Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The MetalSucks Podcast

Fleshgod Apocalypse mastermind Francesco Paoli is on this week's podcast! Today's show focuses heavily on the band's first new album in five years, Opera! The album dropped this past Friday and we gave it a pretty strong score, so naturally we wanted to talk about what went into the release. During our chat, we discuss the mountain climbing accident that put Paoli's life on pause, the recovery process, and the tour that helped him feel normalcy again on stage after the accident. We also chat about the personal approach he took on the new album, his experiences with the opera growing up, and we discuss the upcoming North American tour. Petar and Sylvia discuss Mötley Crüe dropping a Beastie Boys cover and why that choice is a head scratcher in our opinion, Slipknot's Sid Wilson getting burned in an explosion, Korn launching a fan art contest for their 30th anniversary, and all the fall tour cancellations happening in North America. Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Bloodclock” Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Pendulum” Song: Undeath “Brandish The Blade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Karl Sanders of Nile  back on the show. This time, however, we're here to discuss The Underworld Awaits Us All, the band's 10th studio album. During our chat, Karl gives us insights on the album's pre-production, including its timeline, how it was a unique experience compared to previous albums, and how Mark Lewis has earned the vital importance of earning the band's trust when mixing an album. He also chats about having a song that is needed in sequence to take a breathe from the sheer brutality of the new album, the process to get the artwork and vinyl pressing just right, and touring in 2024 with realities that dictate how to make it a successful run. Petar and Jozalyn tackle Tommy Lee’s wisdom of being an escort has a down side when it gets to the escorting part of it, Deicide’s drummer defending the use of AI artwork, John 5 getting everyone hyped up for another new Motley Crue song, and Randy Blythe reminding us once again of the power of being in the moment of a live performance. Song: Nile “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes” Song: Nile “To Strike With Secret Fang” Song: Oceano “The Price of Pain” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seven Spires axeman Jack Kosto is joining the show this week to discuss the band's newly released album A Fortress Called Home. We begin the discussions with Jack on his role on the mixing, mastering, and producing of the album, as well as how he gained the trust of the band to take on those responsibilities. We also discuss the album's visual aspect, Adrienne’s lyrical content having a distinct vulnerability this time around,  the approach Seven Spires have when creating music on tour, and the steps it will take to get a headlining tour in the states for the band. Petar and Brandon discuss our recollections of the 25th anniversary of Limp Bizkit’s multi platinum selling Significant Other, James Hetfield possibly writing more “Unforgiven” tracks, bands needing to do more full album “medleys” in concert, and getting food poisoned at a major festival sounding like a hellish experience. Song: Seven Spires “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind”” Song: Seven Spires “Architect of Creation” Song: In Hearts Wake “Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Death metal legend Chris Reifert is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this week's episode, Reifert joined host Petar and discussed the unicorn that was GG Allin, what it was like performing right after pandemic restrictions were lifted, how he can over tinker with songs if he allows them to linger without being released, and the new album having a real feeling and sense of urgency.  They also get down to Reifert's criteria of blindly buying an album in the '80’s, how he never wanted to re-record a classic Autopsy album, his thoughts on commemorating Scream Bloody Gore as it reaches its 35th anniversary, and the biggest difference between death metal fans from the early days compared to now. Later on in the show, Petar and Jozalyn discuss Jim Root’s comments on being “unsure” about the new Slipknot album, how we as fans have had trouble connecting to mainstream metal albums in 2022, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Alice In Chains' Dirt and our thoughts on the potential Dio museum. Song: Autopsy - “Skin By Skin” Song: Autopsy - “Knife Slice, Axe Chop” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Flames vocalist Anders Fridén is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we discuss he indulges in American Football when touring the States, how to put together a setlist that won’t disappoint fans after 14 albums, and how the world we entered post-pandemic is somehow more hostile. We also chat with Fridén about the importance of Alice In Chains to heavy music and to him as a lyricist, the direction he gave on the cover artwork for new album Foregone, the reaction and new feeling he's experienced touring the States post-pandemic, and the one time his eight year old son was needed to help In Flames in a video game competition. Petar and Brandon celebrate Ozzy Osbourne’s first number one album on the Billboard Charts, Gene Simmons’s statement declaring “I Don’t Have Friends,” and we breakdown MetalSucks' 10 people we can’t stand at metal shows. Song: In Flames “Foregone Pt. 1” Song: Defacing God “Rise Of The Trinity” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guitarist Matteo Di Giola from Destrage is our guest this week on The MetalSucks Podcast! In this exciting episode, we discuss the title of the first single and how he feels he is a part of things that currently suck, how trying to communicate in modern times is too much effort for many people, the decision behind signing to Periphery’s 3DOT record label. We also chat about the band's Stone Temple Pilots cover on the new album, the story behind Devin Townsend’s guest spot, a analogy that he was told about the difference between cultures in America and Italy, and why he questions the phrase cultural appropriation. This week's episode also features a discussion between Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia about some of the week's big headlines, including the tragic passing of Soilwork guitarist David Andersson, our thoughts on The Black Dahlia Murder continuing on without Trevor Strnad, and Tommy Lee overcharging his fans to join his Only Fans page. Song: Soilwork “Tongue” Song: Destrage “ Everything Sucks and I Think I’m A Big Part Of It” Song: Irist “Heal” Song: Holy Fawn “Void of Light” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iconic lyricist and frontman Neil Fallon is our guest this week! We discuss the livestream sessions known as the Doom Saloon that was done to celebrate 30 years of the band, why he felt the need not to do streaming performance pre recorded, on how the latest album was a study centric scenario for the band, on focusing more on storytelling when he wants to present lyrical content, how music videos have been a huge part of their creative process the last decade, the lessons that he learned through the years opening for audiences that seemed not being receptive, if he is open to writing a Clutch autobiography, the importance of traveling to help you empathize with people, and what he wanted to write about when he started writing the new album Sunrise on Slaughter Beach. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Jozalyn recording her first comedy special in Colorado, missing the Motley Crüe Stadium tour, Trent Reznor’s comments on watching the Taylor Hawkins tribute show, and our thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne’s comments on his future. Song: Clutch “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)” Song: Clutch “We Strive For Excellence” Song: Reformist “Hivemind” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Netherheaven crushing skulls everywhere today, Revocation's David Davidson took some time to sit down and have a fun little chat on this bonus episode of The MetalSucks Podcast.  In this episode, we discuss the last movie David saw in theaters, the negative reaction he gets about the types of art he loves and how it affects his perception, and a warning to not watch a certain film while under the influence of drugs. Oh, and as the band gears up for its tour in support of the new record, we also discussed Davidson's journey of finding his true identity as a musician, what it was like learning new software to produce his own music, and knowing when a song is done. Song: Revocation - “Re-Crucified” (ft. Trevor Strand and George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher) Song: Brymir - “Voices In The Sky” Song: A thru Z - “Stranded” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Electric Callboy vocalists Nico Sallach and Kevin Ratajczak are our guests this week! We discuss the importance of music being a part of culture, their experience of mashing up different styles of music with heavy metal, how YouTube has helped people be more open minded during the pandemic, and how the empathy the youth should get for making it through the pandemic years. We also chat about their new album Tekkno having the ultimate goal of making people feel good, the difficult time away from performing live, the fans that kept them afloat, and the upcoming U.S. tour with Attack! Attack! After the interview, Petar and Sylvia discuss Scott Ian’s comments about Mike Patton being asked to join Anthrax, Corey Taylor’s comments on Stone Sour’s hiatus, and researchers finding lyrics that are misheard the most. Song: Electric Callboy “Pump It” Song: Devil Wears Prada “Watchtower” Song: Space of Variations “Someone Else” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Holmes of Bloodbath and Paradise Lost is our guest this week! We discuss the concept behind the bloody music video for lead single "Zombie Inferno," the album artwork bringing him back to being in the record store in 1988, the zombie films that infected him when he was 9 years old, and the element of the mystery being lost in modern horror films. We also chat about getting Barney from Napalm Death and Luc Lemay from Gorguts to guest on the new album, how the Florida sound influenced Survival of the Sickest, the visa issues that caused Bloodbath to miss shows in North America, the pandemic hindering the last Paradise Lost album Obsidian, what it was like to perform to a digital audience during that time with Paradise Lost, and his thoughts on doing a livestream with Bloodbath. Petar and Brandon discuss Avatar thinking its their duty to save heavy metal, and Ozzy tripping on acid and talking to a horse for an hour. Song: Bloodbath “Zombie Inferno” Song: Bloodbath “Carved” Featuring Luc Lemay of Gorguts Song: Conan “Righteous Alliance” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Morgan Lander of Kittie is our guest this week! We discuss how the When We Were Young Festival started the ball rolling for them to reunite, creating the documentary on the history of the band, the importance of being able to tell their story on there own terms and how the reunion has sparked a renewed interest in the band. Over the course of our discussion, we also talk about the positive of keeping some distance with fans and going on a hiatus, the Kittie album Lander would prefer to play in its entirety, her new project Karkaos and its current status, what her current deadline is for new music from Kittie, and her thoughts on rerecording their classic debut album for its 25th anniversary. Petar and Brandon report on going to Psycho Vegas this weekend, Jimmy Page not collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne on his new album, and Charlie Benante telling haters to stay at him when Pantera reunites. Song: Kittie “Cutthroat” Song: Telekinetic Yeti “Ancient Nug” Song: Fallujah “Radiant Ascension” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film composer Tyler Bates is back on the show! We discuss his involvement in producing new music and touring with Jerry Cantrell, how performing again after the pandemic was a almost spiritual connection with the fanbase, recruiting the band that would perform on Jerry’s new album Brighten, producing the major label debut for Starcrawler, all the details in composing the music for the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coasters, on collaborating with Chelsea Wolfe on the soundtrack to the film X, and his latest soundtrack works including Dayshift starring Jamie Foxx. Petar and Jozalyn we discuss our plans for the Psycho Las Vegas Festival this upcoming weekend, how we navigate so many bands playing on six stages, Satyr from Satyricon unwilling to apologize for Black Metal, and Max Cavalera possibly plotting an original Soulfully reunion to celebrate the debut album. Song: Tyler Bates and Chelsea Wolfe “Dolls” X Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Song: Tyler Bates “Big John’s Sacrifice” Dayshift Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Song: Jerry Cantrell “Brighten” Song: Starcrawler “Stranded” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film Composer and Musical Icon Danny Elfman is our guest this week! We discuss the remix and reimagined album Bigger. Messier coming out August 12th, the importance of being curious when creating a remix album with other artists, the sequencing of the remix album being lead