Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Heavy Desert Podcast

Why are some incredible underground rock and metal shows packed while others struggle to draw a crowd? In this deep-dive episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast, concert correspondent Chris McGowan joins the show along with John Gist of Vegas Rock Revolution and Planet Desert Rock Weekend to tackle one of the biggest questions facing the heavy underground: what's really happening with the live music scene?

John shares the story behind Vegas Rock Revolution, how he transitioned from fan to promoter, and the lessons he's learned booking shows, marketing events, and building Planet Desert Rock Weekend into one of the premier gatherings in the heavy underground community. Chris brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from the Chicago scene, including recent concerts featuring Monolord, Khemmis, Earth Tongue, Down, Howling Giant, Greenleaf, Crystal Spiders, Shadow of Jupiter, and more.

The conversation explores why great bands sometimes play to surprisingly small crowds, the importance of marketing, Facebook events, Spotify data, Bandsintown, Songkick, social media collaboration tools, tour promotion, ticket-buying habits, and what bands, venues, and promoters can do to get more people through the door.

John also pulls back the curtain on how he evaluates bands, what catches a promoter's attention, the realities of tour economics, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of assembling the Planet Desert Rock Weekend lineup.

Whether you're a fan, musician, promoter, venue owner, or simply passionate about supporting live music, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned experience from two dedicated champions of the underground. So make sure to tune in and subscribe!

King Buffalo's Sean Roa joins The Heavy Desert Podcast for an honest and engaging conversation that traces the band's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in the heavy underground. Sean reflects on the albums that shaped him as a musician, from Black Sabbath's Paranoid to Pink Floyd's Animals, and shares the story of how King Buffalo emerged from the remnants of previous projects, unexpected opportunities, and a relentless drive to create.

Along the way, we dive into the band's DIY roots, the early days touring with All Them Witches, and the evolution that transformed King Buffalo into the powerhouse trio fans know today. Sean pulls back the curtain on the making of the upcoming album Doomsayer, revealing how the band sifted through dozens of hours of improvised jams, refined their songwriting process, and intentionally crafted a more direct, riff-driven record while settling into their newly built studio.

The conversation also explores the realities of life on the road, the challenges of building a career without shortcuts, and the hard-earned lessons that come from years of touring, sleeping in vans, and grinding it out long before packed venues and sold-out records became part of the story. From guitar tones and recording techniques to memorable fan encounters and the band's unwavering commitment to doing things on their own terms, Sean offers a candid look at the passion, perseverance, and creativity that continue to drive King Buffalo forward.

Whether you're a longtime fan, a musician looking for inspiration, or someone discovering King Buffalo for the first time, this is the kind of conversation that reminds you why great music is built through persistence, vision, and an obsession with creating something meaningful. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

This episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast is all killer riffs, underground passion, and plenty of laughs as Greg, Tommy, and Rocky of Illinois heavy rock trio Erosions join the show.

The guys trace their musical roots back to formative discoveries of KISS, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Deep Purple, Melvins, Kyuss, Sleep, and more, sharing the records and artists that shaped their paths as musicians. Along the way, they discuss learning their instruments, their history in other local bands, and how a persistent invitation to jam eventually led to the formation of Erosions.

The conversation dives deep into the band's organic songwriting process, the creation of their Harvest Session EP, and their upcoming split release with Psalm, which also marks the inaugural release from Space Goat Records. They also talk talk about what it means to be on of the first bands chosen for the label, the importance of independent labels in keeping the underground alive, and the community-driven spirit that fuels heavy music.

The band also shares stories about recording on two-inch reel-to-reel tape, their upcoming appearances at Tampa Doom & Gloom Fest and HUFR Fest, the diverse music scene in Freeport, Illinois, and what's next for Erosions as they continue writing new material and taking their crushing sound on the road.

Packed with humor, gratitude, and a genuine love for underground music, you won’t wanna miss this episode! Make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Vegas doom metal torchbearers Psalm join The Heavy Desert Podcast to talk about their journey from underground hopefuls to one of the first bands signed to the newly launched Space Goat Records. Jon, Ian, Juan, and Jeremy dive deep into their musical origins, sharing the bands, albums, and life experiences that shaped their sound, from Venom, Black Sabbath, and Trouble to classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and the Rolling Stones.

