Chris Mullins of Kentucky based Acromancer and Goose Hydra joins Tom to talk about building bands from the ground up, creating unique merch, and navigating the challenges of the underground music scene.

They kick things off with the story behind a hand-painted meditating figure designed by Steven that fans are already demanding more of. The conversation expands into DIY merchandise ideas, including Goose Hydra keychains and LED collectibles — proving that creativity offstage can be just as important as creativity onstage.

Inside this episode:
• Chris’s unexpected journey into playing bass and joining multiple bands
• recording progress on the upcoming Acromancer album
• Goose Hydra’s plans to record a new EP with 6 songs from a growing catalog
• the reality of gaining traction in a crowded local music scene
• balancing day jobs, family life, and heavy music
• why consistency with releases and live shows matters for underground bands
• the importance of playing music for passion rather than validation

They also discuss upcoming shows including Legalize Lex at Al's Bar, where Acromancer will perform alongside several regional bands. Chris also talks about planning a Goose Hydra birthday show at Spinelli's Pizzeria.

Along the way, the conversation dives into the grind of modern band life — writing songs, recording on a budget, building a fanbase locally, and staying motivated when recognition doesn’t come immediately.

If you’re into DIY metal bands, underground scenes, and the real stories behind independent musicians, this episode delivers a raw and honest look at how bands grow from the ground up.

🎧 Listen now and discover the drive behind Acromancer, Goose Hydra, and the next wave of heavy music in the Midwest.

#Acromancer
#GooseHydra
#UndergroundMetal
#DIYBands
#MetalPodcast
#LouisvilleMetal
#IndependentMusic
#MetalScene
#AndNowTheBand

Paul and Gusmo from Restless Spirit join Tom to talk about their no-filters, high-energy approach to songwriting, the grind of a decade in the underground scene, and how their new album Restless Spirit became their most focused and authentic release yet.

Written mostly between May–August 2025, the record captures the band at their most spontaneous — less overthinking, more instinct. The guys break down their creative philosophy: serve the song first, ditch trends, and let emotion drive everything.

Inside this episode:
• their fast, energy-driven writing process
• sequencing an album for flow (acoustic interlude + 9-minute closer)
• why progressive elements should support songwriting — not ego
• early DIY tours in a van surviving on free meals
• the evolution from DMP (“Death Metal Pope”) to Restless Spirit
• building chemistry through 10+ years of friendship and collaboration
• preparing for a 36-day tour announcement
• why live shows should feel raw, loud, and FUN

They also swap concert stories and influences — from Tool, Static-X, and Dream Theater to the songwriting mindset of John Frusciante and the progressive spirit of Rush.

Tom even floats the idea of a future run with Howling Giant, hinting at what could be a killer tour pairing.

If you’re into heavy rock, doom, stoner metal, or bands that prioritize authenticity over algorithms, this conversation hits deep.

🎧 Listen now and hear how Restless Spirit turned 10 years of hustle into their strongest record yet.

#RestlessSpirit
#HeavyRock
#DoomMetal
#StonerRock
#UndergroundMusic
#MetalPodcast
#Songwriting
#IndieBands
#AndNowTheBand

Last night at the LDB Fest Pre-Show at Portal in Louisville, I spent a few minutes chatting with Jp Kaine from Surfaced.

Jp and I talk about some of the highlights over the last year and what Surfaced is working on over the next 1-3 years.

Is there something here that you didn't know Surfaced was up to? Maybe! You'll have to listen to find out.

#surfaced #ldbfest #ldbfestpreshow #portal #andnowtheband

Mike Burns of Radian joins Tom to break down the band’s upcoming album Subterfuge (out March 20, 2026) — a record built around flow, atmosphere, and emotional weight rather than singles or algorithms.They dive deep into the sequencing and mood of the album, especially the transition from “Spiraling Ash” into “Fathom,” and how restraint, space, and vocal delivery shaped some of the band’s most powerful moments yet.Inside this episode:• crafting an album that plays like a complete journey• recording vocals in a home studio for flexibility and feel• why “Fathom” became the emotional centerpiece• honoring their late bass player Bill through songs and artwork• balancing nostalgia with growth and new members• analog vs digital recording (Tascam 4-track to modern DAWs)• writing riffs that feel timeless instead of trendy• preparing for their biggest shows yetMike also talks about upcoming performances with The Obsessed and Acid Bath, signing with a booking company, and pushing the band further than ever before.Beyond gear and songwriting, the conversation gets personal — touching on grief, friendship, photography, and how music becomes a way to process loss and stay connected to the people who shaped you.If you’re into heavy rock, doom, sludge, post-metal textures, or albums that reward front-to-back listening, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and hear how Radian turned memory, atmosphere, and emotion into one of their most cohesive releases yet.#Radian#Subterfuge#HeavyRock#DoomMetal#SludgeMetal#MetalPodcast#UndergroundMusic#ThirdHouseCommunications#AndNowTheBand

Jacob and Jake from Redivider join Tom to talk about turning a casual death metal jam project into a fully realized album, surviving lineup challenges, and carving out a sound that feels raw, honest, and authentic.

What started as friends playing heavy riffs quickly evolved into a year-long writing and recording process — dialing in tone, tightening chemistry, and refusing to rush the record. The result: a debut they’re proud to stand behind.

They get into:
• the grind of building a death metal band from nothing
• why authenticity matters more than chasing fame
• vocal training and endurance techniques (including methods inspired by Melissa Cross)
• early influences from Florida and Swedish death metal
• the evolution from deathcore back to classic death metal roots
• booking smart tours vs. burnout
• balancing studio time with live shows
• Louisville’s underground metal scene and rising local bands

The conversation also dives deep into the legends that shaped them — from Metallica and Slayer to Death, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and Whitechapel — plus stories from local gigs and their upcoming April show.

If you’re into grassroots death metal, DIY touring, and bands doing it for the right reasons, this episode hits hard.

🎧 Listen now and discover one of the most promising heavy acts coming out of the Midwest scene.

#Redivider
#DeathMetal
#LouisvilleMetal
#UndergroundMetal
#DIYBands
#MetalPodcast
#HeavyMusic
#ExtremeMetal
#AndNowTheBandRedivider interview, death metal podcast, underground metal bands 2026, Louisville metal scene, DIY touring bands, death metal vocals training, Florida death metal influence, independent metal bands, heavy music podcast

Jeff Wilson of Deeper Graves and Chrome Waves joins Tom for a deep dive into writing albums with intention, balancing multiple bands, and surviving today’s underground music economy.

Jeff breaks down the creative split between projects — the late 80s/early 90s doom influence behind Deeper Graves versus the guitar-and-synth driven textures of Chrome Waves — and why he curates full albums as complete journeys, not playlists of singles.

They talk about:
• crafting cohesive records and track flow
• repurposing old material into new releases
• why shorter releases and singles reduce burnout
• the financial risk of pressing vinyl in today’s market
• touring challenges post-pandemic
• booking struggles for underground bands
• upcoming releases and festival appearances

Jeff also shares stories from two decades on the road, seeing legends like Sonic Youth and The Cure, plus his upcoming performance at Post.Festival.

If you’re into doom metal, post-black, post-punk, shoegaze, or album-focused heavy music, this episode is a masterclass in staying creative without chasing trends.

🎧 Listen now for an honest look at modern independent music life — writing smarter, touring selectively, and building sustainable projects.

#DeeperGraves
#ChromeWaves
#DoomMetal
#PostBlackMetal
#PostPunk
#Shoegaze
#UndergroundMusic
#MetalPodcast
#PostFest
#AndNowTheBand

Christian from Necrofier joins Tom to break down the band’s ambitious new album Transcend Into Oblivion — their first record designed as a three-act, cohesive listening experience rather than a singles-driven release.

They dive deep into album structure, artistic authenticity in the streaming era, and why Necrofier prioritizes full-album storytelling over chasing algorithms.

Christian explains how the band writes in the studio first and then reimagines songs for the stage, creating unpredictable, high-energy live performances that feel different every night. He also talks about performing as a transformed persona on stage, selective tour planning, upcoming U.S. and European dates, and sharing bills with legends like Acid Bath.

If you care about:

• album-oriented black metal

• authentic underground music culture

• live performance energy vs studio perfection

• smart tour strategy for heavy bands

• how modern streaming changed metal

This episode pulls back the curtain on how a serious extreme metal band actually builds records and careers in 2026.

Listen now and discover why Necrofier is focused on craft, cohesion, and connection — not singles and shortcuts.

#Necrofier
#BlackMetal
#ExtremeMetal
#MetalPodcast
#UndergroundMetal
#AcidBath
#AlbumReview
#HeavyMusic
#MetalInterview
#AndNowTheBandNecrofier interview, Necrofier podcast, black metal interview, Transcend Into Oblivion album, black metal albums 2026, extreme metal bands, live metal performance, underground metal podcast, touring strategies for bands, Acid Bath show

Tom is joined by Vince from Warside to dive deep into the band’s highly anticipated full-length album Cognitive Extinction, set for release on April 17, 2026 via Gruesome Records.

