The Rock and Metal Profs

When New York's Spread Eagle hit the metal scene in 1989, many early fans recognized that they were different from the established glam and sleaze metal bands of the late-80s.   A self-styled "Street Metal" act, Rob De Luca, Paul DiBartolo, Ray West and Tommy Gallo produced two hard-hitting, raw and uncompromising albums within just a few short years.  Alas, as the  music industry shifted its focus away from metal in the 90s, Spread Eagle, like so many bands of the era, was a casualty.  But like so many great bands from the 80s, Spread Eagle reformed, released another outstanding record, and as of the time of this recording, are still touring and delivering on stage to long-time fans and new coverts.

This week Matt invites on a couple Rush experts and long-time friends, Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza and Mr. Chris Christianson.  Were it not for Chris, Matt would not be the Rush fan that he is today.  Dr. Rojo Mendoza provides a unique perspective as a Rush fan growing up in Mexico City.  My thanks to both of these fine gentlemen for taking the time to join the show!

The Profs are back with part 2 in a 3-part series featuring the GLORIOUS music, history and philosophy of Rush.  

We have some listeners who are going to LOVE this one.  Court and Matt unpack the music, history, philosophy and legacy of the greatest Canadian power trio of all time, RUSH!  Rush's music is timeless, brilliant, and masterfully composed.  Neil Peart's lyrics were a thing of breathtaking beauty and remarkable intellectual and philosophical gravity and insight.  Dr. Lewis shines on this one!  You don't want to miss it!

For Heaven's Sake, it's Stryper!  Stryper proved that a Christian rock band can hit the mainstream, find continued success, and rock!  An equal opportunity podcast, the Profs give equal time to the "Yellow and Black Attack", looking at the band's history, legacy, music and staying power.   To hell with the Devil!

Time to Bleed the Freak!  The Profs take on the history and philosophy of one of Seattle's greatest exports, the one and only Alice In Chains.  AIC were the band the bridged the 80s and 90s and kept metal fresh and exciting.  Often lumped in with the grunge movement and Seattle sound, Layne, Jerry, Mike and Sean were far more than just another rock band trying to find an identity -- they saved metal from itself and the parody that the genre had become in the late-80s.  Time for a Facelift!

This week, the Profs are Caught in a Mosh!  Time for some east coast thrash!  Anthrax are considered one of the "Big 4" acts in metal, and it is well-deserved.  Breaking big with "Among the Living" in 1986, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, Scotty Ian and Dan Spitz brought a sound, style and appearance that metal fans welcomed.  With well-crafted songs, Stephen King-inspired songs, blast-beat drums and crushing rhythms, Anthrax would not be denied their place in the pantheon of metal gods! I am the Walking Dude!

This week a deep dive into an incredibly talented band that may be unfamiliar to some listeners.  Coheed and Cambria have made a nice career releasing concept albums with sci-fi and fantasy themes, comic book tie-ins, and incredible musicality and virtuosity.  Don't sleep on this band!

This Profs investigate the career of one of the most heralded bands of all time, the incomparable Iron Maiden.  Matt and Court recount the band's rise to success in England, the Paul DiAnno years, the introduction of Bruce Dickinson, and taking the world by storm in the early-80s.  Metal mascots: Has anyone done it better than Iron Maiden with Eddie?  Has there ever been a band better at tackling historical events and making them exciting and accessible for listeners?  The gents discuss.  

This one is for the hardcore KISS Fan! Court and Matt discuss lyrics and how the band's songs have aged, as well as a multitude of esoteric facts that longtime fans of the band will likely know already.  This is a fun one, so join us!