The Metal Cell Podcast

Irish death metal veterans Zealot Cult are preparing to unleash their long-awaited second album, Psalms of Filth, and The Metal Cell Podcast sat down with vocalist/guitarist Jay Quigley and guitarist Mick Carey in the legendary surroundings of Bobby Byrnes pub in Limerick to talk about the band's past, present and what could be their most important chapter yet. Nearly two decades after emerging from the ashes of The Swarm and Victim-X, Zealot Cult have earned their place as one of Ireland's most respected and uncompromising death metal bands. With Psalms of Filth arriving eight years after their acclaimed debut Spiritual Sickness, the conversation looks at what has kept the band moving forward — and why they refused to rush the follow-up. We discuss the legacy of Zealot Cult, the influence of the classic Florida death metal scene, songwriting, atmosphere, the evolution of the band's sound and the challenge of remaining true to death metal while continuing to develop as musicians. Jay and Mick also discuss the darker themes surrounding Psalms of Filth, the striking artwork of Paolo Girardi, the return of the album's fanatical Zealot figure and the connection between the sacred, the profane and the destructive power of fanaticism. With Zealot Cult now joining Awakening Records, Psalms of Filth has the potential to introduce the band to an entirely new international audience. We talk about what that means for a band that has spent years building its reputation through uncompromising music, strong records and a deep connection to the underground. Band link: https://www.facebook.com/zealotcultDM Album link: https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com

Letty caught up with drummer Cameron Johnston and vocalist Marty McAllister in Dublin, just before MICROTONAL took to the stage as the opening act for legendary crossover thrash pioneers D.R.I. at Opium. Formed in Belfast in 2023, MICROTONAL released their debut EP Baptism Of Fire in 2025, bringing together death metal, thrash and old-school aggression. Their momentum continued into 2026 when they battled through the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Northern Ireland, ultimately securing their place on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage at BLOODSTOCK. At the time of this interview, Bloodstock was still ahead of them — and the excitement was building. Cameron and Marty talk about the band's rapid rise, their Belfast roots, Baptism Of Fire, their musical influences, the Metal 2 The Masses journey, earning a place at Bloodstock, and the surreal experience of preparing to open for D.R.I. Microtonal links: https://www.youtube.com/@microtonalband https://www.facebook.com/microtonalband/ Microtonal #DRI #Bloodstock #ThrashMetal #DeathThrash #BelfastMetal #IrishMetal #Metal2TheMasses #BaptismOfFire #TheMetalCellPodcast

Back in May 2020, Elder Druid joined me on The Metal Cell Podcast at a very different point in their story. The band had just released their critically acclaimed album Golgotha, launched it to a packed Voodoo Room in Belfast, had vinyl pressed, shows booked and looked ready to take the next step. Then COVID happened. The momentum that had been building suddenly disappeared, and the years that followed brought plenty more challenges. But Elder Druid never disappeared. In this episode, I catch up with Jake, Brien and new guitarist Robbie to talk about the road from Golgotha to where the band finds itself today. We get into the impact of COVID, keeping the band relevent through live shows, the changes in the lineup and Robbie's arrival. We also talk about Armada and Coffin Dropper, two new Elder Druid songs performed live at The Crypt of The Riff, featuring their departed brother Daniel on vocals. This is a conversation about what happens when the plans change, people change, and circumstances change — but the music keeps pulling you back. Episode dedicated to Daniel Santiago Zanker Ovalle (Rest In Power DZO!) Elder Druid link: https://elderdruidband.bandcamp.com

This is a update for Spotify and other streaming sites featuring Solothurn instead of the Shortest Straw clip that somehow made it onto the Solothurn 381 episode.

Emerging from Belfast's thriving underground scene, Solothurn return to The Metal Cell Podcast to discuss their brilliant new EP, High Priestess. This isn't just another release—it's a significant step forward in the band's development. We discuss the evolution of Solothurn's sound, the writing and recording process, working with acclaimed artist October Midnight on the EP artwork. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about heavy music, creativity, the world around us and why High Priestess represents the band's darkest and most ambitious release to date. Featuring: • Ryan Adair – Vocals • Dee Cleland – Rhythm Guitar • Jamie Wright – Lead Guitar • Marty Elley – Drums Band Link: https://solothurn.bandcamp.com If you're a fan of Tool, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, atmospheric sludge, progressive metal and check Solothurn out. Subscribe to The Metal Cell Podcast for more interviews with the best artists from Ireland and beyond. Solothurn #HighPriestess #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #NorthernIrelandMetal #ProgressiveMetal #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #Tool #Mastodon #AliceInChains

