Host Tom is joined by Elijah Kellogg of floodlit for a wide-ranging conversation about grief, purpose, and the role of heavy music in processing real-world trauma.

Elijah discusses floodlit’s latest single “Ama,” his vocal influences, and the challenge of balancing clean singing with harsh vocals in modern heavy music. The conversation turns deeply personal as Elijah shares how his time doing community development work in Myanmar — and the abrupt evacuation caused by a military coup in 2021 — became the emotional foundation for the Floodlit album.

Together, Tom and Elijah explore how music evolves once it’s released, why heavy music carries cultural weight, and the responsibility artists have in creating safe, inclusive spaces without losing intensity. They also touch on the changing nature of hardcore shows, mentorship in heavy music, and upcoming releases including “Akko.”

A thoughtful, emotional episode for listeners interested in heavy music with depth, meaning, and purpose.

#floodlit #HeavyMusic #PostHardcore #Metalcore #MusicAndMeaning #UndergroundMusic #HeavyMusicPodcast #IndependentArtists

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Host Tom is joined by S. Patrick Brooks of Heavy Underground Farm Report to unveil the inaugural HUFR Fest, happening April 24–26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

In this episode, Sean breaks down how HUFR Fest came together, why Denver’s underground scene is the perfect home for it, and what makes this festival stand out in a crowded live-music landscape. With a lineup that already includes Lost Relics, Sonolith, Lord Velvet, Violet Rising, Hibernaut, Vashon Seed, Cobranoid, Blue Heron, Luna Sol, Godzillionaire, Momovudu, Psalm, Shadow of Jupiter, Messiahvore, Black Sunrise, Nomestomper, and more to be announced, HUFR Fest is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-attend heavy music events.

Tom and Sean also talk candidly about where their passion for live music began, the importance of community-driven festivals, and the immense amount of work that goes into launching something new. Sean sends special thanks to Zeth (Luna Sols amazing drummer) and his (Seans) wife Andrea for their tireless support behind the scenes.

A must-listen for fans of underground metal, doom, stoner rock, and independent festivals.

#HUFRFest #HeavyUndergroundFarmReport #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #DenverFestival #DoomMetal #StonerRock #MetalPodcast #LiveMusic

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In EP309, Alex Skolnick (Testament, Metal Allegiance, Alex Skolnick Trio) joins host Tom for an in-depth discussion on collaboration, musicianship, and metal’s evolving legacy.

Alex reflects on Metal Allegiance’s 10-year history, their tradition of performing around the NAMM Show, and their upcoming House of Blues Anaheim performance in 2026. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into how Metal Allegiance assembles elite vocalists and musicians, balances limited rehearsal time, and consistently delivers high-level performances.

The conversation explores how different vocalists reinterpret classic material, the importance of preparation in supergroup settings, and why musical professionalism matters at the highest level. Alex also explains how his jazz training enhances his metal playing, improving rhythm, listening, and adaptability without sacrificing aggression or identity.

This episode offers rare perspective from one of metal’s most respected guitarists and is perfect for fans of thrash metal, guitar-driven music, metal supergroups, and genre-crossing musicianship.

#AlexSkolnick
#MetalAllegiance
#Testament
#ThrashMetal
#MetalPodcast
#HeavyMusic
#GuitarLife
#ModernMetalAlex Skolnick podcast, Testament interview, Metal Allegiance podcast, thrash metal guitarist, jazz metal discussion, metal supergroup interview, heavy metal musicianship, NAMM metal bands, guitar podcast metal

In EP308, host Tom welcomes Stu Folsom of SpiritWorld for an in-depth conversation about the realities of modern heavy metal touring, live show evolution, and building longevity as a band.

Stu discusses SpiritWorld’s transition into a four-piece live lineup, how rotating fill-in musicians have influenced their performances, and why the band is shifting toward more intentional setlist dynamics rather than nonstop intensity. He also shares lessons learned from touring with Avatar, including insights into modular stage design, production scalability, and connecting with diverse metal audiences.

