The Sound

After five years of trying, Kevin finally gets Butcher Babies on The Sound. Heidi Shepherd joins Kevin and returning co-host Jared Seymour two days before the release of Nightbloom, the band's new album on Judge & Jury Records with Howard Benson. She explains how the record grew out of notes she wrote after her first-ever therapy sessions, how "Leaving California" started as a voice memo on her drive out of the state, and what it was like having guitarist Henry Flury co-produce a full album for the first time. She also breaks down the true story behind radio single "Blame It on the Wind," filming its video at Zoltan Bathory's house, and its run as the fastest-growing song in the band's catalog. Plus her horror film career, directing the band's videos with her family, touring with Chad Gray, the band's tour-bus VIP after-parties, and a round of rapid-fire questions. A Saints vs. Raiders grudge comes up too.

Also this week: Jared's deep dive into psychedelic desert rock, a Grudge Match where Atypical's "We Are the Fire" defends against Parallyx's "Give Me a F***ing Break," upcoming Sanctuary Biloxi shows including Head Banging for Hunger, Rock the Halls for Mississippi Santa, and the return of Dirty Thirty Fest, a preview of the new magazine with Wake Me on the cover, and news that Atypical goes for the Hall of Fame next week against Awaiting Abigail.

Brady from ENMY joins Kevin, Lisa, and Matt to talk about the band's new radio single — a heavy, melodic rock reimagining of Backstreet Boys' "Incomplete" — how the cover came together on a whim during a tour drive, the pressure of taking on such a vocal-driven original, and what's ahead on their next album as they push toward catchier hooks while staying rooted in their heavier sound. Also this week: a new Grudge Match as We Are the Fire defends the win against Reign of Z's "The Wire," plus a look ahead to upcoming Sanctuary Biloxi shows including Rock the Halls for Mississippi Santa and the Rock the Bald childhood cancer benefit.

Firsun frontman Matt Jackson (formerly of Post Profit) joins The Sound 228 to talk about rebuilding after leaving his old band, landing on the name "Firsun" (inspired by his dog, Pang), and locking in the lineup that's now taking the project on the road. He breaks down the band's signing with SVG Records this summer, what the deal means for distribution and future music videos, and why they chose to re-release "Oh Preacher" to radio as part of a fresh push for the January full-length. He also shares the story behind the "Oh Preacher" video, shot at a church in Iowa, and talks about prepping to play Warped Tour in Orlando this year. Plus: Lisa and Matt run down what they've been listening to, and Transient claims the Hall of Fame crown in this episode's Grudge Match against Love the Hate.

Kevin flies solo this week, joined by Chet from Them Guys to premiere the world-first music video for their new single "Stay With Me" (out everywhere Friday), and Jack from 156/Silence to dig into their upcoming album From a Distance — the Pure Noise Records follow-up to People Watching, its themes of celebrity worship and intrusive thoughts, remembering late bassist Lucas Booker, and their first headline tour. Plus a Grudge Match rematch as returning champ Transient defends against Cold Words, and a first look at the new issue of The Sound 228 magazine featuring Saliva on the cover.

Colin from Wake Me joins Kevin and Lisa to break down their breakout single "Wolves," their team behind the scenes, and playing Red Rocks with Five Finger Death Punch. Plus a new Grudge Match (Transient vs. FirSun) and a Dec. 20 benefit concert announcement for Mississippi Santa at Sanctuary Biloxi.

Levels joins The Sound 228!

After catching Levels live at Rock Fest, we knew we had to get them on the show. The Arkansas-based heavy hitters sit down with Special K, Lisa and Matt for a wide-ranging conversation about how the band came together, growing up in a tight-knit DIY music scene, their journey through the heavy music world, new music, touring, life on the road and what comes next.

We dig into the realities of building a band, evolving musically, taking the next step in their career and the experiences that have shaped Levels along the way.

Also on this episode, Pretty Pity joins The Sound 228 ahead of their stop in Mobile, Alabama, with Royale Lynn and Love The Hate. We get into their music, touring, life as an independent band, music videos and plenty more.

Plus, we've got The Grudge Match, new rock talk, upcoming shows and the usual completely off-the-rails conversation you've come to expect from The Sound 228.

🎸 Featuring: Levels & Pretty Pity

Follow The Sound 228 for more artist interviews, new music, rock news and conversations with the bands pushing rock forward.

Texas metalcore powerhouse The Dark Divide joins The Sound 228 for an in-depth conversation about the band's journey from the Dallas heavy music scene to finding their signature sound.

The band opens up about their beginnings, how years of lineup changes helped shape their identity, and why creating the heaviest music possible has always been part of the mission. They also dive deep into their latest single, "Hydra," revealing the intensely personal inspiration behind the song and music video, touching on childhood trauma, healing, and using music as an outlet for others who have experienced similar struggles.

We also discuss:

If you're a fan of modern metalcore with massive hooks, crushing breakdowns, and honest storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen now and discover why The Dark Divide is a band to keep on your radar.

Kingdom of Giants joins The Sound 228 to discuss their powerful new single "Respawn," the addition of new vocalist and bassist JT, and how the band's sound has evolved from their early metalcore roots into the signature atmospheric style fans know today.

JT shares how he became a member of the band, while the group reflects on writing music that stays authentic, the importance of evolving as artists, and what fans can expect from the next chapter of Kingdom of Giants. They also talk touring with Kittie, upcoming dates with Bury Tomorrow and Holding Absence, and why staying true to your creative vision matters more than following trends.

Plus, the hosts discuss the latest in the rock scene, highlight emerging artists, and celebrate the music community that continues to push heavy music forward.

If you're a fan of modern metalcore, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with the artists shaping the future of heavy music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Atreyu frontman Brandon Saller joins The Sound 228 to talk about the band's new single “All For You,” the meaning behind The End Is Not the End, and the evolution of Atreyu after nearly three decades.

Brandon opens up about the powerful message behind “All For You,” moving from drummer to frontman, staying authentic in today's content-driven music industry, and why Atreyu still has plenty left to prove.

Plus, we talk about filming in Iceland, the upcoming tour with Underoath, Atreyu's legendary live shows, and what's next for the band.

🤘 We Are New Rock. This is The Sound 228.

VRSTY frontman Joey Varela joins The Sound 228 to discuss the band's powerful new single, "Face Down," and the creative journey behind their evolving sound.

In this episode, we dive into:

Before the interview, the crew also discusses:

If you're a fan of modern rock, post-hardcore, metalcore, and discovering the stories behind today's rising artists, this episode is for you.

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