Heavy Metal News & Interviews: The Loaded Radio Podcast

The Loaded Radio Podcast is back with another compelling episode, offering listeners an exclusive dive into the world of heavy music. This week, we bring you conversations with two pivotal figures in the scene: Ryan Kirby, the commanding vocalist of Fit For A King, and the ever-insightful Greg Kennelty from MetalInjection.net.

Fit For A King's Lonely God: A Deep Dive with Ryan Kirby

Fit For A King has been steadily building their reputation as a powerhouse in the metalcore realm, known for their relentless energy and profound lyrical themes. Their journey continues with the release of their eighth studio album, Lonely God, slated to drop on August 1st, a highly anticipated record that promises to push their sound even further.

Host Scott Penfold sits down with Ryan Kirby to unpack the creative process behind Lonely God. Kirby provides an intimate look into the album's composition, its thematic core, and the collaborations that elevate its impact. The album is set to feature notable guest appearances, including Landon Tewers of The Plot In You, known for his versatile vocal deliveries, and the iconic metalcore giants Motionless In White, adding another layer of intensity to the record. Fans can expect Lonely God to deliver a powerful blend of aggression and melody, a signature of Fit For A King's evolving sound.

Greg Kennelty's Metal Injection: Unpacking the Current Scene

Following the discussion with Ryan Kirby, the podcast welcomes back Greg Kennelty of MetalInjection.net. As a recurring bi-weekly guest, Greg brings his extensive knowledge and sharp analysis to the forefront, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings, trends, and releases dominating the heavy music world.

Kennelty's segment provides a crucial perspective on the industry, touching upon emerging artists, significant news, and critical takes on recent musical offerings. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to stay truly connected to the pulse of metal and hard rock, making his contributions a vital part of The Loaded Radio Podcast experience.

Tune In Now: Your Essential Heavy Music Fix

This episode is packed with essential listening for any heavy music enthusiast. From the detailed discussion on Fit For A King's forthcoming album to Greg Kennelty's expert commentary, it's a comprehensive look at what's shaping the scene right now.

The Loaded Radio Podcast remains your go-to source for in-depth interviews, breaking news, and unfiltered conversations with the artists and industry insiders who define heavy music. Don't miss out on this compelling episode.

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Hear the Icon's Final Beats & Tributes: A Look at Joey Jordison's New Album Release and LP In Honor of Him

The Joey Jordison Tribute episode: The unparalleled legacy of Joey Jordison continues to thrive with upcoming music. Sinsaenum offers a second taste of their new album, In Devastation, with the single "Last Goodbye," serving as their first material since Joey's passing and a direct tribute. Meanwhile, Vimic's long-awaited album, Open Your Omen, featuring Joey Jordison's final recordings, is set for release via a fan-funded Kickstarter campaign launched on what would have been Joey's 50th birthday. Dive into the music and hear exclusive insights from band members on The Loaded Radio Podcast.

The world lost a true legend in 2021 with the passing of drummer Joey Jordison. His impact, from redefining heavy music with Slipknot to his groundbreaking work with Murderdolls, remains immeasurable. Yet, his creative spirit, passion, and musical genius continue to resonate powerfully. In a poignant testament to his enduring influence, fans are now being treated to a wave of Joey Jordison new album releases, ensuring his rhythm echoes on.

These upcoming projects aren't just new music; they are direct continuations of Joey's vision and heartfelt tributes from those who knew him best. From fierce new singles to an entire album featuring his final recordings, his legacy is being honored in profound ways.

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This week, the Loaded Radio Podcast brings you an unparalleled Jesse Leach Josh Todd podcast interview, featuring candid conversations with two powerhouse vocalists. Jesse Leach discusses Killswitch Engage's latest album, This Consequence, delving into its themes of unity and righteous anger. Josh Todd of Buckcherry pulls back the curtain on their imminent eleventh album, Roar Like Thunder, and their enduring partnership with producer Marti Frederiksen. Get ready for a deep dive into new music, creative processes, and the enduring spirit of rock and metal.

In the dynamic world of heavy music, few voices resonate as powerfully and authentically as those of Jesse Leach and Josh Todd. As the respective frontmen for Killswitch Engage and Buckcherry, they've carved out indelible legacies, consistently delivering music that inspires, provokes, and electrifies. This week, the Loaded Radio Podcast sits down with both of these titans for an exclusive Jesse Leach Josh Todd podcast interview, offering listeners an intimate look into their latest creative endeavors and the forces that drive them. From the profound lyrical depths of Killswitch Engage's new record to the hard-rocking anthems of Buckcherry's upcoming release, this is an episode no fan can afford to miss.

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This week on the Loaded Radio Podcast, prepare your ears for a double dose of metal mastery and monstrous mayhem! We're thrilled to host two titans of the scene: Adam Biggs, the visionary bassist and lyricist from the critically acclaimed progressive death metal band Rivers Of Nihil, and Grodius Maximus, the outrageous guitarist from the one and only extraterrestrial overlords, GWAR. This isn't just any podcast episode; it's a deep dive into the creative forces behind some of the most compelling heavy music being released today, setting a new standard for the Loaded Radio Podcast.

We delve into the intricate artistry and recent triumphs of Rivers Of Nihil, whose latest album is setting the metal world ablaze. Then, brace yourself as we explore the four-decade legacy of GWAR, their new multimedia onslaught, and the hilariously horrifying details behind their latest single. This episode is packed with exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and the kind of unfiltered discussion you only get on the Loaded Radio Podcast.

Rivers Of Nihil: A Crushing Debut and Chart Domination

The metal community is still reeling from the sheer power and intricate beauty of Rivers Of Nihil's fifth studio album, ***Rivers of Nihil***, which made a thunderous debut following its May 30th release via Metal Blade Records. This isn't just another album; it's a statement, a testament to the band's relentless evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of progressive death metal.

Chart-Topping Performance

The numbers speak for themselves. In its first week, Rivers of Nihil pulled in over 2.8 million Spotify streams globally, a staggering achievement that underscores their burgeoning influence. But it's not just digital dominance; the album made significant waves across the charts, proving its widespread impact.

In the USA, it commanded impressive positions:

• #2 Current Hard Music Albums
• #7 Current Rock Albums
• #7 Independent Label Albums
• #9 Current Digital Albums
• #23 Current Album Sales

Across the border in Canada, Rivers Of Nihil continued their chart assault:

• #1 Hard Music Albums
• #7 Current Digital Albums
• #8 Top Current Albums
• #23 LP Vinyl Sales

Critical Acclaim and Fan Frenzy

These chart positions aren't just statistics; they're a reflection of the album's profound resonance with both critics and fans. Rivers Of Nihil has once again crafted a masterpiece that blends technical precision with atmospheric depth, delivering a sonic experience that is both brutal and beautiful. Adam Biggs shares the journey behind this monumental release, discussing the creative process, the challenges, and the immense satisfaction of seeing their art connect so deeply with a global audience.

GWAR: Celebrating 40 Years of Intergalactic Mayhem

From the nuanced brutality of progressive death metal, we pivot to the glorious, grotesque, and utterly inimitable world of GWAR! These rock legends continue their 40th-anniversary celebration with the release of their new single, "The Great Circus Train Disaster," the second track unveiled from their upcoming multimedia release, ***The Return of Gor Gor***, out July 25th via Pit Records and Z2 Comics.

The Legacy Continues

For four decades, GWAR has been terrorizing stages, captivating audiences, and challenging societal norms with their unique blend of shock rock, satire, and theatrical spectacle. Their longevity is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their bizarre vision and their ability to consistently deliver unforgettable performances and undeniably catchy, heavy tracks. Grodius Maximus delves into the enduring legacy of GWAR, their creative process that seems to defy all earthly logic, and what it takes to maintain intergalactic supremacy for forty years.

A Glimpse into The Return of Gor Gor

The new single, "The Great Circus Train Disaster," arrives with an animated adventure that perfectly captures the mayhem and madness only GWAR can deliver. Imagine a catastrophic circus train derailment involving flaming elephants, twisted clowns, and one extremely unlucky cotton candy vendor—it's all there, brought to life with GWAR's signature over-the-top style. Grodius Maximus gives us the unfiltered, hilariously disturbing details on how this track came to be, offering a glimpse into the chaotic genius that fuels their forthcoming multimedia epic, ***The Return of Gor Gor***. This is an essential listen for any fan of the Loaded Radio Podcast looking for something truly unique.

Don't miss this incredible episode of the Loaded Radio Podcast! Whether you're a devotee of technical metal, a long-time Bleharian, or just someone looking for an entertaining and insightful conversation with metal's most intriguing personalities, this episode has something for everyone.

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Plus, Byzantine frontman Chris "OJ" Ojeda joins The Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss the band's monstrous new record, Harbingers.

This week's can't-miss podcast features our full The Haunted new album interview with frontman Marco Aro, who dives deep into the band's 8-year journey to create Songs Of Last Resort. We are also joined by Chris "OJ" Ojeda, who gives us the exclusive story behind Byzantine's powerful new album, Harbingers.

Finding The Haunted New Album Interview? You're in the Right Place.

Looking for an in-depth The Haunted new album interview? You've found it. This week on The Loaded Radio Podcast, we have the immense pleasure of sitting down with vocalist Marco Aro to get the full story behind their monumental comeback album, Songs Of Last Resort.

After an eight-year wait that left fans hungry for their signature Gothenburg thrash, The Haunted have returned with a vengeance. We talk with Marco about the creative process, the fan reaction that feels like "coming home," and what it's like to be back on the warpath. This is the conversation fans have been waiting for.

Plus: An Exclusive Chat with Byzantine's Chris "OJ" Ojeda

As if that weren't enough, we also have a massive interview with one of American metal's most consistent and innovative bandleaders. Chris "OJ" Ojeda of Byzantine joins us to break down their incredible seventh album, Harbingers, which arrives this week via Metal Blade Records.

From their new five-piece lineup to the intense recording sessions with producer Peter Wichers (Soilwork), OJ gives us an unfiltered look into the creation of a modern metal masterpiece.

Ready to listen? You can hear our full The Haunted new album interview with Marco Aro and our in-depth discussion with Chris "OJ" Ojeda on The Loaded Radio Podcast.

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Don't miss the latest heavy metal interviews on The Loaded Radio Podcast! This episode features Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil discussing their new acoustic EP, "Unleaded," and the band's evolution, plus Steve Cobucci of Wolves At The Gate on their powerful new album, "Wasteland" (released May 30, 2025), faith, and the "Christian Metalcore" tag.

Looking for the inside scoop on new releases and in-depth conversations with the artists shaping the metal scene? The Loaded Radio Podcast is your destination for the latest heavy metal interviews, and this week we're bringing you exclusive discussions with two prominent figures: Leigh Kakaty, frontman of the hard-hitting band Pop Evil, and Steve Cobucci, the voice and guitar behind the compelling metalcore of Wolves At The Gate. Both bands have just unleashed new music, and our podcast gives you a front-row seat to hear all about it directly from the artists themselves – no music tracks, just pure conversation.

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Must-Hear Wage War STIGMA Interview with Cody Quistad on The Loaded Radio Podcast, Plus Underground Art Insights

This week's Loaded Radio Podcast features an in-depth Wage War STIGMA interview with guitarist/vocalist Cody Quistad, who breaks down the band's 2024 album, songwriting, and sonic direction. The episode also showcases metal-inspired visual artist Cindy Jakoplic in our "Voices From The Underground" segment, discussing her powerful artwork.

This latest episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast delivers a crucial Wage War STIGMA interview featuring none other than Wage War's guitarist and clean vocalist, Cody Quistad. He dives deep into the band's monumental 2024 album for Fearless Records, STIGMA, offering fans unparalleled insight. Complementing this, our "Voices From The Underground" segment welcomes the compelling visual artist Cindy Jakoplic, who shares the raw emotion behind her metal-inspired creations.

