The Metal Cell Podcast

It was a pleasure to welcome again Steve Quinn (Vocals), Paul Quinn (Guitar) & Kieran O'Leary (Bass) of Cork Doom purveyors The Grief to the podcast. The four piece along with John Murphy (Guitars, Synths, Producer, Engineer & Mixer) recorded their latest album 'Crucible' in Murphy's home studio, The Barn, in North Cork during 2022 & 2023. Check out Pat O'Regans review of it here: (https://themetalcell.fireside.fm/articles/crucible). I caught up with Steve, Paul and Kieran just after their successful album launch in their home town of Cork. Steve had just the previous day arrived from his new country of residence Switzerland, which made the gig even more remarkable, considering the amount of material they had to cover in one rehearsal. We cover that, insights into how The Grief craft their songs, exploring themes and styles with their music and future plans. The Grief have really shown on this their sophomore release, that they are one of the best emerging bands coming out of Europe playing some incredible melancholic and brow beaten slabs of epic doom metal to the next generation. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell Podcast!!!! Thanks. The Grief Link: https://thegrief1.bandcamp.com/album/crucible Disenthrall © The Grief, all rights reserved. Crucible © The Grief, all rights reserved.

Skindred is a Welsh band that fuses heavy metal with other genres, most notably reggae. Formed in Newport in 1998, they are well known for their energetic and involving live performances all over the world. The four piece, following a massive support slot with KISS and several summer festivals have just kicked off their current tour supporting their brilliant new release 'Smile'. *Letty caught up with lead vocalist Benji Webbe before they went on stage to a sold out Academy in Dublin. Benji filled in Letty about the last few months and the recording of 'Smile', the current release, he shared some insights on being a singer and how the band are continually evolving and reaching new audiences. *Audio only. If you enjoyed the interview please 'Subscribe' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Thanks for your support, Richie. Skindred link: https://skindred.net

The Metal Cell is delighted to announce our third collaboration with Pat O'Regan of the Smashing Skull Sessions. We interviewed Andy Ennis (Vocals/Bass) & Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan (Drums/Vocals/Cello) of the incredible Post Metal Black band Domhain. Since the Northern Ireland based band released 'Nimue' (https://smashingskullsessions.fireside.fm/articles/nimue) in October, they followed it up with a jaw-dropping performance to a full main stage at The Siege of Limerick, which left me with the feeling that this four piece are one of those special bands that come along once in a lifetime! Pat and I really enjoyed the insights that Andy & Anaïs shared with us about how the band started, the connections they made through their previous bands which all helped get 'Nimue' off the ground and exploring the artistic side of the band. It was also nice to acknowledge a previous guest from The Smashing Skull Sessions, the supremely talented Jo Quail, with an mind blowing guest performance on “A Pile of Stone Upon Her Grave”. Domhain are Andy, Anaïs, Bryn Mills - Guitar, Backing Vocals & Nathan Irvine - Lead Guitar, Piano. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell/Smashing Skull Sessions channels. Thank you! Domhain Link: https://domhain-band.bandcamp.com/album/nimue Song played: The Mourning Star © Domhain, all rights reserved.

Letty Sharp interviews Arron O'Shaughnessy (Vocals) & Darragh O'Connor (Guitars) of Black Metal/DSBM band Horrenda. The Dublin based band formed in 2015 as a solo project by Darragh and became a four piece in late 2016 with Aaron taking over on vocal duties. Horrenda has been a revolving door in relation to musicians coming in and out of the band but yet they have consistently released some incredible music whilst steadily building up the fanatic fan base. Letty talks with Arron & Darragh about their brilliant new single 'Handprints', their appearance at Siege of Limerick, and some really interesting music influences. Podcast will be available on all the usual listening platforms and The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Check out Horrenda on their link below and support them by purchasing some merch or music. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel. Horrenda Link: https://horrenda.bandcamp.com Song played: Handprints © Horrenda, all rights reserved.

From Ruins are the epitome of a modern metal band, with huge riffs, soaring yet often devastating vocals mixed with melodic metalcore. Formed in the spring of 2023 out of the ashes of another band, the Northern Ireland-based outfit released their debut single, ‘Running Away‘, follow-up ‘Hate Me‘ and first EP, ‘Inner Demons in October 2023. I caught up with the quintet – Neil Anderson (guitar), Damon Doherty (bass), Aaron Kirby (guitar), Niall O’Kane (vocals) and Dave Patton (drums) to talk about future releases, take a close look at their latest ep and taking their music live in 2024 and beyond. This is definitely another incredible band to mark into your notebook to watch out for in the next year! Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel! Thanks, Richie. Band link: https://fromruins.com All songs played © From Ruins, all rights reserved.

