The Metal Maniacs Podcast

Episode 134 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd This week, we sit down with one of the most unique, prolific, and genuinely unstoppable forces in underground metal: Justin Lawnchair, the mastermind behind The Biscuit Merchant — Ann Arbor's proggy, death-tinged, genre-melting metal project. With 26 full albums (each 45–55 minutes) in the works, recorded entirely by Justin, and no generative AI used at any stage, this project is a testament to pure determination, creativity, and DIY musicianship.The Biscuit Merchant is all about “melting pot metal,” a blend of death metal, thrash, prog, folk, power metal, blues, groove, and whatever else Justin feels like throwing into the cauldron. Nothing is off the table. Nothing is predictable. And that's what makes it magic.We deep dive into the vision, the process, and the absolute madness of building a 26-album alphabetical saga known as Alpha — a project planned since 2009 and still evolving with every riff, rhythm, and solo.

Best METAL Albums of the Year ft. Recorruptor's Clint Franklin! | Death Metal, Avant-Garde & Underground PicksWelcome back to Episode 133 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast with your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd, and today we're closing out the year with a massive guest appearance from one of Michigan's deadliest voices in death metal. We're joined once again by Clint Franklin, vocalist of the brutal mid-Michigan beast Recorruptor, for a full breakdown of **his Top Metal Albums of the Year!

Episode 132 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & ModdThis week marks a massive milestone for the Metal Maniacs Podcast — TWO YEARS of metal news, scene coverage, interviews, chaos, and nonstop riff worship. In this special anniversary episode, Jay and Modd sit down to reflect on everything that's happened since August 29, 2023, the day Episode 1 launched and the Maniacs journey officially began.What started as a passion project has grown into a platform that highlights bands, supports the Michigan metal scene, and documents some of the heaviest conversations in underground music. Today, we look back on the road that got us here — the highs, the lows, the progress, and the unbelievable amount of growth.

Michigan Metal Dominates 2025 | Best Albums Breakdown (Metal Maniacs Podcast Ep. 131)Episode 131 – The Metal Maniacs PodcastHosted by Jay Ingersoll & ModdMichigan showed up in a massive way in 2025 — and this episode is all about giving the Great Lakes metal scene the spotlight it deserves.In this third extra episode of the week, Jay and Modd break down every Michigan-based band and album that landed on our Best of 2025 list. From extreme metal and hardcore to experimental heaviness and underground noise, this is a full celebration of the artists holding it down for the Mitten State.We dig into why these records stood out, how they represent the strength and diversity of Michigan heavy music, and why this scene continues to punch well above its weight on a national level. If you're looking to support local bands, discover new favorites, or understand just how deep Michigan metal runs — this episode is required listening.Albums & Bands Discussed (Support These Artists

Top Metal Albums of 2025 | Honorable Mentions | Albums not to missed (Metal Maniacs Podcast Ep 130) Sometimes the hardest part of doing a “Best of the Year” list… is everything that gets left off.In this extra Thursday episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, Jay and Modd sit back down to give proper shine to the albums we didn't get to mention in our Best Metal Albums of 2025 episode. Consider this the official Honorable Mentions edition — the records that narrowly missed the cut, sparked heated debate, or deserved way more attention than time allowed.From underground heavy hitters to surprise releases, overlooked gems, and records that grew on us after repeat listens, this episode is all about rounding out the conversation and making sure no killer album gets forgotten. If you're still building your 2025 metal listening list, this one is packed with recommendations across multiple corners of heavy music.We break down:Albums that almost made our Top picksReleases that gained momentum late in the yearRecords we couldn't stop spinning, even if they didn't land in the final rankingsWhy honorable mentions matter just as much as the top spotsIf you thought our 2025 list was finished… think again. This episode proves just how stacked the year really was for metal.

Top METAL Albums of the Year 2025! | Best Deathcore, Black Metal, Metalcore & Underground PicksWelcome back to **Episode 129 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast with your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd**, bringing you the **heaviest breakdown of the year – our *official Albums of the Year List!

