The Metal Cell Podcast

On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Justine and Sammy of Church Road Records/Employed To Serve—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions. Church Road Records may have started in 2017 as a DIY operation run out of a spare room, but in just a few short years, it has carved out a reputation for consistency, taste, and innovation in the world of underground heavy music. What sets Church Road apart isn’t just the quality of its roster, but the sense of identity that runs through the label—an identity that’s rooted in the personal vision and hands-on approach of its founders. Evan and I speak with Justine and Sammy about the origins of the label, the practical and emotional challenges of launching a self-funded venture, and the evolution that has seen Church Road grow from a passion project to a respected institution within the scene. We also dig into the label’s unique subscription service model, the criteria they use when signing new artists, and their broader thoughts on the shifting landscape of the music industry in 2025. Of course, we also talk about Employed to Serve, the acclaimed band that Justine fronts and Sammy plays guitar in—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions. This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build and sustain a truly independent label in today’s music ecosystem—and why passion, resilience, and community remain at the core of it all. Link: https://churchroadrecords.com Intro Music: Wallowing: Flesh & Steel.

Hailing from the Causeway Coast, Good Friend is Adam Carroll (lead vocals and bass), Izzy Curran (drums), and Andy Reid (lead guitar). These three Irish lads originally come from around Belfast/Northern Ireland but they moved to Newcastle, England to get shitty jobs and form a band. The jobs did indeed turn out to be shitty, but the band turned out great! 'We’ve always described our sound as Punk Rock salted by The Irish Sea. Melodic and ferocious.' The band are signed to Red Scare Industries (US) and Gunner Records (EU) and have toured the world and played with bands like MakeWar, Guerilla Poubelle & Red City Radio. Good Friend played support to The Menzingers on the 16th of April at Button Factory Dublin, where Letty interviewed Adam and Izzy of the band. Band link: https://gunnerrecords.com/product-category/bands/good-friend https://goodfriend.bandcamp.com/album/tell-me-ma-single https://www.instagram.com/goodfriendband

Two special benefit gigs are set to take place in Dublin and Cork on April 24th and 25th in support of Adam Moore, (Merch Limbo/ex guitarist with Hero In Error), who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over a decade. All proceeds from the shows will go directly toward funding Adam’s ongoing stem cell treatment in Serbia. In a deeply moving conversation, I was joined by Adam, long-time friend & Hero In Error drummer Steve "Confey" Reilly, along with Evan from Dead Cult Promotions /Worn Out, to talk about the shows and the journey that led them here. Adam spoke candidly about his diagnosis and the challenges he’s faced living with MS, while Confey reflected on Adam’s time in Hero In Error and the lasting impact he’s had on the Irish music community and beyond. That sense of impact is clear in the response to a GoFundMe campaign launched by Adam’s fiancée, Tania, which has already surpassed the €75,000 mark — a milestone that surprised everyone except, perhaps, those who know just how many lives Adam has touched. Adam’s determination in seeking alternative treatments and his decision to undergo stem cell therapy is a testament to his strength and resilience. These upcoming shows are more than just gigs — they’re a show of solidarity from a community that stands behind one of its own. To contribute or learn more about Adam’s journey and the upcoming gigs, please follow the links below. Every donation and share helps — Richie. Links: Hero in Error - Adam Moore Fundraiser w/ Uragh & Solothurn https://www.universe.com/events/hero-in-error-adam-moore-fundraiser-w-uragh-solothurn-tickets-Z9DRCV ADAM FEST: Hero In Error // WORN OUT // Codespeaker // Nealo(MS Fundraiser) https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/adam-fest-hero-in-error-worn-out-codespeaker-nealoms-fundraiser-tickets-1204743673759?utmexperiment=testshare_listing&aff=ebdsshios GO FUND ME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-fiance-adam-moore-fight-multiple-sclerosis-ms-w SupportAdamMoore #MSAwareness #IrishMusic #BenefitShow #HeroInError #MerchLimbo #DeadCultPromotions

It was great to meet up with Grey Stag in this pre-recorded episode, before they played a jam packed Fred Zeppelins, in Cork with a serious support line up from Bodydrinkers, Dead Memories and Archaos courtesy of Dead Cult Promotions. Grey Stag were in town to promote their single launch for 'Cauldron Burn' and it was the perfect time to catch up with the lads to find out about the writing, recording and the build-up to the release of Mountain Breaker. Matt, Steve & Daragh have continued in the heavy/melodic musical direction of their last album Call of the Mountain but have added subtle changes to increase the enjoyment for Stag fans with four new songs on offer here alongside firm live favorite 'Emerald' by Thin Lizzy. The e.p is out now on the link below and for the first time a vinyl release is available also. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube page! Grey Stag link: https://greystag.bandcamp.com Track played: Hellbringer © Grey Stag, all rights reserved 2025.