The conversation also explores Psalm's upcoming contribution to the inaugural Space Goat Records split release, how the opportunity came together during HUFR Fest, and what it means to be part of a label focused on community, passion, and the preservation of underground heavy music. The band reflects on touring with Sonolith, recording in Anaheim with producer Colin at Paradise Recordings, and the excitement surrounding their forthcoming self-titled LP arriving this December.

Plus: stories from the road, opening for Pentagram and Weed Eater, a 12-year-old guest bassist making her recording debut, the importance of independent labels, and why positivity and genuine community remain the lifeblood of the heavy underground.

It was a great chat with the guys, so make sure to tune in and subscribe so ya don’t miss it!

The Crooked Skulls return to The Heavy Desert Podcast following the breakout success of Midnight Sun, the album that landed on the Doom Charts and introduced the band's heavy groove-driven sound to listeners around the world.

Pete and Dave reflect on the overwhelming response to the record, the opportunities that followed, and the evolution of the band after founding drummer Chuck Snyder's departure. Joining the conversation is new drummer Bryan Heaney, who discusses stepping into the lineup, finding his place in the band, and preparing for his first live shows with The Crooked Skulls.

The band also dives into their upcoming 7-inch single, Pain Dealer / Ride Free, the songwriting stories behind both tracks, collaborations with Bob Balch, artwork from Matt Pike, a packed run of upcoming shows, and early plans for the next chapter of The Crooked Skulls.

And after my chat with the fellas, The Heavy Desert Podcast will premiere the track Pain Dealer that you’ll hear first, exclusively on the episode!

Whether you've been following The Crooked Skulls since day one or you're just discovering them now, this episode offers a front-row seat to a band that's clearly building serious momentum. Don't miss this conversation with one of the underground's hardest-working heavy rock bands. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Dutch heavy psych powerhouse The Machine joins the show to discuss their brand-new album, Another Sun (Awe Records & Blues Funeral Recordings), and the nearly 20-year journey behind one of underground rock's most enduring bands.

Guitarist and vocalist David Eering and drummer Klaas Dijkstra dive into their earliest musical influences, the evolution of The Machine from a high school band into a respected force in the heavy psych scene, and the creative process behind Another Sun. The conversation explores songwriting, improvisation, recording at their own Evolver Studio, unforgettable performances at Roadburn and SonicBlast, and the unique chemistry that keeps the band pushing forward after almost two decades.

We also discuss the delicate balance between structure and exploration, how songs grow and change over time, and why live performances remain such a powerful and unpredictable experience.

If you're a fan of heavy riffs, psychedelic journeys, and the stories behind the music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Fresh off the release of their crushing debut album, Materializer joins The Heavy Desert Podcast to tell the story behind the band's creation and the brotherhood that drives it. Connor and Chris Poole discuss growing up surrounded by music, learning from their father, discovering bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Nirvana, and Alice In Chains, and how years of playing together shaped their creative chemistry.

We dive into the transition from Swell Fellas to Materializer, the challenge of becoming a two-piece, and how one song, "Falling Out the Fold," convinced them they were onto something special. The brothers also share stories from the road touring with All Them Witches, King Buffalo, YOB, and ASG.  They also share about working with longtime collaborator, Ben McLeod (All Them Witches). Connor and Chris speak glowingly about Ben's impact on their music, emphasizing how years of working together have built a level of trust where he instinctively understands what they're trying to achieve. More than just a mixer, they describe Ben as someone who helps "finish the sentence," bringing clarity, depth, and cohesion to their recordings. By their own admission, the album became stronger because of his involvement, and they couldn't be more thrilled with how the record sounds.

If you love heavy rock, creative deep-dives, and hearing how underground bands evolve into something entirely new, this episode is for you. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Rob Edwards and Wigg Grant of the band Risperidrone to discuss the journey behind their crushing new, debut full-length album, Black Shuck. The band dives into their influences, songwriting process, surviving the COVID era, building songs from years-old riff ideas, and the thriving Welsh doom and stoner scene. They also reflect on their album release show, which raised money for the mental health charity Mind, a recent festival appearance at the inaugural Origins Festival, and what's next for one of Wales' heaviest underground acts. Make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Jack Amsler, Etziel Méndez, Fernando Cabrera, and Nicolás Silveira of Weedsnake join the show.

