Explore every episode of the podcast The Metal Maniacs Podcast

This Episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast goes full blast as hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with one of the most prolific drummers in extreme metal history — Marco Pitruzzella, better known as Lord Marco.

You’ve seen the meme. You’ve heard the legend. “Death Metal Dad – I play drums in over 4,000 death metal bands. ”But behind the joke is a drummer who has recorded drums on more than 700 songs, toured the world, and helped define modern technical death metal, brutal death metal, slam, grind, and extreme metal drumming.In this episode, we dig deep into Marco’s insane journey:What first pulled him into metal and extreme music.

Why extreme drumming became his obsession. His early days with Vörnagar and the Bleeding Holocaust EP.

Touring 26 countries / 52 shows across Europe with Vital Remains.

His genre-defining work with Braindrill (Parasites, Apocalyptic Feasting – Metal Blade Records)

Touring with The Faceless and releasing the infamous Lord of the Blast instructional DVD

Drum & bass death metal madness with I Came to Hate

Session work explosion with Anomalous, Neurogenic, Gurglectomy, Defleshed Gutted, ABUSE, Raped by Pigs, and more

Touring and recording with Six Feet Under, including Torment, Nightmares of the Decomposed, and Killing for Revenge

Drumming for Rings of Saturn, Waking the Cadaver, Sleep Terror, and beyond

How session work changed his life — and how it all keeps coming full circle

We also talk about how Jay first discovered Marco through YouTube, Braindrill, and extreme metal rabbit holes, the discipline it takes to maintain this level of output, and what’s next with Xelmactha, Wrath of Logarius, and future chaos.This is not just an interview — it’s a history lesson in extreme metal drumming.🔗 LINKS & PLAYLISTS

https://twitch.tv/lordmarc0/

https://youtube.com/@lordmarco

https://kick.com/lord-marcotwitch.tv

Lord Marco OfficialWebsite: https://lordmarco.com/

Lord Marco – Spotify Drumming Playlist“I have recorded drums on more than 700 songs.”🎧 550-song playlist of Marco’s drumming:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ns7mJarbuNbgROsh7AFG8

Metal Maniacs Podcast-Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmiSupport the show and Get episodes Early here- https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheMetalManiacsPodcast🔔

Subscribe for weekly metal interviews, deep dives, reactions, and underground chaos.🤘 Support extreme metal. Support the artists. Stay brutal.

Episode 141 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & ModdThe Michigan death metal titans NOCICEPTION return to the Metal Maniacs Podcast — and they’re coming in heavier, faster, and more lethal than ever. With a brand-new album on the horizon, we sit down with the full lineup to talk history, evolution, and the absolute brutality that is their upcoming 2026 release:Cognitive DismembermentComing March 2026Nociception’s newest chapter is a complete demolition of their past discography: sharper riffs, monstrous vocals, airtight drumming, and production that hits like a cement truck. The tone is clear but devastating, the bass tone is monstrous, and Dylan’s vocal enunciation is razor-focused. This is the band at their technical and creative peak.Meet the Members:🎤 Dylan – Vocals 🎸 Kyle – Guitar 🥁 Eric – Drums 🎸 Jared – Guitar 🎸 Blake – BassThese five have grown immensely since their last appearance on Episode 16 back in November 2023 — when Odium hadn’t even dropped yet. Now they’re back with full force, promoting their most ambitious and punishing release to date.Discography RecapDemoralizer (2019) – The starting point of their relentless sound.Tyrant: Population Obsolete (2021) – Heavier, darker, more complex.Odium EP (2023) – A glimpse of the technical ferocity to come.Cognitive Dismemberment (2026) – A new apex of brutality.Track-By-Track Highlights From “Cognitive Dismemberment”Labyrinth of Sanity – Killer second power-chord riff at 1:14, standout bass work, and a murderous blackened transition.Necrotic Dominion – Trem runs, sick drumming, black-metal passages, and a Cannibal Corpse-esque trill section at 3:14.Echoes of Forgotten Torment – Hyper-fast, disgustingly tight drums, dissonant grooves, and some of the best chord shifts they’ve ever written.Forsaken by the Grave – Morbid Angel/Soreption vibes, flawless blackened-to-death transitions, and standout vocals.Entropy Reigns – Three riffs in rapid succession, gremlin vocals, and a filthy ride-groove section.Veins of Eternal Suffering – Blood Incantation-level atmosphere, killer vocal patterns, and a unique open dynamic middle section.Fed to the Pigs – Melodic opener, backbeat groove, catchy chorus, and a crushing 3:15 end groove.As the Stone Meets Flesh – Slam riffs, gutturals, an epic trem section, and a bass break leading into a slamming outro.This record is as violent as it is thoughtful — proof of Nociception’s growth since their last time on the show.What We Discuss in This Episode💀 Revisiting Episode 16 — early struggles, Dylan taking on vocals, building their live setup, and how far they’ve come since 2023. 🔥 Evolution in Sound — what changed, what sharpened, and how new influences shaped their heaviest album yet. 🎼 Creative Process — writing, collaboration, right-hand technique, and how their approach to tone and structure matured. ⚙️ Production — how they dialed in riffs, drums, tone, backing tracks, and the clarity of Cognitive Dismemberment. 🎧 Scene Growth — changes in the Michigan/US metal scene and new trends they’re paying attention to. 🛠 Experimentation — new techniques, vocal styles, and production choices expanding their sound. 🎯 Future Goals — touring plans, long-term vision, and what excites them most about this era.Nociception is not just back — they’re transformed, sharpened, and ready to cement themselves as one of the Midwest’s most ruthless modern death-metal bands.Follow Nociception-⁠https://shorturl.at/y1kdB⁠

Follow Us-⁠https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi⁠

#MetalManiacsPodcast #Nociception #CognitiveDismemberment #DeathMetal #MichiganMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #HeavyMusic #JayIngersoll #Modd

Episode 140 of the Metal Maniacs Podcast is locked and loaded with Michigan metal energy. Hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with second-time guest Steve Maple of Michigan Metal Fest, but this time he’s here representing his band Killcrown. Making their first appearance on the show, Steve is joined by Tyler (bass) and David (drums) to give us the full breakdown on everything happening in the Killcrown camp.We dive deep into the band’s brand-new single, talk about how the new drummer David joined the lineup, and explore how that change has impacted the band’s sound, chemistry, and creative process. The guys open up about how Killcrown got started, their evolution in the Michigan metal scene, and what fuels their aggressive, no-nonsense approach to heavy music.From there, the conversation turns to upcoming tour plans, playing shows, writing new material, and what fans can expect next. We also get some behind-the-scenes insight into Michigan Metal Fest, balancing festival life with band life, and plenty of classic Metal Maniacs side quests along the way.If you’re into modern metal, the Michigan metal scene, underground bands, festival culture, or discovering new heavy music, this episode is an absolute must-listen.💥 Hit play, crank it loud, and join the Metal Maniacs.🎧 Listen / Follow / SupportKillcrown-https://www.facebook.com/KillcrownMichigan Metal FestOfficial Website-https://michiganmetalfest.net/Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi🔔 Subscribe for weekly metal interviews, album reactions, and deep dives into the heavy music world.🤘 Support underground metal. Support the scene.

Episode 139 – Metal Maniacs Podcast

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

Welcome back, maniacs 🤘 In this 25th installment of our Reaction Series, Jay and Modd crank the volume and dive headfirst into a stacked lineup that bridges death metal history, modern brutality, and underground chaos. From genre-defining legends to rising names pushing extreme music forward, this episode is all about riffs, reactions, and real talk.

🔥 Leading the charge is THE ABSENCE — a band that helped define mid-2000s melodic death metal. Signed to Metal Blade Records in 2005, The Absence dropped a devastating trilogy:

From Your Grave (2005)

Riders of the Plague (2007)

Enemy Unbound (2010)

Widely regarded as their strongest release, Riders of the Plague was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry) and features guest appearances from absolute legends including James Murphy, Per Nilsson, Jonas Granvik, and Kjellgren himself. We break down the legacy, the songwriting, and why this record still hits like a freight train in 2025.

🎧 Listen to Riders of the Plague:

https://open.spotify.com/album/5wAscQSwK9Yglut4uEUToa

But we don’t stop there…

💀 PERPETUAL RAGE brings pure aggression with their new self-released album Finland. We react to multiple tracks, talk production, atmosphere, and discuss the possibility of a future interview with the band.

⚔️ ENDURUS reps Tampa, Florida death/groove metal with modern bite and old-school respect. We react to their latest material and talk about carrying the weight of a legendary scene.

🎥 Music Video:

https://youtu.be/0ZO1XbHUpTI

🩸 HORROR SCENE (formerly Suicide Puppets) delivers industrial goth horror metal with their new single Welcome To Your Hell, produced by Dan Malsch (Gojira, Ghost).

🎥 Watch here:

https://youtu.be/J-9KiwZXwdc

🪓 DARKEATER — Dearborn, Michigan deathcore maniacs — unleash Blood Legion, blending MySpace-era chaos with modern tech-death precision.

🎧 Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7oGOd8bTk1U3UO2ZO1TgdH

🔥 BOUND BY VENDETTA brings full sonic assault with End of a Rope, blending Florida death metal, slam, and electronic elements.

🎥 New song:

https://youtu.be/9REIfrcGM04

🧠 OMITTANCE hits hard with their latest release Narcissist — raw, emotional, and heavy.

🎧 Listen here:

https://artists.landr.com/057829814967

🎸 NOTHING AFTER THIS closes things out with the remastered Happy Accidents and a look toward what’s coming next.

This episode is packed with honest reactions, deep dives, scene love, and zero filler. If you’re into death metal, underground discovery, and unfiltered opinions — this one’s for you.

👉 Like, subscribe, and tell a band to submit their music.

👉 Available now on YouTube & Spotify.

👉 Support heavy music. Support the scene. 🤘

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

On this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with special guest Chris Frankhouser — guitarist of No Sympatico and the owner / engineer behind Raygun Recording Studio in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Chris has been a major force behind the sound of countless heavy and alternative releases across the Michigan scene. From tracking crushing guitars to dialing in massive mixes, his work has helped shape records from bands like Lucius Fox, One With the Riverbed, Metzfire, Blisshead, and many more. In this conversation, we go deep into the origins of Raygun Recording Studio, Chris’s journey into recording, and what it takes to create records that actually hit.

We also talk about his role in No Sympatico, upcoming shows, studio gear obsession, and even building his own speakers. If you’re a band, producer, audio nerd, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes conversations about heavy music, this episode is for you.

Topics we cover include:

The inception of Raygun Recording Studio

The story behind the studio’s name

Chris’s path into recording and production

Working with bands like Lucius Fox, One With the Riverbed, Metzfire, and Blisshead

Building custom speakers and chasing the perfect sound

Studio gear, production philosophy, and workflow

Advice for bands heading into the studio

Life in No Sympatico and recent / upcoming shows

Links & Resources:

🎛️ Raygun Recording Studio (Facebook):

https://www.facebook.com/raygunrecording

🎚️ Raygun Recording Studio (Official Website):

https://www.raygunrecording.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawO81PVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBuRnZVekVXckhINTdQRGFWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl9w5Zf40d_6qEcaVagv4k16JCCCvnL6mfIPp6MxqLiIfBId4gg4bxr0G5dy_aem_l0qaPSQBPLJyU7C6p79JGw

🎸 No Sympatico – New era / August 18, 2025

Support Michigan music, support local studios, and crank this one loud. 🤘

Subscribe, rate, and share to keep the Metal Maniacs movement alive.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Metal Maniacs Podcast – Episode 137

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

Welcome back to the Metal Maniacs Podcast, and buckle up—this is the 23rd installment of our Reaction Series, where we dive headfirst into brand-new tracks, underground heat, and emerging heavy bands from across the globe. Jay and Modd react in real time, break things down honestly, and give unfiltered feedback on what these artists are creating.

This episode is packed with variety—death metal, hardcore, theatrical horror, young blood energy, and crushing riffs.

🔥 Bands Featured in This Episode:

🎵 Gokseong – “Death’s Embrace”

The fourth single from their upcoming album “Wraithspire,” inspired by a haunting South Korean folk tale about a spirit that appears in dreams as a deceased loved one. Dark atmosphere, storytelling, and menace collide.

▶️ Video: https://youtu.be/QJvxIvjIH1g

🎵 BareFaced (Flint, MI)

Michigan hardcore bringing raw aggression and zero filler. Tight, violent, and straight to the point.

▶️ Video: https://youtu.be/vjexoItZTYs

🎵 Deviation (Dallas, TX)

Four young musicians (ages 19–20) grinding hard in the Texas scene. We react to “When The End Is Near,” with a full LP on the way and a music video dropping alongside the single.

📀 Single drops August 23rd everywhere

🎵 MRSA (South Florida)

Full theatrical horror death metal mayhem. Brutal sound, heavy visuals, and a debut album “HORRIFIER” coming September via CDN Records.

▶️ Video: https://youtu.be/VLeK4lfWJhc

🌐 Website: https://mrsaband.com

🎵 Boreworm – “Crawling Gate”

Underground filth and crushing heaviness. We break down the riffs, tone, and raw atmosphere coming out of this one.

https://borewormmusic.bandcamp.com/track/the-crawling-gate

🎵 Wounded Touch

We react to the opening track from their new record, discussing why first impressions matter and how to set the tone for an album.

▶️ Video: https://youtu.be/P7YpVL2aNfI

🎵 10,000 Rambos (Cleveland, OH)

Rust Belt heaviness from Cleveland. New album finished and coming soon—this one hits hard.

▶️ Video: https://youtu.be/1iHUxhNSU0U

🎵 Gutterance – “Leviathan”

The opening track from their self-titled album. A metal band with strong death metal elements hailing from northeastern Virginia.

🎧 Track: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/z7lbws2165411gyi14zap/01-leviathan.wav

This episode is all about supporting independent artists, discovering new heavy music, and keeping the underground alive.

👉 Bands: Drop your links, follow each other, and keep pushing.

👉 Listeners: Like, subscribe, comment, and tell us which band crushed it.

Metal lives. The underground thrives. 🤘

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with a truly special guest and longtime friend of the show—Chantal Roeske, returning for the 4th time to talk all things Heart on Your Sleeve Fest 3 (HOYSF 3) and the continued evolution of her impact on the heavy music community.

Chantal is the founder of Heart on Your Sleeve Fest, the vocalist and guitarist of Tonguecutter, a multi-instrumentalist, photographer, and one of the most passionate scene advocates out there. This conversation goes far beyond a standard fest recap—we dig deep into community, growth, passion, leadership, and legacy.

What We Cover in This Episode:🔥 The Evolution of Heart on Your Sleeve FestWe talk about how HOYSF has grown and matured over the years—emotionally and logistically. Chantal opens up about lessons learned, the behind-the-scenes realities of running a fest, and how her definition of “success” has shifted beyond numbers and attendance.🎤 Leadership, Vision & Scene-BuildingWhat does it really take to run a festival from inside the scene? Chantal breaks down the invisible work fans never see, the responsibility that comes with curating spaces for artists, and how supporting bands goes far beyond just putting them on a bill.🔮 Looking ForwardWe close by looking ahead: the long-term vision for Heart on Your Sleeve Fest, what Chantal hopes people feel when they attend, and her thoughts on the future of heavy music communities.

As always, this episode is packed with honesty, insight, and love for the scene. Huge thanks to Chantal, the volunteers, bands, and fans who continue to make HOYSF something truly special.

👉 Follow, support, and stay connected with Chantal Roeske, Tonguecutter, -https://tonguecutter.com/

and Get tickets now- https://heartonyoursleevefest.com/ to Heart on Your Sleeve Fest.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to help support the Metal Maniacs Podcast and the heavy music community.Metal lives. Community matters. 🤘

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

On Episode 138 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd welcome back returning guest Alex Eilers to talk about the upcoming Funeral Language record Thank You For The Dead Body, out January 20th, 2026.

This episode is a deep dive into a record that feels sharper, leaner, and more direct than anything Funeral Language has released before. Jay gives his honest first impressions of the album — a sound that’s fully honed in, familiar but unmistakably its own. More punk rock in spirit, zero fluff, and just 22 minutes of pure chaos, with nearly half the songs launching straight into vocals. We unpack how this approach is almost the opposite of what was discussed around the last record — and why that shift felt necessary.

