I catch up with Rob, Tim, and Jarvis from Cirith Ungol/Night Demon regarding recent happenings with both bands, and look towards next week's Frost & Fireland Festival in Limerick, Ireland. Learn how the fellas nearly caught Venereal Disease in Australia, made women cry in China, and what James Bond has in common with Cirith Ungol. We also discuss Night Demon's recent touring activity and support slots with Bruce Dickinson and Michael Schenker. 

On this episode, I chat to Dave Morrissey: guitarist, and founding-member of Irish trad-metallers Celtic Legacy. This band have been around the block more than a few times and have suffered numerous setbacks, but they're still standing. Dave and his counterpart, Dave "Slim" Boylan have kept the ship afloat during many trials and tribulations, also known as the "Celtic Legacy Curse". Throughout all of this, they have continued to release excellent albums, and kept a positive attitude. Celtic Legacy are survivors. They will not back down and will not take no for an answer. And they may just have their best line-up yet. 

Rollin' on in 2024, I bring you the second installment of my chat with George Silano from earlier this month. Here, we cover some of our favourite releases from 2023, featuring EPs and albums released last year that we haven't discussed in our previous chats, and things take a rather sinister turn... I also include some audio left off from Episode 88 where I interviewed Damian Kolodiy about his documentary: Immortal Soul - A Riot Tribute And Concert Film.

Clips featured in episode:

1. Primordial - "How It Ends" - How It Ends (2023)

2. Primordial - "Pilgrimage To The World's End" - How It Ends (2023)

3. Primordial - "Victory Has 1,000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan" - How It Ends (2023)

4. Bergfried - "May The Devil Pull Me Under" - Romantik II (2023)

5. By Fire & Sword - "Leave A Little Room" - Glory (2023)

6. "Kenneth Copeland Blasts The Poor & Tells Them to Tithe" - (Posted to YouTube by iThinkBiblically)

7. By Fire & Sword - "Tithe (The Money Song)" - Glory (2023)

8. Weald & Woe - "My Heart To Fear" - For The Good Of The Realm (2023)

9. Riot V - "High Noon" - High Noon [Digital Single] (2023)

In the first episode of Feckin' Metal, I speak to my oldest friend, Kevin Daly, about our metal evolution. From queuing up for U2 tickets, to buying Appetite for Destruction, to attending Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and Dio gigs - listen to the journey of two old friends who discovered classic heavy metal in the early 2000's and are still avid fans to this day. This journey takes us through VHS tapes, MiniDiscs, DVDs, and Spotify, as we discuss our enduring fandom for a genre that will always evolve but never die - heavy metal!

On the first episode of 2024, I catch up with my good friend George Silano on the year in metal: 2023. The first of multiple parts, on this installment we focus on festivals and gigs that stood out last year (and look towards some from next year), covering Hell's Heroes, Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest, Keep it True, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Saxon, W.A.S.P., and more! I also mention the passing of Tony Clarkin from Magnum and include some clips and personal history with the band. Enjoy!

Clips used in episode:

1. Magnum - "Brand New Morning" - Brand New Morning (2004)

2. Girlschool - "Race With The Devil" - Demolition (1980)

3. The Black Dahlia Murder - "What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse" - Nocturnal (2007)

4. Iron Maiden - "Death Of The Celts - Live At 3 Arena, Dublin Ireland, 24 June 2023" - (Posted to YouTube by Chromeboy2003)

5. Magnum - "Just Like An Arrow" - On A Storyteller's Night (1985)

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Rob Garven for the first time in three years, and speak to Tim Baker for the first time ever, about all of the happenings in Cirith Ungol since late 2020. It's been an extremely busy period for the band, and next year promises to be even busier. We touch on their recently-announced retirement, the departure of guitarist Jim Barazza and who will be his replacement, getting to meet childhood hero Brian Downey, artificial intelligence, and procuring seagulls from the wild! This was a highly enjoyable chat with two very entertaining guests. You can find Cirith Ungol at the links below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cirithungolofficial

Bandcamp: https://cirithungolofficial.bandcamp.com/ 

Merch: https://eu.kingsroadmerch.com/shop/artist/983 

Clip used in episode from the track "I'm Alive", available on the live album "I'm Alive" (2019).