Hailing from Mexico City, Weedsnake are gearing up for Ripplefest Mexico, taking place November 14 at Foro 28. The band rolled a fat one for this conversation and dove deep into their influences, songwriting process, the evolution of the band, and what's on the horizon, including hopes for a new album in 2027.

So light one up, crank the volume, and get to know one of Mexico's veteran heavy rock forces as we spend some quality time with Weedsnake.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Jorge Trejo of the band Rostro Del Sol joins the show. Rostro Del Sol released its latest album Universo 25 earlier this year in January, and we dig into it. They’re also set to play the second annual Ripplefest Mexico, being held this year on November 14th, in Mexico City at Foro 28. Jorge gives a glimpse into how their unique brand of music comes to life and what they have coming up after Ripplefest Mexico. If you’re not familiar with Rostro Del Sol, tune in to get to know this phenomenal band!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Calloway Jones guitarist and vocalist of the band Üga Büga to the show. Out of Virginia, Üga Büga released its sophomore album, Valley of the Wolf on June 5 of 2026, and we dig into it. Along with Calloways influences, the backstory of the band and the current tour they’re on supporting the new album, we cover it all. And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog joins the show as we countdown our Top 10 new releases of the third quarter of 2026. With lists from a few listeners, as well as some honorable mentions, we cover dozens of new albums for you to check out! We also share some of what we’re looking forward to for the final quarter of 2026. If it’s new heavy rock you’re looking for, look no further, The Heavy Desert Podcast has you covered! Make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Drew Pelrine, Gabe Haydar and Troy Welling of Earthlore join the show. Out of Boston, Massachusetts, Earthlore released its debut, full-length album Within The Earth on August 28th. It is a killer album and we dig deep into it, their influences, and what they have coming up.

We also talk about their recent appearance at RPM Fest on Labor Day Weekend and what it was like to play the 10th year of the fest. I had a great chat with these guys, so make sure to check out their album, and come back and get to know the guys! Tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I'm joined by Jose and David of 3 Wheeler Band!

With the band gearing up to hit Ripplefest Mexico on November 14 at Foro 28 in Mexico City, we dive deep into their origins, influences, songwriting, upcoming plans, and plenty more.

If 3 Wheeler Band isn't on your radar yet, now's the time to change that. These guys deliver massive riffs, good vibes, and a no-nonsense approach to rock 'n' roll. Their recipe is simple: crack a cold beer, fire up the carne asada, and unleash the riffs.

So grab your drink of choice, turn it up loud, and join us for a killer conversation. Tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Brenna Leath of Crystal Spiders & High Priestess Nighthawk of Heavy Temple. At the time of the recording they were set to go on tour together starting October 2nd, but unfortunately, Heavy Temple had to bow out. But I had such an incredible chat with them, I couldn’t just sit on it! We dig into their influences to the backstory of the bands. We even talk a little horror and Nighthawks recent trip to Tomahawk show, and so much more! I had a blast talking to these lovely ladies and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Kenny Charters of the Colorado Springs band Doctor Nez joins the show. Doctor Nez look to release its third EP Nothing Short of Silver on October 1st and we talk all about it!

What started out as a solo, bedroom project, morphed into a three-piece band playing shows around the greater Denver, Colorado area. Kenny never saw this coming and he share his story.

And stay tuned after my chat for the exclusive Heavy Desert Podcast Premiere of the title track off the upcoming release! So make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome back to the show Pablo Anton, guitarist and vocalist for Demons My Friends and the creator and curator of Ripplefest Mexico. We talk a little about Demons My Friends latest release, Survive/Yourself that was released earlier this year via Ripple Music. But we really dig into the second annual Ripplefest Mexico that is happening November 14th in Mexico City. We talk about all from the high and lows from putting this festival together. An amazing lineup this year that we get into and so much more! Another fun chat with Pablo, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome vocalist Mehdi Beltaïef, drummer Aziz El Ghoul and bassist Walter Vega of the Tunisian band Shade. These guys forge a fierce, high‑energy blend of alternative rock, stoner grit, and heavy metal. Driven by muscular riffs and detailed, shape‑shifting arrangements, they pull listeners into dense, hypnotic landscapes that erupt with sudden bursts of intensity. Their sound feels both rooted in rock tradition and boldly new.

