PODCAST · society
Heavy Metal Philosophy
by Jon Barbas
An exploration of philosophy with heavy metal themes. The intersection between the dark, powerful, and introspective. Tune in every Tuesday!
Episodes
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#292: No Hyperbole, Last Night Was One Of The Top 3 Best Concerts I've Seen!
In episode 292 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts with words and pictures one of the best concerts of his life. Live in Atlanta at the Masquerade, Igorrr brought down the house alongside Secret Chiefs 3 and Violent Magic Orchestra. As a concert photographer, I go to A LOT of shows.…
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#291: The Founders Are Dead. This Is Metal's New Era?!
In episode 291 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas reflects on the passing of Cronos from Venom. Now with Lemmy, Ozzy, and Cronos gone, heavy metal is entering a new era without its pioneers and legends. What does it mean for the art form as it joins other cultural forces like sport and film as...
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#290: What Castle Rat Got Right and Wrong at Their Live Show!
In episode 290 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas shows the concert photography of the latest Castle Rat concert. One thing about this show was horrendously bad for the audience, but so much more was inventive and brilliant. Jon will tell all about it with the photos to illustrate Castle Rat...
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#289: Blue Collar vs. White Collar Metalheads: What's the Difference?
In episode 289 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the differences and similarities between blue-collar and white-collar metalheads. Metal fans have a lot in common, but different work environments create different cultures. Let's have some good-natured fun with the comparisons, let...
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#288: This Band Has To Negotiate With The Government To Play Metal?!
In episode 288 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas chats with Krimh from Septicflesh about the intricacies and logistics of playing a huge symphonic death metal band. From getting visas and clearance to play in historical sites, to how to play with an orchestra without a click track.…
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#287: The Philosophy of Nailbomb: Is This the Perfect Time for a Comeback?
In episode 287 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Igor "Amadeus" Cavalera and asks what Nailbomb means and why now is the perfect time for this legendary project to return. This is a tale of metal, family, and hardcore punk; join us! Nailbomb Info:...
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#286: The Philosophy of Prog Metal's Darkest Trilogy!
In episode 286 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas does lyrical analysis of Green Carnation's "A Dark Poem" trilogy. This isn't just navel-gazing on my part, though; Stein Roger Sordal and Kjetil Nordhus from the band joined to expand on and/or correct my interpretations. We talk dark…
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#285: MTV Killed The Rock/Metal VMA Category. Here's What It Really Means!
In episode 285 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes what it means for rock and heavy metal that MTV has officially removed the Best Rock and Metal categories from the VMAs for the first time in 37 years. See why this decision matters for the future of rock music. We examine why…
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#284: I Need To Warn You About 2 Things Before You See Down In Concert!
In episode 284 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas warns metal concertgoers about 2 issues they might encounter on Down's current North American tour with Spirit In The Room and Helmet. Jon photographed the opening night at Atlanta's The Eastern and encountered 2 significant issues on an...
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#283: Do We Still Need Journalists In Metal?!
In episode 283 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes why metal media, and media more broadly, are contracting. Do we even still need print journalists now that we have content creators, influencers, and short-form content? Recently, a lot of metal magazines like Metal Injection, Metal...
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#282: AI Hasn't Ruined How Humanity Works, But It Has Ruined How Computers Do!
In episode 282 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explains how AI is ruining computers using a tape measure as an analogy. Personal Computers are one of the most important pieces of technology ever invented, and AI is ruining the very thing that makes them so useful. What does a tape measure…
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#281: Ministry Announces Final Album | How Many Times Have We Heard This?
In episode 281 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes the retirement of several legendary metal bands to see why they all keep coming back. From Ozzy, Slayer, Megadeth, Ministry, Mötley Crüe, and Sepultura they always come back. But what are the factors? Let's discuss it! Get 10% off…
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#280: The Beautiful Death Of Ozzy Osbourne - How Metal Teaches Us to Live
In episode 280 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas chats with Keith Kahn-Harris about his book, The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne - How Metal Teaches Us to Live. Ozzy wasn't just a rock and metal icon. His life, struggles, failures, triumphs, and unbelievably poetic final show have a lot to...
