What Lies Ahead Podcast

We sit down with members of New Jersey punk band Chemical-X to talk about their latest album on Creep Records and what’s next for the band. The conversation gets into their songwriting and recording process, and how they build a set list. We also get into the story behind the new record, the band’s approach to writing and performing, and their upcoming live album.

On this episode, I speak with Ernie Parada about Grey Area’s new album Silence, coming out on Creep Records, and his long history in the hardcore and punk scenes. We discuss his years with Token Entry and Black Train Jack, his evolution as a musician and artist, and the work he continues to do through Hellsgate Industries. We also talk about his experiences throughout his career and the different projects he has been involved with along the way, including the creation of the new Haywire album cover.

On this episode, I’m joined by Rick Jimenez of Extinction A.D. for a conversation about the band’s brand-new single, “Escape from L.I.”, which makes its debut on the show ahead of its official release on Wednesday, September 23, across all streaming platforms.

Rick breaks down the song’s lyrical content, the music, and the process behind creating the song. We also talk about Extinction A.D.’s unique plan to release a new single every month, the band’s work with M-Theory Audio, and what the future holds for Extinction A.D. 

Rick also discusses the future of This Is Hell and the new Subterfuge EP.  The conversation ends discussing the impact that Lou Koller, Sick Of It All, and Andy Williams had on him.

In this episode, Joel Tannenbaum of Plow United looks back on the band’s history and discography, from their early days in the punk scene to their enduring influence. He discusses the experience of playing Riot Fest, the 30th-anniversary reissue of Goodnight Sellout through Creep Records, and the significance of revisiting the album decades after its original release. Tannenbaum also discussed their upcoming reunion shows in Pennsylvania, what it’s like reconnecting with those songs, and what the future may hold for the band.

On this episode, I’m talking with Chris and Vinny from IF I DIE about the band’s 20-year reunion show, happening Saturday, September 19th at Locals in Manalapan, New Jersey.

The lineup includes Sub Zero, Sworn Enemy, Cropsey, Overthrow, Dead Blow Hammer, A Breed Apart, and Enforcement Droid. The show is being held in memory of IF I DIE’s late drummer, Jesse Burke, with part of the proceeds going to his daughter.

We talk about IF I DIE’s history, their first show, coming up in hardcore, the bands and people around them, and how their writing process has changed over the years. We also get into some of their favorite shows they played, what brought them back together, and what’s next for the band.

Tickets for 9/19/26 NJ show:

https://dice.fm/event/ww9r2p-subzero-if-i-die-reunion-show-19th-sep-locals-manalapan-tickets?click_id=mGWTmupNR_eEx3fvBuDISA&pid=530cb286&_branch_match_id=1625645220284005444&utm_medium=partners_api&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1S8yNkmzTEkxMkhLMrRPzslMzo7PTLHNdQ8PyS0t8AuKT3WtME4rcyp18Qx2VCsASpkaGyQnGVmYqdUVpaalFhVl5qXHJxXllxenFtk6ZxTl56YCAKIDwV5oAAAA

In this episode, I speak with Andy, lead singer of Tehachapi, California hardcore band BDR, to talk about their new EP, Reaper Syndrome, out now on Indecision Records. Andy shares the story behind the record, his roots in the Tehachapi hardcore scene, and his personal history, including his time with Diehard Youth. We also look at the band’s evolution, the community and culture that shaped them, and what’s next for BDR as they look toward the future.

On this episode, I had a discussion with Anthony Race, Production Manager at Jones Beach Theater, and Mike Musilli, columnist for No Echo and bassist for Overthrow, about Sick of It All’s albums, legendary live shows, and lasting legacy. We discussed the band’s evolution through their records, their reputation as one of hardcore’s most powerful live acts, and the influence they have had on generations of musicians and fans.

We reflected on what made Sick of It All so special—not only their music and intensity onstage, but their authenticity, longevity, and deep connection to the hardcore community. 

At the heart of those memories is Lou Koller, whose voice and presence became synonymous with Sick of It All. His impact on hardcore music and the people who grew up with the band will continue to be felt for years to come.

RIP Lou Koller.

On this episode, I speak with Ralph Torres, lead singer of Total Meltdown, for a conversation about the band’s history, influences, and what’s next.

Ralph takes us back through his musical history, including his experience attending his first hardcore show and the events that eventually led to the formation of Total Meltdown. We talk about the band’s beginnings, their evolution, and the experiences that have shaped their sound.

We also get into Total Meltdown’s new EP, EP2, released in June 2026 through Wreck-Age Records. Ralph breaks down the band’s writing process and the lyrical themes behind the new songs.

To wrap things up, we look ahead at what the future holds for Total Meltdown and what you can expect from the band moving forward.

On this episode, I had as my guest Dillon Grove, host of Your Life in America on 91.9 FM in Oxnard, California. We talked about his Saturday night radio show, how episodes are streamed across social media after they air, booking shows in Oxnard, and the California music scene. We also discussed baseball, including Dillon's longtime passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and what he sees ahead for future with his show and the scene in Oxnard.

 Vinnie Fiorello is best known as the co-founder and former drummer of Less Than Jake, but his work extends well beyond the stage. He's also a co-founder of Fuel By Ramen and one of the driving forces behind the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas. In this conversation, we talk about how the museum came together, what goes into operating a project of that scale, and the challenges of preserving punk rock history in a meaningful way. Vinnie also shares his perspective on the museum's future and where he sees it going next.