Just in time for Halloween, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas returns to the show for the third time to discuss the writing and recording of their chaotic 2024 single, “A Work of Art.” The song is a true audio assault, which is appropriate considering its source of inspiration: the third installment of Damien Leone’s gory horror franchise Terrifier. Chris and Spencer once again explore the band’s signature fusion of brutal riffs, theatrical flair, and film homage, diving deep into the cinematic soundscapes, grisly lyrical imagery, and dynamic vocals that bring the song to life. Despite the breakneck changes and interludes, it’s a gigantic, undeniable chorus that brings this massive track together, and every aspect of its creation is explored in this week’s episode.

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This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 108, originally released on June 20th, 2022, featuring Matt Thiessen of Relient K. In this episode, Matt dives into the writing and recording of the band’s 2004 hit “Be My Escape,” a song that played a pivotal role in their crossover to the mainstream. With its unconventional arrangement and emotional pull, the track stood out in the crowded alternative scene, and Matt offers a thoughtful look at how it came to life and why it continues to resonate with fans.

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In this episode, Memphis May Fire guitarist Kellen McGregor discusses the creation of their 2022 single “Make Believe” from the album Remade in Misery. As the band's producer, Kellen explains how he helped shape the song's sound, blending heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and some studio magic. His insight from behind the board gives a unique look at this hard-hitting track, which provides some context into WHY this track has resonated so much with fans. 

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This Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 120, originally released on September 12th, 2022, featuring Travis Shettel of Piebald. Travis dives into the writing and recording of the band’s 2002 anthem “American Hearts,” a song that has become a unifying moment at every Piebald show thanks to its unforgettable chorus: “HEY! You’re part of it!” With a mix of humor, honesty, and heart, Travis shares the story behind one of the most endearing and enduring singalongs in early 2000s indie rock.

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Former MTV VJ and A&R rep Matt Pinfield signed Acceptance to Columbia Records after hearing a demo the band recorded with producer Aaron Sprinkle, paving the way for their 2005 debut album Phantoms. On this episode, vocalist Jason Vena sits in to discuss the writing and recording of its opening track “Take Cover,” sharing how the song took shape lyrically and musically while reflecting on the energy of that pivotal time in the band’s career. Nearly twenty years later, “Take Cover” continues to resonate with fans who connected with its honesty and urgency. Tune in to hear the story behind a song that has truly stood the test of time.

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This week’s Throwback Thursday heads back to Episode 157, originally released on May 29th, 2023, featuring Sean “Slug” Daley of Minneapolis hip hop duo Atmosphere. In this episode, Slug explores the creation of “The Best Day,” a standout track from the 2010 double EP To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy: The Atmosphere EPs. From its honest, uplifting lyrics to its infectious beat, the song remains a fan favorite—and Slug offers thoughtful insight into how it came together and why it continues to resonate with listeners years later.

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Goldfinger frontman and producer John Feldmann returns for his third appearance to talk about the making of blink-182’s 2016 single “Bored to Death.” Feldmann was brought in to produce the California album at a pivotal moment, as the band adjusted to life without Tom DeLonge and welcomed Matt Skiba. With “Bored to Death” serving as both the first single and the public’s introduction to Skiba, the pressure was high, but Feldmann helped deliver a track that quickly became a fan favorite. This episode takes a deep dive into how the song came together and why it still resonates today.

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This Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 71, originally released on October 4th, 2021, featuring the wildly inventive Bill Manspeaker of Green Jellÿ. Best known as the mastermind behind the band’s off-the-wall 1993 hit “Three Little Pigs,” Bill dives into the chaotic and hilarious origins of the song, from its absurd concept to its claymation music video that became a surprise MTV staple. With stories as outrageous as the track itself, this episode is a fascinating look into one of the most bizarre and unforgettable novelty hits of the ‘90s.

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This week, blessthefall vocalist Beau Bokan sits in to discuss the story behind the 2025 single “mallxcore.” The song is an in-your-face return to form for the band after a lengthy hiatus, which they used to reignite their passion for writing, recording, and performing. With a knowing wink toward the metal elite, blessthefall proudly named the song what some may have hurled as an insult in the past. With the new album Gallows in hand, a rejuvenated love for performing, and a humble appreciation for the fans that have stood by them, Beau’s authenticity and humor shine in this episode. 

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This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 165, originally released on July 24th, 2023, featuring Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line. In this deep dive, Kenny unpacks the writing and recording of “Island,” the band’s highest-charting single from their 2007 album Direction. With producer Howard Benson helping to shape its sound, the song marked a distinct evolution for the group. Kenny shares a never-before-heard demo along with fascinating insight into a track that still resonates just as strongly today as it did upon release.

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