Blast Syndicate

Victor is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to break down a wide range of hard rock and heavy metal releases from February 2026, with the goal of keeping new music in the conversation and helping listeners discover albums that deserve more attention. This episode mixes monthly album-review staples with broader discussion about style, songwriting, production, and why supporting new rock and metal still matters.

Among the records and artists discussed are Tailgunner, Hoaxed, Converge, Leatherhead, Deeper Graves, A Wilhelm Scream, Silver Sun Pickups, Zepter, Serpent Gates, NerveStar, The Sheepdogs, and more. Victor, Jeremy, and Ed each highlight different favorites from the month, giving the episode a strong mix of traditional heavy metal, goth rock, punk, melodic hard rock, metalcore, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

Standout picks from the episode include Tailgunner – Midnight Blitz, Hoaxed – Death Knocks, Deeper Graves – Pull Me Toward the Dark, and A Wilhelm Scream – Cheap Heat, along with plenty of discussion about why certain albums connect more than others and how listeners can use these monthly review episodes to find new bands worth following.

Shout out to my Patrons:

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

Thank you for all of your support!

Featured artist / band links:

Tailgunner: https://www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq/

Hoaxed: https://www.hoaxedband.com/

Deeper Graves: https://deeper-graves.bandcamp.com/

Deeper Graves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepergraves/

A Wilhelm Scream: https://www.awilhelmscream.com/

Connect with Signals From Mars:

Website: https://signalsfrommars.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/

X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars

Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/

In Episode 448 of Signals From Mars, Victor M. Ruiz sits down with Mark Strigl for a conversation centered on some of the biggest talking points in hard rock and metal right now.

Without giving the interview away, this episode digs into the kind of topics that always spark strong opinions among fans: the idea of Metallica playing the Sphere, Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary and Eddfest, what it means if rock is once again gaining momentum, and the broader impact Talking Metal has had on podcasting in the hard rock and heavy metal space.

This is a discussion built for fans who care about where the genre has been, where it is now, and where it may be headed next.

If you’re into hard rock and metal podcasts, music discussion, and longform conversations that go beyond surface-level takes, this episode is for you.

Topics covered include:

Metallica and the Sphere

Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary celebration

Rock’s recent growth as a genre

Talking Metal’s place in podcast history

Follow Mark Strigl / Talking Metal:

Talking Metal Website: https://talkingmetal.com/

Talking Metal Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkingmetal

Mark Strigl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markstrigl/

Mark Strigl X: https://x.com/Strigl

Talking Metal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingmetaldigital/

Talking Metal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/talkingmetal

Follow Signals From Mars:

Signals From Mars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com

Signals From Mars Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

Signals From Mars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars

Signals From Mars YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars

Signals From Mars X: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars

Signals From Mars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/

Signals From Mars Follow Page: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/follow/

I can also merge this back into the full spoiler-free YouTube description.

Special thanks to my Patrons:

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

#SignalsFromMars #HeavyMetal #HardRock

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In Episode 445, Victor sits down with Alex Skolnick for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into creativity, collaboration, and the mindset of a player who never stops evolving. From the unique chemistry behind Metal Allegiance to reflections on live performance, artistic curiosity beyond metal, and moments that defined a legendary career, this episode balances deep guitar talk with thoughtful storytelling. We talk Metal Allegiance, Testament, Savatage, Ozzy, and The Alex Skolnick Trio.

#AlexSkolnick #MetalAllegiance #SignalsFromMars

Thank you goes out to my Patrons:

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

Thank you for being so supportive!

In Episode 444 of Signals From Mars, I’m joined by Ben and Nuno from A Wilhelm Scream for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into the mindset behind their latest album Cheap Heat, the band’s creative process, and the many layers that make up their sound and identity.

Rather than sticking to surface-level promo talk, this interview explores how the band thinks about album construction, influence, environment, collaboration, and longevity—both musically and personally. From unexpected cultural touchstones to the realities of self-producing records, this is a discussion rooted in experience, honesty, and mutual respect.

If you’re interested in how bands evolve without boxing themselves into a single genre, how outside perspectives shape great records, or how chemistry inside a band develops over time, this episode offers plenty to chew on—without needing to spell everything out for you upfront.

In Signals From Mars – Episode 443, I’m joined by Kat Keo of Hoaxed to talk about the band’s latest album, Death Knocks, and the evolution of their sound and lineup.

