Endless Metal Podcast - We're constantly listening to metal in all its glorious forms !

Jeff and Ben had a blast interviewing Greg Martinis (Vocals) and Dave McJunkins (Bass) of the killer Cleveland-based progressive death-thrash metal band Atomic Witch. We begin with the guys discussing how they got into heavy music, playing in bands, and doing shows in the Cleveland hardcore and metal scenes. We share our mutual love for pro wrestling and its connections to metal--a theme that appears a few times during the interview. Next, we deep dive into the band's latest record, the absolutely pummeling and riff ripping "Death Etiquette"--Ben's #24 album of 2025--released on Redefining Records. We end by picking our top 3 bands with witch in their name. So sit back, listen on your favorite podcast platform, and enjoy a Season of the Witch Hazy IPA from True North Ale Company *Massive thank you to Vince Verkay and his legendary band ⁠Evoken⁠, who graciously allowed us to use a section from their song, ⁠The Last of Vitality⁠, from the classic album ⁠Antithesis of Light⁠, as our NEW opening theme song!

Ben and Markisan put their final stamp on 2025 with a retrospective episode that spotlights some of their favorite albums. They discuss the year in metal and why it was seriously underrated, then instead of just recapping their best of lists, they highlight some excellent albums that fell just outside their Top 25s. Ben and Markisan also discuss 3 albums they both had in their Top 10 lists and talk about 2 records from their Top 10s that they didn't share in common. They conclude the show by chatting about newer records that dropped at the end of December and early January, and name some albums they are most looking forward to in 2026. Massive thank you to Vince Verkay and his legendary band Evoken, who graciously allowed us to use a section from their song, The Last of Vitality, from the classic album Antithesis of Light, as our NEW opening theme song!

Welcome to the Endless Metal Podcast. This is Markisan and you just heard a little bit of the track "Subverse" from the self-titled album by post-metal sludge band KLPS. Tonight Ben and I bring you an episode featuring Daniel and Peter of the band. We discuss their early days in Sweden discovering metal music and playing in various bands like Hearts Alive before they formed KLPS, just around the time Covid-19 halted the world. We learn about the band's process for writing records, their commitment to playing every show like it's their last, the story behind Daniel's infamous aftershave shot and how KLPS used the pandemic as motivation to find their phantom center. After the interview, we count down our Top 3 "Comfort in Collapse" Albums. These are important records that helped lift us up after something fell apart in our lives. We had an absolute blast chatting with Daniel and Peter, and unearthing the history, friendship and heaviness behind KLPS and what went into making one of our favorite records in 2025.

On this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with JohnParadiso and Vince Verkay of the legendary funeral death doom band Evoken. Celebrating over 33 years as one of theseminal bands in the genre, we had the opportunity to talk about the most recent release, Mendacium released last month on Profound Lore Records. The interview took place on Halloween, so we begin with some stories about scaringtrick or treaters and the creative lengths Vince went to one year. We then move into concept of the new record. I wasfortunate to get access to the promo and the limited-edition vinyl from the great Decibel magazine so I had the opportunity to spin the album a lot before talking to the guys. My original plan was to deep dive into the lyrical themes on each track and the album, but Vince and John are very much in demand these days, so we only had about an hour totalk. While the episode is considerably shorter than the two-part interview with Vince that Markisan and I completedearlier several months back. In some ways, this interview can be considered a companion to that one. Specifically, wetalk about return to longtime producer and metal guitar god Ron Bumblefoot Thal. Specifically, Ron was recentlyinterviewed on the wildly popular Rick Beato’s YouTube channel. In a remarkable surprise, Ron mentions Mendaciumand a humorous dialogue ensues over the meaning of “doom metal.” We then talk about the new video for the album’s second single “None,” it’s an incredible piece of cinematic art crafted by Obsidian Studios. Major props the killer performances by friends Joe the tattoo artist and Chloe Rose, who did a terrific job playing the central characters in the album’s blasphemous tale of a dying Benedictine monk’s inner turmoil and crisis of faith. We also dig deeper into None’s music arrangement and the revelation of Vince Verkay’s phenomenal debut vocal performance. We learn that it was lead vocalist guitarist and song writer John who convincedVince to go for it! John and Vince also talk about their collaborative approach he uses to bring Vince’s lyrics tolife. A little peak inside an musical process that began over 30 years ago! I personally love Vice’s harsh blackened throat on Mendacium and hope we get to hear him on future Evoken albums. We also talk about Bumblefoot’s multi-instrument appearance and arrangement wizardry on the mesmerizing and crushing instrumental Prime. We then explore the ncomplex album opus Sext—a song where Bumblefoot’s mix brought it all together—including what would becomekeyboardist Don Zaros’s haunting intro—a move Don didn’t know about until after the album recording sessions were finished. All in all, this fun chat, especially for me becauseMendacium has been on near constant rotation on my turntable for more than 2 months now. I was really glad to give the guys their flowers for over three decades of releasing consistently amazing music. Evoken is one of my all time myfavorite metal bands, their dedication to a scene before there was a scene, and the guy’s devotion to their loyal fans. Likeother more well-known underground death metal artists from the great New Jersey/New York scene of the early 90s—guys who I deeply admire like John McCantee from the legendary death metal titans Incantation-Vince and John are such down-to-earth guys and passionate artists. Even after 33 years this interview makes plain how devoted to their craft and grateful they remain. I also recommend to anyone listening to pay the $30+ for the vinyl. It’s an exceptional package with cover artwork done by the artist ⁠Worthless ⁠and Summer Lacy’s exceptional gatefold layout design. While I do stream metal, and don’t buy vinyl like I used to, this record is 100% wax worthy! So sit back and enjoy a Black habit Dark Ale brewed by the Benedictine Brewery beer—you guessed it—a brewery owned and operated by Benedictine monks of the Mount Angel Abbey in Mount Angel, Oregon. Enjoy!

