Episodes
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Blackhat: ATXMP Showcase Artist
The Breakdown Heavy riffs for heavy hearts, and show you do not want to miss. Ryan Rayle sits down with Seth Walker of BlackHat to unpack the band’s sound, the evolution of Seth’s writing, and why their live set hits harder than the record. Seth breaks down how a move from shoegaze and emo into...
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Cloud Anchor: ATXMP Showcase Artist
The Breakdown Cloud Anchor joins the ATX Metal Podcast to talk heavy pop punk, big riffs, and the journey from local band beginnings to opening for Flyleaf at Speaking Rock. Nate and Brian share how Cloud Anchor formed in 2019, found their sound, and kept going through the setbacks of the…
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Silent Haven: Fighting Baboons and Looking For Friends
The Breakdown Meet Silent Haven, a rising metal band from Corpus Christi, Texas, building momentum through heavy music, close-knit friendships, and relentless consistency. Ryan sits down with Brady, Noah, Antonio, and Matt to trace the band’s journey from garage band demos to a growing...
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Donella Drive: We almost Partied with Jean-Claude Van Damme
The Breakdown Ever wondered what it’s really like to take a band on the road? In this episode, the high-energy duo from Donella Drive, Aiden Escalante and Andrew Salazar, share the raw, unfiltered experiences of touring, from breakdowns to unforgettable gigs. Their candid storytelling reveals the...
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Seratonin - Validation of The Thesis
The Breakdown Seratonin is building a metal band the old-school way - from the ground up, with zero compromise, a DIY merch operation, and shows that most bands would never even think to book. If you want to know what it looks like when a new heavy act leans all the way into community, chaos, and...
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INRVRY - Married In the Mosh Pit
The Breakdown INRVRY turns a Dayseeker concert into a life-changing moment - and their story is only getting started. If you love music with heart, this one gives you the origin story, the family ties, and the hope behind one of San Antonio's most interesting rising bands. Mando Vargas opens up...
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Hammerthrone - Something to Groove To
The Breakdown Prepare to be punched in the gut by a raw, groove-driven metal episode that reveals how seasoned musicians craft crushing riffs that connect directly with fans—no matter your scene experience. If you've ever wondered how metal bands stay tight, explosive, and engaging live, this...
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Andy Flores: Building Community Through Music
The Breakdown Join Ryan Rayle and Andy Flores as they discuss the evolution of the San Antonio music scene, the importance of community, and the power of platforms like The Hive and The Rock Box in supporting local bands. Discover practical tips for artists, the impact of technology, and future...
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Release The Captive: F**K Hospitality Management
The Breakdown Most bands try to look cool on stage; Release The Captive just proves that behind-the-scenes chaos is where the real magic happens—and how they still crush it despite juggling life and moving into a new place. Imagine a bunch of Texas musicians navigating tech nightmares, Craigslist...
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Foreword: The Band is My Gamble
The Breakdown Most band stories sound like Hollywood scripts — but this one might just beat them all. Andy Alderson from San Antonio’s Foreward spills a wild ride from band chaos, political degrees, to signing with Seek and Strike, all while reminiscing about high school hairdos and the glory…
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719: From Mountain Tops to Bass Drops
The Breakdown In this engaging interview, Skyler McCarthy from the bands 719 and Silence Becoming shares his journey in music, the creative process behind his projects, and his passion for outdoor adventures. Discover insights into metalcore production, the importance of collaboration, and how to...
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Cryptopsy: Decibel Magazine Tour Headliner 2026 (and some Jams)
The Breakdown Cryptopsy is back with a roar—and this time, they’re headlining the Decibel Magazine Tour for 2026. But here’s the twist: how do you stay relevant after 30 years in brutal metal? Easy, you bring insane lighting, killer riffs, and a legendary album anniversary tour that leaves fans...
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KNOW//SUFFER: Rack Full of Spices, Many Flavors of Sound
The Breakdown Most bands have a story, but few have the wild, hilarious, and sometimes downright bizarre adventures these guys do. Imagine walking into a garage and being told “Hey, you’re the vocalist now” — without asking. Or the time their van was attacked by skinwalkers on a Texas highway. If...
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Vilamoura: Affordable Metalcore with Stock Options
So, I sat down with Vilamoura — the Austin locals who are still grinding after all these years. And let me tell you, they’ve got dreams bigger than Texas. In this episode, band members Josh Huber and Don Shipman from Vilamoura discuss their journey, touring challenges, and the importance of...
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Cytera: Practice Makes Permanent
The Breakdown Most metal bands are happy enough to talk about riffs and mosh pits, but Cytera? They dive headfirst into the chaos—from their first stage nerves to the wild stories of playing Chili’s or imagining shows at nursing homes. These guys are raw, real, and ready to take the stage......
