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We are joined by vocalist Dave Hunt (aka VITRIOL) from U.K. extreme metal band Anaal Nathrakh. It's been over 2 decades with the existence of Anaal Nathrakh, and with their new 11th studio album “Endarkenment” releasing, Dave talks to us about the new ideas and influences he had manifesting in his head during the entire process. The music for this album was written within in less than a week, and for experienced musicians like Anaal Nathrakh, this was just another creative process that came naturally. Teaming up throughout his career with bandmate Mick Kenney - laying down the tracks, composition, and production made the experience that much more fulfilling and yet always challenging as they continue to raise the bar within the sound of extreme industrial black metal and grindcore. The newest chapter for the duo progresses further for them as this is an episode you will not want to miss. Tune in now to listen in, and pick up Anaal Nathrakh's newest record “Endarkenment”, which comes out October 2nd on Metal Blade Records.

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“I think the real message of the album is to give hope to everyone, no matter what they are struggling with.” At a time of uncertainty in the world, that is a message which is much needed among fans of music and people in general. We kick off season 4 with Czech artist Viktorie Surmøvá from the band, Surma. Being a young singer in an industry during a pandemic isn't the situation she asked for, but she made the best of the cards that were dealt to her. Teaming up with renowned Faroese guitarist Heri Joensen, Viktorie tells her journey from performing in theater ensembles to singing in a multitude of bands that opened the gateways to form the symphonic metal band, Surma. Now on track to release their debut record, it's another chapter in Viktorie's life that she is very proud to accomplish – though it didn't come easy. Tune in now to this up and coming vocalist who is set to make an impact in the new era of symphonic metal, and make sure to buy/stream Surma's debut studio album “The Light Within” set to unleash November 6th on Metal Blade Records.

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The legend of Amaranthe continues. Originating from the storied metal city of Gothenburg, Sweden, the heavy metal band are preparing for another new album drop to make their place in the music world once again. We are joined by lead vocalist Elize Ryd as she tells her journey about the year to year growth in her musicality, all the way into quarantine times. It is quite the transition for everyone, but Elize talks about how writing this album has kept her busy throughout and what she has been doing to stay on top of her vocals being in perfect shape. She talks about the exciting things in her life - musically and personally, that range from working with the likes of metal icon Angela Gossow, to being a new aunt in her family. The sound of Amaranthe is heavy, beautiful, cinematic, and full of melodic and monumental impressions. Elize and her two other vocal counterparts in the band blend in a dose of darkness and light that will hold onto the listener throughout the experience to a point which will never be forgotten. And lastly, we put Elize on the “Hot Seat” to see if she recognizes any of her own lyrics from the band's discography. Tune in to this episode now and make sure to blast Amaranthe's newest epic “Manifest” set to release October 2nd on Nuclear Blast Records.

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Resiliency. It's in his DNA. The talented and humble frontman Blake Bedsaul from Iowa-based heavy metal band Saul joins the IUF roster in this episode. Before unleashing their debut record titled “Rise As Equals” on October 23rd – Blake talks about the struggles and growth for him and his bandmates , including his brother Zach who plays guitar. The bond that he, Zach, and the rest of the band have developed is an inspiration that can be chained into the band's core forever. Blake talks about the collaborations with David Draiman (Disturbed), Morgan Rose (Sevendust), and acclaimed songwriter Erik Ron (Godsmack, Like Moths To Flames) that helped pave the way to create such an incredible and powerful album. Blake has lost plenty in his life, but as he continues to climb to the mountaintop despite all of lifes trials and tribulations – It's the feeling of being grateful for this opportunity to present to his fans and the world of heavy metal the sound of Saul. They are coming into the music scene having taken every punch, and are here to stay with a counter-swing of their own. Listen in now and make sure to buy/stream Saul's debut studio album “Rise As Equals” set to release October 23rd on Spinefarm Records.

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We welcome singer/frontman Joe Cotela from Arizona heavy metal band, DED. After dropping their first studio album called “Mis-An-Thrope” and few heavy hitting standalone singles like “Parasite” that gained them well deserved global recognition, it was fuel to their fire as they finished up the process on their new sophomore effort getting ready to release in the near future. Joe has fronted other bands like The Cover Up and Man Made Machine – but with DED, it's as if he has found his groove making his mark in metal music. Joe talks about the recent writing and recording processes which allowed him to grow even more as an individual and as a musician, as well as his many storied collaborations with other artists in the industry, including Maria Brink from In This Moment. He's made his impact early, and he will continue to do so tenfold as DED moves forward to making new music and bigger goals. Listen in now and make sure to pick up DED's latest EP “Mannequin Eyes” and their first studio album “Mis-An-Thrope” out now on Suretone Records. And be on the lookout for more new material DED has in store down the line in 2020 and beyond.

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From performing solo tours on VH1, Sonisphere, and Bloodstock – to collaborating with the likes of Gary Numan, Steve Strange, and David Prowse, diverse music artist Jayce Lewis has been the jack of all trades throughout his highlighted career. And now, all of his experience brings him into the centerfold of the dark and ambient, industrial rock band Ascension Of The Watchers. Joining forces with Burton Bell and John Bechdel has them primed for a decade in the making of their 3rd studio album “Apocrypha”. Jayce talks about his relationships with the two bandmates and the recording producing process which he took over on the helm. Everything lined up perfectly to engineer their most unique and innovative release to date. Listen in now as Jayce illustrates his journey from where he started to where he is now which pushed him to the limit that elevated him into a better person, friend, and musician. Ascension Of The Watchers long awaited 3rd studio album “Apocrypha” drops October 9th on Dissonance Records.

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Determination. Hard work. Fate. Sometimes you gotta hit all three to get to your goals. This is where the mental hurdle of being grateful for having the position you are in means a big deal. Guitarist Marc Motley from California's mathcore outfit The Arson Choir is no stranger to that. Having been in the industry for over a decade, it feels as if he has finally got the right people around him to make the next step. The Arson Choir's 2nd EP titled “Invisible Monsters”, didn't come easy. It took a chance at life by meeting the label that signed them and having a new frontman to make the bigger positive impact on the band – sonically and artistically. Marc dives into all of his upbringings, connections, and aspirations that helped him continue on the path he is on now. As he plans to keep writing new music, he speaks about those said individuals that helped in the making of the new EP. It's by no accident that respected outlets like Revolver and Metal Injection have covered them, listen in now as Marc tells it all and then some. The Arson Choir's brand new EP “Invisible Monsters” drops October 2nd on War Against Records.

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Horror. Hauntings. The Supernatural. Oh my. IUF podcast welcomes the talented Dutch musician Ardek from symphonic black metal band Carach Angren. Considering the fact that he and his bandmate Seregor wear makeup and have the horror and thematic elements on stage – Ardek goes into the presentations of how it feels as if they are taking on a different role when playing live, and why that is an important part of who Carach Angren is. Before their release of their newest album from this past summer, Ardek talks about where his own influences came from and at the same time he describes this vivid dream he had one night which ended up being a catalyst on the new record. This is just tapping the surface, listen in now to the many other experiences Ardek dives into as he shares countless aspirations in his music. Buy/stream Carach Angren's newest record, “ Franckensteina Strataemontanus” out now on Season Of Mist Records.

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In this edition of Deep Cuts, we welcome in one of the more experienced tour managers and merch staff from the world of live music – Chad Topor. Growing up in the city of Worcester, MA – Chad played in bands and attended his local live shows before joining in on the work behind the scenes himself. From spending time at small production companies and running small to mid sized events that involved campaigns like Miss America Pageants and 5Ks – to building road cases and working in music venues, Chad has applied all of these learning skills for the road now and ahead. Tour managing is never easy, but there is a rewarding part of this job that keeps Chad going while building his reputation in the music industry. With the pandemic happening and live music temporarily on hold, Chad talks about what he has been doing to keep busy until things open back up again. He has toured with many bands that have made a staple name throughout the world, and it is by no accident that Chad is the one who managed them. Listen in now as he talks about his experiences with those bands and what his thoughts are going forward as the world of live music paves its way out of the pandemic hole.

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4 decades of making music and touring with multiple bands is easier said than done. John Bush has done that, and is still doing that. The frontman of Los Angeles' heavy metal quintet Armored Saint is getting ready to release their 8th studio album, “Punching The Sky”. John talks about the writing and production processes of working with familiar faces that help with getting the job done. Being away from the stage has become the norm as of late for many artists like him – and with performing in front of the fans coming to a temporary halt, John talks about the importance of staying proactive during challenging times and how giving the music to the fans is more important than ever. Armored Saint has been in the game for a long time, and being seasoned musicians as they have been, they will never stop creating what they love doing the most. Listen in to this episode now and make sure to buy/stream Armored Saint's newest album, “Punching The Sky”, releasing October 23rd on Metal Blade Records.