ATX Metal Podcast

The Breakdown

Meet Silent Haven, a rising metal band from Corpus Christi, Texas, building momentum through heavy music, close-knit friendships, and relentless consistency. Ryan sits down with Brady, Noah, Antonio, and Matt to trace the band’s journey from garage band demos to a growing following—and hear what’s coming next.

In this episode, the band shares how they came together, how each member shapes Silent Haven’s sound and creative identity, and why they value real connections with fans and fellow bands in the scene. They also break down the story behind “Real Ones,” the fun, sample-driven track inspired by Scary Movie, and discuss releases including “Infected,” “System Fail,” and “Digitize.”

Plus, hear about the heavier new track “Targets,” the more emotional song “Memori,” their DIY studio and music-video process, and the role consistent posting and community-building have played in reaching new listeners.

Whether you’re into crushing riffs, local metal scenes, or discovering a band on the way up, get to know Silent Haven—and the people behind the noise. Find Silent Haven on social media and streaming platforms under Silent Haven or Silent Haven US.

Episode Info
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/silenthavenus/
Band Website: https://silenthaven.bandzoogle.com/home
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATXMetalPodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

The Breakdown
Ever wondered what it’s really like to take a band on the road? In this episode, the high-energy duo from Donella Drive, Aiden Escalante and Andrew Salazar, share the raw, unfiltered experiences of touring, from breakdowns to unforgettable gigs. Their candid storytelling reveals the grit, humor, and camaraderie that fuel their music journey – and you won't want to miss the wild tale about pushing their van down Sunset Boulevard at 3 AM!

Dive deeper into their unique sound, which blends progressive rock with a bass-driven backbone that’s earned them comparisons to legendary acts. You’ll discover:
- How they define their musical identity amidst a sea of influences, and why they shy away from being called a “Primus clone.” 
- The surprising backstory behind their latest tracks and the creative sparks that come from chaos and mishaps. 
- The invaluable lessons they've learned about touring, including the one piece of advice every aspiring band needs to hear about van rentals.

Donella Drive’s journey is not just about music; it's about the highs and lows of being a band on the rise. Their experiences resonate with anyone who's ever chased a dream, faced adversity, or simply enjoyed a good rock show. Missing this episode means missing out on laughter, inspiration, and a rare look into the life of dedicated musicians.

Perfect for music lovers, aspiring bands, and anyone who enjoys a good story, this episode is your backstage pass to the unpredictable world of touring. Tune in and get ready for a ride that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening!

Episode Info
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/donelladrive/
Band Website: https://linktr.ee/donelladrive
ATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

The Breakdown
Seratonin is building a metal band the old-school way - from the ground up, with zero compromise, a DIY merch operation, and shows that most bands would never even think to book. If you want to know what it looks like when a new heavy act leans all the way into community, chaos, and raw energy, this one is for you.

Ryan sits down with Joe and Randall of Seratonin, the Central Texas band pushing unapologetic, high-octane music that pulls from nu-metal, hardcore, thrash, and the kind of live-wire energy that turns a room into a sweatbox. They break down how the band formed, how the lineup came together with Eric on bass and Jeremiah on drums, and why they’re more interested in getting people moving than fitting neatly into a genre box.

You’ll discover:

• Why the band name Seratonin is more than just a clever word choice - it’s a statement about modern brain rot, short-term dopamine hits, and getting people back into real-life experiences

• How the group is releasing a four-track EP at the end of August instead of chasing endless single drops

• What working with producer Brett Wassom brings to the record and why they’re aiming for a sound that’s neither overproduced nor garage-demo raw

• How they landed a wild EP release event at Cowboy Harley Davidson in South Austin and why they want to tap into biker, car meet, and drift communities

• Why playing with legacy act Unloco is a major validation moment for a band still introducing itself to the scene

Joe shares his path from Hawaii to Central Texas and how a long love of heavier music shaped his vocals, while Randall traces a globe-trotting life through Louisiana, New York, LA, Asia, Sri Lanka, and back to the South before landing in the band he always wanted to play in. Together, they open up about the strange power of starting out as a mystery band and proving themselves through energy, not hype.

This episode is for anyone who loves underground music, DIY culture, and the thrill of finding a band before everyone else does. Seratonin is betting on live shows, real connections, and word-of-mouth buzz over algorithm games - and they might be exactly the band you’ll want to say you discovered first.

Episode Info
Band IG: / seratonin.band 
Band Website: https://seratonintx.bandcamp.com/merch
ATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

The Breakdown
INRVRY turns a Dayseeker concert into a life-changing moment - and their story is only getting started. If you love music with heart, this one gives you the origin story, the family ties, and the hope behind one of San Antonio's most interesting rising bands.

Mando Vargas opens up about building INRVRY with his wife Celeste, their close-friends-turned-bandmates Leo and Chris, and how a song that started as a voice memo became the spark for a full album. From the first track, Intuition, to Grace, Notions, and the new visual for Iridescent, the band shares how they keep the focus where it belongs: serving the song.