I chat to friend and filmmaker Damian Kolodiy about his upcoming mammoth of a documentary "Immortal Soul", which focuses on the career of the band Riot/Riot V. Damian talks about his own background as a fan of heavy metal, the origin of the documentary idea, the filmmaking process, meeting members of the band and conducting interviews with them, and quite a lot more.

Check out the Immortal Soul trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWgng5NyHU

And Damian's NYC Rocks TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NYCROCKSTV 

On the latest installment of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with George Silano to discuss three more NWOTHM releases from 2023. This time we cover the debut album from Tailgunner "Guns For Hire", the fourth offering from Wytch Hazel "IV Sacrament", and the recent EP from Phantom Spell "Tales From The Black Spire".

We delve deep into each release, offering info on the bands, and opinions on the tracks. Featuring several clips, this episode is ideal for those uninitiated with these artists. I also include a recap from Keep It True Rising III, including an airport mishap on my return to Dublin!

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, Udo Dirkschneider talks about the recent, excellent U.D.O. release "Touchdown". He also discusses reuniting with former bandmate Peter Baltes, working with his son, Sven, and his relationship with Wolf Hoffmann. A legend of heavy metal speaks!

In the second installment of Feckin' NWOTHM, I'm back chatting with George Silano, and we select three releases from 2023 that fall under the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal banner. We've chosen recent releases by Tanith, Blazon Rite, and Century, giving a nice cross-section of the various styles currently on offer in the NWOTHM scene, featuring many clips and lengthy chat about our chosen releases, and the NWOTHM movement in general. You will also learn the meaning of the word "antepenultimate"! Educational, as always, here at Feckin' Metal.

On this episode, I welcome the members of Armstrong Gun, and Feckin' Metal alumni, to participate in the first ever Feckin' Metal Quiz! An idea that's been floating around in my brain for quite a while, and a recording that's been sitting on my hard drive for slightly less time than that. Feel free to play along with Dan, Cameron, and Lewis, as they compete head-to-head (-to-head?) in an interactive quiz to determine the inaugural champion of what I hope to be a regular event. Plenty of questions about Wayne's World, and a lengthy tangent about Black Sabbath, because why not? 

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Tom Hewson - bass player, main songwriter, and founding member of UK traditional metallers, Tailgunner. You'll likely have heard their name mentioned recently, whether that's due to being touted as the next coming of Def Leppard by KK Downing, or for their upcoming gigs touring the UK, or being on the bill for Keep It True Rising III in October. But how did we come to this? How did this band appear to achieve great success, seemingly overnight? Tom gives the full back story of the group, and reveals what has been happening behind closed doors to get them to where they are today.

The cultiest of cult bands? The greatest band you've never heard?? On this episode, I return to Ferg's Quest, to explore the discography of mysterious Swedes, Gotham City. But I couldn't do it alone! I had to enlist the help of metal aficionado and Gotham City nut, Chris Coxon, to help me on my way. We delve deep into the discography of the band and discuss the mystique surrounding them, analysing singers, songs, and solos. Plenty of clips in this one for those unfamiliar with the band. Don't hear small sound!

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Graham Killin, one of the two guitarists of NWOBHM band, Bleak House. If you're not familiar with the band, this is the perfect place to start. Formed in the early 1970s, in Hertfordshire, England, they survived many name changes, and the emergence of punk, to release two critically-acclaimed, but relatively-obscure EPs in the 1980s, then disappeared. That was until singer Graham Shaw received a phonecall from Oliver Weinsheimer, organiser of the Keep It True Festival, in early 2021. Since then, they've been on the up and up, and we cover all bases in between.