This week, Jay and Modd dive deep into one of the most explosive, misunderstood, and undeniably iconic elements of heavy music: **THE BREAKDOWN**. But not the typical crowd-picked favorites — we're talking the breakdowns that *we* think truly rewrote the rules, flipped entire genres on their heads, and made metal fans everywhere stop what they were doing and say: “Holy sh*t.”Before we get into our picks, we break down (no pun intended) what a breakdown actually is, why it matters in metal, and how it became a cornerstone of some of the heaviest subgenres on the planet.We explore how a great breakdown works:* The **half-time drum shift** that makes everything hit harder.* **Palm-muted chugs** synced to the kick drum.* The importance of **space, repetition, and tension**.* How drop tunings, syncopation, and rhythmic simplicity create maximum impact.* Why breakdowns often become the *identity* of a band or album.Breakdowns aren't just musical moments — they're **communal experiences**. They're the point in a show where the crowd becomes part of the song: the pit opens, the adrenaline spikes, the riff takes over, and chaos becomes art.After breaking down the anatomy of a breakdown, Jay and Modd reveal their personal list of **underrated, overlooked, and genre-defining breakdowns** — the ones that shaped our listening habits and set the bar for heaviness:Throughout the episode, we discuss why these moments hit so hard, what makes them stand out from the sea of breakdowns across metal, and how they've shaped the bands that came after. We also share stories about discovering these tracks, seeing them live, and how breakdowns have evolved from the 90s to now.This is a must-listen episode for metalcore fans, deathcore kids, old-school purists, and anyone who loves a riff that hits like a wrecking ball.Listen. Headbang. Debate us.What's YOUR favorite breakdown of all time?#MetalManiacsPodcast #MetalBreakdowns #MachineHead #DespisedIcon #AsBloodRunsBlack #Carcass #Deathcore #Metalcore #HeavyMetalPodcast #JayIngersoll #Modd**Beat Breakdowns playlits-https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Iy282oPg4EVYKRnmrXBj1?si=hoxVTUv2QlC_5sGNTFeXwA&pi=-SLnCewQT5aC6Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Episode 127 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd Guest: Neverender (Detroit, MI) Featuring:

METAL MANIACS PODCAST EPISODE #126 | AT WATER (Detroit, MI) – “The Sum of All Parts” Interview + Deep Dive! | Djent, Groove & Alternative Metal Powerhouse!In Episode 126 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with At Water, a rising djenty, heavy alternative metal band straight from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Blending crushing riffs, precision grooves, and melodic hooks, At Water has carved out a unique space in the Michigan metal scene — and their debut EP “The Sum of All Parts” (released March 28, 2025) proves they're a force to watch.

Solo Playlist-⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xKHLgvk6wRxdChKapLprB?si=7IRGEJ0OSnKr6Vf0ao4jKw&pi=SRzhHrELRrCTa⁠

SPECIAL EDITION :The Metal Maniacs Podcast-Horns up for the holidays benefitUnruly Brewing and The Metal Maniacs present Horns up for the Holidays. Bands to benefit local families in need for Holidays. All Ages-Pay what you can. Donations welcome.Colt Snuffer and The Dead HorsemanMore GhostsTongue CutterReinventing YesterdayIron Sharpens IronKill TomorrowFollow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon. Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we're scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.

Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we're scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.

On this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down via Zoom with one of the Midwest's most terrifyingly powerful death metal forces — CASKET ROBBERY! Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this band has carved out a bloody niche in modern metal by blending crushing grooves, eerie melodies, and horror-inspired atmosphere into a sound that's unmistakably their own.We dig deep into the dark roots and evolution of the band, from their humble beginnings in 2011 with founding guitarist Cory Scheider (ex-Luna Mortis, Epicurean), to the arrival of their ferocious vocalist Megan Orvold-Scheider, whose commanding voice and intense stage presence have become synonymous with Casket Robbery's brand of death metal destruction. We cover everything from the inception of the band and the origin of their name, to their writing process, tone crafting, production methods, and the bloody live shows that leave fans both terrified and exhilarated. Casket Robbery's story is one of dedication, evolution, and sheer brutality — with a wink and a scream.

