March 3rd, 1986 marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Metallica's third studio album and thrash metal classic, Master Of Puppets! Three voices joined the podcast to share their own stories with Metallica, from their introduction, to seeing the band live! Hear from co-host Brent Stortzum; returning guest and LA-based musician Yohai Portal; along with notable metal afficionado Paul Tincher.

Thanks to all who listen and to all three that contributed to Episode 230 of A-SIDES.

One amazing thing about the accessibility digital music is discovering bands you may have overlooked years ago. Ugly Kid Joe is one of those bands, which flew under the radar until their 2023 US tour with Fozzy. Since then, they've been a constant presence in my digital library. Record producer and band member Dave Fortman joined A-SIDES Episode 229 to share stories from recording and touring with Ugly Kid Joe, producing several albums for bands like Evanescence and Godsmack, and more!

Ugly Kid Joe has recently announced tour dates for 2026, which can be found at the website along with merch and band news!

Thanks for listening to Episode 229 of A-SIDES!

Corrosion of Conformity will release their long-awaited album Good God/Baad Man on April 3rd, 2026. With the new release being a double album of music, this episode is a double-length podcast featuring two interviews with the band! Founding member Woody Weatherman shares details on recording the album, traveling and touring with fellow metal bands, and how he spends his downtime at home. New bassist Bobby Landgraf shares his history in the metal genre, making connections that led him to becoming part of COC, and the music that inspires him. 

Corrosion of Conformity's new album can be pre-ordered through Nuclear Blast Records' website. You can also follow the band for tour dates and merch on their own website. Huge thanks to Corrosion of Conformity and their team for this latest episode. Thanks for listening!

KT Tunstall will be performing in Central Illinois on March 23rd 2026 at Bradley University's Dingeldine Music Center in Peoria, IL. She spoke about this upcoming performance, her "Top Tips" on Instagram, and even the recent 20th anniversary release of her album, Eye To The Telescope.

You can purchase tickets to KT's performance in Peoria at the event page on Event Brite. If you are unable to attend the Peoria concert, she will be on tour throughout 2026 with O.A.R. and later Brandi Carlile. Find tour dates, merch, and more at her website. KT is even very active on her Instagram and social media.

Thank you for listening to this latest episode of A-SIDES and huge thanks to KT Tunstall and 99.9 WWCT.

In November 2025 Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It feels fitting to invite longtime friend and guitarist Corey Rozzoni back onto the podcast for an episode about Soundgarden, Chris Cornell, and the legacy they have carved into the world of rock music. While this is not a complete history of one of Seattle's greatest bands, we did share our favorite era of Soundgarden, highlighted select tracks, and even touched on Cornell's later work with Audioslave.

Thanks to Corey for joining Episode 226 of A-SIDES. You can explore more about Soundgarden on their official webpage with links to music, merch, and more. Thanks for listening!

One of my absolute favorite guests on A-SIDES over the last 5 years of interviews has been LiV Warfield. Not only does she call Peoria, IL her hometown but she will returning on April 17th, 2026 for "LiV'N It Up", a special performance alongside the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. LiV shares details on this special show, performing on NBC's America's Got Talent, musical collaborations, and more!

You can purchase tickets for the April 17th performance by visiting the Peoria Symphony Orchestra's website.

Huge thanks to LiV for taking time away from her busy schedule to guest on A-SIDES Episode 225 and thanks to all who listen!

One of the earliest friends of the podcast, John Massaglia, returns to A-SIDES for his 6th appearance on Episode 224. John discusses the newest release called Wombat Alchemy from his band The Truth Council, his son performing lead vocals on a new song, making plans for 2026, and even several of his bucket list vacation destinations. 

If you are near Central Illinois, come enjoy The Truth Council's live performance at Oz'z Bar in Creve Coeur, IL on March 28th. Wombat Alchemy will be for sale! You can also discover the band's music on Apple Music and Spotify.

Thanks for listening to this latest episode of A-SIDES with John Massaglia!

One my favorite venues to attend shows has been at the Castle Theatre in Central Illinois. From seeing shows with friends and family, to even meeting Jimmy Eat World on the curb outside the venue, the list of memories made is long. Jason Williams has been the longtime talent buyer at the Castle, helping to bring artists to Central Illinois like Jason Isbell, The Struts, Dorothy, and recent rock bands like The Hu and Mammoth.

Thanks to Jason for taking time to share stories on Episode 223 of A-SIDES!

If you're in Central Illinois, keep up with the Castle Theatre's vast array of shows on their website.

2025 saw not only the release of Sons of Silver's first full-length album, Runaway Emotions, but they even book-ended the year with a live EP titled 7 Cities 7 Songs. While the band is currently completing more music, Brina Kabler took time away to record this latest episode of A-SIDES. After starting with a full tour of the band's rehearsal space and headquarters, she shared how she made a huge leap of faith to follow music as a career to become a studio engineer. This has served her well as she shapes the band's sound in the studio and continues to try new recording techniques. Brina has also shaped the visual aspect of the band with a keen eye for visual arts.

Huge thanks to Brina for joining A-SIDES for Episode 222! You can follow Sons of Silver on their website and even find their official bootlegs on Bandcamp, which were recorded during their 2025 tour with Myles Kennedy. Sons of Silver's music can be found on your favorite streaming app and even their own downloadable app! And don't hesitate to follow the band on social media as they stay active!

Thanks for listening!

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-imagining 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!