be music opposed to Big Mess, why he felt he needed to create his own deadline to complete his latest solo record, the pandemic being a perfect combination of having to create to keep sane, on how he know when a song is complete in his creative process, album artwork being such an important piece to him creating an album, getting Iggy Pop as a dream collaborator on the new project, and the difference between his soundtrack work being a character in the film or capturing a specific moment. Petar, and Jozalyn discuss Korn Guitarist Head’s statement about the metal community being inclusive, Def Leppard’s guitarist Phil Collen waiting for the next Metallica, and Phil Anselmo making a statement about Vinnie Paul and Dimebag on his recently announced Pantera reunion. Song: Danny Elfman & Trent Reznor “ True” Song: Danny Elfman & Iggy Pop “ Kick Me Song: Mirror Queen “Inviolate” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Powerhouse personality and vocalist Lzzy Hale is back on the podcast! We are here to celebrate Halestorms’s co-headlining North American Tour with I Prevail running from July 9th all the way to August 17th. We also discuss Halestorm keeping the same members for 21 years, some of the secrets of maintaining positive relationships with bandmates, her love for animals of all kinds since because of her upbringing, the story of some diehard fans delivering letters to her on tour and the impact it brought her, being brave in the world not negating being terrified to put yourself out there, having to explain her music when she was 13 years old to a principal, and paying it forward in a recent tour with The Warning. Petar and Sylvia discuss the release of the first new song for The Black Dahlia Murder following the tragic passing of Trevor Strand, how proud we are of the metal community showering the track with positivity, also we talk about Serj Tankian’s comments on what it would take to make a new System of A Down Record, and Dennis Lyxzén of Refused giving us a huge health scare this week. Song: Halestorm “Wicked Ways” (Live) Song: Halestorm & I Prevail “can u see me in the dark?” - Single Song: Ulcerate “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Halo Effect vocalist Mikael Stanne is our guest this week! We discussed the origins of his new band The Halo Effect, how the pandemic helped the project in crafting the debut album, the decades he has known his other bandmates in the project, the secretive nature of the project and the excitement to rollout the announcement to fans, if he felt the expectations that the project would bring to the fanbase when writing the songs, the story behind naming the project, the approach on writing lyrics based on his history with his band members, focusing on negativity, injustice and destructive thoughts being part of the writing process, and the experience of performing 4 songs in the freezing cold on a roof top in Sweden. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the fan that rushed the stage at a Rage Against The Machine show that lead to Tom Morello getting tackled, Ivan Moody disowning Five Finger Death Punch’s Music Video, and Michael Keene’s latest moment before a performance of The Faceless. Song: The Halo Effect “Shadowminds” Song: The Halo Effect “Feel What I Believe” Song: Stick To Your Guns “Hush” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Imperial Triumphant’s Steve Blanco is our guest! We discuss how he got Kenny G as a guest performer on the band's new album Spirit of Ecstasy, recently touring the border countries of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, and the film composer that is the biggest inspiration on his band. We also discuss Stanley Kubrick being a perfect example of cinema, his thoughts on modern-day art versus entertainment, how everything they do is somehow tied to New York City, and looking forward to their upcoming tour with Zeal & Ardor. Petar, Sylvia, and Brandon tackle Scott Ian’s comments about S.O.D. being canceled in modern times, Corey Taylor giving up on changing people’s views, and Mike Patton’s need to step away from lives shows due to his mental health. Song: Imperial Triumphant, “Merkurius Gilded” Song: Imperial Triumphant, “Maximalist Scream” Song: Psycroptic, “A Fool’s Errand” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nile mastermind Karl Sanders is our guest this week! We discuss his third solo effort Saurian Apocalypse, the journey to complete the trilogy he started back in 2004, how guitarist Rusty Cooley gave him guitar lessons during the pandemic, and the number of guest performers that he included on the record. Karl also breaks down the era of music in which he feels that creativity was more encouraged, the importance of the album covers to all his solo projects, and the upcoming book that the wrote for this project. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the recently-announced Pantera reunion, the band members that were chosen to replace the Abbot Brothers, and Nita Strauss leaving the Alice Cooper band to join up with Demi Lovato. Song: Karl Sanders “The Sun Has Set On The Age of Man” Song: Karl Sanders “Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition)" Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diehard metal fan and Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tim Keller is our guest this week! Tim discusses how he looks to metal for inspiration when he is writing speeches, which bands help us focus when we need to create a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and how many of his peers in public service are also hardcore metalheads. He also discusses the show that he attended the day after he became mayor, the last time that he went into the mosh pit, at what heavy metal show he decided to run for mayor in the first place, how he got the parks department to livestream a Metallica show at a drive-in during the pandemic, the one metal musician he would want to give the keys to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the  band that he never got to see see because he was kicked out of a concert. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the programmer who wore a Tool shirt to a job interview and got the job, and Vince Neil using a teleprompter. Song: Anthrax “Among The Living” Song: Wake “Swallow The Light” Song: My Sleeping Karma “Perma” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Mudvayne and Hellyeah frontman Chad Gray is our guest! We discuss his early touring days with Slipknot before Mudvayne broke out, the trek the ended a 26-month touring cycle, Mudvayne’s motivation for wearing make-up in their early days, and the importance of mystique to the success of the band.  