Solo Playlist-⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xKHLgvk6wRxdChKapLprB?si=7IRGEJ0OSnKr6Vf0ao4jKw&pi=SRzhHrELRrCTa⁠🔥 Welcome to Episode 125 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast — hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd, your weekly source for the loudest news, deepest discussions, and heaviest opinions in the world of metal. This week, we plug in, crank up, and dive headfirst into one of the most defining elements of heavy music — the guitar solo.

From blazing shred runs to soul-scorching bends, from blackened tremolo leads to melodic passages that make time stand still — we’re dissecting what makes a great metal solo truly legendary.

In this episode, we explore the solos that shook us, inspired us, and made us want to pick up a guitar in the first place. Whether it’s the fiery precision of Marty Friedman, the emotional chaos of Dimebag Darrell, or the haunting melodic phrasing of Trey Azagthoth, each solo tells a story — one of passion, pain, rebellion, and raw technical mastery.

We break down the anatomy of a perfect metal solo — from tone, phrasing, and timing, to the way emotion and technique collide to create unforgettable moments. It’s not just about how fast you play, but what you say with every note. Expect passionate debates, nerdy breakdowns, and the usual Metal Maniacs banter as Jay and Modd each bring their list of favorites and defend their picks with riffs and reason.

💀 Topics in this episode include:

What defines a great metal solo — emotion vs. technique

The most iconic solos in heavy metal history

Solos that changed the direction of the genre

Hidden gems and underrated soloists you need to hear

The influence of solos in death, thrash, and black metal

Our personal top picks from across the metal spectrum

We also touch on the evolution of solos — how the golden age of guitar heroes paved the way for the chaotic virtuosity of modern extreme metal. From the bluesy roots of early Sabbath to the fretboard madness of Archspire and Obscura, solos remain one of the most personal expressions in all of metal.

This episode isn’t just a list — it’s a full-blown celebration of guitar glory. If you’ve ever air-guitared in your car, rewound a section just to catch that one perfect bend, or debated who had the best solo in history, this one’s for you.

🎧 Whether you’re a guitarist, a metalhead, or just someone who appreciates the art of musical storytelling, you’ll come away from this episode ready to revisit your favorite solos — and maybe discover some new ones that rip just as hard.

🔥 Featuring discussions about:

🎸 Eddie Van Halen

💀 Death

⚡ Metallica

🩸 ⚔️ Megadeth 🌑

⚰️ Morbid Angel

…and many more leads that redefined what it means to shred.

⚡ Join the Maniac Army:

👉 Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify to catch new episodes every week.

👉 Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and community posts from the Michigan metal scene.

👉 Drop a comment with your favorite metal solo of all time — we want to see how your list stacks up against ours.

🧠 The Metal Maniacs Podcast is more than just two dudes talking metal — it’s a community built around passion, respect, and the shared thrill of discovering (and rediscovering) the heaviest music on the planet. Whether it’s interviews with underground legends, deep dives into iconic albums, or episodes like this one where we just geek out over the riffs that shaped us — Metal Maniacs is the home for true fans.

So grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready for 90 minutes of face-melting, soul-shredding metal talk.

🎙️ Episode 125 — “The Greatest Metal Solos of All Time?! | What Makes a Solo ICONIC?”

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd — Presented by The Metal Maniacs Podcast

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

SPECIAL EDITION :The Metal Maniacs Podcast-Horns up for the holidays benefit

Unruly Brewing and The Metal Maniacs present Horns up for the Holidays. Bands to benefit local families in need for Holidays. All Ages-Pay what you can. Donations welcome.