Alex breaks down the songwriting mindset, the aggression, the grooves, and the intentional choices that shaped the album, plus the creation of the visual and content pieces surrounding the release.

Track-by-track discussion includes:

Imhumane (1:25)

Groove-heavy opener with added low vocals, a menacing feel, and the perfect ending touch with the Addison voicemail.

Deathwish Complex (2:45)

Catchy, chaotic energy with a Lowist feature, “come on come on” hooks, early punk-era Marilyn Manson vibes, and a killer sliding groove.

Bailey Ruban (3:03)

Layered vocals, call-out sections, discordant rhythms, Vision of Disorder–style singing, cymbal ring-outs, and ideas worth pushing even further.

A Rope 2 Ways (2:52)

Nonstop energy, extended screams, borderline Sam Kinison madness, vocal overload, and a hard-grooving warning section.

Dead Meat (3:10)

Immediate nonsense vocals, aggressive riffs, discordant slides, a nasty 2:08 groove, and perfectly timed vocal pullbacks.

Whiskey Foxtrot (3:06)

Descending hammer-on riffs, triplet grooves, Dillinger-style grindy chaos, cowbell and woodblock accents, and a bluesy punk rock ending.

Thank You For The Dead Body (2:44)

More cowbell, Every Time I Die energy, VOD-inspired vocals, and a crushing final riff with discordant guitar interplay.

Rain Check (3:13)

Grindy noise sections, descending melodies, ringing cymbals, and one of the most chaotic moments on the record.

We also talk about:

Why this record cuts straight to the point

Vocals-first songwriting and immediate impact

Punk influences vs metal roots

Creating visual and content pieces for the album

What’s next for Funeral Language

If you’re into hardcore, punk-infused metal, chaotic grooves, and honest creative evolution, this episode is a must-listen.

🔥 Funeral Language – Thank You For The Dead Body

📅 Out January 20th, 2026

Subscribe, rate, and share — and as always, support heavy music that takes risks. 🤘

Follow Funeral Language-https://funerallanguage.bandcamp.com/album/cirque

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Episode 134 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd

This week, we sit down with one of the most unique, prolific, and genuinely unstoppable forces in underground metal: Justin Lawnchair, the mastermind behind The Biscuit Merchant — Ann Arbor’s proggy, death-tinged, genre-melting metal project. With 26 full albums (each 45–55 minutes) in the works, recorded entirely by Justin, and no generative AI used at any stage, this project is a testament to pure determination, creativity, and DIY musicianship.

The Biscuit Merchant is all about “melting pot metal,” a blend of death metal, thrash, prog, folk, power metal, blues, groove, and whatever else Justin feels like throwing into the cauldron. Nothing is off the table. Nothing is predictable. And that’s what makes it magic.

We deep dive into the vision, the process, and the absolute madness of building a 26-album alphabetical saga known as Alpha — a project planned since 2009 and still evolving with every riff, rhythm, and solo.

🔥 What We Dig Into This Episode

🌋 The Inception of The Biscuit Merchant

How the idea started, Justin’s early influences (Maiden, BTBAM, Opeth, Devin Townsend), and how the “one-man band” concept turned into something massive.

🎸 The Live Lineup

Justin’s studio prowess meets a killer live lineup:

Justin Lawnchair – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals

Anton Filyayev – Drums

Dan Hunter – Bass

Dhruv Talekar – Guitar

📀 A Walk Through the Releases

We talk about the evolution from Knucklewalker, Nature Rejoices, and Ongaku into the wildly creative arcs of:

Journey to Arrhythmia

When the Heart and Mind Collide

Unexplained Wounds

Momento Mori

Phobia

Visible Scars

Tempora (June 13, 2025)

We break down the tone changes, the leap in songwriting confidence, the wild genre swings, the heavier turns, and the massive solos that define each era.

🎼 Writing & Creative Process

How Justin builds riffs, arranges patterns, adds solos, chooses styles, switches genres mid-song, and approaches production with collaborators Spencer Maxfield (mixing) and Nelson T. Gast (mastering).

We dig into:

How songs start

How he decides when a part needs melody vs brutality

How folk, blues, prog, and death metal all coexist

Why every album has to stand on its own

🥁 Tone, Gear & Production

We get into guitars, tunings, cabs, bass tone, drum approaches, and how he builds such massive arrangements as one person. Justin breaks down the evolution of his sound — raw, polished, experimental, heavy, and always pushing forward.

🔥 Favorite Songs, Solos & Albums

We highlight some of the standout tracks across the discography — the folky moments, the techy riffs, the brutal sections, the solos that feel endless, and the songs that show the most growth.

🎤 Life in Metal & Justin’s Story

What got him into metal, especially extreme metal?

What keeps him going?

What does music give him that nothing else does?

🎶 Shows, Touring & Live Experiences

Recent shows, upcoming gigs, best experiences, worst disasters, and the wild moments that shaped the live version of The Biscuit Merchant.

➡️ What’s Next?

We talk about the future of the Alpha project, upcoming releases, live plans, creative goals, and the continued evolution of a project unlike anything else in the Michigan metal scene.

This episode is packed with riffs, stories, creativity, and pure independent metal energy from one of the most hardworking musicians we’ve ever had on the show.

#MetalManiacsPodcast #TheBiscuitMerchant #MichiganMetal #ProgressiveMetal #DeathMetal #OneManBand #JayIngersoll #Modd #IndependentMetal #AlphaProject #Tempora

Follow TBM-https://thebiscuitmerchant.bandcamp.com/

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Best METAL Albums of the Year ft. Recorruptor’s Clint Franklin! | Death Metal, Avant-Garde & Underground Picks

Welcome back to Episode 133 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast with your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd, and today we’re closing out the year with a massive guest appearance from one of Michigan’s deadliest voices in death metal. We’re joined once again by Clint Franklin, vocalist of the brutal mid-Michigan beast Recorruptor, for a full breakdown of **his Top Metal Albums of the Year! 🤘💀🔥

Clint brings a vocalist’s perspective, a die-hard fan’s ear, and a metalhead’s honesty as we jump onto a Zoom call and tear apart the year’s releases. From underground filth to experimental insanity, he breaks down the records that stood above the rest, hit the hardest, and ripped his speakers to shreds.

🎙️ FEATURING PICKS FROM CLINT FRANKLIN (Recorruptor)

Here’s just a sample of the chaos he brought to the list:

Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath

Filthy, swamp-soaked death metal that drags you face-first through the sewer.

Igorrr – (Latest Release)

A bizarre, genre-mutating circus of opera, breakcore, baroque insanity, and metal carnage.

Dormant Ordeal – (Latest Release)

Crushing, technical, atmospheric death metal drenched in dark emotion and cold precision.

And that’s just the beginning… Clint’s list dives into the weird, the crushing, the groovy, the ugly, the brain-melting, and the truly genius.**

🧠 WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

✔ Clint Franklin’s Album of the Year rankings

✔ Hidden gems from the underground and international scene

✔ Albums that pushed death metal into terrifying new places

✔ How experimental music like Igorrr fits beside brutal death metal

✔ Bands dominating 2025 + those we NEED more from

This isn’t just a list — it’s a discussion about what makes a record stick with metalheads, long after the breakdown fades.

💬 FROM THE STUDIO TO THE ONLINE ABYSS

Even through Zoom, the energy was rowdy, the takes were honest, and the laughs were nonstop. Clint brought knowledge, passion, opinions, and chaos — in other words, exactly what makes heavy music fun to talk about.

🤘 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

We want YOUR list. Drop it in the comments:

🔥 What’s your Metal Album of the Year?

🔪 Who got snubbed?

🎤 Which extreme vocalist destroyed the scene this year?

Let’s argue like family. Let’s praise the underrated. Let’s drag the disappointing.

That’s metal

🥀 SPECIAL GUEST: CLINT FRANKLIN

🎤 Vocalist of **Recorruptor**

💀 Michigan Brutal Death Metal

👊 Support them, stream them, and catch them live — they’re one of the Midwest’s heaviest forces.

📍 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE SHOW

Hit Subscribe, Like, and Notification Bell* for more interviews, album breakdowns, reactions, Michigan scene coverage, and metal madness every week.

Metal Maniacs is built for the heavy community — mainstream giants, underground savages, and everything in between.

Whether you’re into slam, symphonic deathcore, avant-garde insanity, tech wizardry, or pure riff-driven brutality… this episode is for you.

Stay brutal. Stay opinionated. Stay metal. 🤘🔥🎧

Follow Recorruptor-https://recorruptor.bandcamp.com/Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Episode 132 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd

This week marks a massive milestone for the Metal Maniacs Podcast — TWO YEARS of metal news, scene coverage, interviews, chaos, and nonstop riff worship. In this special anniversary episode, Jay and Modd sit down to reflect on everything that’s happened since August 29, 2023, the day Episode 1 launched and the Maniacs journey officially began.

What started as a passion project has grown into a platform that highlights bands, supports the Michigan metal scene, and documents some of the heaviest conversations in underground music. Today, we look back on the road that got us here — the highs, the lows, the progress, and the unbelievable amount of growth.

🎙️ What We Cover in This Episode

🔥 The Beginning – August 29, 2023

We revisit where the idea came from, the nerves of recording the first episode, and how far our style, flow, and confidence have come since hitting “record” for the first time.

💥 The Feedback – Good, Bad, and Brutal

We talk about the comments, critiques, encouragement, and constructive shots we’ve taken along the way. Every piece of feedback helped shape what the show is today.

📈 Growth Over 132 Episodes

From small early experiments to full band interviews, scene coverage, festival recaps, ranking episodes, reaction content, and deep-dive discussions — we trace how the show has evolved both on the mic and behind the scenes.

🤘 Bands That Have Been on the Show

We highlight the incredible roster of artists who trusted us with their stories — from local legends and rising acts to returning guests and bands who have become part of the Metal Maniacs family. Each conversation shaped the identity of the show and expanded our connection to the scene.

🧠 What We’ve Learned

Podcasting doesn’t come with a manual. We look at the biggest lessons from the past two years:

The importance of preparation AND improv

How chemistry and honesty make episodes hit

The work behind consistent content

Navigating burnout and maintaining excitement

Building a relationship with the Michigan metal community

🎧 Favorite Moments

We revisit the funniest, wildest, most memorable, and most meaningful moments across 130 episodes — the conversations that surprised us, the topics that got heated, the bits that became inside jokes, and the episodes that changed the direction of the show.

➡️ What’s Next for Metal Maniacs?

We look forward to new ideas, future goals, potential expansions of the format, dream guests, scene-building projects, reaction content, and the next phase of growth as we head into year three.

This episode is a thank-you letter to every listener, every band who’s joined us, and every supporter who believes in what we’re building. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just jumped in, the Metal Maniacs Podcast exists because of you.

Here’s to 132 episodes — and many more to come.

#MetalManiacsPodcast #PodcastAnniversary #MetalPodcast #MichiganMetal #HeavyMusic #JayIngersoll #Modd #PodcastMilestone

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Michigan Metal Dominates 2025 | Best Albums Breakdown (Metal Maniacs Podcast Ep. 131)

Episode 131 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

Michigan showed up in a massive way in 2025 — and this episode is all about giving the Great Lakes metal scene the spotlight it deserves.

In this third extra episode of the week, Jay and Modd break down every Michigan-based band and album that landed on our Best of 2025 list. From extreme metal and hardcore to experimental heaviness and underground noise, this is a full celebration of the artists holding it down for the Mitten State.

We dig into why these records stood out, how they represent the strength and diversity of Michigan heavy music, and why this scene continues to punch well above its weight on a national level. If you’re looking to support local bands, discover new favorites, or understand just how deep Michigan metal runs — this episode is required listening.

Albums & Bands Discussed (Support These Artists 👇)

Throne

https://thronemetal.bandcamp.com/album/that-who-sat-upon-him-was-death

Recorruptor

https://recorruptor.bandcamp.com/album/sorrow-will-drown-us-all

Wounded Touch

https://woundedtouch.bandcamp.com/album/a-vivid-depiction-of-collapse

Neverender

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DWV1WN44

At Water

https://atwatermi.bandcamp.com/album/the-sum-of-all-parts

Krocophile

https://krocophile.bandcamp.com/album/sewer-king-king-of-the-sewer

Blood Druid

https://blood-druid.bandcamp.com/album/demise

Set Fire To This

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT1JP545

Bronson Arm

https://bronsonarm.bandcamp.com/album/casket-schwagg

Lucius Fox

https://luciusfox.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-and-life-of-the-great-lakes

No Sympatico

https://nosympatico.bandcamp.com/album/vandalize-your-mind

Tonguecutter

https://tonguecutter.bandcamp.com/album/minnow

The Sissy Boys

https://open.spotify.com/album/3XNz1m3pOZLPU1FgYo3C5P

Shadow of the Talisman

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DMPM33YH

Accuser Of The Brethren

https://accuserofthebrethrenmi.bandcamp.com/album/justice-through-violence

Fedaykin

https://fedaykinband.bandcamp.com/album/wetwork

Voluntary Mortification

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0FNVBN8LH

Gokseong 곡성

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DTBXY29F

Implicator

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0FCD26L8T

Long After Midnight

https://longaftermidnight.bandcamp.com/album/rage-toward-the-light

Tunnel of Love

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DYF7TTWD

Decedent

https://ironfortressrecords.bandcamp.com/album/for-those-in-shallow-graves

Heartsick – Break The Curse

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0FRRSZWPX

TBM – Tempora

(Links TBD)

Flood The Desset

(TBM)

Dead Hour Noise

(TBM)

Michigan didn’t just participate in 2025 — it defined it. Tap in, support these bands, and keep the scene alive.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms

🤘 Metal lives here.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Top Metal Albums of 2025 | Honorable Mentions | Albums not to missed (Metal Maniacs Podcast Ep 130)

Sometimes the hardest part of doing a “Best of the Year” list… is everything that gets left off.

In this extra Thursday episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, Jay and Modd sit back down to give proper shine to the albums we didn’t get to mention in our Best Metal Albums of 2025 episode. Consider this the official Honorable Mentions edition — the records that narrowly missed the cut, sparked heated debate, or deserved way more attention than time allowed.

From underground heavy hitters to surprise releases, overlooked gems, and records that grew on us after repeat listens, this episode is all about rounding out the conversation and making sure no killer album gets forgotten. If you’re still building your 2025 metal listening list, this one is packed with recommendations across multiple corners of heavy music.

We break down:

Albums that almost made our Top picks

Releases that gained momentum late in the year

Records we couldn’t stop spinning, even if they didn’t land in the final rankings

Why honorable mentions matter just as much as the top spots

If you thought our 2025 list was finished… think again. This episode proves just how stacked the year really was for metal.

🔥 Whether you’re into extreme metal, metalcore, hardcore, or something in between, this is an essential follow-up for any Metal Maniacs listener.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show

📲 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast for more metal news, album discussions, and year-end breakdowns

🤘 Long live heavy music.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Top METAL Albums of the Year 2025! | Best Deathcore, Black Metal, Metalcore & Underground Picks

Welcome back to **Episode 129 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast with your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd**, bringing you the **heaviest breakdown of the year – our *official Albums of the Year List! 🤘🔥

This episode is the culmination of a full year of listening, reactions, interviews, new band discoveries, and scene coverage. Between us, we dove deep into hundreds of releases, but one of us personally hammered through over 75 full albums in 2025 alone, all in search of the records that pushed boundaries, leveled expectations, and kicked in teeth.

On this episode, we count down the top records across the worlds of death metal, deathcore, metalcore, black metal, progressive metal, experimental heavy music, and underground chaos**. Expect surprises, disagreements, genre wars, and passionate ranting as always. 🖤💀

🎧 Featuring albums from:

The Callous Daoboys – *I Don’t Want to See You in Heaven***

Mathcore chaos, brass-driven breakdowns, and one of the most creative heavy albums of the decade.

Blackbraid – *III***

A monumental, cinematic black metal experience redefining Native-led extreme music.

Spite – *New World Killer***

A merciless, groove-drenched, throat-ripping deathcore assault.

Shadow of Intent – *Imperium Delirium***

Symphony meets brutality with earth-shaking orchestration and monstrous vocals.

Fallujah – *Xenotaph***

Atmospheric death metal mastery—technical, immersive, and emotionally crushing.

