Some Metalheads Are Gonna Roll

Remission by Mastodon turned 20 years old this week and it is a sleeper hit in Mastodon's discography that I feel gets passed over quite a bit. Adam Schaefer, bassist in Indy's Inferno Sunn, is a Mastodon MEGA-FAN and he and I dish it out for a bit on the band's freshman full length. Looking back, what's your favorite song on this bad boy?

One of the first (and most important) death metal records ever written by one of the most important death metal bands ever. Scream Bloody Gore by Death turns 35 today and it could not possibly be aging any better. For many, this is the kickoff for death metal. You can argue what you like, but what is undebatable is that this record is an absolute monster and it's legacy is felt more than three decades later. What's your favorite track on this classic?

I'm honored to say that I'm joined today by Jason Netherton, bassist of Misery Index, to talk their new record Complete Control. This one is a banger, and even though they've been busy with their recent tour and all that comes with releasing a new album, he still took the time of day to chat with me. If you haven't heard this one yet, you're truly missing out. For those of you that aren't daft, what's your favorite banger on this one?

And no, we're not talking the legendary rematch between Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonardo. We're talking about D.C. death grinders No/Más and their newest release Consume/Deny/Repent and how it hard it fucks. Clocking in at just over 20 minutes, this album is a speedy, slammy mash up of guttural wails, chunky riffage, and lightning fast blast beats. Give this record a listen as soon as you get the chance. That punk kid hidden inside you is due for a nice face melting. What's your favorite track on this record?

The two biggest Testament fans on Earth, Max Barber (Lavaborne, Charonyx, Inferno Sunn) and myself, chatting about another record in the band's lineup! The Ritual turns 30 years old today. We wholeheartedly consider this a vastly underrated record with some sleeper tracks that you need to check out if you haven't done so. If you're familiar with it, what's your favorite off this album?

Artistic titan and Iron Maiden mega-fan Dusty Peterson joins me to look back on Fear of the Dark which just celebrated its 30th anniversary yesterday. This album is a sleeper hit for me and undoubtedly one of my favorites even in spite of initial critical reaction when the record was released in 1992. This one is aging like a fine wine and the outpouring of love I've seen for this record as it turns three decades old has reassured me that my choice in putting this in my Mount Rushmore of Iron Maiden records is a solid one. PSA: I absentmindedly skipped over "Weekend Warrior" while going through all the tracks and I HAVE MAJOR REGRETS FOR THAT. I love that song and I absolutely wanted the chance to talk about football hooliganism in the UK. Another time, perhaps. What's your favorite track on this timeless album?

Rochester, New York's Undeath is absolutely taking the death metal world by storm right now with their second album It's Time . . . To Rise From the Grave, and with good reason. This unrelenting onslaught of old school death metal is sure to hit the spot for any fan of OG death metal that's looking to have their face mashed and their bones grinded to dust. Tommy Wall, the bass player in Undeath, joins me to talk his approach to adding his unique flare to the band on his first record with the group and how this ascent to death metal stardom their on has changed everything for them. 

Sam Hepfer and Adam Schaefer of Indy's Inferno Sunn join me to chat about their inaugural record, Injustice Plagues American Lives, released in January of this year. The Indianapolis metal scene is seething with talented metal acts across the spectrum of styles and sounds. I've already featured a couple bands from the area and this is another welcomed addition to the show. There's a little something for everyone in this band's sound. Thrash, a little groove, some down-tuned Townsend-esque stuff: what's not to love? Give their music a listen and let me know what your favorite moment on the record is. It's hard for me to choose just one.

No one's a Testament slut quite as much as us. That's for damn sure. Their debut album The Legacy turns 35 years old TODAY. It's a record that changed the game for a lot of people. Max Barber is one of them and that's why I've got him here on the show with me today! If you haven't listened to this classic before, I must ask, what are you doing with your life? And if you haven't spun it in a while, I suggest you do so now.

