The Growl Podcast - The Most Brutal Podcast on Earth – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 17 - The Growl PodcastC.R. sits down with Dave Gregor from Milwaukee-based Morta Skuld. Morta Skuld was formed in 1990 and has been a staple in the Midwest Death Metal scene with their grassroots, groove-driven classic approach. Having been involved in the scene for over 35 years, Dave has a ton to share about history and what it was like being a part of the hills and valleys that have been Death Metal. SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to Episode 17 01:15 - Winter and Getting Older02:43 - Joining the Military 05:39 - Getting Involved in Music06:30 - Recording First Demo in MPLS09:53 - Morphing Into Morta Skuld11:10 - Signing to Peacevill Records 15:21 - The Early Years and Touring...or not18:09 - When Band and Life Mix...It Gets Complicated20:18 - Popularity and Egos22:40 - Linup Changes24:29 - Getting Opportunities as a Local/Regional Band30:31 - Shoulda Coulda Woulda's34:23 - The Friendships Made 38:07 - The Shift Away from Death Metal 50:18 - What Happened when Morta Split?53:15 - Ressurecting Morta Skuld57:55 - Touring..the Lack There Of 01:01:18 - Working Harder Than Ever01:03:08 - What is the Current Status of Morta Skuld?01:06:35 - Milwaukee Metal Fest Record??01:09:53 - The Writing Process and New Material01:13:15 - Are There More Bands...Or Less?01:17:30 - How Is the New Material Coming Along?01:18:26 - Chemistry Between Members01:21:42 - Getting Better With Age01:24:09 - Making a Permanent Mark01:33:43 - Supportive Parents...and Others01:37:42 - The Military Road01:43:53 - Starting a Band With No Experience01:45:48 - Born Again/Black Sabbath and the Scab and Scars01:49:52 - When Are You Going To Grow Out Of If?01:52:52 - Wrapping It Up@mortaskuldofficialInstagram:@mortaskuld1officialhttps://peaceville.com/category/morta-skuld/https://peaceville.com/media/mortaskuld/https://www.facebook.com/MortaSkuld/https://www.instagram.com/mortaskuld1offical/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXrdbQHaunIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7rfHknVa54&list=RDo7rfHknVa54&start_radio=1Check out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

On this episode of The Growl Podcast, C.R. is joined by Jason Ellsworth from Angerot to spend some time with Zack Simmons of Goatwhore and Acid Bath. We spend a lot of time chatting about the last couple of tornado years in Zack's life. We had a great time chatting with Zack and getting to know him, his past and where his future is leading. Great and humble dude...check it out. 21 SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to Episode 1601:04 - The Sioux Falls Acid Bath Connection02:13 - How the Reunion Came to be04:38 - Introduction to Acid Bath06:01 - 17 yr old from Pheonix to Goatwhore in NOLA08:48 - Discipline at a Young Age 10:30 - The NOLA Scene Back Then 11:30 - Early Childhood1 13:30 - Having a Rock and Roll Uncle15:14 - Learning an Instrument...Then VS Now19:06 - Supportive Parents 21:00 - The Guitar Center Drum Off Video22:33 - The 8yr Old Drummer 23:39 - Early Influences24:37 - The Slayer Nerd Out Sessions with Jonny Araya26:27 - Goatwhore's Writing Process30:04 - Getting Older and Time Management31:30 - Band Life Before Tech33:21 - Moving Back to Pheonix33:57 - Jason's Love of Jerret Prichard 36:34 - The Importance of a Good Road Crew40:08 - Staying in Good Physical Shape42:03 - CR Goes on his Fasting 46:13 - The New Success of Acid Bath 49:24 - Where Does it go From Here?54:31 - Whats the Best Acid Bath Show so Far?56:25 - New Acid Bath???58:27 - Zack on Angerot's New Album...Seofon01:05:35 - What's on Zack's Playlist Currently? 01:07:40 - Black Sabbath Love01:12:44 - CR Goes Off on Ancient History...again.01:17:03 - Upcoming projects 01:18:41 - Playing Beer Fests, Darkness Days & Decible BeerfestOfficial Acid Bath Website: https://acidbathofficial.com/Acid Bath Live Dates: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/4256-acid-bathGoatwhore Merch: https://infernomerchstore.com/collections/goatwhore-1Goatwhore Music: https://www.metalblade.com/goatwhore/@ZackSimmonsOnDrums@GOATWHOREnolaCheck out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