…and dozens more from across the global metal underground.**

🏆 WHAT TO EXPECT:

✔ Our personal **Top Albums of the Year**

✔ Most surprising releases and unexpected favorites

✔ Underground picks every metalhead should know

✔ The bands who elevated the genre** in 2025

✔ The artists pushing metal into the future

✔ Full scene breakdowns: Deathcore, Black Metal, Metalcore, Prog, Hardcore + more

🎶 WHY THIS LIST MATTERS:

In a year dominated by experimental risks, raw emotion, and heavier-than-ever production, these albums aren’t just good releases — they’re landmarks in modern heavy music. Whether it’s black metal that feels like mythic folklore, tech death that hits like a cinematic tragedy, or deathcore that rips open the void… these records define where heavy music is headed next.

🤘 JOIN THE MANIAC COMMUNITY

We want YOUR top records too. Drop your list in the comments and let’s argue, agree, cheer, and violently disagree like true metalheads. 🔥

Tell us: **What album ruled this year? Who got robbed? Who dropped the heaviest track of 2025?

📍 FOLLOW, SUPPORT, & STAY METAL

Hit Subscribe, Like, and smash the Bell so you don’t miss interviews, breakdowns, reactions, and Michigan scene spotlights.

Metal Maniacs is dedicated to shining light on both the biggest names and the underground crushers who deserve the attention.

🎤 Hosted by:

💥 Jay Ingersoll & Modd

🖤 The Metal Maniacs Podcast — Heavy Music, Without Apology.

Let’s wrap up the year the only way that makes sense: with riffs, chaos, and absolute sonic destruction.** 🤘🔥

Stay loud. Stay angry. Stay metal. 🎧💀

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This week, Jay and Modd dive deep into one of the most explosive, misunderstood, and undeniably iconic elements of heavy music: **THE BREAKDOWN**. But not the typical crowd-picked favorites — we’re talking the breakdowns that *we* think truly rewrote the rules, flipped entire genres on their heads, and made metal fans everywhere stop what they were doing and say: “Holy sh*t.”

Before we get into our picks, we break down (no pun intended) what a breakdown actually is, why it matters in metal, and how it became a cornerstone of some of the heaviest subgenres on the planet.

We explore how a great breakdown works:

* The **half-time drum shift** that makes everything hit harder.

* **Palm-muted chugs** synced to the kick drum.

* The importance of **space, repetition, and tension**.

* How drop tunings, syncopation, and rhythmic simplicity create maximum impact.

* Why breakdowns often become the *identity* of a band or album.

Breakdowns aren’t just musical moments — they’re **communal experiences**. They’re the point in a show where the crowd becomes part of the song: the pit opens, the adrenaline spikes, the riff takes over, and chaos becomes art.

After breaking down the anatomy of a breakdown, Jay and Modd reveal their personal list of **underrated, overlooked, and genre-defining breakdowns** — the ones that shaped our listening habits and set the bar for heaviness:

Throughout the episode, we discuss why these moments hit so hard, what makes them stand out from the sea of breakdowns across metal, and how they’ve shaped the bands that came after. We also share stories about discovering these tracks, seeing them live, and how breakdowns have evolved from the 90s to now.

This is a must-listen episode for metalcore fans, deathcore kids, old-school purists, and anyone who loves a riff that hits like a wrecking ball.

Listen. Headbang. Debate us.

What’s YOUR favorite breakdown of all time?

#MetalManiacsPodcast #MetalBreakdowns #MachineHead #DespisedIcon #AsBloodRunsBlack #Carcass #Deathcore #Metalcore #HeavyMetalPodcast #JayIngersoll #Modd**

Beat Breakdowns playlits-https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Iy282oPg4EVYKRnmrXBj1?si=hoxVTUv2QlC_5sGNTFeXwA&pi=-SLnCewQT5aC6

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Episode 127 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd

Guest: Neverender (Detroit, MI)

Featuring:

🎤 Justin Savvy – Vocals

🥁 Ted Lietzau – Drums

🎸 Mike Messina – Guitar

🎸 Alex Fuhr – Guitar

This week on The Metal Maniacs Podcast, Jay and Modd sit down with one of the most exciting up-and-coming forces out of the Detroit heavy scene — NEVERENDER. Combining brutal groove, technical precision, and rap-infused vocal fire, Neverender are forging their own path in the modern metal landscape.

In this episode, we go deep into the inception of the band, the meaning behind the name Neverender, and their highly anticipated debut full-length Alpha Wave, dropping February 28, 2025 — a 9-track monster clocking in at 40 minutes of pure controlled chaos.

We break down the record track by track, from the eerie skit intro “Reminiscence” to the skull-splitting breakdowns of “M.O.S.H.”, the relentless riffs of “Malignant”, and the melodic closing power of “Forever.” Jay and Modd share their thoughts on the record’s production, tones, and unique songwriting structure — calling out how the trem riffs hit hard, the vocal patterns command attention, and the grooves bring a fresh bounce to heavy music.

Neverender reveal the creative process behind Alpha Wave:

How they develop and arrange their songs, riffs, and patterns.

When and why they decide to drop a solo.

How collaboration, critique, and evolution play into their sound.

Their practice schedule, studio workflow, and live setup — including guitar tones, tunings, cabs, and drum production.

They also share stories from their early bands, lessons learned along the way, and how their chemistry has solidified into something that feels truly unstoppable.

When it comes to live shows, Neverender aren’t slowing down — the band talks about recent gigs, the energy of the Detroit scene, and upcoming shows that promise to take the Alpha Wave experience to the stage. Touring plans are teased, and there’s plenty more on the horizon for this Detroit juggernaut.

As the conversation unfolds, we also dive into:

The mindset behind writing heavy but catchy music.

How rap, groove, and extreme metal collide in their style.

The inspiration behind their lyrics and the emotions driving their sound.

What each member has been listening to lately and how it’s shaping the next phase of Neverender.

By the end of this episode, it’s clear: Neverender are not just another heavy band — they’re redefining what it means to be modern Detroit metal. Their upcoming record, Alpha Wave, delivers intensity, swagger, and technical mastery in equal measure — a sonic wave that refuses to end.

Tracklist – “Alpha Wave” (Feb 28, 2025):

1️⃣ Reminiscence – Skit-style intro with a rap influence that sets the tone.

2️⃣ Mutiny – Trem-picked madness and rhythmic punch.

3️⃣ M.O.S.H. – Groove, ghost notes, and gremlin vocals collide.

4️⃣ Malignant – Double bass fury and unstoppable riffs.

5️⃣ The Final Gambit – A standout vocal pattern and epic outro melody.

6️⃣ Juggernaut – Bass-driven chaos and pig squeals that rule.

7️⃣ Blurred Reality – Melodic yet crushing, full of dynamic shifts.

8️⃣ Leeches – Nu-metal bounce meets deathcore precision.

9️⃣ Forever – A melodic closer that feels cinematic and cathartic.

📍 From the heart of Detroit’s underground to the forefront of modern metal, this conversation captures the hunger, the craft, and the pure energy that makes Neverender one of the most exciting new names in heavy music.

🎙️ Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

🔗 Follow Neverender:

Bandcamp

Instagram

Facebook

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

METAL MANIACS PODCAST EPISODE #126 | AT WATER (Detroit, MI) – “The Sum of All Parts” Interview + Deep Dive! | Djent, Groove & Alternative Metal Powerhouse!

In Episode 126 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with At Water, a rising djenty, heavy alternative metal band straight from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Blending crushing riffs, precision grooves, and melodic hooks, At Water has carved out a unique space in the Michigan metal scene — and their debut EP “The Sum of All Parts” (released March 28, 2025) proves they’re a force to watch.

💿 Stream the EP:

👉 https://atwatermi.bandcamp.com/

🎥 YouTube: At Water Official Channel

💀 EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

Jay and Modd dive deep with the full At Water lineup:

Rob – Vocals

Pat – Guitar & Songwriting

Nick “Fishy” – Bass & Live Rig Setup

Jordan – Drums

Together, we unpack the band’s origins, their evolving sound, and how they’ve built their technical yet emotional brand of modern metal. From their earliest singles to their latest release, we explore how At Water crafts songs that balance melody, atmosphere, and head-splitting heaviness.

🎶 DISCOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS:

💥 The Sum of All Parts (2025)

Reset – Infectious melodies and killer groove.

Goodbye to Hero – Tight hi-hat work and a standout chorus.

Continuum – Syncopated perfection, great gang vocals, and punchy bass tone.

Departure – Atmospheric clean sections leading into a devastating breakdown.

🧠 SPIRIT Annihilated – October 27, 2025

A fresh single that captures At Water’s blend of haunting melody and djent aggression.

💬 PODCAST TOPICS INCLUDE:

What inspired each member to dive into metal and extreme music

How At Water develops song patterns, grooves, and solos

The band’s creative process and how they handle collaboration & critique

Their evolution from early singles to the polished sound on The Sum of All Parts

Michigan’s metal scene and their role within it

What’s next for At Water in 2025 and beyond

⚡ FOLLOW AT WATER:

🎧 Bandcamp: https://atwatermi.bandcamp.com/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdABEGdVnXCSEIIGolgzLag/videos

📸 Instagram | 🎶 Spotify | 🔥 LinkTree coming soon

🎙️ The Metal Maniacs Podcast brings you the best in underground and extreme metal — interviews, reactions, and Michigan metal scene coverage every week.

👊 Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

🖤 Subscribe, follow, and support independent metal media!

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Solo Playlist-⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xKHLgvk6wRxdChKapLprB?si=7IRGEJ0OSnKr6Vf0ao4jKw&pi=SRzhHrELRrCTa⁠🔥 Welcome to Episode 125 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast — hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd, your weekly source for the loudest news, deepest discussions, and heaviest opinions in the world of metal. This week, we plug in, crank up, and dive headfirst into one of the most defining elements of heavy music — the guitar solo.

From blazing shred runs to soul-scorching bends, from blackened tremolo leads to melodic passages that make time stand still — we’re dissecting what makes a great metal solo truly legendary.

In this episode, we explore the solos that shook us, inspired us, and made us want to pick up a guitar in the first place. Whether it’s the fiery precision of Marty Friedman, the emotional chaos of Dimebag Darrell, or the haunting melodic phrasing of Trey Azagthoth, each solo tells a story — one of passion, pain, rebellion, and raw technical mastery.

We break down the anatomy of a perfect metal solo — from tone, phrasing, and timing, to the way emotion and technique collide to create unforgettable moments. It’s not just about how fast you play, but what you say with every note. Expect passionate debates, nerdy breakdowns, and the usual Metal Maniacs banter as Jay and Modd each bring their list of favorites and defend their picks with riffs and reason.

💀 Topics in this episode include:

What defines a great metal solo — emotion vs. technique

The most iconic solos in heavy metal history

Solos that changed the direction of the genre

Hidden gems and underrated soloists you need to hear

The influence of solos in death, thrash, and black metal

Our personal top picks from across the metal spectrum

We also touch on the evolution of solos — how the golden age of guitar heroes paved the way for the chaotic virtuosity of modern extreme metal. From the bluesy roots of early Sabbath to the fretboard madness of Archspire and Obscura, solos remain one of the most personal expressions in all of metal.

This episode isn’t just a list — it’s a full-blown celebration of guitar glory. If you’ve ever air-guitared in your car, rewound a section just to catch that one perfect bend, or debated who had the best solo in history, this one’s for you.

🎧 Whether you’re a guitarist, a metalhead, or just someone who appreciates the art of musical storytelling, you’ll come away from this episode ready to revisit your favorite solos — and maybe discover some new ones that rip just as hard.

🔥 Featuring discussions about:

🎸 Eddie Van Halen

💀 Death

⚡ Metallica

🩸 ⚔️ Megadeth 🌑

⚰️ Morbid Angel

…and many more leads that redefined what it means to shred.

⚡ Join the Maniac Army:

👉 Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify to catch new episodes every week.

👉 Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and community posts from the Michigan metal scene.

👉 Drop a comment with your favorite metal solo of all time — we want to see how your list stacks up against ours.

🧠 The Metal Maniacs Podcast is more than just two dudes talking metal — it’s a community built around passion, respect, and the shared thrill of discovering (and rediscovering) the heaviest music on the planet. Whether it’s interviews with underground legends, deep dives into iconic albums, or episodes like this one where we just geek out over the riffs that shaped us — Metal Maniacs is the home for true fans.

So grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready for 90 minutes of face-melting, soul-shredding metal talk.

🎙️ Episode 125 — “The Greatest Metal Solos of All Time?! | What Makes a Solo ICONIC?”

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd — Presented by The Metal Maniacs Podcast

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

SPECIAL EDITION :The Metal Maniacs Podcast-Horns up for the holidays benefit

Unruly Brewing and The Metal Maniacs present Horns up for the Holidays. Bands to benefit local families in need for Holidays. All Ages-Pay what you can. Donations welcome.

Colt Snuffer and The Dead Horseman

More Ghosts

Tongue Cutter

Reinventing Yesterday

Iron Sharpens Iron

Kill Tomorrow

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon. Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we’re scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.💀 Bands Featured in this Episode:⚙️ Gear AfflictionKicking off the carnage, we check out Gear Affliction, the solo project of Jon from Slugchild. Raw, riff-heavy, and experimental, this debut EP showcases a range of short bursts and longer cuts of dark, textured metal that hit hard. Jon’s sound brings a mix of industrial grime, progressive grit, and good old-fashioned headbang fuel — perfect for fans of boundary-pushing heavy music. 🎧 Listen: Gear Affliction YouTube Playlist💀 Soul SyphonFrom Lewistown, Pennsylvania, this solo heavy hardcore project is the definition of underground energy. Soul Syphon’s debut EP “Reality is Bleak” (released Feb 21, 2025) blends metallic hardcore aggression with bleak atmosphere. Brutal breakdowns meet emotional catharsis in this self-produced release that feels both personal and punishing. 🔗 Instagram @soulsyphonmusic 🎥 Visualizer⚔️ FedaykinRepresenting Grand Rapids, MI — Fedaykin are here to conquer. Their album “Keter” brings technical riffs, progressive structure, and an undeniable live energy. The band’s mix of modern death metal and melodic flourishes hits like a storm. 🎧 Listen on Spotify⚡ EttrichStraight out of Halle, Germany, Ettrich channels the spirit of the NWOBHM era — think Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden infused with fresh energy. Their debut live track “Dream Maker” proves old-school heavy metal still has fire in its veins. Traditional riffs, melodic hooks, and classic vibes — this one’s for the purists. 🎥 Watch “Dream Maker” (Live)🕯️ Humanity ZeroFrom the crypts of Greece comes Humanity Zero, the funeral doom/death metal duo unleashing their new album “Cursed Be The Gift of Life” on October 15th, 2025 via Satanath Records and Rude Awakening Records. guttural vocals, and atmosphere so thick it’s suffocating. 💿 Five psalms of doom that drag your soul to Hades — this is music from the abyss.🔥 Set Fire To ThisBorn from struggle and survival, Set Fire To This was founded by Jason after a long hospitalization with COVID-19. Joined by Kenneth Jones, Mark Hoag, and Rick Ysasi, the band channels pain into passion. Their modern rock/metal fusion is loaded with heartfelt lyrics, dynamic structures, and a melodic punch that bridges emotion and heaviness. 🎧 Spotify 🎥 Watch on YouTube🧠 StillbornSweatShopExperimental, gritty, and full of attitude, StillbornSweatShop (by Ewan) delivers a raw, industrial-tinged heavy sound that leaves a mark. We dig into his track, offering thoughts on production, songwriting, and the creative vision behind his twisted sonic aesthetic — and what we’d love to hear from him next. 🎥 Listen on YouTube⚰️ RancorClosing the episode, we hit the pit with Rancor — a hardcore/deathcore hybrid from Beckley, West Virginia. Their new track “Struggler” draws inspiration from Berserk, blending anime-fueled storytelling with bone-breaking heaviness. DIY produced and mixed in-house, this track proves these guys are hungry and determined to carve their spot in the scene. 🎧 SpotifyWhether it’s doom from Greece, hardcore from PA, or underground madness from West Virginia — this episode celebrates the global reach of metal and the passion that fuels every riff.🎧 Tune in and bang your head with us as we react, laugh, and celebrate the heavy underground — one submission at a time.Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we’re scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.