We dig into everything - from their influences, the backstory and both of their awesome EPs that they released in the span of ten months, 2025’s Under The Distant Suns and 2026’s The Exploitation Tapes.

A killer band that more people need to hear, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Nick and Jake Blevins of two-piece, fuzzed out, doom metal, noise rock band, Arsis Thesis, join the show. They recently released their debut full-length album, Ustanak, on July 31. An album that was put on the back burner seven years ago, has finally seen the light of day, and we dig into it. We also talk about the dynamic of being brothers and how that affects the creative process of the songwriting. They’re also set to perform on December 5th at the Gravitoyd Battle of the Bands for a chance to play at next year’s Gravitoyd Doomfest. It was a pleasure talking with these guys, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Make sure to tune in and subscribe.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Dalton Kennerly and Schuyler Kotner of the band Creeper Bud to the show. Creeper Bud is a stoner/doom band out of Carbondale, Illinois set to release its self-titled debut album on September 18 via River To River Community Records, and we dig into it, along with their influences and how they got together. We also talk about the scene in Carbondale and there’s also a little guitar pedal talk, as Dalton talks about some of his favorite go-to pedals to use. We cover a lot, and if you stick around, The Heavy Desert Podcast premiers a new track from the upcoming album! You won’t wanna miss it! Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I’m joined by Drew Dupuis of Call of the Beast Radio and Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog for a full‑throttle preview of Ripplefest Texas 2026!

We tear through the entire lineup: the bands we can’t wait to see, the ones we’re just discovering, and the heavy hitters guaranteed to level Austin. We also break down what to expect at both venues — Sagebrush and The Far Out Lounge — from the atmosphere to the energy to the kind of frenzy that makes Ripplefest the heavy rock pilgrimage of the year.

Drew gives us the inside scoop on how Call of the Beast plans to make its mark at the fest, and as always, hanging with these guys turns into a blast of riffs, laughs, and pure underground hype.

Ripplefest is almost here, and we’re fired up to get out there and soak in every crushing set.

Tune in and hit subscribe — this episode sets the tone for the whole damn weekend.

*At the time of this recording, Yob was still scheduled to play.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome guitarist and founding member of Greenleaf, Tommi Holappa to the show. This legendary band has brought so much great music to the scene and we dig into the influences, the backstory and what’s coming up on the horizon. Not to mention after 25 years, they will be making their first trek to North America for a 13-show tour starting in Austin, Texas at Ripplefest on September 20th and wrapping up at In The Key of Doom Fest on October 3rd, in Brooklyn, New York. Not to mention, they’ll be back in late January of 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada for Planet Desert Rock Weekend. I had a great chat with Tommi who was a blast to have on, so make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Dusty Donley and Jared Collins of Mississippi Bones join the show to talk about their latest release Maladroit Blues For The Colorblind, that drops the day this show is released, on September 8th. These guys have quite a history together, that started as a duo, morphed into a full-live band and came full circle back to being a duo - now releasing their eighth studio album. We dig into everything from the roots, influences, and everything in between, as these guys pride themselves in being a totally independent band. Heavy/bluesy/stoner/doom all mixed together at its finest, Mississippi Bones latest release has it all if you’re a fan of the genre. So make sure to tune in and subscribe to get to know the guys behind this incredible band!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome The Captain - Staale Rodvelt, Azul-Josh, Doffy, Bjørn & Bjudas of the mighty Kal-El. In the span of 10 months, Kal-El has released, arguably, two of the heaviest, earth-shattering albums in the heavy underground. Astral Voyager Vol 1 & 2 dropped on  May 16 of 2025 and March 20 2026, respectfully, and we dig into how they shaped their latest space odyssey. We also dig into their influences, the backstory of the band, their upcoming U.S. tour with Goya and Black Moon Cult and so much more! Dunkin’ Donuts, sex appeal and Kal-El - three - things you probably never thought you’d hear in the same sentence! You’ll need to tune in and subscribe to hear what it’s all about!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, James Matheson, Ethan Scott, and Brandon Doucet of Welland’s fuzz‑drenched trio Cannabus roll through the heavy desert. Their debut full‑length Ride the Bus dropped July 3 via Black Throne Productions, and we dig into the band’s roots, influences, and the creative spark behind the record.