The episode covers crowd management, safety in extreme live environments, and the responsibility bands have to read the room during volatile moments. Stu and Tom also explore the changing relationship between musicians and fans, touring hierarchies, and how SpiritWorld has grown from an underground project into a full-time touring act.

The conversation wraps with reflections on tours alongside Obituary and Municipal Waste, plus early insight into SpiritWorld’s upcoming fourth studio album.

A must-listen for fans of heavy metal, thrash, hardcore, touring culture, and live music strategy

#SpiritWorld #StuFolsom #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #TouringBand #LiveMusic #ModernMetal #ThrashMetal #UndergroundMetalSpiritWorld podcast, Stu Folsom interview, metal band touring, heavy metal podcast, modern metal interviews, thrash metal discussion, hardcore metal podcast, touring musicians, live metal shows, underground metal bands, metal industry podcast

Tom and Zach of Howling Giant join the show to explore the creative universe behind one of heavy music’s most imaginative and dynamic bands. From sci-fi concept albums and cosmic storytelling to airtight musicianship and relentless touring strategy, Howling Giant has carved out a distinctive place in modern stoner, psych, and doom metal.

In this episode, Tom and Zach discuss the band’s origin story, how they craft narrative-driven albums, and the chemistry that’s kept the band tight and evolving. We dive into their approach to vocal harmonies, gear choices that shape their tone, and how they build huge soundscapes as a (now) Four-piece. The duo also shares practical lessons learned from constant touring, including maintaining energy, creating memorable live experiences, and staying connected with fans.

Whether you love space-themed heaviness, airtight musicianship, or simply the craft behind building a successful modern heavy band, this conversation delivers insight and inspiration at every turn.

If you like what you're hearing: subscribe, like, comment, share.

Title: EP307 – Tom & Zach of Howling GiantGuests: Tom Polzine & Zach WheelerShow: And Now The BandKeywords: Howling Giant interview, stoner metal, doom metal, Nashville heavy scene, concept albums, heavy music podcastDescription:Tom and Zach of Howling Giant discuss their origin story, cosmic songwriting, vocal harmonies, gear, touring lessons, and the creative universe behind one of modern heavy music’s most imaginative bands.Howling Giant interviewTom PolzineZach WheelerNashville heavy bandsStoner metal interviewDoom metal podcastPsych metal bandConcept album songwritingHeavy music podcastAnd Now The Band

In EP306, Tom sits down with Travis of Carrion Vael to talk about the upcoming album “Slay Utterly”, arriving January 16th via Unique Leader Records, and the intense, research-driven approach behind the band’s technical death metal sound.

Travis breaks down how Carrion Vael writes songs inspired by serial killers, cult leaders, and true crime, approaching violent subject matter with analysis and storytelling rather than shock for shock’s sake. The conversation explores the psychology of infamous figures, the balance between art and discomfort, and how extreme themes can coexist with technical precision.

Also discussed:

• Writing death metal based on real historical crimes

• Albums King of the Rhine and Slay Utterly

• Songs about Jim Jones and David Parker Ray

• Metal influences and formative live show experiences

• Pulling inspiration from hip-hop and underground rap

• Preparing for album release shows and new merch drops

• Carrion Vael’s upcoming Metal Monday appearance at MagBar

This episode is a must-listen for fans of technical death metal, true crime, Unique Leader Records artists, and extreme underground music.

#CarrionVael #TechnicalDeathMetal #SlayUtterly #DeathMetalPodcast #TrueCrimeMusic #ExtremeMetal #UniqueLeader

Carrion Vael podcast, Slay Utterly interview, Travis Carrion Vael, technical death metal discussion, true crime death metal, Unique Leader Records interview, extreme metal podcast, underground death metal band

In EP305, Tom welcomes James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy for a deep, honest conversation about DIY metal, distortion-driven songwriting, underground touring, and artistic integrity.

James reflects on nearly two decades of creating heavy music, from a bedroom project in 2005 to a fully realized band built on texture, volume, and commitment to artistic truth. They discuss the band’s latest album, which intentionally keeps distortion engaged almost nonstop, and why full-album immersion still matters.

