Heavy Metal News & Interviews: The Loaded Radio Podcast

The latest edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast is here, and this week's episode is packed with heavy-hitting talent! Host Scott Penfold sits down with two incredible guests from the world of groove metal and legendary music production: Steev Esquivel of Skinlab and renowned producer Ulrich Wild.

First up, Scott chats with Steev Esquivel, vocalist and bassist for groove metal veterans Skinlab. The band recently dropped their first new track in nearly four years, the crushingly heavy "Flesh Wounds", which arrived in November. The song showcases Skinlab's signature raw intensity and marks an exciting new chapter for the band. The track was produced and mixed by none other than Ulrich Wild and is part of their new collaboration with his label, WURMgroup. During the interview, Steev dives into the creation of the track, what it's like working with Ulrich, and what fans can expect next from the band.

In the second half of the show, Scott is joined by Grammy-nominated producer and WURMgroup founder Ulrich Wild. With a production discography that includes iconic albums from Static-X, Deftones, and Pantera, Ulrich has cemented himself as one of the most influential names in the hard rock and metal scene. He'll be sharing insights into his production process, the story behind his partnership with Skinlab, and his vision for the WURMgroup label, which is redefining the landscape for heavy music artists.

As always, The Loaded Radio Podcast delivers the latest and greatest from the world of hard rock and metal. Be sure to check out the new episode now on LoadedRadio.com, where you can also find breaking news, exclusive content, and the 24/7 live internet radio station featuring live personalities and killer tracks from across the hard rock and metal spectrum. You can even catch up on past podcast episodes while you're there.

And don't forget to download the Loaded Radio app for free! It's your ultimate hub for everything hard rock and metal, giving you instant access to news, music, and interviews, all in one place.

So tune in to this week's episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast and hear from two of the most exciting names in heavy music today! Listen now and turn it up loud.

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The Loaded Radio Podcast: An Exclusive Interview with Bruce Kulick and AXN Guitars Founder Johnny DiFatta

In this week's jam-packed episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, host Scott Penfold sits down with legendary guitarist Bruce Kulick, best known for his incredible tenure with KISS during the band's non-makeup era. From his first appearance on the iconic Animalize album to his unforgettable contributions to records like Asylum and Revenge, Bruce's time in KISS cemented him as one of the most technically skilled and versatile guitarists in the band's history. However, there's a lot more to Bruce's story than just his days in KISS, and he shares it all with Scott in this exclusive interview.

Bruce opens up about his exciting new partnership with AXN Guitars and how it has allowed him to create a signature guitar line that perfectly captures his style and sound. He dives into the details of this collaboration, discussing the creative process behind designing a guitar that meets his high standards while appealing to fans and players alike. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Bruce also shares his thoughts on why he was never asked to rejoin KISS after his departure and the surprising reasons behind his absence from the band's monumental final show in New York. For KISS fans, Bruce's candid reflections and behind-the-scenes stories are sure to be both eye-opening and emotional.

Adding even more depth to the episode, Scott is also joined by Johnny DiFatta, founder of AXN Guitars and a passionate innovator in the world of custom guitar design. Johnny talks about his journey into guitar building, what inspired him to start AXN, and his expansive collection of unique and rare guitars. He shares the story of how his partnership with Bruce Kulick came to fruition and offers fascinating insights into what it's like to collaborate with such a revered musician. Whether you're a guitarist, a collector, or just a fan of the craft, Johnny's expertise and enthusiasm are sure to captivate.

Hosted by veteran radio personality Scott Penfold, The Loaded Radio Podcast delivers its signature blend of deep dives, candid conversations, and exclusive interviews. With decades of experience in broadcasting and a passion for hard rock and metal, Scott creates an engaging atmosphere that makes each episode a must-listen for fans.

Tune in to this week's episode for an unfiltered look at Bruce Kulick's illustrious career, his thoughts on the ever-evolving KISS legacy, and the exciting innovations coming from AXN Guitars. Stream the episode now on your favorite podcast platform or visit LoadedRadio.com for more details.

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In an exciting new episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, host Scott Penfold sits down with Martijn Westerholt, the creative force and keyboardist behind the Dutch symphonic metal powerhouse, Delain. This episode is a must-listen for Delain fans and symphonic metal enthusiasts, offering exclusive insights into the band's revival after a period of significant change, lineup shifts, and the release of new music. Martijn opens up about Delain's evolution, the return of classic members, and the creative process that drives their powerful, emotionally rich sound.