Time for a long history lesson with C.R. and Alex Bouks of Immolation. Alex has been a cornerstone in the metal scene since 1987 with Goreaphobia, Incantation, and continues to carry the metal torch with Immolation. Alex is a very down-to-earth and easy-to-talk-to person. In this episode, Alex shares his roots, his influences, his battle with alcoholism, recovery, marriage, new found inspiration, and children. Tons of great insight, history, and inspiration in this conversation, so watch to the end!SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to Episode 701:37 - Early influences and exposure to metal05:37 - Don't Break The Oath06:40 - Mixing Early Death Metal08:04 - The Mystique of Early Metal10:38 - The Tape Trading Days15:35 - The Spread of Extreme Music17:12 - Inspired by Early Local Bands22:36 - Goreaphobia, A Luck of the Draw Connection26:33 - The End of Goreaphobia28:50 - Time for a Life Lesson with Alex and C.R. 29:47 - A Near Connection with Derek Roddy31:32 - The Battle with Alcohol36:32 - The Slippery Slope of Addiction40:23 - Being Married and Being a Musician41:41 - Children, The Awakening44:53 - No More Jenky Shit46:00 - Music Makes Us Whole49:40 - Bringing the Wife On Tour...Nope51:48 - Immolation, How it Functions56:00 - Getting Older and Kicking More Ass Than Ever01:01:09 - Where I Call Home...and Why01:07:00 - How Each of Alex's Bands Write Music01:14:37 - Producers, Mixing the New Album01:18:12 - Shock for Producers in the 90s01:19:53 - Into Everlasting Fire...The Book01:25:46 - Passions Outside of Music01:33:43 - Upcoming Things01:34:51 - Metal is Bigger Than Ever01:39:25 - Wrapping it UpInstagram:@alexbouksInstagram:@immolation_bandInstagram:@shadows_band_93@TheGuitarGearLockerWebsite: https://gruesomedeathmetal.bandcamp.comCheck out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

Episode 6 - The Growl Podcast

C.R. is joined by East Coast Metal Maniac, Ron Kachnic. Ron has been a staple in the Yonkers, NY metal and scene for decades with Malignancy and now joins the ranks of Pyrexia and Demolition Hammer. Ron is quite the character and digging into his past and history was a blast. Ron has a pretty wild childhood from near death accidents to run ins with the occult. This hour 40min conversation was a blast and full of great moments. SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to The Growl01:57 - Being a Self-Marketer 02:43 - Chef Kachnic04:47 - Cooking for 100s10:38 - Early Music Influences12:22 - Then Boom....Ozzy16:20 - Ron's Guitar Journey18:48 - Learning by Ear20:44 - First Band - Disfunction23:49 - Dirty Brown Eye25:58 - Ron's Playing Style27:27 - All of a Sudden...Boom, Death Metal29:32 - High School Flashback35:09 - Gonna Be a Guitar Wizard36:19 - Cacophony - The Lost Gem37:16 - Ronny as Kid39:15 - Panic At The Roller Disco - A Child With a Fractured Skull41:47 - By the Way, Ron's Missing a Spleen43:48 - Then Ya Get Ya Head Broke48:10 - C.R. Loves UFOs...Deal With It - The Hudson Valley Lights49:52 - Son of Sam and the Occult 51:04 - A Run In With Satanists53:48 - A Passion for Cars01:02:33 - C.R. Crys About Cars He No Longer Owns01:03:55 - Back to the Music - Hitting it Hard at 5001:05:10 - Jamming With Demolition Hammer01:07:55 - Getting the Youngers Gen to Circle Back01:11:33 - Ron's Upcoming Schedule01:17:26 - C.R. is Distracted by Today's Metal Talent01:19:34 - Ron Wasn't Done With His Schedule01:22:59 - The Move to Dean Guitars01:33:23 - Employment and Trying to Tour01:38:52 - Wrapping Things Up Instagram:@ronkachnicInstagram:@staymalignantInstagram:@pyrexiaofficialFacebook:http://www.facebook.com/MalignancyOfficialFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/ron.kachnicWebsite: https://malignancy.bandcamp.com/musicWebsite: https://pyrexia.bandcamp.com/musicCheck out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

