The Metal Cell Podcast

By Richard DuhigMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

The Metal Cell Podcast episodes

October 30 Episode 389: FRAUGHT: A New Voice, A New Era | Dave Green & Leigh Moran discuss a new chapter for the band.
Irish extreme metal band FRAUGHT return to The Metal Cell Podcast as guitarist's Dave Green and Leigh Moran join me to discuss a new chapter for the band, the arrival of vocalist James Doporto and their upcoming release, Pillar I: Ashes of Verdant Collapse.
Released through Apocalyptic Witchcraft on November 7, 2026, the first instalment of this three-part project features two tracks, “Death Assemblage” and “Detritivore”, with the three releases ultimately intended to form one larger work.
We get into what James brings to Fraught's sound, how a new vocalist can influence the direction of an established band, Leigh's arrival and contribution to the Fraught sound, and the ideas driving two new tracks: “Death Assemblage” and “Detritivore”.
Subscribe to The Metal Cell Podcast for more interviews with the people shaping Ireland's metal scene and beyond.
Fraught links:
https://fraughtband.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Fraughtband
Fraught #IrishMetal #ExtremeMetal #TheMetalCellPodcast #ApocalypticWitchcraft
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48 min
October 16 Episode 388: PRAELIUM — THE WEIGHT OF FEAR | Interview With The Metal Cell
Praelium join The Metal Cell Podcast to talk 'The Weight of Fear', their debut full-length album released on 9 October 2026. Wolfy Vaughan, Kevin Dillon, Phoenix Clancy-Butler and Ronan Madden take us inside a record written over 16 months, blending groove and alternative metal with punk urgency, hardcore aggression and influences drawn from the metalcore and mathcore underground.
We discuss the album's development from the 'PIGS' EP, the ideas and personal themes running through the record, and the thinking behind a track list featuring titles such as 'When I Was 22 I Got Involved with the Russian Mafia, Here's How It Happened'.
We also get into the album artwork, the band's DIY recording approach, working with recording engineer Danny Lanham and mixer/masterer Tim Browner, and why the connection between Praelium and their live audience matters so much.
Then it's time for The Metal Cell's mad-question round. Four members, some difficult decisions, and absolutely no guarantee that the answers will help their reputations!
PRAELIUM LINK:
https://praelium.bandcamp.com/
Album: The Weight of Fear

Released: 9 October 2026
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Praelium #TheWeightOfFear #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #MetalInterview
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1 hr 5 min
October 02 Episode 387: YOU'VE MADE THE MUSIC — NOW GET IT HEARD | A Discussion With Temair, Orm & Cursed Monk Records.
A discussion aimed specifically at solo artists who want to get their music out there.
Making the music is one thing. Getting people to hear it is another.
For this episode, Richie sits down with Shane Mac Con Uladh of Temair, Stephen Orme of Orm and Roger Boyle of Cursed Monk Records to talk about what comes after the music is finished — releasing it, promoting it, finding an audience and figuring out where you fit in a music industry that has changed massively.
We talk about doing things independently, approaching labels, distribution, physical releases, social media, promotion, building an audience and the mistakes that can cost you time and money.
Stephen talks about his first Orm release, Slaughtered Souls, including some of the things he struggled with and what he learned from them.
Shane of Temair brings the perspective of an established solo project that has built itself through multiple releases and continued work.
And Roger from Cursed Monk Records gives us the view from the label side, as well as his own experience as a musician.
Three different perspectives, but one common question:
You've made the music. Now how do you actually get people to hear it?
If you've got an album sitting on your computer, you're planning your first release, or you're trying to figure out what to do after putting your music online, this conversation is for you!
Links:
https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com
https://steorme.bandcamp.com/album/slaughtered-souls
https://temair.bandcamp.com
soloartists #independentmusic #irishmetalart #metalpodcast #metalinterview #selfpromotion #metal
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1 hr 12 min
September 22 Episode 386: POSER — FROM SOLO PROJECT TO FULL BAND | The Metal Cell Interview.
Poser performed a high-energy live show at Opium Live in Dublin on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. They were featured as a special guest opener for the highly anticipated Irish tour dates of the Australian hardcore band Speed and California's Spy, alongside Belfast's Frayed Ends.
Letty talked to Cian, Lennon and Tom of the band about upcoming shows, recording and future plans.
For future show announcements, merch drops, and updates from the band, you can check out:
The official Poser Instagram Page (@poser.ie)
Their music and releases via the Poser Bandcamp: https://poserdhc.bandcamp.com/album/demo
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13 min
September 18 Episode 385: VENUS SLEEPS — ORIGINS OF DESPAIR | The Music, The Themes & The Evolution
For this episode of The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Venus Sleeps for an exclusive track-by-track conversation about the release. We go through each song, exploring the themes, ideas, lyrics and musical direction behind the tracks, as well as the process of bringing the new material together.
It's also a chance to look at how Venus Sleeps have developed during the years since Remnants and what has influenced the direction of Origins of Despair.
The current line-up brings its own changes, with newest member James Wilson joining on bass and contributing a darker, more death-influenced vocal element. There are also some unexpected elements within the new material that expand the band's sound and show Venus Sleeps exploring different musical possibilities without losing what makes the band recognizable. We talk about the writing, the production and the decision to work again with Tommy O'Sullivan, continuing a relationship that has been part of the band's recorded history.
But most importantly, we get into the songs themselves — what they're about, where the ideas came from and how the individual tracks fit into Origins of Despair as a whole.
This is the story behind it — track by track.
Venus Sleeps are:
Sie Carroll — guitars/vocals
Fergal Malone — drums
Steven Anderson — guitars/vocals/sax
James Wilson — bass/vocals
VENUS SLEEPS: ORIGINS OF DESPAIR LINK:
https://venussleeps.bandcamp.com/album/origins
TheMetalCell #VenusSleeps #OriginsOfDespair #IrishMetal #MetalPodcast #MetalInterview #IrishMetalScene #HeavyMusic
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1 hr 22 min
September 04 Episode 384: ZEALOT CULT RETURN | PSALMS OF FILTH | LEGACY, DEATH METAL & AWAKENING RECORDS.
Irish death metal veterans Zealot Cult are preparing to unleash their long-awaited second album, Psalms of Filth, and The Metal Cell Podcast sat down with vocalist/guitarist Jay Quigley and guitarist Mick Carey in the legendary surroundings of Bobby Byrnes pub in Limerick to talk about the band's past, present and what could be their most important chapter yet.
Nearly two decades after emerging from the ashes of The Swarm and Victim-X, Zealot Cult have earned their place as one of Ireland's most respected and uncompromising death metal bands. With Psalms of Filth arriving eight years after their acclaimed debut Spiritual Sickness, the conversation looks at what has kept the band moving forward — and why they refused to rush the follow-up.
We discuss the legacy of Zealot Cult, the influence of the classic Florida death metal scene, songwriting, atmosphere, the evolution of the band's sound and the challenge of remaining true to death metal while continuing to develop as musicians.
Jay and Mick also discuss the darker themes surrounding Psalms of Filth, the striking artwork of Paolo Girardi, the return of the album's fanatical Zealot figure and the connection between the sacred, the profane and the destructive power of fanaticism.
With Zealot Cult now joining Awakening Records, Psalms of Filth has the potential to introduce the band to an entirely new international audience. We talk about what that means for a band that has spent years building its reputation through uncompromising music, strong records and a deep connection to the underground.
Band link:
https://www.facebook.com/zealotcultDM
Album link:
https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com
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1 hr 4 min
August 31 Episode 383: MICROTONAL: From Belfast To D.R.I. & BLOODSTOCK | The Metal Cell Podcast
Letty caught up with drummer Cameron Johnston and vocalist Marty McAllister in Dublin, just before MICROTONAL took to the stage as the opening act for legendary crossover thrash pioneers D.R.I. at Opium.
Formed in Belfast in 2023, MICROTONAL released their debut EP Baptism Of Fire in 2025, bringing together death metal, thrash and old-school aggression. Their momentum continued into 2026 when they battled through the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Northern Ireland, ultimately securing their place on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage at BLOODSTOCK.
At the time of this interview, Bloodstock was still ahead of them — and the excitement was building.
Cameron and Marty talk about the band's rapid rise, their Belfast roots, Baptism Of Fire, their musical influences, the Metal 2 The Masses journey, earning a place at Bloodstock, and the surreal experience of preparing to open for D.R.I.
Microtonal links: https://www.youtube.com/@microtonalband
https://www.facebook.com/microtonalband/
Microtonal #DRI #Bloodstock #ThrashMetal #DeathThrash #BelfastMetal #IrishMetal #Metal2TheMasses #BaptismOfFire #TheMetalCellPodcast
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31 min
August 21 Episode 382: ELDER DRUID | The Band That Refused To Disappear | The Metal Cell Podcast
Back in May 2020, Elder Druid joined me on The Metal Cell Podcast at a very different point in their story. The band had just released their critically acclaimed album Golgotha, launched it to a packed Voodoo Room in Belfast, had vinyl pressed, shows booked and looked ready to take the next step. Then COVID happened. The momentum that had been building suddenly disappeared, and the years that followed brought plenty more challenges. But Elder Druid never disappeared.
In this episode, I catch up with Jake, Brien and new guitarist Robbie to talk about the road from Golgotha to where the band finds itself today.
We get into the impact of COVID, keeping the band relevent through live shows, the changes in the lineup and Robbie's arrival.
We also talk about Armada and Coffin Dropper, two new Elder Druid songs performed live at The Crypt of The Riff, featuring their departed brother Daniel on vocals.
This is a conversation about what happens when the plans change, people change, and circumstances change — but the music keeps pulling you back.
Episode dedicated to Daniel Santiago Zanker Ovalle (Rest In Power DZO!)
Elder Druid link:
https://elderdruidband.bandcamp.com
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1 hr 7 min
August 07 HIGH PRIESTESS: THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF SOLOTHURN | The Metal Cell Podcast | *UPDATED*
This is a update for Spotify and other streaming sites featuring Solothurn instead of the Shortest Straw clip that somehow made it onto the Solothurn 381 episode.
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1 hr 11 min
August 07 Episode 381: HIGH PRIESTESS: THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF SOLOTHURN | The Metal Cell Podcast
Emerging from Belfast's thriving underground scene, Solothurn return to The Metal Cell Podcast to discuss their brilliant new EP, High Priestess. This isn't just another release—it's a significant step forward in the band's development.
We discuss the evolution of Solothurn's sound, the writing and recording process, working with acclaimed artist October Midnight on the EP artwork. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about heavy music, creativity, the world around us and why High Priestess represents the band's darkest and most ambitious release to date.
Featuring:
• Ryan Adair – Vocals
• Dee Cleland – Rhythm Guitar
• Jamie Wright – Lead Guitar
• Marty Elley – Drums
Band Link:
https://solothurn.bandcamp.com
If you're a fan of Tool, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, atmospheric sludge, progressive metal and check Solothurn out.
Subscribe to The Metal Cell Podcast for more interviews with the best artists from Ireland and beyond.
Solothurn #HighPriestess #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #NorthernIrelandMetal #ProgressiveMetal #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #Tool #Mastodon #AliceInChains
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1 hr 11 min

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Irelands premier and award winning Metal Music Podcast. The Metal Cell Podcast sets out to promote the Irish Metal Scene by talking to the bands, promoters, artists and fans of this musical genre. I…