EPISODE · Aug 13, 2026 · 1H 41M
#165 - Kylesa - Static Tensions
from Riff Worship · host Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, and Justin Swindle
This week on Riff Worship, we dive deep into the making, history, and sonic evolution of Kylesa’s seminal 2009 masterpiece, Static Tensions!From their roots in Savannah’s pioneering crust-punk band Damad to their rise as titans of psychedelic sludge, Kylesa's story is defined by resilience, reinvention, and sheer heaviness.In this episode, we explore:The early days of co-founders Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants, navigating the tragic loss of founding bassist Brian Duke, and how their DIY origins built their signature sound.How Carl McGinley and Eric Hernandez unlocked Kylesa’s legendary double-drum assault—plus the hard-panned recording magic crafted at Jam Room Studios.Rehearsing under The Jinx (and drawing noise complaints from Paula Deen’s restaurant), capturing a real Southern rainstorm for "Nature's Predators," and the surprising tonal influence of The Cult's Love.The story behind the iconic artwork hand-painted by Baroness’s John Dyer Baizley and session bass work from Javier Villegas (Born Against, Cattle Press).A detailed analysis of classics like "Scapegoat," "Running Red," "Unknown Awareness," and the frantic "Insomnia for Months!”Recommendations:Kylesa - Time Will Fuse Its Worth (20th Anniversary Limited Edition)Iron Monkey - Our ProblemCove - CoveCADY - Limitations of the Human FormCapsule - FeroxGojira - From Mars to SiriusCorrosion of Conformity - AnimosityKrallice - Scour OrderFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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#165 - Kylesa - Static Tensions
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