Colt Snuffer and The Dead Horseman

More Ghosts

Tongue Cutter

Reinventing Yesterday

Iron Sharpens Iron

Kill Tomorrow

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon. Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we’re scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.💀 Bands Featured in this Episode:⚙️ Gear AfflictionKicking off the carnage, we check out Gear Affliction, the solo project of Jon from Slugchild. Raw, riff-heavy, and experimental, this debut EP showcases a range of short bursts and longer cuts of dark, textured metal that hit hard. Jon’s sound brings a mix of industrial grime, progressive grit, and good old-fashioned headbang fuel — perfect for fans of boundary-pushing heavy music. 🎧 Listen: Gear Affliction YouTube Playlist💀 Soul SyphonFrom Lewistown, Pennsylvania, this solo heavy hardcore project is the definition of underground energy. Soul Syphon’s debut EP “Reality is Bleak” (released Feb 21, 2025) blends metallic hardcore aggression with bleak atmosphere. Brutal breakdowns meet emotional catharsis in this self-produced release that feels both personal and punishing. 🔗 Instagram @soulsyphonmusic 🎥 Visualizer⚔️ FedaykinRepresenting Grand Rapids, MI — Fedaykin are here to conquer. Their album “Keter” brings technical riffs, progressive structure, and an undeniable live energy. The band’s mix of modern death metal and melodic flourishes hits like a storm. 🎧 Listen on Spotify⚡ EttrichStraight out of Halle, Germany, Ettrich channels the spirit of the NWOBHM era — think Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden infused with fresh energy. Their debut live track “Dream Maker” proves old-school heavy metal still has fire in its veins. Traditional riffs, melodic hooks, and classic vibes — this one’s for the purists. 🎥 Watch “Dream Maker” (Live)🕯️ Humanity ZeroFrom the crypts of Greece comes Humanity Zero, the funeral doom/death metal duo unleashing their new album “Cursed Be The Gift of Life” on October 15th, 2025 via Satanath Records and Rude Awakening Records. guttural vocals, and atmosphere so thick it’s suffocating. 💿 Five psalms of doom that drag your soul to Hades — this is music from the abyss.🔥 Set Fire To ThisBorn from struggle and survival, Set Fire To This was founded by Jason after a long hospitalization with COVID-19. Joined by Kenneth Jones, Mark Hoag, and Rick Ysasi, the band channels pain into passion. Their modern rock/metal fusion is loaded with heartfelt lyrics, dynamic structures, and a melodic punch that bridges emotion and heaviness. 🎧 Spotify 🎥 Watch on YouTube🧠 StillbornSweatShopExperimental, gritty, and full of attitude, StillbornSweatShop (by Ewan) delivers a raw, industrial-tinged heavy sound that leaves a mark. We dig into his track, offering thoughts on production, songwriting, and the creative vision behind his twisted sonic aesthetic — and what we’d love to hear from him next. 🎥 Listen on YouTube⚰️ RancorClosing the episode, we hit the pit with Rancor — a hardcore/deathcore hybrid from Beckley, West Virginia. Their new track “Struggler” draws inspiration from Berserk, blending anime-fueled storytelling with bone-breaking heaviness. DIY produced and mixed in-house, this track proves these guys are hungry and determined to carve their spot in the scene. 🎧 SpotifyWhether it’s doom from Greece, hardcore from PA, or underground madness from West Virginia — this episode celebrates the global reach of metal and the passion that fuels every riff.🎧 Tune in and bang your head with us as we react, laugh, and celebrate the heavy underground — one submission at a time.Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we’re scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.

💀 Bands Featured in this Episode:

⚙️ Gear Affliction

Kicking off the carnage, we check out Gear Affliction, the solo project of Jon from Slugchild. Raw, riff-heavy, and experimental, this debut EP showcases a range of short bursts and longer cuts of dark, textured metal that hit hard. Jon’s sound brings a mix of industrial grime, progressive grit, and good old-fashioned headbang fuel — perfect for fans of boundary-pushing heavy music.

🎧 Listen: Gear Affliction YouTube Playlist

💀 Soul Syphon

From Lewistown, Pennsylvania, this solo heavy hardcore project is the definition of underground energy. Soul Syphon’s debut EP “Reality is Bleak” (released Feb 21, 2025) blends metallic hardcore aggression with bleak atmosphere. Brutal breakdowns meet emotional catharsis in this self-produced release that feels both personal and punishing.