You'll hear how Dayseeker, Nothing But Thieves, Paramore, and Nothing More shaped their sound, why their music lands somewhere between metalcore, alt-rock, and worshipful honesty, and how a surprise proposal during Homesick became one of those stories you never forget. Celeste jumps in too, bringing the band's mission into focus - giving listeners hope through pain, loss, depression, and anxiety, and reminding people they're not alone.

We also get real about storytelling, faith, identity, and what happens when music becomes more than entertainment. For anyone who cares about the human stories behind the songs or wants to discover a band creating with purpose instead of chasing hype, this episode hits hard.
If you want music that carries meaning, chemistry, and a little bit of chaos in the best way, INRVRY is worth your time. Hit play and hear how this band is turning shared life, shared struggle, and shared vision into something bigger than themselves.

Episode Info
Band IG: / inrvryband 
Band Website: https://linktr.ee/Inrvry
ATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Chapters
00:00 Intro + Mando’s introduction
00:58 Dayseeker and current influences
01:47 Who makes up INRVRY
02:54 Celeste’s role + church background
06:02 How INRVRY began
07:39 The Dayseeker proposal story
09:20 The proposal plan comes together
12:00 Homesick proposal moment
15:25 Ryan’s proposal story
20:07 Storytelling and conversation
25:28 New album origins
26:00 “Intuition” begins the project
27:46 “Grace,” “Notions,” and writing
29:11 First live show
33:06 Nothing But Thieves + music’s impact
34:29 Faith, identity, and beliefs
45:22 New music video + what’s next
53:32 Celeste joins the conversation
54:18 INRVRY’s mission
55:16 Outro

The Breakdown
Prepare to be punched in the gut by a raw, groove-driven metal episode that reveals how seasoned musicians craft crushing riffs that connect directly with fans—no matter your scene experience. If you've ever wondered how metal bands stay tight, explosive, and engaging live, this episode unlocks the secret sauce: from the power of authentic community support to the art of balancing technical prowess with soulful groove.

Ryan Rayle sits down with Phil King and Dave Revere of Hammer Throne, a band blending doom, thrash, hardcore, and more into a ferocious debut EP. They share candid stories about their journey from early influences—like Led Zeppelin, Maiden, and New York hardcore—to the gritty reality of building a scene from scratch in Austin and New York. Discover how years of touring, DIY spirit, and genuine passion translate into electrifying stage presence and music that grabs you in the first listen.

You'll learn:
- How veterans with decades of scene experience bring cohesion and energy to new projects
 -The importance of groove in cutting through noise and captivating audiences, even with complex riffs
- Practical strategies for promoting your band with local support, social media, and authentic networking
- Why stage presence and crowd engagement outweigh technical tricks in live performances
- The band’s approach to songwriting, balancing heaviness with memorable, groove-oriented riffs that fans can't ignore

In a landscape saturated with algorithms, AI-soundalikes, and noise, Hammer Throne’s honest approach is a reminder: great music is about community, authenticity, and feeling the groove. This episode is essential listening for aspiring musicians, fans craving real connection, and anyone looking to understand the heart behind heavy music.
Whether you're a metal head, DIY supporter, or just hungry for inspiring stories from the scene, you'll find motivation and practical tips to elevate your own musical journey. 

Hammerthrone is a crushing force of old-school-influenced death metal from Austin, TX. Formed in 2025 by guitarist Phil King, vocalist TJ Lewis, and drummer Dave Revere, all of the Texas Sludge metal band Forebode, with Void Witch bassist Luke Friebertshauser joining shortly after. The band's foundations were built around the punishing Swedish HM-2 chainsaw riffs of the 90s.

Episode Info
Band IG:https://www.instagram.com/hammerthronetx/
Band Website: https://hammerthronetx.bandcamp.com/album/hammerthrone
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube:    / @atxmetalpodcast  

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hammer Throne
01:16 Musical Journeys and Band Origins
04:38 The Evolution of Hammer Throne
06:47 Songwriting Process and Creative Inspirations
11:51 The Groove Factor in Metal Music
16:52 Live Performances and Upcoming Shows
20:48 The Evolution of Music Scenes
24:45 Comparing Hardcore Scenes: New York vs Texas
28:48 Building Community Through Local Support
31:57 Creative Dynamics in Music Production
36:14 The Importance of Passion in Performance

The Breakdown
Join Ryan Rayle and Andy Flores as they discuss the evolution of the San Antonio music scene, the importance of community, and the power of platforms like The Hive and The Rock Box in supporting local bands. Discover practical tips for artists, the impact of technology, and future plans for community-driven events.

