Laughingmonkeymusic

00:00 Introductions and the "Seven Degrees of Nick Oliveri" 01:00 Reconnecting and Performing with Queens of the Stone Age 05:00 New Projects: The Blast Record and Joining 13 08:20 Geography of Rock: From the Desert to the Swamp 09:40 Solo Work, Mondo Generator, and The Dwarves' New Record 11:45 The Creative Process and Balancing Multiple Bands 16:45 Life on the Road: Scheduling and "Road Dog" Mentality 21:30 High-Stress Gigs and Flying Across the World 23:15 Touring Australia and Performing Fan Favorites 25:30 Health Struggles: Touring with a Hernia 30:45 Overcoming Mistakes and Finding Improvement 34:45 Dealing with Media and Internet Comments 39:45 Perspective on Family and Personal Life 46:10 Songwriting as Therapy During Dark Times 51:30 Near-Death Experience in Hawaii 56:45 The Importance of Vinyl and Record Collections 01:01:30 The "Magic" in Guitars and Finding Your Sound 01:10:00 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Tour Dates

Alex Mitchell remains one of the true survivors of the late-’80s New York hard rock scene. As the founder and voice of Circus of Power, Mitchell helped build a band that mixed street-level biker culture, sleaze rock attitude, and bluesy hard rock into something distinctly their own. Formed in New York City in 1987, Circus of Power quickly developed a reputation for loud, dangerous live shows and albums that stood apart from the polished glam metal dominating MTV at the time. The band earned strong support from the rock press and toured with major acts including Black Sabbath during the “Tyr” era.Now back living in New York, Mitchell is entering a new creative chapter with a forthcoming double album scheduled for release this summer. The new material reportedly reflects both the grit of the band’s early years and the perspective gained from decades in music. Mitchell has also been revisiting stories from the classic Sunset Strip and New York club days, including memories involving David Lee Roth and the larger-than-life rock scene that surrounded bands in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Those stories capture an era when clubs, biker bars, and backstage chaos were all part of everyday life for touring hard rock bands.Despite lineup changes and long industry shifts, Circus of Power has continued to maintain its outlaw-rock identity. Mitchell remains the constant driving force behind the band, carrying forward the same raw energy that made their early records cult favorites among hard rock fans. Along with the upcoming album, the band also has several live appearances and shows being lined up, giving longtime fans another chance to experience the music in its natural environment — loud, unapologetic, and straight from the streets where Circus of Power first began.

Venom Inc. are entering a new chapter with a refreshed lineup, new energy, and new music in the works. This is not just about looking back at the history of Venom or replaying the past. The band is focused on what comes next.Led by Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan, Venom Inc. continue to carry the blackened, aggressive, old-school metal sound that helped define generations of extreme music. The current lineup features Tony Dolan on bass and vocals, Curran “Beleth” Murphy on guitar, and Marc “JXN” Jackson on drums. The band’s last studio album, There’s Only Black, was released in 2022, and Dolan has confirmed that writing has been underway for the follow-up. He described the next phase as feeling like “a new beginning,” with demos, artwork, production plans, and new material already being worked on.  The focus now is on the current band standing on its own. Venom Inc. still brings the fire, speed, darkness, and raw attitude fans expect, but the new material is about moving forward with this lineup as a real working band. Dolan has also spoken about wanting to record the current three-piece as a band, which gives the next release a different kind of importance: it will represent where Venom Inc. are now, not just where they came from.  Fans can expect the classic Venom Inc. ingredients: heavy riffs, blackened atmosphere, punk-edged aggression, speed-metal attack, and that dirty, dangerous feeling that made the name matter in the first place. But this new era is also about proving that the band still has something fresh to say.In this episode, we talk about the new lineup, upcoming music, writing plans, touring, the band’s legacy, and what fans can expect from Venom Inc. going forward.

I recently interviewed Joe and Chuck from Carnivore A.D. to talk about the band’s new EP, their current touring plans, and the creative process behind the new material. The conversation dug into how the songs came together, what drives the writing, and how the band balances honoring the brutal legacy of Carnivore while still pushing forward with its own identity. Joe and Chuck shared insight into the energy behind the new release, the chemistry within the band, and what fans can expect when they bring the songs to the stage.We also went back into the early history of the band, discussing the roots of the Carnivore sound, the New York metal/hardcore attitude that shaped it, and how that history continues to influence Carnivore A.D. today. From songwriting stories to touring memories, the interview gives fans a closer look at the people behind the music and the mindset that keeps the band moving. It is a strong episode for anyone into heavy music, underground metal history, and the raw, confrontational sound that made Carnivore’s name stand out.