Cian (Riffs/Vocals) & Emmett (Bass) of Bucket talk to Letty Sharp of The Metal Cell podcast before their show supporting Knocked Loose at a sold out The Academy in Dublin June 23rd 2026. Bucket are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Dublin underground in recent years. They sit at the crossroads of punk, noise rock, hardcore and industrial intensity rather than traditional metal. Think of them as existing in the same broad ecosystem that produced bands like Gilla Band, but with a younger, more abrasive DIY energy. Mosaic was released on 29 April 2026 via A Baker's Dozen and is the follow-up to their debut EP Muck (2025). It contains five tracks and represents a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more electronic textures, breakbeat influences and ambitious song structures while retaining the band's trademark noise-rock intensity. Band link: https://bucket.band

This week on The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Paul O'Rourke (Vocals), Brian Gribben (Guitar), Daryl Hill (Bass) and Lucas Todesco (Drums) from Belfast heavyweights Shortest Straw. With their debut EP A New Normal arriving on 11 August, the band discuss far more than breakdowns and blast beats. They reflect on finding their identity, balancing aggression with honesty, writing songs with purpose and building a band that values authenticity over imitation. The conversation explores the creative process behind the EP, working with producer Josh Sid Robinson (JSR Audio), the realities of starting a heavy band in 2026, preparing for their Irish tour with Dead Mob and Carynx, and why live performance remains the heartbeat of Shortest Straw. Upcoming Shows: • 03 August – Limelight 2 supporting Vio-Lence • 20 August – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast • 21 August – Sin É, Dublin • 22 August – Fred Zeppelins, Cork • 24 October – Northern Dissonance, Limelight 2, Belfast Shortest Straw link: https://linktr.ee/shorteststrawuk If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Ireland's heavy music scene, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.

I was delighted with Liam Hughes (Vocals) and Gerard O'Callaghan (Drums) from Cork's atmospheric blackened doom metal force Soothsayer for an in-depth conversation recorded in person at The Metal Cell Studios. Following the release of their stunning second album, The Unbinding, we go far beyond the usual album-cycle interview. Together we explore the philosophy, symbolism and deeply personal experiences that shaped one of the most compelling Irish metal releases of 2026. We also delve into Liam's connection with India and Hindu mythology, the recurring themes of hope, uncertainty and transformation, and why The Unbinding asks listeners to embrace difficult questions rather than easy answers. Ger also discusses creating the remarkable cover artwork, revealing how the painting unexpectedly became the perfect visual companion to the album's themes of leaving familiarity behind and stepping into the unknown. Soothsayer links: Ablum: https://apocalypticwitchcraft.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/soothsayerdoom

On this episode, I’m joined by all three members of Irish progressive sludge metal force Tooms — Anto Donnellan (bass), Kieran Grace (drums/vocals), and Alex Hölzinger (guitars/vocals) — for an in-depth track-by-track exploration of their crushing new album, Karst. Together, we unpack the origins of the record, the band's evolution from their earlier work, and how Karst became the most complete expression of TOOMS' identity to date. From the earth-shaking opening of "Blood Rust Of Cudgel And Quill" to the staggering finale "Physics Beyond The Standard Model", we examine the stories, emotions, and creative decisions behind every track. We also discuss the album's striking cover artwork and why its haunting floral imagery may be far more connected to the music than it first appears. The band reflects on the recording process with long-time collaborator Chris Quigley, working with acclaimed mixer Matt Bayles and mastering engineer Chris Fielding, the influence of post-metal and extreme music, and how Karst pushes beyond traditional sludge metal into something darker, broader, and more immersive. This is a conversation about riffs, certainly—but it's also about landscape, pressure, collapse, survival, and the strange beauty that can be found in the darkest places. If you've already fallen under the spell of Karst, or you're discovering TOOMS for the first time, this is the definitive deep dive into one of the most compelling heavy releases of the year. TOOMS links: https://tooms.bandcamp.com https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/karst

Peter Cooney of Dublin hardcore/metal outfit LaVein joins us on The Metal Cell Podcast for an honest and intense conversation surrounding the band’s new EP “But I Urged Caution”. We dive deep into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the evolution of LaVein since “Fine Failure”, the impact of playing Bloodstock Festival, and the growing force of the Irish heavy music scene. Peter also opens up about his battle with Stage Two Hodgkin Lymphoma, how it changed his perspective on music and life, and what getting back on stage means to him now. 🔥 Topics include: New EP “But I Urged Caution” New single “Puncture Wounds” Bloodstock Festival experience Irish hardcore & metal in 2026 Touring & live intensity Hodgkin Lymphoma recovery The future of LaVein. Cooking & TV with Pete. Band link: https://lavein.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-urged-caution-2 🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with the best heavy bands from Ireland and beyond. LaVein #PeterCooney #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #Hardcore #Metalcore #Bloodstock #HeavyMusic #Podcast

London-based extreme metal force INCARCERATED joins Letty for a crushing new episode discussing the band’s rise, creative vision, and devastating debut album Necrosphere. Letty sits down with Brazilian members Lander da Silva (Vocals/Guitars) and Rafael Rojo (Lead Guitar) to talk about the formation of the multinational London-based outfit, their blend of Thrash and Death Metal, the recording process behind Necrosphere, and working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios. The band also discusses their upcoming Irish run this June, where they’ll perform four consecutive shows alongside support acts Deserted, Mourning The Heretic, War of Attrition, and Cursed Sun. 📍 Irish Tour Dates: • June 11 – Cork – Dali • June 12 – Limerick – Pharmacia • June 13 – Dublin – Fibber Magees • June 14 – Belfast – Voodoo Belfast Band link: https://incarcerated.bandcamp.com ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #ThrashDeath #Metalhead #SupportUndergroundMetal #MetalTour

In this pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Steve Hobson — organiser of Cancer Puncher and drummer of Bad Boat — alongside Carl King of Two Tales of Woe and Gareth Ruddock of Skypilot to talk all things Cancer Puncher 2. We discuss how the original Cancer Puncher charity event came together following the diagnosis of Lymphoma in Haint frontman Ian, as well as the impact cancer has had on friends, family and members of the local music scene. Steve opens up about organizing the first event, the incredible response from bands and fans, and raising more than €3,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Belfast City Hospital Cancer Unit and Southern Hospice Trust. The conversation also covers the upcoming Cancer Puncher 2 event, the importance of the Metal and alternative scene pulling together for charity, raffle prizes donated by bands including Therapy?, Ten Ton Slug and Slomatics, and why this final event means so much to everyone involved. Topics include: Cancer Puncher 2 charity event Bad Boat reunion Northern Ireland metal scene Two Tales of Woe interview Skypilot interview Charity fundraising through music Cancer awareness and community support Local bands supporting Cancer Focus NI Underground metal and alternative music in Ireland Tickets Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-puncher-ii-tickets-1984458781636 If you enjoy grassroots music, Northern Ireland metal, charity events, podcasts, band interviews and the DIY scene, make sure to like, comment and subscribe. CancerPuncher2 #livemetal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #metal #metalpodcast #charityconcert #alternativemusic #belfast #cancerawareness #heavymusic #podcastinterview

From Strangle Wire to Corpse Water, Pete Clarke’s Solo Death Metal Project '...something in the water' is a deep dive into old school death metal, real-world horror, and groove-driven brutality. Pete explains how 90s-style death metal bands like Six Feet Under, Obituary and early Cannibal Corpse inspired him to create the groove, hooks, and memorable riffs in his debut release. We talk about the writing process behind Corpse Water, working with members of The Crawling, hiring freelancers through Fiverr to suit budget costs and the influence of real-life horror, including the chilling Cecil Hotel death. This album was made for vinyl and old-school listeners, click on the link to order this lesson in Brutal Death Metal: https://corpsewater.bandcamp.com/album/something-in-the-water DeathMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #CorpseWater #StrangleWire #MetalInterview #ExtremeMetal #DeathMetal2026

Myself and Jack met up with John Cooke (Guitars) and Tom Dring (Drums) of Corrupt Moral Altar to discuss the release of their ferocious new e.p "Patiently Waiting for Wonderful Things". Their mix of grind, sludge, punk and hardcore has won them admirers in the U.K since 2012. We also talk to John about his tours with Napalm Death, Venomous Concept and Anaal Nathrakh as a live guitarist and Tom, who runs Vagrant Recordings, where he produces a whole manner of filth for bands like Venom Prison, Venomous Concept and Video Nasties. Corrupt Moral Altar want to play Ireland so hopefully they'll bring their sludge/grindcore for fans of the scene here in 2021. Share, like and subcribe to the Podcast. Thanks Richie. Songs featured and permission granted: Spirit Breaker (c) Corrupt Moral Altar, 2020 all rights reserved.