Is heavy metal losing its grip on culture, or is it evolving into something unrecognizable? Matt and Chris tackle the question head-on as they break down whether the genre has been fading since the passing of icons like Ozzy Osbourne. They draw from raw, recent live show experiences to measure the pulse of today’s heavy music scene. They challenge the idea that metal is dead and ask where its rebellious spirit has actually gone.The guys dig into the loss of mystique that once made heavy metal dangerous and unpredictable. They examine how social media has pulled back the curtain and exposed every backstage argument, contract dispute, and personal meltdown. They question whether constant online access has weakened the larger-than-life aura that once fueled the genre’s power. They also confront how political rhetoric from bands and artists has deepened division within fanbases and fractured once-united scenes.Matt and Chris take a hard look at the rise of paid meet and greets and premium fan packages. They ask whether monetized access has replaced authentic connection. They debate whether these practices build loyalty or quietly erode the foundation of what made heavy music feel real. #HeavyMetal #MetalMusic #RockAndRoll #OzzyOsbourne #MetalScene #LiveMusic #MusicDebate #RockFans #MetalHeads #MusicIndustry #ConcertLife #BackstagePass #MusicCulture #HardRock #MetalCommunity #MusicPodcast #BandLife #RockDiscussion #MusicFans #MetalRevival**NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

To listen to the audio version of Hart O'The Matter, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify:Matt and Chris dive headfirst into Hulu’s gripping 8-part series Into The Void and break down every powerful moment. They explore how the series captures the personal struggles, tragic turning points, and cultural shockwaves that shaped heavy metal history. They analyze whether the show delivers a balanced tribute or leans too heavily into the darkness that has haunted the genre. They debate whether Into The Void honors the spirit of metal or reduces it to chaos and controversy. They share what worked, what missed the mark, and what the series means for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Join the conversation and tell us whether you think Into The Void captured the soul of heavy metal or distorted it. Your voice matters in this debate. #intothevoid #heavymetal #metalhistory #RandyRhoads #dimebagdarrell #pantera #judaspriest #metalculture #rockdocumentary #musicdebate #metalfans #truecrimemusic #huluseries #musicreview #rocklegends #metalcommunity #headbangers #musicpodcast #rockhistory #metaldiscussion **NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!Watch More from Yesterday's America🟢 /  @hartothematter  _____________________________________________________⚠️ Copyright Disclaimers• We use images and content in accordance with the YouTube Fair Use copyright guidelines• Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.” • This video could contain certain copyrighted video clips, pictures, or photographs that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above.

Matt and Chris dive headfirst into Hulu’s gripping 8-part series Into The Void and break down every powerful moment. They explore how the series captures the personal struggles, tragic turning points, and cultural shockwaves that shaped heavy metal history. They analyze whether the show delivers a balanced tribute or leans too heavily into the darkness that has haunted the genre.They debate whether Into The Void honors the spirit of metal or reduces it to chaos and controversy. They share what worked, what missed the mark, and what the series means for longtime fans and newcomers alike.Join the conversation and tell us whether you think Into The Void captured the soul of heavy metal or distorted it. Your voice matters in this debate.#IntoTheVoid #HeavyMetal #MetalHistory #RandyRhoads #DimebagDarrell #Pantera #JudasPriest #MetalCulture #RockDocumentary #MusicDebate #MetalFans #TrueCrimeMusic #HuluSeries #MusicReview #RockLegends #MetalCommunity #Headbangers #MusicPodcast #RockHistory #MetalDiscussion**NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

Host Matt Hartnett sits down with author, journalist, and former Aftershocks TV co-host Chris Akin to unpack one of the most shocking developments in modern heavy music. They dive into the continued rise of 90s alt-metal and sludge cult legends Acid Bath, a band that has not released new music since the late 1990s yet continues to gain momentum. The conversation centers on the explosive announcement that Acid Bath will join stadium powerhouses Queens Of The Stone Age and System Of A Down on a massive European Stadium Tour in Summer 2026.How does an obscure underground band from Louisiana climb onto one of the biggest rock tours in the world decades after their last studio release? Why are younger fans discovering their catalog in record numbers while industry veterans struggle to explain the surge? Matt & Chris challenge long-held industry assumptions about relevance, promotion, and longevity in heavy music. They explore whether authenticity and cult status now outweigh traditional marketing strategies and radio exposure. This episode delivers bold theories, sharp analysis, and a deep look at a phenomenon that is baffling journalists and music business professionals everywhere.#AcidBath #QueensOfTheStoneAge #SystemOfADown #AltMetal #SludgeMetal #HeavyMetal #RockMusic #MetalCommunity #MusicIndustry #StadiumTour #90sMetal #MetalNews**Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

