It’s concert review week! On this episode of the Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin and Tom break down their experience seeing Devin Townsend and TesseracT live at the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. The venue impressed with its sleek, modern design and solid acoustics—though the sky-high prices on pizza and beer left a bad taste. Security was on point—maybe too on point—as they were ID’d twice and even got a pre-show warning about closed fists in the pit.

The night opened with TesseracT, a band neither host had heard before. Their set blended metalcore aggression with proggy complexity, but suffered from a rough mix early on. Tom was more intrigued, while Collin was less sold—calling out the band’s lack of crowd interaction and weak promotion for their latest album War of Being. Still, the musicianship had its moments, including a surprise slap guitar segment.

Everything shifted when Devin Townsend took the stage. He opened with a fake-out Muppets intro before launching into “PowerNerd,” instantly leveling up the crowd’s energy. The hosts found themselves headbanging with full force—Tom blown away by live Strapping Young Lad material, and Collin riding a wave of nostalgia. Devin’s personality, the band’s tightness, and the crystal-clear mix made for an unforgettable performance.

The only downside? The merch table. Devin’s selection was limited to two shirts, priced at a steep $55, while TesseracT offered more variety. Still, despite a few hiccups, the guys agreed: it was a damn near perfect night for the metal duo.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

It’s concert review week! In this episode of the Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin recounts his experience going to see Steel Panther live at Hamilton Place earlier in May. He breaks down the setlist of the night, including for the disappointing co-headliner Buckcherry. From questioning Buckcherry’s frontman’s sobriety, to the laughs of Steel Panther, Collin goes through the good, the bad, the ugly of the night’s set. In addition, we also get to hear how the venue felt for Collin, and how each band sounded inside the theater, wrapping up with the merch booth’s selection and price tags.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In the 50th episode of the Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin and Tom celebrate a major milestone—hitting 50 episodes before even reaching their one-year anniversary. With their signature banter, the duo reflects on their podcasting journey, from the long road to their debut episode to the chaotic, hilarious brainstorming sessions that birthed the show's name. They revisit early ideas like The Thrash-Bot Podcast, Noise in the Basement, Forged by Metal, and even joke contenders like Blonde and Beautiful—plus plenty of other wild name choices that almost were.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In this episode of Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin and Tom dive into the world of acoustic metal, exploring how some of the heaviest bands strip away distortion and transform their songs into mellow, emotional experiences. They highlight standout examples like Blind Guardian’s iconic “The Bard’s Song,” Slipknot’s moving “Vermilion Pt. 2,” and Whitechapel’s haunting acoustic version of “Hickory Creek.” Unplugged renditions often reveal a song’s deeper emotional core, proving that a truly powerful composition can shine with just vocals and a guitar. The episode also touches on unexpected acoustic turns from bands like Alestorm, Serenity, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Bullet for My Valentine, showcasing the range and versatility of metal. They also spotlight Lindsay Schoolcraft’s harp-driven acoustic album Worlds Away, which brings new meaning to unplugged metal music. Whether it’s heavy death metal stripped down or power metal writing the next D&D ballad, metal never misses a chance to pull back the distortion and chill out.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

MUSIC USED:

Blind Guardian “The Bard Song”

Slipknot “Vermilion Pt. 2”

Whitechapel “Hickory Creek (Acoustic)”

Lindsay Schoolcraft “Darkness Falls”

Bullet For My Valentine “Tears Don’t Fall (Acoustic Version)”

Fleshgod Apocalypse “The Day We’ll Be Gone (Acoustic)”

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In this edition of the "What is _____’s Heaviest Song?" series, Collin and Tom take on the Metal Gods themselves: Judas Priest. With a catalog spanning five decades, the duo sift through the band’s most thunderous tracks—from early classics to modern scorchers—to find out which song hits the hardest. Could it be something off Painkiller? A surprise pick from Firepower? Or maybe an old-school anthem that still packs a punch? Tune in as they debate, rank, and celebrate the heaviest moments from one of metal’s most legendary bands.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

MUSIC USED:

Judas Priest “Electric Eye”

Judas Priest “Firepower”

Judas Priest “Painkiller”

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In this episode, Collin and Tom revisit their high school years by diving into the metal bands that rose between 2011 and 2018—an era that shaped their musical identity. From Periphery and Motionless in White to Deafheaven, Power Trip, Jinjer, Alien Weaponry, and Nothing More, they explore how these rising acts helped define the 2010s metal landscape. Expect a mix of chaotic fun, personal stories, and heartfelt reflections on a generation of modern heavyweights.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