Episode Info
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_hive_satx/
Band Website: https://www.facebook.com/thehivesatx/
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATXMetalPodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:05 The Evolution of The Hive and The Rock Box
03:56 COVID's Impact on the Music Scene
07:03 Supporting Local Bands and Community Building
10:03 The Role of Technology and Platforms
15:02 Future Plans and Community Events
20:04 The Power of Community in Music
25:07 Supporting New and Emerging Bands
30:00 The Importance of Professionalism and Etiquette
35:13 The Use of AI and Digital Tools in Music Promotion
40:08 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved

The Breakdown
Most bands try to look cool on stage; Release The Captive just proves that behind-the-scenes chaos is where the real magic happens—and how they still crush it despite juggling life and moving into a new place.

Imagine a bunch of Texas musicians navigating tech nightmares, Craigslist hunts, and still managing to deliver a raw, authentic metal experience that keeps fans moshing and the scene alive. Ryan Rayle hosts this hilarious and honest conversation with the band that’s been tearing up Austin for six years with new ,music on the menu.

You’ll discover: how to make tech issues disappear faster than Ryan's wife's mirror, the surprising power of local shows for testing new material and why being “Craigslist certified” might just be the new badge of honor in the underground scene. We also break down the band's unique blend of old-school influences with a fresh, nu metal revival—plus, their plans to dominate Texas stages and eventually, the world.

This episode is for musicians tired of overproduced nonsense, for fans who want to hear what real guys sound like when the mics are on, and for anyone who loves a good story about resilience, friendship, and loud guitars. If you’re longing for a peek behind the curtain of a truly genuine band, this one’s for you.

Episode Info
Band IG:  @ / releasethecaptiveband 
Band Website: https://linktr.ee/releasethecaptive
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube:  / @atxmetalpodcast 

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

The Breakdown
Most band stories sound like Hollywood scripts — but this one might just beat them all. Andy Alderson from San Antonio’s Foreward spills a wild ride from band chaos, political degrees, to signing with Seek and Strike, all while reminiscing about high school hairdos and the glory days of MySpace. Think your band struggles are epic? Wait until you hear how ego, ego trips, and a little bit of ego management slowed this band down—and then fired them back up.

You'll discover:

• How a band formed in 2016 turned hiatus into a comeback with three hit singles, landing a deal with Seek and Strike.

• The surprising link between politics, heavy metal, and partying your way through a music career.

• The real truth about the grind of social media, from the horror show of MySpace trains to today's never-ending content treadmill.

• How a label with roots in Sumerian and New Century Media is helping Foreward hit the next level—and why major labels are both a blessing and a curse.

• The daily battles of balancing music, business, and ticking boxes like “ear protection” at shows, all with a wink and a nod.

This episode is perfect for fans curious about how a local band navigates the tech hustle, the heartbreaks, the hilarious mishaps, and chasing a dream even when the road is paved with debt and questionable hair choices. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep the metal alive and thriving in the digital age, Andy’s story proves: hustle, humor, and a bit of chaos are the true secret weapons.

Episode Info
Band IG:   / @forewordband 
Band Website: https://www.seekandstrike.com/
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube:    / @atxmetalpodcast 

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

The Breakdown
In this engaging interview, Skyler McCarthy from the bands 719 and Silence Becoming shares his journey in music, the creative process behind his projects, and his passion for outdoor adventures. Discover insights into metalcore production, the importance of collaboration, and how to support local music scenes.

You ever have a backstage moment where you totally miss who you're talking to? I did — turned out I was chatting with a drummer of a famous band, and I didn't even know! 
Drop a 🔥 if you've ever had a “wait, that was who?” moment.

I'm Ryan, your friendly neighborhood metalhead, and this is the kind of randomness I get into — from rock climbing to making music in Texas. My guest? Skyler from 719 and Silence Becoming, who just casually rips through synthwave, metal, and when he's not on stage, he's conquering Big Bend. (Border walls? Not his vibe!)

Turns out, drummers might be the real MVPs — they’re holding up everything, even if nobody notices! Plus, his solo project 719 is all about collaborations and catchy short tracks, perfect for our Attention Span Society. 

What’s your favorite way to wind down after a crazy day? Share below!
#TexasMusic #MetalLife #IndieVibes #Synthwave

Episode Info
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/719_metal/
Band Website: https://linktr.ee/719tx
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATXMetalPodcast

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Musician: From Hobby to Passion
02:05 Exploring the Great Outdoors: Hiking Adventures
04:54 The Birth of 719: A Solo Project's Origin Story
07:48 Musical Influences: Shaping a Unique Sound
10:38 Collaboration and Community in Music
13:28 The Evolution of Silence Becoming and 719
16:25 Live Performances vs. Studio Creations
20:26 The Power of Music and Emotion
21:57 Exploring Lyrics and Their Meanings
25:02 The Frustration of Online Activism
26:45 Life Beyond Music: Hobbies and Interests
31:03 Upcoming Shows and Collaborations
33:34 New Music and Creative Processes
38:07 Support for Local Bands and Community
44:42 Social Media and Merchandising Strategies