Taime Downe is back for his first interview in a while, and the conversation covers exactly what Faster Pussycat fans want to hear: touring, the band’s legacy, the writing and recording process, and what is next. Rising out of the mid-1980s Hollywood rock scene, Faster Pussycat built its reputation on a sound that sat somewhere between glam, punk, and sleaze rock, with early staples like “Babylon,” “Bathroom Wall,” “Cathouse,” and later “House of Pain” helping define the band’s identity.  In this interview, Taime looks back at the history of Faster Pussycat and the staying power that has kept the band going for four decades. The band’s self-titled debut and its follow-up, Wake Me When It’s Over, established Faster Pussycat as one of the standout names from the Sunset Strip era, while later releases like Whipped! and The Power and the Glory Hole showed that the band was never interested in standing still creatively. Even after all these years, Faster Pussycat has continued to tour extensively, keeping the songs alive onstage for longtime fans and newer audiences alike.  Taime also talks about the current chapter of the band, including new music. Faster Pussycat released the single “Motorbike” in May 2025, with Taime saying he had started writing it about a decade earlier and that the band recorded it more than once before landing on the version that felt right. The release also featured a cover of the INXS song “Don’t Change” as the B-side, giving fans both a new original track and a reworked favorite through the band’s own dirty, swaggering lens.  It is a conversation that connects the past to the present: the history, the records, the road stories, the tours, and the new single that proves Faster Pussycat is still moving forward. For fans of Taime Downe and the band, this one is a chance to hear directly from the voice that helped shape one of the most distinct acts to come out of the late-’80s hard rock scene.  

Talking with John Bush was a reminder of why he remains one of heavy metal’s most respected frontmen. In our interview, Bush discussed Armored Saint’s new album, Emotion Factory Reset, due May 22, 2026 via Metal Blade, describing it as a record that pushes the band forward while still sounding unmistakably like Armored Saint. The band’s official bio frames it as a new chapter built on diverse songwriting and a willingness to stay adventurous, while Bush has said the material expands on Punching the Sky and Win Hands Down but carries its own distinct sound and vibe. We also looked back at the history of Armored Saint, one of Los Angeles metal’s most durable and underrated bands. Formed in the early 1980s, the group built its reputation with albums like March of the Saint and Delirious Nomad, then delivered what many fans consider a defining statement with Symbol of Salvation in 1991. Over the years, Armored Saint has endured lineup changes, industry shifts, and tragedy, including the loss of guitarist Dave Prichard, yet the band never lost its identity. That resilience is a huge part of why Armored Saint still commands such loyalty decades later. What came through most in this conversation was Bush’s loyalty to the band and the brotherhood behind it. Even with his long and celebrated run in Anthrax, Armored Saint has always remained central to his musical identity. Now, with Emotion Factory Reset set to become the band’s ninth full-length studio album, Bush sounds energized by where Armored Saint is right now: still heavy, still evolving, and still doing things on its own terms. Not bad for a band that has spent more than forty years proving that cult status and class can hit just as hard as mainstream fame.

Chris Reifert remains one of the most important and recognizable figures in death metal history. After first making a major mark as the drummer on Death’s Scream Bloody Gore, he went on to found Autopsy in 1987, helping shape a far filthier, darker, and more depraved branch of the genre. With Autopsy, Reifert became central to the band’s unmistakable identity, combining savage drumming, sickened vocal delivery, and a songwriting approach that fused raw death metal with doom-laden atmosphere. Records like Severed Survival and Mental Funeral helped establish Autopsy as one of the most influential acts in extreme metal, with a sound that was ugly, crawling, primitive, and completely their own.What has always separated Reifert from many of his peers is that Autopsy never felt like a museum piece. Even after decades in underground metal, the band has continued to create new material with the same diseased spirit that made them legends in the first place. Rather than simply trading on early classics, Autopsy has kept pushing forward, releasing later albums that still carry the band’s signature rot, heaviness, and warped sense of horror. Reifert’s long-running dedication to the genre has made him not only a pioneer, but also one of death metal’s most enduring lifers.In my interview with Chris Reifert, he also made it clear that Autopsy is not standing still. He said the band plans to start work on a new album toward the end of the year, a detail that should excite longtime fans who have followed the group’s relentless run of grotesque and punishing releases. That comment speaks to what has always defined Reifert’s career: even after helping build death metal from the ground up, he is still focused on creating the next wave of sickness rather than living in the past.For an interview introduction, Chris came across exactly as fans would expect: grounded, direct, and still completely committed to the underground spirit that made Autopsy essential in the first place. His reflections on the band’s legacy, past records, and future plans show that Autopsy continues to operate with purpose, and with the same morbid heart that has kept them vital for so many years.