We celebrate All Hallows Eve and the Day of the Dead with a special episode featuring our Top 3 favorite metal songs about zombies! We also chat about our first experiences with the undead and discuss our Halloween plans. Plus, lots of love for the stouts from Burial Beer and Markisan recaps his time at the HalloWolfbat show in Asheville, North Carolina, which featured 12-foot tall bloodthirsty, interactive puppets. Happy Halloween!

“I have not, but there’s another genre we have to escape at some point, right?”, he responds after a laugh, referring to the band’s past efforts to distance themselves from the nu metal movement." -From the interview "We told Deftones singer Chino Moreno what ‘baddiecore’ is and this was his response" by Matt Mills ( Metal Hammer, Louder ) last updated 25 August 2025 This episode is all Deftones. It features Markisan, Ben and the triumphant return of Jeff!! We begin by hopping into the time machine and discussing "Adrenaline." Deftones debut album that turns 30 this year! Markisan than leads the discussion with some history about the album and music in the early 90s. We share our reactions when we first heard the album and what we think about "Adrenaline" when we spin it today. This leads to a discussion of the nu metal tag in the 90s and how Deftones broke away from it. We then shift to the stunning new Deftones album “private music“! We reflect on the Deftones musical development and how has their sound grown from Adrenaline to private music and where it ranks in their fantastic catalog? We also consider Deftones surging popularity recently today! Other questions that animate this fun and free flowing discussion also include: From blowing up on tiktok to playing arenas, how did this resurgence happened and what does it say about the band’s generational draw? How do we think Deftones has impacted/influenced music and bands over the years? Is the Deftones discography our favorite of all time? Next we open the discussion up to metal adjacent bands we love more broadly--how the Deftones straddle the line between genres and what are some of our other favorite Alt Metal or Metal Adjacent albums released in the last few years. If you dig the Deftones, sit back and crack open a Deftones Phantom Bride IPA from Belching Beaver Brewing: "Named after the ethereal song by the one and only Deftones, Phantom Bride IPA is a blend of Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops delicately balanced for the perfectly drinkable mix of citrus and hoppy goodness. A truly original Deftones/ Belching Beaver collaboration envisioned by Chino Moreno and skillfully crafted by Thomas Peters. Sit back, put on your headphones and drink away. (ABV: 7.1%))."

