EP379 Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red Talks 20 Years, Seasons of Surrender, Vocal Technique & Touring

EP379 Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red Talks 20 Years, Seasons of Surrender, Vocal Technique & Touring

Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red joins Tom on And Now The Band for a conversation about Seasons of Surrender, August Burns Red's 20-year career, songwriting, authenticity, vocal technique, live performance, touring, and maintaining creative chemistry after decades together. Jake explains how August Burns Red approached Seasons of Surrender with the goal of creating the best version of an August Burns Red record rather than chasing trends or making a drastic stylistic departure. He discusses the band's creative process, rewriting songs and endings, pushing one another in the studio, and developing the trust necessary to accept criticism from bandmates. Jake and Tom also compare the new album with Death Below, discussing how the darker and more progressive character of that record reflected the COVID era while Seasons of Surrender represents the band embracing who they are while continuing to evolve. The conversation covers authenticity, songwriting, collaboration, audience connection, live performance, vocal technique, touring, and longevity. Jake shares the story behind developing the low vocal technique required for "Legions", including working with vocal coach David Benitez, and explains how he prepares his voice for touring and live performances. The episode also explores what it takes to keep a band healthy after 20 years: trust, humility, honest criticism, compromise, personal relationships, and the willingness to keep challenging yourself. Topics include: August Burns Red, Jake Luhrs, Seasons of Surrender, Death Below, metalcore, songwriting, vocal technique, "Legions," "Sonic Salvation," touring, live performance, audience engagement, vocal health, and 20 years of August Burns Red.

EP378 Sebastian of God Mother Talks Kottvarld, 15 Years of Music, Touring & Underground Metal

Sebastian of God Mother joins Tom on And Now The Band to discuss the band's massive new album Kottvarld, 15 years of God Mother, recording across multiple studios, international touring, handmade merchandise, and the importance of maintaining genuine connections within the underground music community. After nearly two years of work, God Mother are preparing to release Kottvarld, a massive album that represents a significant new chapter for the band. Sebastian explains the band's unique recording process, which involved multiple studios, including an iconic drum-recording facility where ABBA previously recorded. Sebastian also discusses the extensive network of people behind God Mother. After roughly 15 years together, the band has built a support system that extends far beyond the four members, including family, friends, engineers, PR support, and other collaborators. From recording in Daniel's father's basement to working with Michael as the band's sound engineer, that community has played an important role in helping God Mother create their music. As a graphic designer, Sebastian is also heavily involved in the band's visual identity, including album artwork, merchandise, and handmade designs. He shares the story of creating a limited-edition Stanley Kubrick-inspired poster at a show that became so meaningful to one fan that they traveled from Canada specifically to purchase it. Tom and Sebastian explore how merchandise can become more than something fans buy at a concert—it can become a physical reminder of a particular show, band, or moment in someone's life. The conversation also covers God Mother's experiences playing major venues, including Terminal 5 in New York, where they encountered fans and notable musicians including Mike Patton. Topics discussed include: God Mother's new album Kottvarld Two years of work behind the record God Mother's 15-year history Recording across multiple studios An iconic studio where ABBA recorded Recording in Daniel's father's basement Michael's role as engineer Sebastian's graphic design work Album artwork and merchandise Handmade concert merchandise Stanley Kubrick-inspired artwork Building relationships with fans Terminal 5 in New York Meeting Mike Patton European touringUK and Scandinavian shows The challenges of touring the United States International visa and touring issues Stockholm's Cyclops venue Introducing children to heavy music Metallica and Motörhead God Mother's 2013 Central America tour Spotify and music discovery The importance of underground music communities Future touring plans Sebastian and Tom also discuss the changing live-music environment and why personal interaction between bands and fans remains one of the most important aspects of underground music. For fans of God Mother, experimental metal, hardcore, extreme music, Swedish metal, underground music, and international heavy music, EP378 provides an inside look at the band's creative process, their new album Kottvarld, and the community that has helped sustain God Mother for more than a decade. Subscribe to And Now The Band for more interviews with the musicians, artists, producers, and people shaping today's heavy music scene. #GodMother #Kottvarld #Sebastian #ExperimentalMetal #ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #MikePatton #SwedishMetal #HeavyMusic #AndNowTheBand

EP377 IATT's Black Metal Rock Opera Alec Talks Etheric Realms of the Night, Insomnia & Thunderflix

Alec of IATT joins Tom on And Now The Band to discuss IATT's ambitious concept album Etheric Realms of the Night, the psychology of sleep and insomnia, and the band's incredible feature-length black metal rock opera film now available through Thunderflix. Etheric Realms of the Night explores the different stages of sleep and the psychological experiences surrounding them, including insomnia, sleep deprivation, somniphobia, and the human mind. Alec explains how IATT approaches songwriting through extensive research and discussion of psychology, allowing the album's themes to influence both the music and the band's larger visual presentation. The conversation goes much deeper when Alec discusses the 18-month process of creating IATT's feature-length black metal rock opera film. Created independently and largely self-financed by Alec and his team, the film was produced on a shoestring budget and combines IATT's music with cinematic storytelling without traditional dialogue. Alec draws on his background in film school and music-video production to explain how the project came together, the enormous amount of time invested in it, and the self-doubt that comes with spending more than 500 hours on an ambitious creative project. The film premiered in Philadelphia before being released on Thunderflix, and Alec discusses plans for film-festival submissions, a potential special-edition DVD/CD release, behind-the-scenes material, and the possibility of eventually presenting the film with a live pit-orchestra-style performance. Tom and Alec also discuss: * IATT's Etheric Realms of the Night * Black metal and concept albums * Sleep, insomnia and somniphobia * The psychology behind IATT's music * IATT's feature-length black metal film * Black metal rock operas * Thunderflix * Independent filmmaking * Film school and music-video production * Spending 500+ hours on a creative project * Overcoming self-doubt * Album artwork and visual storytelling * Vinyl, CDs and physical music * Black Lion Records * Envima Records * The importance of the complete album experience * Streaming vs. physical music * IATT's upcoming West Coast tour * Narcotic Wasteland * Future live screenings and performances * The future of IATT Alec also talks about "Walk Amongst," one of his favorite IATT songs to perform, including the possibility of incorporating live saxophone into future performances. The episode closes with discussion of IATT's upcoming touring plans, including their September West Coast tour, a show with Narcotic Wasteland, and the possibility of bringing their film to Louisville for a special screening and live event. If you're a fan of black metal, extreme metal, concept albums, experimental music, independent filmmaking, psychological horror, or ambitious DIY music projects, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

EP376 Behind the Board with Mario Quintero | Spotlights, Pallbearer, Shiner & More

Tom sits down with recording engineer, producer, and mixer Mario Quintero for a deep conversation about three decades of recording music, the evolution of digital production, and the philosophy behind creating massive yet authentic-sounding records. Mario discusses his work with bands including Spotlights, Pallbearer, Hiroe, Shiner, Amblare, Moon Destroys, and Bunuel, explaining how his approach to recording has evolved throughout his career. Rather than relying on endless processing or technical tricks, Mario emphasizes the importance of the song, the performance, and finding the right balance between instruments. After beginning his recording journey with ADAT machines and eventually moving into Pro Tools, Mario explains how the transition from analog recording to modern digital production changed the way musicians and engineers work. He describes how today's musicians have access to an unprecedented amount of information and learning resources, allowing them to develop their skills faster than previous generations. Mario also explains his "less is more" approach to production and how, over the last decade, he has moved away from heavily manipulating individual tracks toward creating space, balance, and interaction between instruments. Additional topics include: * Mario's 30-year recording career * Engineering, mixing, mastering, and production * Working with Spotlights and Pallbearer * Hiroe and long-term musical relationships * Shiner and the pressure of working with established bands * Amblare and the Brian St. Pair recording * Moon Destroys * Bunuel with Eugene Robinson * Working with smaller independent bands * Analog recording and ADAT * The transition to Pro Tools * Modern digital recording techniques * Why "less is more" can produce better records * Balancing huge production with live energy * Mixing and mastering * Translating studio recordings to live performances * Getting musicians to think about the band as a complete unit Mario shares how being both a musician and engineer allows him to work backward from a desired sonic result, often envisioning the final record while creating demos. He also discusses the challenge of remaining objective when you're deeply involved in every stage of a project and the importance of having trusted people who will provide honest, unfiltered feedback. The conversation goes beyond recording technology and into the psychology of making records. Mario explains why producers need to help musicians understand their role within the overall arrangement rather than focusing exclusively on their individual parts. He discusses overplaying, excessive effects, the importance of space, and why emotional impact ultimately matters more than technical perfection. Mario also talks about why he particularly enjoys mixing, describing the process of discovering what a great recording can become once all of the individual performances are brought together. For musicians, producers, engineers, and fans interested in what happens behind the scenes of heavy music, this episode provides an inside look at the creative and technical decisions that turn great performances into great records.

EP375 Mark Sunshine Talks Unida, Patriarchs in Black & His Legendary Music Career

Tom welcomes legendary vocalist Mark Sunshine for an in-depth conversation covering more than three decades of heavy music, from his early days with Elysium and System Addict to his current work with Patriarchs in Black, Unida, and the emerging progressive metal project Lost Beacon. Mark reflects on his musical journey, explaining why he stepped away from music at various points throughout his career rather than settling into performing cover songs. He discusses his time with Elysium before joining System Addict alongside Damon Trotta and Ed Furman, laying the foundation for a career built on authenticity and powerful vocal performances. The conversation explores Mark's recent contributions to Patriarchs in Black, including recording "Immigrant Song" after being recommended by Mike of Non-Fiction. Mark also shares updates on the upcoming 4 Patriarchs release, revealing that three new songs are currently being completed ahead of a September deadline. He also teases another cover song suggested by Johnny Kelly of Type O Negative and Quiet Riot. Additional topics include: * Mark Sunshine's career history * Elysium and System Addict * Patriarchs in Black * Recording "Immigrant Song" * The upcoming 4 Patriarchs album * Working with Johnny Kelly * Unida's return * Mojave Festival 2027 * Tabernas Festival in Spain * Lost Beacon with Trevor from Ashen Hoard * Performing classic songs while maintaining originality * The importance of authentic live performances * Touring as the ultimate test for new music Mark also discusses his role as the vocalist for Unida since 2022, including upcoming appearances at Mojave Festival 2027 alongside Yawning Man, Mondo Generator, Red Fang, and Deathchant. While excited about the band's future, he candidly addresses the frustrations surrounding delays in releasing new material and emphasizes the importance of getting music into fans' hands. Tom and Mark also dive into the philosophy of performing classic songs, discussing Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, and Chicago while exploring the balance between honoring iconic performances and maintaining one's own artistic identity. The conversation closes with updates on Lost Beacon, Mark's collaboration with Trevor from Ashen Hoard, which blends progressive metal and power metal into an exciting new creative direction.