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#279: Death Metal Legends Hired To Remake Transformers Movie Soundtrack!
In episode 279 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Gus Rios of Gruesome, Left To Die, and Cold Slither fame to talk about how Hasbro hired him to remake the 1986 Transformers Movie Soundtrack for the film's 40th Anniversary. Gus was joined by Matt Harvey and Ross Sewage from...
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#278: Fake AI Influencers and Industry Plants: We're So Cooked!
In episode 278 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas tells four short stories that reveal the current state of our society. As if influencer culture wasn't bad enough, now we have AI producing even worse versions of it. These stories will illustrate the reality of our current situation, but don't...
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#277: Ozzy Endorsed Yungblud But Others HATE Him!?
In episode 277 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes criticisms of Yungblud coming from rock stars like Justin Hawkins of the Darkness, Machine Gun Kelly, and Ronnie Radke. Is Yungblud a poser? Disloyal? A rich kid? Does it even matter when he makes pop rock? Let me know what you think!...
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#276: I Went To The Most Boujee Venue To See Extreme Metal
In episode 276 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts the tale of going to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Atlanta to see a modern metal show. Jon went to the Buckhead Theatre to photograph Jinjer, Entheos, and Crystal Lake, but the boujee venue made him feel like a fish out of...
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#275: Is This Peak Modern Death Doom? | Fires In The Distance Interview
In episode 275 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with one half of Fires In The Distance to discuss the philosophy and choices behind their latest album, Circadian Promise. From existential philosophy to the challenges of having a new singer, join us! Fires In The Distance Links;...
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#274: What Happens When Interviews Get Too DEEP?
In episode 274 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas attempted to have a 10 minute interview with Ben Hutcherson of Khemmis about their upcoming self-titled album. Ben and Jon then went on an hour long existential and nihilistic spiral... and they did it with smiles on their faces. Do you like...
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#273: Jack Osbourne Claps Back At Metal YouTubers?!
Recently The Metal Meltdown YouTube channel aired a video criticizing the Osbourne family for investing in an Ozzy Osbourne Ai that will supposedly act like Ozzy and interact with fans. The Metal Meltdown took particular issue with the part of the article that made claims about the ability of the...
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#272: The BIG Names Behind King Ultramega's Chris Cornell Tribute!
In episode 272 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Mark Menghi (from Metal Allegiance) and Brann Dailor (from Mastadon) to chat about King Ultramega, the all-star collective paying tribute to Chris Cornell. This super group ranges from players like Kim Thayil, Alissa White-Gluz,...
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#271: I Shot The Most Evil Metal Concert Ever & It Proved My Theory True!
In episode 271 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is recounting what happened at the Godless IV tour featuring Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ, and Immolation. During Behemoth's set, a prediction that Jon made last year reviewing their latest album was proven true. Follow along to find out...
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#270: Brutal Death Metal Bands Are Selling More Tickets Than Pop Stars?!
In episode 270 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down "Blue Dot Fever" and why it's plaguing pop stars like Meghan Trainor and Post Malone, but not death metal and black metal bands. We go over the numbers, the culture, and what it all means. Let us know what you think in the...
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#269: Ya'll Ask Me Insightful And Unhinged Questions! 5 Years of HMP!
In episode 269 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is celebrating the five year anniversary of Heavy Metal Philosophy! You all asked me a bunch of really insightful but also unhinged questions. That's what I love about this community, we can plumb the depths of our minds or the toilet humor....
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#268: The Book Of Revelation Is Metal AF & the Biz Is Evil w Spirit Adrift
In episode 268 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas chats with Nate Garrett of Spirit Adrift and Neon Nightmare. They talk about the band's final album, how metal The Book of Revelation Is, the corruption in underground metal, and what's next for Nate now that Spirit Adrift is ending. Spirit...