On this episode of The Growl Podcast, C.R. spends nearly 2 hours talking with Gus Rios on some extremely deep and emotional topics. Gus opens up about his friendship and mentorship with Sean Reinert and the deep hole his passing has left. Gus also digs deep into his struggle with depression, brush with suicide, and battles to move forward, heal, and use his experiences to help others who fight the same war on depression and anxiety. SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to Episode 400:57 - A Shark Moves or it Dies02:39 - The Urge to Create Grows With Age05:10 - Gruesome - Attempting to be Human08:20 - Coveting Death09:22 - Meeting Sean Reinert14:40 - Respect, and What Matters 16:18 - Sean's Passing - Losing Your North Star18:17 - Gruesome - Human is Coming...20:54 - A Little Help From My Friends 25:45 - Paying Tribute to Sean30:13 - Technology Kills Emotion31:25 - This Record Saved My Life35:34 - Death Metal is Horrible Music39:00 - Indoctrination Into Slayer42:14 - This Crazy Band Called Death45:31 - The Positivity of Death Metal48:03 - Stop and Smell the Roses51:15 - Guitar and Other Projects54:49 - Left To Die Tour Stories59:22 - CR has a Carcass Story...01:01:13 - The Skateboarding Influence 01:06:07 - Kill Division in America01:09:56 - Dark Times and Depression01:12:26 - A Near Miss With Suicide01:16:24 - Depression is the Great Deceiver01:19:52 - Even if you help 1 Person01:26:20 - Reconnecting with Playing Drums01:27:41 - Finding the Graditude 01:31:51 - Eventually it all Goes Away01:35:00 - The Desire to Help Others01:39:45 - Wrapping UpInstagram:@gusriosofficialInstagram:@left_to_die_officialInstagram:@gruesomebandofficial@gusrios6227Website: https://gruesomedeathmetal.bandcamp.comCheck out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

Episode 5 - The Growl Podcast

C.R. sits down with the mastermind behind the machine that is Decibel Magazine, Albert Mudrian. Albert has been a beacon in the metal scene for decades as the Editor in Cheif of Decibel Magazine, the auther of Choosing Death & Precious Metal, the pilot of Decibel Metal & Beer Fest and Decibel Tours. Albert has contributed to the growth and longevity of the extreme music scene in ways like no other. This conversation covers a gammit of those contributions as well as some insight into Albert as an individual..be sure to watch it all!

SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/

00:00 - New Growl Podcast Memberships!!!

01:45 - Welcome to Episode 5 - Albert

02:32 - Children Are The True Test of Time

07:25 - Fresh Off The Philly Metal & Beer Fest

10:25 - Acid Bath in Sioux Falls

14:08 - Acid Bath's Rebirth

15:32 - Forcing Fans to do Research

17:00 - Decibel Hall of Fame

22:43 - Choosing Death - Writing the Book

30:02 - The Drive to the Book

32:41 - Learning From Writing the Book

34:35 - Nasty Savage and Genre Influence

37:26 - Albert Hates KISS

40:16 - Generation Death

44:02 - Sleep Token Jab

44:20 - Test of Time with Decibel Magazine

46:25 - The Decibel Staff

48:38 - Surviving in the Niche

53:43 - What the Hell You Waiting For?