In this interview, I spoke with HansFyrste (vocals) and Erik “HaaN” Sæther (guitars) of Svarttjern, the Oslo black metal band they founded in 2003. The conversation digs into the band’s history, their evolution from early demos into full-length releases like Misanthropic Path of Madness, Dødsskrik, and Shame Is Just a Word, and the path that has kept Svarttjern a respected name in Norwegian black metal.No filler. Just a proper talk with both men about the band, the records, and the road behind Svarttjern.

For heavy music fans, Kenny Hickey needs little introduction. Best known as the guitarist and vocalist from Type O Negative, Hickey helped shape one of the most distinctive sounds in gothic and doom metal. Now, he has returned with a new project, SUN DONT SHINE, a band that brings together veteran musicians from Type O Negative, Crowbar, and Down. Alongside Hickey are Johnny Kelly, Kirk Windstein, and Todd Strange, creating a lineup rooted in doom, sludge, and classic heavy rock sensibilities. SUN DONT SHINE is not just another side project. The band has been described as a meeting point between the bleak weight of doom metal and a broader, more dynamic songwriting approach. Hickey has said he did not want the music to be one-dimensional or trapped in one mood, emphasizing contrast, depth, and songs that feel lived-in rather than performatively dark. He has also spoken about wanting lyrics with more real-life weight, reflecting where he is now rather than trying to recreate the mindset of earlier decades. That perspective makes this project especially interesting for longtime Type O Negative fans. There is naturally a connection through Hickey and Kelly, but SUN DONT SHINE appears aimed at being its own entity rather than a nostalgia exercise. The group’s debut, From Birth To Death, positions itself as a fresh chapter built by musicians who have already left a permanent mark on heavy music and are now pushing into something more mature, reflective, and collaborative. What makes the band compelling is the chemistry of its members. Hickey’s melodic darkness, Kelly’s unmistakable rhythmic identity, and the Crowbar/Down side of the lineup give SUN DONT SHINE a foundation that feels both heavy and seasoned. Reports on the band’s formation describe it as growing out of collaboration among artists with shared roots but different regional and stylistic histories, especially the New York and New Orleans traditions that each member brings into the room. 

Finnish extreme metal innovators …And Oceans join the show for a conversation about one of the most distinctive and unpredictable careers in underground metal. Rising in the mid-1990s out of the ashes of death metal outfit Festerday, the band built its name by fusing symphonic black metal with industrial, electronic, and experimental elements, refusing to stay in one lane for very long. Their catalog has moved from the early ferocity of The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts and The Symmetry of I – The Circle of O to the more futuristic and abrasive territory of A.M.G.O.D. and Cypher, making them one of Finland’s more adventurous extreme bands.  In this interview, the band reflects on that evolution, the creative risks that shaped their sound, and how …And Oceansreturned in recent years with a renewed focus that reconnects their symphonic black metal roots to the more expansive vision they developed over time. Since reforming under the …And Oceans name, the group has released Cosmic World Mother and As in Gardens, So in Tombs, proving that their comeback was not nostalgia but a genuine continuation of the band’s identity.  This episode is a deep dive into artistic reinvention, longevity, and the restless mindset that has kept …And Oceans both relevant and difficult to categorize. For longtime fans, it is a chance to hear the story behind one of metal’s most shape-shifting bands; for newer listeners, it is a strong entry point into a catalog that has always balanced extremity, atmosphere, and experimentation.  