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon. Thanks if you still listened and please support these bands. Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe. We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it's spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you're going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.Here's who we're reacting to in this episode:

Welcome to Episode 122 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! This week is an extra special one, as we're joined by a lifelong friend and the man partly responsible for the very existence of this podcast: Dave Stark.For those who don't know the backstory — Dave played a crucial role in sparking Jay and Nick's (Modd's) passion for music. Without him, the two might never have picked up instruments, met, or started down the path that eventually led to creating this very show. In many ways, Dave is a foundational part of The Metal Maniacs story.Not only that, but Dave has been a die-hard Ozzy Osbourne fan for decades. In fact, he was the one who first took Jay to see Ozzy live back in 1995 — an experience that left a lifelong mark and set the stage for a deep love of heavy metal.In this episode, we sit down and dive into:The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and why he remains one of the most important figures in metal historyOur personal stories and connections to Ozzy's music through the yearsThe guitarists and albums that shaped Ozzy's solo career and cemented his role as the “Prince of Darkness”Each of us choosing our Top 5 favorite Ozzy songs, breaking down why they matter and what makes them timeless classicsFrom early masterpieces like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, to later era gems like No More Tears and beyond, this conversation is both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard Ozzy disciple, this episode will remind you just how much Ozzy has influenced generations of fans and musicians alike.Along the way, you'll hear stories about growing up with metal, how Ozzy concerts changed our lives, and why certain songs carry more weight than just riffs and lyrics — they become memories, moments, and the soundtrack to who we are.

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe. We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Here's who we're reacting to in this episode:

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe. We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it's spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you're going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.Here's who we're reacting to in this episode:

One With The Riverbed: Black metal, dynamics, and atmosphere- The Metal Maniacs Podcast (120) In this 120th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with Kalamazoo's blackened post-metal powerhouse One With The Riverbed. If you're a fan of Blackbraid, Deafheaven, Ghost Bath, or Wolves In The Throne Room, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Formed in 2017, One With The Riverbed is a five-piece band consisting of:Jared Koons – VocalsBryan Neterer – GuitarJohn C. Scott – GuitarLisa Bridenstine – BassJimmy Welty – DrumsThe band has carved out a reputation for crafting blackened melodic moodscapes that balance raw ferocity with cinematic beauty. Their newest release, “Succumb” (out October 25th, 2024 via Dusktone Records), pushes their sound further into the depths of emotional and sonic catharsis. Featuring bleak atmospheres, soaring post-metal textures, and crushing black metal intensity, the album stands as their most ambitious work yet.Throughout the conversation, we dive into:The formation of One With The Riverbed Their songwriting process, from riffs to layering, solos, and atmospheric buildsThe evolution of their sound across their discography:Solace (2018) – Black ‘n' roll leanings with indie rock flavor and BM vocalsAbsence (2021) – Progressive and atmospheric with violin by Katie CalvertSuccumb (2024) – A crushing, fully realized blackened post-metal experienceThe production process at Raygun Recording Studio and how their sound has grownTheir upcoming U.S. tour dates, including stops in Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, and ColumbusWhat's next for the bandWe also touch on deeper topics like the emotional and spiritual catharsis that black metal and post-metal uniquely provide. Fans of atmospheric heaviness will find plenty to connect with here.

Welcome to the 119th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd!

In the 118th episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with one of the most explosive new names in Michigan hardcore—Tunnel of Love (a.k.a. T.O.L.). Featuring our great friend and occasional co-host Jeremy McClary on guitar, this conversation dives deep into the band's inception, their raw and destructive sound, and their brand-new full-length cassette Quest for Destruction, out now on Setterwind Records.Joining us are:Brett Dierolf – VocalsErik Crawford – DrumsZach Leipham – BassRamon Sliguero – GuitarJeremy McClary – Guitar (also producer of the new record)We trace the band's beginnings back to Muskegon, MI, where Tunnel of Love formed in 2022 as an offshoot of Prison Suicide. With the early involvement of guitarist Jon Barefoot (Bitter Truth), and later the addition of Ramon Sliguero, the group carved out their sonic identity—what they unapologetically describe as “hardcore violence.” This means blistering fast riffs, stomping grooves, and power-violence chaos that shifts from Youth of Today-style drive into Infest-style blast beat destruction.Topics Covered in This Episode:The Name: Why “Tunnel of Love”? (Hint: there's an ICP-related twist)Origins: How the band came together, and how the lineup solidified with Jeremy and Ramon.Extreme Metal Roots: What got each member into hardcore, punk, and extreme metal.Writing Process: How T.O.L. develops riffs, song structures, and when they decide to add solos.Production & Gear: The recording process behind Quest for Destruction, Jeremy's role as producer, and a breakdown of their tones, tunings, and setups.Live Shows: Their best, worst, and most memorable gigs—plus what makes a hardcore show truly unforgettable.Future Plans: New material already in the works, upcoming Midwest weekenders, and more events on the horizon for 2025.The RecordsDemo (2022): A blistering 3-song, 2-minute introduction to T.O.L. that set the tone for their mission.Quest for Destruction (2025): 11 tracks, 13 minutes, and zero compromise. From the groovy-grindy Boneyard to the two-step thrash punch of Swollen Tongue, to collabs with Antonio Marquez (SPINE) and Dominic Hart (Sissy Boys) on Creepdown—this record is a relentless showcase of hardcore at its most unfiltered.Tunnel of Love isn't just a band—they're a statement of intent in the Midwest hardcore scene. Fast, furious, and unrelenting, they're already cementing themselves as a force to watch.Whether you're a diehard fan of hardcore punk, metal, grind, or just discovering this new wave of chaos, this episode is a must-listen.

