And Now The Band

EP355 Phase Meridian on Sludge Metal Revival, AI Music & Touring Realities

Tom sits down with Phase Meridian for a wide-ranging conversation covering progressive sludge metal, underground touring culture, physical media, AI-generated music, and the themes behind their upcoming release “Egregore.” The band discusses their songwriting philosophy of pairing complex instrumentation with memorable vocal hooks, drawing inspiration from progressive and sludge metal legends while building their own sound. The conversation explores the resurgence of bands like Crowbar, Acid Bath, and Eyehategod among younger listeners, the realities of DIY touring, and the importance of community within local metal scenes. The episode also dives into vinyl pressing plans, collectible physical media, absurd Costco performance ideas, cannabis legalization, and the darker economic themes explored throughout “Egregore.” The band reflects on modern capitalism, technological dependence, and the growing influence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. Topics Include: * Progressive sludge metal songwriting * The return of classic sludge influences * Touring in small towns vs major cities * Vinyl and cassette release plans * DIY metal scene culture * AI-generated music concerns * Cannabis legalization discussions * The concept and themes behind “Egregore” * Underground heavy music communities If you enjoy doom metal, sludge metal, progressive metal, and underground heavy music podcasts, subscribe for more interviews and conversations with independent artists and heavy bands worldwide. #PhaseMeridian #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #ProgressiveMetal #HeavyMetalPodcast #UndergroundMetal #MetalPodcast #VinylRecords #AI Music #Egregore

EP354 Abrams on “Loon”, Recording at God City & Desert Fest UK | Blues Funeral Artists Interview

Abrams join the show to break down their latest album Loon, their evolution as a band, and what it was like recording at God City Studio. Taylor and Graham dive into how the band transitioned from pandemic-era remote writing to fully collaborative studio sessions, shaping the sound of albums like Blue City and Loon. We also get into standout tracks like “Glass House” and “Said and Done,” plus how experimentation and iteration refined their final sound. We also cover: * The evolution of Abrams since 2013 * Recording with producers like Kurt Ballou * Why execution matters more than originality in modern heavy music * Denver’s thriving underground metal scene * Upcoming UK tour + Desertfest London appearance * Real-world lessons from recording and songwriting If you’re into post-metal, sludge, and forward-thinking heavy music, this episode delivers a deep dive into how modern bands evolve and stay relevant. 👉 Subscribe for more interviews with underground heavy bands and rising artists.

EP353 Dee from Xaemora

Dee from St Louis based Xaemora during some down time at the Volcandra album release show a couple weeks ago at Portal Louisville. Check it Out. Subscribe, Follow and pay attention. There will be some giveaways on Instagram of some absolutely banger albums!

EP352 Graveripper

On Friday April 24th Volcandra had a release show for their latest album. With a stacked lineup on the bill, it was a show I wasn't going to miss.While we were there, I had the opportunity to chat with some of the bands. Graveripper have been on my radar since their latest album started promo. It is a Ripper of Graves for sure!Check out this short chat!

EP351 Dave Palenske of Volcandra

On 4/24 Volcandras latest album Beyond The Will Of Mortals was released. At their album release show, Dave allowed me some time to have a random chat. Check Out Their Latest Album, out now on Prosthetic Records. Thanks to Portal Louisville for hosting the show and the chat! There are a couple more chats coming from the bands that played that night as well. Keep an eye out for those!