🔗 Instagram @soulsyphonmusic

🎥 Visualizer

⚔️ Fedaykin

Representing Grand Rapids, MI — Fedaykin are here to conquer. Their album “Keter” brings technical riffs, progressive structure, and an undeniable live energy. The band’s mix of modern death metal and melodic flourishes hits like a storm.

🎧 Listen on Spotify

⚡ Ettrich

Straight out of Halle, Germany, Ettrich channels the spirit of the NWOBHM era — think Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden infused with fresh energy. Their debut live track “Dream Maker” proves old-school heavy metal still has fire in its veins. Traditional riffs, melodic hooks, and classic vibes — this one’s for the purists.

🎥 Watch “Dream Maker” (Live)

🕯️ Humanity Zero

From the crypts of Greece comes Humanity Zero, the funeral doom/death metal duo unleashing their new album “Cursed Be The Gift of Life” on October 15th, 2025 via Satanath Records and Rude Awakening Records. Formed in 2003, the band has evolved from primitive brutality into a nightmarish, slow-burning descent into despair. Expect cavernous riffs, guttural vocals, and atmosphere so thick it’s suffocating.

💿 Five psalms of doom that drag your soul to Hades — this is music from the abyss.

🔥 Set Fire To This

Born from struggle and survival, Set Fire To This was founded by Jason after a long hospitalization with COVID-19. Joined by Kenneth Jones, Mark Hoag, and Rick Ysasi, the band channels pain into passion. Their modern rock/metal fusion is loaded with heartfelt lyrics, dynamic structures, and a melodic punch that bridges emotion and heaviness.

🎧 Spotify

🎥 Watch on YouTube

🧠 StillbornSweatShop

Experimental, gritty, and full of attitude, StillbornSweatShop (by Ewan) delivers a raw, industrial-tinged heavy sound that leaves a mark. We dig into his track, offering thoughts on production, songwriting, and the creative vision behind his twisted sonic aesthetic — and what we’d love to hear from him next.

🎥 Listen on YouTube

⚰️ Rancor

Closing the episode, we hit the pit with Rancor — a hardcore/deathcore hybrid from Beckley, West Virginia. Their new track “Struggler” draws inspiration from Berserk, blending anime-fueled storytelling with bone-breaking heaviness. DIY produced and mixed in-house, this track proves these guys are hungry and determined to carve their spot in the scene.

🎧 Spotify

Whether it’s doom from Greece, hardcore from PA, or underground madness from West Virginia — this episode celebrates the global reach of metal and the passion that fuels every riff.

🎧 Tune in and bang your head with us as we react, laugh, and celebrate the heavy underground — one submission at a time.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

On this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down via Zoom with one of the Midwest’s most terrifyingly powerful death metal forces — CASKET ROBBERY! Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this band has carved out a bloody niche in modern metal by blending crushing grooves, eerie melodies, and horror-inspired atmosphere into a sound that’s unmistakably their own.

We dig deep into the dark roots and evolution of the band, from their humble beginnings in 2011 with founding guitarist Cory Scheider (ex-Luna Mortis, Epicurean), to the arrival of their ferocious vocalist Megan Orvold-Scheider, whose commanding voice and intense stage presence have become synonymous with Casket Robbery’s brand of death metal destruction.

We cover everything from the inception of the band and the origin of their name, to their writing process, tone crafting, production methods, and the bloody live shows that leave fans both terrified and exhilarated. Casket Robbery’s story is one of dedication, evolution, and sheer brutality — with a wink and a scream.

