Feckin’ Metal Podcast

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Tom Hewson - bass player, main songwriter, and founding member of UK traditional metallers, Tailgunner. You'll likely have heard their name mentioned recently, whether that's due to being touted as the next coming of Def Leppard by KK Downing, or for their upcoming gigs touring the UK, or being on the bill for Keep It True Rising III in October. But how did we come to this? How did this band appear to achieve great success, seemingly overnight? Tom gives the full back story of the group, and reveals what has been happening behind closed doors to get them to where they are today.

The cultiest of cult bands? The greatest band you've never heard?? On this episode, I return to Ferg's Quest, to explore the discography of mysterious Swedes, Gotham City. But I couldn't do it alone! I had to enlist the help of metal aficionado and Gotham City nut, Chris Coxon, to help me on my way. We delve deep into the discography of the band and discuss the mystique surrounding them, analysing singers, songs, and solos. Plenty of clips in this one for those unfamiliar with the band. Don't hear small sound!

On this episode, the first of a new series, I chat with fellow podcaster and good friend George Silano, to delve into the movement known as the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. We discuss when we first heard the term and early bands we listened to that fall under the banner. We also list some NWOTHM favourites and discuss the future of the movement. 

On Episode 80, I speak to Luke Appleton about his recently-released solo EP "Forever Viking." We discuss the tragic situation which inspired the release, take an in-depth look at each of the four tracks, and delve into the songwriting process behind them. We also discuss Absolva, a band which features Luke's brother Chris, his time spent working with Blaze Bayley, and his time spent in Iced Earth. Luke has many stories to tell about working with his family, and writing songs with Blaze Bayley and Jon Schaffer. Luke is also open and honest regarding his exit from Iced Earth and the situation that led to it. All of this makes for a fascinating and informative chat.

In collaboration with The Mick Wall podcast, this episode features Mick and I having a discussion about Iron Maiden, focusing on the period between 1989 and 1999. Our chat covers off the parting of Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson in the early 1990s, until their eventual return in 1999. We examine the reasons why both felt they needed to leave Iron Maiden, and why both eventually returned. With the Future Past tour just around the corner, there seemed like no better time for another Maiden chinwag with Mick!

It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.

Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap between Night Demon studio albums, the creative process for the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast, and the market for traditional metal in Ireland. As always, Jarvis has plenty of interesting things to say!

It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc.

We also discuss gallivanting, camaraderie, pub prices, and the Keep it True Festival!

This is one not to be missed by heavy metal fans of any disposition! 

It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.

On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one.