Andy Brings joins the show to talk about the new deluxe reissue of Sodom’s 1994 album Get What You Deserve, which was reissued on February 27, 2026 through BMG. The expanded edition was remastered and newly mixed by Brings himself, and it also includes the remastered/remixed Aber Bitte Mit Sahne EP, bonus live material, and additional archival content from that era. Sodom’s official channels have also been promoting Andy’s involvement through recent box set unboxing and playback features tied to the release.  During the conversation, Andy looks back on his time in Sodom, where he served as guitarist in the early 1990s and played on Tapping the Vein and Get What You Deserve—two records that remain fan favorites for their intensity, rawness, and refusal to follow trends. In discussing the reissue, Brings has described Get What You Deserve as an intentionally hostile, stripped-down album, while Tom Angelripper has said the band was aiming for something more rooted in Venom and Motörhead, with Andy’s punk influence helping shape its short, aggressive attack.  This episode is a chance to revisit a chaotic and underrated chapter in Sodom history with the guitarist who helped create it. From the band’s creative mindset at the time to the process of revisiting and remixing the material decades later, Andy offers an inside perspective on an album that still sounds like a bar fight pressed onto vinyl—in the best possible way.  

In this episode, I sat down with Ross Dolan of Immolation to talk about the band’s latest chapter and the upcoming release of their new album, Descent, due out April 10, 2026 through Nuclear Blast. We got into the creative process behind the record, the mindset of the band going into this release, and what fans can expect from a record already previewed by the singles “Adversary” and “Attrition.”Ross spoke in depth about Immolation’s continued drive to push forward while staying true to the dark, punishing identity the band has built over decades. Our conversation covered the themes and intensity behind Descent, the evolution of the group’s songwriting, and how Immolation continue to stand as one of death metal’s most respected and uncompromising bands.We also talked about the response to the new material so far, especially the early impact of “Adversary” and “Attrition,” which have already given listeners a strong sense of the atmosphere and aggression surrounding this new album. Ross gave great insight into where the band is creatively right now and why Descent feels like an important record in Immolation’s ongoing legacy.

Kyle Thomas of Exhorder joins the show for a great conversation about his voice, life touring on the road, and the reality of what goes on behind the scenes when a band is out performing night after night. He also talks about new music currently being worked on, first for Trouble and then for Exhorder, giving fans a look at what may be coming next from both camp

Ron Rinehart of Dark Angel joins the show for a conversation about the band’s history, the intensity and legacy of their music, his approach to songwriting and singing, and what may be ahead for the band in the future. Ron reflects on Dark Angel’s place in thrash metal, the creative process behind the songs, and the passion that continues to drive the band forward.It’s a strong look at one of thrash metal’s most respected names, with insight into the past, the music, and the road ahead.

Tommy Victor of Prong joins the show to talk about the band’s new live album, the energy of bringing Prong’s music to the stage, and what fans can expect next. Tommy also shares that new music is on the way, with a possible release coming around November. It’s a great conversation covering the current state of Prong, the live experience, and what’s ahead for one of heavy music’s most distinctive bands.For longtime fans and anyone into heavy, groove-driven metal, this is a solid look at where Prong stands now and where they’re heading next.

John Corabi joins the show to discuss his new solo album, New Day, due out April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. The album is being described as Corabi’s first full-length solo album of original material, and it was recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by Marti Frederiksen. The title track was released first, followed by the single “That Memory.” Corabi is widely known for his work with Mötley Crüe, The Scream, Union, ESP, and The Dead Daisies, and New Day marks a different chapter by putting the focus squarely on his own material. According to the album announcement, the record draws from classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences. The album’s announced track list includes “New Day,” “That Memory,” “Faith, Hope And Love,” “When I Was Young,” “One More Shot,” “1969,” “Laurel,” “Good To Be Back Here Again,” “Love That’ll Never Be,” “Cosi’ Bella,” “Your Own Worst Enemy,” and “Everyday People.” For this interview, John talks about the making of New Day, the songwriting and recording process behind the album, and where this release fits into the next stage of his career. No fake hype, no mystery smoke machine, just Corabi and the record. 

Thrash legends Whiplash are back, and a new record is on the way. On this episode, I’m joined by Tony Portaro of Whiplash to talk about the band’s long-running place in thrash metal, what still drives him creatively, and the upcoming album Thrashquake.We get into the energy behind the new material, the mindset going into this release, and what fans can expect from Thrashquake. Tony also talks about the legacy of Whiplash, the band’s connection to old-school thrash, and what it means to keep pushing forward while staying true to that raw, aggressive sound the band is known for.If you’re a fan of real, unapologetic thrash metal, this is one you’ll want to check out.https://www.officialwhiplash.com

Corrosion of Conformity returns with Good God / Baad Man, a new double album born out of major change, loss, and a fresh creative surge. In this interview, Woody Weatherman talks about the making of the record, the writing sessions with Pepper Keenan in Mississippi, the album’s split personality between the heavier Good God side and the more rock-driven Baad Man side, and the band’s path forward after the loss of Reed Mullin and Mike Dean’s departure. The album also features Stanton Moore on drums, Bobby “Rock” Landgraf on bass, and was produced by Warren Riker. 