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Lift The Curse: Terrible Shirt, Amazing Riff! (Their newest song and video "House of Horrors")
The Breakdown In this lively interview, Ryan chats with band members from Lift the Curse to discuss their latest single 'House of Horrors,' the creative process behind their music and videos, and their plans for the future. They share insights into songwriting, video production, and their DIY...
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P.H.0 - Not Sponsored by NYU but They Got an Erhu
Summary Join Rya as he chats with Howard and Jun from PH0, a Brooklyn-based band blending traditional Chinese instruments with electronic and metal influences. Discover their journey, creative process, and upcoming performances at South By, along with insights into their unique sound and cultural...
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Upon A Burning Body: 20 years later and We are Still Going Strong
In this episode, Ruben Alvarez from Upon a Burning Body discusses the band's journey, their recent album, and upcoming tours. They also delve into the band's history, the challenges of being independent vs signed, and Ruben's insights on the metal scene and movie collaborations. Ryan introduces…
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Darkness Divided: Returning to Austin One More Time (ATXMP Showcase Headliner)
The Breakdown In this engaging interview, Ryan Rayle speaks with Gerard from Darkness Divided, exploring the band's history, their journey through the music scene, and their recent reunion. They discuss the challenges of touring, the creative process behind their new music, and the significance…
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Future//Ghost: We Got Gundam's (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan sits down with members of the band Future Ghost to discuss their musical journey, upcoming performances, and the vibrant Austin music scene. They share personal stories, insights into their creative process, and the importance of...
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CultBurner: Don't Punch Brett in the Face (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode, Ryan hosts the band Cult Burner, discussing their formation, music style, and the vibrant Austin music scene. The band members share their experiences, challenges in finding the right vocalist, and their philosophy on live performances. They emphasize the importance...
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Broken Time: Show up for the Showcase at Sundown (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Broken Time Jake and Alyus, a metal band from Temple, Texas. They discuss their journey to the WACKEN Metal Fest, their experiences at live shows, the dynamics within the band, and their writing...
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Bridges Ablaze: No Dumpster, Just Fire (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members Brien and Ruben of Bridges Ablaze, discussing their journey from formation to their upcoming showcase. The conversation covers their experiences in the local music scene, the importance of vocal…
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Batlips: It's Like Watching a Pterodactyl Play Bass (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the band BatLips, discussing their unique sound, evolution, and upcoming performances. The band members share insights into their creative process, live performances, and the vibrant local music scene in Austin.…
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ZombieKing: Small town Roots with Texas sized sound
The Breakdown In this episode, the ATX Metal Podcast hosts the band Zombie King, discussing their Texas tour, origins, and the importance of community support. The band shares their journey from forming through a Craigslist ad to their latest EP, 'The Reveling.' They reflect on their college...
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Terminal Decay: Horror Anime's Soundtrack
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan speaks with Nick Haas, the creator of Terminal Decay, a deathcore project influenced by horror anime. They discuss Nick's transition from his previous project, The Haas Effect, to Terminal Decay, exploring themes of horror and...
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Orodrim: A Musical Reflection on Society
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan speaks with Eamon Danzig about his new album, Thanatocracy, and the personal and political themes that inspired it. Eamon shares his journey of overcoming personal struggles, including sobriety, and how these experiences shaped his...
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We Are Man: Still Doing That Old Band Thing
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan interviews Aaron from the band, discussing their journey from Austin to Pampa, Texas, the challenges of being in a band, and the transition to focusing on an online presence. Aaron shares insights about the local music scene, the...
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Wolvera: Navigating Challenges and the Path to Success
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle speaks with the members of the metal band Wolvera, discussing their formation, the challenges of navigating the Dallas music scene, and their latest release, 'Desperate Dogs.' The conversation delves into the dynamics of...
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Interlinked: We were a thing before Harambe
The Breakdown: In this episode, Ryan interviews Jordan Rosser from the band Interlinked, discussing their journey from thrash metal to metalcore, the impact of technology on music, and the importance of live shows in building community. They delve into the themes of their upcoming album, 'Recede...
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Supporting Local Music: The Heart of Central Texas Metal Fest with Ricky Fullen
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle welcomes Ricky Fullen, the vocalist of Hate Waker and organizer of the Central Texas Metal Fest. They discuss the festival's impact on the local music scene, the importance of supporting local bands and nonprofits, and the...