Letty Sharp catches up with Mó Sheerin (Guitars/Synths) & Damian Dziennik (Drums) of progressive Irish metal band Nebularis. After a blistering debut performance at Siege of Limerick, a slot on RTE 2XM's Sessions from Oblivion and an deserved appearance in the Metal2TMasses final, it's been a hugely important first year for Nebularis. Letty chats with Mó & Damian about this and what to expect further down line for this exciting new band based in Dublin. Nebularis link: https://linktr.ee/nebularisofficial?fbclid=IwAR3pxCYOSdFg8SzjECNQ-rwyQu_DBeMKLLz8WcIW9AyQzJuxILEqukac1N8 Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Song played: Holocene © Nebularis, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome Philly, Joe and JR to the podcast to do an exclusive track by track rub through of their fantastic new release 'Bats' on @ProstheticRecords . 'From the tombs of Egypt to the faded glamour of old Hollywood, Philly, Domo, JR, Joe and James lead us through new sonic landscapes and all manner of novel adventures on what they themselves call their “weirdest” album yet.' Bats is their best Gama Bomb album to date for me, with musical nods to some of my favourite bands like Lizzy, Priest, Faith No More, Overkill and The Cult to name but a few. In sonic terms, the musicianship and singing is off the scale on this release, thanks to guitarist Domo who produced, mixed and mastered the entire thing, and he has done a fabulous job. So sit back, relax grab a beer, coffee or drink of your choice and listen to Philly, Joe & JR chat to me about how the creative process worked for the album, lyric inspirations and influences outside of the Metal spectrum. 'Bats' maybe called creepy, scary and spooky, but bats like Gama Bomb are an important species that impact our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. Hope you enjoy the Ceol, craic agus Metal! Please hit 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Thanks, Richie. Gama Bomb Link: https://linktr.ee/gamabomb?fbclid=IwAR0q4R2EBQLTvp6s7Sd4xq5Ym33w8kC74CLgjtq-ozNDMA9eZQ48oERDprc All songs played © Gama Bomb, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome Vince McCarthy (Vocals), Sean Keenaghan (Guitars), Kevin O'Brien (Bass) & Dave Hackett (Drums) of Hardcore band Ten Point Rule on to the show. Ten Point Rule were formed in 1998, played mostly in the Phoenix, and were part of a large underground punk/metal/hardcore scene. They recorded a 5 track CD 'Say my Name' EP in BPM studios in Douglas in April 1999 and launched it the following month in An Phoenix, one month before Dave, Seán and Kevin’s Leaving Cert. It quickly sold out. In the interim of doing their exams and waiting for their results, the band went back into BPM studios in July ’99 and recorded two tracks. However, due to lack of funds and the band amicably splitting up that same year, the tracks were never released. Myself, Howard & Evan chat to the lads, who are reunited for the first time in 25 years via Zoom, about the history of the band, the huge influence they unwittingly were to upcoming Irish Metal/HC bands and the re-release of 'Say My Name' EP with the two missing tracks. A unique episode in many ways I want to thank Ten Point Rule and Howard for organizing it and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel! Thanks, Richie. All sales of the 'Say My Name' EP' will go to Corks Penny Dinners. Link to EP: https://tenpointrule.bandcamp.com/album/say-my-name-remastered

Undeath, the death metal band formed in Rochester, New York in 2018, have generated considerable buzz early in their career. Signed to Prosthetic Records, they released their second album, It's Time... To Rise From the Grave," in 2022, the quintet have a sound that brings me back to the early days of death metal, you will hear traces of death metal legends like Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, and Autopsy. However the twist is in the song writing and delivery which brings a fresh take on the death metal scene! Add in some blood soaked humor and a brilliant live show, Undeath are evolving into something that appeals to all fans of different metal genres. Letty caught up with Kyle and Alex before they hit the stage in Dublin, Ireland supporting thrash legends Municipal Waste. The lads bring us up to speed on the tour, their music and their influences. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel if you haven't already! Undeath Links: https://undeathmetal.com/ https://evilgreed.net/collections/undeath