💀 Bands Featured in this Episode:

⚙️ Gear Affliction

Kicking off the carnage, we check out Gear Affliction, the solo project of Jon from Slugchild. Raw, riff-heavy, and experimental, this debut EP showcases a range of short bursts and longer cuts of dark, textured metal that hit hard. Jon’s sound brings a mix of industrial grime, progressive grit, and good old-fashioned headbang fuel — perfect for fans of boundary-pushing heavy music.

🎧 Listen: Gear Affliction YouTube Playlist

💀 Soul Syphon

From Lewistown, Pennsylvania, this solo heavy hardcore project is the definition of underground energy. Soul Syphon’s debut EP “Reality is Bleak” (released Feb 21, 2025) blends metallic hardcore aggression with bleak atmosphere. Brutal breakdowns meet emotional catharsis in this self-produced release that feels both personal and punishing.

🔗 Instagram @soulsyphonmusic

🎥 Visualizer

⚔️ Fedaykin

Representing Grand Rapids, MI — Fedaykin are here to conquer. Their album “Keter” brings technical riffs, progressive structure, and an undeniable live energy. The band’s mix of modern death metal and melodic flourishes hits like a storm.

🎧 Listen on Spotify

⚡ Ettrich

Straight out of Halle, Germany, Ettrich channels the spirit of the NWOBHM era — think Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden infused with fresh energy. Their debut live track “Dream Maker” proves old-school heavy metal still has fire in its veins. Traditional riffs, melodic hooks, and classic vibes — this one’s for the purists.

🎥 Watch “Dream Maker” (Live)

🕯️ Humanity Zero

From the crypts of Greece comes Humanity Zero, the funeral doom/death metal duo unleashing their new album “Cursed Be The Gift of Life” on October 15th, 2025 via Satanath Records and Rude Awakening Records. Formed in 2003, the band has evolved from primitive brutality into a nightmarish, slow-burning descent into despair. Expect cavernous riffs, guttural vocals, and atmosphere so thick it’s suffocating.

💿 Five psalms of doom that drag your soul to Hades — this is music from the abyss.

🔥 Set Fire To This

Born from struggle and survival, Set Fire To This was founded by Jason after a long hospitalization with COVID-19. Joined by Kenneth Jones, Mark Hoag, and Rick Ysasi, the band channels pain into passion. Their modern rock/metal fusion is loaded with heartfelt lyrics, dynamic structures, and a melodic punch that bridges emotion and heaviness.

🎧 Spotify

🎥 Watch on YouTube

🧠 StillbornSweatShop

Experimental, gritty, and full of attitude, StillbornSweatShop (by Ewan) delivers a raw, industrial-tinged heavy sound that leaves a mark. We dig into his track, offering thoughts on production, songwriting, and the creative vision behind his twisted sonic aesthetic — and what we’d love to hear from him next.

🎥 Listen on YouTube

⚰️ Rancor

Closing the episode, we hit the pit with Rancor — a hardcore/deathcore hybrid from Beckley, West Virginia. Their new track “Struggler” draws inspiration from Berserk, blending anime-fueled storytelling with bone-breaking heaviness. DIY produced and mixed in-house, this track proves these guys are hungry and determined to carve their spot in the scene.

🎧 Spotify

Whether it’s doom from Greece, hardcore from PA, or underground madness from West Virginia — this episode celebrates the global reach of metal and the passion that fuels every riff.

🎧 Tune in and bang your head with us as we react, laugh, and celebrate the heavy underground — one submission at a time.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

On this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down via Zoom with one of the Midwest’s most terrifyingly powerful death metal forces — CASKET ROBBERY! Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this band has carved out a bloody niche in modern metal by blending crushing grooves, eerie melodies, and horror-inspired atmosphere into a sound that’s unmistakably their own.

We dig deep into the dark roots and evolution of the band, from their humble beginnings in 2011 with founding guitarist Cory Scheider (ex-Luna Mortis, Epicurean), to the arrival of their ferocious vocalist Megan Orvold-Scheider, whose commanding voice and intense stage presence have become synonymous with Casket Robbery’s brand of death metal destruction.

We cover everything from the inception of the band and the origin of their name, to their writing process, tone crafting, production methods, and the bloody live shows that leave fans both terrified and exhilarated. Casket Robbery’s story is one of dedication, evolution, and sheer brutality — with a wink and a scream.

💀 Topics we dive into:

The origins of Casket Robbery and the meaning behind the name

How horror and occult themes fuel their creative process

Developing that signature groovy-meets-gruesome sound

How the band approaches songwriting, tone building, and arrangement

Wisconsin’s underground metal scene — who’s killing it locally

Life on the road, the challenges of touring, and what’s next for the band

We also break down their absolutely lethal discography, from the early self-titled EP (2011) through their monstrous 2022 full-length “Rituals of Death” — a modern death metal masterclass produced by Troy Powell and mixed/mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Featuring standout tracks like “Worm Food,” “Don’t Forget The Eyes” (ft. Keith Wampler of The Convalescence), and “Beautiful Death” (ft. Mary Zimmer), it’s a record that captures everything fans love about the band — groove, filth, melody, and horror.

We even talk about their latest 2024 single, “The Lacryphagist,” a sonic step forward that showcases just how much the band continues to grow and evolve. With its layered production, dynamic vocals, and haunting atmosphere, it’s proof that Casket Robbery is far from done — they’re only getting stronger.

Expect stories about the making of their albums (Evolution of Evil, The Ascension, Rituals of Death), production secrets from Old Dark House Studio and Unintended Studios, and a glimpse into how this band continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal.

If you’re into bands like Jungle Rot, Gojira, Cannibal Corpse, or Pantera, but crave something darker and more theatrical — Casket Robbery is for you. This episode is packed with metal insight, horror lore, and a ton of laughs as we dissect one of the Midwest’s most exciting death metal acts.

🧠 For fans of: Groove-driven death metal, horror themes, relentless energy, and brutal musicianship.

🔥 From Madison to the world — Casket Robbery isn’t just a band… they’re an experience.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and spread the plague — new episodes of The Metal Maniacs Podcast every week, where Jay and Modd bring you the best in underground, heavy, and extreme music.

👉 Follow CASKET ROBBERY:

🌐 casketrobbery.com/linktree

💀www.casketrobbery.com

🎵 Spotify

📸 Instagram/Twitter: @CasketRobbery

👉 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast:

YouTube | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon.

Thanks if you still listened and please support these bands.

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe. We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it’s spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you’re going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal) Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”, Dollflesh delivers an atmosphere that feels like a breakdown happening inside a haunted server.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HsbzLq0Qt3QeaigYM7bBI?si=xmJA6nthRfKPWYZp4NlSbQYouTube: https://youtube.com/@dollflesh1🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore) Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, their sound fuses hardcore energy with a modern metal edge, pulling inspiration from Knocked Loose, Paleface Swiss, and Spiritbox.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/5IVoVkLB6Y2U1r3oppdp6aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore) Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal) A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore) This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0RFCWV6MVvhWuGetHjT0VmYouTube: https://youtu.be/5r1FDeUjyx8🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal) With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore) Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. YouTube: https://youtu.be/ceBQHBwlRvw🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal) A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-epJoin us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd 📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome to Episode 122 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! This week is an extra special one, as we’re joined by a lifelong friend and the man partly responsible for the very existence of this podcast: Dave Stark.

For those who don’t know the backstory — Dave played a crucial role in sparking Jay and Nick’s (Modd’s) passion for music. Without him, the two might never have picked up instruments, met, or started down the path that eventually led to creating this very show. In many ways, Dave is a foundational part of The Metal Maniacs story.

Not only that, but Dave has been a die-hard Ozzy Osbourne fan for decades. In fact, he was the one who first took Jay to see Ozzy live back in 1995 — an experience that left a lifelong mark and set the stage for a deep love of heavy metal.

In this episode, we sit down and dive into:

The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and why he remains one of the most important figures in metal history

Our personal stories and connections to Ozzy’s music through the years

The guitarists and albums that shaped Ozzy’s solo career and cemented his role as the “Prince of Darkness”

Each of us choosing our Top 5 favorite Ozzy songs, breaking down why they matter and what makes them timeless classics

From early masterpieces like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, to later era gems like No More Tears and beyond, this conversation is both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard Ozzy disciple, this episode will remind you just how much Ozzy has influenced generations of fans and musicians alike.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about growing up with metal, how Ozzy concerts changed our lives, and why certain songs carry more weight than just riffs and lyrics — they become memories, moments, and the soundtrack to who we are.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere metal lives.

💀 If Ozzy Osbourne shaped your life in some way, let us know in the comments! Who’s your favorite Ozzy guitarist? What’s YOUR top Ozzy track?

🔗 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast: https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

⚡ Metal Maniacs Podcast #122 – Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy & Our Top 5 Songs (w/ Dave Stark)

Because without Ozzy, and without friends like Dave, this podcast might not even exist. 🕯️🎸

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe.

We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases.

Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:

🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal)

Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”,

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dollflesh1

🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore)

Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, their sound fuses hardcore energy with a modern metal edge, pulling inspiration from Knocked Loose, Paleface Swiss, and Spiritbox.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo

🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore)

Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. Known for blending melodic metalcore roots with an increasingly experimental and crushing style, they continue to evolve with every release.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A

🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal)

A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, Ashen Pall bring a mix of atmosphere and intensity. A band to watch for those who crave heavy riffs wrapped in mood and meaning.

https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna

🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore)

This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate. This song does not exist on this audio version due to spotifys updated terms....visit the youtube channel for the full reaction.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5r1FDeUjyx8

🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal)

With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. Their sound blends the melodic punch of In Flames and Soilwork with the heaviness of modern deathcore. Touring veterans who’ve shared the stage with Carnifex, Motionless in White, Upon A Burning Body, and more.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA

🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore)

Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. Having shared bills with Suffocation, Carnifex, and Distant, they bring brutality rooted in the Michigan underground scene.

YouTube:

🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal)

A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.

Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-ep

Join us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.

📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.

🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd

📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe.

We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it’s spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you’re going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.

Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:

🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal)

Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”, Dollflesh delivers an atmosphere that feels like a breakdown happening inside a haunted server.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HsbzLq0Qt3QeaigYM7bBI?si=xmJA6nthRfKPWYZp4NlSbQ

🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore)

Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, t

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo

🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore)

Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. Known for blending melodic metalcore roots with an increasingly experimental and crushing style, they continue to evolve with every release.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A

🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal)

A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, Ashen Pall bring a mix of atmosphere and intensity. A band to watch for those who crave heavy riffs wrapped in mood and meaning.

https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna

🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore)

This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0RFCWV6MVvhWuGetHjT0Vm

🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal)

With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. Their sound blends the melodic punch of In Flames and Soilwork with the heaviness of modern deathcore. Touring veterans who’ve shared the stage with Carnifex, Motionless in White, Upon A Burning Body, and more.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA

🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore)

Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. Having shared bills with Suffocation, Carnifex, and Distant, they bring brutality rooted in the Michigan underground scene.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ceBQHBwlRvw

🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal)

A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.

Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-ep

Join us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.

🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd

📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.

One With The Riverbed: Black metal, dynamics, and atmosphere- The Metal Maniacs Podcast (120)

In this 120th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with Kalamazoo’s blackened post-metal powerhouse One With The Riverbed. If you’re a fan of Blackbraid, Deafheaven, Ghost Bath, or Wolves In The Throne Room, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Formed in 2017, One With The Riverbed is a five-piece band consisting of:

Jared Koons – Vocals

Bryan Neterer – Guitar

John C. Scott – Guitar

Lisa Bridenstine – Bass

Jimmy Welty – Drums

The band has carved out a reputation for crafting blackened melodic moodscapes that balance raw ferocity with cinematic beauty. Their newest release, “Succumb” (out October 25th, 2024 via Dusktone Records), pushes their sound further into the depths of emotional and sonic catharsis. Featuring bleak atmospheres, soaring post-metal textures, and crushing black metal intensity, the album stands as their most ambitious work yet.

Throughout the conversation, we dive into:

The formation of One With The Riverbed

Their songwriting process, from riffs to layering, solos, and atmospheric builds

The evolution of their sound across their discography:

Solace (2018) – Black ‘n’ roll leanings with indie rock flavor and BM vocals

Absence (2021) – Progressive and atmospheric with violin by Katie Calvert

Succumb (2024) – A crushing, fully realized blackened post-metal experience

The production process at Raygun Recording Studio and how their sound has grown

Their upcoming U.S. tour dates, including stops in Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, and Columbus

What’s next for the band

We also touch on deeper topics like the emotional and spiritual catharsis that black metal and post-metal uniquely provide. Fans of atmospheric heaviness will find plenty to connect with here.

👉 Check out their music and updates at:

🌐 onewiththeriverbed.com

📱 One With The Riverbed Facebook

🎧 Albums to explore:

Solace (2018, Snow Wave Record)

Absence (2021, Snow Wave Record – featuring violin and expansive 14-minute closer Phantom’s Glance)

Succumb (2024, Dusktone – their definitive full-length statement)

📍 Upcoming Shows (Fall 2025 Tour Highlights):

Oct 4 – DRKMTTR, Nashville, TN

Oct 7 – The Shed DIY, Tuscumbia, AL

Oct 9 – The Odditorium, Asheville, NC

Oct 11 – Spacebar, Columbus, OH

This episode is not just a look at a band but an exploration of a modern black metal movement where atmosphere meets aggression and vulnerability collides with sonic chaos.

⛓️ Follow Metal Maniacs:https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

📺 YouTube | 🎧 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 📱 Instagram

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd – shining a spotlight on heavy music, underground movements, and the Michigan metal scene and beyond.

Welcome to the 119th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! 🤘 This week, we’re joined by our returning guest host and good friend, Jon Rohn, for a deep dive into one of the most important legacies in heavy metal history: Ozzy Osbourne and his iconic guitarists.

From the early days of Randy Rhoads, whose neoclassical style reshaped the sound of metal, to the bluesy firepower of Zakk Wylde, and the modern touch of players like Gus G. and Andrew Watt — Ozzy has always surrounded himself with guitarists who not only elevated his music but also helped shape the evolution of heavy metal itself.

Together, we take a chronological journey through Ozzy’s solo albums, matching them with the guitar players who defined each era:

Randy Rhoads – Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981)

Brad Gillis & Bernie Tormé – Speak of the Devil (1982, live era)

Jake E. Lee – Bark at the Moon (1983), The Ultimate Sin (1986)

Zakk Wylde – No Rest for the Wicked (1988), No More Tears (1991), Ozzmosis (1995), and beyond

Joe Holmes – Touring guitarist in the 90s

Gus G. – Scream (2010)

Andrew Watt & Guests – Ordinary Man (2020), Patient Number 9 (2022) featuring Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and more

In this episode, Jay, Modd, and Jon discuss not only the guitar players themselves, but also Ozzy’s lasting impact on the music industry:

How each guitarist brought their own style to Ozzy’s music

Why Randy Rhoads’ short career still casts a giant shadow in metal

The undeniable chemistry between Ozzy and Zakk Wylde

How Ozzy influenced generations of bands across heavy metal and hard rock

The importance of serving the song as a guitarist in a legendary band

We also reflect on how Ozzy’s choice of guitarists became a blueprint for other metal acts, the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped each era, and how these collaborations pushed the genre forward.

Whether you’re a lifelong Ozzy fan, a guitarist seeking inspiration, or just a metalhead wanting to revisit the classics, this episode is packed with insights, history, and plenty of laughs along the way.

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream metal podcasts.

💀 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep the metal alive! Share your favorite Ozzy guitarist in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.

🔗 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast:https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Follow Jon-Instagram: @Jonrohn

In the 118th episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with one of the most explosive new names in Michigan hardcore—Tunnel of Love (a.k.a. T.O.L.). Featuring our great friend and occasional co-host Jeremy McClary on guitar, this conversation dives deep into the band’s inception, their raw and destructive sound, and their brand-new full-length cassette Quest for Destruction, out now on Setterwind Records.