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Reign: The Definition of Local Metal (ATXMP Headlining Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan has an engaging chat with members of the band Reign, exploring their journey over the past decade in the Austin music scene. They discuss the evolution of their band dynamics, the importance of connections and collaborations, and the…
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Lift The Curse: Write, Record, Release (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle welcomes back the duo Lift the Curse, consisting of Jon Yadon Jr. and Ryan Hegefeld. They discuss their dynamic as a band, their creative process, and the excitement surrounding their upcoming showcase. The conversation…
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Estraya: Your New Top 8 Band (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle engages with members Danny Leal and Travis Case of the band Estraya, discussing their formation, musical influences, and the challenges they faced in the music industry. The conversation delves into their new single '411'…
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Left IV Dead: Hit the Heavy Button (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown: In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews members Austin Blades and Giancarlo Fernandez of the San Antonio-based band Left IV Dead. They discuss the band's formation, their energetic live performances, and the evolution of the metal scene over the years....
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Tibetan Sky Burial: It's Mood Music (ATXMP Showcase Artist)
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Tibetan Sky Burial, a local band known for their introspective and heavy sound. They discuss their musical journey, the challenges of maintaining a band, the chaos of live performances, and the...
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Backbiter: Writing bangers @75mph and they ain't slowing down
The Breakdown Backbiter, a metal band from Ohio, discusses their formation, music, and experiences in the local music scene. They talk about how they recruited a new member based on his participation in their shows and how having two guitarists enhances their live performances. The band shares...
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Interview with Jake Murphy of Beyond All Hope
The Breakdown Jake Murphy, a solo artist from Denver, shares his journey of becoming a solo artist and creating music. He started his music career in a band in Oklahoma and later moved to Denver to pursue his solo project. Jake collaborates with Tyler Ruhl and Elliott Post to create the...
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Rasing the Bar: Lift The Curse delivers Quantity and Quality
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Lift the Curse, an alternative heavy rock band based in Austin, Texas. The band consists of Jon Yadon Jr. on guitar, and Ryan Hegefeld on guitar and vocals. They discuss their background, the formation of...
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Vensutra: This Side Show You Don't Want to Miss
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with the band Venustra. The band has a unique theatrical show and incorporates elements of shock rock, Japanese visual Kei, and swing music into their sound. They have faced challenges in defining their genre but strive to...
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Bat City Black Metal Fest: A chat with Eamon Danzig
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with Eamonn Danzig, one of the creators of the Bat City Black Metal Fest. They discuss the origins of black metal, the message behind the festival, and the efforts to promote inclusivity and distance the genre from its tainted...
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Your Per Diem is 3 cigarettes: Dave Perry's rising success with Fear of Water
The Breakdown In this conversation, Ryan interviews Dave Perry of Fear of Water. They discuss various topics including the music industry, radio stations, and the success of Fear of Water's music. Dave talks about the secondary market for radio stations and how they have embraced his music. He…
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"I Got that Radio Face": A sit down with Glass Grinder
The Breakdown: Glass Grinder is a metal band from Austin, Texas that combines elements of grindcore, deathcore, and heavy metal. They aim to stand out by not being confined to a single genre and experimenting with different styles. The band started as a three-piece improvisational group and...
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Local Bands and Attention Spans: Say Hello to Josh Arnold
The Breakdown: In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan and Josh discuss their foray into the world of reaction videos and their love for metal music. Josh, also known as Drifter Voyages, is a metal reaction content creator on YouTube and the frontman of a metalcore band. They talk about…
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Interview with A Means To An End
The Breakdown: A Means To An End is a metalcore band from Corpus Christi, Texas. The band has been together for about eight or nine years, but started taking their music seriously about five years ago. The band consists of Storm Galindo on guitar and vocals, Noah Delos Rios on vocals, Ralph on...
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All things Canadian: An interview with Waterfront
The Breakdown In this conversation, I chat with members Dan and Tanner of the band Waterfront to discuss their background, education, and signing with Affiant Records. We talk about their musical influences and how they came together as a band. They also share their experiences in high school and...
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This is Art: DSGNS return with a new Record
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with the band DSGNS to discuss their new record and their journey in creating it. They talk about the process of recording the album live and the challenges they faced. The band members also discuss their approach to playing...
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Blood on the Snare: 20 years of Chaos with Thumbscrew
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan interviews the band members Daniel and Stephen of Thumbscrew and delves into their journey as a metal band. The conversation covers their early years, the evolution of their sound, the transition to a new vocalist, recording and…
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Talking local music with Kevin Hellestad of The Chord Progression Podcast
The Breakdown In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan interviews Kevin Hellestad from the Chord Progression Podcast. They discuss the importance of supporting the local music scene and how to discover new bands. Kevin shares the origin story of his podcast and his passion for promoting…
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