💀 Topics we dive into:

The origins of Casket Robbery and the meaning behind the name

How horror and occult themes fuel their creative process

Developing that signature groovy-meets-gruesome sound

How the band approaches songwriting, tone building, and arrangement

Wisconsin’s underground metal scene — who’s killing it locally

Life on the road, the challenges of touring, and what’s next for the band

We also break down their absolutely lethal discography, from the early self-titled EP (2011) through their monstrous 2022 full-length “Rituals of Death” — a modern death metal masterclass produced by Troy Powell and mixed/mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Featuring standout tracks like “Worm Food,” “Don’t Forget The Eyes” (ft. Keith Wampler of The Convalescence), and “Beautiful Death” (ft. Mary Zimmer), it’s a record that captures everything fans love about the band — groove, filth, melody, and horror.

We even talk about their latest 2024 single, “The Lacryphagist,” a sonic step forward that showcases just how much the band continues to grow and evolve. With its layered production, dynamic vocals, and haunting atmosphere, it’s proof that Casket Robbery is far from done — they’re only getting stronger.

Expect stories about the making of their albums (Evolution of Evil, The Ascension, Rituals of Death), production secrets from Old Dark House Studio and Unintended Studios, and a glimpse into how this band continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal.

If you’re into bands like Jungle Rot, Gojira, Cannibal Corpse, or Pantera, but crave something darker and more theatrical — Casket Robbery is for you. This episode is packed with metal insight, horror lore, and a ton of laughs as we dissect one of the Midwest’s most exciting death metal acts.

🧠 For fans of: Groove-driven death metal, horror themes, relentless energy, and brutal musicianship.

🔥 From Madison to the world — Casket Robbery isn’t just a band… they’re an experience.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and spread the plague — new episodes of The Metal Maniacs Podcast every week, where Jay and Modd bring you the best in underground, heavy, and extreme music.

👉 Follow CASKET ROBBERY:

🌐 casketrobbery.com/linktree

💀www.casketrobbery.com

🎵 Spotify

📸 Instagram/Twitter: @CasketRobbery

👉 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast:

YouTube | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon.

Thanks if you still listened and please support these bands.

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe. We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it’s spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you’re going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal) Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”, Dollflesh delivers an atmosphere that feels like a breakdown happening inside a haunted server.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HsbzLq0Qt3QeaigYM7bBI?si=xmJA6nthRfKPWYZp4NlSbQYouTube: https://youtube.com/@dollflesh1🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore) Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, their sound fuses hardcore energy with a modern metal edge, pulling inspiration from Knocked Loose, Paleface Swiss, and Spiritbox.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/5IVoVkLB6Y2U1r3oppdp6aYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore) Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal) A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore) This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0RFCWV6MVvhWuGetHjT0VmYouTube: https://youtu.be/5r1FDeUjyx8🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal) With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore) Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. YouTube: https://youtu.be/ceBQHBwlRvw🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal) A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-epJoin us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd 📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome to Episode 122 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! This week is an extra special one, as we’re joined by a lifelong friend and the man partly responsible for the very existence of this podcast: Dave Stark.

For those who don’t know the backstory — Dave played a crucial role in sparking Jay and Nick’s (Modd’s) passion for music. Without him, the two might never have picked up instruments, met, or started down the path that eventually led to creating this very show. In many ways, Dave is a foundational part of The Metal Maniacs story.

Not only that, but Dave has been a die-hard Ozzy Osbourne fan for decades. In fact, he was the one who first took Jay to see Ozzy live back in 1995 — an experience that left a lifelong mark and set the stage for a deep love of heavy metal.

In this episode, we sit down and dive into:

The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and why he remains one of the most important figures in metal history

Our personal stories and connections to Ozzy’s music through the years

The guitarists and albums that shaped Ozzy’s solo career and cemented his role as the “Prince of Darkness”

Each of us choosing our Top 5 favorite Ozzy songs, breaking down why they matter and what makes them timeless classics

From early masterpieces like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, to later era gems like No More Tears and beyond, this conversation is both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard Ozzy disciple, this episode will remind you just how much Ozzy has influenced generations of fans and musicians alike.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about growing up with metal, how Ozzy concerts changed our lives, and why certain songs carry more weight than just riffs and lyrics — they become memories, moments, and the soundtrack to who we are.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere metal lives.

