And Now The Band

EP304 Valira of Vesseles: Crafting “Home,” Embracing Identity & Evolving Modern Black Metal

In EP304, Tom sits down with Valira of Vesseles to discuss her upcoming album Home, releasing January 16th, 2026, and the deeply personal artistic journey behind her evolving approach to black metal. Valira opens up about discovering heavy music, gravitating toward darker and more atmospheric sounds, and challenging herself with tracks like Flesh Throne, Eternally Within Us, and Scriptures Until They Are Dust. She explains her passion for creating full-album experiences, focusing on flow, pacing, and emotional progression. The conversation also explores: * The origins and evolution of Vesseles * The creative process using Guitar Pro * Building a cohesive visual identity through custom latex masks * Balancing audience expectations and personal fulfillment * The welcoming nature of the heavy music community * Touring strategy in the Pacific Northwest and future expansion * The 12-month plan for Vesseles (shows, festivals, regional push) * Their album release show – Jan 24 @ Neck of the Woods in San Francisco This episode is a deep dive into creativity, identity expression, underground metal culture, and the mindset behind building a DIY project from the ground up. If you love black metal, atmospheric heavy music, or stories of artists forging their own path—this episode is for you. #BlackMetal #Vesseles #Valira #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #ExtremeMetal #AtmosphericBlackMetal #UndergroundMetal #ArtistInterview #MetalCommunity #IdentityAndArt Vesseles interview, Valira black metal, Home album Vesseles, underground black metal artist, heavy music podcast interview, custom mask artist, Brandy Beast latex masks, Guitar Pro composer, PNW black metal scene, atmospheric metal, Vesseles band 2026, modern black metal evolution

Mike Sanchez of Acid Bath

Mike Sanchez of the mighty Acid Bath stopped by during Louder Than Life to talk about what's been happening in the Acid Bath camp and how it feels to play together again. The resurgence of AB has been tremendous and with 2 AB newcomers, they're sounding super tight and getting the crowd hyped. #acidbath #mikesanchez #louderthanlife #andnowtheband

EP303 Mike Leon of CKY on New Music, World Touring & Living the Metal Dream

EP303 | Mike Leon of CKY joins Tom for an energetic and heartfelt conversation about CKY’s resurgence, new music, global touring, and the full-circle moment of joining a band that helped shape his musical identity. In this episode: • The making and reception of CKY’s newest single “Can’t Stop Running” • Recent UK tour + upcoming Australia run + Sonic Temple 2025 • CKY’s healthiest and most focused era yet • Mike’s years with Soulfly, Crowbar & Battlecross • Why younger fans are discovering CKY like it’s brand new • Emotional stories about fan interactions and growing up with heavy music • World-travel food adventures, including wild nights in Singapore • The metal cruise community and the “no ego” culture • Gear talk: Mike’s work with Enki and high-end road cases • Plans to bring CKY to Louisville’s Portal venue in May It’s a fun, insightful, high-energy conversation celebrating metal culture, creativity, and the fans that keep this scene alive. If you love CKY, heavy music stories, or behind-the-scenes tour life — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. CKY interview Mike Leon CKY CKY new music 2025 Alternative metal podcast Soulfly bassist interview Crowbar touring Battlecross history Metal podcast interview Heavy music storytelling Sonic Temple Festival Louisville metal scene Guitar gear Enki Metal tour stories 2000s alt metal bands Heavy music community #CKY #MikeLeon #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusicPodcast #Soulfly #Crowbar #Battlecross #AlternativeMetal #MetalTouring #SonicTemple #MetalStories #PodcastInterview

EP302 Connor of Dissentience: Kaiju EP, Metal Evolution, Genre Labels & Touring Plans

In EP302, Connor of Dissentience joins Tom to talk about the band’s creative evolution, their new monster-movie-inspired EP Kaiju, and the challenges of being a genre-fluid metal band in a scene that often demands labels. Connor shares the band’s journey from high school roots to their current sound, shaped by drummer Nick and longtime producer Corey. They break down the writing process for Kaiju, the band’s most cohesive work yet, written live together for the first time and structured like a classic kaiju film. The conversation explores metal’s shifting trends, the limitations of genre expectations, and how bands like Revocation, Protest the Hero, Deftones, Metallica, and Megadeth influenced Dissentience’s musical identity. Other topics include: * Vinyl production issues, merch pricing & fan accessibility * Scene challenges in the Valley vs. the Northeast & New England * Winning shows, promoter challenges & why varied lineups matter * Label delays and 2026 plans for shows and touring * The importance of performance energy and musical diversity If you love technical metal, progressive thrash, or genre-breaking heavy bands, this episode is packed. #Dissentience #KaijuEP #MetalPodcast #ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #TechnicalMetal #ProgMetal #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #MetalBands #MonsterMovies #GodzillaInspired #MetalInterview #Revocation #ProtestTheHero #MetalEvolution #VinylPressing #metalscene * Dissentience * technical metal podcast * thrash metal interview * death metal band * progressive thrash * Kaiju EP * underground metal scene * heavy music discussion * vinyl production issues * metal band touring

EP301 Blood Of The Earth: New Music, Doomfest, Recording Plans & Metal Community Stories

In EP301, Blood Of The Earth join Tom for a wide-ranging conversation covering new music, band growth, touring memories, and the underground metal community. Jeff, Katie, Christian, and John break down their December and January recording schedule, tracking drums, guitars, bass, and keys, plus their upcoming sessions with Ryan Bosch at Kandor Studios in Tampa. They also discuss preparing for Doomfest at Deviant Libation and the excitement of playing as a two-piece before heading back into the studio. The episode also touches on Tom’s personal stories about aging as a lifelong music fan, Detroit’s economic rise and fall, and reconnecting with family. The band shares future touring plans, European festival goals, collaborations with members of Crisis, their musical evolution beyond doom and stoner roots, and the importance of having fun while creating heavy music. If you’re into doom, sludge, stoner, post-metal, or behind-the-scenes looks into underground heavy bands, this episode is a must-listen. #BloodOfTheEarth #DoomMetal #StonerDoom #UndergroundMetal #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #Doomfest #LouisvilleMetal #RecordingStudio #MetalBands #SludgeMetal #PostMetal #KandorStudios #RyanBosch #DeviantLibation #MetalMonday #MusicInterviews #HeavyScene * Blood of the Earth * doom metal podcast * underground metal interview * heavy music stories * stoner doom band * metal recording process * touring metal bands * Doomfest * heavy underground community * metal festival talk