Mark Richard returns with a fresh Jam Yeti Music Minute review, and we dive into how Black Throne is shaping the heavy scene up in their corner of Canada.

Cannabus is already cooking up what’s next — subscribe and tune in to hear what’s coming.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome guitarist and vocalist Jordan Huxtable of the band Heavy on the Ride. Out of Wales in the United Kingdom, Heavy on the Ride released its self-titled debut album on July 24. It was 17 years in the making and Jordan talks about it all, from his influences, the lineup changes, the live performances and everything in between. My only hope is we don’t have to wait another 17 years for a follow-up! And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome David Wachsman, Dave Reno and Colin Jaramillo of the band Sönus to the show. Out of the Bay Area in California, Sönus released its third album Planes of Torment on May 22nd and we talk all about it! We also dig into their influences and how David Wachsman started this band as a solo project by recording the first release in his makeshift home studio during the pandemic to where he is now with his bandmates recording their latest album live in an actual studio. David never saw this project going much past his bedroom, and he shares his disbelief with how far this band has got to where it is today.  They also share that feeling of getting their latest release on vinyl for the first time. And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns for a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Christopher Konys & Mark Giuliano of the band Sons of Ghidorah to the show. What started out as a friendship from woodshop in seventh grade, playing thrash shows in the underground Buffalo scene in the 80s, to playing in a band called Demented Dreamscapes, which eventually morphed into what is now Sons of Ghidorah, Christopher and Mark have quite a history in the scene. Their latest album, Raining Fire dropped on June 5th, via Argonauta records earlier this year, and they have no signs of slowing down.

We also talk a little Goo Goo Dolls and how Robby Takac started the Music Is Art festival that Sons of Ghidorah will be performing at on September 12th to help benefit the music programs in the Buffalo and Erie County area. I had a great chat with these two veterans in the scene, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Gavin Zollo of Gav’s Heavily Curated joins the show to talk all about the inaugural In The Key Of Doom Festival, happening October 2–3 at The Meadows in Brooklyn, NY. Gavin’s been involved in the music world since high school, and now he’s stepping up in a huge way with a stacked lineup featuring Bongripper, Insomniac, Greenleaf, Howling Giant, and many more. We cover everything — the lineup, where to stay, eat, explore, and why this event matters for the scene. It was a great chat about the scene as a whole and you won’t wanna miss it! Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome drummer Adam Saitti and bassist/vocalist Jesse Mackowycz, of the band Ol Time Moonshine to the show. Ol Time Moonshine released its fourth album Now I Bleed via Black Throne Productions earlier this year on June 12 and we dig into it, their influences, the backstory of the band, the scene in their neck of the woods in Canada and much more! And, Mark Richard of the Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of Now I Bleed for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Evan Diprima, drummer and bassist for the band Moon Destroys joins the show. Moon Destroys upcoming album, Omni, drops on September 4th via Blues Funeral Recordings and we talk all about it! We also dig into his influences, the backstory of the band and how Zach Amster (lead singer and guitarist for Abrams) joined the band. They had a monster 2025 with their debut full-length She Walks By Moonlight, and tours with Elder, Dozer and The Sword! They look to keep that momentum going this year and we talk all about it. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Ryan Garney returns — frontman of High Desert Queen, architect of Ripplefest Texas, head of Lick of My Spoon Productions, and one of the busiest, most relentless forces in the heavy underground.

We dig into everything: the festivals, the projects, the nonstop momentum, the creative fire — including his latest project, Stay Dead!, whose debut album Beneath The Weight of Worlds dropped July 24 via Ripple Music.

This is Ryan’s fourth appearance, and he never comes empty‑handed. So make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I sit down with Alice and Chance Gawlinski of Mothertomb—the vocalist and guitarist behind one of the year’s heaviest debut records, Dying to Live, released July 14. We dig into the album’s creation, their influences, the band’s origin story, and the wild ride of opening for Pentagram.

Chance also shares what it meant to play their album‑release show at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids—a full‑circle moment that hit like a dream come true.

This conversation covers a ton of ground, and these two brought nothing but passion and fire. Tune in, subscribe, and don’t miss this one.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Alex Risberg of Swedish stoner‑rock titan 10,000 Years joins me for a killer deep dive. With their killer brand‑new album, Esox Lucifer, dropping August 7th via Ripple Music, Alex breaks down the record, his influences, the band’s origin story, and how some of the new songs have been going over at some of their recent live shows. We also talk of a possible Ripplefest Texas appearance in the future.

And stick around after the interview… I’m debuting a brand‑new track from Esox Lucifer that you’ll hear first on The Heavy Desert Podcast. So dig in, listen, and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, concert correspondent Chris McGowan returns to the show. Chris hits 100+ shows a year, mostly in the heavy underground repping the heavy scene across Chicagoland with nonstop support—buying merch, boosting bands on socials, and showing up for the community. He’s been on a wild run since his last visit and has even more lined up. Tune in and subscribe for the latest from one of the underground’s most dedicated supporters.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, we’re blasting off with Jason Doome and Sean Patrick Brooks as they unveil their brand‑new record label, Spacegoat Records. These two aren’t just scene supporters — they’re the forces behind Grand Rapids Doomfest and HUFR Fest, and now they’re leveling up with a label built straight from the heart of heavy music culture. We get into why they launched Spacegoat, what they’re aiming to build, and who’s landing on their first release. Jason and Sean were an absolute blast to talk to, and this episode is packed with passion, vision, and plenty of fuzz‑soaked energy.  Crank it up, tune in, and hit subscribe.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, the show celebrates its 150th episode with a very special guest! Ben McLeod, the guitarist of All Them Witches joins the show and we dig deep into his influences, and his journey of guitar playing starting in the third grade, through high school and college which eventually lead to All Them Witches. We talk about some of the other projects he’s been involved in, his solo album he released in 2025 titled “Pronounced ‘Mick Loud’” and some of the things he does to stay on top of his guitar-playing game. Ben was very generous with his time and we touched on a lot. So on this 150th episode of the show, I hope you dig my chat with Ben McLeod! Tune in and subscribe.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Sheafer McOmber of the one-man band, Redwood, returns to the show to talk about his latest release Hyperspace that dropped on June 12. We dig into his creative process, what wakes him up in the middle of the night as far as music goes and… possibly another album before year’s end??? You’ll have to tune in to find out! He also talks about a couple of his passions - photography and his ‘68 Volkswagen bug! We cover a lot on this episode, so check out the latest Redwood album, Hyperspace, then come back, tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Cody Patrick, one of the guitarists of the band Broadslab, joins the show to talk about the bands latest release. Their new album The Fifth Essence dropped on June 26th, and Cody rolls through to break down the riffs, the vision, the influences, and the wild journey that shaped this record. We get into how Broadslab first came together, what fueled the long gap since their 2014 crusher Ritual Movement, and the unbelievable story of Cody’s teenage run‑in with Mike Dean (Corrosion of Conformity)— a chance encounter that eventually led to Dean working on The Fifth Essence. It’s one of those “no way that actually happened” tales, and Cody lays it all out. And Mark Richard of the Jam Yeti Music Blog returns for another Jam Yeti Music Minute with his review of The Fifth Essence. So go spin Broadslab’s The Fifth Essence, then jump back in for this killer episode. Hit play, hit subscribe and dig in!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I sit down with Dave Kirk, Ryan O’Hare, Rodrigo Barradas, and Antonio Peci of London’s rising force Okay You Win. Their debut album End of Days has already sparked major buzz since dropping via Blues Funeral Recordings, and we get into everything behind it — the band’s beginnings, the influences that shaped the album, and the future they’re carving out. Spin the album first, then come meet the minds behind the music. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I'm joined by the one and only Benjamin Oak - vocalist, mastermind, and amphibian overlord behind Froglord. From a scrappy one-man experiment to a full-blown cult favorite with five albums in the Froglord mythos since 2020, Benjamin breaks down the evolution of the project, the influences behind the mythos, and how the band is now gearing up for a UK tour, their first leap to North America, and even contributing music motion pictures.