On this episode, the first of a new series, I chat with fellow podcaster and good friend George Silano, to delve into the movement known as the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. We discuss when we first heard the term and early bands we listened to that fall under the banner. We also list some NWOTHM favourites and discuss the future of the movement. 

On Episode 80, I speak to Luke Appleton about his recently-released solo EP "Forever Viking." We discuss the tragic situation which inspired the release, take an in-depth look at each of the four tracks, and delve into the songwriting process behind them. We also discuss Absolva, a band which features Luke's brother Chris, his time spent working with Blaze Bayley, and his time spent in Iced Earth. Luke has many stories to tell about working with his family, and writing songs with Blaze Bayley and Jon Schaffer. Luke is also open and honest regarding his exit from Iced Earth and the situation that led to it. All of this makes for a fascinating and informative chat.

In collaboration with The Mick Wall podcast, this episode features Mick and I having a discussion about Iron Maiden, focusing on the period between 1989 and 1999. Our chat covers off the parting of Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson in the early 1990s, until their eventual return in 1999. We examine the reasons why both felt they needed to leave Iron Maiden, and why both eventually returned. With the Future Past tour just around the corner, there seemed like no better time for another Maiden chinwag with Mick!

It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.

Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap between Night Demon studio albums, the creative process for the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast, and the market for traditional metal in Ireland. As always, Jarvis has plenty of interesting things to say!

It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc.

We also discuss gallivanting, camaraderie, pub prices, and the Keep it True Festival!

This is one not to be missed by heavy metal fans of any disposition! 

It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.

On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one. 

On this edition of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Oliver Weinsheimer (Oli), who is the organiser of the long-established Keep It True festival in Germany, along with several other heavy metal festivals over the years. We discuss the early days of the festival and the inspiration behind it, consulting the phone book to find bands, branching out to two festivals a year, booking bands for exclusive sets, helping to reunite bands, the placement of legacy acts on the top of the bill, and what the future holds for Keep It True. Oli answered all the tough questions in what turned out to be a very revealing interview. 

In the final piece of my short run of Irish-themed episodes, I speak to Fergal Holmes, also known as "H", owner of DME Promotions. Fergal has been promoting metal and rock gigs in Ireland since 1999 and takes me from his early beginnings putting on gigs for the love of it, right though the development of a successful and profitable business. This is a story of hard work, loyalty, and earning respect of your peers, and the lessons learned along the way. 

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc, and we discuss recent activity from his band, then delve into recent releases by Blaze Bayley and Bruce Dickinson, with a brief chat about the latest Judas Priest album/tour as well.

I also give a detailed rundown of my recent trip to Germany to attend Keep It True XXIV, and a swift rundown of Bruce Dickinson in Glasgow!

On this episode, I speak to speak to John Bonham, singer in Irish metal bands Old Season and Celtic Legacy, as well as Iron Maiden tribute band - Iorn Maiden. Hear about receiving Skype singing lessons from Tony Harnell of TNT, auditions while having bronchitis, participation in talent show "The Voice", in both Ireland and the UK (and the inner-workings of such shows), and replacing singers in two established Irish metal bands.  John is an engaging and entertaining guest with many stories to tell, from multiple decades spent in the music industry in Ireland!

On this episode of Feckin' Metal I speak to Máirtín "Fart" Mac Cormaic, a heavy metal aficionado, former record store co-owner, record label owner, serial festival-goer, and friend to many in the heavy metal community at home and abroad. We talk about early introductions to metal, the Irish scene in the 1990s, travelling to festivals, giving up drinking, music collecting, encounters with Iron Maiden, and a whole lot more! Fart has been there, done that, and bought hundreds of t-shirts!

On the 37th anniversary of his death, Mick Wall and I celebrate the life of legendary Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Mick knew Phil back in the 1970s and 1980s, and draws from his extensive catalogue of first-hand stories, as we discuss the greatest Irish rock star of them all.

Previously released on Mick's podcast "Mick Wall", here is the chat I had with Mick about all things Maiden, featuring bonus content of our chats before and after the official recording!