Inside the Breakdown: Cody Quistad's Wage War STIGMA Interview

For fans eager to understand the layers behind Wage War's latest offering, this Wage War STIGMA interview with Cody Quistad is essential listening. The Florida metalcore giants have consistently delivered a potent blend of thunderous breakdowns and melodic sensibilities, and STIGMA sees them pushing their creative boundaries further than ever.

The Heart of STIGMA: Vulnerability and Raw Honesty

"This record is about what we carry. It's not just aggression—it's vulnerability, it's identity, it's the things we try to hide," Cody Quistad explained during his Wage War STIGMA interview on The Loaded Radio Podcast. This sentiment underscores the album's lyrical depth, explored in tracks like the aggressive "NAIL5" and the anthemic "Magnetic." Quistad emphasized that STIGMA is one of Wage War's most personal and sonically heaviest records to date, a theme consistently highlighted by listeners of this Wage War STIGMA interview.

Sonic Evolution and Staying True

A significant portion of the Wage War STIGMA interview focuses on the band's deliberate approach to evolving their sound without alienating their dedicated fanbase. "We don't want to write the same album over and over. But we also don't want to lose what made this band what it is," Cody shared. Key discussion points include:

• Songwriting Mechanics: Insights into Wage War's creative process for STIGMA.
• Vocal Layering & Production: The techniques used to create the album's massive sound.
• Creative Risks: How Wage War embraced new elements in STIGMA.
• Touring & Connection: Maintaining their powerful live presence and fan engagement.

This Wage War STIGMA interview confirms Cody Quistad's pivotal role in shaping the band's new era of melodic power and precision, marking STIGMA as a potential career-defining album.

Cindy Jakoplic: The Visual Voice of Metal's Underground

Also featured in this episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast is "Voices From The Underground," where we spotlight individuals making a significant impact in heavy music culture. This week, we feature heavy metal themed visual artist Cindy Jakoplic.

Art Forged in Metal

Cindy Jakoplic is a visual storyteller whose paintings powerfully capture the raw emotion, and sometimes the beautiful violence and vulnerability, often explored in extreme music. Her work has garnered praise for its dark, textural qualities and its honest depiction of themes like grief, power, and catharsis. In her interview, Cindy discusses:

• Drawing from personal experiences to fuel her art.
• How different facets of metal culture inspire her creative flow.
• The importance of the underground scene for artists like her to thrive authentically.

Her perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between heavy music and visual art.

Experience the Full Episode: From Stage to Canvas

This installment of The Loaded Radio Podcast offers a rich experience, from the direct insights of a Wage War STIGMA interview to the profound artistic expressions of the underground. If you crave smart conversation, creative depth, and a full-throttle passion for metal in all its forms, this episode is essential.

Stream the full episode below! Subscribe to The Loaded Radio Podcast on all major platforms. Listen anytime via the Loaded Radio app (iOS and Android) at LoadedRadio.com.

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On this week's Loaded Radio Podcast, Carla Harvey (formerly of Butcher Babies) joins Scott for the first time to talk about her brand-new band The Violent Hour, her role as the new frontwoman of Lords Of Acid, and her evolution as an artist. In the second half of the episode, Metal Injection journalist and content creator Greg Kennelty appears on Voices From The Underground, diving into the state of music journalism, independent media, and his growing YouTube presence.

Carla Harvey launches The Violent Hour and joins Lords Of Acid

It's a busy and exciting new chapter for Carla Harvey. After years of crushing it onstage with Butcher Babies, Carla is stepping into the spotlight with two brand new ventures — her searing new project The Violent Hour and her surprising new role as the frontwoman for the long-running electro-industrial act Lords Of Acid.