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#267: It’s The UFC’s Fault That Concert Tickets Are Expensive!
In episode 267 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes the business decisions of the UFC that have contributed to not only their own ticket prices rising, but also the cost of music concert tickets. Between monopolistic practices and board of director cross pollination, the rabbit hole is...
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#266: When Should Your Favorite Bands Stop Making New Music?
In episode 266 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas looks at examples of legendary bands who retired early like Bolt Thrower, Nirvana, and Spirit Adrift and wonders if other bands should do the same. Don't get it twisted though, some bands still got it and need to keep going. Is it Metallica?...
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#265: Three Reasons Hardcore Is Popular Now. It's Not Underground Anymore!
In episode 265 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down three reasons why hardcore music has become so popular that it now is featured in pop festivals like Coachella and Late Night Television like Jimmy Kimmel. We even had a hardcore band (Turnstile) win the Grammy for "Best Metal...
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#264: The Philosophy of Corrosion of Conformity: Good God/Baad Man w Pepper
In episode 264 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity. We talk about their new double album 'Good God, Baad Man' and the concept of facing the infinite and death. Don't get it twisted though, this isn't a bummer, the record and the conversation...
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#263: French Expert Pairs Whiskey with Extreme Metal Albums!
In episode 263 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by the host of Greg's Whiskey Guide. Greg has been visiting distilleries and tasting whiskeys for over two decades. He is a passionate whiskey blogger and blender as well as a long-time metalhead. In this episode, he has selected…
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#262: Live Nation Exposed In Court After Staff Joke About Prices
In episode 262 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the fallout of the Live Nation and DOJ court settlement. Concert ticket prices have gotten extremely unaffordable over the past decade. Is it thanks to a monopoly held by Ticketmaster and Live Nation? Are the jokes employees…
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#261: Wait... There's A Hardcore Scene In Alabama?!
In episode 261 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas discovers the hardcore punk scene in Alabama. Where is it? Who plays there? Is it happening? Wielded Steel tells us all, plus we discuss the true meaning of deathcore and metalcore. Let me know what you think! Wielded Steel Links:...
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#260: Testament Tell Ozzy/Dio Stories & Debate Free Will
In episode 260 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is combining two separate interviews! Jon recently interviewed both Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick of Testament and Metal Allegiance. In those two interviews, obviously similar questions were asked, even though they were both on for different...
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#259: The 4 Worst Types of Metal Fans
In episode 259 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas shows his love for the metal community, but points out 4 places we could do better. These are things that could help the heavy metal image with the mainstream and things we can do better for ourselves. Did I miss any? Let me know, join the...
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#258: The Cheesiest and Most Cringe Bands In Every Metal Sub Genre!
In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the things that make each sub-genre of metal cheesy and cringe. All of us have a genre of metal we look at as silly, but do we overlook the excesses of our own favorite styles? I'm even going to criticize my beloved death-metal! Get...
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#257: Is Cancel Culture Broken? The Rock Star vs Epstein Paradox
In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the public's response to misconduct from rock stars versus people in the Epstein files. Both cases seem to be above the law thanks to their fame and wealth, but people like Marilyn Manson and Till Linderman face much different public...
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#256: The Five Best New Metal Albums of January 2026!
In episode 256 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down the best new metal albums that released in January 2026! From Black Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal, Metalcore, Technical Death Metal, and everything in between! If you want some new metal to listen to, check out…
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#255: Megadeth's Final Album Is A Harbinger of The Decline of Heavy Metal
In episode 255 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explains how Megadeth's retirement is a sign of the decline of heavy metal. Who is next to retire? Judas Priest? Iron Maiden? Metallica? Who will take up the mantle and carry the torch for the next generation of heavy metal bands? What happens…
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#254: The Real Reason Bandcamp BANNED AI Music But Spotify Doesn't
In episode 254 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the AI music policies of Bandcamp versus Spotify. We then analyze how payment incentives shape each company's stance on generative AI Music. These factors help explain why each company has different rules concerning AI music. Are…
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#253: The Core Kids Are Starting To Agree With Me!?
