EP362 Alex from Pains

EP363 El of Incite

While on tour with Death Angel and VIO-Lence, El from Arizona based Incite joined me from behind the merch booth for a quick chat before the show. We discussed everything from The release of Savage New Times last year to the current run with these rad bands and crew. El talked about how everyone was super helpful and there were no egos on this run. I need to say that this bill absolutely rips and it's a tour you don't want to miss if you're into Thrash. This tour runs for a couple more weeks. They're on the West Coast now finishing up. I'm hoping they do another run soon!

EP362 Alex from Pains

Pains was out on tour with UK based Conjurer, Sadness and Snooze. While on tour, they made a stop in Louisville, Ky at Portal, this is where I caught them. This was my introduction to them. It was a killer set and a killer night of music.Alex was kind enough to take a few minutes and chat with me in between bands (and part of one of the bands sets, which we ended quickly to get in and watch). Pains in an Illinois based band that crushes the live setting. Watch the chat. Catch the band(s) live. Pains has another tour coming up, though I won't say anything about it yet

EP361 Joseph Martinez (Junius) Interview | Solterra, Post. Festival & Modern Music Industry

Tom welcomes Joseph E. Martinez of Junius for an in-depth conversation about the band's upcoming album Sotera, their appearance at Post. Festival, the challenges of songwriting, and maintaining artistic integrity in today's music industry. Joseph discusses how Sotera became the heaviest album in Junius' catalog, explaining how a clearly defined concept shaped the music and pushed the band into darker and heavier territory. He shares insights into his songwriting process, vocal development, and the constant revisions that occur before recording. The discussion explores Junius' deliberate approach to album creation, the importance of creative boundaries, and why some songs—no matter how much he loves them—must be left behind if they don't fit the larger vision. Joseph also explains why the band often takes longer between releases and how they balance artistic quality with the realities of modern music production. Additional topics include: * Performing at Post. Festival * Playing nearly the entire Sotera album live * The resurgence of shoegaze and alternative music * Touring Europe and growing an international audience * Recording at Henson Recording Studios * Memorable encounters with Chris Cornell * Touring with Enslaved * The financial realities of modern musicians * Artistic integrity versus commercial pressures * Deftones, Mastodon, Spotlights, and influential modern bands Joseph also reflects on some of the most meaningful moments of his career and offers a candid perspective on creativity, success, and what it means to build a sustainable artistic life in today's music landscape.

EP360 Zack Simmons on Acid Bath Reunion, Goatwhore, and Extreme Metal Drumming

Tom sits down with Zack Simmons of Acid Bath, Goatwhore, and Bringers of Disease for a deep discussion about the long-awaited Acid Bath reunion, preparing to perform iconic material, touring realities, drum influences, and life in extreme music. Zack talks about first discovering Acid Bath as a teenager in the early 2000s and the surreal experience of eventually joining a band he grew up admiring. He discusses working closely with Sammy Duet to revive the material, the pressure of honoring the original songs, and the intense rehearsal process leading up to the reunion shows. The conversation also explores Zack’s work with Goatwhore and Bringers of Disease, balancing multiple projects, and how touring schedules impact longevity for heavy bands. Zack shares stories about filling in for High on Fire, performing in Athens, Greece, and the physical demands of playing back-to-back drum sets in extreme metal environments. Tom and Zack also discuss: * Black Sabbath and Motörhead influences * Ozzy-era Sabbath and classic heavy music foundations * Dave Lombardo, Tommy Aldridge, and Mickey Dee * Tour burnout and maintaining momentum * Blast beats versus groove-oriented drumming * The evolution of modern touring culture * Southern rock influences and underground metal history If you enjoy conversations about sludge metal, doom metal, death metal drumming, underground touring culture, and the legacy of Acid Bath, this episode delivers a detailed look into one of heavy music’s most respected modern drummers.

EP359: Amos Rifkin of Insomniac & Deceased on Touring, Festivals & Underground Metal

In EP359, Tom speaks with Amos Rifkin of Insomniac and Deceased about life in the underground heavy music scene, balancing multiple bands, festival touring, and the realities of working as both a musician and booking agent. Amos discusses the differences between performing with psychedelic doom band Insomniac and death/thrash legends Deceased, along with the physical and mental preparation required for each project. The conversation also explores recent touring experiences with Howling Giant, festival appearances across North America and Europe, and the logistical challenges of modern touring and visa processing. Additional topics include underground music community building, aging in heavy music culture, Atlanta’s music scene, touring economics, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for fans at concerts and festivals. Featured discussion topics: • Touring with Insomniac and Howling Giant • Playing drums for Deceased • Booking underground metal tours • European festivals and international touring • Underground music industry challenges • Metal community and fan culture • Psychedelic doom and death metal performance styles Recommended for fans of doom metal, death metal, psychedelic rock, underground touring culture, and in-depth heavy music conversations.