Welcome back to another stacked episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd—your weekly deep dive into all things heavy, weird, and loud. For our 117th episode, we're thrilled to sit down with a band that's been making waves with their bold, genre-bending sound: Long After Midnight.If you've been craving industrial rock with huge guitar riffs, filthy synths, powerful vocals, and a raw edge that leans heavier into rock than most of their peers, you're in for a treat. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ministry, and KMFDM, Long After Midnight blends gritty electronic textures with the kind of live energy that makes you want to throw yourself headfirst into the pit.Joining us on the show are:Ross Morgan – Guitar, vocals, and production mastermind (also the voice behind the Dangerville Podcast and a longtime friend of the show).Mike Nolen – Synths, writer, and sound architect who gives the band its industrial edge.No t Here-Chas Millican – Live guitarist, bringing extra firepower to the stage.We dig into everything from the inception of Long After Midnight and the meaning behind their name to their approach to songwriting, production, and live performance. Ross and Mike take us behind the curtain on how songs are built—from BPMs and riffs to solos and layering synths. We also get their thoughts on how to balance e-kits, backtracks, and live instrumentation without losing the human touch.We talk gear, tones, and live setup—what guitars and tunings Ross leans on, how the band approaches backing synths in a live environment, and the role of production in shaping their overall sound.The timing of this episode couldn't be better—because Long After Midnight's debut album, Rage Toward the Light drops this Friday October 3, 2025. This monster of a record takes you on a full-spectrum journey: We talk about each Track And Premiere “Shadow of a Doubt (feat. Tony Kappo)” – with the visualizer on the show.Every track offers something different—sometimes aggressive, sometimes atmospheric, but always unapologetically industrial rock with teeth.In this conversation, we also hit on:The band's origin story and what led them to this sound.How they handle songwriting collaboration and constructive criticism.The balance between digital production and organic rock energy.Their thoughts on playing live vs. recording in the studio.Advice for up-and-coming artists navigating the modern music landscape.And of course—what's next for Long After Midnight.Whether you're here for the filthy synths, monstrous riffs, or Ross's commanding vocals, this is one episode you don't want to miss.

Welcome back to another crushing installment of the **Metal Maniacs Podcast** hosted by **Jay Ingersoll and Modd**! We're officially at the **20th installment of our reaction series**, and this one is stacked with underground firepower. Every time we dive into these episodes, it's not just about reacting—it's about discovering new talent, supporting the scene, and giving bands a platform to be heard by Maniacs worldwide.In **Episode 115**, Jay and Modd sit down and react to **eight brutal, heavy, and diverse bands** that are carving their way through the metal underground. From old-school inspired death metal to progressive madness, we take a deep dive into what makes each group stand out and why YOU should be adding them to your playlist.### **Bands Featured in This Episode:**

In Episode 114, Jay and Modd each pick five old school death metal bands they either revisited with fresh ears or finally discovered and appreciated after years of overlooking them. These aren't just random bands—we're talking pillars of the genre, the kind of acts that shaped entire movements and subgenres, but for some reason slipped past our playlists... until now.Some were bands we heard once and didn't “get.” Others were victims of bad timing, poor promotion, or just buried beneath the constant wave of new releases. But now? We're making it right.Throughout this episode, we dive into:Why these bands didn't click back thenWhat changed that helped them finally resonateOur favorite albums and entry points for eachTheir legacy and influence on modern metalHow rediscovering them reignited our love for OSDMWhether you're a longtime fan of old school death metal or just beginning to explore the blood-soaked back catalog of the genre's past, this episode is loaded with essential picks, honest reflections, and some passionate metal love.

