That’s Heavy

INCANTATION have been making the most vile and straight up filthy music for over three decades now. I was honored to have guitarist and vocalist John McEntee on to tell me all about the band’s inception, their latest record, “Sect of Vile Divinities,” what’s next for them as a band, and their lasting influence in the world of death metal. Watch their disgustingly good music video for ‘Entrails of the Hag Queen’ here: https://youtu.be/PjDElBhjA7c

KEN MODE has been one of the heaviest Canadian bands around for almost two decades and today I had the pleasure of speaking with vocalist, guitarist, and half of the brother duo that started it all, Jesse Mathewson. We get into how tough touring in Canada can be, what to expect in your late thirties and how much it hurts, their “Venerable” album turning 10 years old, and more! Be sure to donate what you can to Tony of SHALLOW NORTH DAKOTA here: https://gofund.me/a8bc6982 - thank you. If you’d rather watch the interview, be sure to check this out on the “That’s Heavy Podcast” YouTube channel.

I got a sickness. The only ailment... is more doom metal. On this episode, Joel Williams and Justin Cory of Portland’s Blackened Funeral Doom band, USNEA, tell me about how Greek mythology and dystopian authors inspired some of their lyrics, building atmosphere and mood in music, and we nerd out on Magic: The Gathering and even brainstorm which card they may be! While doom metal may not always be the most uplifting genre, you may be surprised just how pleasant and happy these particular guys who make it are.

(Full episode with music on Spotify!) Cameron “Big Chocolate” Argon is responsible for my favorite slam metal project, DISFIGURING THE GODDESS. We recently had a fantastic conversation discussing everything from what we love about living in Texas, giving yourself motivation to keep your dreams alive, finally getting to release some long lost material, his DJ work and how it compares to making metal, and being on the front lines of the movement - nay, the groovement - currently underway for his “slambient” style. This is a long one, friends, so kick back and just enjoy the ride. It is a mood. It’s a vibe. It’s me geeking the hell out with someone I had been a fan of for almost ten years and felt like I already knew. Shout out to Omar at @ortho.graphic for the sick new DTG art! Be sure to check out Cameron’s own “Disfiguring The Podcast” on Twitch, Discord, and YouTube.

(Full episode with music available on Spotify!) NOTT started as a one man death/doom metal project but now has picked up additional members and is ready for more live shows and already working on new music! I talk with founder and lead songwriter, Tyler Campbell, about his introduction into the world of metal; his lyrical themes and inspirations, his approach to writing a whole album rather than individual songs...and also finger boards are still a thing (shout out @occultfingerboards). NOTT’s official Instagram is @nott.band and be sure to check out the official new drummer’s content @julia.geaman.

(Full episode with music on Spotify!) This is a fun one. Jesse, Paul, Sam, and Tyler made for quite an entertaining interview with not only their answers, but also their choice of snacks and use of shadow puppets. We discuss how most of them originally met on Craigslist, I embarrass myself by not realizing one of their songs was a cover, and also their secret alternate Instagram account that is for some reason posting really old burnt garlic bread... Yeah, it got weird. Enjoy CHAINED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN!

(Full episode with music on Spotify!) If you’ve ever wanted more history, diversity, and beauty in your Metal, then I have a perfect band for you!NECHOCHWEN incorporate Folk elements and Native American themes into their Black Metal act seamlessly with style and grace. We discuss using their music as a means of exploring their own Appalachian heritage, how Metal was their first love, and how "heavy" is really a state of mind. *Be sure to check out Aaron’s awesome lecture on “Ancestry & Nature in the History of Appalachian Black Metal” here: https://youtu.be/-0PW4kbFNK4

(Full episode with music on Spotify!) BARING TEETH are a death metal trio from Texas that like to keep it weird. Today’s interview also goes to some appropriately weird places when we hear from their guitarist, Andrew Hawkins, and drummer, Jason Roe. We discuss how they started playing, their different inspirations, and how they came to write such unique music. We also brainstorm what their crazy music sounds like, which led to ‘robots having sex,’ eating seafood that’s still alive, and ‘riding an angry dragon into hell.’ Sweet... “That’s it.” Enjoy!

(Full version with music on Spotify!) Space. It’s cold. It’s brutal. It’s terrifying and beautiful all at once! Just like ARTIFICIAL BRAIN, a technical death metal band whose themes include the cosmos and artificial intelligence. Their vocalist, Big Will aka “Uncle Buck,” calls in from Long Island to talk about all kinds of stuff including Magic: the Gathering, classic Sci-Fi & Horror authors, and what Dungeons and Dragons creature their band would be! We also discuss some of our favorite artists and current trends in the underground metal scene. Prepare yourself for a ‘brain transplant!’ *Check out “Brutal Keys” for some incredible metal piano covers: https://youtu.be/06HgoqFrNic

*Listen to the “Dolls of Horror” Podcast to feed your twisted horror addiction: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Blj293iObPCBYgDXsCi9f?si=gbQIaYPETyOnQFqNRvGWag)

(Full version with music on Spotify!) When a band starts an album with a song over seventeen minutes in length, that has my curiosity... but when it becomes merely the first of six acts in an intricately woven masterpiece of metal? Well now, that has my attention! The mysterious London trio known as FEN has been making some of the most intriguing music in the Atmospheric Black Metal genre for quite some time, and the band’s creator and lead songwriter, Frank aka “The Watcher,” called in all the way from across the pond to discuss topics such as authenticity in modern songwriting, the responsibility of bigger bands to support upcoming and unique artists, and so much more. ‘Gather your stones’ for an ‘exile’s journey’ along the ‘pathway’ to the Fenlands!