This episode, recorded in August 2022, but never released, is a conversation between my friend Kevin and I, discussing the eventful day that we travelled by train from Dublin to Belfast to see Iron Maiden in June 2022, and a review of the concert itself. Plenty of stories and shenanigans in this one, and you'll definitely recognise some of the people who pop up!

In this lost episode from the Virtual XI series, I go back in time to April 2022 and excavate an episode that evaded the editing process. In it, Andrew DuBroy and I dissect the missing link of our never-ending Virtual XI story "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger". Also included is a confessional from me, hoping to adequately explain my lengthy absence from your "New Episodes" list. Enjoy!

On this episode, I speak to Andrew and Chris from Nor'easter, a band based in Eastern Connecticut. A band that recorded an album in 1989, and disappeared off the face off the earth. These songs have never been heard, until now! Chris and Andrew talk me through the early days of the Nor'easter, and how they have never played an indoor show. We discuss their influences such as Ozzy, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and Judas Priest, and their early 4 and and 8-track recordings, that were finally restored in 2022. Are they hard rock, metal, or prog? And what does the future hold? Listen to find out!

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I speak to all three members of Armstrong Gun, who have recently self-released their self-titled debut album. You can hear all about how that came together, along with the meaning of the word "Scraggard", how Aretha Franklin is linked to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, and future plans for the band for the next 200,000 years! This was a very enjoyable and informative chat with an up and coming metal band whom I predict good things for in the future.

In the final part of my pentalogy (it's a thing, I looked it up), with Andrew DuBroy, we tackle the Spanish language, British and Argentinian history, an epic Iron Maiden album-closer, but mostly, our own sobriety. This is, of course, the final track on Virtual XI - Como Estais Amigos.

Let us know what you think, on Twitter @feckinmetalcast

I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc and we discuss all the goings-on between the release of Computer Warrior, and his current album "Hallowed Illusions". Hear about the reasons why he left Tantrum, working in a band vs. working solo, the recording studio vs. live shows, operating on 4 hours of sleep, merch, vinyl, profits, royalties, and much more!

On this episode, I chat to Yves Bradler, guitarist from up-and-coming traditional heavy metal band Amethyst. Amethyst made waves in 2023 with their excellent debut EP "Rock Knights". I chat to Yves about his early exposure to rock music from listening to his parents' record collections, starting to play guitar in his teens, feeling isolated at this time due to lack of likeminded friends, then meeting a new group of people in his 20s when he started attending metal festivals. We also discuss the upcoming Amethyst album, and upcoming festival appearances and gigs for this year. Amethyst are definitely one to watch.

Your favourite educated fools are back to bring you the fourth installment in our review of Iron Maiden's eleventh studio album, Virtual XI. This one includes listener feedback on the last two episodes, and contains much soul-searching from both Andrew and I.

Feckin' Metal has finally returned, and on this installment I speak to Jeff Crossdale, lead singer of Dublin-based heavy rock band Strangers With Guns.  Jeff discusses the Irish music scene in depth, and what it's like to be in a gigging, local band.  We talk about the concept of paying dues in the music industry, not getting paid for gigs, dodgy promoters, and unsavoury establishments. We also cover the song-writing process and take a close look at some lyrics and song meanings. This was a fascinating look at music on a local level, and should be of interest to any aspiring rockers!

Making his third appearance on Feckin' Metal, is a man who wears many hats in the music industry - musician, band manager, record label owner, and festival promoter, Jarvis Leatherby. In this chat we discuss the machinations of a music festival like Frost and Fireland or Hell's Heroes, and some of the politics that go with it. Should "legacy" bands be given prime billing due to their past glories? Is it time to take a punt on younger bands in the headlining slots? Can we make lunchtime slots a thing where a band plays their hit song and then leaves??

We also discuss the recent Night Demon beer launch, whether or not Jarvis has Bruce Dickinson Syndrome, bands being accessible to fans and whether that's a good or a bad thing, and lots more. Let's spread the word on the home strait and help make Frost and Fireland a huge success!

The Virtual Eleven play on, as Andrew and I examine the next song on the album "When Two Worlds Collide". Don't be quick to dismiss this track as a dud. There's a lot going on beneath the surface!

In a temporary departure from my Virtual XI series, I interview Andy, creator of the Book of Skulls table top board game, which has strong ties to heavy metal. Learn about how the germ of the idea came about from watching an episode of Community, and allow Andy to guide you through the entire creative process of developing a board game, an app, and a heavy metal soundtrack to go with it! Something truly different for Feckin' Metal, which I found absolutely fascinating.

It's Part 2, or maybe II, of my Virtual XI review with everyone's favourite Canadian Andrew DuBroy. Prepare yourselves for alternate takes on "Lightning Strikes Twice" and "The Clansman", and a truncated Irish history lesson!

In Part 1 one of this three-parter, I welcome back Andrew DuBroy, whom regular listeners will remember from our Senjutsu review series back in November 2021. This episode covers some relevant Iron Maiden history, our own initial experiences with this album, analysis of the first two tracks, and copious quantities of shenanigans and tomfoolery. Expect Steve Harris and Blaze Bayley impressions galore, as Andrew and I put on our VR headsets and immerse ourselves in 1998's Virtual XI!

In this episode, I review the recent Unto Others gig from Whelan's, in Dublin, Ireland, on the 14th of March. I also look ahead to upcoming festivals and gigs on my calendar for 2022, with a specific focus on Hell's Heroes IV in Houston, Texas in April. On top of that, I take a look at recent releases from Saxon, (the) Scorpions, Ghost, and Sabaton. And last but not least, I take a look at recent news items from the heavy metal world that have piqued my interest, featuring Black Sabbath, Dio, Thin Lizzy, and Judas Priest. Enjoy!

Join me, Ferg, as I continue my quest to find great heavy metal, both old and new. After departing from Sweden, I've stopped off in Portland, Oregon, United States, to check in with the gothic metal band Unto Others, previously know as Idle Hands. This episode examines songs across the discography of the band, delving into lyrical themes and arriving all sorts of conclusions. The quest continues!

In this episode, I delve deep into the obscure, Swedish, 80s metal band Universe, and their follow-up band from the 2010s - Universe Infinity. If you've never listened to the self-titled album from 1985, you're in for a treat. A true hidden gem of 1980s heavy metal. The question is, when they returned to the stage (and the studio) in the late 2010s, could they live up to this fantastic debut? Join me on Installment 2 of Ferg's Quest to find out! 

On this episode, I join forces with my friend Melissa from the Metal Chat Podcast to delve into the discography of the original incarnation of Sortilège. We discuss how we discovered the band, rate them against their contemporaries, and examine each of the first three releases: Sortilège, Métamorphose, and Larmes de Héros, playing clips from some of our favourite songs along the way. An ideal introduction for the uninitiated. 

On this episode, in a slight departure from the norm, I take a look at the developing situation with Neil Young, Joe Rogan, Spotify, and a growing cast of characters. I am joined by two semi-regular guests in Nesbit and Philipp Trummer. We look at the ins and outs of censorship, streaming platforms, record labels, selling song libraries, and potential loss of income from this apparently rash decision by everyone's favourite contrarian, Neil Young.

This week, Tony Martin discusses his new solo album "Thorns", as well as a deep dive into his tenure with Black Sabbath from 1987 to 1995. We discuss how Tony became inspired to record an album after connecting with Scott McClellan on Facebook, we discuss the lyrics and songwriting approach to Thorns, we discuss Tony's initial recruitment to Black Sabbath, his coming and going from the band, his approach to lyric writing, hidden meanings behind song lyrics, and much more!

This is also the first episode as part of "Ferg's Quest". This week, we look at the Swedish bands Heavy Load and Nestor!

This week I reflect on visiting the Keep it True Rising festival in November 2021, and lay out plans for Feckin' Metal in 2022.