On this episode of Hart O' The Matter, host Matt Hartnett sits down with author Justin Johnson to dive deep into Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn, the definitive account of one of heavy music’s most uncompromising bands. This conversation traces the rise of the mostly instrumental trio from West Virginia and the raw early 90s Appalachian heavy rock and metal scene that helped propel them onto the global stage.Matt and Justin unpack the band’s Roadrunner Records debut in 1997 and why it became such a cult classic. They explore how Karma To Burn’s sound stood apart from their peers and why that debut record remains so influential decades later. The discussion paints a vivid picture of a band operating on instinct, volume, and riffs rather than convention.The episode also digs into Karma To Burn’s long and frustrating search for a vocalist who truly fit their sound. Justin details the near-miss with Kyuss legend John Garcia, how close it came to becoming permanent, and why legal issues with Kyuss’ label ultimately shut the door. It’s a fascinating look at how industry politics can derail creative momentum.Matt and Justin then get into the band’s contentious relationship with Roadrunner Records. They discuss the pressure to find a frontman, the label’s role in the band ultimately going fully instrumental, and how those struggles shaped Karma To Burn’s identity. This section sheds light on the realities of navigating a major independent label in the 90s metal world.The conversation continues through the band’s initial breakup after their third album and the unrealized fourth record that would have featured Pepper Keenan, Neil Fallon, and Burton C. Bell. Justin explains why that project never materialized and what it could have meant for the band’s trajectory.They also cover Karma To Burn’s 2009 comeback, the release of two more full-length albums, and the renewed creative fire that followed. The episode reflects on the band’s final chapter after the tragic death of guitarist and mainman Will Mecum and what his legacy means to heavy music.Finally, Matt and Justin discuss Rich Mullins and Nathan Limbaugh’s recent project with John Garcia and Bill Kelliher of Mastodon. They explore whether the reportedly completed songs might ever see the light of day and what fans can realistically hope for. Justin also shares what drove him to write Instrumental Forever and why Karma To Burn’s story still matters.#HartOTheMatter #KarmaToBurn #InstrumentalForever #HeavyRock #StonerRock #DesertRock #RoadrunnerRecords #MusicPodcast #MetalPodcast #RockHistory #90sMetal #AppalachianRock #JustinJacksonAuthor #MattHartnett #Kyuss #JohnGarcia #WillMecum #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #RockBook

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt sits down with guitarist/producer Jeff Henson from Austin metal-heavy rock veterans DUEL. Henson discusses the band's new full-length 'Breakfast With Death' and the band's increased emphasis on metallic-driven songwriting over the last two records. The guys also discuss Henson's work as a producer at his renowned Red Nova Ranch studio in Texas, how he balances being a professional musician and studio maven, why it makes more sense to tour Europe over the US in the current state of the music business and much more.

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist to talk about the band's sophomore release 'Palm Reader'. The guys discuss the band's musical direction on the album and how Garney expanded his vocal range compare to the HDQ's debut full-length 'Secrets Of The Black Moon'. Ryan discusses their 2024' summer tour plans as well as how the band wound up fearing GAUPA vocalist Emma Naslund on the track 'Death Perception'. Garney fills us in on how he curated Ripplefest 2024' band lineup and the challenges he faces annually when selecting band's for the festival and much more.

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Zach Amster from Denver melodic-heavy rockers ABRAMS. The guys talk about the bands new album "Blue City", the band's ever-evolving sound recording at the renowned God City Studios in Salem, MA, the musical relationship between Zach and his twin brother and NEBULA/MONDO GENERATOR drummer Mike Amster, the bands upcoming summer 2024 US tour dates including an appearance at Desertfest 2024 and more.

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS of the Underground Matt chats with bassist and frontwoman High Priestess Nighthawk to chat about the bands new album 'Garden Of Heathens'. They discuss the band's evolving musical style and approach, lyrical themes on the album, recording the album on a farm, favorite memory touring with Wino and The Obsessed, the band's upcoming headlining US Summer Tour with Valley of The Sun and more.

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Jon Cosky and bassist/vocalist Jude Sisk from Houston stoner-sludge trio STONE NOMADS. The guys discuss the recent remastering of the band's debut LP "...at the Gates of Solitude" and the contributions provided by TROUBLE/EXHORDER vocalist Kyle Thomas, Grammy award winning engineer Alan Douches and MONOLORD drummer Esben WIllems, their decades long musical relationship going back to their teenage years, challenges they face with touring in the modern day music business and much more.