Topics include:

• Writing and recording a fully distorted heavy album

• Staying true to an artistic vision in a commercial industry

• The evolution and monetization of heavy metal

• The realities of DIY touring and rising costs

• Inclusive all-ages shows and changing live culture

• Lifelong friendships formed through underground touring

• Discovering and supporting lesser-known bands

They also share love for bands like Blood Incantation, discuss unforgettable live performances, upcoming festival appearances, and the joy of uncovering hidden gems in the underground scene.

This episode is essential listening for fans of metal, psych, noise rock, DIY culture, and underground heavy music.

#DoomMetal #TheGrasshopperLiesHeavy #DIYMusic #UndergroundMetal #HeavyPodcast #NoiseRock #PsychDoom #IndependentArtists

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In EP304, Tom sits down with Valira of Vesseles to discuss her upcoming album Home, releasing January 16th, 2026, and the deeply personal artistic journey behind her evolving approach to black metal.

Valira opens up about discovering heavy music, gravitating toward darker and more atmospheric sounds, and challenging herself with tracks like Flesh Throne, Eternally Within Us, and Scriptures Until They Are Dust. She explains her passion for creating full-album experiences, focusing on flow, pacing, and emotional progression.

The conversation also explores:

• The origins and evolution of Vesseles

• The creative process using Guitar Pro

• Building a cohesive visual identity through custom latex masks

• Balancing audience expectations and personal fulfillment

• The welcoming nature of the heavy music community

• Touring strategy in the Pacific Northwest and future expansion

• The 12-month plan for Vesseles (shows, festivals, regional push)

• Their album release show – Jan 24 @ Neck of the Woods in San Francisco

This episode is a deep dive into creativity, identity expression, underground metal culture, and the mindset behind building a DIY project from the ground up. If you love black metal, atmospheric heavy music, or stories of artists forging their own path—this episode is for you.

#BlackMetal #Vesseles #Valira #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #ExtremeMetal #AtmosphericBlackMetal #UndergroundMetal #ArtistInterview #MetalCommunity #IdentityAndArt

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Mike Sanchez of the mighty Acid Bath stopped by during Louder Than Life to talk about what's been happening in the Acid Bath camp and how it feels to play together again. The resurgence of AB has been tremendous and with 2 AB newcomers, they're sounding super tight and getting the crowd hyped.

#acidbath #mikesanchez #louderthanlife #andnowtheband

EP303 | Mike Leon of CKY joins Tom for an energetic and heartfelt conversation about CKY’s resurgence, new music, global touring, and the full-circle moment of joining a band that helped shape his musical identity.

In this episode:

• The making and reception of CKY’s newest single “Can’t Stop Running”
• Recent UK tour + upcoming Australia run + Sonic Temple 2025
• CKY’s healthiest and most focused era yet
• Mike’s years with Soulfly, Crowbar & Battlecross
• Why younger fans are discovering CKY like it’s brand new
• Emotional stories about fan interactions and growing up with heavy music
• World-travel food adventures, including wild nights in Singapore
• The metal cruise community and the “no ego” culture
• Gear talk: Mike’s work with Enki and high-end road cases
• Plans to bring CKY to Louisville’s Portal venue in May

It’s a fun, insightful, high-energy conversation celebrating metal culture, creativity, and the fans that keep this scene alive.

If you love CKY, heavy music stories, or behind-the-scenes tour life — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

CKY interview
Mike Leon CKY
CKY new music 2025
Alternative metal podcast
Soulfly bassist interview
Crowbar touring
Battlecross history
Metal podcast interview
Heavy music storytelling
Sonic Temple Festival
Louisville metal scene
Guitar gear Enki
Metal tour stories
2000s alt metal bands
Heavy music community

#CKY #MikeLeon #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusicPodcast #Soulfly #Crowbar #Battlecross #AlternativeMetal #MetalTouring #SonicTemple #MetalStories #PodcastInterview