The MetalSucks Podcast

Oh man, Sabaton's Joakim Brodén is back on the show! He joins us this week to promote the theatrical release of Sabaton’s “The Tour To End All Tours” flick showing exclusively in North American theaters on October 30 and 31! Our discussion begins with the pre-planning that went into the concert film, if the plan will ever release worldwide, and the chances of a band member surprising fans at a screening. We also chat about their current North American with Judas Priest and if he feels Sabaton can keep it going into their 70’s. Naturally, there's also discussion on the most iconic war film and documentary in Brodén's opinion, and a soft timeline on new music. Petar and Jozalyn discuss Mexican Coke leaving Fentanyl because they didn’t mix well on tour, Forbes magazine listing the 38 top metal bands and our thoughts on the fact that no bands that are less than 20 years old made that list and why, James Hetfield not thinking that Metallica are a legacy band, and Gene Simmons hurting people's feelings by being Gene Simmons on network TV. Song: Sabaton “Soldier of Heaven” Song: Sabaton “Stormtroopers” Song; Ad Infinitum “Outer Space” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't look now, but Better Lovers guitarist’s Jordan Buckley is back on the MetalSucks Podcast! We are all in on their debut full-length album Highly Irresponsible, out Friday, October 25. We begin the conversation with his beloved Buffalo Bills and how he's feeling about this season before moving on to Better Lovers spending Thanksgiving this year on the road. We also discuss what venues we're seeing the mosh pit disappear from, the art of music video magic. and neck pain from head banging. We also chat about whether there are any plans for the “frog” to become a mascot, the confidence Buckley gained for the reaction of the EP, and he goes on the record suggesting that in the future we will discover that “energy drinks” may not be as healthy as we think. Petar and Brandon are promoting the new Converge live album to help bonfire the victims of Hurricane Helene, Crowbar/Type O Negative supergroup Eye Am changed their name, Mötley Crüe announced a residence in Las Vegas, a bunch of bands pulled out of the Shell Shock Festival because of Kyle Rittenhouse’s involvement while the promoters of the festival think its a win by replacing them with a cover band, and why Judas Priest’s Nostradamus is a great album in Petar’s opinion. Song: Better Lovers “A White Horse Covered In Blood” Song: Better Lovers “At All Times” Song: Dead Icarus “Bearing Burdens and Saving Skin” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Swallow The Sun founder Juha Raina is our guest on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! We start our conversation by discussing what went into following up to the acclaimed Moonflowers album, the intense personal lyrical content on Shining, his need to constantly be move to stay sane, and why living in a reclusive environment is like paradise when he's not on the road. We also talked about how the band connected with Muse and Bring Me The Horizon producer Dan Lancaster for the new album, how Queen influenced some of the songs, and the surprising negativity still's in heavy metal when it comes to same sex representation. Petar and Sylvia discuss Scotti Hill’s comment of Skid Row reuniting with Sebastian Bach possibly leading to a Jane’s Addiction onstage meltdown, the price tag for Tool’s 30th anniversary of “Undertow” on compact disc, Avenged Sevenfold getting cooler in their old age by sabotaging Journey at Rock In Rio, and Foo Fighters canceling their upcoming performance on short notice. Song: Swallow The Sun “Innocence Was Long Forgotten” Song: Swallow The Sun “What I Have Become” Song: Wind Rose “To Be A Dwarf” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast features Chat Pile's Stan and Luther Manhole! In our interview, we discuss what went into following up the impressive God's Country and how the reception to that album was a game changing experience, We also went deep into Uniform’s Ben Greenberg involvement in mixing the new album, how improvisation is a key part in creating music for them, and the reason they never have a set list when they perform live. Stin also shares the anxiety that creeps up when his photography becomes the cover art of the band’s albums. Petar and Brandon discuss the departure of Mike Dean from C.O.C., Veil of Maya going on hiatus and canceling all touring after this year’s Summer Slaughter tour, Jane’s Addiction calling it quits again and releasing a single after the announcement, Sammy Hagar getting a key to the Las Vegas strip for some reason, Iron Maiden celebrating 50 years of heavy metal next year, and more nonsense from “fans” as they give Power Trip heat for opening