Essential Teutonic thrash metal band Destruction just released their 16th studio album Diabolical a week ago, and it rips. Even though they been a band for over 40 years, their sound is just as diabolical (LOL) as it's ever been and they haven't slowed down at all for this sonic offering. Schmier sounds great and Randy Black is an absolute savage on the skins. What's your favorite track off the new record? 

WILL THEY SPEAK YOUR NAAAAAAME? Ty Christian (Fang VonWrathenstein) of Lords of the Trident joins me to chat about the band's latest offering (LOL), The Offering. This concept record is an absolute power metal and storytelling masterpiece. We dig deep here into a record that is 100% DIY by a band that is 100% DIY. What's your favorite track on this record? It's a near impossible choice. 

Anthrax may be the butt of your jokes and memes, but for John Letzkus (No/Más) and I, they're an absolutely essential thrash metal band that helped influence us both at a young age. We're counting down a timeless record from the band that just celebrated its 35th anniversary. Among the Living is the go-to record for most die hard Anthrax fans, as well as for the general public and critics. We break it down a bit and talk about it in the grand scheme of the band's discography and of course we talk about one of the greatest guitar riffs ever in "Indians." What's your favorite song on this vital thrasherpiece?

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of The Electric Age by Overkill being unleashed upon the world! I remember when this album came out like it was yesterday. I even saw and met the band on the tour here in Kansas City. The guys are great and this album is even better! Vince Camarillo of Meatshank and Emerald Eye, fellow Overkill fanatic, joins me to look back down memory lane on an album and a performance with Ron Lipnicki on stage that holds a special place in our hearts. What's your favorite track on this thrasherpiece?

My fellow Sabaton Sluts, Tanner Hensley and Cody Campbell, join me to converse over the band's latest record, The War to End All Wars. We may be biased, but I'm warning you now, we just don't care. They're one of our favorite bands in the world and that fact hasn't changed with this latest offering. What's your favorite track on the new record?

What can be said about this seminal album that hasn't already been said? I'm not entirely sure, but Nick Poffinbarger of Emerald Eye (formerly of Vanlade and Alsatia) and I try to tackle it anyway. It felt wrong for me NOT to do a retro review of this record today considering it's the 40th anniversary of The Number of the Beast. Time flies when you're one of the greatest bands to ever write, record, and perform music. This record changed the game. What's your favorite track on this record? It's almost impossible to narrow it down to one.

Three members, (Ash Pearson, Cam Pipes, and Justin Hagberg), of 3 Inches of Blood sit down with me to discuss the bands epic final record, Long Live Heavy Metal. One of my favorite records ever recorded. I remember when this record was released and as of this month, that was exactly 10 years ago! Time flies when you're making great music. What's your favorite track on this classic?

Vulgar Display of Power turns 30 years old TODAY and by my account, it has aged like a damn fine black tooth grin. This is Pantera's best selling record to date, and with good reason. Reece Scruggs of Havok and my best friend "Tanny the Tan Man" Tanner Hensley join me today to retroactively review this bad boy in its entirety. What's your favorite track off of this seminal metal record?

"Tanny the Tan Man" Tanner Hensley and I have a quick chat about KoЯn's latest album, Requiem. We even rank it on a scale from 1 to 10 corn kernels. Let us know you're favorite song and how many corn kernels you'd give it. And also, if you don't like nu metal or KoЯn, DON'T FUCKING LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST.

Sons of Northern Darkness by Immortal turns 20 years old TODAY! Spin that bad boy again and rejoice in the sounds of its eternal darkness and wonder. This album is essential for any black metal die hard and Dan Johnson and Josh Gregg are here to break it down with me.

The first podcast of the new year is a retro review in honor of the 20th anniversary of Dream Theater's sixth full length album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. Released on this day two decades ago, this is the second longest album the band has ever recorded. Featuring a slew of long tracks, including the longest song they ever recorded, this record made a huge impact on me in my teenage years. Joining me to discuss the record are Lavaborne's Chris Latta, Emerald Eye's Brett Scott, and psychologist Kate Quinn. We cover a ton of ground on this massive, expansive record. Buckle up and revisit this record if you haven't listened to it in a while. If you've never listened to it before, be sure to set aside at least 90 minutes to make it through the whole thing in one sitting.

