Metal University

Episodes

1. 17

   17: Top 5 Metal Albums

   The professors list and discuss their favorite five metal albums from different artists. And they learn that they might need to follow up with a look at music from the twenty-first century. (Note: the audio is only wonky for the first ten seconds and then becomes normal.)

   Nov 19, 2023

   57m
2. 16

   16: Career Top 5s--Savatage

   The professors dig into Savatage's entire eleven-studio-album catalog and each determine their top 5 Savatage songs. If you're a Savatage fan, you'll want to hear which deep cuts make the rankings. If you're not a Savatage fan, the lists will give you the perfect place to start listening.

   Sep 23, 2023

   54m
3. 15

   15: Album Swap

   The professors swap albums, each giving the other something new to them. Chris gives Bryan Symphony X's Paradise Lost, and Bryan gives Chris Overkill's The Electric Age. The professors talk about their initial (and mildly prolonged) experiences with these bands and albums they weren't initially...

   Jan 16, 2023

   1h 00m
4. 14

   14: Career Top 5s--Iron Maiden

   The professors dig into Iron Maiden's entire seventeen-studio-album catalog and each determine their top 5 Maiden songs. If you're an Iron Maiden fan, you'll want to hear which deep cuts make the rankings. If you're not a Maiden fan, the lists will give you the perfect place to start listening.

   Sep 27, 2022

   1h 11m
5. 13

   13: Metal and Horror

   The professors are back with an episode from the vault. Join Bryan and Chris as they discuss the connections between metal music and the horror genre; the professors consider lyrics, album art, and themes among other elements that overlap.

   Aug 11, 2022

   1h 17m
6. 12

   12: Globalization with Nelson Varas-Diaz

   The professors are back with special guest Dr. Nelson Varas-Diaz to discuss globalization and the metal of the global south.

   Jun 8, 2022

   1h 20m
7. 11

   11: Metal and Religion

   The professors explore the various ways in which metal and religion interact, including discussions of religious bands, stigmas on both sides, and the ways in which metal and religion might not be as diametrically opposed as some might think. They also consider metal-based churches and the...

   Apr 11, 2022

   1h 15m
8. 10

   10: Subgenre Series -- Thrash

   The professors continue their series exploring the many subgenres of heavy metal. This time: thrash. Bryan and Chris discuss everything from lyrical content, musical hallmarks, and important bands to the very name itself and why we might call this kind of music thrash. This time, Bryan has been...

   Mar 10, 2022

   1h 01m
9. 9

   9: The Black Album

   The professors discuss the merits, flaws, legacy, and controversy of Metallica's most successful (and potentially most divisive) album. Bryan and Chris consider the often differing opinions of fans and musicians and dive deep into what exactly this album means for Metallica as a band and for…

   more
   Feb 6, 2022

   1h 07m
10. 8

    8: Subgenre Series -- NWOBHM

    The professors begin their series exploring the many subgenres of heavy metal. Up first: New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Bryan and Chris discuss the formation of the subgenre, the popular and obscure bands who make up NWOBHM, and the reasons why it dropped off in popularity. They also...

    Jan 15, 2022

    1h 07m
11. 7

    7: Metal Introductions

    Bryan and Chris talk about experiences they've had while introducing metal to non-metalheads. What are the benefits of putting ourselves out there to share the music we love? Do metalheads have an obligation to spread the word and introduce new people and groups to metal? This time around, Bryan...

    Dec 3, 2021

    1h 13m
12. 6

    6: Metal on Trial

    Bryan and Chris discuss three court cases where metal bands were sued over the actions that their fans have taken that were allegedly inspired by the music and lyrics of the bands. The professors look at lawsuits brought against Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Slayer in famous cases involving...

    Nov 2, 2021

    1h 07m
13. 5

    5: Alienation

    Bryan and Chris discuss alienation and its role in bringing people into metal and also how metal can alienate metalheads from others. Why is metal so scary and off-putting to those who don't know and understand it? Why is there such a stigma for metalheads? Why do people think we are scary or...

    Oct 16, 2021

    56m
14. 4

    4: Scene

    Bryan and Chris discuss the concept of scene in metal, from its definition to the core elements of bands, fans, and venues. What does it take to be a part of a local scene, and why might the strength of a scene extend beyond the fans to the bands passing through? This is a topic on which Bryan…

    more
    Sep 29, 2021

    1h 03m
15. 3

    3: Metal Lyrics

    Bryan and Chris explore the different ways that metal music uses lyrics, particularly talking about the diversity of lyrical themes and approaches. Why does metal have such a wide range of topics and ideas in its lyrics? The professors consider themes of fantasy, horror, politics, and the...

    Sep 14, 2021

    1h 12m
16. 2

    2: Authenticity

    Bryan and Chris start by discussing their favorite metal songwriters and then transition to the main topic: authenticity in metal music. What does authenticity mean? Is metal more authentic than other kinds of music? The professors examine these questions and also consider the role of songwriting...

    Aug 24, 2021

    59m
17. 1

    1: Genre and Subgenre

    In the first episode of Metal University, Bryan and Chris share how they got into metal music and explore the concept, pros, and cons of having so many subgenres in metal. Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch Email us: [email protected]

    Jul 20, 2021

    55m