In this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Metzfire—a Grand Rapids-based hard rock/alt-metal powerhouse whose sound blends moody atmospheres with haunting melodies, crushing grooves, and deeply emotional lyricism.Formerly known as The Orphan and Others, Metzfire is a band that channels personal struggle and historic tragedy into powerful sonic storytelling. We dive deep into their debut album “Coordinate Oblivion”, discuss their evolving lineup, talk gear, production, and the journey from their inception to opening for national acts like The Browning and Hail The Sun.

Reaction Series Vol. 19: Protolith, Blasphemous, Leptospira & More Underground Fire! EP111 –

In this pulverizing episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive deep into the diseased heart of Michigan's underground with Decedent, one of the most exciting new names in the Sepsisgrind scene—a self-described style of cataclysmic death metal somewhere between Sanguisugabogg, Gatecreeper, and 200 Stab Wounds, all filtered through a thick Cannibal Corpse groove and old-school Chuck Schuldiner worship.

In Episode 109, Jay and Modd return to one of the most personal and debated topics in all of metal fandom — our Top Metal Albums of All Time. It all started in Episode 7, came back strong in Episode 53, and now the tradition continues with five more additions each to our ever-evolving, ever-brutal, and ever-blessed all-time metal lists.This is not a “Best Of” list compiled by AI, Rolling Stone, or mainstream music sites. This is straight from our worn-out speakers and battle-hardened souls — albums that shook us, shaped us, and still haunt our playlists today.

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd, this episode dives into a topic every metalhead can relate to: **gateway bands**—the artists that first sparked our obsession with heavy music and led us down the path to extreme metal, death metal, metalcore, black metal, and beyond.

In this special 107th episode of the **Metal Maniacs Podcast**, hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** sit down with none other than **T.J. Miller** — the powerful voice behind the Michigan metalcore pioneers **Still Remains** and the melodic rock project **Glassfield**.We dive deep into T.J.'s journey through the heavy music world, from the early days playing sweaty local shows to becoming part of a band that helped define a chapter of American metalcore. Together, we explore the evolution of his sound, his songwriting process, and what it's like to move between heavier and more melodic projects without losing authenticity.

Welcome to the 106th episode of **Metal Maniacs**, where your co-hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** dive headfirst into the 18th installment of our **Reaction Series**—a brutal batch of underground metal bands from across the world that bring the riffs, the filth, and the fire.This week we feature a stacked lineup of **global brutality**, regional underground **gems**, and some **wildly original** submissions you've *got* to hear. Whether it's Rez Metal from Michigan or death-doom from Montana, we've got your ears bleeding and your fists pumping

In this episode, Jay and Modd dig deep into the vaults of heavy metal memory to shine a spotlight on **some of the most criminally forgotten or stagnant bands** in the scene. Whether they burned bright and fast, went on permanent hiatus, or just never got the respect they deserved, these artists left a **permanent mark** on metal history—and it's time we gave them their flowers.From genre-defining pioneers to chaotic underground legends, we each bring our picks for bands that should've blown up—or maybe once did, but were lost in the churn of time. We're talking **tech-death precision, nu-metal grooves, post-metal atmosphere, industrial heaviness, and raw metalcore emotion**. Get ready for a nostalgic ride through the early 2000s and beyond.