Joining us are:

Brett Dierolf – Vocals

Erik Crawford – Drums

Zach Leipham – Bass

Ramon Sliguero – Guitar

Jeremy McClary – Guitar (also producer of the new record)

We trace the band’s beginnings back to Muskegon, MI, where Tunnel of Love formed in 2022 as an offshoot of Prison Suicide. With the early involvement of guitarist Jon Barefoot (Bitter Truth), and later the addition of Ramon Sliguero, the group carved out their sonic identity—what they unapologetically describe as “hardcore violence.” This means blistering fast riffs, stomping grooves, and power-violence chaos that shifts from Youth of Today-style drive into Infest-style blast beat destruction.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

The Name: Why “Tunnel of Love”? (Hint: there’s an ICP-related twist)

Origins: How the band came together, and how the lineup solidified with Jeremy and Ramon.

Extreme Metal Roots: What got each member into hardcore, punk, and extreme metal.

Writing Process: How T.O.L. develops riffs, song structures, and when they decide to add solos.

Production & Gear: The recording process behind Quest for Destruction, Jeremy’s role as producer, and a breakdown of their tones, tunings, and setups.

Live Shows: Their best, worst, and most memorable gigs—plus what makes a hardcore show truly unforgettable.

Future Plans: New material already in the works, upcoming Midwest weekenders, and more events on the horizon for 2025.

The Records

Demo (2022): A blistering 3-song, 2-minute introduction to T.O.L. that set the tone for their mission.

Quest for Destruction (2025): 11 tracks, 13 minutes, and zero compromise. From the groovy-grindy Boneyard to the two-step thrash punch of Swollen Tongue, to collabs with Antonio Marquez (SPINE) and Dominic Hart (Sissy Boys) on Creepdown—this record is a relentless showcase of hardcore at its most unfiltered.

Tunnel of Love isn’t just a band—they’re a statement of intent in the Midwest hardcore scene. Fast, furious, and unrelenting, they’re already cementing themselves as a force to watch.

Whether you’re a diehard fan of hardcore punk, metal, grind, or just discovering this new wave of chaos, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Hit play and hear the full conversation with Tunnel of Love, only on the Metal Maniacs Podcast.

Follow Tunnel of Love:

Bandcamp: https://setterwindrecords.bandcamp.com/album/quest-for-destruction

No Echo Spotlight: Tunnel of Love Feature-https://www.noecho.net/band-spotlights/tunnel-of-love-hardcore-band

Follow Metal Maniacs Podcast:

#Hardcore #MetalManiacsPodcast #TunnelOfLove #QuestForDestruction #HardcorePunk #PowerViolence #MichiganHardcore #SetterwindRecords

Welcome back to another stacked episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd—your weekly deep dive into all things heavy, weird, and loud. For our 117th episode, we’re thrilled to sit down with a band that’s been making waves with their bold, genre-bending sound: Long After Midnight.

If you’ve been craving industrial rock with huge guitar riffs, filthy synths, powerful vocals, and a raw edge that leans heavier into rock than most of their peers, you’re in for a treat. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ministry, and KMFDM, Long After Midnight blends gritty electronic textures with the kind of live energy that makes you want to throw yourself headfirst into the pit.

Joining us on the show are:

Ross Morgan – Guitar, vocals, and production mastermind (also the voice behind the Dangerville Podcast and a longtime friend of the show).

Mike Nolen – Synths, writer, and sound architect who gives the band its industrial edge.

No t Here-

Chas Millican – Live guitarist, bringing extra firepower to the stage.

We dig into everything from the inception of Long After Midnight and the meaning behind their name to their approach to songwriting, production, and live performance. Ross and Mike take us behind the curtain on how songs are built—from BPMs and riffs to solos and layering synths. We also get their thoughts on how to balance e-kits, backtracks, and live instrumentation without losing the human touch.

We talk gear, tones, and live setup—what guitars and tunings Ross leans on, how the band approaches backing synths in a live environment, and the role of production in shaping their overall sound.

The timing of this episode couldn’t be better—because Long After Midnight’s debut album, Rage Toward the Light drops this Friday October 3, 2025. This monster of a record takes you on a full-spectrum journey: We talk about each Track And Premiere “Shadow of a Doubt (feat. Tony Kappo)” – with the visualizer on the show.

Every track offers something different—sometimes aggressive, sometimes atmospheric, but always unapologetically industrial rock with teeth.

In this conversation, we also hit on:

The band’s origin story and what led them to this sound.

How they handle songwriting collaboration and constructive criticism.

The balance between digital production and organic rock energy.

Their thoughts on playing live vs. recording in the studio.

Advice for up-and-coming artists navigating the modern music landscape.

And of course—what’s next for Long After Midnight.

Whether you’re here for the filthy synths, monstrous riffs, or Ross’s commanding vocals, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

👉 Check out Long After Midnight’s debut Rage Toward the Light, streaming everywhere now.

🔗 Follow Long After Midnight:https://longaftermidnight.bandcamp.com/album/rage-toward-the-light

FOLLOW US-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Stay locked in with Metal Maniacs for more interviews, reactions, and deep dives into the metal underground and beyond.

If you dig this episode, smash that like, drop us a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly content. Your support helps us keep bringing you the best conversations in heavy music.

#LongAfterMidnight #IndustrialRock #MetalPodcast #NineInchNails #Ministry #Tool #KMFDM #IndustrialMetal #PodcastInterview #MetalManiacs

🎙️ The Metal Maniacs Podcast – Episode 116| Guest: Daine Hammerle (The Verve Pipe, If He Dies He Dies)

In this very special episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*, hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** sit down with drummer **Daine Hammerle**—a name that Michigan music fans and beyond will recognize from both the underground heavy scene and the national stage.

Jay and Daine go way back, having once shared the stage together during Daine’s time with **If He Dies, He Dies**—a band that made a big impact on Michigan’s heavy music scene. Now, Daine has taken his craft even further, currently sitting behind the kit for the legendary alternative rock band **The Verve Pipe**, a group known worldwide for their timeless hit *“The Freshmen”* and decades of songwriting that blends melody, emotion, and rock grit.

But this episode isn’t just about name recognition—it’s about the **life of a working drummer**. Daine opens up about the realities of being a career musician: the hard lessons, the sacrifices, the growth, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way. Whether it’s navigating different projects, adapting to different musical styles, or learning how to “serve the song” above all else, Daine shares invaluable insights that any musician—beginner or pro—can take to heart.

* Daine’s early history and musical journey in Michigan’s heavy scene

* The transition from underground projects to playing in a nationally recognized band

* What it really means to be a **working drummer** in today’s music industry

* How to balance technique, creativity, and professionalism

* The importance of versatility—metal, rock, hardcore, and beyond

* Lessons learned from countless gigs, recording sessions, and collaborations

* Daine’s approach to **serving the song** and supporting the music instead of overplaying

* His personal projects, past experiences, and future musical plans

* Fun stories, wisdom, and plenty of laughs along the way with Jay and Modd

This is more than just a conversation—it’s a deep dive into the **mindset of a professional musician** who has spent years carving out his place in the scene, growing through challenges, and keeping the passion for music alive no matter what.

Whether you’re a drummer yourself, a musician of any kind, or just a fan of The Verve Pipe, If He Dies He Dies, or Michigan’s thriving music scene, this episode delivers something for everyone. It’s packed with honesty, humor, inspiration, and practical lessons that extend far beyond drumming.

Join us for this unforgettable conversation with **Daine Hammerle**, as we celebrate his journey, highlight his projects, and shine a light on what it truly means to live the life of a working musician.

👉 **Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast:**

* Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

👉 **Follow Daine Hammerle & The Verve Pipe:**

* The Verve Pipe- https://www.thevervepipe.com/

* Daine Hammerle-@duhjuanyay

Dies-@dies99

M*A*S*H-@motherandsonhardcore

🔔 Don’t forget to **like, subscribe, and share** if you enjoy the episode. Leave a comment with your favorite takeaway from Daine’s story—we love hearing from our listeners!

⚡ **Metal Maniacs Podcast | Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd**

Covering the latest in metal news, band interviews, album breakdowns, and the Michigan music scene.

Welcome back to another crushing installment of the **Metal Maniacs Podcast** hosted by **Jay Ingersoll and Modd**! We’re officially at the **20th installment of our reaction series**, and this one is stacked with underground firepower. Every time we dive into these episodes, it’s not just about reacting—it’s about discovering new talent, supporting the scene, and giving bands a platform to be heard by Maniacs worldwide.

In **Episode 115**, Jay and Modd sit down and react to **eight brutal, heavy, and diverse bands** that are carving their way through the metal underground. From old-school inspired death metal to progressive madness, we take a deep dive into what makes each group stand out and why YOU should be adding them to your playlist.

### **Bands Featured in This Episode:**

🔥 **Skin Casket** – Bone-crushing heaviness with a raw edge that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

🔥 **Land Filth** – Self-described *“moshable death metal to kill the oligarchy to”*, these Ohio maniacs are dropping their new release *Control* via Iron Fortress Records. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Shaun O’Shaughnessy, with gritty artwork and videos handled by frontman Eric Bluebaum, Land Filth is proof that DIY still rules. Catch them live across Ohio, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and more this summer! [Linktree here](https://linktr.ee/landfilth).

🔥 **Enthroned Serpent** – Straight out of France, this blackened death outfit brings atmosphere, fury, and uncompromising brutality. Their track *Sepulchre’s Secrets* showcases their ability to blend dark melodies with raw aggression. [Check them out on Bandcamp](https://enthronedserpent.bandcamp.com).

🔥 **Order of the Dead** – Buffalo death metal veterans delivering chaos with their upcoming album *Captives* (dropping June 14th). Their latest singles *Dragged Into the Light* and *Captives* showcase their relentless sound. [Stream on Bandcamp](https://orderofthedead322.bandcamp.com).

🔥 **Xemaulc’tha** – Featuring the insane drumming of Marco Pitruzzella (Six Feet Under, Waking the Cadaver), this project blends technical death, thrash, and prog elements into a cosmic assault. Their debut *Sanguis Autem Effusus* landed on SickDrummer’s “Best of 2024” list. Don’t miss their standout track *Beyond the Stars*.

🔥 **The Sons of Montana** – Connecticut’s noise-driven heavy outfit with ties to **Kurt Ballou** (Converge) and **Will Benoit** (SOM, Caspian). Their new EP *Full Goth* on Braeburn Records continues their evolution into a darker, more angular sound. [Bandcamp link](https://bit.ly/3S9EJ7s).

🔥 **Heavy Lies the Crown** – From the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this djent powerhouse is already climbing charts with their single *These Walls*. A band blending technicality with groove, they’re putting Northern Michigan on the metal map. [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0SOXbPmM6haVbatBnaMhI4?si=vne9MhfwTW-Gzon3CR7amQ).

🔥 **Dug In** – Michigan hardcore/metal for fans of Knocked Loose, Norma Jean, and Acacia Strain. Their single *Cold Stare* is nothing short of a breakdown-filled sledgehammer. [Watch here](https://youtu.be/h6aDoKk-DNc).

Whether you’re into old-school death metal, experimental noise, or modern hardcore grooves, **Episode 116 has something for every metalhead craving discovery**. We love shining light on bands grinding in the underground, and this lineup proves once again that the future of heavy music is alive and well.

🎧 **Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major platforms.**

💀 Don’t forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** to keep supporting underground metal!

🎙️ Lucius Fox Returns – The Death and Life of the Great Lakes Album Preview-Episode 114 | 🎙️

The Metal Maniacs Podcast is back with the fastest returning guest in our show’s history—Michigan’s own Lucius Fox. Hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd, this episode dives deep into one of the most ambitious and emotionally charged releases of 2025: The Death and Life of the Great Lakes.

Lucius Fox has carved a unique space in the world of instrumental heavy music, and with this record they’ve delivered something far beyond just riffs and rhythms. It’s a concept album that captures the natural beauty, environmental struggles, personal loss, and collective memories tied to the Great Lakes region. In this conversation, we break down every track, explore the stories and inspirations behind the music, and talk about what it means to create a maximalist soundscape that’s as crushing as it is heartfelt.

💀 Album Breakdown – Track by Track 💀

🖤 Credits 🖤

Jeremy Cronk – Guitar, Synthesizer

Paul Drake – Drums

Engineered & Mixed by Chris Frankhauser @ Raygun Recording (Kalamazoo, MI)

Mastered by Blake Bickel @ Dynamic Sound Services (Kalamazoo, MI)

Lake Isle paintings by Kelsey Goode

Layout, typography & logo design by Juan Dean

Released September 12, 2025, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes is more than music—it’s a monument to memory, loss, and the natural majesty of Michigan.

✨ . Expect laughs, deep reflection, and plenty of geeking out about gear, riffs, and songwriting.

🔗 Follow Lucius Fox: https://luciusfox.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-and-life-of-the-great-lakes

🔗 Support Metal Maniacs: https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

If you’re into progressive metal, maximalist soundscapes, and music that dares to feel human, this is the episode for you.

In Episode 113, Jay and Modd each pick five old school death metal bands they either revisited with fresh ears or finally discovered and appreciated after years of overlooking them.

These aren’t just random bands—we’re talking pillars of the genre, the kind of acts that shaped entire movements and subgenres, but for some reason slipped past our playlists... until now.

Some were bands we heard once and didn’t “get.” Others were victims of bad timing, poor promotion, or just buried beneath the constant wave of new releases. But now? We’re making it right.

Throughout this episode, we dive into:

Why these bands didn’t click back then

What changed that helped them finally resonate

Our favorite albums and entry points for each

Their legacy and influence on modern metal

How rediscovering them reignited our love for OSDM

Whether you're a longtime fan of old school death metal or just beginning to explore the blood-soaked back catalog of the genre’s past, this episode is loaded with essential picks, honest reflections, and some passionate metal love.

🔥 Bonus: We even drop a few new discoveries worth your time—because metal never stops evolving.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your heavy.

💬 Let us know which old-school bands you came around to late—and which ones are still on your list!

📲 Follow us for more: https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

In this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Metzfire—a Grand Rapids-based hard rock/alt-metal powerhouse whose sound blends moody atmospheres with haunting melodies, crushing grooves, and deeply emotional lyricism.

Formerly known as The Orphan and Others, Metzfire is a band that channels personal struggle and historic tragedy into powerful sonic storytelling. We dive deep into their debut album “Coordinate Oblivion”, discuss their evolving lineup, talk gear, production, and the journey from their inception to opening for national acts like The Browning and Hail The Sun.

🔥 Highlights from the episode include:

Behind the scenes of recording “Coordinate Oblivion” at Raygun Recording Studio

Reflections on standout tracks like “To Drink an Ocean,” “Stoned Ape Theory,” and “Into the Unknown”

Johnny Whitney’s vocal style—ranging from haunting cleans to visceral screams

Their DIY writing process and how they create moody, genre-bending arrangements

The band’s unique chemistry as a 7-piece and their approach to live performance

What they're listening to, what’s next for 2025, and how they transform anxiety into art

🎵 About “Coordinate Oblivion” (2024)

This 8-track debut captures a range of sonic moods—from ethereal ambiance and post-grunge breakdowns to technical, emotionally charged alt-metal riffage. Recorded and produced by Chris Frankhauser (ONN, Glass God),

🎤 Current Lineup:

Johnny Whitney – Vocals (Kamilla, Johnny Logic)

Josh Barnaby & Mike Hafer – Guitars (The Veronica Speedwell, The Skyline Obscura)

Jonas Beel – Guitar (The Storied Life)

Mike McNally – Bass (Romance for Ransom)

Mike Nolen – Keys/Synth (Long After Midnight)

David Koetje – Drums (Until Forever)

⚙️ Topics Discussed:

Band formation and evolution

The importance of tone, gear, and unconventional tunings

How riffs become full songs

Balancing melody with aggression

Collaboration, songwriting dynamics, and what makes Metzfire click

Show experiences across Michigan

Touring aspirations and new material in the works

🔗 Metzfire Links:

🌐 Linktree-https://linktr.ee/metzfire

💿 Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

📣 Whether you’re a fan of Sevendust, 12 Foot Ninja, Dead Poet Society, or Coheed and Cambria—you’ll want to hear what Metzfire is doing. Their genre-fluid, emotionally intense songs will hit you in the chest and leave you thinking.

💥 Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring conversation.

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your fix.

🔔 Like, comment, subscribe, and share with a fellow metalhead.

Reaction Series Vol. 19: Protolith, Blasphemous, Leptospira & More Underground Fire! EP111 – 🔥

Welcome to the 111th episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In this 19th installment of our Reaction Series, we take a deep dive into the underground once again, spotlighting some killer new bands from around the globe and right here in our own backyard. These bands brought the riffs, the blast beats, the filth, and the fury—and we give you our uncensored, off-the-cuff thoughts in real time. 💀🎧

This episode is jam-packed with a killer variety of blackened death, grindcore, hardcore, tech, and good old-fashioned Michigan metal. Whether you're into cold atmospherics, blazing tremolos, guttural screams, or DIY grit, we’ve got something for you.

⚔️ Bands We Reacted To in Episode 111:

🔹 Protolith

Dark, groovy, and atmospherically dense—Protolith kicks things off with a track that pulls you into a bleak, yet melodic vortex.

🎧 Listen on Spotify-🔹 Frost Legion

With names like NecroDeathMortum, Tormentor, and Kroni, you already know it’s war. Crushing black/death out of the underground trenches.

🎧 Bandcamp-

🔹 JuNim

Straight outta 530 Hardcore territory, JuNim delivers a grindy, raw, and riff-fueled attack. Unpolished, unapologetic, and full of fight.

🎧 Spotify-

🔹 Blasphemous

Filthy, furious blackened death from Filthadelphia. The band lives up to its name with blistering chaos and sinister riff work.

🎧 Spotify Album-

🔹 Beneath The Haight

From the Michigan underground, Beneath The Haight brings a massive wall of sound with modern metal aggression and melodic touches.

📺 YouTube – “Vile”-

🔹 Malition

DIY, self-produced, and packed with talent from former members of Chain Ripper, Dregs, and Dank Tooth. These Grand Rapids crushers are building their empire from the ground up.

🎧 Spotify Album-

🔹 Neverender

Veterans of the Michigan scene reunite to form Neverender, delivering dynamic, groove-heavy metal that’s both precise and punishing.

🔥 Tracks to check: “Juggernaut”, “Blurred Reality”, “The Final Gambit”

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552592815731

🔹 Leptospira

Tech-grind mayhem from Cleveland! If you love fast riffs, frantic drumming, and dissonant chaos, Leptospira is one to watch.

📺 YouTube – “Here Comes the Circus”

🔥 Whether it’s their first EP or a return from the grave, every band featured brought their own flavor of fury. This episode is all about discovery, supporting the underground, and giving real-time reactions to music you probably haven’t heard yet—but should.

💬 Comment below with which band blew your mind or surprised you the most!

🩸 Submit your band for future reaction episodes at metalmaniacs.mi@gmail.com

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

👊 Stay heavy. Stay underground. Support the scene.

🎧 Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcasts.

#MetalManiacsPodcast #UndergroundMetal #ReactionSeries #MichiganMetal #DeathMetal #Grindcore #MetalPodcast #Protolith #Blasphemous #FrostLegion #JuNim #Neverender #Malition #Leptospira #BeneathTheHaight

In this pulverizing episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive deep into the diseased heart of Michigan’s underground with Decedent, one of the most exciting new names in the Sepsisgrind scene—a self-described style of cataclysmic death metal somewhere between Sanguisugabogg, Gatecreeper, and 200 Stab Wounds, all filtered through a thick Cannibal Corpse groove and old-school Chuck Schuldiner worship.

🧠 We sit down with the Mount Pleasent-area trio—Josiah Hill (vocals/guitar), Anthony (drums), and Malakai (bass)—to unpack the brutal origins, gear setups, writing methods, and growth of the band from raw demo days to their killer debut album release on Iron Fortress Records, For Those in Shallow Graves (out Aug 15, 2025).

We talk:

🧟 The origins of the Decedent name and lineup

🧬 Recording their first self-titled demo EP (March 5, 2023) — complete with "Machining Through Your Guts" and "Cataclysmic Dome"

🔨 The Persistent Ruin EP (Jan 5, 2024) — tighter drumming, better production, and standout cuts like "Cerebral Hemisect"

💥 Their gnarly Senseless Disgust single (July 23, 2024 via Harder Than You Records)

💦 The devastating Piss Leach split EP (Sept 27, 2024) feat. "Involuntary Self-Decimation"

🪦 The debut full-length For Those in Shallow Graves (Aug 15, 2025) — 9 tracks of pure filth, including:

We break down what makes this 3-piece so tight live, how they develop riff-driven anthems with old-school grooves and blast-laden madness, and why their tone and songwriting offer some of the most exciting death metal in Michigan today.

🎛️ Tech talk? We cover:

Guitar tones

Drums and cabs

Tunings

Practice and rehearsal routines

🪦💀 They may be young, but they’ve got the heart of rotting veterans—and this new LP proves it. Recorded by Furniture City Soundworks, mixed/mastered by Colossus Audio, and wrapped in disgusting art by Martyrdoom Illustrations, For Those in Shallow Graves is slimy, relentless, and catchy as hell.

💽 Pre-order the CD or cassette now at:

👉 https://www.ironfortressrecords.com

🎧 Stream "Molded in Concrete" + the full discography:

👉 https://ironfortressrecords.bandcamp.com

📲 Follow Decedent:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decedentmi

📲 Follow Iron Fortress Records:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/ironfortressrecords

📽️ Watch the LP teaser and music videos:

👉 @ironfortressrecords

🔊 Also discussed:

Their show with Noxis in Lansing

Upcoming tour plans

What they’re listening to right now (spoiler: it’s nasty)

The joy of being in a band, getting weird with riffs, and what’s next for Decedent

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Whether you're into the buzzsaw low-end of Frozen Soul, the riff-worship of Gorguts, or the sledgehammer bounce of Sanguisugabogg, this episode is for you.

LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE | STAY METAL

In Episode 109, Jay and Modd return to one of the most personal and debated topics in all of metal fandom — our Top Metal Albums of All Time. It all started in Episode 7, came back strong in Episode 53, and now the tradition continues with five more additions each to our ever-evolving, ever-brutal, and ever-blessed all-time metal lists.

This is not a “Best Of” list compiled by AI, Rolling Stone, or mainstream music sites. This is straight from our worn-out speakers and battle-hardened souls — albums that shook us, shaped us, and still haunt our playlists today.

💿 Whether it's technical wizardry, emotional weight, lyrical depth, or just head-splitting riffs — each pick is justified, discussed, and dissected with brutal honesty. And as always, we throw in stories, trivia, and mini-rants along the way.

🔁 Previously on the List:

🧠 Episode 7 – The Origin

Nick:

Death – Symbolic

Morbid Angel – Domination

Carcass – Heartwork

Rotting Christ – Triarchy of the Lost Lovers

In Flames – The Jester Race

Jason:

Death – Symbolic

Morbid Angel – Domination

Carcass – Heartwork

Soilwork – The Chainheart Machine

At The Gates – Slaughter of the Soul

🧠 Episode 53 – The Sequel

Nick:

Lamb of God – Ashes of the Wake

BTBAM – The Silent Circus

Meshuggah – Nothing

Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage

Cattle Decapitation – Death Atlas

Jason:

Killswitch Engage – Alive or Just Breathing

Into Eternity – Buried In Oblivion

Glass Casket – We Are Gathered Here Today

BTBAM – Alaska

The Faceless – Akeldama

🧨 What’s Coming in Episode 109?

No spoilers here… but expect curveballs. You’ll hear praise for albums that were overlooked, underappreciated, or just plain slept on — as well as cornerstone releases that still destroy to this day. Will there be a power metal pick? A death-doom detour? Maybe even a curveball from the early 2000s underground?

We want this episode to get you thinking about your own top albums — and maybe inspire you to revisit records that deserve more spins.

📣 Join the Discussion:

👉 What are your all-time favorite metal albums?

👉 What albums did we miss or underrate?

👉 Who would be on your Mount Rushmore of metal records?

Drop a comment, send us your lists, and tag us on Instagram @metalmaniacspodcast with your personal picks. 🤘

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd, this episode dives into a topic every metalhead can relate to: **gateway bands**—the artists that first sparked our obsession with heavy music and led us down the path to extreme metal, death metal, metalcore, black metal, and beyond. 🤘

But what exactly *is* a gateway band?

A gateway band is a group whose music is just heavy *enough* to catch the ear of new listeners, yet accessible thanks to catchy hooks, polished production, or genre-bending elements. They open the door for millions to discover heavier and more underground bands, becoming the first step in countless metal journeys.

---

### 🧠 **What makes a band a gateway?**

* Cleaner production than raw underground acts

* Melodic choruses or anthemic riffs

* Cross-genre appeal (metal meets rock, punk, even pop)

* Exposure on mainstream channels (MTV, radio, gaming soundtracks)

* Lyrics or visuals that resonate with a wider crowd

### 🔥 **In this episode, we talk about bands that became gateways for us and countless others:**

**⚙️ Heavy Metal Icons:**

* *Metallica* – From “Enter Sandman” to “Master of Puppets,” they turned millions into lifelong metal fans.

* *Iron Maiden* – Epic storytelling and soaring melodies that bridge classic rock fans into NWOBHM.

* *Black Sabbath* – The dark, doomy birth of heavy metal itself.

* *Pantera* – Groove, aggression, and hooks that defined the 90s.

* *Slayer* – Their ferocity pulled many thrash fans toward death metal.

**🤘 Metalcore & Deathcore:**

* *Killswitch Engage* – Melodic choruses + heavy riffs = perfect entry into metalcore.

* *Parkway Drive* – Catchy yet crushing; a modern classic gateway.

* *Bring Me The Horizon* (early era) – Their evolution from deathcore to arena rock brought countless fans along for the ride.

**☠️ Death Metal Gateways:**

* *Cannibal Corpse* – Their infamous album art & brutal sound piqued curiosity.

* *Death* – Technical yet melodic; opened doors to progressive & tech death.

* *Amon Amarth* – Viking themes and melodic riffs attracted new ears.

**🧊 Black Metal Access Points:**

* *Dimmu Borgir* – Symphonic black metal with huge production.

* *Cradle of Filth* – Gothic, theatrical, and strangely accessible.

* *Immortal* (later albums) – Ice-cold riffs with more clarity than the rawest black metal.

**⚡ Nu Metal Crossovers:**

* *Slipknot* – Heavy but hooky, angry yet anthemic.

* *Korn* – Deep grooves and raw emotion resonated with 90s youth.

* *System of a Down* – Weird, wild, and instantly memorable.

---

### 🎯 **Why do gateway bands matter?**

They inspire people to:

✅ Explore deeper and heavier subgenres

✅ Keep local and underground scenes alive

✅ Become fans, musicians, and supporters of extreme music

Everyone starts somewhere—and we celebrate that first spark that leads to a lifetime of riffs, blast beats, and stage dives. 🔥

---

**🌙 We also chat about:**

* Newer gateway bands like *Beartooth*, *Spiritbox*, *Sleep Token*

* The bands that *personally* drew us into heavier worlds

* Why it’s *okay* (and awesome!) to love the popular bands that got you started

---

🎧 **Join us for Episode 108** as we remember those first riffs that changed our lives—and maybe yours, too!

🩸 **Stream now on YouTube & Spotify** | Don’t forget to like, comment & share your own gateway band stories in the comments!

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

In this special 107th episode of the **Metal Maniacs Podcast**, hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** sit down with none other than **T.J. Miller** — the powerful voice behind the Michigan metalcore pioneers **Still Remains** and the melodic rock project **Glassfield**.

We dive deep into T.J.’s journey through the heavy music world, from the early days playing sweaty local shows to becoming part of a band that helped define a chapter of American metalcore. Together, we explore the evolution of his sound, his songwriting process, and what it’s like to move between heavier and more melodic projects without losing authenticity.

🎤 **Topics we cover include:**

* **The inception of Still Remains** – how the band formed, early influences, and the energy of the Michigan metalcore scene in the early 2000s.

* **Transition to Glassfield** – why T.J. started this melodic rock project and what it unlocked creatively.

* The challenges and joys of balancing two very different musical projects.

* Writing lyrics from personal struggles, hope, and faith — and why vulnerability still matters in heavy music.

* The legacy of Still Remains’ albums like *“Of Love and Lunacy”* and *“The Serpent”*, and how those songs feel to perform today.

* Recording stories, live show memories, and moments that changed the band forever.

* How the Michigan scene shaped T.J. as an artist and as a person.

* Advice for new musicians trying to find their voice in an oversaturated world.

🤘 **Plus:**

* Behind-the-scenes memories of tours and shows that made an impact.

* What’s next for Glassfield, Still Remains, and other creative projects on the horizon.

Still Remains helped craft a melodic, passionate strain of metalcore that was both crushing and deeply melodic, while Glassfield lets T.J. explore soaring hooks and introspective themes. In this conversation, we explore why both sides matter, and how the journey through heavy music is as much about growth and honesty as it is about riffs and breakdowns.

🎶 **Check out T.J. Miller’s music:**

* Still Remains: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dtWjDmyshxEkAD2YWxF6N) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stillremains/)

* Glassfield: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0JH6TRFg4qCKXc9dvUhaJx) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/glassfieldmusic/)

✨ Whether you were there moshing in the front row at a Still Remains show in 2005, or you’ve discovered these bands years later, this episode is a reminder of why heavy music stays with us: it’s real, it’s honest, and it helps us survive.

Don’t forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** to the Metal Maniacs Podcast on YouTube, and follow us on Spotify & all major podcast platforms so you never miss an episode!

📲 **Follow us for more metal:**

* YouTube: [Metal Maniacs Podcast](#)

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Thank you for listening — and stay heavy! 🤘🔥

Welcome to the 106th episode of **Metal Maniacs**, where your co-hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** dive headfirst into the 18th installment of our **Reaction Series**—a brutal batch of underground metal bands from across the world that bring the riffs, the filth, and the fire.

This week we feature a stacked lineup of **global brutality**, regional underground **gems**, and some **wildly original** submissions you’ve *got* to hear. Whether it's Rez Metal from Michigan or death-doom from Montana, we’ve got your ears bleeding and your fists pumping

🔊 **Bands Featured in Episode 106**:

### 💥 **Ghidora** – *Hannahville, MI (Rez Metal)*

Unleashing raw, unfiltered aggression straight from tribal lands. We react to their video “Dead Eyes” and talk about the band’s regional impact and no-holds-barred style.

🎥 [Watch the video](https://youtu.be/DdUN7SIE3Ls?si=QbC642BO1NkQ8RMg)

📧 Booking: [ghidora56@gmail.com](mailto:ghidora56@gmail.com)

### 🌑 **Collapsed Vein** – *Montana, USA*

This one-man death-doom project led by **Kevin George** dropped *Pain Communion* on April 18, 2025. Imagine Neurosis meets Triptykon in a cathedral of despair. Dark, slow, punishing, and haunting.

📡 [LinkTree & Promo Download](https://linktr.ee/collapsedvein)

### ☠️ **MORTOFOBIA** – *Cochabamba, Bolivia*

Formed in 1992, this South American death metal mainstay continues their brutal legacy with “El Silencio de la Muerte.”

🎥 [Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubWlzE39Ic)

### 🔨 **Rancor** – *West Virginia Hardcore*

Heavy, gnarly, and proud to represent WV’s underground. The track we react to rips with classic hardcore energy.

🎧 [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/2sPX8rDovNy8PaZqsW7Vn1?si=S_weWcb-TQi7vaQ33kIFkA)

### 🧙‍♀️ **Wisher** – *Fantasy Metal / Michigan*

A fusion of Avenged Sevenfold, Nightwish, and *Treasure Planet* vibes, Wisher brings arena-ready choruses, cinematic arrangements, and gamer fantasy aesthetics.

🎥 [“Get Off” Video](https://youtu.be/ony05gK9KUk?si=eGZX1MMAul7nVp_1)

### 🐦 **Mafia Birdhouse** – *Midwestern Heavy Grooves*

Massive riffs and catchy structures meet sludge-metal bite. This is Midwest heavy done right.

🎧 [Listen Here](https://open.spotify.com/track/5K2DCVHSdRnwiQAaBfsCpX?si=1jOI-wOpSGi5fet8w0APKg)

### 🔫 **Get The Gatling** – *Modern Metal / Midwest*

Explosive drums, fierce guitars, and machine-gun riffage that lives up to the name.

🎧 [Stream on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/2N0t3jjPuPcAbNRFTBCBd5?si=mUD16CjsTZO3SUQUTg9-Yg)

### 👻 **Ghosts In Motion** – *Flint, MI | Metalcore x Trap Fusion*

A dual-vocal attack fusing trap rhythms with djenty breakdowns. Genre-bending and chaotic in all the right ways.

🎧 [Listen Here](https://open.spotify.com/track/0zR7GtgX8wZLFULKuwIMCa?si=4KTEYpu8ThOp_4G4ZhHhzg)

FOLLOW US-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🗣️ **As always, Jay and Modd bring:**

* 🔥 Honest, entertaining, and sometimes *brutally* real reactions

* 🤘 Scene insight from across Michigan & beyond

* 🎤 A passion for helping bands rise above the noise

If you want to submit YOUR band to be featured on our reaction series, reach out to us on Instagram or via email!

📩 **Submissions:** [themetalmaniacspodcast@gmail.com](mailto:themetalmaniacs.mi@gmail.com)

📲 **Follow & Subscribe:**

🔗 Instagram: [@themetalmaniacspodcast](https://www.instagram.com/themetalmaniacspodcast)

🔗 YouTube: [Metal Maniacs Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/@themetalmaniacspodcast)

🔗 Spotify & Apple Podcasts: *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*

🔥 **Support Underground Music. Stay Brutal. Be a Maniac.**

🎙 **Metal Maniacs Podcast – Episode 105**

**"Living Dissection: Filth, Fury & the Future of Slam"**

Hosted by **Jay Ingersoll** & **Modd**

In this episode, we sit down with Detroit’s own **slammy death metal juggernauts**, **Living Dissection** — a band dripping in brutality, precision, and passion. From grotesque riffs to guttural breakdowns, Living Dissection is helping put Michigan on the map for **slam and brutal death metal**, and we dive deep into their past, present, and what’s still to come.

🔥 **Members Featured:**

* **Troy** – Guitarist, original vocalist, founding member

* **James** – New vocalist bringing the fury

* **Mike** – Guitarist, a.k.a. “The Witch”

* **Ben** – Blastbeat machine on drums

We cover everything from the **origin of the band's name** (yes, there's a **Cannibal Corpse** connection 👀) to the real grind of songwriting, practicing, and gigging as an extreme metal unit in the Midwest. This is a must-listen for fans of underground brutality and DIY hustle.

🧠 **Topics Covered:**

* How the band was formed and where it all began

* Transition of members and how that’s impacted the sound

* Band chemistry & writing dynamics — riffs, solos, slams, and song structures

* Practice regimens, live prep, and navigating stage chaos

* Tone, gear, tuning preferences, and recording setups

* Memorable live shows (good *and* disastrous)

* Life on and off stage — and what keeps them inspired

* What’s next for Living Dissection, and their 2025 goals

---

💿 **Living Dissection Discography Highlights:**

* **"Internal Malignance"** *(EP)* – April 27, 2020

Five tracks of raw, slamming fury. Must-hear: *“Insatiable Punishment”*

* **"A Ghost in Flesh"** – July 1, 2021

A tighter, darker edge to their evolving death metal sound

* **"Becoming the Filth"** – July 17, 2023

Technical, brutal, and polished. Their modern slam signature.

* **"Ire of the Rotted"** – December 6, 2024

Savage tone meets sharpened songwriting

* **"Fear Not (For the Plague Lord Provides)"** – April 25, 2025

Crushing riffwork and spiritual decay in under 3 minutes

---

🎤 **Live Shows & Highlights:**

Living Dissection has earned their scars on the Michigan death metal scene, sharing stages with **First Fragment**, **Syphoned**, and **Precordial Thump**, especially at venues like **The Sanctuary Detroit**—a go-to for extreme underground shows.

Their sets are high energy, low mercy, and all about delivering a sonic beatdown with precision.

---

🌐 **Where to Find Living Dissection:**

* **Bandcamp:** [livingdissection.bandcamp.com](https://livingdissection.bandcamp.com)

🎧 **Closing Thoughts:**

We also get personal—talking about what keeps them going, what they're listening to, what it means to be part of Michigan's heavy music community, and how they’ve evolved beyond just writing brutal music—to telling stories through sound.

So crank the volume and get ready to **dig into the filth**, because this week’s episode brings the **slam** like no other.

🎙️ **Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & more**

Follow @themetalmaniacspodcast for updates, clips, and more underground fire.

\#metalmaniacspodcast #livingdissection #slammingbrutaldeathmetal #michiganmetal #deathmetal #detroitmetal #metalinterview #brutaldeath #undergroundmetal #metalpodcast #metalmaniacs105

FOLLOW US-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

In this episode, Jay and Modd dig deep into the vaults of heavy metal memory to shine a spotlight on **some of the most criminally forgotten or stagnant bands** in the scene. Whether they burned bright and fast, went on permanent hiatus, or just never got the respect they deserved, these artists left a **permanent mark** on metal history—and it’s time we gave them their flowers.

From genre-defining pioneers to chaotic underground legends, we each bring our picks for bands that should’ve blown up—or maybe once did, but were lost in the churn of time. We’re talking **tech-death precision, nu-metal grooves, post-metal atmosphere, industrial heaviness, and raw metalcore emotion**. Get ready for a nostalgic ride through the early 2000s and beyond.

📜 **In This Episode, We Talk About:**

🔹 **Nothingface** – The overlooked bridge between nu-metal, groove, and emotional vulnerability. Matt Holt’s voice and lyrical style made them stand out, but they never got the recognition they deserved.

🔹 **Disincarnate** – Guitar god **James Murphy’s** death metal gem. One album—*Dreams of the Carrion Kind*—is all it took to cement them as a cult legend.

🔹 **Into Eternity** – Canadian progressive death metal with beautiful melodies and insane technicality. Why aren’t more people still talking about this band?

🔹 **Misery Loves Co.** – Industrial metal with emotional depth. Ahead of their time, and underappreciated outside niche circles.

🔹 **Isis** – Pioneers of post-metal. Atmospheric, heavy, and hypnotic. If you love Cult of Luna or Pelican, they owe a debt to Isis.

🔹 **Animosity** – A true force of early tech-deathcore. Their influence on modern heavy bands is impossible to ignore.

🔹 **Brain Drill** – Ridiculously fast, ultra-technical death metal that turned heads and melted minds.

🔹 **Glass Casket** – A precursor to modern deathcore/prog-metalcore with ties to Between the Buried and Me.

🔹 **Strapping Young Lad** – Devin Townsend’s manic, wall-of-sound masterpiece. More chaotic and complex than most bands dared to be.

🔹 **Misery Signals** – Melodic metalcore perfection. Their early work practically defined a subgenre. Still respected, but not as widely remembered as they should be.

🔹 **40 Below Summer** – One of the more aggressive and catchy bands in the nu-metal boom. They had *hooks and bite*.

🔹 **Viatrophy** – A UK deathcore band that showed immense promise before vanishing way too soon.

💀 This episode is **a love letter to the underground**, to the bands that inspired us, challenged the genre, and then faded into obscurity. Some called it quits. Some still linger in the shadows. Some we hope will return. But all of them are **worth remembering**.

🧠 Whether you’re a longtime metalhead or a younger fan just discovering these names, this is your gateway to some of the most **underrated acts** in metal’s history.

🗣️ **Let us know in the comments or on social media:**

What bands do YOU think were forgotten too soon? Who should we cover in Part 2?

📲 **Follow us for more:**

https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Now streaming — Hit play and headbang down memory lane.

In this 103rd episode, we dive headfirst into some of the freshest underground and rising metal from around the world. From metalcore infused with melodic hooks to genre-bending death grooves, this lineup hits hard, bleeds creativity, and showcases the extreme diversity of today’s metal underground.

### 🔥 Bands Featured This Episode:

---

### 🧠 **Hollow Construct** (Southwest Michigan / The Netherlands)

This international unit combines progressive metalcore elements with atmospheric tension and punishing breakdowns. Submitted by a passionate fan, we check out their unique cross-continental chemistry and massive production value.

🎧 [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DZ2ONmVquFQEofI7e4XQ5?si=Ip-ladGJRqyMp7D_v2pPdQ)

📺 [YouTube](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nXb3wv-WdVgTKKHMOuYHxsX_L1nhbE4u0)

---

### 🧬 **Project Nineless** (Salzburg, Austria)

Their track “Life of Rama” blends European metalcore stylings with mythological overtones and dynamic tempo shifts. Think modern groove with crisp leads and a cinematic edge.

🎧 [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/0NTRnDstytiuPua4ZWRdRC?si=bJ6Kg9IvQcC4KX7PRX2z4w)

---

### 💓 **Pulse** (UK)

Hailing from the UK, Pulse bring post-metalcore atmospheres with heavy, emotionally driven energy. Their aesthetic, tone, and delivery set them apart — clean, modern, and moody.

📲 [Linktree for Pulse](http://www.linktr.ee/ourpulseisyours)

### 🩸 **Blood Druid** (USA)

“Twist the Knife” hits with a dark, ritualistic intensity — combining groove, death metal, and theatrical vocals. These guys tap into eerie moods and raw, punchy instrumentation.

🎧 [Spotify Link]---https://open.spotify.com/album/6HevZ6Wq9Mkxt5dqxVtxO9?si=O43AylTARuqCVvYpb1sKhg

### ⚔️ **AT Water** (East Michigan)

With a sound compared to Periphery, AT Water deliver hard-hitting melodic metalcore that’s both brutally heavy and technically polished. Their new EP *The Sum of All Parts* is a serious upgrade and shows off the band’s evolution.

🎧 [Listen Here](https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/atwater/the-sum-of-all-parts)

---

### 🛡️ **Against The Edge** (USA/Japan collab)

“Safe Room” features soaring choruses, searing riffs, and a guest vocal spot from Japanese metalcore powerhouse Yu Umehara (Merging Moon). Melodic with bite — this track deserves a spin.

🎧 [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/0ypEnAYBM6EnD6jf9Vs657?si=2b47761a89614419)

### 🐺 **Wolvera** (Texas, USA)

Southern grit meets modern metal with “Through Its Fangs.” These Texans bring a snarling mid-tempo approach that rides the line between post-grunge and core.

## 🌑 **Endure My World** (Heavycore)

Moody, modern, and brooding — this solo project reflects raw emotional honesty through the lens of industrial-tinged modern metal. Highly introspective and textured.

🔗 [Explore the Project](https://heavycore.link/enduremyworld)

### 💥 What To Expect:

This episode is more than just reactions — it’s a real-time *showcase of the global underground*. Jay and Modd bring their signature mix of humor, critique, and scene insight to each submission, offering breakdowns of tone, production, vocals, and the *vibe* that defines each act.

From DIY Michigan bands to international metal units, this episode is a testament to the thriving scene bubbling just beneath the surface. Whether you're looking to discover your next favorite band or just enjoy the banter between two passionate metalheads, **Episode 103 delivers**.

---

🔗 **Subscribe, Comment, and Submit**

Want your band featured on a future Metal Maniacs reaction episode? Hit us up on Instagram or email — we’re always hunting for the heavy.

📩 [themetalmaniacspodcast.mi@gmail.com]

FOLLOW US-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Playing longer, faster, and harder with Lucius Fox-102

🎙️ **EPISODE 102— The Metal Maniacs Podcast**

**Guest: Lucius Fox**

🎧 Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

📍 Kalamazoo, MI

In this 102nd episode of *The Metal Maniacs Presents: The Last Week on Earth*, we sit down with **Lucius Fox**, the visionary instrumental duo from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Known for their dynamic genre-blending compositions, blistering live performances, and complete disregard for traditional boundaries, Lucius Fox delivers an experience that’s as chaotic as it is beautiful.

🎸 **Members**:

* **Jeremy Cronk** – Guitar, Synth, Banjo, Vocals

* **Paul Drake Jr.** – Drums, Guitar

Together, they’ve crafted a discography filled with progressive chaos, celestial themes, and improvisational magic. In this episode, we explore:

🔍 **Topics Covered**:

* The inception of Lucius Fox and their evolution through Michigan’s underground scene

* The origin and meaning behind the band’s name

* Their unique **writing process**, jam-first arrangements, and how solos and riffs are decided

* Balancing spontaneity with structure — especially on improvisation-heavy records

* The band's **practice & production workflows**

* Discussion on **tone, gear, tunings**, and crafting their unmistakable sound

* Recent & upcoming **shows**, including their **Bronson Arm release show**

* Show stories and future touring plans

🎶 **Full Discography Breakdown**:

Lucius Fox has released a *sonic time capsule* of material since 2015. We walk through and discuss each release:

1. **Stay Cool, Bird Boy (Single)** – Nov 21, 2015

2. **Where Have You Been? (EP)** – Jan 2, 2016

3. **Live Sessions (Jams)** – Feb 5, 2017

4. **Cement Sun (Jams)** – May 26, 2017

5. **TRAPPIST-1 (LP)** – Jun 22, 2018

6. **Quaternary Panorama (LP)** – Jan 17, 2020

7. **Red Giant (LP)** – Mar 12, 2021

8. **Solastalgia (LP)** – Aug 19, 2022

9. **Medicea Sidera (LP)** – Dec 8, 2023

💥 Highlights from the discussion:

* *“Stay Cool, Bird Boy”* and its jam roots — where it all started

* The haunting doomy journey of *“Carved by Glaciers”*

* The sax-laden textures of *“Solastalgia”*, their most sonically ambitious release

* The space-themed wonder of *“TRAPPIST-1”* and *“Medicea Sidera”*

* Their live improv ethos — *Void*, *Tunnel*, and *Caged Bird* as key moments

🎛️ **Production Credits**:

* Frequent collaborators include **Jeff Hostetler**, **Brendon Infante**, **Blake Bickel**, and **Chris Frankhauser**

* Visual art by **Juan Dean**, **Kelsey Goode**, and **Craig Horky** adds layers of visual identity to their conceptual records

🎤 **Exclusive insights**:

* The rare use of **vocals** in “Solastalgia Pt. 2”

* The tension and release in tracks like *“Jupiter”*, *“Claw of Archimedes”*, and *“Envenoming”*

* How synths, banjo, and trombones sneak into their compositions

* Their philosophy on improvisation vs. composition

* Paul’s thoughts on dynamic drumming and pushing boundaries

📢 Whether you're a diehard instrumental prog fan or new to Michigan's underground scene, this episode is an eye-opener. Lucius Fox isn’t just a band — it’s an evolving art project fueled by curiosity, chaos, and craft.

🔗 **Listen to Lucius Fox**:

Bandcamp: [https://luciusfox.bandcamp.com](https://luciusfox.bandcamp.com)

Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/luciusfoxband](https://www.instagram.com/luciusfoxband)

Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4D2m1RQ0KqxvHxPlb6BGyt](https://open.spotify.com/artist/4D2m1RQ0KqxvHxPlb6BGyt)

⚡ **LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE**

Join the conversation in the comments and tell us your favorite Lucius Fox track, live memory, or what you'd love to see from them next.

\#LuciusFox #MetalManiacsPodcast #InstrumentalMetal #KalamazooMetal #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Mathcore #MichiganMetal #JeremyCronk #PaulDrakeJr #LiveJams #ExperimentalMetal

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎙️ **EPISODE 101 — How to Build a Metal Festival: Steve Maple of Michigan Metal Fest Tells All:101 w/ Steve Maple & Ken Joseph**

*Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd | The Metal Maniacs Podcast*

🔥 In this milestone 101st episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*, Jay and Modd sit down with two of the driving forces behind one of the Midwest's heaviest and most important metal events — **Michigan Metal Fest**! We welcome **Steve Maple**, the festival’s founder and owner, and **Ken Joseph**, the fest’s trusted media coordinator, for a deep and candid conversation about everything that goes into running one of the most ambitious underground metal fests in the U.S.