In episode 253 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas reacts to "10 Modern Metal Trends That Need To Stop In 2026" by MetalBIRB. We made a lot of these same criticisms about modern metal and metalcore a little over year ago. It looks like the core kids are starting to agree with me. Let me know…
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#252: The Five Best Oddball Albums of 2025!
In episode 252 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite metal albums that don't fit the normal criteria. This is the episode where we go outside the normal parameters. You know we like it weird here! My favorite oddball metal albums of 2025! Get a Sandbar for your...
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#251: The Five Best Progressive Metal Albums of 2025!
In episode 251 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite extreme progressive metal albums of 2025. This is an extreme metal show, and thus my progressive picks are also extreme... and beautiful. Let me know what you think! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch!...
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#250: Ten Best Death Metal Albums of 2025!
In episode 250 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025, but the title says ten right? This week I am joined by a mystery guest who is also bringing their top 5, which will be radically different from mine. It's a double dose of death...
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#249: The Five Best Black Metal Albums of 2025!
In episode 249 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025! For my tastes I prefer my black metal on the more artistic side versus the raw primal side. This list will reflect my tastes, but fret not... there will be plenty of evil. December...
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#248: Top 5 Best Thrash Metal Albums of 2025!
In episode 248 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite thrash metal albums of 2025! The big guns brought their A game this year. We've got ripping thrash albums from legends and young blood alike. It was a good year for thrash metal, let me know what your…
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#247: The Best Deathcore And Modern Metal Of 2025!
In episode 247 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas votes in the 2025 Nik Nocturnal Awards. There are numerous categories spanning breakdowns, metalcore, deathcore, hardcore, modern metal, and even some extreme metal like death metal and black metal. Plus we are nominated for Best Metal Content!...
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#246: Is Metal Music REALLY Dying?
In episode 246 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down Rick Beato's latest rant about Heavy Metal's declining popularity. What did Rick Beato get right? What did he get woefully wrong? Is metal really on the decline or are times just different? Let me know what you think! Get Heavy…
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#245: The Truth About AI Music Topping Charts Nobody Wants To Admit
In episode 245 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the scam that someone used to land an AI song as number 1 on a Billboard chart. Will metal music be next to have AI music on the charts? Then we compare that scam to big business scams in order to make one final argument about the…
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#244: Unmasked: Which Metal Bands Are Artists And Which Are Frauds?
In episode 244 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the practices of masked bands like Slipknot, Ghost, Sleep Token, President, Gwar, Mudvayne, Gaerea, Dogma, and more to figure out which bands are wearing masks for artistic reasons and which ones are exploiting their musicians. It's…
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#243: Agnostic Front Explains The Real History of Hardcore Punk
In episode 243 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Roger Merit of Agnostic Front to chat about the band's history, their new album Echoes In Eternity, and what he thinks about the current generation of hardcore punk bands like Knocked Loose and Turnstile. Agnostic Front links;...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An exploration of philosophy with heavy metal themes. The intersection between the dark, powerful, and introspective. Tune in every Tuesday!
HOSTED BY
Jon Barbas
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Heavy Metal Philosophy have?
Heavy Metal Philosophy currently has 294 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Heavy Metal Philosophy about?
An exploration of philosophy with heavy metal themes. The intersection between the dark, powerful, and introspective. Tune in every Tuesday!
How often does Heavy Metal Philosophy release new episodes?
Heavy Metal Philosophy publishes regularly with 294 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Heavy Metal Philosophy?
You can listen to Heavy Metal Philosophy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Heavy Metal Philosophy?
Heavy Metal Philosophy is created and hosted by Jon Barbas.
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