We get into the sonic jump you’ll hear on this record, the creative process behind bringing April Dimmick into the fold, how that changed what the band can do musically, and how Death Knocks came together after Two Shadows. We also dig into genre labels (hard rock / heavy metal / gothic rock), the realities of coming from the Pacific Northwest, what it means having Relapse Records behind the band, and—most importantly—where you should buy the album to best support the band directly.

If you’re into dark, heavy music with atmosphere and hooks, this one’s for you.

#SignalsFromMars #Hoaxed #HeavyMetal

Thank you to my patrons:

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

Thank you for being so supportive!

Hoaxed / Kat Keo Links

Hoaxed

• Official Site: https://www.hoaxedband.com
• Bandcamp: https://hoaxed.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoaxedband/

Kat Keo

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kat_keo/

Relapse (Album / Store info)

• Relapse album page: https://www.relapse.com/pages/hoaxed-death-knocks

Signals From Mars Links

• Website: https://www.signalsfrommars.com
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SignalsFromMars
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommars
• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/signalsfrommars

Signals From Mars – Episode 442

January 2026 Albums Review

Episode 442 kicks off the 2026 album review season.

Victor is joined by Jeremy (UK) and Ed (Kentucky) to discuss selected hard rock and heavy metal releases from January 2026. The month starts slow following the holidays, but quickly builds momentum with several notable releases across thrash, sludge, symphonic metal, traditional heavy metal, and underground death metal.

Rather than covering everything released, the show focuses on the albums that stood out most to the panel — including both major releases and lesser-known underground records.

Each host shares their personal Album of the Week selections, offering insight into what made those records rise above the rest.

If you’re looking for a curated guide to January’s most talked-about metal releases, Episode 442 delivers exactly that.

Thank You to Our Patrons

Signals From Mars is supported by listeners like you.

Special thanks to:

Steven Sailer Steve Hoeker Jeremy Weltman Mike Jones Brad Dahl Mark Strigl Gabriel Ruiz Chris Vaglio Metal Dan Johan Ederström Ed Ferguson Anthony Mackey Toni Espin Sean Richmond

Your continued support keeps the show independent and growing.

Join the Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

Connect with Signals From Mars

Website: https://www.signalsfrommars.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SignalsFromMars

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommars

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/signalsfrommars

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your preferred podcast platform.

In Episode 441 of Signals From Mars, we’re joined by Seattle heavy metal band Greyhawk to discuss their third full-length album, Warriors Of Greyhawk. Since emerging in 2018, Greyhawk has established themselves as one of the most consistently productive and road-tested bands in modern traditional heavy metal, releasing multiple EPs and full-length albums while refining their sound with each release.

This conversation focuses on process, evolution, and intent rather than surface-level promotion. We explore how the band approaches songwriting over long stretches of time, how creative chemistry evolves with lineup changes, and whether Warriors Of Greyhawk followed a specific vision or revealed itself naturally during its creation.

We also talk about the role of producer Henrik Udd, the importance of bass performance in shaping the album’s identity, and how closely the band collaborated on the album’s striking artwork. Physical media still matters in heavy metal, and Greyhawk shares insight into working with their label to bring Warriors Of Greyhawk to fans on vinyl, CD, and cassette.

The discussion touches on Seattle’s deep and varied musical history, including influences that may not be immediately obvious, and wraps up with practical ways fans can support the band directly and stay connected going forward.

If you’re interested in how modern heavy metal albums are actually made, this episode delivers a thoughtful, in-depth conversation without giving anything away.

Signals From Mars – Episode 440

On Episode 440 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by Bones and Rhea of UK heavy metal band Tailgunner to talk about their new album Midnight Blitz and the road that led them there.

The conversation explores the band’s collaboration with legendary guitarist KK Downing, how that relationship came together naturally, and what it was like having such a hands-on presence involved in shaping the album. Bones and Rhea also discuss the evolution of Tailgunner since their debut Guns For Hire, balancing classic heavy metal influences with their own identity, and the challenges of building a lineup that truly shares the same vision.

The episode also touches on touring, recent shows with Hammerfall, upcoming festival appearances, and what fans can expect when they see Tailgunner live — without giving too much away. It’s a great look at a modern British metal band focused on longevity, growth, and staying true to heavy metal.