-----------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In this nostalgic episode, Collin & Tom take a trip down memory lane to revisit the high school days that shaped their love for metal. They explore the bands that first introduced them to heavy music, reflect on how their tastes evolved over the years, and laugh at some of the cringeworthy favorites of their teenage selves (Three Days Grace, anyone?). Collin recalls how a steady diet of Billy Talent, System of a Down, and Three Days Grace eventually led him to the theatrical world of Powerwolf—a band that became his first true gateway into the metal realm. Meanwhile, Tom reflects on how mainstream hard rock acts like Three Days Grace and Avenged Sevenfold paved the way for his discovery of more extreme bands, including deathcore and symphonic metal favorites. It's a blend of nostalgia, teenage angst, and musical evolution—offering a glimpse into the early days of two metalheads finding their sound.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

-----------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In the duo’s third installment of “Are They Rock or Metal?” Collin and Tom dive into a hotly debatable topic: is 80s-era Bon Jovi rock or metal? Despite some reluctance to tackle the subject (mostly from a burnt out Collin), the two tackle Bon Jovi’s first five albums—from their 1984 debut through 1992’s Keep the Faith—breaking down iconic tracks while reflecting on the band’s undeniable arena-rock energy. By the end, their Bon Jovi fatigue is palpable, but metal’s most iconic duo keep things light, irreverent, and characteristically chaotic—complete with wedding song suggestions, doom metal fantasies, and unexpected love for underrated power ballads.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

MUSIC USED:

Bon Jovi “Runaway”

Kevin MaCleod “Thinking Music”

Bon Jovi “Bad Medicine”

Bon Jovi “I’ll Be There For You”

Jon Bon Jovi “Blaze of Glory”

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

As we charge into Q2 of 2025, Collin and Tom return with another “What Have You Been Listening To?”—the monthly series where your favorite metalheads break down the best albums and sonic surprises they’ve had on repeat. This time, Collin takes a shocking detour into the world of power metal with Edguy, travels to the highlands with Bleed From Within, and digs into technical brutality with Cryptopsy and Allegaeon. Meanwhile, Tom’s on a Polish death metal bender with Dormant Ordeal, channels space-faring terror with AlphaSix, and balances it out with symphonic and power metal flavors from Epica and Powerwolf. It’s weird, it’s diverse, it’s heavy—and it’s another brutal batch of bangers.

So grab your headphones and get ready to rage: What have YOU been listening to?

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

MUSIC USED:

Ministry “Work For Love (Squirrely Version)

Opal In Sky “Beautiful Beasts”

Vortex “When Humans Defy the Void”

Edguy “Vain Glory Opera”

Epica “Metanoia - A New Age Dawns, Pt. VIII -“

Cryptopsy “Lascivious Undivine”

Powerwolf “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend”

Bleed From Within “In Place of your Halo”

Dormant Ordeal “Halo of Bones”

Allegaeon “Chaos Theory”

AlphaSix “The Ritual (feat. Howie Straws)”

Alien Weaponry “Myself to Blame”

Arch Enemy “Dream Stealer”

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DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.

In this episode of the Influencers of Metal Podcast, Collin and Tom dive into a topic every metalhead can relate to—merchandise. From t-shirts and patches to long sleeves and posters, they explore the highs and lows of buying band merch, whether online or at a show. Things kick off with a rant about the eternal pain of online shopping: outrageous shipping costs, absurd delivery times, and the all-too-familiar experience of forgetting you even placed an order until a mysterious package shows up at your door (still waiting on that Master Sword t-shirt).

They also break down the benefits of using third-party services like Teespring, especially for indie artists who don’t have the time or resources to handle fulfillment themselves. On the flip side, they share tips for smart merch shopping—like comparing regional band stores (Australian vs. European vs. North American) to find better deals, and navigating the headache that even major bands sometimes cause with their merch setups.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be a merch episode without some love for battle jackets, eBay patch hunts, and general merch madness. Moral of the story? Check every site, calculate your currency, and maybe—just maybe—consider buying at the show itself.

Check out more from Collin!

https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/

https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132

https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/

https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/

Check out more from Tom!

https://themetalrobot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviews

https://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobot

https://x.com/theMetalRobot

https://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/

-----------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.