Leitmotif And Movement: A Father & Son Journey Through Rock, Metal, & Music History – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad journey from a 13-year wait for Australian prog-royalty to a Motown classic that transformed a child star into a soul visionary.

We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three standout independent acts: the Tolkien-inspired, heavy riffs of Fight In The Shade, the post-industrial soundscapes of Above The Snow Line, and the hauntingly beautiful trans-Atlantic collaboration of Sloen featuring the soulful vocals of Swan Porter.

Next, we dive into our main topic: Karnivool’s massive 2026 return, In Verses. After over a decade of silence, we break down how the band and producer Forrester Savell crafted a record that rewards patient listeners with its masterclass in "tension and release." We explore the "Tool-adjacent" grit of "All It Takes," the technical masterclass of Steve Judd’s percussion, and why the 10-minute epic "Sālva"—complete with cinematic bagpipes—is the spiritual successor to Sound Awake that fans have been dreaming of.

Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss Stevie Wonder’s 1965 powerhouse, "Uptight (Everything's Alright)." We uncover the incredible story of how this track saved Stevie’s career during a difficult transition, the secret of the "whispered lyrics" recorded in real-time, and how the legendary James Jamerson and the Funk Brothers created a rhythm so infectious it redefined the Motown sound forever.

Press play to join the journey from the technical heights of modern prog to the soul-drenched streets of 60s Detroit!

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:08:26) - The Art of Discovery

(00:08:50) - Fight In The Shade "Ghosts"

(00:13:40) - Above The Snow Line "Religoons"

(00:18:19) - Sloen (ft. Swan Porter) "If We Meet Again Somehow (2026 Version)"

(00:27:41) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Karnivool's new release, "In Verses"

(01:20:10) - Question for the Audience

(01:20:21) - Can't Wait

(01:23:51) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Stevie Wonder's "Uptight (Everything's Alright)"

(01:29:10) - On the Next Episode

(01:29:22) - Contact Info/Outro

THE ART OF DISCOVERY:

·      Fight In The Shade – “Ghosts” (From the EP: Tales from the Wake)

·      Above The Snow Line – “Religoons”

·      Sloen (feat. Swan Porter) – “If We Meet Again Somehow (2026 Version)” (From their album: For All the Days Gone)

OTHER BAND MENTIONS:

·      Cold

·      Story Of The Year

·      Sylosis

·      Thrice

·      U2

·      Rob Zombie

·      ERRA

·      The Dear Hunter

·      Foo Fighters

·      Shinedown

·      I Built The Sky

·      Evergrey

·      Tomahawk

·      Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth)

CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT US

• Connect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]
• We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!
• Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!
• Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message!

Recorded on 02/21/2026

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad are navigating the transition from the controversial birth of a 90s cornerstone to a 60s anthem that redefined the protest song.

We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the crushing, blackened doom and raw atmosphere of Funeral Language, the melodic, post-hardcore-infused alternative rock of DARIA, and the icy, symphonic black metal precision of Darkest of Winter.

Next, we dive into our main topic: Stone Temple Pilots’ 1992 powerhouse debut, Core. At the time of its release, the band was famously voted "Best New Band" by fans and "Worst New Band" by critics in the same magazine. We break down why this album was so polarizing, the dark stories behind tracks like "Plush" and "Sex Type Thing," and how the late Scott Weiland and the DeLeo brothers created a record that has stood the test of time for over 30 years.

Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss Buffalo Springfield’s 1966 classic, "For What It's Worth." While often mistaken for a Vietnam War protest, we uncover the true story of the Sunset Strip curfew riots that inspired Stephen Stills to write this legendary anthem. We break down that iconic "alarm bell" harmonic and why its message of social tension remains just as relevant today.

And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! Press play to join the journey from the grunge-soaked 90s to the revolutionary 60s!

