The Metal Cell Podcast

By Richard DuhigMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

The Metal Cell Podcast episodes

August 03 Episode 380: BUCKET | Proof That Word Of Mouth Still Matters. | The Metal Cell Podcast
Cian (Riffs/Vocals) & Emmett (Bass) of Bucket talk to Letty Sharp of The Metal Cell podcast before their show supporting Knocked Loose at a sold out The Academy in Dublin June 23rd 2026.
Bucket are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Dublin underground in recent years. They sit at the crossroads of punk, noise rock, hardcore and industrial intensity rather than traditional metal. Think of them as existing in the same broad ecosystem that produced bands like Gilla Band, but with a younger, more abrasive DIY energy.
Mosaic was released on 29 April 2026 via A Baker's Dozen and is the follow-up to their debut EP Muck (2025). It contains five tracks and represents a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more electronic textures, breakbeat influences and ambitious song structures while retaining the band's trademark noise-rock intensity.
Band link:
https://bucket.band
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16 min
July 24 Episode 379: SHORTEST STRAW | Finding Their Own Voice Through A New Normal.
This week on The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Paul O'Rourke (Vocals), Brian Gribben (Guitar), Daryl Hill (Bass) and Lucas Todesco (Drums) from Belfast heavyweights Shortest Straw.
With their debut EP A New Normal arriving on 11 August, the band discuss far more than breakdowns and blast beats. They reflect on finding their identity, balancing aggression with honesty, writing songs with purpose and building a band that values authenticity over imitation.
The conversation explores the creative process behind the EP, working with producer Josh Sid Robinson (JSR Audio), the realities of starting a heavy band in 2026, preparing for their Irish tour with Dead Mob and Carynx, and why live performance remains the heartbeat of Shortest Straw.
Upcoming Shows:
• 03 August – Limelight 2 supporting Vio-Lence
• 20 August – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
• 21 August – Sin É, Dublin
• 22 August – Fred Zeppelins, Cork
• 24 October – Northern Dissonance, Limelight 2, Belfast
Shortest Straw link:
https://linktr.ee/shorteststrawuk
If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Ireland's heavy music scene, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.
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59 min
July 10 Episode 378: SOOTHSAYER | The Unbinding – The Stories, Symbolism & Philosophy Behind the Album.
I was delighted with Liam Hughes (Vocals) and Gerard O'Callaghan (Drums) from Cork's atmospheric blackened doom metal force Soothsayer for an in-depth conversation recorded in person at The Metal Cell Studios.
Following the release of their stunning second album, The Unbinding, we go far beyond the usual album-cycle interview. Together we explore the philosophy, symbolism and deeply personal experiences that shaped one of the most compelling Irish metal releases of 2026.
We also delve into Liam's connection with India and Hindu mythology, the recurring themes of hope, uncertainty and transformation, and why The Unbinding asks listeners to embrace difficult questions rather than easy answers.
Ger also discusses creating the remarkable cover artwork, revealing how the painting unexpectedly became the perfect visual companion to the album's themes of leaving familiarity behind and stepping into the unknown.
Soothsayer links:
Ablum:
https://apocalypticwitchcraft.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/soothsayerdoom
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52 min
June 26 Episode 377: TOOMS: Beauty, Decay & The Monster Beneath – A Deep Dive into Karst.
On this episode, I’m joined by all three members of Irish progressive sludge metal force Tooms — Anto Donnellan (bass), Kieran Grace (drums/vocals), and Alex Hölzinger (guitars/vocals) — for an in-depth track-by-track exploration of their crushing new album, Karst. Together, we unpack the origins of the record, the band's evolution from their earlier work, and how Karst became the most complete expression of TOOMS' identity to date. From the earth-shaking opening of "Blood Rust Of Cudgel And Quill" to the staggering finale "Physics Beyond The Standard Model", we examine the stories, emotions, and creative decisions behind every track. We also discuss the album's striking cover artwork and why its haunting floral imagery may be far more connected to the music than it first appears. The band reflects on the recording process with long-time collaborator Chris Quigley, working with acclaimed mixer Matt Bayles and mastering engineer Chris Fielding, the influence of post-metal and extreme music, and how Karst pushes beyond traditional sludge metal into something darker, broader, and more immersive. This is a conversation about riffs, certainly—but it's also about landscape, pressure, collapse, survival, and the strange beauty that can be found in the darkest places. If you've already fallen under the spell of Karst, or you're discovering TOOMS for the first time, this is the definitive deep dive into one of the most compelling heavy releases of the year. TOOMS links: https://tooms.bandcamp.com https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/karst
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1 hr 35 min
May 29 Episode 376: LAVEIN | Peter Cooney Talks Recovery, Perspective & “But I Urged Caution | The Metal Cell Podcast.
Peter Cooney of Dublin hardcore/metal outfit LaVein joins us on The Metal Cell Podcast for an honest and intense conversation surrounding the band’s new EP “But I Urged Caution”.
We dive deep into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the evolution of LaVein since “Fine Failure”, the impact of playing Bloodstock Festival, and the growing force of the Irish heavy music scene.
Peter also opens up about his battle with Stage Two Hodgkin Lymphoma, how it changed his perspective on music and life, and what getting back on stage means to him now.
🔥 Topics include:
New EP “But I Urged Caution”
New single “Puncture Wounds”
Bloodstock Festival experience
Irish hardcore & metal in 2026
Touring & live intensity
Hodgkin Lymphoma recovery
The future of LaVein.
Cooking & TV with Pete.
Band link:
https://lavein.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-urged-caution-2
🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with the best heavy bands from Ireland and beyond.
LaVein #PeterCooney #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #Hardcore #Metalcore #Bloodstock #HeavyMusic #Podcast
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1 hr 1 min
May 27 Episode 375: INCARCERATED: Inside Necrosphere, working with Flemming Rasmussen & upcoming Irish Tour.
London-based extreme metal force INCARCERATED joins Letty for a crushing new episode discussing the band’s rise, creative vision, and devastating debut album Necrosphere.
Letty sits down with Brazilian members Lander da Silva (Vocals/Guitars) and Rafael Rojo (Lead Guitar) to talk about the formation of the multinational London-based outfit, their blend of Thrash and Death Metal, the recording process behind Necrosphere, and working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios.
The band also discusses their upcoming Irish run this June, where they’ll perform four consecutive shows alongside support acts Deserted, Mourning The Heretic, War of Attrition, and Cursed Sun.
📍 Irish Tour Dates:
• June 11 – Cork – Dali
• June 12 – Limerick – Pharmacia
• June 13 – Dublin – Fibber Magees
• June 14 – Belfast – Voodoo Belfast
Band link:
https://incarcerated.bandcamp.com
ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #ThrashDeath #Metalhead #SupportUndergroundMetal #MetalTour
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39 min
May 15 Episode 374: CANCER PUNCHER II: Steve Hobson (Bad Boat/Cancer Puncher organiser), Carl King (Two Tales of Woe) & Gareth Ruddock (Skypilot)
In this pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Steve Hobson — organiser of Cancer Puncher and drummer of Bad Boat — alongside Carl King of Two Tales of Woe and Gareth Ruddock of Skypilot to talk all things Cancer Puncher 2.
We discuss how the original Cancer Puncher charity event came together following the diagnosis of Lymphoma in Haint frontman Ian, as well as the impact cancer has had on friends, family and members of the local music scene. Steve opens up about organizing the first event, the incredible response from bands and fans, and raising more than €3,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Belfast City Hospital Cancer Unit and Southern Hospice Trust.
The conversation also covers the upcoming Cancer Puncher 2 event, the importance of the Metal and alternative scene pulling together for charity, raffle prizes donated by bands including Therapy?, Ten Ton Slug and Slomatics, and why this final event means so much to everyone involved.
Topics include:
Cancer Puncher 2 charity event
Bad Boat reunion
Northern Ireland metal scene
Two Tales of Woe interview
Skypilot interview
Charity fundraising through music
Cancer awareness and community support
Local bands supporting Cancer Focus NI
Underground metal and alternative music in Ireland
Tickets Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-puncher-ii-tickets-1984458781636
If you enjoy grassroots music, Northern Ireland metal, charity events, podcasts, band interviews and the DIY scene, make sure to like, comment and subscribe.
CancerPuncher2 #livemetal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #metal #metalpodcast #charityconcert #alternativemusic #belfast #cancerawareness #heavymusic #podcastinterview
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54 min
May 01 Episode 373: Corpse Water | Solo Project Reviving Old School Death Metal | Pete Clarke Interview.
From Strangle Wire to Corpse Water, Pete Clarke’s Solo Death Metal Project '...something in the water' is a deep dive into old school death metal, real-world horror, and groove-driven brutality.
Pete explains how 90s-style death metal bands like Six Feet Under, Obituary and early Cannibal Corpse inspired him to create the groove, hooks, and memorable riffs in his debut release.
We talk about the writing process behind Corpse Water, working with members of The Crawling, hiring freelancers through Fiverr to suit budget costs and the influence of real-life horror, including the chilling Cecil Hotel death.
This album was made for vinyl and old-school listeners, click on the link to order this lesson in Brutal Death Metal:
https://corpsewater.bandcamp.com/album/something-in-the-water
DeathMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #CorpseWater #StrangleWire #MetalInterview #ExtremeMetal #DeathMetal2026
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50 min
April 17 Episode 372: The Road to Wacken: Ireland’s Metal Battle | Winners, Judges & Reality | Donnchadh & Aidan explain.
In this episode, we take a focused look at Ireland’s pathway to Wacken Open Air — one of the most recognised festivals in the global metal scene.
Joining the show: Donnchadh O’Leary – organiser of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland, overseeing the annual competition that sends one Irish band to perform at Wacken. Aidan “Willow” Williams of Aesect – winners of last year’s Irish final, who went on to perform at the festival.
We discuss how the competition works behind the scenes, what judges look for, and how bands are selected to represent Ireland. Aidan shares his experience of playing Wacken, from preparation to performance, and reflects on what the opportunity meant for the band afterwards.
The conversation also explores the wider Irish metal scene, the role of competitions like Metal Battle, and whether events like Wacken are stepping stones or standalone milestones for emerging bands.
We also give a shout out to this year’s six finalists:
Dead Memories, Nihilanth, Acid Age, Mourning of the Heretics, Numbskull Narative, and New Enemy — and what they will bring to the stage this Saturday at Fibber Magee's, Dublin.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/metalbattleireland
🎧 A solid listen for fans of the Irish scene and bands considering entering future competitions.
wackenopenair #metal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #heavymetal #metalpodcast #metalfestival
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1 hr 10 min
April 07 Episode 371: Numbskull Narrative: DIY Punk infused Metal | Catharsis & a Shot at Wacken Open Air Festival.
Letty Sharp talks to Alan, Francis and Victor of Numbskull Narrative. The band are a Galway-based thrashcore metal punk trio formed in 2022 by Alan Casey (Bass/Lead Vocals), Francis Glynn (Guitar/Backing vocals) and Victor Vieira (Drums) making serious noise on the Irish scene.
Fresh off the release of their new EP 'The Gutters', the band has been praised for their “blistering punk anthems” and raw, honest approach—described as “punk therapy” that tackles resilience and mental health head-on. Staying true to their DIY ethos, Numbskull Narrative records and produces all their own music while also creating their own artwork—remaining fully independent at every stage.
In this episode, the lads discuss forming the band, recording and producing everything independently, and what it means to reach the final of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland—one step away from one of the biggest metal stages in the world.
Band Links:
https://numbskullnarrative.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/numbskullnarrative
Wacken Metal Battle:
https://www.metal-battle.com
NumbskullNarrative #TheMetalCell #IrishPunk #DIYpunk #PunkRock #IndependentMusic #GalwayMusic
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33 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…