On this special, end of the year episode, Ben welcomes Ian Gillings of the West Midlands (UK) band Rannoch. After another banner year for metal, Ben selected Rannoch's incomparable epic "Conflagrations" * as his number one album of 2023. The interview was thus an opportunity for Ben to both gush and deep dive into this stunning and, indeed, timeless prog death metal album. In a three hour-plus dialogue, Ben and Ian dig deep into the album's artwork, lyrics, and Ian's process as the band's lead song writer, among other topics. So sit back, crack open your favorite beverage, and enjoy this special interview to cap off 2023! *From Rannoch's Bandcamp page: Accompanied by Australian drumming legend, Dan Presland (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava) the seven tracks contained within open up new levels of musicality, punishing aggression, melancholic refrains and winding aural avenues of dark depths and complexity. Produced by Ian Gillings and mixed by James Stephenson (Cradle of Filth, Onslaught, Ghosts of Atlantis) “Conflagrations” represents a new hybrid of progressive death metal. credits released July 21, 2023 Ian Gillings - Guitars, vocals, synths and electronics Richard Page - Guitars Paul Lloyd - Bass Dan Presland - Drums Music included: Episode introduction: "Conflagrations" (sample) Post-Interview: "Threnody to a Dying Star"

In this episode of the Endless Podcast, Markisan and Ben had the privilege of talking to the mysterious post-metal artist Thumos. While there are no artist "reveals "in this cast, we had a fantastic time talking to Thumos. We begin with his origin story, development as a musician, and the birth and development of this stunning post-metal project. We talk about Thumos's early works, including last year's riveting and rifftastic EP Atlantis--a record that made both Markisan and Ben's top albums of the 2024. Next, we dive into the creative process that spawned The Trial of Socrates an EPIC double-album released on July 4, 2025 on Snow Wolf Records. After a deep dive into Thumos's approach to crafting songs based on one of the most influential works of ancient philosophy ever produced, the discussion shifts gears. Drawing on a great idea by Markisan, we discuss how some of Socrates's most influential quotes have influenced our own lives. What ensues is an enjoyable and often introspective dialogue by three metal heads posing as philosophers LOL. In all seriousness, we are really thrilled with how this interview came together and the document produced herewith. So retreat to your cave, kick back, and crack open a Hemlock Modern West Coast IPA by New Trail Brewing Company! "Γεια μας!" ***A short selection from the track "Timaeus" from the EP Atlantis appears after the introduction. After the interview concludes, we include The Phaedo"--a song about Socrates coming to terms with his own death--in its entirety. Thumos shared some deep insights into interpreting this climactic moment of the saga into music, so we highly recommend listening!

In this episode of the Endless Metal podcast, Markisan conducts a solo interview with Jason Roberts, the man behind the masterful doomgaze project Breaths. As a companion piece to a previous appearance on Markisan’s main gig on the legendary Metalheads Podcast. On episode 152, the metalheads go deep into Jason’s musical development and the origin story of Breaths as well as a discussion about last year’s stunning self-titled album. Here, Markisan and Jason talk about Breaths latest record, “Death Can Wait.” In the first half of this episode, they go deep into the writing and recording process of the album—a truly stunning work that finds Breaths get darker and heavier but still retaining the melodic atmospheric, indeed, oxygenated “breathy” beauty of last year’s release. As huge fans of nineties heavy music--a topic Markisan and Jason have chatted about over email--both present a fitting top 10 count down of their all-time favorite records of that genre bending decade. So kick back and drink a classic 90s Full Sail Amber ale!

On this episode of the Endless Metal podcast Markisan and Ben spend nearly 3 hours ranking every full-length album by our favorite death metal band: Incantation! In presenting our rankings, we take our time sharing our love for the band's genius, experiences listening and seeing the band live, and our awe for Incantation's longevity despite numerous lineup changes. For us, Incantation is a legendary band and very underrated band--not just in death metal but all of heavy metal. We also include a summary of both of our complete rankings at the end of the cast. So sit back and crack open your favorite beverage. Markisan opens his last Incantation mead--Goat's Blood--a collab with the incomparable Brimming Horn Meadery!

