Last summer, Gus Rios released the Cold Slither album, which turned a fictional GI Joe cartoon group into a living, breathing entity! Gus' confidence as a songwriter and front man has taken shape with his next musical project, called Union Black. In A-SIDES Episode 221, he explains his growth as an artist, taking Cold Slither from the screen to your stereo, making honest music, re-imaging the music of Type O Negative and Depeche Mode, and even working alongside his musical icons.

You can listen to Union Black's existing music, Songs In The Key Of Black, on Bandcamp with forthcoming music later in 2026. If you're a fan of dark lyrics, 80's synth, and metal riffs, this is right up your alley!

Cold Slither's album and merch can be found through Reigning Phoenix Music and also on your favorite streaming app.

Huge thanks to Gus Rios for returning to A-SIDES to share details on Union Black and thanks to all who listen!

On March 21, 1976, Thin Lizzy released their 6th studio album, Jailbreak, which will celebrate it's 50th anniversary in 2026. You can still hear their anthem "The Boys Are Back In Town" on your local classic rock station or nightly on any tavern's jukebox. Three past guests returned to A-SIDES for Episode 220 to share their memories and reflect on the band's legacy.

Thanks to Ryan, Kenny, and Freddy for contributing to this episode, to Thin Lizzy for their enduring legacy, and thanks to all who listen!

Michigan-based recording artist Sammy Boller has recently recorded and released his solo EP titled Midnight Garden. He joined the podcast for Episode 219 to discuss his guitar playing, several of his favorite Michigan musicians, touring the world, the best pizza, and even practicing yoga.

You can find Sammy's music and tour dates on his website which also includes link to purchase merch and more! His music can also be streamed on your favorite streaming app and his Bandcamp page.

Thanks to Sammy for the interview, Kevin Chiaramonte, and everyone who listens! Thanks for another amazing year of A-SIDES.

James And The Cold Gun is an emerging rock band from the UK, described as "South Wales' Loudest", and they are set to perform in Central Illinois on December 4, 2025. Whether you live in Central IL or not, James And The Cold Gun are a band that should be on your music radar as they have a hard-driving, straight up rock n roll sound.

Frontman James Joseph joined Episode 218 ahead of the show to talk about trying to eat right on tour, his connections to 90's rock legends, and even Christmas music. 

You can follow James And The Cold Gun on Bandcamp, their website for merch and tour dates, and even stream them on your favorite app. Thanks to James, the entire band, and WWCT FM for setting up this interview.

Tickets for the Dec 4 concert can be found on WWCT's website.

Episode 217 features a fun conversation with Mike Leon, the brand new bassist for CKY. They just released a new single "Can't Stop Running", which preceded a UK tour and an announcement of a slot performing at the 2026 edition of Sonic Temple. Mike chats about discovering CKY, trying out different instruments in his youth, tattoos, favorite bands, and more! 

Huge thanks to Mike for the conversation, CKY, and Shane Handel. You can get CKY merch at their website and follow the band on social media!

November 7th 2025 was the release date for the long-awaited studio album from Finger Eleven titled Last Night On Earth. Guitarist Rick Jackett joined A-SIDES to share his songwriting process, along with the many influences of the band, living on a farm, performing on stage, and even a shared connection with Our Lady Peace and King's X.

Huge thanks to Rick for joining this episode and a big thank you to the entire Finger Eleven crew for the numerous hours of music they've created. You can follow along with the band through their website for tour dates and merch, including the latest record.

Thanks to everyone who listens!

Episode 190 started a mini-series within A-SIDES called "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick." In this next edition, 5 more guests share their interactions, experiences, and memories of one of the most beloved rock n roll bands, Cheap Trick. Episode 215 features-

Thanks to all the guests for sharing their stories and time with A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens!

In just under a year's time, this is Sons Of Silver's third appearance on A-SIDES. Episode 180 featured band members Peter and Adam previewing their album Runaway Emotions and their winter tour supporting Myles Kennedy. Episode 192 featured Peter and Kevin recapping their tour and the feedback they received along the way. This time, for Episode 214, Peter makes a solo appearance to detail the band's new fan club app which includes tons of audio and video content; their new live EP 7 Cities 7 Songs; and even their live bootlegs collection on Bandcamp. Peter also shares a few of his favorite live albums and previews what's next for the band.

You can find their official bootlegs from various shows of 2024 and 2025 on their Bandcamp page: https://sonsofsilver.bandcamp.com/

The band's website also has links to their fan club, band merch, and more!

Thanks to Peter, Dana, and the entire Sons Of Silver crew!

JC, from the international powerhouse trio Danko Jones, joined A-SIDES for Episode 213. With only a limited time to record over a 30-minute lunch break, we packed in as much as we could- from touring with their musical heroes, to recording new music, and staying physically fit. Huge thanks to JC for taking time away to share his stories on this latest episode!

The power trio known as Danko Jones is set to release their latest album, Leo Rising, on November 21, 2025. You can order physical copies through their label Reigning Phoenix/Perception music through their webstore. The band also has tour dates, links to Danko's podcast, and news updates on their own website. Thanks for listening and following along!

With its origins as a New York-based tribute to King Diamond, THEM has shed that skin and re-established the band as a storytelling power metal band with 4 albums under their belt. The band's fifth release, titled Psychedelic Enigma, releases on October 24th, 2025. Troy Norr (aka "KK Fossor" in the band's lore) shares his history within the heavy metal scene on Long Island, creating the band's concepts, initially connecting with guitarist Markus Ullrich, and sets the stage for the band's latest concept album. Thanks to Troy for chatting with A-SIDES for Episode 212.

You can find THEM on Bandcamp for music and merch items: https://them6.bandcamp.com/

Or purchase from their label Steamhammer SPV: https://store.spv.de/collections/them  

Their music is also available on your favorite streaming platform!