Metal Shop's Backstage Pass

I had the pleasure of talking on the phone with Vincent Bennett from The Acacia Strain about a variety of topics including – touring during a pandemic, the value of a positive outlook, how he got motivated to get in shape, ska music, early influences and much much more.

JJ Polachek has one of the burliest voices in all of metal. I chatted with JJ about everything from his gateways to metal music, what inspired his death metal growl, the future of 7 Horns 7 Eyes and everything surrounding his main project Nekroí Theoí. Stay tuned til the end for an 11 minute Nekroí Theoí song!

Heaven Shall Burn is a German metal band that has been killin' it since 1998! I spoke with guitarist Maik Weichert via skype about their brand new double album "Of Truth & Sacrifice," releasing an album during a pandemic, his ideal wrestling theme song, some of his favorite all time albums and much more. 

Drawn and Quartered are an institution in Northwest death metal. The band has been going strong since the mid-90's and shows no signs of slowing down. I spoke with guitarist Kelly Kuciemba about the formation of D&Q, his side project Plague Bearer, what keeps him motivated to keep writing killer death metal riffs, how he's doing during the pandemic, plans for the future of the band and much more. Plus this interview features two Drawn and Quartered songs. Horns up!

Ace Stallings is the vocalist for the unique and awesome Richmond, Virginia-based hardcore band Mutually Assured Destruction. He also hosts a RAD podcast called Forum Of Passion. I spoke with Ace about why Richmond has produced so many good bands, going from a more traditional hardcore band to his new project M.A.D, his ideas for his podcast and much much more.