for Pantera. Song: Chat Pile “I Am Dog Now” Song: Chat Pile “Masc” Song: Dilemma “Sanctuary” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dream Theater keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess is back on the MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we discuss Rudess' new solo album Permission To Fly, which is available right now! Throughout our chat, we also learn more the contest that lead to his music videos for the album, his daughter's involvement in the album, and the artists that joined the project this time around. We'd be remiss if we didn't chat about the massive Dream Theater tour that's coming up and the future of his solo song on the live stage. Petar and Sylvia tackle the Jane’s Addiction onstage meltdown, Dave Growl letting the world know he now has a second family, and Bon Jovi saving someone from a tragic decision. Song: Jordan Rudess “The Alchemist” Song: Charlotte Wessels “Dopamine” Featuring Simone Simons of Epica Song: Unto Others “Momma Likes The Door Closed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Charismatic Voice’s Elizabeth Zharoff is our special guest for this week's edition of the MetalSucks Podcast! Here to promote her Kickstarter campaign for the first ever harsh vocal research study featuring some of our genres biggest names. Elizabeth tells us about the journey that started with Will Ramos of Lorna Shore two years ago. She also outlines some of the real stage consideration that will be taken into account, if there is a possibility to find some real damage on any of the participants, which vocal cords are the easiest to damage for a vocalist, and how this science will help doctors with vocal therapy in many cases. We also discuss her opinion on vocalists that use backing tracks in music and if she'll declare a favorite band from all the artists the participate in the research. Petar and Jozalyn discuss the whirlwind announcement of Linkin Park reuniting, how the single and new vocalist where initially received, followed by a questionable decision made to support a convicted predator, if this will derail the momentum of Linkin Park reuniting. Additionally, we celebrate James Hetfield working in a film version of the excellent Joe R. Lansdale novel The Thicket, and Nita Strauss crossing nine years of sobriety. Song: Cattle Decapitation “Scourge Of The Offspring” Song: Whitechapel “I Will Find You” Song: Human Impact “Destroy To Rebuild” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doc Coyle is back on the podcast! He's one of our favorite personalities in the game and he's here to celebrate his first solo song release “Livin’ On The Edge.” The song came out last week, along with its Falling Down inspired music video. We breakdown his take on a classic film and approach and the joy of creating a music video that references such a great movie. The conversation also heads into our love for film and filmmakers discussing Joel Schumacher, sequels having to always go camp with intense topics in masculinity, how masculinity has changed through the years and how classics films will be seen, and his preference of Tony Scott over Ridley Scott as a filmmaker. We also discuss metal fans being negative towards him being in Bad Wolves because of the elitist mentality in our scene, why he feels jealousy doesn’t play a part in negativity towards legendary bands success, and his upcoming co-headlining tour with Pop Evil in North America. Petar and Brandon breakdown the week of countdowns that lead us to Linkin Park’s delayed announcement and who the fans would embrace as the new singer of Linkin Park, Michael Sweet’s comment about not knowing any Metallica songs, and the Cancer Christ frontman deciding to spend a decade or more behind bars for some craziness. Song: Doc Coyle “Livin’ On The Edge” (Aerosmith Cover) Song: Bad Wolves “ Legends Never Die” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fleshgod Apocalypse mastermind Francesco Paoli is on this week's podcast! Today's show focuses heavily on the band's first new album in five years, Opera! The album dropped this past Friday and we gave it a pretty strong score, so naturally we wanted to talk about what went into the release. During our chat, we discuss the mountain climbing accident that put Paoli's life on pause, the recovery process, and the tour that helped him feel normalcy again on stage after the accident. We also chat about the personal approach he took on the new album, his experiences with the opera growing up, and we discuss the upcoming North American tour. Petar and Sylvia discuss Mötley Crüe dropping a Beastie Boys cover and why that choice is a head scratcher in our opinion, Slipknot's Sid Wilson getting burned in an explosion, Korn launching a fan art contest for their 30th anniversary, and all the fall tour cancellations happening in North America. Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Bloodclock” Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Pendulum” Song: Undeath “Brandish The Blade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Karl Sanders of Nile back on the show. This time, however, we're here to discuss The Underworld Awaits Us All, the band's 10th studio album. During our chat, Karl gives us insights on the album's pre-production, including its timeline, how it was a unique experience compared to previous albums, and how Mark Lewis has earned the vital importance of earning the band's trust when mixing an album. He also chats about having a song that is needed in sequence to take a breathe from the sheer brutality of the new album, the process to get the artwork and vinyl pressing just right, and touring in 2024 with realities that dictate how to make it a successful run. Petar and Jozalyn tackle Tommy Lee’s wisdom of being an escort has a down side when it gets to the escorting part of it, Deicide’s drummer defending the use of AI artwork, John 5 getting everyone hyped up for another new Motley Crue song, and Randy Blythe reminding us once again of the power of being in the moment of a live performance. Song: Nile “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes” Song: Nile “To Strike With Secret Fang” Song: Oceano “The Price of Pain” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zeal & Ardor leader Manuel Gagneux joined the MetalSucks Podcast this week, We are in for an awesome treat on August 23 when Zeal & Ardor's latest album GREIF is released, so we decided to start our chat with Manuel by discussing the ceremony that influenced the album, if everyone is making the mistake of calling the album "Grief", and if this is the most vulnerable record he's written. We also talk about the different approach taken on the cover art, why he's not been hit with writer’s block throughout his career, and the true story of how Zeal & Ardor were honored with the coveted national Swiss Music Award. Petar and Brandon discuss the return of Blake Judd and Nacthmystium, his statement that he is making with the release of the new single Predator Phoenix, leaning into a controversial album title and press release statement, and if fans will accept his firebrand approach considering the apology tour most feel the are owed for supporting him in the past. Song: Zeal & Ardor “Fend You Off” Song: Zeal & Ardor “Hide In Shade” Song: The Jesus Lizard “ Hide & Seek” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode features Mikael Stanne, of Dark Tranquillity! Yes, he's back on the podcast, only this time to celebrate the impending release of Endgame Signals, out August 16. During our chat, we discuss the Moment album cycle and how coming back to normalcy was a breathe of fresh air as a creator, why coming across as an honest creator is a high priority for his band, and how being aware of his vulnerability in his art and the journey to get there. We also discuss whether there will ever be another metal scene like the one he experienced in Gothenburg, how festivals have been a part of every tour cycle for him at this stage in his career, and navigating all the new projects he's a part of. Sylvia and Petar discuss the news of a new Opeth album and the expectations that are brought after the first single is released, Better Lovers and Many Eyes news seeming always happening in unison, Marilyn Manson returns with a new song and video, our feelings about what the future holds for him, and the truth of polarizing artists in our scene having loyalty from their fanbase no matter the documented issues of their past. Song: Dark Tranquillity “Unforgivable” Song: Dark Tranquillity “ Not Nothing” Song: Lamb of God “Another Nail For Your Coffin (Feat. Kublai Khan TX and Malevolence) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mushroomhead lifer Steve “Skinny” Felton joined the podcast this week! We are all in on the latest album from Mushroomhead titled Call The Devil, due out August 9! In this episode, we discuss the many meanings fans can take from the album title and artwork, what he was going for when that was created, deciding on the vocal approach in songs when you have multiple vocalists in a project, and the improvisation and file sharing approach that was a part of creating Call The Devil, among a litany of other things. Petar and Brandon discuss the one of a kind moment metalheads the world over experienced with Gojira’s performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, how this spark can change the genre for future audiences, and seeing something we never thought possible for heavy metal. Song: Mushroomhead Fall In Line Song: Mushroomhead Prepackaged Song: High Parasite “Grave Intentions” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got returning podcast guest Matthew Greywolf of Powerwolf on the show this week! With the new album Wake Up The Wicked set to release on July 26, Powerwolf is poised to get your attention in the coming days. As such, we discuss with Greywolf the cinematic music videos that accompany each new album track, the band's decision to use practical effects instead of CGI, and when he first discovered the story of Peter Stump would have an influence on the storytelling of the album. We also chat about what it feels like to be featured on a billboard in Times Square, the return of Powerwolf to North America after the successful run in 2023, the importance of bringing justice to your past catalog every time you write a new chapter of songs for fans, as well as a whole lot more. Petar, Sylvia, and Jozalyn tackle on the hectic week that lead to the hiatus of Tenacious D, we breakdown the off color improvised joke Kyle Gass said, the immediate reaction from the fans in Australia and bandmate Jack Black, the apology the Kyle Gass put on his Instagram, and then us reacting to him removing the apology days later. Song: Powerwolf “Sinners Of The Seven Seas” Song: Powerwolf “1589” Song: AFI “Malleus Maleficarum” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gaerea are gearing up to make a major announcement and we are excited to be a part of it! On this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, we have an interview with Gaerea to discuss the band's next chapter, the release of their latest single “World Ablaze,” and how it was liberating to put that song out into the world. We also chat about the process that went into finding an identity in the heavy metal world and fighting to make sure it's not a toxic environment. Gaerea is nearing its 10th anniversary as a band, so the conversation took a bit of an introspective turn as we discuss how they want to continue making art, how they wish they can have the artistic talent of drawing, and how they're being more comfortable with the idea of letting some of the mystique of Gaerea slide so they can connect with fans at live shows. Petar and Sylvia discuss Serj Tankian’s indifference if System Of A Down continues without him, Armored Saint vocalist John Bush giving Metallica praise for taking chances in their career, Nikki Sixx responding to criticism over Motlëy Crüe’s single “Dogs of War”, and Oxbow breaking up in a way that just plain sucks. Song: Gaerea “World Ablaze” Song: Wretched Blessing “Spurious Ovation” Song: Sugar Horse “Office Job Simulator” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we have Marcus Vik of Invent Animate joining the show! We are discussing the definite edition of last year excellent album Heavener which is out now! The conversation goes into his personal collection of Invent Animate material getting lost in the mail, the “acoustic” rendition of many of his peers having a lot of interest to fans, how making an effort to hike on tour is a must for team building, his new method of connecting with bands he is going to tour with, being mistaken as a band that came from Australia, the challenges of reading books on a bus, Castlevania being near and dear to his heart despite the video game being outdated, living in the moment as the current album Heavener reaches new successes for the band, and why he would be okay watching a month straight of only “tearjerker” films. Petar celebrates six months gone in 2024 with the albums that he thinks are the best so far, and plays a track of each one to keep them on your spotlight as we go into the next part of 2024. Song: Dvne “Plērōma” Song: Persefone “One Word” Song: Crypt Sermon “Heavy Is The Crown of Bone” Song: Caligula’s Horse “The Stormchaser” Song: Invent Animate “Without A Whisper” Song: ERRA “Cure” Song: Full Of Hell “Coagulated Bliss” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clémentine Delauney of Visions Of Atlantis is our guest this week! She's here to put a major spotlight on the band's latest album Pirates II: Armada, which comes out on July 5! We begin our discussion on the writing process for this record and how it was tied in the the previous album, the transition internally in the songwriting team for those records, her passion for storytelling, and the opportunity she got for the music video scripts. She also goes into the in-depth research and designs she did to complete the look for the universe, touring North America during the last cycle, and the immediate impact it made with fans out here. Brandon and Petar are here to urge the fantastic idea of and Ozzy and Lemmy cartoon to drop the “superhero” concept before going into production, Rick Rubin once again not having fans after his work and our thoughts on that, and