In this 103rd episode, we dive headfirst into some of the freshest underground and rising metal from around the world. From metalcore infused with melodic hooks to genre-bending death grooves, this lineup hits hard, bleeds creativity, and showcases the extreme diversity of today's metal underground.###

Playing longer, faster, and harder with Lucius Fox-102

EPISODE 99 – Recorruptor Returns: Signed to Time To Kill Records + New Album Incoming!It's a monumental return to the pit on The Metal Maniacs Podcast, as Jay Ingersoll and Modd welcome back Michigan's ferocious death metal juggernaut Recorruptor. This time, they're armed with major news, fresh riffs, and absolute sonic devastation.⚠️ On **April 21st**, Recorruptor announced they are now **officially signed to [Time To Kill Records](https://timetokillrecords.com/en-us/pages/roster)** — the powerhouse European label home to legendary acts like **Fulci**, **ADE**, and **Necrophagia**. With a freshly inked deal, the band is ready to unleash their new full-length album: **Sorrow Will Drown Us All**, out **July 18th, 2025**.We dive into:* The journey to getting signed — how it happened and what it means for their future* Their upcoming release: what inspired it, how it differs from past material, and why they're more locked in than ever* Collaborating with **Timon Kokott** (known for his work with **Carnosus**) on the stunning and sinister album artwork* A deep track-by-track breakdown of the album — from blistering solos to haunting grooves and bass solos that will snap your spine

Buckle up and crank the gain to 11—it's time for the 98th episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast, and we're coming in hot with Reaction Series #16, where we dissect, analyze, and thrash along with some of the most devastating tracks from up-and-coming underground metal acts.In this installment, Jay and Modd return to the war room with fresh ears and heavier opinions, reacting in real time to a batch of listener-submitted bands, genre-bending newcomers, and pit-ready anthems that demand your full attention. From Michigan to Massachusetts to the infernal corners of YouTube, this episode has it all—death metal, alternative metal, deathcore, and instrumental madness.

Let it Rot Lets us check out unreleased tracks! The Metal Maniacs Podcast- 97This week, we're joined by the melodic, chaotic, and crushing metalcore force from Lansing, Michigan—Let it Rot. From their early beginnings to their genre-bending new material, we sit down with the full band to talk history, riffs, tone, songwriting, and everything in between.Featuring:A.J. Boike – DrumsAndrew Ketcham – Guitar/Vocals (and yes, he used to hold down bass duties)Scotty Lange – Bass/Backing VocalsOther MembersAlex “Rocky” Torres – GuitarBrandon Hartman – Lead Vocals

How Splinters Does Beatdown :The Metal Maniacs Podcast- 96This week on *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*, Jay and Modd dive headfirst into the blistering chaos of Detroit's very own **Splinters**—a heavy beatdown band that's been steadily carving a name for themselves in the Midwest scene with raw energy, vicious breakdowns, and unapologetic emotion.We sit down with the band to talk about their origins, inspirations, and relentless pursuit of sonic heaviness. From their first demos in 2021 to their latest single "Broken" in 2025, Splinters has showcased growth, aggression, and a DIY drive that defines the underground spirit of Michigan metal.- **Nick Ehrlich** – Vocals - **Tyler** – Guitar - **Casey** – Bass- **Billy Ehrlich** – DrumsWe kick things off with the **inception of Splinters**, the meaning behind their name, and how this group of musicians forged a sound that mixes beatdown, metalcore, hardcore, and even elements of thrash and electronics.

In this explosive 95th installment of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, Jay and Modd sit down with one of the Midwest's loudest and most inventive duos—Bronson Arm—for an unfiltered conversation that dives deep into noise rock, creative process, and the beautiful weirdness of being a two-piece powerhouse.

Welcome back to The Metal Maniacs Podcast, the loudest podcast in the pit, hosted by your riff-obsessed guides Jay Ingersoll and Modd. For Episode 94, we're throwing ourselves into the hurricane that is thrash metal—a genre born of rebellion, raised on speed, and forged in the fires of punk and NWOBHM.This is not just a list of greatest hits. This is a deep dive, a dissection, and a love letter to one of the most influential and enduring subgenres in all of heavy metal. If you've ever air-guitared to Slayer, circle-pitted to Exodus, or worn out the rewind button on Kill ‘Em All, this one's for you.

Welcome back to The Metal Maniacs Presents, hosted by your favorite riff-jockeys Jay Ingersoll and Modd. We're dropping into the pit once again for the 15th installment of our Reaction Series—where we hit play, throw horns, and dive deep into the latest from underground and unsigned metal acts around the globe.This week, we're getting blasted from every direction—Portugal, Greece, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, New York—you name it. We've stacked the lineup with a killer mix of blackened doom, death metal, thrash, horror, and even culinary chaos. Buckle in, Maniacs. This one's loud.