💀 If Ozzy Osbourne shaped your life in some way, let us know in the comments! Who’s your favorite Ozzy guitarist? What’s YOUR top Ozzy track?

🔗 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast: https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

⚡ Metal Maniacs Podcast #122 – Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy & Our Top 5 Songs (w/ Dave Stark)

Because without Ozzy, and without friends like Dave, this podcast might not even exist. 🕯️🎸

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe.

We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases.

Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:

🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal)

Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”,

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dollflesh1

🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore)

Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, their sound fuses hardcore energy with a modern metal edge, pulling inspiration from Knocked Loose, Paleface Swiss, and Spiritbox.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo

🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore)

Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. Known for blending melodic metalcore roots with an increasingly experimental and crushing style, they continue to evolve with every release.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A

🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal)

A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, Ashen Pall bring a mix of atmosphere and intensity. A band to watch for those who crave heavy riffs wrapped in mood and meaning.

https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna

🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore)

This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate. This song does not exist on this audio version due to spotifys updated terms....visit the youtube channel for the full reaction.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5r1FDeUjyx8

🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal)

With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. Their sound blends the melodic punch of In Flames and Soilwork with the heaviness of modern deathcore. Touring veterans who’ve shared the stage with Carnifex, Motionless in White, Upon A Burning Body, and more.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA

🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore)

Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. Having shared bills with Suffocation, Carnifex, and Distant, they bring brutality rooted in the Michigan underground scene.

YouTube:

🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal)

A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.

Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-ep

Join us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.

📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.

🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd

📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Welcome back to another heavy edition of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd! In our 121st episode we return with the 21st installment of our reaction series, diving deep into the underground to discover the rawest, heaviest, and most experimental sounds emerging from across the globe.

We give our first-time, unscripted reactions to their newest singles, music videos, and releases. Whether it’s spine-shattering breakdowns, eerie electronic atmospheres, or groove-soaked riffs, you’re going to hear a wild mix of what the underground metal world is thriving on right now.

Here’s who we’re reacting to in this episode:

🔥 Dollflesh (Brazil – Industrial Metal)

Industrial savagery from Brazil, blending crushing riffs, electronics, and digital decay. With singles like “Zero” and “White Noise”, Dollflesh delivers an atmosphere that feels like a breakdown happening inside a haunted server.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HsbzLq0Qt3QeaigYM7bBI?si=xmJA6nthRfKPWYZp4NlSbQ

🔥 Ten Low (Germany – Metal/Hardcore)

Formed in 2025, Ten Low are already gaining traction with their debut single “Wings”. Featuring ex-members of Me In A Million, Choking On Illusions, and Gone, t

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z7tL5yWujo

🔥 Let It Rot (Michigan – Deathcore/Metalcore)

Lansing’s own Let It Rot return with their new single and music video “Undying”. Known for blending melodic metalcore roots with an increasingly experimental and crushing style, they continue to evolve with every release.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHXdjSqoQ9A

🔥 Ashen Pall (USA – Atmospheric/Heavy Metal)

A dark and dissonant project with their latest single “Crows (feat. MEGAFAUNA)”, Ashen Pall bring a mix of atmosphere and intensity. A band to watch for those who crave heavy riffs wrapped in mood and meaning.

https://ashenpall.bandcamp.com/track/crows-feat-megafauna

🔥 Eyes of Anguish (Indiana – Metalcore)

This metalcore powerhouse has shared stages with Powerman 5000, Atilla, Soil, and The Devil Wears Prada, and recently booked a show with Escape The Fate.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0RFCWV6MVvhWuGetHjT0Vm

🔥 Traverse The Abyss (Pennsylvania – Metalcore/Death Metal)

With over a decade in the game, Traverse The Abyss continue to carve their path with their EP “Memento Mori”, a concept piece spanning 5 tracks. Their sound blends the melodic punch of In Flames and Soilwork with the heaviness of modern deathcore. Touring veterans who’ve shared the stage with Carnifex, Motionless in White, Upon A Burning Body, and more.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSVSgDqjbwA

🔥 Voluntary Mortification (Michigan – Deathcore)

Straight out of Lansing, Voluntary Mortification unleash their latest track “Hemophagia”, previewing their upcoming EP Mortem Cultus. Having shared bills with Suffocation, Carnifex, and Distant, they bring brutality rooted in the Michigan underground scene.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ceBQHBwlRvw

🔥 Hive of the Mantids (Michigan – Slamming Brutal Death Metal)

A one-man project from Joshua Fireseed, Hive of the Mantids is pure nostalgic brutality. Their new EP “The Mightiest of All Time” pays tribute to the Nintendo 64 classic Conker’s Bad Fur Day, mixing gaming samples with weed-infused slam riffs and ridiculous bass drops.

Bandcamp: https://hiveofthemantidsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-mightiest-of-all-time-ep

Join us as we laugh, headbang, analyze, and get blindsided by new sounds you probably haven’t heard yet. If you’re hunting for new music that isn’t on the mainstream radar, this episode is for you.

Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

📌 Subscribe to Metal Maniacs Podcast for more band interviews, album reviews, reaction episodes, and underground scene coverage.

🎙️ Hosted by: Jay Ingersoll & Modd

📍 Covering all things heavy from Michigan to the world.

One With The Riverbed: Black metal, dynamics, and atmosphere- The Metal Maniacs Podcast (120)

In this 120th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with Kalamazoo’s blackened post-metal powerhouse One With The Riverbed. If you’re a fan of Blackbraid, Deafheaven, Ghost Bath, or Wolves In The Throne Room, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Formed in 2017, One With The Riverbed is a five-piece band consisting of:

Jared Koons – Vocals

Bryan Neterer – Guitar

John C. Scott – Guitar

Lisa Bridenstine – Bass

Jimmy Welty – Drums

The band has carved out a reputation for crafting blackened melodic moodscapes that balance raw ferocity with cinematic beauty. Their newest release, “Succumb” (out October 25th, 2024 via Dusktone Records), pushes their sound further into the depths of emotional and sonic catharsis. Featuring bleak atmospheres, soaring post-metal textures, and crushing black metal intensity, the album stands as their most ambitious work yet.

Throughout the conversation, we dive into:

The formation of One With The Riverbed

Their songwriting process, from riffs to layering, solos, and atmospheric builds

The evolution of their sound across their discography:

Solace (2018) – Black ‘n’ roll leanings with indie rock flavor and BM vocals

Absence (2021) – Progressive and atmospheric with violin by Katie Calvert

Succumb (2024) – A crushing, fully realized blackened post-metal experience

The production process at Raygun Recording Studio and how their sound has grown

Their upcoming U.S. tour dates, including stops in Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, and Columbus

What’s next for the band

We also touch on deeper topics like the emotional and spiritual catharsis that black metal and post-metal uniquely provide. Fans of atmospheric heaviness will find plenty to connect with here.

👉 Check out their music and updates at:

🌐 onewiththeriverbed.com

📱 One With The Riverbed Facebook

🎧 Albums to explore:

Solace (2018, Snow Wave Record)

Absence (2021, Snow Wave Record – featuring violin and expansive 14-minute closer Phantom’s Glance)

Succumb (2024, Dusktone – their definitive full-length statement)

📍 Upcoming Shows (Fall 2025 Tour Highlights):

Oct 4 – DRKMTTR, Nashville, TN

Oct 7 – The Shed DIY, Tuscumbia, AL

Oct 9 – The Odditorium, Asheville, NC

Oct 11 – Spacebar, Columbus, OH

This episode is not just a look at a band but an exploration of a modern black metal movement where atmosphere meets aggression and vulnerability collides with sonic chaos.

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Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd – shining a spotlight on heavy music, underground movements, and the Michigan metal scene and beyond.