal at parties, the upcoming Spiritbox EP, CREED, and much more.