Andreas Kisser of Sepultura putting out a invite to the Cavalera brothers giving us all a little bit of hope for the original Sepultura reuniting for a moment. Song: Visions of Atlantis “Monsters” Song: Visions of Atlantis “Armada” Song: Gasket “Syndicate” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on a very special .5 episode of the podcast we have Ken Candelas of Homerik to discuss the project ten years in the making “The Circle Of Dead Children” with release dates for the album and art book on September 20th and novel October 31st. We delve into the collaboration with artist David “Max” Millgate in the imagery of the project, the narration of master storyteller Jonathan Kruk’s, how the classic tune “Laid To Rest” by Lamb of God fit the storytelling process and so much more. Go to homerik.com for all the information and we also discuss all his work including his podcast on his metal mastermind.com brand! Song: Homerik “Godless: A Song of the Night, Part II Song: Homerik “Laid To Rest” Song: The Barbarians of California “Far Out, Bro” Featuring Daryl Taberski of Snapcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seven Spires axeman Jack Kosto is joining the show this week to discuss the band's newly released album A Fortress Called Home. We begin the discussions with Jack on his role on the mixing, mastering, and producing of the album, as well as how he gained the trust of the band to take on those responsibilities. We also discuss the album's visual aspect, Adrienne’s lyrical content having a distinct vulnerability this time around, the approach Seven Spires have when creating music on tour, and the steps it will take to get a headlining tour in the states for the band. Petar and Brandon discuss our recollections of the 25th anniversary of Limp Bizkit’s multi platinum selling Significant Other, James Hetfield possibly writing more “Unforgiven” tracks, bands needing to do more full album “medleys” in concert, and getting food poisoned at a major festival sounding like a hellish experience. Song: Seven Spires “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind”” Song: Seven Spires “Architect of Creation” Song: In Hearts Wake “Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Powerhouse personality and vocalist Lzzy Hale is back on the podcast! We are here to celebrate Halestorms’s co-headlining North American Tour with I Prevail running from July 9th all the way to August 17th. We also discuss Halestorm keeping the same members for 21 years, some of the secrets of maintaining positive relationships with bandmates, her love for animals of all kinds since because of her upbringing, the story of some diehard fans delivering letters to her on tour and the impact it brought her, being brave in the world not negating being terrified to put yourself out there, having to explain her music when she was 13 years old to a principal, and paying it forward in a recent tour with The Warning. Petar and Sylvia discuss the release of the first new song for The Black Dahlia Murder following the tragic passing of Trevor Strand, how proud we are of the metal community showering the track with positivity, also we talk about Serj Tankian’s comments on what it would take to make a new System of A Down Record, and Dennis Lyxzén of Refused giving us a huge health scare this week. Song: Halestorm “Wicked Ways” (Live) Song: Halestorm & I Prevail “can u see me in the dark?” - Single Song: Ulcerate “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orange Goblin’s Ben Ward is joining the MetalSucks Podcast this week! Their first new studio album in six years Science, Not Fiction is dropping on July 19 and we're here to discuss that and more! We talk about Ward's one and only chance meeting with the late Ronnie James Dio, which is a story in itself. We also get to talking about recording the metal lifer anthem and second single “Cemetery Rats”, how fitness infiltrating the scene has made a much more positive situation for many metalheads, playing shows sober and how it had a little bit of a learning curve. Naturally, we also talked about the mainstream media, the lies they present, and trying to discover the truth about events. Among other things, we also discuss how the band has its 30th anniversary approaching and some of his thoughts on that milestone. Petar and Brandon tackle Sebastian Bach’s attack on fans' T-shirts at a recent concert, then his decision to double down on social media to explain why he was being a dick, Bon Jovi stating the obvious about Lzzy Hale performing with Skid Row, and this goddamn overpriced Slayer cooler that Petar’s going to end up buying. Song: Orange Goblin “Cemetery Rats” Song: Kissin’ Dynamite “The Devil Is A Woman” Song: X-Cops “Light Em Up” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices