In Episode 256 of And Now The Band, host Tom sits down with Brian Burdzy of Hundreds of AU for a deep dive into punk and hardcore culture, the challenges of being an artist in today’s music industry, and the evolving landscape of music promotion.

They talk about Louisville’s vibrant music scene, the decline of college radio, and the financial struggles that touring bands face. Brian shares his journey into Hundreds of AU, their unique “introverted hardcore” identity, and the band’s rapid two-day recording process. From Green Day and Rancid nostalgia to the life lessons of band dynamics, this conversation blends scene history, personal stories, and the enduring power of community in punk.

Discover how the punk and hardcore scene fosters inclusion, confidence, and belonging for those who feel out of place elsewhere — and why, even in the streaming era, local scenes still matter.

🎧 Listen now and connect:
🎵 Hundreds of AU: Bandcamp | Instagram

🎙 And Now The Band: YouTube | Instagram

#AndNowTheBand #HundredsOfAU #PunkRock #HardcorePunk #PostHardcore #PunkScene #HardcoreScene #PunkPodcast #MusicPodcast #UndergroundMusic #DIYScene #LouisvilleMusic #PostFestival #PunkCommunity #HardcoreMusic #PunkHistory #NYHardcore #PunkAndHardcore #SupportLocalMusic #LiveMusic #TouringBands

During Post. Festival 2025 in Indianapolis, host Tom sits down with Trevor de Brauw of Pelican, Chicago’s seminal post-metal two-guitar instrumental powerhouse. They reflect on the evolution of the post-metal scene over the past 25 years and discuss the emotional resonance of music and community built through live performances. Trevor emphasizes how fan support, festival camaraderie, and the shared intensity of live shows foster real connection and create moments that last beyond the notes.

Key Takeaways

• The breadth and diversity within the post-metal and adjacent music scenes are a source of inspiration.

• Fans deeply influence a band’s journey.

• Emotional expression in music can be more powerful than outright aggression.

• Bands are often driven by passion and authenticity, not career blueprints.

• Festivals like Post. Festival are powerful spaces for community-building and musical discovery.

• Touring is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

• Support for live music—both local and touring—is vital.

• Music offers a personal and collective language of connection.

• Performing live brings a unique fulfillment unmatched by any studio work.

• Looking back after 25 years sparks gratitude for the journey.

  
  

Band & Festival Links:

Pelican Official Website Here

Pelican on Instagram Here

Pelican on Spotify Here

Pelican Bandcamp Here

The Post. Festival Website Here

The Post. Festival on Instagram Here

#PelicanBand #TrevorDeBrauw #PostFestival2025 #PostMetal #LiveMusicCommunity #MusicConnection #FestivalMagic #PostRock #MetalPodcast #IndianaFestivals #PelicanLive #EmotionalMetal

Tom chats with Valentin and Tino from German metalcore band Accvsed about their formation in 2021, their transformation into a five-piece lineup, and their unapologetically raw debut album, Dealers of Doom, released via Arising Empire. The conversation explores their creative autonomy, DIY production approach, vocal technique evolution, and the significance of live performances and mutual support within the heavy music community. With their unique blend of heaviness and melody, Accvsed dives deep into emotional catharsis through music.

Takeaways

• Originated as a duo in 2021, now a powerful quintet.

• Dealers of Doom blends heavy riffs with melodic sensibility through thoughtful sequencing (Obsidian offers emotional resolution).

• Unique vocal approaches developed to preserve longevity and individuality.

• Live show energy and fan reactions matter most—more than streams.

• The internet enables global exposure for independent bands.

• Touring aspirations include U.S., dreaming alongside bands like King 810 and Metallica.

• Balancing touring with life’s obligations is the real challenge.

• Supporting venues and live music culture is vital for scene survival.

  
  

#ACCVSED #DealersOfDoom #NewAlbum2025 #Metalcore #HeavyMusicPodcast #DIYMetal #ArisingEmpire #MetalCommunity #GermanMetal #UndergroundMetal #MetalJourney #LiveMusicMatters #CreativeAutonomy #MetalPodcast

Pete Carreno and Jamy Carlton (amazing tattoo artists) sit down with Tom on day 3 of the festival to discuss the high points of the Post Fest.

From the pre-show put on by Idlestar Productions to the event itself, it was an excellently curated event with staff and festival goers all on the same page. Watching bands such as Kiritsis, who opened the preshow, to Hiroe, Zeta, We Lost The Sea, Pelican, Pianos Become The Teeth, Converge, You, Infinite, This Will Destroy You and more! This festival allowed the listener to enjoy music as they saw fit. Watching the crowd enjoy every single band was something I won't ever forget.

The crowd allowed each other their space to dance, sing, cry (when needed) or just stand there if they so wished. The community felt at this festival was second to none and there were definitely some new friends made for me and I'm sure many others as well.

You can follow both Pete and Jamy on Instagram @petecarreno and @jamycarlton

Excuse the sound, those echoes are terrible.

#postfest #hiroe #kiritsis #converge #pianosbecometheteeth #welostthesea #youinfinite #thiswilldestroyyou #glaciers #nrthrn #pillars #primitiveman #bongripper #rainbowsarefree

Recorded live at The Post Festival in Indianapolis, Tom catches up with Hiroe to talk about their critically praised new album Wield, the band’s performance energy, and the evolving dynamics of being a collaborative musical unit.

The members of Hiroe reflect on the nerves and excitement of releasing Wield, how it’s been received by both fans and peers, and how live shows build powerful, often unexpected, connections between performers and audience. They discuss the magic of music festivals—not just as a performance space, but as an environment of discovery, where genre walls blur and community grows.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the band, this episode offers insight into the heart of modern post-rock and the joy of shared sonic experience.

🔗 Follow Hiroe
Bandcamp: https://hiroe.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiroemusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiroemusic/

🎧 Key Takeaways

• Wield is receiving strong praise for its emotional and sonic depth

• Festivals allow for deep artist-to-audience connection

• Band members experience shows differently than the crowd

• Album releases are exciting but emotionally vulnerable moments

• Supportive fans energize live shows and validate creative risks

• Festival culture promotes discovery and mutual respect

• Lineup changes can shift a band’s sound in interesting ways

• Metal and post-rock fans are some of the most welcoming in music

• Love and connection are foundational in both music creation and appreciation

  
  

#HiroeBand #PostFestival2025 #WieldAlbum #PostRockScene #LiveMusicConnection #HeavyMusicPodcast #UndergroundMusicCommunity #EmotionalPostRock #MusicDiscovery #FestivalVibes

In this episode, Tom sits down with Josh, Paul, and Si of Pennsylvania’s own Amplifiers for a deep conversation just after their post-festival pre-show performance. The band reflects on the intensity and connection that only live music can bring—how it builds community, offers healing, and captures emotions that words often can't.

They talk about the evolution of the band, the chemistry between members, and the cathartic power behind their latest single, which channels personal struggles and triumphs. Mental health, friendship, and vulnerability are at the forefront of the discussion, with each member offering insight into how their music becomes a space for both pain and resilience.

This is more than a band interview—it’s a conversation about survival, honesty, and the irreplaceable experience of standing in front of a stage and feeling something real.

Special Shout-Out to the Post Festival crew. They worked hard to put on a tremendous festival for everyone. Fantastic Music and experience for everyone.

🔗 Follow Amplifiers
Bandcamp: https://amplifiersmakenoise.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifiersmakenoise/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplifiersmakenoise

🎧 Key Takeaways

• Live performance is at the core of Amplifiers’ identity

• Their music often centers on mental health and emotional honesty

• The band dynamic is built on trust, communication, and shared vision

• Their latest material blends vulnerability with sonic intensity

• Music is a healing force—for the band and the fans

• They’re committed to making each show a full-body, full-heart experience

📅 Don’t miss their upcoming tour dates and new releases—these are artists who mean what they play and play what they feel.

#AmplifiersBand #HeavyMusicPodcast #PostFestivalPreShow #MentalHealthInMusic #LiveMusicMatters #MusicAsTherapy #UndergroundMusicScene #EmotionalHardcore #AmplifiersLive #PennsylvaniaBands

Tom sits down with Justin Pearson, the ferocious voice behind Deaf Club, to dive deep into the band’s upcoming album:
💥 We Demand a Permanent State of Happiness
📆 Out September 19th via Southern Lord & Three One G Records

🖤 We Demand a Permanent State of Happiness
📅 Release Date: September 19, 2025
📀 Format: Vinyl (multiple variants), CD, Digital
🎧 Listen / Preorder / Follow:

• Bandcamp – Deaf Club

• Spotify – Deaf Club

• Three One G Records

• Southern Lord Records

  
  

• 🔊 Vinyl Variants Galore – Red band edition, opaque, clear, and more

• 🧠 Art vs. Audience: Writing music for yourself instead of trends

• 🔥 Track Highlights: “Nihilism for Dummies” and “End of an Ear”

• 🧪 Genre Chaos: Blending grind, punk, thrash, and noise

• 📈 Underground vs Mainstream: The limits of resources and the power of freedom

• 🎵 Album Structure: Building a musical journey, not just a playlist

• 🥁 Dave Lombardo Love: Admiration for his influence and work ethic

• 🗣️ Live Shows: From DIY chaos to curated madness

• 📍 Future Collabs: Talks of shows at Mag Bar and appearances at Metal Monday

• 🧩 Pearson's Path: From The Locust to Deaf Club – and everything between

• 💥 Tour Announcement Teased! Stay tuned via their IG (linked below)

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

• Bandcamp

• Three One G Label IG

  
  

#DeafClub #JustinPearson #WeDemandAPermanentStateOfHappiness #ThreeOneG #SouthernLordRecords #Grindcore #NoisePunk #HardcoreMusic #UndergroundMetal #ExperimentalMusic #VinylVariants #AlbumRelease2025 #AndNowTheBand #MagBarLouisville #MetalMonday #DillingerEscapePlanVibes #TheLocust #MetalPodcast #PunkPodcast #HeavyMusicCommunity #SupportUndergroundMusic

Tom sits down with Brooks Wilson of Crypt Sermon to discuss their powerful new EP, Saturnian Appendices, out August 8th. They explore the album’s lyrical depth, its connections to occult mysticism, and the evolving world of doom metal.

💿 Saturnian Appendices
📆 Release Date: August 8, 2025
📀 Formats: Vinyl / CD / Digital
🛒 Preorder / Buy:

• Bandcamp – Crypt Sermon

• Pronouncing "Saturnian Appendices" & "Stygian Rose"

• Writing through Occult Inspiration: How the works of P.B. Randolph & Rosicrucian ideas shaped the album’s narrative.

• Lyrical Evolution: From Christian themes to internal reflection and Saturnian mythos.

• Consciousness, Ritual, & Growth: Discussing the parallels between the occult, sports rituals, and building a better self.

• Philosophical & Religious Inquiry: Examining the Golden Rule, Jesus’s teachings, and the role of organized religion.

• Songwriting Depth: Collaborative writing, longer tracks, dynamic compositions, and genre fusion in doom metal.

• Inclusivity in Metal: The shifting culture in underground metal and punk spaces.

• The Album Listening Experience: The art of full-album storytelling and the importance of flow, intention, and patience in music.

  
  

#CryptSermon #SaturnianAppendices #DoomMetal #OccultMetal #HeavyMetal2025 #StygianRose #PBRandolph #RosicrucianMetal #EsotericMetal #MetalPodcast #AndNowTheBand #MetalPhilosophy #UndergroundMetal #EpicDoom #MetalMerch #ConceptAlbums #DoomScene #MetalInclusivity

Tom is joined by Kamble (Mrudul) of Blood Brain Barrier to dive into their upcoming EP “Windows Drenched in Red” (self-releasing July 29th). Combining black metal, sludge, and experimental elements, Blood Brain Barrier delivers an immersive sonic journey that Tom praises as “hypnotic and haunting from start to finish.”

• “Windows Drenched in Red” EP Breakdown: Track-by-track insights into the emotional and conceptual flow of the record.

• DIY Production & Duo Setup: Kamble reveals how he and his bandmate handle all instruments and studio work themselves.

• Live Performance Strategy: A unique reamping technique to replicate studio sound on stage with Kamble on drums.

• Cultural Connections in Metal: From discovering metal in India to wearing band t-shirts as a “universal handshake” among fans.

• Canadian vs. American Metal Scenes: A conversation on touring challenges, niche genres, and legendary venues like Saint Vitus Bar.

• Early Metal Influences: Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Nirvana – how classic and alternative icons shaped their musical journey.

• Bandcamp: https://bbbmetal.bandcamp.com/

• Instagram: @bloodbrainbarrier_metal

  
  

“Windows Drenched in Red”
🗓️ Release Date: July 29, 2025
🎵 Format: Digital + Physical copies (Vinyl/CD coming soon)

#BloodBrainBarrier #WindowsDrenchedInRed #BlackMetal2025 #SludgeMetal #ExperimentalMetal #CanadianMetal #UndergroundMetal #MetalPodcast #AndNowTheBand #BlackenedSludge #DIYMetal #MetalBandsToWatch #EPRelease2025 #SaintVitusBar #TorontoMetalScene

Tom connects with Ingvarr, co-founder of Schreigarm, the German-Ukrainian two-piece atmospheric black metal force, to discuss their upcoming album “Mara Comes, and Darkness Shall Reign”, dropping September 12th via Purity Through Fire Records. Atmospheric, post-black, and pagan to the bone, Schreigarm is carving a unique sonic path rooted in dark mysticism and total DIY ethos.

🔥 Highlights from this Episode:

• The evolution of Schreigarm and their cross-border creative process

• New single “Whispers of the Blackened Woods” – an immersive glimpse into their forthcoming album

• Pagan themes and how they fuel Schreigarm’s music and visual aesthetics

• DIY black metal: from recording and mixing to costumes and cover art — all done in-house

• The contrasts between the U.S. and European metal touring scenes

• The cultural power of metal festivals like Wacken, Graspop, and Louder Than Life

• Insight into the atmospheric black metal genre and how Schreigarm blends orchestral, post, and pagan elements

• Future plans for live shows and building a ritualistic experience for fans

🎧 For Fans of:Drudkh, Mgła, Wolves in the Throne Room, Paysage d’Hiver, Spectral Wound, and anyone drawn to the more mystical side of black metal.

• Bandcamp: ⁠schreigarm.bandcamp.com⁠

• Instagram: ⁠@schreigarm⁠

• Label (Purity Through Fire): ⁠purity-through-fire.com⁠

"Mara Comes, and Darkness Shall Reign"🗓️ Release Date: September 12, 2025💀 Label: Purity Through Fire🎵 Includes: Whispers of the Blackened Woods, Mara, and more…

#Schreigarm #AtmosphericBlackMetal #PostBlackMetal #PaganBlackMetal #PurityThroughFire #MaraComesAndDarknessShallReign #BlackMetal2025 #GermanMetal #UkrainianMetal #MetalPodcast #AndNowTheBand #NewBlackMetal #WackenOpenAir #Hellfest #LouderThanLife #UndergroundMetal #DüsseldorfMetal #EasternEuropeanMetal #DarkAmbientMetal