Delain was founded in 2002 by Martijn Westerholt, who was previously the keyboardist for Within Temptation. Since then, Delain has carved out its own space in the metal world, known for combining symphonic elements with hard-hitting metal riffs and introspective lyrics. The band's unique sound and captivating live performances have won them a devoted following, with standout albums like "Lucidity" and "April Rain" becoming staples in the symphonic metal genre. However, Delain faced a major shake-up in 2021, with the departure of all members except for Martijn, leaving fans wondering what would come next for the band.

Martijn discusses with Scott the challenges and opportunities that came with rebuilding Delain. Losing longtime members, including fan-favorite vocalist Charlotte Wessels, marked a pivotal moment in the band's journey. But instead of calling it quits, Martijn saw this as an opportunity for a fresh start. The result? A mix of classic Delain members returning to the fold, combined with a brand-new vocalist whose voice adds fresh energy and depth to the band's sound.

With Martijn's vision guiding them, Delain has emerged from this period of change stronger than ever. He dives into what it was like to rebuild the band from the ground up, navigating the pressures of maintaining Delain's signature sound while exploring new creative territories.

Delain fans are in for a treat as Martijn and Scott discuss the new music that's already making waves in the metal community. Martijn shares details on the band's songwriting process and how collaboration plays a role in shaping their sound. From thematic choices to the layering of symphonic elements with heavy guitar riffs, Martijn offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Delain's music comes to life.

This episode promises to answer burning questions about Delain's future, including what's in store for the band's live performances and how they plan to push creative boundaries in their upcoming work.

To dive into the full interview with Martijn Westerholt and discover more about Delain's remarkable journey and creative renaissance, tune in to The Loaded Radio Podcast below. It's an episode that captures the heart of Delain and the passion driving their comeback!

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In the latest edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast, host Scott Penfold sits down with Juha Raivio, guitarist of the Finnish doom metal band Swallow The Sun, to discuss the band's new album, "Shining". Known for their melancholic yet powerful soundscapes, Swallow The Sun continues to push emotional and musical boundaries, and Raivio reveals how this new release reflects both a continuation and a departure from their previous work.

In the interview, Juha delves into the contrast between "Shining" and their 2021 album "Moonflowers", explaining how he has emerged from a dark emotional space and channeled a renewed energy into the band's latest effort. Fans will be intrigued by his candid take on moving forward creatively, as well as his thoughts on the current state of the black metal scene, especially his pointed criticism of "black metal posers," which is sure to stir up some conversation in the metal community.

The second half of the podcast takes a nostalgic and heartfelt turn, as Scott Penfold pays tribute to the late Paul Di'Anno, the original frontman of Iron Maiden, who just recently passed away. This segment features a replay of an interview Scott conducted with Di'Anno last year, making for a fitting homage to a heavy metal legend. In the interview, Di'Anno reflects on his tumultuous yet groundbreaking time with Iron Maiden, sharing stories from the early days of the band and offering his opinions on modern bands covering his material. He also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding Iron Maiden's repeated snubbing by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, providing his own unapologetic perspective.

This episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast offers a compelling blend of the past and present, giving listeners both a behind-the-scenes look at one of today's most dynamic doom-metal bands and a chance to remember the legacy of one of heavy metal's original icons. Don't miss out—join Scott Penfold for another memorable edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast.

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Hey metalheads and hard rock lovers, get ready for an electrifying episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, hosted by Scott Penfold. This week, we've got two powerhouse interviews lined up that you won't want to miss.

First, Devin Townsend joins us to discuss his latest album, "Powernerd." Devin takes us through the intense process of recording the album in just 11 days, shares insights on collaborating with the legendary Steve Vai again, and opens up about the possibility of reuniting with Strapping Young Lad. It's a deep dive into the mind of one of metal's most innovative artists.

In the second half of the show, Scott speaks with former Delain vocalist Charlotte Wessels.

Charlotte has just released her third solo album, "The Obsession," and in this conversation, she talks about the personal experiences that shaped the album, her departure from Delain, and the influences that have driven her solo work. It's a revealing look into the journey of a remarkable artist.

Tune in for an episode filled with exclusive insights and candid conversations, all delivered with the signature style of The Loaded Radio Podcast. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, this episode promises to deliver the best best in hard rock and heavy metal interviews.

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The latest episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, hosted by Scott Penfold, delivers an exciting conversation with The Black Dahlia Murder guitarist Ryan Knight. In this episode, Knight opens up about the band's new album, "Servitude", which has been widely anticipated by the metal community. Having recently rejoined the band after departing in 2016, Knight shares his journey back into The Black Dahlia Murder and reflects on the challenges the group has faced since the tragic death of their lead vocalist, Trevor Strnad, in 2022. Knight speaks candidly about how the band made the difficult decision to continue without Strnad, choosing to carry forward the legacy of one of the most beloved bands in the melodic death metal genre.

Scott Penfold, known for his in-depth and engaging interviews with the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal, digs deep with Knight, exploring not only the creative process behind "Servitude" but also the emotional weight the band has carried throughout the writing and recording of the album. Fans of The Black Dahlia Murder will find Knight's insights both poignant and inspiring as the band steps into a new chapter.

The episode also features the "Fresh Meat" segment, a spotlight on rising stars in the metal world. This week, Scott introduces listeners to Waking The Sleeper, a heavy metal act hailing from Wichita, Kansas. Scott is joined by lead singer Raven La Rouge and co-vocalist/keyboardist Miss Elizabeth, who discuss the band's upcoming album and the unique blend of styles that brought them together. From their songwriting process to their evolution as a band, Waking The Sleeper offers a fresh perspective on the future of metal.

Catch this must-hear episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast to hear from one of metal's most established guitarists and discover one of the genre's promising new acts. Available now on all major streaming platforms!

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Scott Penfold delivers another explosive episode of the The Loaded Radio Podcast, featuring exclusive interviews with heavy metal titans and a comprehensive roundup of the week's most significant news.

Mike Spreitzer, the former guitarist of DEVILDRIVER, joins the show to shed light on his recent departure from the band after an impressive 20-year tenure. In a candid conversation, Spreitzer discusses the factors that led to his decision and offers a glimpse into his exciting new musical venture, VERONA ON VENUS.

Lee Jennings, the enigmatic vocalist of THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT, is also on the podcast to discuss the band's highly anticipated new album, "Greetings From Suffocate City," set to hit shelves on September 13th. Jennings delves into the creative process behind the record and reveals the talented guest musicians who contributed to its unique sound.

Beyond these in-depth interviews, Scott Penfold provides a comprehensive overview of the week's most pressing metal news. From updates on iconic bands like MÖTLEY CRÜE, SLAYER, and LINKIN PARK to the recently revealed Dave Grohl controversy, Penfold keeps listeners informed and engaged.

Whether you're a die-hard metal fan or simply curious about the latest trends in the genre, The Loaded Radio Podcast is a must-listen.

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This week, Scott Penfold sits down with Brandon Yeagley and Chris Bishop from the hard-hitting rock band CROBOT to discuss their highly anticipated new album, "Obsidian," set to drop on September 13th. Hear them share insights into their creative process, the inspiration behind their latest tracks, and the challenges they faced during the recording process.

Join Scott as he delves into CROBOT's unique blend of rock and metal, their enduring passion for touring in a van and sleeping in gym parking lots, and their unforgettable experience touring with the legendary MOTÖRHEAD. Discover the bands that have shaped their sound and why CROBOT has become a force to be reckoned with in the rock music scene.

CROBOT's journey to success has been marked by their unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to connect with audiences through their energetic live performances. Their music is characterized by its infectious hooks, driving rhythms, and Brandon Yeagley's powerful vocals.

In "Obsidian," CROBOT has crafted a collection of songs that showcase their growth as musicians and their ability to push the boundaries of their sound. The album's diverse range of tracks, from the anthemic title-track to the heavy-hitting "Come Down," demonstrates their versatility and creativity.

In a brand-new segment, "Fresh Meat," Scott introduces you to a rising force within heavy metal, Gheeyah from the power metal trio MIND OF FURY. Hailing from Florida, this band's powerful sound is influenced by iconic artists like METALLICA and Yngwie Malmsteen. With their latest album, "III," freshly released, we'll give you a taste of their talent by playing a track from the album.

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of heavy metal and hard rock as Scott Penfold discusses the week's most significant news stories. From DEVILDRIVER and SPIRITBOX to JUDAS PRIEST and beyond, Scott brings you the inside scoop on the bands that are making waves in the industry.

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Get ready for a heavy metal overload on this week's episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast with Scott Penfold! We're diving deep into the world of hard rock and metal, bringing you the latest news and exclusive interviews.

First up, we're joined by the talented Robin Ognedal from the progressive metal powerhouse LEPROUS. Robin talks in-depth about the band's latest album, "Melodies of Atonement", how he joined the band in 2016, and what fans can expect on their upcoming tour.