Today on the show I’m talking with Tonino Baliardo of Gipsy Kings as the band celebrates the new album Historia. Across a career that has included 25 million albums sold, a GRAMMY Award, global touring, and enduring classics like “Bamboléo” and “Djobi, Djoba,” the Gipsy Kings have built one of the most recognizable sounds in modern flamenco and rumba. Their recent run also included a widely praised Glastonbury 2024 performance that The Times said gave tired festival legs “a new lease of life.” What makes this story even stronger is where it started. The group came up from Arles, France, where they played streets, weddings, bars, beaches, and restaurants before worldwide success arrived. That rise grew out of a deep family tradition connected to flamenco, Catalan gipsy culture, and the musical legacy surrounding José Reyes and Manitas de Plata. With Historia, Tonino says he wanted both “an adventurous spirit” and a record that reflects the story of the Gipsy Kings—including what happened when their signature songs became global hits. The album also continues the band’s long commitment to carrying those traditions forward, now with the next generation involved, including Tonino’s sons. More at the official website: gipsykings.com 

David Davidson is best known as the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of Revocation, the Boston extreme metal band whose sound blends technical death metal, thrash, and progressive elements. On his official biography page, he is described as a musician recognized for combining metal with fusion, rock, and jazz, and it also notes that he graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2008. As a player, Davidson is widely associated with Revocation’s intricate riffing, advanced lead work, and demanding compositions. Revocation’s official site identifies him as the band’s spearheading founder, while Metal Archives documents his long-running role in guitars, vocals, songwriting, and lyrics across the band’s catalog, including albums such as Empire of the Obscene, Chaos of Forms, Deathless, Great Is Our Sin, The Outer Ones, and Netherheaven. Beyond Revocation, Davidson also maintains a solo professional presence through his own official site, where he offers lessons, tabs, and gear-related content tied to his work as a guitarist. Taken together, the available official and discography sources present him as a central modern figure in technical extreme metal: a musician known not just for speed and precision, but for bringing formal musical training into a very aggressive style

Dino Jelusick (born June 4, 1992, Požega, Croatia) is a Croatian singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter known for powerhouse rock vocals and serious musicianship (he also plays keyboards, guitar, and more). He first gained international attention as the winner of the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest (2003), then grew into one of the most in-demand modern voices in hard rock and metal. Over the past decade, Dino has built a reputation as a tour-ready, studio-ready vocalist with the range to cover classic hard rock swagger and progressive/modern intensity. In 2016, he became a touring vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), a major turning point that launched him deeper into the global rock circuit. In 2021, he joined Whitesnake as a backing vocalist and keyboardist, stepping into a high-profile legacy camp and earning attention from fans for his vocal strength and stage presence. Dino is also the creative force behind several projects, including Animal Drive (founder/frontman; active until the band’s split) and his later band Jelusick, which released the album Follow the Blind Man (2023)—a modern hard rock record built for big choruses, musicianship, and live energy

Episode 647 features a conversation with Blaze Bayley discussing the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album Silicon Messiah. Released in 2000 after his tenure with Iron Maiden, the record marked a major turning point in Bayley’s career and established the direction of his solo work. In this interview, Bayley reflects on the creation of the album, the lineup behind it, and why the record remains such an important milestone for both him and his fans.The discussion also explores Bayley’s years with Iron Maiden from 1994 to 1999, when he recorded the albums The X Factor and Virtual XI and toured extensively around the world. Bayley shares perspective on performing songs from that era, how those tours shaped his career, and how fans have continued to rediscover and appreciate the material over the years. The conversation touches on the lasting legacy of those albums and their place within Iron Maiden’s broader history.In addition to revisiting the past, Bayley talks about the present and future of his music. The interview includes discussion about touring, continuing to perform Silicon Messiah material live, and hints about upcoming creative work. As always, the focus is on the music, the stories behind it, and Bayley’s ongoing connection with fans who have followed his career from Iron Maiden through his solo releases.

Evermore is a Swedish power metal trio known for blending melodic precision with a darker, more aggressive tonal palette than many of their genre peers. Formed in the late 2010s, the band quickly established itself with tightly structured songwriting, soaring vocal lines, and a dual focus on speed-driven passages and mid-tempo, groove-heavy weight. Their sound draws from classic European power metal traditions while incorporating modern production clarity and a slightly grittier rhythmic attack, giving their material both anthem-ready hooks and a heavier edge.Their latest full-length, Mournbraid, further refines that identity. The record emphasizes cinematic atmosphere, layered guitar harmonies, and dynamic vocal arrangements while maintaining sharp, riff-centered foundations. Lyrically and thematically, the album leans into epic and introspective territory, pairing dark fantasy aesthetics with resilience-driven motifs. Rather than chasing excessive technicality, Evermore prioritizes memorable choruses, structural discipline, and controlled intensity—positioning Mournbraid as a confident statement within contemporary power metal.

Norman L Skinner III is an American heavy metal vocalist best known for his powerful range, clean high-register delivery, and disciplined traditional metal technique. He built his reputation in the U.S. underground metal scene through years of consistent studio and live work, developing a style rooted in classic 1980s heavy metal rather than extreme vocal approaches. His singing emphasizes pitch control, sustained projection, and clarity, making him particularly suited for technically demanding material.Skinner first gained broader recognition as the longtime frontman of Imagika, a California-based band blending thrash aggression with power metal structure. During his tenure, he appeared on multiple albums including Devils on Both Sides (2005), Portrait of a Hanged Man (2010), and Feast for the Hated (2013). His performances on these releases highlighted his ability to balance melodic phrasing with speed-driven riffing, helping establish Imagika as a respected name in the American power/thrash circuit.Beyond Imagika, Skinner has contributed to additional heavy metal projects, including work associated with members of Attacker and other traditional metal collaborations. Across these efforts, his approach has remained consistent: high-energy delivery without reliance on growls or extreme vocal distortion. His technique reflects classic heavy metal fundamentals, positioning him within the lineage of traditional and power metal vocalists rather than modern extreme subgenres.He was later announced as the new lead vocalist for Forbidden, one of the defining acts of the Bay Area thrash movement. Originally fronted by Russ Anderson, the band’s catalog demands precision and range—qualities that align with Skinner’s established strengths. His addition marks a new chapter for Forbidden while maintaining continuity with the band’s technically driven thrash identity.

The best of Eric Martin compilation from 6 years of interviews and live music!

Frayle is a Cleveland, Ohio–based doom/occult rock band known for blending crushing low-tuned riffs with ethereal, haunting vocals. Their sound sits at the intersection of doom metal, post-metal, and dark alternative rock—often described as hypnotic, cinematic, and emotionally immersive.Core Members • Gwyn Strang – Vocals • Sean Bilovecky – GuitarThe band operates as a tight creative partnership, with Strang’s layered, almost choral vocal approach contrasting against Bilovecky’s slow, detuned, fuzz-laden guitar textures. Live, they expand with additional musicians to deliver a heavier, more enveloping wall of sound.

In this episode, Eric Martin speaks directly about hearing loss and tinnitus — issues that have become part of life after decades in loud environments. He does not dramatize it. He explains it plainly.He acknowledges that years of touring, stage volume, and studio work have taken a toll. The tinnitus is persistent. Some hearing loss is measurable. It is not reversible. What has changed is how he manages it. In-ear monitors, volume control, and pacing are now part of the routine. Protecting what remains is a priority.Martin reflects on sustaining a career rather than chasing past expectations. There is no self-pity in the conversation. The tone is practical.Regarding new music, he addresses the question of a solo album. There is no formal announcement. He confirms the idea has been discussed over the years. Timing, creative direction, and commitment matter. He is open to it, but not forcing it.The episode centers on sustainability, realism, and continuing forward with intention.

Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter best known for his 1971 epic “American Pie,” a composition that has become one of the most analyzed and culturally referenced songs in popular music history. Born in 1945 in New Rochelle, New York, McLean emerged from the late-1960s folk revival scene, drawing influence from artists such as Pete Seeger and the broader Greenwich Village movement. His songwriting is characterized by narrative structure, symbolic lyricism, and melodic sensibility rooted in traditional American folk forms.Released in 1971, the album American Pie cemented McLean’s commercial and artistic stature. The title track, running over eight minutes, achieved No. 1 status on the Billboard Hot 100 and has endured as a generational touchstone, often interpreted as a meditation on the evolution—and perceived loss of innocence—within American rock and cultural life. Beyond that signature work, McLean also achieved international success with songs such as “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” a tribute to Vincent van Gogh that showcased his capacity for intimate, emotionally direct songwriting.Over a career spanning more than five decades, McLean has continued to tour and record, maintaining relevance through licensing, covers, and renewed chart activity tied to cultural anniversaries and media exposure. His catalog remains widely performed and referenced, underscoring his role as a transitional figure between the 1960s folk revival and 1970s singer-songwriter era. McLean’s enduring impact lies in his ability to merge poetic narrative with accessible melody, creating works that operate simultaneously as popular hits and interpretive texts.

John Kevill is best known as the frontman and primary lyricist for Warbringer, a key band in the modern thrash metal movement. Since co-founding Warbringer in 2004, Kevill has been central to shaping the band’s aggressive sound and uncompromising attitude, channeling the spirit of classic 1980s thrash while keeping it firmly grounded in contemporary relevance. His vocal delivery is raw and commanding, perfectly matched to the band’s high-speed, precision-driven assault.Kevill’s lyrics are a defining element of Warbringer’s identity, frequently exploring themes of war, political corruption, historical conflict, authoritarianism, and the darker aspects of human behavior. Known for his depth and research-driven approach, he brings a sense of intelligence and purpose to the band’s music that goes beyond aggression alone. This lyrical focus has earned Warbringer respect not only for their musicianship, but also for the substance and urgency behind their message.Outside of recordings, Kevill is widely recognized as a powerful and engaging live performer, delivering intense, no-frills performances that reinforce Warbringer’s reputation as a formidable live act. He is also well regarded within the metal community for his thoughtful perspectives on music history, culture, and the evolution of thrash metal. That balance of insight, conviction, and relentless energy has made John Kevill a standout voice in modern heavy metal.Social / Online PresenceInstagram: johnkevillsucksX (Twitter): johnkevillsucksWarbringer official websiteWarbringer official InstagramWarbringer official Facebook

Jason Bittner is one of modern metal’s most respected drummers, known for his precision, power, and deep understanding of groove within extreme music. Best recognized for his long tenure with Shadows Fall, Bittner helped define the band’s sound during their most influential years, contributing to albums that bridged aggressive thrash roots with melodic metalcore sensibility. His playing style balances technical control with feel, making even the fastest passages sound intentional rather than mechanical.Beyond Shadows Fall, Bittner has remained a constant presence in heavy music through his work with Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam, and Category 7, proving his versatility across multiple eras of metal. Whether driving classic thrash riffs or supporting more modern arrangements, his consistency and professionalism have made him a trusted drummer in bands where precision and endurance are non-negotiable.Follow Jason Bittner online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason_bittnerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonbittnerdrumsX / Twitter: https://x.com/jasonbittner

Jimmi Bleacher is back, and he’s got plenty to say. Best known as the frontman of the late-’80s Hollywood glam metal band Salty Dog, Jimmi joins the show to reconnect with fans and reflect on a career that’s taken some unexpected turns. From Sunset Strip buzz to major-label releases, his early run with Salty Dog captured a raw, blues-soaked edge that helped set them apart from the pack during a crowded era.In this episode, Jimmi walks through the Salty Dog story in detail—how the band formed, landed a deal with Geffen Records, and released Every Dog Has Its Day in 1990. He talks candidly about the highs of touring and major exposure, as well as the challenges that came with shifting musical trends as the ’90s approached. It’s an honest look at what it was really like to ride the tail end of the glam metal wave.The conversation also brings listeners up to speed on what Jimmi has been doing since those days. He discusses stepping away from the spotlight, personal growth, and how time away from the industry reshaped his perspective on music and creativity. Rather than chasing trends, Jimmi explains how his focus now is on authenticity and writing songs that reflect who he is today.Most importantly, Jimmi is making new music again—and it’s not just a nostalgia play. He shares what inspired his return, what fans can expect from his current material, and how his past informs his present without defining it. This episode is both a catch-up and a fresh start, offering longtime fans and new listeners a clear picture of where Jimmi Bleacher has been—and where he’s headed next.https://www.facebook.com/jimmi.bleacher

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Guitarist Paul Crook was a roadie early in his career, Paul explains the the breakdown of how to get tone of Mustaine, Slayer, Pantera etc.

Dokken probably wouldnt have broken up if it wasnt for cocaine

Graham Bonnet vs Alcatrazz in trademark battle!