In her first-ever conversation with Scott on The Loaded Radio Podcast, Carla opens up about the creative direction of The Violent Hour, the freedom she feels with this new musical outlet, and how stepping into the world of Lords Of Acid has allowed her to channel a completely different side of her performance style. She also touches on what it's like to move from groove-laced metalcore to full-blown industrial chaos, the importance of authenticity in her work, and how her creative fire continues to evolve.

Whether you've been a fan since her Butcher Babies days or you're just discovering her now through The Violent Hour, this interview gives a unique and personal look at one of heavy music's most dynamic voices.

Greg Kennelty joins Voices From The Underground

The second half of the episode features a new installment of Voices From The Underground, a segment that highlights creators and contributors in the metal scene who are shaping the industry behind the scenes.

This week's guest is Greg Kennelty, longtime journalist at Metal Injection and one of the most respected names in underground metal media. Greg discusses his work covering everything from breaking band news to opinion pieces and reviews, how the landscape of metal journalism is shifting, and how he's building out his own platform via YouTube.

From writing for one of the biggest names in metal press to crafting independent content that speaks directly to fans, Greg gives an insightful look at what it means to cover this genre in 2025 — and where things are headed next.

Discover more on LoadedRadio.com

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of modern metal — both onstage and behind the scenes. Whether you're into the crushing aggression of The Violent Hour, the twisted theatrics of Lords Of Acid, or the sharp-eyed analysis from voices like Greg Kennelty, this one has something for you.

Hit play on the podcast player below and make sure to check out all the latest news, interviews, and the 24/7 hard rock and metal stream over at LoadedRadio.com. And don't forget — the Loaded Radio app is free on iOS and Android, giving you full access to everything in one place.

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The Grammy-winning drummer joins the Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss new music, past tensions, and what really happened with Megadeth and Lamb Of God

TL;DR

The Chris Adler Loaded Radio Podcast interview: The drummer talks about his latest band Firstborne, living with musician's dystonia, and—for the first time in full—what led to his firing from Lamb Of God. In this in-depth conversation, Adler opens up about working with Dave Mustaine on Megadeth's Dystopia, the emotional toll of being let go from a band he helped build, and the creative fire that still fuels his work today. The podcast follows the viral teaser video that garnered over 200,000 views in just days. You can check that out at the bottom of this article.

Firstborne and the return of creative freedom

In the early moments of the podcast, Chris Adler talks passionately about his current band, Firstborne, a high-powered metal outfit that includes bassist James LoMenzo (ex-Megadeth, White Lion) and vocalist Girish Pradhan (Girish and The Chronicles). For Adler, Firstborne represents not just a new project, but a reclaiming of musical identity.

He describes the band as a space where he can create without compromise—an important contrast to his time in more rigid, expectation-heavy settings like Lamb Of God and Megadeth. With new music in the works and a growing fanbase, Firstborne is where Adler says he feels most musically free.

The Chris Adler Loaded Radio Podcast Interview: "It was devastating to me."

One of the most talked-about moments in metal this week came from a teaser clip—now gone viral—in which Chris Adler confirmed he was fired from Lamb Of God. In the full podcast episode, he goes much deeper, explaining that he was silently suffering from musician's dystonia, a neurological condition that severely affected his right leg, making drumming a physical and emotional struggle.

Adler makes it clear that the departure was not mutual or voluntary. At the time, the band didn't fully understand what he was dealing with—nor did he. It was only after his exit that he received a diagnosis.

Working with Megadeth: "It was lovely."

Adler's time in Megadeth was short but historic. He recorded drums for the band's Grammy-winning album Dystopia and performed live with them during a particularly high-profile period. In the episode, Adler reflects on working with Dave Mustaine, saying, "He's the most generous, nicest, kindest guy." Despite Mustaine's often polarizing reputation, Adler describes the experience as "a dream come true."

At the same time, he acknowledges that working with Megadeth and Protest The Hero during that same period contributed to growing tension within Lamb Of God, which was already strained by his physical health issues.

The emotional aftermath and what's next

Adler also discusses the emotional impact of being removed from the band he co-founded, the complicated relationships that followed, and his journey to acceptance. He makes it clear that despite everything, he holds no ill will, and continues to find peace and purpose through projects like Firstborne and his latest band Shallow Rising.