"Melodies of Atonement" is a masterpiece of progressive metal, showcasing the band's intricate musicianship and emotional depth. Robin, who joined LEPROUS in 2016, has brought a unique perspective to the group's sound. In this interview, he discusses the creative process behind the album, his favorite moments, and the challenges of balancing technicality with melody.

Next, we're joined by the fierce Prika Amaral from the thrash metal titans NERVOSA. Prika talks about the band's first-ever North American headlining tour, her transition from guitarist to lead vocalist, and the challenges of lineup changes. We also dive into her love for thrash metal, which leads us into the show's final segment.

Prika's journey with NERVOSA has been nothing short of inspiring. She not only plays guitar but has also taken on the role of lead vocalist, bringing a powerful and passionate voice to the band's music. In this interview, she discusses the challenges and rewards of this transition, the band's upcoming tour, and her love for thrash metal.

NERVOSA is known for their aggressive sound and energetic live performances. Their upcoming North American headlining tour is a major milestone for the band, and Prika is excited to share their music with a wider audience.

Get ready to thrash it out as Scott Penfold counts down the Top 13 Thrash Metal Bands of All Time as voted by YOU, the Loaded Radio listeners!

This final segment of the show is a tribute to the iconic genre of thrash metal. From the pioneers like METALLICA and SLAYER to the modern-day titans like ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT, thrash metal has had a profound impact on the world of heavy music.

Don't miss this action-packed episode!

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Former FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Jason Hook is making waves with his new project, FLAT BLACK. The seasoned musician has traded the familiar for the unknown, launching into a new chapter of his career.

The band's debut LP, "Dark Side Of The Brain", was produced by Hook and Chris Collier (KORN) and was recorded at both Jason's home studio and The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas.

The album features a track called "Nothing To Some" which features guest vocalist Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT) and stands as a rager that is destined to land on year-end "best of" lists and in repeat rotation in your preferred music listening service. Bolstered by anthemic riffs, battering ram percussion, and full-on rhythmic thrust, Taylor's vicious vocals sound as though he gargled with razor blades and battery acid before spewing his parts, and it's a beautiful thing. All of that, combined with a classic metallic influence that is threaded through the song, makes "Nothing To Some" a seriously definitive moment for FLAT BLACK.

Hook is joined in FLAT BLACK by singer Wes Horton, bassist Nick Diltz and drummer Rob Pierce.

Horton was introduced to music at age 13, thanks to his sister and Guitar Hero. He honed his vocal chops by playing in local bands and making online videos. Various music industry friends and acquaintances would become the connective tissue between himself and Hook. Horton knew he wanted to be a frontman, and FLAT BLACK afforded him that opportunity. Wes loves the fact that his bandmates prioritize songcraft — and that allows him to be the singer he has always wanted to be.

Diltz, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is the son of a legendary rock music photographer who brought him to concerts during his formative years. He recalls being inspired by watching a VHS video of U2 performing at legendary venue Red Rocks. Seeing fans clamoring for a piece of Bono in the footage is a vision that never left his head. This first exposure to the power of a true rock icon solidified Nick's destiny as a live performer.

Pierce hails from Nashville, a.k.a. Music City. His dad was a race car driver and his grandfather was a pastor. He grew up racing go karts and at first, wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps until he joined the fourth-grade band and was bitten by the music bug. He chose the snare drum over the saxophone and from that moment on, music was the only thing that mattered. Rob got his first drum kit at age 11, which he set up in his dad's car shop. He learned to play his instrument next to 1,000 horsepower engines, which influences his highly energetic style to this day.

In this exclusive interview, Jason Hook opens up about his departure from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, his feelings toward his former band, the inspiration behind FLAT BLACK, and his vision for the future.

Also in the podcast this week, Loaded Radio's Scott Penfold discusses GOJIRA performing at the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics in Paris and the backlash that ensued afterwards. By some people at least.

The band's explosive rendition of the revolutionary song "Ah! Ça Ira," complete with pyrotechnics and a striking visual representation of a beheaded Marie Antoinette, sparked a wave of controversy.

Critics, many with religious affiliations, were quick to label the performance "satanic," pointing to the dramatic imagery and the song's revolutionary themes. Social media was ablaze with accusations of the West "worshipping the devil," with some going as far as to claim that the performance was evidence of a satanic takeover.

So get ready to dive deep into the mind of a guitar icon with Jason Hook and take a closer look at GOJIRA's explosive Olympics performance on this week's edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast.

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