Join myself, Danielle, Joe and Howard as we discuss the the impact of line-up changes in bands. What inspired the topic was the news of Brent Hinds departure from Mastodon and the potential fall out of revenue, creativity and legal issues that could occur. We look at bands on a local level also along with Joe and Howards experience of it first hand. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel, if you haven't already.

Hunter (Vocals/Bass), Boydy (Drums/Vocals) and Grog (Guitars) of Northern Ireland based Teras have been absolutely killing it lately with live performances all over Ireland, including a memorable Siege of Limerick appearance last year and another invite back to play in Dolans this April. I invited them to The Metal Cell studios in this pre-recorded interview just after they played a killer set supporting XIII Doors at a sold out show in Fred Zeppelins of Cork the previous night. Muscles were aching but the spirits were high when Teras arrived and we quickly got into a great chat about what sort of direction the band are now moving in after a few line-up changes. The hugely positive reaction to their latest single 'Sovereign' along with them explaining the new exciting creative direction they are exploring for the rest of 2025, certainly left me feeling that this is a band that are worth waiting on for their next release. Hunter talks about building up this 'tribe' of followers and you get the feeling that the more Teras find their groove the bigger the 'tribe' will be. Check out all their socials on the links below and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel. Teras Links: https://linktr.ee/theterastribe https://www.instagram.com/teras_ni https://www.facebook.com/TerasOffical.ni Songs played: Dystopia © Teras, all rights reserved 2025.

Letty interviewed Too Far Fetched in Fibbers where they were playing the Rage Metal Metal night alongside Angry Chair, Pain In Vain and Tide 7. Too Far Fetched are a brilliant upcoming five-piece metal band hailing from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Colin (Vocals), Anto (Guitars) & Evan (Bass) chat to Letty about the bands formation, playing Siege of Limerick, releasing their own music independently and future plans for this exciting Metal band winning fans over with some incredible live performances all over Ireland. Band links: https://www.youtube.com/@TooFarFetched https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hAw8Nt2D5mBWu0JirQXOx?si=wMIWEWqvTcyS-54_Ve4AxA Song played: Narcissus © Too Far Fetched, all rights reserved 2025.

I'm delighted to announce another episode focusing on promoting Irish Solo Metal artists. Kevin Byrne of Sonus Mortis makes a return to the show and making their debuts on the podcast are Fionn Murray of FÓS and Shane McCulloch of Temair. While they may have different styles and make incredible music, it's their creative energy and the enjoyment of doing this by themselves shines through on the interview. We hear plenty of insights into how each artist approaches his work, about their dedication to the completion of songs, and the marriage of the music to the art; all of which is fascinating to hear. We also talk about how much effort goes into promoting their work and the importance of getting the release out there for fans to find it. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel if you want to see more videos like this, if you haven't already. LINKS: FÓS: https://fosmetal.bandcamp.com/album/n-l-mo-chro-in-aon-rud Sonus Mortis: https://sonusmortis.bandcamp.com/album/synapse-the-hivemind Temair: https://temair.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-ablaze

The Metal Cell presents Roan Hynes , the solo next-gen music prodigy who’s breaking barriers by blending heavy metal with electrifying synthwave! With 16 explosive releases and a unique sound that combines shredding guitars, thunderous drums, and futuristic synths, this rising star is redefining the limits of genre-bending music in Ireland. Terror Syndrome is a perfect storm of intensity, emotion, and innovation along with live shows that are an absolute must-see—Roan brings an exciting, one-of-a-kind performance that blends high-voltage performances, synthwave atmospheres, and full-throttle metal energy. On this episode, we hear from Dad, Dave Hynes (Guitarist of Perish The Thought) who offers some insight into Roan's upbringing, you'll see Terror Syndrome perform live in Fred Zeppelins, Cork and hear from Roan himself. Hope you enjoy the episode and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to the YouTube Channel. Terror Syndrome link: https://terrorsyndrome.bandcamp.com All music played © 2025 Terror Syndrome. All rights reserved except Voodoo People © 2025 The Prodigy. All rights reserved. MetalSynthwave #LivePerformance #NextLevelMusic #GenreFusion

It was a pleasure to welcome Frodo (Guitars/Vox/Synths) & Craig (Bass/Vox/Synths) of Nomadic Rituals back onto the show. The three piece doom/sludge band along with Mark on drums are about to release their incredible fourth album titled 'Fust' via Cursed Monk Records. Myself and Danielle talk through each track with Frodo & Craig and get some great insights into the recording of one of the heaviest and down right gruesome releases of 2025. Recorded and Mixing by Niall Doran at Start Together Studio and mastering by Brad Boatright at Audioseige, Nomadic Rituals have left no stone unturned in perfecting this level of doom-ridden sludge for the listener to choke on! Check out the links below and buy 'FUST'. https://www.nomadicrituals.co.uk/ https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/fust

In this new episode of the podcast, I sit down with Shannon Bowman, a talented musician, sound engineer and photographer, who has just opened her very first recording studio called Studio 23, in Shandon Street, Cork. Shannon discusses the challenges and rewards of setting up a new studio and is on the lookout for all styles of bands and musicians to collaborate with. Shannon shares her journey into the world of music, telling me about how she ended up living in Cork after moving from America, working with Horrenda, a blackened extreme metal band from Dublin, along with her other music projects and what inspires her creatively . If you’re a heavy metal enthusiast, or a musician looking for a place to record your next album, this is the perfect episode for you to discover more about what Studio 23 can offer for music production and the Cork music scene! Studio link: https://www.instagram.com/studio23cork Music: Camp Meeting © Xero Pulse, all rights reserved Unforgotten © Xero Pulse, all rights reserved

Our guest tonight was Gavin Malone of the excellent 'That Sound Podcast' which focuses on many aspects of the music scene featuring guest interviews, album reviews and whoever that Gavin and his co-host Luke Cassidy admire. Link is below. "Pantera is back and are coming to take over your town!" In the second part of the show, we dive into the iconic band's epic return to the stage with new members and a highly anticipated tour. Fans are buzzing with excitement over the legendary band's comeback to the heavy metal scene. Join us as we break down what this means for both old-school Pantera fans and newcomers to the metal world. We discuss the new lineup, the upcoming tour dates including the Irish date in February, and their impact on the heavy metal community. Whether you're a die-hard Pantera fan, a concert-goer, or a new YouTuber looking to enjoy a great chat about Metal, this video is for you! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more metal content, Irish Metal band updates, and concert news! Link to That Sound Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/69ai2fOsFDpl0VYZlxmYIG?si=5114b0e48b4f497a

A fans perspective. Hugh Brint & Brian Moloney are in the front row of nearly all the Metal/Punk gigs in Cork and further afield doing what thethey love best, supporting the music that they love. We are also joined by Evan Prendergast of Dead Cult Promotions. We dive deep into why it's crucial to support your local heavy metal scene and how doing so can help foster a vibrant, inclusive community for all metal fans. Whether you're a long-time heavy metal enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode offers valuable insights on the power of local concerts, grassroots metal bands, and how they contribute to the global heavy metal movement. Supporting local heavy metal bands not only strengthens the music scene but also creates a safe, welcoming environment where fans can come together, enjoy live music, and build lasting connections. If you're a metalhead looking for concerts where you can have a great time and feel safe, this episode is for you. We explore how metal concerts are more than just shows—they are places for camaraderie, inclusivity, and community spirit. Learn how to get involved with local metal bands, promote events, and help create a stronger scene where everyone feels welcome. So if you're passionate about heavy metal music, support your local bands, attend shows, and help make the metal community a thriving and inclusive space for all. #HeavyMetal #SupportLocalBands #MetalCommunity #MetalConcerts

Bicurious are Gavin Purcell (Drums) and Taran Plouzané (Guitars/Vox); a confused, loud two-piece from Dublin, Ireland. They’ve built a loyal fanbase through extensive touring and have won over crowds both at home and abroad, establishing themselves as a recognizable force on the European rock scene. Bicurious released their second album Your Life is Over Now… on the 4th October 2024 via Big Scary Monsters. The record, which was created over 18 months, three countries and five recording studios, draws influence from the likes of Biffy Clyro, Reuben and Thrice, and is a much more lyrical body of work than Bicurious’ previous material, as the band tread new sonic ground. The funding of the album was made possible by a crowdfunding campaign, through which fans helped the band raise over €9000. Thematically, the album explores the various facets of the idea of family, and as one can tell from their crowdfunding efforts, their fans play a crucial role in the band’s idea of a family. Letty chats with Gavin and Taran about their progress so far, the new album and influences before Bicurious hit the stage to jam filled Grand Social on the first leg of their Irish tour. Band Link: https://bicuriousbandofficial.com Song played: 10 Acrylic Fences © Bicurious, all rights reserved.