It's a deep dive into the swampy saga of Froglord - and you don't want to miss it. Tune in and subscribe.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Mark Richard from The Jam Yeti Music Blog is back as we unleash our Top 10 favorite albums from the second quarter of 2026. We’re packing this episode with massive discoveries — listener‑powered lists, a stack of honorable mentions, and a whole wave of killer new music you need in your rotation. Plus, we’re giving you an early look at the albums set to explode in the upcoming third quarter. If you’re hungry for fresh sound and future favorites, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in and hit subscribe to stay ahead of the curve.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I take a moment to talk about the future of the show and what to expect for the foreseeable future. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I welcome vocalist and guitarist Ted Hampton, drummer Larry Hundertmark and bassist Sammy Astolfi of the band Radium Haze to the show. Their debut EP Emission came out in March is full of crushing, heavy riffs! They talk about what they were digging into growing up, how they got together after Ted and Larry lived across the country for over ten years, after being friends with each other in Brooklyn, and what they have coming up in the near future. So make sure to check out their EP Emission, then come back and hear more about the band with my conversation with them. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I welcome vocalist Adam Weinberg, guitarist Dan Witt, bassist Chris Basile and  “Drummer” Jeff of Black Belt Jesus to the show. In August of 2025, they released their self-titled debut album is a flat out banger! With heavy riffs and groove-driven songwriting they are a band to be on the lookout for! We dig into their influences, their creative process, what they have coming up on the horizon and much more. These guys have a blast making music together and you can sense it in my chat with them! Check out their album then come back to hear my conversation with the guys!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast The Gateway to Gravitoyd series concludes as I welcome Ben Bellum, the bassist for Grim Trophies, who will be closing out the after party for this years Gravitoyd Doomfest IV, being held in Houston, Texas on May 2nd at Eighteen Ten Ojeman. Ben and I had a great conversation, not only about everything Grim Trophies, but he also hosted a podcast called “The Greatest Thing You’ve Never Heard” that we talk about and he’s also a contributor to the Doomcharts, and he gives some of his favorite albums to come out this year. Ben is an ocean of musical knowledge and I had a great conversation with him! It’s also been announced who will be opening this year’s fest, whom I’ll also preview in this episode. So buckle in and enjoy the Gateway to Gravitoyd finale before the big day this Saturday! Tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast The Gateway to Gravitoyd series continues as I welcome Philip Bennett, Chris Tamez, Ethan Tamez & George Baba of Warlung to the show. Warlung is one of the many awesome bands playing at this year’s Gravitoyd Doomfest IV, taking place in Houston, Texas on May 2nd at Eighteen Ten Ojeman. It was a blast talking with these guys, whose latest album, The Poison Touch, was released in 2025 and was in the top 25 for the year on the Doomcharts. We talk about that, their influences, how they got together and what’s on the horizon. The Heavy Desert Hot Seat returns as well as they tell you who some overrated bands are, who’d they want to tour with and much more! So make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I welcome King Perez Cude, Jack Strüb, and Oscar Morales of band Oogwei. Out of Austin, Texas  these guys bring a sound of psych-rock, stoner metal, progressive doom drenched with desert rock influence that is sure to please the ears! Their debut album. Extremely Wicked, Shocking Evil, Twisted & Vile came out in February of this year and landed on the Doomcharts, which they had NO IDEA about (you’ll love their reaction!) We talk about their backstory, the making of the album, what they have on the horizon and much more! These guys are just what this scene is looking for, three 21-year olds that bring it! Plus, Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns for another album review on another Jam Yeti Music Minute segment. Be sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I welcome back to the show, the man behind Grand Rapids Doomfest, Jason Doome. Jason is in the midst of promoting this year’s Grand Rapids Doomfest III, that will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 10th at The Pyramid Scheme. We get all into it, including what inspired him to go from being just a fan of the doom scene, to jumping into the promotion game and putting on his festival. He talks about this year’s lineup, including a free pre-party the night before which includes three bands. Jason’s passion for the scene is infectious and it was great to have him on the show again to talk all about it! Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast I welcome Sara de Luca, Alessandro Camurati, and Nicola Viola of the band Godzilla Was Too Drunk To Destroy Tokyo. An Italian heavy-psych/stoner rock trio known for their chaotic energy and fuzz-drenched sound. They were founded in 2022 in Calice Ligure near Genoa, Italy, and blend heavy psych, stoner rock, punk, and 60s-style acid rock into a loud, unhinged, and hypnotic style. We dig into their influences, their creative process, some of their upcoming gigs and much more. Sara even shares a crazy story about a cat, a dog, some stairs and a glass bottle. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!