In this episode, Vince breaks down the band’s intense new direction — a rawer, more direct death metal sound driven by an evolved lineup and shaped by themes of mental breakdown, technological overload, and cultural decline. The first single “Synthetic Abyss” offers a glimpse into the album’s brutal yet thoughtful approach.

They also discuss the band’s evolution since forming in 2018, the challenges of building a global team, and how touring with underground metal titans like Vader and Vomitory sharpened their performance and songwriting. Along the way, they share insights about balancing life, music, and the thrill of going international — including an upcoming tour in Japan.

Whether you’re into heavy riffs, death metal storytelling, or the behind-the-scenes grind of international touring, this episode delivers a compelling look at one of France’s most relentless modern metal acts.

#Warside
#CognitiveExtinction
#DeathMetal
#GruesomeRecords
#MetalPodcast
#FrenchMetal
#MetalInterview
#UndergroundMetal
#HeavyMusic

Morgan Riley of Blackwater Drowning joins Tom on And Now The Band to break down the band’s upcoming album Obscure Sorrows, out February 27 via Blood Blast Distribution and Bleeding Art Collective.

Morgan dives into the band’s new collaborative songwriting approach, adding orchestration and atmosphere to create their most expansive and emotionally heavy record yet. They also talk about balancing metal life with a full-time IT career, preparing vocals for tour, and the realities of being a working musician in today’s scene.

The conversation covers:
• The making of Obscure Sorrows
• Upcoming U.S. tour dates with Butcher Babies, Filth, and Infected Rain
• How bands lose money by missing royalties
• Vocal warmups and performance prep
• Growing up around theater and discovering heavy music through The Matrix Reloaded
• Favorite tour memories with Jinjer and Crypta
• Why full albums still matter in the streaming era

If you’re into modern metal, underground touring bands, and honest conversations about how musicians actually make it work, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for weekly interviews with heavy music artists from around the world.

#BlackwaterDrowning
#MorganRiley
#ObscureSorrows
#ButcherBabies
#MetalPodcast
#HeavyMetal
#WomenInMetal
#TourLife
#UndergroundMetal
#NewMetal
#BandInterview
#AndNowTheBandBlackwater Drowning interview, Morgan Riley interview, Obscure Sorrows album, metal podcast, metal band tour, Butcher Babies tour, women in metal, underground metal bands, heavy music interviews

Tom sits down with Johnny Zilch of Stacked Deck and Useless by Design for one of the most personal and resilient conversations yet — covering lifelong musicianship, health battles, and why creating music never stops.Johnny opens up about living with multiple sclerosis, how it’s impacted everyday things like night driving, and the physical challenges he’s faced over the years. After surviving cancer, a stroke, and MS, he’s had to retrain his hands multiple times just to keep playing guitar — but quitting was never an option.Music, for Johnny, isn’t a hobby. It’s survival.The two trace Johnny’s journey from rebellious teenage guitarist to his early days with SmashBandits, through today’s projects Stacked Deck, Useless by Design, and other rotating collaborations. Whether it’s rehearsals, writing sessions, or local shows, he stays busy purely for the love of playing and connecting with people — not chasing trends or algorithms.They also get into the realities of modern DIY music:QR-code releases, digital distribution through Ditto, streaming platforms, and building audiences independently. The conversation turns reflective as they discuss aging, generational differences, and how constant social media has changed how younger scenes connect compared to the old days of flyers, word-of-mouth, and local shows.There’s also a deeply human moment as both share stories about losing beloved pets and navigating serious family health scares — reminders that life outside the stage hits just as hard.Through everything, Johnny’s mindset stays simple:Keep writing. Keep playing. Keep showing up.Because music is what keeps him going.Living and performing with multiple sclerosisSurvived cancer and stroke; retrained his hands to keep playingProjects include Stacked Deck and Useless by DesignDIY releases using QR codes and digital distributionTech background helps manage music independentlyFocused on local Michigan shows and scene collaborationAdvocates for band partnerships and show-swapping to grow crowdsHonest discussion on aging, family, pets, and life perspectiveMusic as therapy, expression, and purpose#JohnnyZilch#StackedDeck#UselessByDesign#DIYMusic#MichiganMusic#HeavyMusic#AndNowTheBand#IndependentArtists#MusicLife