It was a pleasure to welcome twins Ciaran & Eoin Culhane onto the show to talk about their fantastic new release 'Oars in the Water'. Shardborne based in Limerick, are a Progressive/Tech Instrumental Metal band, known for technical prowess and boundless creativity and summon a sonic tapestry that is as intricate as it is emotive. Welcome to a realm where stories are told through harmonies, complex arrangements, delicate moments and crescendos. The four piece completed by Ben Wanders on Drums & Cormac O'Farrell on Bass, have created a contender for Irish Metal album of the year with 'Oars in the Water' in my humble opinion. Myself and Howard talk to the lads about early beginnings, creative song writing, tours and the ultimate dream launch party for 'Oars in the Water'. 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell Channel if you enjoyed this episode and check out the Shardborne links below. https://shardborne.bandcamp.com/album/oars-in-the-water https://www.facebook.com/ShardborneIreland/ Songs played: The Professor © Shardborne, all rights reserved. Homeward © Shardborne, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome Ciaran Culhanne, of Bad Reputation/Siege of Limerick, onto the show on a pre-recorded Facebook Stream. Ciaran talks about how it has developed over the years, tips for bands and fans that are hitting the Siege for the first time, how he plans his day, some great stories and many more interesting insights into what to expect for 'Siege of Limerick Smahain MMXXIII' Joining me on co-host duties were Danielle, Howard & Letty. Big shout out to John Real, the other half of Bad Reputation who couldn't make the show because his wife Sorcha gave birth to twin boys! This show is dedicated to John, Sorcha, Olivia, Oscar & Louis Real. Songs played: LaVein: Your hate is not ours © all rights reserved. Slung from a Tree: Blazed and Confused © all rights reserved. Settler: Smarm Offensive © all rights reserved. Grave Sermon: Whited Sepulchre © all rights reserved. Domhain: A Silent Frequency © all rights reserved. Nømadus: Apex Breath © all rights reserved. Dog Tired: The Red Verse © all rights reserved. Saint Slaughter: Got the right © all rights reserved. Gama Bomb: Speed Funeral © all rights reserved. God Alone: etc © all rights reserved.

Anto McCaughley (Guitars) and Duane Watson (Vocals) of modern, groove metal veterans Sinocence make a welcome return to the podcast to talk about their incredible new EP 'The Fire Rises'. Their first release to feature new members Duane Watson on Vocals, Neil Ward on guitar and Matt McLaughlin on drums along with original members Anto & Jim (Bass). I was really excited to chat with the two lads about how they settled on the newest members Neil & Matt and the creation of 'The Fire Rises'. We do a track by track talk through of the five songs and play clips of each song also. There's plenty of stories and banter to keep fans entertained and some gig shout outs as well. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel and check out the Sinocence links below! https://sinocencethefirerises.bandcamp.com/album/the-fire-rises https://www.facebook.com/sinocence All tracks played © Sinocence, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome Dan Drever (Guitars) & Linz Mackenzie Conway (Drums) of Scottish progressive, sludge and death infused metal, Iron Altar onto the show for the first time. On co-host duties was Steve from Grey Stag, who will be joining Iron Altar on a November tour around Ireland, which should shake the foundations of every venue they play in. The lads were on the show to discuss the newly released 'PROMETHEAN', an album of skull crushing heaviness that literally is trauma inducing! We delve into the creative process of their second release, gigs, and I slipped in a quiz to test Dan & Linz's basic knowledge on Ireland...ahem! Shout out to Dog Tired for a few choice questions! Fans of both bands are going to love this episode. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to the YouTube channel! Thanks, Richie. Tracks played: Hunted © Iron Altar, all rights reserved. Path To Empyrean © Iron Altar, all rights reserved. Find Iron Altars' link to 'PROMETHEAN' here: https://ironaltar.bandcamp.com/album/promethean November Tour Dates for Ireland: 16th Belfast, Voodoo Belfast, Grey Stag Haint and Nømadus. 17th Limerick, Pharmacia, with Grey Stag, TBA 18th Cork, Fredz with Grey Stag, TBA. 19th Dublin, Sin É with Grey Stag & Trenchknife

It was a pleasure to welcome Garth Kidd (Vox/Bass) & Joe McGuigan (Guitars) of Devilsome. The band along with John McSherry (Guitars) play music inspired by goth, metal, punk, horror, occult and all things dark and delectable. Childhood friends but finally united under the banner Devilsome, the lads share their love of horror movies, 80s vibes and classic metal bands. We discuss this and how the songs finally came together for their brilliant self titled debut release. With excellent contributions from Chris Williams: Drums, Kev Canavan: keyboards & Richard Shaw (Ex-Cradle of Filth) guest solo on 7th Seal, mixed and produced by Samuel Trubitt at Ritual studios, Devilsome offer something different in a Metal scene that is over populated by certain styles. Hope you enjoy the episode and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Devilsome links: https://devilsome.bandcamp.com https://linktr.ee/devilsomeband Songs featured: Children of the Night © Devilsome, all rights reserved. Charge of the Nephilim © Devilsome, all rights reserved.