Ben and Markisan had a great time talking to the atmospheric black metal band Deadyellow. The band's devastating record "What Was Left of Them" was a feature album stream on Decibel Magazine's website on 1/29/24 (See Decibel's more extended album review below). The album was Jeff's #1 record of 2024 and Ben's #11. What ensues is a free flowing and candid discussion with the super cool band members Paul, James, and John. Beginning with Deadyellow's short but eventful pandemic-era origin story. We deep dive into the band's creative process and lyrical and conceptual themes. We finish the episode with a fun discussion of our Top 3 Black Metal Albums of All Time! “What Was Left of Them is the kind of album best enjoyed when one is fully immersed… The album’s first five tracks build to album centerpiece “Fallen Trees,” a stirring 16-minute epic that soars through melodic and emotional highs and lows… melodic and thoughtful in its composition; songs aren’t long just for the sake of length and melody is prioritized over ambience. “What Was Left of Them is an album about change,” Deadyellow tell Decibel. “It’s about embracing darkness and finding the light within to persevere. ‘Birth from death, the light will find a way.'” - Emily Bellino, Decibel Magazine

In the second part of our interview with Vince Verkay, drummer and co-founding member of death doom legends Evoken, we talk about recording the new album. After nearly 30 decades since the band's Shadows of Night Descending record, the band return to the studio to work with guitar legend and sound engineer extraordinaire, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. Next, we move to an ingenious top 3 list discussion created by Markisan: "When I listen to Evoken I am often transported to hauntingly immersive worlds. I get lost in the sinister tendrils of atmosphere that the band unravels in every song. They tear open passageways to dark and forgotten places, and conjure experiences and feelings both imagined and real. Their music is so sweeping and cinematic that it often reminds me of great film scores, which made me think about the movies I love. So, with that in mind, I think the right question for the countdown is: What 3 films had a significant impact on us emotionally and creatively, and why?" A really great and extended discussion of our top 3 films follows!! So sit back and enjoy a Toppling Goliath King Sue full-bodied, 8.2 ABV hazy double IPA. The brewery describes this awesome beer as "a citra-hopped with a juicy combination of mango, orange, and pineapple flavors finishing with a grapefruit aroma and ferocious bite." Music at the beginning of this episode is from the song "Schadenfreude" from Evoken's most recent album Hypnogia released on Profound Lore Records in 2018. At the end, we hear from the title-track to Evoken's classic album The Antithesis of Light released on Peaceville Records in 2005.

In this episode of the Endless Metal Podcast, Markisan and Ben are excited to talk to Vince Verkay, drummer and founding member of death doom masters: EVOKEN. In a two-part interview, we begin by talking to Vince about his earliest exposure to heavy music, playing drums, the origin story of Evoken, and the band's very recent success. Although Evoken isn't a full-time job, the band has hit a number of personal milestones including performing at Roadburn with Winter, playing the Decibel Metal & Beer Fest, and finding Profound Lore, a label that band truly appreciates. While Evoken has not released an album since 2018's World War I themed masterpiece Hypnogogia, things are about to change quick! In the fall of 2025, Evoken is set to release a brand new album that is explores both new sonic terrain and harkens back to a more aggressive rage found on beloved earlier records such as The Antithesis of Light. We also share some laughs and great conversation. So sit back and enjoy a pint of Schadenbrew, a full-bodied, blood-red Belgian dubbel, inspired by Evoken and brewed by Atlas Brew Works!

On this special episode of the Endless Metal podcast, Ben reunites with his very old friend and Boston metal lifer, Brian Keane aka “The Metal Monk.” If you’re interested in a deep history of the Boston metal scene from someone who played gigs at the Rathskeller or more commonly known as “The Rat”—the city’s legendary punk rock club (1974-1997).--as well as dozens of clubs in Boston and the New England region more broadly. We talk about Brian’s latest project Choose Your Power; a realization of his love for big riffs, raging hardcore punk, and huge funk inspired grooves. An active live band that also provides a lyrical outlet for Brian’s ongoing fascination with dystopian technology. We then turn to his origin story that spans playing for decades in bands in and around the Boston scene. So, sit back, find some of that legendary “rat brew,” and enjoy!

On this episode of Endless metal, Ben celebrates his top album of 2024: The masterpiece Lost in Memories, Lost in Grief by My Silent Wake (MSW). In a flowing dialogue with MSW's founding member Ian Arkley (Guitars, vocals) and album producer Greg Chandler of doom death legends Esoteric and owner of Priory Recording Studios, they discuss the recording process, the album's title and lyrics--which are inspired by the memory of Ian's mother--and broader reflections on loss, grief, and the possibility hope in the darkest of times.