🎸 **The Origins of Michigan Metal Fest**

→ From dream to beast: How Steve Maple built MMF from the ground up

→ The first ever lineup, the scene in Michigan, and how it grew

🤘 **Behind the Curtain: Building a Festival**

→ How bands are vetted and selected

→ Volunteer coordination, vendors, sponsorships & building a community

→ The essential role of **insurance, permits, and security** logistics

→ What it’s like working with the venue — **Leicester Arboretum**

📢 **Ken Joseph on Media & Promo Strategy**

→ Social media, flyers, street teams, press partnerships, and digital reach

→ How to keep underground metal **visible** in 2025

💬 **Advice for Aspiring Promoters & DIY Organizers**

→ Why consistency, integrity, and patience matter

→ How to grow your fest, build trust with bands, and navigate the chaos

🔮 **Planning the Future: What’s Next for MMF?**

→ How early the next year’s fest starts planning

→ What to expect from this year’s **Midwest Brutal Fest** coming *this weekend*

→ Teasers, behind-the-scenes, and how to support your local scene!

👤 **Steve Maple**

* Owner/Operator – [**Michigan Metal Fest**](https://www.facebook.com/michiganmetalfestival)

* Frontman/Booking Contact – [**Killcrown**](https://www.facebook.com/Killcrown)

* Owner – [**Next Level Entertainment**](https://www.facebook.com/NEXTLEVELSHOWS)

* Owner – [**Scapes Landscape & Design**](https://www.facebook.com/MapleScapes)

Steve is the lifeblood of the fest and a staple in the Michigan heavy music scene — from landscaping and promotion to brutal vocals and large-scale festival logistics. His decades of hustle, community connection, and deep love of extreme metal shine through in every minute of this episode.

👤 **Ken Joseph**

* Media Coordinator – Michigan Metal Fest

Ken plays a vital role in **building the festival’s digital presence**, managing promotion, and working with media outlets to make sure **MMF stays in the spotlight**. If you’ve seen MMF in your feed, he’s the one helping push it to your screen.

---

### 🔗 LINKS & FOLLOW

📲 [Follow Michigan Metal Fest on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/michiganmetalfestival)

📸 [Follow on Instagram @michiganmetalfest](https://www.instagram.com/michiganmetalfest)

🎟️ [Get Tickets & Updates](https://www.michiganmetalfest.com

Midwestbrewtalfest.com)

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Subscribe to The Metal Maniacs Podcast for more episodes featuring the underground’s best metal musicians, promoters, and creators. Whether you’re a die-hard death metal fan, metalcore mosher, or a scene lifer — we’ve got you covered.

--

🎥 Don't forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** — help us crush the algorithm and amplify the heavy.

🖤 Support DIY. Support heavy music. Support your scene.

#MetalManiacsPodcast #MichiganMetalFest #ExtremeMetal #FestivalPromoter #UndergroundMetal #Killcrown #HeavyMusicScene #MMF2025 #MetalPodcast

🎉 **EPISODE 100 – A MILESTONE CELEBRATION!** 🎉

**The Metal Maniacs Podcast** | Hosted by **Jay Ingersoll** & **Modd**

🔥 Featuring: **xIRON SHARPENS IRONx** 🔥

Welcome to the **100th episode** of *The Metal Maniacs Presents: The Last Week on Earth*! We’ve crossed the triple-digit threshold—something **90% of podcasts never do**. With over **4.5 million podcasts** in existence and only **450k–500k actively producing content**, we’re proud to say we’re still here, still loud, and still metal as hell. 🤘

For this historic episode, host **Jay Ingersoll** brings his **own band**—**xIron Sharpens Ironx**—into the studio for a deep dive into their music, mission, and shared history with Jay and Modd as former members of **Infinite Design**.

---

### 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:

* 💀 The **inception** of xIron Sharpens Ironx

* 🔥 History of friendship and **past lives in Infinite Design**

* 🤘 A breakdown of their **discography** and sonic evolution

* 🧠 Mental health, purpose, and the mission behind the music

* 🎸 The **writing process**, gear talk, production secrets, and songwriting structure

* 🎤 Vocals, lyrics, and how they channel pain into purpose

* 🎭 Their live show energy and what’s coming next

---

### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 BAND LINEUP:

* **Larry Passenier** – Vocals

* **Adam** – Drums

* **Jay** – Guitar

* **Jeff** – Guitar

* **Ian** – Bass

---

### 🔥 ABOUT xIRON SHARPENS IRONx:

A brutal, emotionally driven force from **Muskegon, Michigan**, xIron Sharpens Ironx fuses **metallic hardcore**, **death metal**, and **hardcore** into a mission-driven wall of sound. Originally a **solo project** by Larry Passenier, it evolved into a full band with deep ties to Michigan’s underground scene.

🔗 Influences: **Pig Destroyer, Shai Hulud, Cattle Decapitation, Nails**

🎧 Themes: **Mental health, straight edge life, self harm prevention, addiction, politics**

---

### 📀 DISCOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS:

1. **The Tragedy of Mankind** *(2020)* – Debut EP tackling mental health, politics, and substance abuse.

2. **Heavy Hearts for a Hope Filled Cause** *(2020)* – A self harm prevention compilation curated by Larry.

3. **Rip Down the Sky** *(2021)* – A digital single further pushing their aggressive hybrid sound.

4. **The Aftermath of Tragedy** *(2022)* – Full-length with guest vocals from Blood In Blood Out's Jaaron Sanford.

5. **The Covers EP** *(2024)* – Covers of Foo Fighters, Hatebreed, Minor Threat, and Deftones.

🎙️ All releases were **recorded/mixed/mastered** by Jay Ingersoll at **Exit Door Productions**.

---

### ✊ BAND ETHOS:

More than music—**xIron Sharpens Ironx is a movement**. Larry is a **s::c"de survivor**, and the band consistently uses its platform to advocate for **mental health awareness**, support marginalized voices, and give hope to those still struggling.

🗣️ “This band is for anyone who’s ever felt like giving up. We’re the sound of survival.” – **Larry Passenier**

🎧 “The riffs are heavy, but the message is heavier. This is therapy through noise.” – **Jay Ingersoll**

This is what 100 episodes looks like: **consistency, passion, and never backing down**. Only **1% of podcasts make it this far**—and we’re proud to be in that number. Thank you for supporting us, for listening, for moshing with us, and for being a part of the Metal Maniacs family.

### 🔗 STAY CONNECTED:

👉 xIron Sharpens Ironx:

* [Bandcamp](https://xironsharpensironx.bandcamp.com/)

* [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ironsharpensironmi)

* [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ironsharpensironmi)

👉 The Metal Maniacs Podcast: https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

* 📸 Instagram: [@themetalmaniacspodcast](https://www.instagram.com/themetalmaniacspodcast)

* 🎧 Spotify, Apple, & wherever you stream podcasts

* 💬 Like, comment, and share to help us keep growing!

💯 **EPISODE 100** is not just a celebration—it’s a statement.

We’re still here. We’re still creating. And we’re not stopping anytime soon.

EPISODE 99 – Recorruptor Returns: Signed to Time To Kill Records + New Album Incoming!It’s a monumental return to the pit on The Metal Maniacs Podcast, as Jay Ingersoll and Modd welcome back Michigan’s ferocious death metal juggernaut Recorruptor. This time, they’re armed with major news, fresh riffs, and absolute sonic devastation.⚠️ On **April 21st**, Recorruptor announced they are now **officially signed to [Time To Kill Records](https://timetokillrecords.com/en-us/pages/roster)** — the powerhouse European label home to legendary acts like **Fulci**, **ADE**, and **Necrophagia**. With a freshly inked deal, the band is ready to unleash their new full-length album: **Sorrow Will Drown Us All**, out **July 18th, 2025**.We dive into:* The journey to getting signed — how it happened and what it means for their future* Their upcoming release: what inspired it, how it differs from past material, and why they’re more locked in than ever* Collaborating with **Timon Kokott** (known for his work with **Carnosus**) on the stunning and sinister album artwork* A deep track-by-track breakdown of the album — from blistering solos to haunting grooves and bass solos that will snap your spine🔥 **Sneak Peek: "Sorrow Will Drown Us All"**This record is everything brutal death metal should be — punishing, groovy, intricate, and unrelenting. Recorruptor took their sound, carved it with surgical precision, and stuffed it full of infectious filth.We highlight bangers like:* **“Bathe in the Ashes of Heaven”** – a monstrous opener covered in Michael’s signature production* **“Bearing the Befouled Spawn”** – Behemothian darkness that erupts into shreddy fury* **“Within the Vault”** – a standout with one of the nastiest bass solos we’ve heard all year* **“Urn of Verglas”** – spooky, sludgy, and downright infectious with an all-time vocal hook* **“Devoured by Centipedes”** – that ending groove is disgusting in the best way* **“Insidious Rot”** – arguably their catchiest, with riffs that will crawl into your skull and stay there* **“Putrid Aberration of Malevolent Divinity”** – a masterclass in structuring chaos, complete with rake-like riffs and sludge breaks* **“Scourge of Prometheus”** – featuring **Enrico Di Lorenzo of Hideous Divinity** and some of the best vocal patterns we have heard. 🎙 **In this episode, we also cover:*** Their writing and recording process: how they push each other creatively* Tone chasing: how they dialed in the nasty guitar and bass tones for this record* Shorter, sharper songs: leaning into 4–5 minute bangers for maximum impact* The unexpected influences on the new album — from blackened death to death rock* Working with Time To Kill Records: what’s coming next and how the label is helping elevate their game* Tour talk: upcoming plans, horror stories, favorite shows, and what it’s like taking this record to the stage* And what they’re listening to right now🎧 Whether you’ve been following Recorruptor since *Bloodmoon* or are new to their sonic devastation, this episode is essential listening for any fan of extreme metal.📢 Pre-save or pre-order **"Sorrow Will Drown Us All"** https://tr.ee/hhTCmIupUc(out July 18 via Time To Kill Records), and follow Recorruptor on all platforms to stay updated.💀 Crank the volume, sharpen your riffs, and sink into the abyss — because Sorrow Will Drown Us All.Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmiFollow Recorruptor-https://linktr.ee/Recorruptor

Buckle up and crank the gain to 11—it’s time for the 98th episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast, and we’re coming in hot with Reaction Series #16, where we dissect, analyze, and thrash along with some of the most devastating tracks from up-and-coming underground metal acts.

In this installment, Jay and Modd return to the war room with fresh ears and heavier opinions, reacting in real time to a batch of listener-submitted bands, genre-bending newcomers, and pit-ready anthems that demand your full attention. From Michigan to Massachusetts to the infernal corners of YouTube, this episode has it all—death metal, alternative metal, deathcore, and instrumental madness.

🎧 **FEATURING REACTIONS TO:**

🔥 **Krocophile – “Ambush Predator”**

Brutal, primal, and dripping with bloodlust—Krocophile opens this episode with a vicious assault. Bone-snapping riffs and a guttural vocal delivery that sends us straight to the lair of the beast. Jay and Modd go deep on its structure and pacing, questioning whether this predator ever lets up.

💀 **Dawn of Agony – *Born 2 Suffer***

Straight outta the dark side—this record is a sonic breakdown machine. We highlight standout tracks, explore its death metal roots, and talk about the *Born 2 Suffer* album artwork that sets the tone before a note is played.

🌘 **Shadow of the Talisman – “What Is Real?” / “The Outlaw” / “So Below”**

Signed to Eclipse Records and flying the Flint, MI flag high, this band fuses thrash, alternative metal, and post-grunge vibes in a way that turns heads. Jay and Modd dive into the technicality, vocal versatility, and emotional drive that fuels their upcoming full-length *As Above, So Below*. Bonus points for one of the best fan submission letters we’ve seen!

🧨 **Destined for Doom – “Vindictive”**

Salem, MA deathcore newcomers bring the fire with “Vindictive”—a punishing debut that sets expectations sky-high. We react to the production (shoutout Robbie Litchfield), the rage-filled delivery, and how they’re already dialing in a clear sonic identity.

💸 **The Omen Machine – “Financial Crime Death Metal”**

A concept project with an edge: The Omen Machine gives us economy-themed brutality, with Alex Perez (from Sully) on drums. Jay and Modd dissect the balance between lyrical depth and sonic obliteration—and how to make something thematic without losing the punch.

🌒 **Twilight's Umbra – “Malleable Form”**

A curveball in the best way—this self-mixed instrumental brings progressive mood and texture that left us nodding along. Jay talks about the layering and dynamic shifts, while Modd touches on how vocals could shape future versions. The creativity is undeniable.

🧠 **Porphyria – “In Pandemonium”**

Rounding out the chaos is Porphyria with a track that feels like a descent into madness. Complex, atmospheric, and razor-sharp. We talk about the fusion of styles and what makes it stick in a crowded underground scene.

🤘 Whether it’s your first time hearing these bands or you’ve been riding with them since day one, our reactions are honest, raw, and full of the passion that keeps the underground metal flame alive.

📢 **Shoutout and follow the bands featured:**

Krocophile- https://krocophile.bandcamp.com/track/ambush-predator

Dawn of Agony- https://dawnofagonydm.bandcamp.com/album/born-2-suffer

Shadow of the Talisman- http://shadowofthetalisman.com/

Destined for Doom- https://beacons.ai/destinedfordoom

The Omen Machine-https://linktr.ee/theomenmachine

Twilight's Umbra- https://youtu.be/udBtLLlhaLA?si=FdlvEKOV1gksB1as

Porphyria- https://porphyria585.bandcamp.com

—

🎙️ *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*

Episode 98 – Reaction Series #16

Hosted by **Jay Ingersoll & Modd**

📲 Follow us on IG, YouTube & TikTok https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

Let it Rot Lets us check out unreleased tracks! The Metal Maniacs Podcast- 97

This week, we’re joined by the melodic, chaotic, and crushing metalcore force from Lansing, Michigan—Let it Rot. From their early beginnings to their genre-bending new material, we sit down with the full band to talk history, riffs, tone, songwriting, and everything in between.

Featuring:

A.J. Boike – Drums

Andrew Ketcham – Guitar/Vocals (and yes, he used to hold down bass duties)

Scotty Lange – Bass/Backing Vocals

Other Members

Alex “Rocky” Torres – Guitar

Brandon Hartman – Lead Vocals

🔥 We dig into the origins of the band , how their lineup solidified, and what it took to get from the first riff to the first release. From “End of Humanity” (2019) to their brand new double-drop “CHOKE” and “Scarlet” in 2025, Let it Rot takes us deep into the evolution of their sound.

🎸 We break down tracks from End of Humanity like:

“The Distance Between Taco Bell and McDonald's” – a track as catchy as it is crushing

“My Resolution” – panic chords, trem-picked fury, and that killer bridge

“1/28” feat. Preston Mailand – melodic intro into metalcore madness

“Let’s Eat Nik” – soaring clean guitars meet chanty vocals in a Scale the Summit x Misery Signals dream

“King of Worms” – blackened highs and a brutal breakdown that hits like a truck

Then we get into the self-titled record (2022)—a step up in production and maturity. We hear influences ranging from Lamb of God to Killswitch Engage, and even God Forbid vibes bleeding into tracks like:

“Lost in Light” – their first real use of backing track production

“Life of Deceit” – the riff that grabbed us and the solo that held us

Lake of Fire” – premiered on Metal Injection, over 18k YouTube views and counting

“Polyrythmia” – Djent-inspired groove meets stunning piano outro

And then there’s the new wave...

🆕 “CHOKE” (Feb 14, 2025) – veering into industrial/hard rock territory, channeling Static-X energy with its gritty edge.

🆕 “Scarlet” (Mar 14, 2025) – dare we say, their heaviest song yet? Different production, but still very Let it Rot. And that guitar solo? FIRE.

In this episode, we also explore:

🎤 Their vocal evolution – from gutturals to melody, dual harmonies, and deathcore screams.

🎸 Guitar & tone talk – including their use of Strandberg, ESP, Schecter, Fishman pickups, Kemper amps, and Darkglass electronics.

🥁 Practice schedules, writing processes, and how they choose when to shred, scream, or go soft.

🧠 How they handle creative suggestions, balance structure vs chaos, and evolve their sound naturally.

Plus:

Their favorite and worst show memories

A look at upcoming shows

Life outside music, from hobbies to what they're currently spinning in the van

Advice for up-and-coming bands

What’s next for Let it Rot

This one's packed with insight, stories, and riffs—we’re talking melody, brutality, and progression all wrapped in one hell of a discography. Whether you’re a fan of techy metalcore, emotional heaviness, or just killer Michigan bands doing it right, this one’s for you.

🧠 Listen now and get inside the mind of a band that isn’t afraid to evolve.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🔗 All Let it Rot links in the show notes.-http://linktr.ee/let_it_rot