Season 3 of Start Here begins with a loud and uncompromising dive into Heavy Metal. Alexis Ffrench is joined by radio presenter and hard rock and metal expert Sophie K, alongside Mikey Demus of Skindred, to explore a genre that is far more nuanced, emotional and wide-ranging than many people might expect.

Together, they unpack the origins of metal, from Black Sabbath and the early foundations of the sound to its many modern subgenres and global influence. They discuss the DNA of metal, its sense of identity and community, the power of distortion, and why the genre has long offered a space for emotion, release and belonging. The episode also looks at metal’s relationship with trauma, rebellion and vulnerability, its crossover with genres like hip-hop and electronic music, and where the sound is heading next.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to the genre, this is your starting point for understanding one of music’s most passionate and powerful worlds

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