**Photo-Akuro productions**The Truth About Being in a Metal Band with He Who Dwells | TMMP-92In this episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*, hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Nick Modd** sit down with one of Grand Rapids' most ferocious and fast-rising metalcore acts—**He Who Dwells**. Taking inspiration from **God Forbid, Killswitch Engage, Unearth**, and the crushing melodies of Swedish melodeath, this band has been carving out a name for themselves with their high-energy performances and razor-sharp songwriting. We dig deep into the **formation** of the band, their **songwriting process**, and what it takes to stand out in today's heavy music scene. **Vocalist Derek Zoerman, lead guitarist James Kennedy, rhythm guitarist Will Wilson, join us for an in-depth conversation about their influences, live shows, and the passion that fuels their music. ### **Topics Covered:**

The Metal Maniacs Podcast – Episode 91: 5 Concerts That Changed Us Forever!Welcome to Episode 91 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by *Jay Ingersoll and Nick Modd! This week, we're diving deep into the five concerts each that changed our lives forever—those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that left a permanent mark on our souls and solidified our love for heavy music. From the raw energy of death metal pioneers to the theatrical madness of shock rock legends, these are the shows that shaped us as metalheads. A few we talk about are### **Marilyn Manson – Dead to the World Tour (April 30, 1997 – Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI)**One of the most controversial and unforgettable tours of the ‘90s, **Marilyn Manson's Dead to the World Tour** was a spectacle of chaos, aggression, and mind-bending theatrics. Supporting *Antichrist Superstar*, this show was packed with intense visuals, haunting performances, and a setlist that included tracks like *Angel With the Scabbed Wings* and *Antichrist Superstar*. The lineup was stacked with **Rasputina, Pist.On, and Helmet**, making for an eclectic and powerful night of music.### **Death – The Sound of Perseverance Tour (November 21, 1998 – I-Rock Night Club/Harpo's, Detroit, MI)**Seeing **Chuck Schuldiner and Death live** was nothing short of witnessing history in the making. Touring in support of *The Sound of Perseverance*, Death's performance was an absolute masterclass in technical death metal. This show featured some of Chuck's most intricate and emotionally charged compositions, and the energy in the crowd was off the charts. Death's legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands in metal was solidified that night.### **Ozzfest 1998 – Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI (July 23, 1998)**Ozzfest ‘98 was an **era-defining** festival, boasting a killer lineup that included **Ozzy Osbourne, Tool, System of a Down, Limp Bizkit, Megadeth, Incubus, and more**. It was a whirlwind of moshing, scorching heat, and the sound of thousands of fans losing their minds to some of the biggest bands in metal history. This festival set the standard for modern metal tours and provided one of the most intense festival experiences we've ever had.### **Walls of Jericho – The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac, MI (August 19, 2023)**Fast-forwarding to a more recent gig, **Walls of Jericho** performed alongside **Bleeding Through, Dead to Fall, Let It Die, Through the Eyes of the Dead, and Too Pure to Die** for an unforgettable night of **metalcore brutality**. The energy at The Crofoot Ballroom was **explosive**, and it was incredible to see Walls of Jericho still bringing the same level of aggression and intensity that made them legends in the scene.### **Korn, Ozzy Osbourne & Deftones – Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI (February 7, 1996)**A true **genre-defining moment**, this tour combined **nu-metal pioneers Korn and Deftones** with the Prince of Darkness himself, **Ozzy Osbourne**. This show was **a collision of worlds**, blending Ozzy's legendary metal status with the rising wave of nu-metal chaos. The atmosphere was electric, with mosh pits erupting and an unforgettable performance that left a lasting impression on us.Final ThoughtsConcerts are more than just performances—they're **rituals, shared experiences, and moments of pure catharsis**. These five shows (and the honorable mentions) helped shape our love for heavy music, and we know many of you have had similar experiences.Hit us up in the comments and let us know—what concerts changed YOUR life forever?Stay heavy,Jay & NickFollow us- https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmiThe Metal Maniacs Podcast

Funeral Language Understood: Alex Eilers on Chaos, Melody & New EP 'Cirque' | 89