Chad also talks about connecting with the fans with his live performance, protecting openers when the Mudvayne fanbase is disrespectful to them, which album was more difficult to follow up -- L.D. 50 or Lost and Found -- Vinnie Paul seeing every show he could in Vegas, how Dime and Vinnie Paul celebrated Dime’s birthday every year in Vegas, and Vinnie Paul transitioning from Dallas mainstay to Las Vegas legend. Petar and Sylvia discuss the 24 hour-straight Rage Against The Machine protest at a Canadian radio station, the backsplash we recently received for our negative comments about Mötley Crüe stadium tour kick off, and our thoughts on Dave Mustaine’s recent comments about ex-Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson. Song: Mudvayne, “Death Blooms” Song: Hellyeah, “Black Flag Army” Song: Grey Daze, “Starting To Fly” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Municipal Waste frontman Tony Foresta is back on the show! We discuss the concept of Municipal High that the band has been working on for a decade, an update on the screenplay that may feature a Paranormal Janitor, our thoughts on the Hollywood remake of The Toxic Avenger, how difficult it is to commit to watching great TV shows, and our gripe with the new trend of three-hour-long comic book films. Tony also tells us a great story about when he was checking out a live Panic At The Disco Show, regales us with his worst onstage spill moment, and explains how all of us are losing years of photos because of the digital age. Petar and Brandon tackle the debut of the new tracks by Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne, which song met our expectations and which music video left us concerned, and the heartbreaking ruling made by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade in the United States. Song: Municipal Waste “Electrified Brain” Song: Municipal Waste “High Speed Steel” Song: Greg Puciato “Lowered Featuring Reba Meyers of Code Orange” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Mille Petrozza of thrash legends Kreator is our guest! We discuss his love of coffee and how Kreator got into the coffee game, what metal-branded coffee he would vouch for, what he always wants to achieve when writing a new album, the pandemic not being good for him creatively the way it was for many other bands, and why now was the time to write a song about the metal community. He also talks about how filmmaker Ari Aster influenced the music video for “Midnight Sun,” missing Nirvana at small clubs when they played in Germany years ago, how the European festival circuit killed a lot of competition, and the difficulties of living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle on tour. Petar and Sylvia discuss Motley Crüe’s return to the stage, all the build up by the band prior to the show, the drama that happened immediately after the first show, and Herman Li from Dragonforce exalting the guitar virtuoso known as Kurt Cobain. Song: Kreator “Hate Über Alles” Song: Kreator “Become Immortal” Song: Lord of The Lost “The Heartbeat of The Devil” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater is back on the show! We discuss his upcoming North American solo tour that kicks off June 25th, the medley that he has created for the tour (which includes Liquid Tension Experiment and Dream Theater tracks), how his solo shows can be viewed as a musical autobiography, what goes into good ambient music, and how that genre brings him peace. He also talks about practicing meditation while playing the piano, his thoughts on competition when he attended Julliard, enjoying social media, what drove him to start a Patreon, and why he prefers to write music with other artists in the same room. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss Larrisa Stupar’s decision to pause Venom Prison live shows as she takes on motherhood, Johnny Rotten’s statement on anarchy being a terrible idea, and Kirk Hammett telling us all that Metallica “warned everyone” of the negative effects of streaming. Song: Jordan Rudess “Weightless” Song: Liquid Tension Experiment “ Hypersonic” Song: Dream Theater “The Alien” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The legendary Max Cavalera is our guest this week! We discuss his current tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic Sepultura albums Beneath The Remains and Arise, the lyrical content on those records having a better meaning now than it did 30 years ago, how society in general considered the material ridiculous back then, and the younger generation discovering his classic records. We also talk about what it will take to get Killer Be Killed to do a full tour, why he had doubts that the project would work at all, the journey of two years that went into the latest Soulfly album Totem, and the reason the closing song is over ten minutes long. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia discuss the inconveniences of going to concerts win your 60’s, the first trailer for Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe, and Wolfgang Van Halen’s response to Reelz doing an ‘Autopsy’ program on his father Song: Sepultura “Beneath The Remains” Song: Sepultura “Desperate Cry” Song: Temple Of Void “Hex, Curse, & Conjuration” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Blöthar the Berserker of GWAR is back on the show! We discuss how there is nothing more boring than Ken Burns’ Baseball, GWAR possibly doing a country EP inspired by Miranda Lambert, the GWAR comic book coming out the same day as their new record, if GWAR is more art- than music-based, and how the pandemic allowed the band to focus on many different aspects of GWAR. The intergalactic sexlord also talks about catching COVID on their last North American tour, performing one show with only two members during that trek, why GWAR wrestling shows occur before a major production show, his favorite GWAR “scripted” tour, why the lyrics of their new single “Mother Fucking Liar” were easy to write, GWAR being the hardest band to be in, and how GWAR ruined a Goo Goo Dolls album. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the mass shooting that occurred in Texas, our thoughts and reactions to gun violence in America, and Mike Shinoda’s comments on artist feeling forced to be social media stars. Song: GWAR “Mother Fucking Liar” Song: GWAR “Berserker Mode” Song: Alestrom “P.A.R.T.Y” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orange Goblin’s Ben Ward is joining the MetalSucks Podcast this week! Their first new studio album in six years Science, Not Fiction is dropping on July 19 and we're here to discuss that and more! We talk about Ward's one and only chance meeting with the late Ronnie James Dio, which is a story in itself. We also get to talking about recording the metal lifer anthem and second single “Cemetery Rats”, how fitness infiltrating the scene has made a much more positive situation for many metalheads, playing shows sober and how it had a little bit of a learning curve. Naturally, we also talked about the mainstream media, the lies they present, and trying to discover the truth about events. Among other things, we also discuss how the band has its 30th anniversary approaching and some of his thoughts on that milestone. Petar and Brandon tackle Sebastian Bach’s attack on fans' T-shirts at a recent concert, then his decision to double down on social media to explain why he was being a dick, Bon Jovi stating the obvious about Lzzy Hale performing with Skid Row, and this goddamn overpriced Slayer cooler that Petar’s going to end up buying. Song: Orange Goblin “Cemetery Rats” Song: Kissin’ Dynamite “The Devil Is A Woman” Song: X-Cops “Light Em Up” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brett Boland of Astronoid is our guest this week! We discuss why lyrics are the part of creating music that he finds the most difficult, how current events affected the words that he placed on the record, and what recent film that he felt was an influence on him sonically. We also discuss the A24 film universe, why the PBS streaming service is all he needs for television, having his daughter and the transition that comes to your life with having kids, the stride that the band hit before the pandemic and how that pause affected their momentum, and of course, his thoughts on the final Rambo film. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia blast Vince Neil for being the face of a pay day loan commercial, Bon Jovi’s current vocal issues, and Emperor Rhombus’ piece on Dio always being the coolest metal singer. On this week’s episode, Petar mentions that a GoFundMe has been launched for the family of his late friend Ben Black. You can donate to Ben’s campaign here. Song: Astronoid “Human” Song: Astronoid “Sleep Whisper” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Editor's note: On this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, our hosts discuss the death of Trevor Strnad, and in doing so talk at length about suicide and mental health. I want to take this moment to thank them for sharing their stories so bravely, and hope that their experiences can offer our listeners an insight into their own. If you or anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Don't hesitate, just call. Please know: you are not alone. This week, God Forbid vocalist Byron Davis joins the show! We discuss the vinyl reissue of the band’s classic album Gone Forever, how vital the fanbase was in getting God Forbid to reunite, seeing the world of music differently ten years later, and if he found maturing in a band a difficult process. Byron also discusses the first show he went to completely by himself, modern music becoming background noise from many consumers, the limitations that creatives have in modern times, the industry having fewer gatekeepers because of the decline of physical media, the world losing the ability to reach common ground, ways in which society can possibly change for the future, and all the opportunities that we can bring to the next generation. Petar, Jozalyn, and Sylvia tackle the tragic news of the passing of Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder, the weight of his passing on all of us, our friends and families’ personal experiences with Trevor, and our personal mental struggles in modern times. Song: The Black Dahlia Murder, “I Will Return” Song: God Forbid, “The End Of The World” Song: Cage Fight, “Respect Ends” Song: Dälek, “A Heretic’s Inheritance” featuring Adam Jones Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Evergrey guitarist/vocalist Tom Englund is our guest! We discuss the huge number of songs he wrote and recorded during the pandemic, working on video game soundtracks (including the new Evil Dead game), how a musical director dictates their vision when creating music for any game, and making music on a day job schedule every week. We also discuss how he got fans to participate vocally on the band’s upcoming album A Heartless Portrait (The Orphan Testament), how Evergrey are planning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, and updates on new albums from his other projects including Redemption and Silent Skies. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Judas Priest getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Danzig stating that his current tour may be his last, at what age heavy music artists should call it a day, and Rob Zombie’s The Munsters being nearly 3 hours long. Song: Evergrey “Save Us” Song: Evergrey “Midwinter Calls” Song: Jani Liimatanien “Breathing Divinity Featuring Bjorn “Speed” Strid Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie and songwriting partner Paul Logue join us! We celebrate James’ new solo album Beautiful Shades of Grey and discuss how they got James’s son Chance to work on drums for the album, and why they decided to cover Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On." We also talk about how the album was originally just acoustic guitars and vocals, life advice from our fathers that has stuck with us, and the powerful tribute James wrote for his late brother. Petar and Sylvia also discuss Kid Rock and Prince not being nice to Steve-O, Metallica playing its album to a barrel of whiskey, what record we can listen for 24 hours straight and still enjoy, and the most expensive rock song to use in feature films. Song: James LaBrie “Devil in Drag” Song: James LaBrie “Give and Take” Thank you to our sponsor Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Darkest Prince of All Rebellion from Philly’s Devil Master is our guest! We discuss him losing band members during the pandemic, regrouping to create the band’s new album Ecstasies of Never Ending Night, the difficult transition of balancing “adventure time” to “business time” on tour, landing stadium gigs opening for My Chemical Romance, and Gerard Way buying all their merch at an L.A. performance. We also discuss whether or not the band’s setlist will cater to the MCR crowd, recording the new album on analog tape, and the book that he gives to people as a challenge to complete. Meanwhile, former MetalSucks podcast hosts Chuck and Godless return to the show! They join Petar to discuss Trevor Strand of The Black Dahlia Murder teasing a Couples Video on his lady’s OnlyFans, Dino Cazares withholding who the new singer for Fear Factory is until 2023, and our take on Emperor Rhombus opinion piece on “Gatekeepers” and “Elitists” in our genre. Song: Devil Master “The Vigour of Evil” Song: Devil Master “Acid Black Mass” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maylene and the Sons of the Disaster frontman Dallas Taylor is our guest this week! We discuss the long road to recovery following his life-changing accident, the mental state he was in prior to it, how getting off medication allowed him to truly focus on his return to music, and being haunted by the ‘what if’ that motivated his creative life. Dallas also talks about noticing that people are embracing the real less and escaping more, learning that the majority of the things we worry about don’t really matter, how easy it is to hurt people emotionally when we are hurting, and how his new vampire film The Virginia Bitches came to fruition. Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn also discuss Jim Carrey’s first time hearing Pantera, their own experiences when first hearing the band, and Jason Newsted not partaking in a Van Halen tribute band. Song: Maylene and the Sons of Disasters “Step Up (I’m On It)” Song: Maylene and the Sons of Disasters “Open Your Eyes” Song: Moon Tooth “Alpha Howl” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Destruction frontman Schmier is our guest this week! We discuss the 40th anniversary of the band, how writing music for their new album Diabolical was his personal savior, how influential GBH was during the the early days of Destruction, if the punks vs. metalheads feud of the ‘80s was a positive for thrash's image, and how Destruction got hate from their South American fanbase for canceling shows in Russia. He also discusses his thoughts on how social media became nothing more than a propaganda tool, his surprise at how easy it was to divide the world between vaxxers and anti-vaxxers during the pandemic, the story behind the Chef Schmier’s Cooking Studio videos on YouTube, what the first stop always is when Destruction tour America, and why he feels he is the best guy to man the  grill when the band is on the road. Petar and Brandon also discuss Dragonforce not getting paid a ton for Guitar Hero, the impact of video games and music in their youths, and Chris Jericho admitting to using backing tracks at live shows Song: Destruction “No Faith In Humanity” Song: Destruction “State of Apathy” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lord Ahriman of satanic black metallers Dark Funeral is our guest this week! We discuss his thoughts on Shakespeare and memorable theatrical performances, why the rhythms on the band’s new album We Are The Apocalypse were a primary focus, and being unable to leave Cancun, Mexico, when the pandemic hit the world. We also talk about how someone stole Dark Funeral’s stage armor the last time they toured America, how the philosophy and vision of the band has changed in the last 30 years, and how finally having a proper budget has allowed him to make the music videos he always wanted to do. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Alex Skolnick’s comment on the Chris Rock/Will Smith Oscars slap and the ramifications of the slap on modern culture. Song: Dark Funeral “Nightfall” Song: Dark Funeral “Let The Devil In” Song: The Spirit “Celestial Fire” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our guest this week is Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo! In celebration of his new solo album War of The Worlds Part II, he tells us about his first memories of the H.G. Wells classic that inspired the work, if the record is a part of a trilogy that he has planned,  changing  vocalists between Parts I and II, the CGI-inspired videos that he has released to promote the new album, and keeping the lyrics in the science fiction realm. He also discusses his favorite kaiju character of all time, the reason he feels a vocalist is important for his solo projects, how he writes music for his solo albums as opposed to how he does it for his main project Symphony X, and why he feels he needs to get back on tour before recording a new Symphony X album. Petar, Brandon and Jozalyn also discuss the heartbreaking news of the passing of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and the legacy he left behind. Song: Foo Fighters “I Am A River” Song: Michael Romeo “Divide & Conquer” Song: Michael Romeo “Metamorphosis” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sen Dog of the legendary Cypress Hill is our guest this week! We discuss the positive effects of the pandemic in regards to creating new music, how the legalization of marijuana turned out differently than the public thought it would, his crew’s upcoming tour with Slipknot, and how a heavy metal audience changes their setlist. He also talks about the upcoming Showtime documentary on Cypress Hill celebrating hip hop at 50, some of the difficulties of looking back on his career for the documentary, the challenges of success and adapting to nonstop touring, an update on his metal band Powerflo with Billy from Biohazard, and why he chose to pursue a career in hip hop over heavy metal in his youth. Meanwhile, Petar and Brandon discuss Dolly Parton removing herself from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ballot, the public responses from Dee Snider and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest, how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shrugged her statement off, and whether or not there will be another Tool record in the next 13 years. Song: Cypress Hill “Open Ya Mind” Song: Cypress Hill “Certified” Featuring Demrick Song: Undeath “Rise From The Grave” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The MetalSucks Podcast, Evergrey's Tom S. Englund returns to discuss the band's 14th studio album Theories of Emptiness, due out this Friday, June 7. During our chat, discuess what went into the promotional picture where the band is covered in mud and the experience cleaning all that off after the shoot. We also discuss the music video for “Falling From The Sun” and some of the artistic decisions that went into its creation, Looking to the band's future plans, Englund lists the countries Evergrey will be visiting for the first time on their upcoming South American tour. He also shares how he got Adam “Nolly” Getgood involved in the mixing process early on for the new album, how the constellation on the cover artwork has a direct tie-in to the album title, and some of the projects he's currently working on in the world of video games. Petar goes solo this week as he answers a fan’s email about the recently released docuseries Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza, how the series missed a major change in the industry, my theory on what changed the festival, and how modern music has been formatted since to audiences. Song: Evergrey “Falling From The Sun” Song: Evergrey “Say” Song: Vision of Atlantis “Armada” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Periphery guitarist Mark Holcomb joins the show! We discuss the debut full-length album from his project Haunted Shores, how the band’s formation led to him join Periphery, the riff graveyard that he uses to create songs, and on treating music for Haunted Shores like a 9-to-5 job. We also talk about how to deal with writer’s block to meet deadlines, how ‘Mario Party’ was a big part of writing ‘Periphery 4’ (not to mention who his Mario Party character was and how it caused anger within the group), how their own record label 3DOT Recordings has benefited the band in so many ways, and how intense the process has been to get ‘Periphery 5’ to sound just right. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss the two-year anniversary of the pandemic, how we have changed as people from the COVID lockdown, our initial reaction on the show two years ago, and where we go from here. Song: Haunted Shores “Hellfire” Song: Haunted Shores “When In Oslo” Song: Nekrogoblikon “Right Now” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sabaton vocalist Joakim Brodén is our guest this week! On this episode, we discuss the stories behind three of the tracks on the band’s new album The War to End All Wars, the history and research behind those songs, and why he decided not to watch recent hit films on WWI. We also discuss almost coming to the states for the Judas Priest tour that was eventually postponed, developing the storytelling process with each album before recording, his favorite source of research, creating the Sabaton History Channel on Youtube, and the song he is most excited about performing off of the new album. Petar and Brandon also discuss Jinjer’s unfortunate cancellation of their upcoming tour dates due to the invasion of the Ukraine, Slaughter to Prevail frontman Alex Terrible addressing the conflict in the Ukraine, Matt Pike not buying into the flat-earth conspiracy theory, the return of Pete Sandoval to the world of David Vincent, and Dave Lombardo rejoining Testament. Song: Sabaton “The Unkillable Soldier” Song: Sabaton “Christmas Truce” Song: Konvent “Pipe Dreams” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mighty Kirk Windstein is back on the show! This week, we discuss Zero and Below, the new album by Kirk’s band Crowbar. We also talk about writing the record back in 2019 prior to the pandemic, the rehearsal process and livestream reunion he has planned with southern metal act Down, the 20-year anniversary of the second Down album, the making of the record as a follow-up to NOLA, and his current tour package with Sepultura and Sacred Reich being rescheduled three times. Other topics include how difficult it was for Crowbar to cancel tours during the pandemic, why it’s difficult to tour the European festival circuit in the current climate, the importance of defeating one’s fears in his life, and if there is a new Down album in the works. Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn also discuss our feelings on Cannibal Corpse fans chanting “Fuck Chris Barnes” at a recent show, Tool selling an expensive box set of Fear Inoculum, and the tragic passing of grunge and desert rock pioneer Mark Lanegan. Song: Crowbar “Chemical Godz” Song: Crowbar “ Bleeding From Every Hole” Song: Friends of Hell “Friends of Hell” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada is on the show this week! We discuss releasing the standout alone singles “Watchtower” and “Sacrifice, what they’re looking forward to on their upcoming tour with Silverstein and Beartooth, his being a passionate hockey lifelong hockey fan, and the mental health aspect of playing hockey as part of his routine. He also discusses doing a podcast with the band when the pandemic hit and its importance to him, how important therapy has been in helping him understand himself, being a avid reader but struggling to embrace that during the pandemic, and the expectations of playing thier standalone single on tour. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia also discuss Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge’s statement about being “a dictator and control freak,” Mötley Crüe adding five new dates to their stadium tour, and Dave Grohl putting out an entire death thrash album. Song: The Devil Wears Prada “Watchtower” Song: The Devil Wears Prada “Sacrifice” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Olli-Pekka Laine of Amorphis is our guest this week! On this episode, we discuss the band's new album Halo and completing the trilogy they started with Under The Red Cloud. Also covered on this episode: using a separate lyricist to write all the lyrics for the band, the complex process of getting Finnish lyrics translated into English, their upcoming North American tour and the visa process post-pandemic, creating an Amorphis wristwatch for the fans, playing in the snow for eight straight hours for their latest music video, the possibility of putting out a live release on VHS, and the current status of Olli's other project Barren Earth. Meanwhile, Petar and Brandon discuss Steve Albini’s comments on “Juggalos being less annoying than deadheads” and David Draiman missing the boat big time on Spotify “saving music”. Song: Amorphis ”On The Dark Waters” Song: Amorphis “The Moon” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark “Barney” Greenway of Napalm Death is back on the show! This time around, we discuss getting visas post-pandemic on tour in the states, getting COVID aboard during their tour with GWAR and Eyehategod, how we need to focus on the venerable at this time before getting back to a new normal, and how he feels he's not influenced by marketing or misinformation in modern times. Petar, Brandon, and Sylvia discuss Eddie Vedder’s comments about Mötley Crüe, Rob Halford admitting that four-piece Judas Priest idea was his, and our thoughts on the direction Machine Head will take on their new album following 2018's Catharsis. Song: Napalm Death “Narcissus” Song: Author and Punisher “Drone Carrying Dread” Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cannibal Corpse frontman George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher is back on the show! We discuss his new solo album, titled simply Corpsegrinder, why he finally decided the time was right for a solo album after all these years, working with Jamey Jasta on the effort, his work with Dee Snider on the Twisted Sister frontman's own solo album, and how his artwork requirements for his solo material differ from those for his main band. We also talk a whole lot of NFL football -- including his take on the current playoff picture -- as well as his love of comics. Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the upcoming Pam & Tommy mini-series, Jason Newstead being smart with his Metallica jackpot, the Neil Young vs. Joe Rogan Spotify drama, and a deep dive into the lyrics of Kid Rock's latest conservative anthem. Songs: Corpsegrinder - “On Wings Of Carnage," “Acid Vat” Featuring Erik Rutan Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week our guest is Michel “Away” Langevin of the legendary Voivod! We discuss how the band wanted their new album Synchro Anarchy to be more thrash metal than their previous record The Wake, how the band barely rehearsed and wrote the album as they recorded, the band's recent live record Lost Machine, the upcoming Voivod documentary that was funded on Kickstarter, and the 40th anniversary Voivod book they're putting together for fans. Michel also tells us about his Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor approach as a heavy metal drummer, his favorite and least favorite Voivod artwork, and the art book he is compiling from all his years of drawing. Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn discuss the break up of Every Time I Die, their personal memories as fans of the band, and the passing of Meat Loaf. Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Songs: Voivod - “Paranormalium” and “Planet Eaters” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Putney joins us again this week! We discuss Fit For an Autopsy's latest album, Oh What The Future Holds, producing the latest Every Time I Die record, Radical, the importance of having a message in his lyrical output, how he finds it difficult to support artists whose messages misalign with his own, why he is happy to be “a little dumber” so modern issues don’t consume him, his upcoming tour cycle with END, and what his home stereo system is like as a music producer. Petar and Brandon discuss what Judas Priest would sound like as a four-piece, Bruce Dickinson recording a new solo album, and Metallica and Tool employing Covid-sniffing dogs for tour safety. Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Songs: Fit For An Autopsy - "Two Towers" and “Far From Heaven," END - “Hesitation Wounds” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shadow of Intent guitarist Chris Wiseman is our guest this week! We discuss their brand new album, Elegy, his lyrical approach to the record, and how he got Chuck Billy and Phil Bozeman as guests. We also talk about postponing their European tour due to rising Covid cases, what they learned on their recent U.S. tour with Born Of Osiris, the big spectrum of how headlining bands set rules for modern touring, the pros and cons of self-releasing the band's music, why signing to a label feels like “giving up," and his plans to release different versions of Elegy. Petar and Brandon tackle Avenged Sevenfold singer M. Shadows' comments that the band's new album was “very influenced by Kanye West”, their thoughts on the latest reboot of Beavis and Butt-Head, and the viral video featuring children who don't know any songs by the bands on the shirts they're wearing. Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Songs: Shadow Of Intent - “Where Millions have Come to Die” (featuring Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel) and “From Ruin… We Rise” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are putting a spotlight on one of the more interesting releases so far this year, Crypt Sermon's latest The Stygian Rose, which will release on June 14. To that end, we got Brooks Wilson and Steve Jansson on the show to talk about everything from getting into the studio in 2022 to finally being done with it and ready for release. We'll chat about the pros and cons of going into the studio prepared, how doing that helped capture their sound, and how Brooks created the cover art. They also name the video game they feel would be displayed on a video wall before their shows, how vintage 80’s and 90’s action movies have a language of their own. Brooks also does a deep dive into an interesting regional character to inspire lyrical themes on the record and why you can’t miss these guys on tour when shows are announced in North America. Petar and Sylvia discuss a little WWE and the passing of the the torch for the Women’s Title, Bring Me The Horizon surprise releasing their latest album, our thoughts on bands that choose to do surprise releases, Live Nation’s response to the DOJ’s investigation in their business practices, and how we as fans have to navigate the current monopoly they have on shows. Song: Crypt Sermon “Glimmers In The Underworld” Song: Crypt Sermon “Heavy is the Crown of Bone” Song: Insect Ark “Youth Body Swayed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Venom Prison vocalist Larissa Stupar is our guest this week! We discuss the challenge of making their new album, Erebos, as the world continued to change around them, recording vocals at her home studio, why the artwork is such an important piece of Venom Prison's presentation, the healing effect of writing “Pain of Oizys” about past trauma, returning to the stage at the Bloodstock festival after over a year off, and how Brexit has affected bands from the U.K. touring in Europe. We also talk about how society needs to offer support to the lower class with more compassion, the message and marketing that promotes addiction to social drugs, and harmful immigration policies across the world. Petar and Brandon discuss Sammy Hagar's claim that he was asked to replace Phil Anselmo in Pantera, Corey Taylor's prediction of a new Slipknot album in 2022, and Avenged Sevenfold working on completing their own new record in January. Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Songs: Venom Prison - “Judges Of The Underworld" and “Pain of Oizys” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On our final episode of the year, we continue our Best of 2021 recap (stream part 1 here), revealing our top 5 albums of the year and chatting with some of the artist that made our list, including Chevelle's Pete Loeffler, Zao's Scott Mellinger and members of Green Lung. Don’t miss out on celebrating the music that left the biggest impression on us and broke through all the noise of 2021. Until next year, friends... thank you for every minute you gave us, and we are excited to jump back into it in 2022! Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021 is almost behind us, so this week on The MetalSucks Podcast we celebrate all the hope and despair that our favorite artists gave us in a year of comebacks and the new normal we collectively felt. We play one track from every record we loved and praise those artists for giving us music that has been unforgettable. Please join us in celebrating the first half of our top 15 albums of the year and gain some insight into those releases through featured interviews with some of the artists that brightened and enlightened, connected to us from a distance, and channeled all the emotions that remind us we are human. Thank you to our sponsor, Metal Blade Records, for their continued support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices