The Metal Cell Podcast

By Richard DuhigMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

The Metal Cell Podcast episodes

August 01, 2025 Episode 350: Behind the Lens: Irish Metal Photography with Conor Bradley (Black Mantra) & Dylan Scully (DYLPOOL) two of Irelands most exciting visual storytellers.
In this episode, I sit down with Conor Bradley of Black Mantra Photography and Dylan Scully of DYLPOOL Photography — two of the most exciting visual storytellers documenting the pulse of the Irish Metal Scene.
From their creative origins to their unique photography styles, we dive deep into:
Their background and how they got involved in the Irish metal community
The highs and lows of capturing live music
Dylan’s powerful Worn Out documentary
Their creative + professional goals
Tips and advice for up-and-coming photographers and creatives
📍 Filmed at the brilliant Narrow Door Studios in Cork — massive thanks to Alex Da Vinci for hosting us. This was a genuinely fun, insightful, and energizing chat with two artists who are as passionate as they are talented.
👁️ Whether you’re into metal, photography, or just love hearing from rising Irish creatives — this one’s for you.
👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews from Ireland’s underground scene!
LINKS:
Dylan:
https://www.instagram.com/dylpool___/?hl=en
https://linktr.ee/dylpool___?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=16aeec10-977f-4941-8609-fbe632994838
Conor:
https://www.instagram.com/black_mantra_photography/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/conor.bradley.33
IrishMetal #Photography #BlackMantra #DYLPOOL #WornOutDoc #MetalPhotography #CorkCreatives #MusicDocumentary #IrishCreatives
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53 min
July 22, 2025 Episode 349: Mallacht Interview | Letty Sharp Chats with Ryan & Steve | Black Metal Insights
Join host Letty Sharp as she sits down with Ryan (Vocals) and Steve (Guitars) of Mallacht, a rising force in the Black Metal scene. With a clear homage to the traditional, classic Black Metal sound fused with a fresh, contemporary edge, Mallacht — which means “Curse” in Gaelic — have been turning heads with their powerful debut EP Black Sorcery.
In this exclusive interview, Ryan and Steve discuss the band’s formation, their diverse influences, and the creative process behind standout tracks like 536 and Nocturnal Wayfarer. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or discovering Mallacht for the first time, this conversation offers deep insights into their dark, atmospheric sound.
🎵 Listen to Mallacht’s music here:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UgZFOtuoQ1u3teOoClfO3
Track played © Mallacht, all rights reserved 2025.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth chats with your favorite metal artists!
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35 min
July 18, 2025 Episode 348: Belfast Hardcore Rises: Steve & Robbie of If It Bleeds on their formation, debut EP & Bloodstock 2025.
In this episode, I sit down with Steve (drums) and Robbie (guitar) from the 5-piece hardcore-infused metal outfit If It Bleeds – one of the most exciting names rising out of the Belfast heavy scene.
We dive deep into:
• How the band was formed
• Steve and Paddy’s shared history in Heal of Achilles
• Their debut WE CAN KILL IT EP — 13 minutes of crushing, high-impact metal mixed & mastered by Josh Robinson
• Capturing raw live energy in both their recordings and chaotic, DIY music videos
• A creative, uncompromising approach to heavy music
• Bringing Belfast Hardcore to Bloodstock 2025
• And their passion for making real connections in the metal and hardcore scenes
This band is as real and raw as it gets — loud, aggressive, and unapologetically themselves.
🎧 Whether you're into hardcore, metalcore, or anything heavy, this one’s a must-listen.
🩸 If it bleeds… you know the rest.
🔗 Watch/listen now, drop a like, subscribe, and support independent heavy music!
Band Link:
https://linktr.ee/ifitbleedsbc
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57df7v0PK99QspMtohYLCb?si=FJQdu99-SDywpE4RuiOB3w
Track played © If It Bleeds, all rights reserved 2025.
IfItBleeds #MetalPodcast #WeCanKillItEP #JoshRobinsonAudio #BelfastHardcore #Bloodstock2025 #HardcoreMetal #UKMetalScene #MetalInterview #SupportTheScene #DIYMetal
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43 min
July 04, 2025 Episode 346: Ketos brought the riffs, the laughs….and the chaos. Dwayne Close (guitars) and Pete Crenshaw (vocals) talk all things heavy!
Join us for a wild and unfiltered chat with Dwayne Close (guitars) and Pete Crenshaw (vocals) from Belfast groove/thrash metal heavyweights Ketos! We dig into the band's origins, the evolution from their Rise EP to the full-length onslaught that is First Strike, and explore the themes and sound of their latest singles.
We also dive into the incredible Irish metal scene, shouting out some of the bands that are absolutely killing it live and helping put Ireland firmly on the global metal map.
Expect raw stories, loud laughs, and unexpected moments—including a surprise guest appearance from one of the musicians who happened to be playing with Pete just before the interview and managed to get a few words in despite Pete being... well, a few pints deep. It’s chaotic, it’s candid, and it’s Ketos.
Turn it up, crack one open, and get ready to dive into the madness behind the music.
Ketos links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ketosband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ketos_metal/?hl=en
Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/ketos-merch
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/59Iot61Gb7q2B4w6BxqRKO
THRASH VALHALLA GIG TICKETS: https://secure.waterfront.co.uk/24725/24726?z=0
Track played © Ketos , all rights reserved 2025.
Ketos #MetalInterview #GrooveThrash #FirstStrike #BelfastMetal #PeteCrenshaw #DwayneClose #MetalScene #DrunkInterviews
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55 min
June 24, 2025 Episode 345: Tide7. 'Rinse, Repeat, and Rise” Letty interviews Mark, Luca & Aaron about their progress so far.
In this episode, we dive into the origin and rise of Tide 7, one of the most aggressive and exciting new bands in Ireland’s heavy music scene. From drummer Jack’s initial vision in late 2022 to the formation of a powerhouse lineup featuring Luke, Aaron, and Mark — we explore how the band forged their signature sound blending metalcore, deathcore, djent, and mathcore.
We also take a look at their self-produced debut EP Rinse and Repeat, their explosive live performances, and how they’re redefining the underground with raw intensity and DIY spirit.
If you're into crushing breakdowns, chaotic dissonance, and groove-heavy riffs — this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Song played:
Vermin © TIDE7, all rights reserved 2025.
Band Links:
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tide7.ie
Band page: https://linktr.ee/TIDE7
Bandcamp: https://tide7.bandcamp.com/
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33 min
June 20, 2025 Episode 344: Exclusive Interview with Jen Vaughan (Vocals), Darren O’Keeffe (Rhythm Guitar) and Scott McGowan (Lead Guitar) of Alt-Rock/Metal band Shadows Calling from Cork.
In this episode, I sit down with Jen Vaughan (Vocals), Darren O’Keeffe (Rhythm Guitar) and Scott McGowan (Lead Guitar) of the band with Mike Jordan (Bass) & Barry English (Drums) making up the rest of Shadows Calling, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising bands blending alt-rock, grunge, and metal into a sound entirely their own.
We dive into how the band came together—born during the 2020 lockdown as the brainchild of Mitchelstown native Darren O’Keeffe. He began writing original material for the first time and teamed up with his sister Jen Vaughan, a seasoned frontwoman with 20+ years in the music industry. Darren later discovered Cork guitarist Scott McGowan through an online musicians’ platform, igniting the dual-guitar foundation that drives the band’s hard-hitting sound.
Their debut EPs, Spirit Shifter and These Scars, showcase their raw energy, collaborative songwriting, and genre-blending edge. All lyrics are co-written by Darren and Scott, with music crafted collectively by the entire band.
We also talk about the creative process behind both EPs—produced and mixed by John Murphy (For Ruin) and mastered by Marco Tervonen of The Crown (Sweden)—plus stunning artwork by Colin Bolger (Spirit Shifter) and Giulia Benvenuti (These Scars).
From studio sessions and live tour reactions to Jen’s perspective as a female vocalist in metal and what 2025 has in store, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and authenticity.
🎧 Follow Shadows Calling:
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowscalling/
▸ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowscalling13
▸ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1T4NZVz7bX6IzMH2VBnqKC
▸ Merch: https://shadowscalling1.bandcamp.com
📲 Follow the Podcast:
▸ New episodes weekly – Subscribe: https://www.themetalcell.com
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themetalcellpodcast/?hl=en
ShadowsCalling #IrishMetal #AltRock #GrungeMetal #FemaleFrontedMetal #CorkBands #MarcoTervonen #TheCrown #ColinBolger #GiuliaBenvenuti #MetalPodcast #IrishMusicScene
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52 min
June 16, 2025 Episode 347: MONKFEST 2025 LIVE STREAM SPECIAL: Rodger of Cursed Monk Records & Eoghan of Slung From a Tree talk us through this years stellar line-up & what to expect in Limerick on July 5th.
Monk Fest 2025 will take place on July 5th in Pharmacia Bar, Limerick, to honour the memory of Rodgers niece Ash who was so well looked after by Temple St. in her final months.
All money raised will be donated to Temple St. Children's Hospital and will go to the Play Therapy Department.