InVisions is a Melodic Metalcore/Post-Hardcore band from North Yorkshire, in the UK. The band have played Hellfest, Bloodstock, Download and Tech Fest to name drop a few festivals and they are steadily rising up the ranks of the UK Metal scene. Deadlock is their latest album release out since 2022, their first single Unbreakable came within a week of formation in 2016. 2017’s debut Never Nothing and 2019 follow-up Between You & Me rounded out a frantic first three years, fastening a reputation for brutal breakdowns & riffage, fret-bending virtuosity and infectious melody. Letty caught up with Ben & Josh before they hit the stage, supporting Polaris at The Academy in Dublin. The lads talk through the formation of the band, their latest album, new material and influences. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel to hear more interviews like this! Thanks! InVision Links: https://www.invisionsofficial.com https://www.invisionsstore.com

I had a brilliant chat with Josh & Conor of UK based Mathcore band Host Body. Since leaving Ilenkus Josh on guitars/backing vocals moved over to Bristol and started jamming with fellow Irish man Conor drummer of Bokotono. The addition of Sam on bass, Steve on Vocals/Synths and Paddy on guitars from bands such as St. Pierre Snake Invasion, Ogives Big Band, and Lightning Sharks, gave the band a lot of experience and the intention to create an abrasive heavy style of mathcore. The quintet brought this in spades with their debut single ‘Mouth’ which features an incredible video to showcase Host Bodys artistic vision also. We talk about this impressive release, how the band formed, their creative process, their smash & grab appearance at ArcTanGent, and what to expect for the rest of 2023. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel for more interviews like this. Thanks! Richie. Song featured: Mouth © Host Body, all rights reserved. Host Body Link: https://hostbodynoise.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/hostbody

Letty interviewed Joe (Vocals/Bass) of URNE just before they were about to hit the stage at a sold out Academy in Dublin supporting Paradise Lost. Joe chats about his influences, band and working with Gojira’s Joe Duplantier. Joe offered URNE the use of his Brooklyn studio, Silver Chord, and got involved in the recording sessions for their latest release, the brilliant 'A Feast on Sorrow'. This was a really great interview so check out the link below for URNE & please 'SUBSCRIBE to The Metal Cell YouTube channel if you haven't already. Thanks! https://urne1.bandcamp.com/

I was delighted to welcome Craig Murphy (Vocals), Marcelo Varge (Guitars) & Sebastian Sparr (Bass) to the show. Uragh are a metal band formed and based in Dublin in 2022, they incorporate elements of alternative, progressive and black metal in their songs. The lads with Jason Hodgkins on (Drums) are certainly for me one of the most exciting bands to emerge on the Metal scene this year, with some killer performances that saw them make it to the Metal 2T Masses final and release a brilliant single. This was a really great interview with Uragh and with an album being worked on in the background it was the perfect time to catch up with them. If you enjoyed the interview please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Thanks, Richie. Uragh band links: https://uragh.bandcamp.com Song featured: Decimate © Uragh, all rights reserved.

Formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK, in 1988, Paradise Lost are considered to be among the pioneers of the death-doom genre and regarded as the main influence for the later gothic metal movement. Their line-up has remained stable for such a long-standing heavy metal band, consisting of singer Nick Holmes, guitarists Greg Mackintosh and Aaron Aedy, and bassist Steve Edmondson. On the back of two sold out shows in Ireland, Dolans of Limerick and The Academy, Dublin, Letty spoke to Aaron of the band before they played to a packed audience in Dublin. Aaron covered plenty of topics and it was a pleasure to have such a legend on our podcast. Check out all of Paradise Lost's merch on the link below and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel to watch more of these interviews. Thanks! Band Link: https://www.paradiselost.co.uk/band/

Myself & Danielle welcomed Chris (Drums) & Leighton (Bass) of Belfast based stoner/sludge metal band The Boat Sank. The three piece including Charlie on guitars have been getting praise for all the right reasons by playing some immense shows on Metal 2T Masses & Crypt of the Riff. A string of impressive single releases only added to the buzz around The Boat Sank along with statements of 'A fancy ass ship that sunk. Who cares? Get the F#ck over it' is winning them plenty of fans up and down the country. Mainly instrumental; myself and Danielle get a lowdown on what to expect off the lads for the rest of the year and we get some insights into the wonderful creative process of The Boat Sank. Certainly one to watch in 2024, The Boat Sank is being risen by a tide of anticipation. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell Podcast and check out The Boat Sank on the links below: https://theboatsank.bandcamp.com/merch https://www.facebook.com/Theboatsank Song featured: Contagion © The Boat Sank, all rights reserved.