The conversation is open, honest, and at times heavy—making it one of the most significant interviews of Adler's career to date.

Inside the Underground: Joe Davis Joins the Show

The second half of this week's Loaded Radio Podcast marks the debut of a brand-new segment we're calling Inside the Underground — a recurring feature where we highlight the voices of people who live and breathe heavy music from the inside. These are the producers, players, artists, writers, and behind-the-scenes champions of metal culture who often go unheard — but deserve to be known.

This week, Joe Davis of The Joe Davis Band joins Scott to talk about who he is, what he does, and why his journey in music matters. A gifted guitarist, songwriter, and independent artist, Joe Davis brings authenticity and grit to everything he touches — and in this conversation, he shares the struggles, wins, and motivations that fuel his place in the metal and hard rock community.

It's a grounded, human contrast to the headline stories, and a fresh addition to what the Loaded Radio Podcast delivers weekly.

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Justine Jones Employed To Serve Interview: Justine sits down with Scott Penfold on the latest Loaded Radio Podcast to dive deep into the band's latest album Fallen Star, collaborating with Will Ramos of Lorna Shore, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian melodic death metal, and how she balances fronting a crushing metalcore band while running Church Road Records.

Justine Jones opens up about the emotional and creative journey behind Fallen Star

With their highly anticipated fifth studio album Fallen Star arriving back on April 25, 2025, Employed To Serve are ushering in a new era of modern metalcore—one that fuses melody, rage, and raw vulnerability in equal measure. Frontwoman Justine Jones joins Scott Penfold on this week's Loaded Radio Podcast to pull back the curtain on the emotional core of the new record and what fans can expect from this bold new chapter.

In the conversation, Justine breaks down the band's stylistic evolution, citing influences like In Flames and Soilwork as guiding lights behind the album's more melodic and expansive sound. "We wanted to create something that felt bigger, more cinematic," she says. "There's still heaviness—but it's in service of the emotion, not just brutality for brutality's sake."

'Atonement' with Will Ramos brings fury and fun to the spotlight

The podcast also digs into the band's lead single "Atonement", which features none other than Will Ramos of Lorna Shore on guest vocals. The track rips with intensity, and its Office-inspired music video has been making waves for its tongue-in-cheek take on workplace chaos. According to Justine, the idea for the video came from wanting to show a different side of the band.

Recording one song at a time, and what it taught Justine about herself

In a new approach for Fallen Star, Justine recorded her vocals one track at a time instead of tackling them all at once. The result? A more focused and emotionally connected performance across the board. "It helped me put everything I had into each individual song," she explains. "That kind of care really brought the record to life."

Running Church Road Records while fronting one of the UK's heaviest bands

Aside from her vocal duties, Justine also co-runs the fiercely independent Church Road Records with guitarist Sammy Urwin. The label has become a hub for some of the most exciting rising acts in heavy music. On the podcast, she talks about how that role complements her work in Employed To Serve and why keeping things DIY still matters in today's oversaturated industry.

Touring, the future of the band, and staying grounded through chaos

With a new UK headline tour on the horizon and buzz building around Fallen Star, Employed To Serve seem poised to take their place among the elite modern metal acts pushing the genre forward. But Justine remains refreshingly grounded: "We're always just trying to make the best music we can—if it connects with people, that's the real reward."

Bio

Employed To Serve is a British metalcore band formed in 2011 in Woking, England, by vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist Sammy Urwin. Initially emerging from the underground scene with a raw, grindcore-influenced sound, the band has evolved to incorporate elements of hardcore punk, mathcore, and death metal.

Their discography includes five studio albums: Greyer Than You Remember (2015), The Warmth of a Dying Sun (2017), Eternal Forward Motion (2019), Conquering (2021), and Fallen Star (2025). Known for their intense live performances and thought-provoking lyrics, Employed To Serve has been praised for crushing the modern metalcore scene while maintaining a DIY ethos.

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