We wrap up the year by talking about our three metal albums of 2024! Joining us for this episode, is Ben's very old friend: Jono! The man who turned Ben on to underground metal when they were barely teens in the very early 80s. It was awesome to have Jono join us and hear about his top 3 metal records of the year in the first 90 minutes of the cast. We all had different top 3s! We then turn to honorable mentions, our favorite metal, non-metal, and metal adjacent live shows of 2024, and the metal records we look forward to cranking on the HEAVYS the most in 2025! So crack open the new Dark Earth Mead--a collaboration between BY THE HORNS--the incredible comic book Markisan writes--and the Brimming Horn Meadery. This nectar of gods is a 14% AVB honey wine with dragon fruit and vanilla aged in oak barrels!!! See Ben's and Jeff's Top 10 of 2024 here! Ben's Top 11-20 of 2024 here, Top 21-30 of 2024 here and 31-40 of 2024 here!!! Markisan's incredibly detailed Top 40 with Bandcamp links for every album on the Metalheads podcast site! Enjoy!

Ben's celebrates his #7 album of 2024--Liminal by Leaving--with a wonderful free flowing chat with guitarist/vocalist Greg Colson--formerly of Funerary--the band who released the heart wrenching and massively atmospheric death doom record Starless Aeon in 2014. While forged in the pandemic, this is not at all an obvious record. Rather Liminal is a sublime work of moody and shimmering doomgaze. Greg takes Ben inside the album and the band and the incredible performances, including guitarist/vocalist Jackson Heath of death doom geniuses Lycus ability to nail everything in one take. They then gush over Leaving's drummer Chiyo Nukaga Jacobus--the force of nature once behind the kit of the Bay Area underground legends Noothgrush. On Liminal, Chiyo plays with both power and a stunning slow-motion fluidity that adds to the album's deep and hypnotic pulse. The dialogue doesn't shy away from the dark emotions of the pandemic. Gregg and Ben take a brief detour and reflect on that terrible experience as parents of young kids who grew up in that time of lock downs and dread. But the interview as a whole is anything but grim. Rather the discussion is an opportunity to celebrate a special album between friends--Ben looks forward to meeting up with Greg and seeing Leaving live one day. Enjoy!

In this top albums of 2024 spotlight, Ben had the pleasure of talking to Sylvain Bégot founder of the prolific sci-fi death doom band Monolithe . The interview focuses on the band's incredible new tech noir inspired concept album Black Hole District. A record released by Hammerheart Records in November that Ben ranked as his #6 of 2024. We also discuss the history of the band and the origins of the band's name. This discussion also delves into a number of interesting topics, including the dystopian threat of AI--a central theme of Black Hole District--and the band's total rejection of the technology in the crafting of their albums. I also invited Sylvain to share his top 3 Sci-Fi albums of all time. Please enjoy! *Music on this episode comes from the song Those Moments Lost in Time from Black Hole District

Welcome to Endless Metal. This is Ben, and today Markisan and I are bringing you the gift of Warrel Dane on a special episode that celebrates his life, music, and the tremendous impact he's had on both heavy metal and on us. This episode, we're also joined by two of our friends, both massive fans of Warrel's music, particularly Nevermore - Ian Gillings of the progressive, melodic death metal band, Rannoch, And John Comisky, co-host with Markisan on the Metalheads Podcast. If you're already a fan of Warrel Dane, we think you'll enjoy hearing us reminisce about the seminal albums and songs he was a part of. And if you're new to Warrel's music, we hope we can inspire you to spend some time listening to his amazing bands, Nevermore and Sanctuary, as well as his solo material. So sit back and enjoy a Goose Island 2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout: Skål!

On this episode we pay tribute to the SoundGod Steve Albini. The late and great recording engineer on countless killer albums by a diverse array of bands heavy and otherwise. Ben, Jeff, and Markisan dug deep into Albini's discog and, in the process, came to a deeper appreciation of not only his unrivaled engineering prowess but the deep emotional connections we have to so many of the records recorded in his legendary Chicago studio, Electrical Audio. Taking on an almost impossible task, the boys pick their gun-to-the-head-must-pick top 4 Albini recorded albums of all time. We had an absolute blast recording this one and hope you will as well. So kick back and crack open an Allagash Curieux Tripel, a Belgian-style golden ale aged in bourbon barrels! #metalheads #stevealbini #podcast