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:10:22) - The Art of Discovery

(00:10:49) - Funeral Language (feat. Geoff Halbherr) "Off Script)

(00:14:14) - Daria "A Smile, An Oasis"

(00:18:47) - Darkest Of Winter "III"

(00:24:17) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Stone Temple Pilots' 1992 debut, "Core"

(00:57:00) - Question for the Audience

(00:57:11) - Can't Wait

(01:00:24) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth"

(01:07:34) - On the Next Episode

(01:08:16) - Contact Info/Outro

THE ART OF DISCOVERY:

·      Funeral Language (feat. Geoff Halbherr) – “Off Script” (From the EP: Cirque)

·      DARIA – “A Smile, An Oasis” (From the album: Fall Not)

·      Darkest Of Winter – “III” (From their album: The Composer: Chapter II)

OTHER BAND MENTIONS:

·      Sevendust

·      Karnivool

·      The Used

·      Hällas

·      The Hirsch Effekt

·      Puscifer

·      Silversun Pickups

·      Story Of The Year

·      Sylosis

·      ERRA

·      Therapy?

·      Green Carnation

·      Dir En Grey

·      Look Outside Your Window

·      Evergrey

CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT US

• Connect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]
• We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!
• Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!
• Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message!

Recorded on 02/07/2026

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're diving deep into the dark, masterful sound of Alice In Chains’ 1992 grunge masterpiece, Dirt! We break down why this album remains a heavy music benchmark.

Plus: We pay tribute to the late Limp Bizkit bassist, Sam Rivers, and honor the enduring legacy of Kiss's Spaceman, Ace Frehley.

In The Art of Discovery, we shine a spotlight on three fantastic and underappreciated bands you need to hear!

Finally, we tackle the rock 'n' roll foundation of Elvis Presley's 'All Shook Up' as part of Michael's Journey, and the plot thickens: Michael receives his next mysterious assignment!

Don't miss our ultimate breakdown of Dirt, essential new discoveries, the next steps in Michael's musical quest, and more!

• (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening To?
• (00:07:43) - RIP Ace Frehley & Sam Rivers
• (00:08:51) - The Art of Discovery
• (00:09:17) - The Sleeper Service "Answer and Apophthegm"
• (00:17:52) - Sungoose "Stone Cold Walls"
• (00:24:07) - The Reticent "The Concealment (Those Who Don't Want to Wake)"
• (00:31:44) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Alice In Chains' "Dirt"
• (01:04:58) - Can't Wait
• (01:08:59) - Michael's Journey: Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up"
• (01:13:23) - On the Next Episode/Outro

THE ART OF DISCOVERY:

“Answer and Apophthegm”

Performed by The Sleeper Service

From the album: Canvas

“Stone Cold Walls”

Performed by Sungoose

From the “Reach Out” EP

"The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want to Wake)"

Performed by The Reticent

From the forthcoming album: Please

Please Pre-Order

OTHER BAND MENTIONS:

• Arch Enemy
• John 5
• Sammy Hagar and the Best of All Worlds Band
• Earshot
• A Sense of Purpose
• An Abstract Illusion
• Ace Frehley
• Limp Bizkit

CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT US

• Connect With Us & Follow the Show: https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z
• We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!
• Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!
• Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message!

Recorded on 10/19/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're breaking down Pantera’s 1992 release, “Vulgar Display of Power”! We also feature our regular segments including The Art of Discovery. Plus we discuss The Contours’ “Do You Love Me” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

“Every Breath A Thorn”

Performed by Mind:Field

From the album: An Atonement For Existence

Composed by: Marcel Ulbrich

https://mindfieldband.bandcamp.com/

“I Hear the Unspeakable”

Performed by Aramis

From the album: Terralith

Composed by: Nik Hayes

https://aramismetal.bandcamp.com/

"The Beauty (of Caducity)"

Performed by On Stranger Tides

Composed by: On Stranger Tides

Lyrics by: Philipp Hirsch

https://onstrangertides.bandcamp.com/

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:07:06) - Hulu's Into the Void Documentary Series

(00:11:40) - The Art of Discovery

(00:12:13) - Mind:Field "Every Breath A Thorn"

(00:18:36) - Aramis "I Hear the Unspeakable"

(00:24:45) - On Stranger Tides "The Beauty (of Caducity)"

(00:30:20) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Pantera's 1992 release, "Vulgar Display of Power"

(00:59:41) - Question for the Audience

(00:59:52) - Can't Wait

(01:01:02) - Michael's Journey: Discussing The Contours' "Do You Love Me"

(01:05:17) - On the Next Episode

(01:05:25) - Contact Info/Outro

Other Band Mentions:

Amorphis

https://amorphis.net/

Elder

https://beholdtheelder.com/

AFI

https://afireinside.net/

Thrice

https://thrice.net/

Coheed and Cambria

https://www.coheedandcambria.com/

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 10/05/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We got an early chance to check out the new record from Caustic Waves, "Echoes", and we're providing our thoughts on it!

Purchase music from Caustic Waves at:

https://causticwaves.bandcamp.com/

HUGE thanks to Caustic Waves for giving us the early listen!

All music written and performed by Neil Thomas. Special thanks to Neil for giving us approval to play clips of each song on the show!

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm.  Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 09/28/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're breaking down Faith No More’s 1989 release, “The Real Thing”! We also feature our regular segments including The Art of Discovery. Plus we discuss Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

“Made Manifest”

Performed by Overtoun

From the album: This Darkness Feels Alive

Composed by: Overtoun

“Dark Forest”

Performed by Innocence Lost

From the album: Oblivion

Composed by: Aloysio Ventura

"Taste of Sorrow"

Performed by Rogue Awakening

Composed by: Zakk Virdee, James Morgan, Ollie Day, Tom Corrigan, Kimberley Voice

Lyrics by: Kimberley Voice

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:13:35) - The Art of Discovery

(00:14:04) - Overtoun "Made Manifest"

(00:19:06) - Innocence Lost "Dark Forest"

(00:26:06) - Rogue Awakening "Taste of Sorrow"

(00:30:46) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Faith No More's 1989 release, "The Real Thing"

(00:56:44) - Question for the Audience

(00:57:07) - Can't Wait

(00:59:55) - Listener Feedback

(01:00:29) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Martha and the Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street"

(01:03:30) - On the Next Episode

(01:03:40) - Contact Info/Outro

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 09/19/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're breaking down Deftones’ new release, “private music”! We also feature our regular segments including The Art of Discovery. Plus we discuss Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

“Cherry Violence”

Performed by New Ghost

From the album: A Dagger in Every Tide

Composed by: Tarin Ali, Nic Bowden, Gareth Hughes, Ellie Richards, Joe Richards, Chris Anderson, James Borrowdale

"Hemophage"

Performed by Blakwerk

From the album: Echo Immortalis

Composed by: Blakwerk

"Coffin"

Performed by Buried Within

From the “The Devil Came Knocking” EP

Composed by: Harrison Ashlock, Luke Lytle, Nathaniel Bray, Ryder Robertson, Jackson Melquist

Lyrics by: Harrison Ashlock

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:06:53) - The Art of Discovery

(00:07:16) - New Ghost "Cherry Violence"

(00:14:52) - Blakwerk "Hemophage"

(00:20:47) - Buried Within "Coffin"

(00:26:50) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Deftones' new release, "private music"

(00:53:57) - Question for the Audience

(00:54:13) - Can't Wait

(00:56:04) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen"

(00:59:20) - On the Next Episode

(00:59:35) - Contact Info/Outro

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 09/06/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're celebrating our one year anniversary by revisiting Michael’s Top 5 Records of All time and revisiting a few records to see if his feeling about them has changed! We have some fun statistics about the last year, talk a bit about our history with music, the impetus for this show, and what the future of the show may hold. We also feature our regular segments including The Art of Discovery. Plus we discuss Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

“Absence of Sound”

Performed by VISVA

From the “Some Riffs I Wrote” EP

Composed by: Matias Kuosmanen, Leo Laitinen, Linda Saunanoja, Olavi Rantapuu

Lyrics by: Linda Saunanoja

"Ghost in the Veins"

Performed by Scythe Of Sorrow

Composed by: Piotr Krysiak

Lyrics by: Piotr Kyrsiak

"Returnal"

Performed by Unfathomed

From the “Red Cast Sky” EP

Composed by: Daniel Talvitie, Paul Gutierrez, George Kobty, Tyler Talvitie

Lyrics by: George Kobty, Daniel Talvitie

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:08:27) - The Art of Discovery

(00:08:55) - VISVA "Absence of Sound"

(00:13:28) - Scythe of Sorrow "Ghost in the Veins"

(00:18:49) - Unfathomed "Returnal"

(00:24:45) - Main Topic: Celebrating Our 1 Year Anniversary!

(01:15:21) - Question for the Audience

(01:15:32) - Can't Wait

(01:18:59) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Billy Ocean's "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car"

(01:22:41) - On the Next Episode

(01:23:53) - Contact Info/Outro

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 08/23/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're breaking down Ozzy Osbourne’s 1980 debut solo release, “Blizzard of Ozz”! We also feature our regular segments including The Art of Discovery. Plus we discuss Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

“Shatter the Visage”

Performed by Mother Of Graves

From the album: “The Periapt of Absence”

Composed by: Mother Of Graves

"All I Need"

Performed by Eve After Fall

From the album: “Endless Trip”

Composed by: Anastasia Radaeva & Aleksey Sokolenko

Lyrics by: Anastasia Radaeva & Aleksey Sokolenko

"Not the Same"

Performed by Haunt

From the forthcoming album: “Ignite”

Composed by: Trevor Church

Lyrics by: Trevor Church

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:05:50) - The Art of Discovery

(00:06:17) - Mother of Graves "Shatter the Visage"

(00:13:18) - Eve After Fall "All I Need"

(00:20:58) - Haunt "Not the Same"

(00:25:38) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 debut solo release, "Blizzard of Ozz"

(00:52:35) - Question for the Audience

(00:53:17) - Can't Wait

(00:54:28) - Listener Feedback

(00:54:55) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)"

(00:58:01) - On the Next Episode

(00:59:56) - Contact Info/Outro

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform? Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube! Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show? Shoot us a message! We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 08/10/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're breaking down Black Sabbath’s second 1970 release, “Paranoid”!  We also take a moment to remember Ozzy Osbourne.  All of our regular segments are here as well, including The Art of Discovery.  Plus we discuss Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” and Michael receives his next assignment!

Songs featured in The Art of Discovery:

"Atonement Part II: Victim Machine"

Performed by Mind:Field

Composed by:  Marcel Ulbrich

Lyrics by:  Marcel Ulbrich

"Burning"

Performed by Coma Rossi

From the album:  “Void”

Composed by:  Gaurav Govilkar

Lyrics by:  Gaurav Govilkar

"Wraith"

Performed by Enthronement

From the “A World Not Made for Us” EP

Composed by:  Sarah Peterson, Joseph Rodriguez, Cory Brunnemann, Alexandro Cortez

Lyrics by:  Sarah Peterson

(00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to This Week?

(00:05:33) - Remembering Ozzy Osbourne

(00:10:12) - The Art of Discovery

(00:10:48) - Mind:Field “Atonement Part II: Victim Machine”

(00:16:29) - Coma Rossi "Burning"

(00:21:47) - Enthronement "Wraith"

(00:26:50) - Main Topic:  Breaking Down Black Sabbath's Second 1970 Release, "Paranoid"

(00:57:08) - Question for the Audience

(00:57:20) - Can't Wait

(00:59:46) - Michael's Journey:  Discussing Ben E. King's "Stand By Me"

(01:03:26) - On the Next Episode

(01:03:54) - Contact Info/Outro

A complete list of how to contact, follow, like, and subscribe to us can be found at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bio 

Can’t find us on your chosen platform?  Shoot us a message and let us know!

We are a part of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!  This helps us to be found in the algorithm. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube!  Make them good, and we’ll read them on the air!

Are you in a band, and you’d like for us to check you out and possibly drop a recommendation on the show?  Shoot us a message!  We’d love to check you out and give you a shout!

Recorded on 07/26/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.