Because why not! We fucking love Megadeth and you should, too. What's your Mount Rushmore of Megadeth songs?

They're depressive. They're suicidal. They're stoner. They're doom. Kentucky's stoniest stoner band, Shi, has recently released their 2nd full length album, Basement Wizard. Lord Bael joins me for a podcast to discuss not only their new work, but we cover subjects ranging from Black Sabbath worship, video games, how to pronounce Louisville correctly, the difficulty of finding his band on streaming platforms, and more. If you haven't checked out their music yet, you're really missing out. They've got the crunchiest, heaviest fucking songs ever written. I can BARELY pick them up they're so heavy. 

Indiana's illest is in the house! Chris Latta of Lavaborne joins me for a conversation about many things. Old school heavy metal, influential vocalists, and we spent a TON of time talking about their newest full length release Black Winged Gods. If you haven't heard the album yet, do yourself an enormous favor and GO LISTEN TO IT RIGHT NOW. STOP WASTING TIME.

IF TODAY WE MEET OUR END, THEN IT'S A GOOD DAY TO DIE! The metal scene in Chicago is vibrant and thriving and my guest today and his band members in Bloodletter are no exception. Pete Carparelli is a man of many talents. Guitar, drums, vocals, writing lyrics, etc. What can't this man do other than play piano?! Nothing! That's what. He and his band are nearing 8 years together and they couldn't be more busy. They've put out multiple EP's and full length albums in that time and are looking to release more in 2022. There brand of thrash is just what you need to make your day better. Speed, aggression, melody, thoughtful lyrics, and much more. If you haven't heard their 2021 release Funeral Hymns, do yourself a favor and go listen to it now. Along with the rest of their discography! Because it's worth it and you're missing out. Pete and I have a thoughtful and honest conversation about the importance of thrash metal, the support of the local scene in Chi Town, and even the therapeutic quality of metal music. There's a lot to digest here, but it's a joy of a conversation. And now I'm craving deep dish pizza. 

Kansas City's mightiest heroes unite to bring you all a hefty serving of black metal sorcery. Jotanar (Dan Johnson),  Strigoi (Drew Frerking), Ghargoyle (Nolan Weber), and Beithir (Clinton Stanaland) recently formed KC supergroup Varlok, and their debut album is upon us. Nefarious Arts of the Necromage is a whirlwind of an album sure to satiate the need of any burgeoning black metal fan or even the most seasoned Scandinavian diehards. This album is a blizzard of melodies, riffs, and one-footed blast beats. Hidden within some of the tracks is an inherent thrashiness that is unmistakably heavy. Your neck will pay the morning after the first listen. And by "The Eleventh Moon", no one is safe. All will pledge their souls. May the winds be ever in your favor. All hail the mighty Varlok.

Justin Coleman of Texas based band Krigsgrav joins me for today's podcast. This band has a style that is hard to pin down, but is rooted in incredibly melodic, atmospheric death metal with hints of doom and black metal scattered about. But their sound has changed from album to album, and it's quite refreshing. Check out each one of their albums if you'd like to hear a band that has evolved quite a bit over time. Especially on their latest release, The Sundering. Give them all a listen if you haven't had the chance!

Indiana's indecent impalers from Graveripper, Corey Parks and Keegan Hrybyk, join me for today's podcast! We talk their original influences on the guitar, forming the band, blackened thrash, and most importantly, their most recent release, the devastating Radiated Remains EP. Prepare yourself for the six tracks on this production because you're in for a treat. Fan of thrash? Fan of black metal? Give them a listen because it'll knock and rock your socks off. And P.S. Keegan doesn't like horror films so DON'T FUCKIN' ASK.

Chicago is a wonderful city packed full of delicious cuisine and PULVERIZING DEATH METAL. Chris Scearce of the mighty Bear Mace joins me for a conversation about old school death metal, the horrors of war, understandable lyrics, readable band logos, and much more. His vocal quality is quite unique and the sound that he and his bandmates have procured is staggering and brutal. I can't get enough of this band! Do you like HEAVY? Bear Mace gives you HEAVY!

The great and awe-inspiring Dusty Peterson is my guest for today's podcast! The man is a spectacular artist whose portfolio includes work with Lamb of God, Whitechapel, Unleash the Archers, Six Feet Under, Evile, Bloodbath, Cattle Decapitation, and many more. He's also a video game artist during the day, having worked on some now classic titles such as Spider-Man, FEAR, and FEAR 2. The man is a legend, to say the least! We chat about his passion for art growing up, honing his skills, comic books, horror films, and tons of metal. Check out his work on Facebook and Instagram because everything he's ever done is a sight to behold!

FINALLY. SOME MERCH. GO BUY SOME TEES. RELIANT APPAREL. CHECK IT OUT.

AND NOW WE'RE COUNTING DOWN OUR MOUNT RUSHMORE OF ALBUM COVERS. SORRY FOR ALL THE MOUNT RUSHMORES. DEAL WITH IT. AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM COVERS ARE. FOUR CHOICES. CHOOSE WISELY.

Thrash metal is my happy place. I can't live without it. So, here's Tanner and I counting down our Mount Rushmore of thrash metal albums. I thought long and hard about this one. Let me know your favorite thrash metal records! Don't forget. You only get four choices. Choose wisely.

Cody Campbell and I go back a LONG time. Over a decade now, in fact. For a long time, I was a regular at every Vanlade show and had a front row ticket to watch them bring magic to the stage all over Kansas City. He's since relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, but Iron Age and Rage of the Gods, both of which he drummed on, remain etched in my DNA. The latter is one of my favorite albums ever written. Needless to say, if you haven't listened to it, you need to find it and subject yourself to the power metal glory that was Vanlade. You won't regret it! Cody's drumming is packed with power, speed, and taste. And he's just the nicest fucking guy that's ever existed. All hail the booga-digga king!

What's missing from your life? Massive, girthy rubber dicks in your mouth? Crushing metal with jokes about your mom? Unwatchable barf porn? Fucking BIKES?! Well, you're in the right place! Lorde Heathen is not only a versatile vocalist from bands like Zimmer's Hole, West of Hell, Mechanism, and Just Cause, he's also got a plethora of guest appearances on Strapping Young Lad and Devin Townsend records. Not only that, but he's a man of many other professions/talents that include, but are not limited to, motorcycle customizations, SPFX, and pyrotechnics.  He's a true RENAISSANCE MANiac. And he's got a lot of stuff in the works right now for our future viewing and listening pleasures. Press play and remember: THE HOLE IS THE LAW!

There's something in the water in Portland, Oregon and I have yet to find out what it is. Ænigmatum's latest full length release, Deconsecrate, is a monstrous undertaking between four gentlemen that have been pushing each other to their limits in an effort to produce a record that strikes a chord with a diverse sect of listeners. Their dedication to the songwriting process is wholeheartedly evident on the first listen, but the discoveries you'll make on your way through this record are seemingly endless. One listen is not enough. The ebb and flow of Kelly and Eli's guitar work is a sound to behold in that it covers all of the ground between ripping, unrelenting death metal riffage to melodies and harmonies that are guaranteed to spark an emotional fervor. The bass tone and leads on this album are impossible to miss. Nowhere on this work will you find bass buried beneath guitar as no one in this band is afraid of letting the bass be at the forefront of this music. There is no doubt that Brian's wizardry with those four strings is the secret spice sprinkled throughout this record that gives it a unique and refreshing sound. Pierce's drumming is unforgiving and diverse. You'll find anything and everything in his playing with each listen. From jazzy sections laden with ghost notes and feel to a plethora of blast beats in his arsenal that are guaranteed to catch your ear. The ethos of this album is as dark and foreboding as the album cover and title suggests. Without any shred of doubt, what these four gentlemen aspired to dish out on this album was achieved. Sounds and sentiments that envelope the listener in an atmosphere of brutally on one end of the spectrum, and harmonic delicacies on the other end. I've said it already, but allow me to restate: one listen is not enough. Deconsecrate will keep you guessing on the edge of your seat each time you step off the precipice with “Forged from Bedlam” and until you land on the ground at the end of the journey with “Animus Reflection.” Feast your ears, ladies and gentlemen. Ænigmatum is delivering the goods straight to your doorstep.

Cam Pipes of 3 Inches of Blood and the cult classic Meat Market films joins me for today's podcast. We talk the band's legendary discography, beer, hockey, Star Wars, and much more. The man has etched in stone his unique voice that is undoubtedly recognizable by almost all in the heavy metal community. I even fan boy a bit about Here Waits Thy Doom which is easily in my top 5 albums ever written. The conversation was a joy to say the least. Give the man and his dogs a follow on Instagram because they're always a good time!

Rick Kaufman and I round out our final Mount Rushmore of the day with our top 4 lyricists of all time! Who tugs at your heart strings? Who makes you feel? Who impresses you with their lyrical ability? Let us know via social media or in a review. Rick may have chosen more than 4 for this list, but there's no REAL rules here.

HERE COMES A SHIT STORM OF JUDGEMENT. Yes, we get it. You're truer than us. We're lame for liking KoЯn. But FUCK IT. We're unabashed in what we like. If you don't like the band, don't listen to this podcast! If you do like KoЯn, let us know what your Mount Rushmore of KoЯn songs are!

WEDDING SINGER, FIRESTARTER, CAT'S EYE, SCREAM, AND DONNIE DARKO. RIDING IN CARS, EVER AFTER, SAT AND WATCHED THEM ALL!Now, I know what you're thinking. Drew Barrymore has nothing to do with metal! This is treachery! But if you've listened to the show, you know that I'm a huge fan of not only Drew Barrymore, but also Nebraska's own party punkz Drug Salad. Their classic track "Gimme More(barrymore)" was in instant hit for me as I've been a huge fan of her since my youth. Luckily I've got Rick Kaufman, the lyricist of the aforementioned song, to help me countdown our Mount Rushmore of Drew Barrymore films. Neither of us can get enough!GIVE! ME! MORE! BARRYMORRRRRE!

Rick Kaufman of Drug Salad and I count down our Mount Rushmore of Cannibal Corpse albums! It wasn't easy to pick just four and we could avoid some overlap. But nonetheless, we talk about what makes us love these albums and why. Let us know what  your top four Cannibal Corpse albums are!

CEO of Ghoul LLC™ and guitarist in Impaled, Sean McGrath, joins me this installment of Some Metalheads Are Gonna Roll. We talk the monolith that is running a company based around the numbskulls in Ghoul while they aren't aware of it whatsoever since there's no internet connection in Creepsylvania. Not NEARLY as easy as you may think. We also talk about his boat, video games, Impaled's future shows, and much much more. The most important thing here, though, is that you all head over to INDIE MERCH AND BUY SOME GHOUL SHIT. THE MAN HAS JETSKI'S AND STUFF TO PAY OFF. 

Doktor. Bassist. Artist. Collector. Pizza maker. What can't this man do?! Doktor Ross Sewage (make sure you spell it with a K) joins me for this episode. We talk anything and everything. From his groups Exhumed and Impaled, his time as a roadie for Ghoul, his fondest toys in his collection, the artwork he's most proud of, and much more! There's a little something for everyone in this conversation. 

Alex Moran of Emerald Eye and myself it down for a conversation about being born in Los Angeles and somehow ending up in Kansas City, our shared addiction to Operation: Mindcrime, and our still undying love for Iced Earth. His Mount Rushmore's are spectacular and he's unabashed in his choices. We also talk about a little something he and I have cooking in the oven at the moment. 

The dog dad of Nitro himself, Ronny T from Drug Salad, join's me for today's podcast. We have a hefty conversation about ranch dressing, sparkling water, Motley Crue, and the metal scene in Lincoln, Nebraska. He's one of four party punkz that make up his band, and if you haven't checked them out on Spotify or YouTube yet, do yourself a favor and do that now. They're a boof scootin' good time, to say the least. Plus, how many bands do you know with songs about Drew Barrymore? What else could you ask for?!

We're getting even more specific now! We've counted down bands that changed us, albums that changed us, and now Tanner and I are selecting four songs that changed us. This one was difficult for me. How do you pick just four?!

We're finally back! After losing over three and a half hours of content into the abyss earlier this week, we've finally managed to muster up some content. My best friend Tanner and I count down our Mount Rushmore of albums that changed our lives. Tell us your top four albums that changed you as a human being in the review section (if you're using an iPhone)!

John Letzkus of D.C. deathgrind/punky/hardcore/thrash legends No/Más joins me for today's podcast! The man is a riff lord and a very genuine dude. We talk a lot about he and his band's motto, "Just be nice," the importance of early influences like Sepultura and Metallica, the beauty of playing songs that are 90 seconds, his band's palpable stage presence, and much much more. His cat even stops by to say hey! We chat a lot about No/Más's biggest hit, "Fuck You," which is a D.C. area staple. If you haven't done so already, check these boys out! They've got big things on the way, and I couldn't be more excited to hear their new music and watch them ascend to superstardom. 

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Vassia Kouprianov joins me for today's podcast. He's a busy man, and that's putting it lightly! Not only is he in four different bands actively, he also plays multiple instruments across those four bands. He plays guitar, bass, drums, and has even been credited with lead and backing vocals in bands like Pathogenesis, Basura, Rale, and Organ Trail. The man is married to the game, people! He's constantly writing, performing, and recording music and his work rate is something to be admired. How he juggles all of that while working multiple jobs is beyond me. We talk about each of his bands, the regional scene in the Raleigh/Virginia area, and I mistakenly bring up Arch Enemy. WHOOPS. 

Tanner Hensley and I review Cataphract's newest release Coercion and Clairvoyance. This album is a must-have for fans of black metal, anything melodic, and all things witchcraftian in nature. We talk each and every song on this record and even give you a taste of some of our favorite moments. Be sure to congratulate Nick Van Walleghem, Dan Johnson, Drew Frerking, and Nolan Weber on their achievement. You can check out the record on Bandcamp or YouTube now, and you can even buy the cassette by searching Sordid Curse Productions on the web.

Meet the meat boys! All of Meatshank joins me for the podcast today. Shane, Murry, Vince, and I talk for a couple of hours about the memoirs of meat that has been their friendship and career as a band together. Believe it or not, we're approaching Meatshank's 20 year anniversary. Not a lot of bands in Kansas City can say that! This is an outrageous conversation complete with plenty of quips about the band's history and discrography, but it's mostly just tangents from getting distracted. Nonetheless, try not to laugh your ass off listening to this one! These boys have been through A LOT together and I think that's only strengthened their bond and helped them last longer than most KC bands can ever dream. 

Waynesboro, Pennsylvania boys Tim Ulrich and Dylan Potts of deathgrind legends Organ Trail join me for a podcast to cover a wealth of subjects. We talk the art of naming songs in death metal, baking with dismembered animal carcasses, the riff life, and much more. We even chat a bit about their upcoming studio album that they just shipped off for mixing and mastering. And I couldn't let them go without talking about one of my favorite songs ever recorded, "That's My Mother You're Pissing On." Give yourself a challenge and see how quickly you can say "Flagrant Fucking Filth" without getting your (worm) tongue twisted.