Episode 71: Rock and Metal Releases 2026; Joe Holmes, Spread Eagle, Blue Medusa, Maphra, Legacy Band vs. Cover Band?

Episode 71: Rock and Metal Releases 2026; Joe Holmes, Spread Eagle, Blue Medusa, Maphra, Legacy Band vs. Cover Band?

2026 is a BANGER year for new rock and metal music so far.  Matt and Court talk the triumphant return of RUSH with Annika Niles, and celebrate the long-awaited release of Joe Holmes' new record!!! The Profs also discuss new offerings from Armored Saint, Spread Eagle, Evanescence, Geoff Tate/Operation Mindcrime, Elegant Weapons, Green Lung, Anthrax and Blue Medusa!  Then, Matt introduces Court and the listeners to Maphra and her hit cover of "Doomed" (from Bring me the Horizon) that has over 25 million views on Youtube in just 4 months!  This incredible young performer is not to be missed!  Finally, the gents discuss legacy bands that tour without any (or few) original members.  Should these bands still be touring as Foreigner or Kansas when there are no original members in the band?  Fans are paying top prices to see what is essentially a cover band.  In the midst of the discussion, Court goes on a diatribe about how much he hates Lynyrd Skynyrd (clearly some kind of deep-seated trauma growing up in Mississippi where he was fed a steady diet of southern rock).  Matt comes to Skynyrd's defense, making the case that they were an incredibly talented band, and attempting to retain our southern listener base in the U.S.  CRANK UP SOME FREE BIRD!

Episode 70: The Scorpions Part II

The Profs chat recent rock and metal news, and they examine the Scorpions' records from 1984's "Love at First Sting" to 2022's "Rock Believer."  Dr. Lewis takes the lead on this one!  We thank all our listeners for taking the time to download and listen.  We appreciate you!

Episode 69: The Scorpions, Part 1

It's time to ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE!  Undeniably the greatest hard rock/metal band in German history, the Scorpions heralded career spans 60 years!  Few bands have made a greater impact on the history of modern rock/metal music than the Scorps.  The Profs look at the early history of the band as it coalesced in postwar West Germany and how Rudolph Schenker, Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Herman Rarebell, Francis Buchholz and Matthias Jabs sought to reshape the world's perception of Germany and Germans.  Court and Matt examine postwar German history, the band's early albums and touring, and their rise to fame (and controversy) in the 1970s and 80s.  Part one of two episodes.  As always, we are so grateful to our listeners who download, listen and recommend the show to others!  Thank you!

Episode 68: 2025 Year in Review and the State of Rock and Metal in 2026

Court and Matt are back with their admittedly fragmentary best of 2025 concerts and albums.  The Profs also discuss recent rock and metal news, and the state of the genre in 2026.  Megadeth, Anthrax, Queensryche, Accept, Ratt, Slaughter, L.A. Guns,  Iron Maiden, Ghost, Helloween, Ozzy, Wings of Steel, Alice Cooper, KISS, Phantom Spell, VV and Peter Criss were all topics covered, and more!  Look for new episodes coming soon!

Episode 67: Favorite Drummers and Percussionists with R. Alan Siler

Court and Matt have guested on R. Alan Siler's podcast "Modern Musicology" on multiple occasions, and we thought it was time to turn the tables!  On our final episode of 2025 the Profs interview the busiest man in America -- drummer, librarian, author, performer, music connoisseur, and host of multiple podcasts -- R. Alan Siler.  Alan has performed in many bands, including tribute acts covering KISS, David Bowie, Heart and Kate Bush.  He's performed in orchestras, folk groups, and jazz ensembles. He is the owner and editor of kOZMIC Press, LLC.  He also hosts multiple podcasts, including our personal favorite, Modern Musicology.  We asked Alan to explain the difference between drummers and percussionists, and to give us his personal favorites and most influential drummers.  Spoiler -- We'll be talking about Neil Peart and Eric Carr quite a bit!   Our thanks to all of our listeners and friends who support us each year by downloading and listening to every episode of RAMP.  We do the show for you!  Our heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to listen in!  Happy Holidays!