Join myself, Danielle, Evan, Joe, Howard and Letty on this special Live Stream Podcast to celebrate one of the best years ever for Irish Metal releases. We run through all our lists of favorite releases, merch and favorite bands, select the 2024 MVP of the Metal Scene and answer all your questions. There's plenty of banter and laughs as we work our way through all of the below categories on this mammoth episode of the show. Thank you all for your support throughout the year and please check out as many of the incredible nominees that you can on their various Bandcamp pages and socials. Happy Xmas everyone!!!! • Best Album: • Best EP: • Best Single: • Best Irish Metal band: • Best artwork album/E.P: • Best New Act: • Best Solo Artist Ep/Album: • Best Live performance: • Best Venue & Promoter: • Best merch t-shirt/hoodie: • Best Video: • Best comeback band/album/performance: • Best social media: • Best UK album: • Best International album: • Best Photographer: • MVP of The Irish Metal Scene:

I was delighted to be joined by Craig (Sea High) Hosey (Vocals) and Donal Bowens (Drums) of Idle Discourse to the podcast. The band are tearing up the Metal rule book by incorporating a huge amount of diverse influences and styles to create their own strange brew to intoxicate the punters. Their videos show a band that are creatively connected with their audience and with the release of their excellent 'Volume 2', I couldn't wait to catch up with Idle Discourse to chat about a huge year stamping their mark on the Irish music scene. Craig and Donal fill me in on the formation of the band, how they approach songwriting and of course we have plenty of banter along the way. Hope you enjoy this last episode of 2024 as much as I did. Idle Discourse play Dublin's, Workmans Club on December 19th to wrap up the year! Idle Discourse link: https://www.idlediscourse.band Songs played: Caveat © Idle Discourse, all rights reserved. Demonstrate © Idle Discourse, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome Jim Knights (Guitars) & Chris Taylor (Vocals) of Manchester based The Leviathan onto the show for the first time. The Leviathan, who play extreme based metal with a healthy dose of doom infused groove, released the well received 'In Darkness It Crawls' on August 22, 2013 and then went on a hiatus for a couple of years. Members moved on to different projects and some dropped entirely out the scene. Jim however kept the fire lit throughout and finally the band returned with three killer singles in three months this year. More so a project that a functioning band at the moment, Jim got Chris of Cairns to do vocals and Darren of Haint to do bass/vocals on the new releases. We run through the story of The Leviathan from the very beginning were Chris and Jim met in university, right up to recording together this year. The lads have plenty of great insights and stories from their various bands and there's even a Christmas cover song to discover. Hope you enjoy the episode and 'SUBSCRIBE' to the channel. The Leviathan link: https://theleviathanuk.bandcamp.com/music Tracks played: The Grove Of The Woad Witch © The Leviathan, all rights reserved. The Wolf Amongst The Horsemen © The Leviathan, all rights reserved.

Letty welcomed David (Guitars) Patryk (Drums/percussion) & Thea (Vocals) of Death Can Wait. No strangers to the podcast, it was great to have them back on to talk about their killer ep called 'Symptom of Suffering' which was released in October 2024. Fans of both the podcast and Death Can Wait will remember they released the well received 'Slowly Sinking' ep in February. Since then they have gone from strength to strength with some memorable gigs around Ireland culminating in their Siege debut and ex-singer Brian rejoining the band. Letty covers all of that and many more insightful topics with the lads as they get ready for an even busier 2025 for Death Can Wait, the band from the sunny South East of Ireland. https://deathcanwait.bandcamp.com/music Song played: Incinerator © Death Can Wait, all rights reserved.

It was a pleasure to welcome back John Roche (Guitar & Bass) & Shane "Red" Corcoran (Vocals) of brutal Death Metal band Crimson Butchery, to the show. Flying the flag for Death Metal, the Kilkenny duo have released their sophomore album 'Violence by Design' independently on November 1st. This album, like much of Crimson Butchery's work, has a masterful blend of technical riffs and drums and brutal mayhem of old-school 80s and early 90s death metal, with Red giving a master class in true guttural vocal styles. Mixed and Mastered by Floor van Kuijk once again, with programmed drums instead of a drummer, Crimson Butchery have once again released an all killer no filler lesson in brutality. Red & John do a track by track run through of the album with me and there's plenty of insights into the inspiration behind the lyrics and music. I hope you enjoy the chat and of course 'SUBSCRIBE' to the channel. Show support to Crimson Butchery on this link here: https://crimsonbutchery.bandcamp.com/music All songs played on this episode © Crimson Butchery, all rights reserved.

Barrfite is a band made up of: lead singer Harry Maloney, 19, from Stradbally in County Laois (near the border of County Kildare); guitarist Adam Hughes, 19, from Clarehall, County Dublin; bassist James Moriarty-Smyth, 19, from Sandyford in County Dublin; and drummer Sam Kelly, 18, from Newbridge, County Kildare. All four members of this outfit met last year while studying at the BIMM Institute music college in Dublin, and connected due to their similar taste in music, and the band was established in November of last year. Their sound varies from grudge to hardcore metal. Some of their main influences include Deftones, Alice In Chains, Queens of the Stone Age and The Scratch. Letty interviewed them at Fibber Magees as they were the headliner of the Rage Metal Night with Purify and Death Can Wait also on the bill. Band link: https://www.instagram.com/barrfite Song played: Black Sheep © Barrfite, all rights reserved.