• Tickets are €20 each and will allow access to the live performances upstairs in the venue beginning at 6pm with doors at 5.30pm.
• The From The Depths Lane Party will begin at 3pm and will be free to attend.
• There will be a BBQ at the Lane Party with fairly priced meat and vegetarian options.
• A Cursed Monk Records stall, and a band merch stall will be upstairs in the venue.
• The raffle will take place during the live performances with tickets available at the Cursed Monk Records stall.
Bands playing are Zhora, Nomadic Rituals, Coroza, Oldd Wvrms, Fraught, Tooms, Molarbear and Noosed.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1546795539345713
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55 min
June 09, 2025 Episode 343: The Metal Cell Forums Live Stream May 2025. Topic: “Metallica in Ireland 2026 more than just a Gig”
Myself, Danielle, Evan, Letty & Joe of The Metal Cell Forums react to Metallica hitting Dublin for two nights in 2026 with Gojira, Avatar, Pantera & Knocked Loose being brought along for the craic! (Live Stream Podcast recorded in May 26th, 2025.
Metallica is coming back to Ireland in 2026, and we need to talk about it. In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into what this gig means to Irish fans—because let’s be honest, it’s more than just another show. It’s Metallica. In Ireland. Again. For a lot of us, it’s memories of first gigs, old t-shirts, and that feeling when the lights drop and “Ecstasy of Gold” hits.
We also take a look at the different packages Metallica are offering this time around—from standard tickets to the full VIP experience—and we’re giving our honest thoughts: worth it or nah? And of course, we couldn’t leave out the support bands. We chat about who’s warming up the stage, what they bring to the night, and whether they can get the crowd fired up before James, Lars, Kirk, and Rob take over.
Whether you’re already counting the days, still trying to convince your mates to go, or just want to relive some Metallica memories, this episode is for you. Get your horns up and let’s get into it!
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1 hr 26 min
June 06, 2025 Episode 342: Psykosis: Technical Track-by-Track Breakdown of their killer new album 'Mind Games' with Grant (vocals/guitars), Tom (drums) & Liam (Bass) of the band.
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Grant Walsh (vocals/guitars), Tom Moylan (drums) and Liam Noctor (bass) of Dublin thrash metal band Psykosis as we dissect their long-awaited second album 'Mind Games'. Featuring eight tracks, the album blends reworked material from previous lineups with fresh, crushing new numbers, including the powerful latest single Boiling Point. We explore the songwriting approaches, riff construction, rhythmic intricacies, and production techniques behind each track. The band shares detailed insights into the recording sessions and gear choices that helped craft their aggressive, refined sound. Plus, we trace Psykosis’ evolution and their impact on the Irish thrash scene. Essential listening for musicians, producers, and metal fans hungry for a technical deep dive into Mind Games.
Band Links:
https://psykosisthrashmetal.bigcartel.com
https://psykosisthrashmetal.bandcamp.com
All songs played © Psykosis , all rights reserved 2025.
thrashmetal #Psykosis #mindgames #metalpodcast #trackbytrack
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1 hr 22 min
May 23, 2025 Episode 341: Letty Sharp Interviews Nathan & Ocean of War of Attrition – Music, Meaning, and a Mission.
In this episode, Letty Sharp sits down with Nathan Price (vocals) and Ocean McCormack (guitars) of Limerick metal band War of Attrition. The band is gearing up to play the Tullamore Phoenix Metal Festival on May 31 at John Lee’s Bar & Venue—a one-day charity event in support of the National Missing Persons Helpline. The festival also shines a spotlight on the ongoing search for Luke Price, who has been missing for over three months. Luke's brother, Nathan Price, leads the band with a deep personal connection to the cause.
The conversation also dives into War of Attrition’s searing new single, “The Devil You’ve Become”—a politically charged track that condemns the actions of Israel in the Middle East, aligning the band with a bold tradition of metal as a vehicle for protest and awareness.
Beyond the music, Letty, Nathan, and Ocean explore themes of grief, activism, community, and the cathartic power of heavy music. It’s an emotional, thought-provoking, and essential listen for metal fans and beyond. Please SUBSCRIBE to The Metal Cell YouTube channel.
Band & Festival Links:
https://www.eventbrite.ie (tullamore-phoenix-metal-festival-tickets)
https://gofund.me/5bee96f2
https://warofattritionie.bandcamp.com
https://warofattrition.ie
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41 min

About The Metal Cell Podcast

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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…