53:55 - C.R. Attempts to Say Deathcore...and fails

56:26 - Sleep Token Jab

57:16 - Assembling an Issue of the Magazine

01:02:58 - Freelance Contributors

01:05:08 - The Beautiful Chaos of Metal & Beer Fest

01:11:00 - Building the Decibel Brand

01:13:58 - A Pillar in the Metal Scene

01:16:03 - The Last Vestage of Stability

01:17:30 - Physical Media

01:18:35 - Denver Metal & Beer Fest

01:25:39 - Upcoiming for 2025

01:29:10 - Wrapping Things Up

Instagram:@decibelmagazine

X:https://x.com/dbmagazine

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

@DecibelMagazine

Website: https://www.decibelmagazine.com

Choosing Death: https://store.decibelmagazine.com/collections/books/products/choosing-death-revised-and-expanded-paperback

Decibel subscription: https://store.decibelmagazine.com/collections/subscriptions-renewals

Check out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

C.R. spends nearly two hours conversing with legendary drummer Derek Roddy. This conversation gives incredible insight into the passion that Derek brings to every level of his life, fFrom being one of the largest breeders of Black Headed Pythons to his steller musical career. As this conversation progresses, you can really see Derek open up and show his passion for music and the industry to a level very few express.

SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/

00:00 - Challenge yourself

03:10 - The Snake Whisperer

04:52 - Hooked on snakes as a youngster

06:36 - Becoming a breeder

10:08 - Thinking like a drummer

11:09 - Black headed pythons

13:18 - Spendy little devils

17:44 - Raising baby snakelets

19:43 - Being bitten

21:21 - How many snakes

23:31 - Forcefeeding baby snakes

26:16 - Growing up in South Carolina

27:30 - Starting drums at 6yrs old

31:02 - Daddy was a country singer

33:05 - Committing to music

36:06 - Malevolent Creation...oh boy

42:24 - The culture shock of Florida

44:57 - From Malevolent to Divine Empire

47:16 - The chemistry of Hate Eternal

50:09 - I,Monarch

52:43 - Serpents Rise II

54:32 - Jamming in the same room

57:34 - Picking and choosing

58:52 - Back to Serpents

01:01:01 - Isotropy and done touring

01:04:23 - Playing with Anthrax (Derek's Vinnie Paul impersonation)

01:14:12 - Involvement in Nader Sadek

01:18:41 - Nader goes to jail

01:23:12 - Aging parents and what's coming

01:26:15 - Upcoming releases

01:27:56 - The decline of the industry

01:29:19 - Derek falls down the rabbit hole

01:35:56 - Derek is still fired up

01:42:55 - C.R. falls down the rabbit hole

01:46:12 - On a Hair Metal tangent

01:50:03 - Excapism with no growth

01:51:50 - Derek on Angerot's new album 'seofon'

01:56:18 - Wrapping things up

Roddy's Drumming Website: https://www.derekroddylive.com/

Roddy's Snake Website: https://www.derekroddysblackheadedpythons.com/

@derekroddydrummer

Instagram: @derekroddyofficial

Derek's Drumming Website: https://www.derekroddylive.com/

Derek's Reptile Website: https://www.derekroddysblackheadedpythons.com/

Check out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

C.R. is joined by Colby from The Heavy Metal Sit Down in this conversation with Brent Purgason. Known best for his time as Pustulus Maximus of the legendary GWAR, Brent reveals some inside information about his time with GWAR, growing up in Richmond VA, and his incredible passion for vintage gear.

SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/

00:00 - We Go Way Back

02:11 - First Bands

04:39 - Growing Up In Richmond

07:47 - Rolling with Cannibus Corpse

11:40 - 18 Year Old Brent

14:12 - Punk Influence

15:52 - Napalm Death and Bending Genres

19:49 - Original Bands / Original Sounds

22:00 - The Power of Analog

24:26 - Joining GWAR

28:43 - The Death of Cory Smoot

30:14 - Getting the Call

33:54 - The Stage Show

36:34 - Developing the Character

40:19 - Meet Pustulus Maximus

43:31 - Dave Brockie the Teacher

47:09 - Leaving GWAR Behind

49:47 - There Are NO RULES in GWAR

53:01 - GWAR is Expensive

01:01:21 - Purgasound on YouTube

01:07:18 - Purgasound Repair and Refurbs

01:12:38 - Understanding the Client

01:16:18 - How Much Gear Do You Actually Have

01:19:40 - Reminiscing BC Rich

01:22:32 - Emotional Connection to Gear

01:25:31 - The Image Doesn't Hurt

01:38:34 - Wrapping it Up

@purgasound

Website: https://www.purgasound.com/

Check out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

C.R. is joined by Colby from  @TheHeavyMetalSitdown  to spend some time talking with Mike Smith. As a founding member of Suffocation, Mike is undeniably one of the pioneers of Death Metal drumming. Join us as we have a long-form conversation about what makes Mike tick. His history, emotion, and passion are inspiring, to say the least. SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Intros01:06 - Getting Older05:00 - Consequenses of the Party11:01 - The Color Thing17:02 - High School Kids18:37 - Efifgy of the Unforgettable22:21 - The Death Metal Code28:37 - Popularity in waves33:59 - Cutting Through the Static38:47 - Long Distance Disconnect44:02 - Still Living in the 90s49:47 - Grim Real and Hip Hop 56:52 - Death Metal Roots1:04:57 - Lasting Impact on People1:12:51 - Talk Them Off the Ledge1:17:57 - Hall of Famer1:24:02 - History Channel Metal1:29:02 - Still Talking to the Fellas1:30:52 - Wrapping UpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themetalmentality/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialgrimmreal/Check out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/

CR sits down (with one nasty ass cold) with one of the godfather Death Metal vocalists of the pioneering Florida band Brutality, Scott Reigel. Scott shares his journey throught the rise and fall of 90s Death Metal, what is was like, and why Brutality may have missed the mark with record labels and the boom within the Florida Death Metal explosion. SPONSOR: Grindcore Coffee Co. https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/00:00 - Welcome to Episode 1501:24 - The Origins of Brutality02:27 - Youth and Getting into Music03:49 - Joining Brutality04:25 - Overlooked and Underappreciated09:48 - The Disolution of Brutality11:00 - Injury and Solitude12:04 - Reconnecting Brutality Through MySpace15:14 - The Struggle with Lineup Changes17:38 - The Reunion20:04 - Attempting a New Album22:00 - The Current State of Brutality23:03 - Writting, Then VS Now25:27 - CRs Failed Attempt at Reuniting Brutality28:50 - Recording Old School33:45 - Death and the Loss of Friends40:08 - Finding Your Calling44:50 - Talking Florida46:15 - Scott's Leather Work52:05 - Comfort in Solitude53:36 - Dealing with Narsisists58:44 - The Transition to Self-care01:01:02 - Making Mistakes..and Changing01:02:15 - Staying Connected to Music01:04:29 - The People that You Influence in Music01:06:41 - Slayer!01:07:50 - Scott's Favorite Brutality Song01:12:07 - Looking Back on My 18yr Old Musician Self01:13:04 - Touring With Brutality Back in the 90s01:16:31 - CR Whines About Regret...boo hoo01:19:36 - Florida Death Metal01:24:12 - What Does the Future Hold01:33:50 - Wrapping Things Uphttps://www.brutalitytheband.com/https://www.facebook.com/BrutalityTheBand/https://brutality2.bandcamp.com/album/sempiternityCheck out The Growl Podcast merch store: https://www.thegrowlpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowlpodcast/