Mikael Johnston (Mephisto Odyssey) | WWLO #45

Linkin Park Killed Nu Metal? | WWLO #47

In this episode of We Were Loud Once, Dan and Jeff dive deep into the evolution of Linkin Park. While Hybrid Theory and Meteora defined a generation and cemented the band as the kings of the late '90s/early '00s heavy music scene, Chester, Mike, and the guys spent the rest of their careers trying to escape a label they never really wanted: Nu Metal.Why was Linkin Park so desperate to distance themselves from the very genre that made them global superstars? Was it a strategic move for longevity, or an artistic necessity? Dan and Jeff break down the sonic shift from Minutes to Midnight onward, the backlash from purists, and how history ultimately proved Linkin Park right.

Mikael Johnston (Mephisto Odyssey) | WWLO #45

In this episode of We Were Loud Once, Dan and Jeff sit down with the legendary Mikael Johnston of Mephisto Odyssey. Mikael takes us behind the scenes of the late 90s/early 2000s electronic-metal crossover era, specifically detailing his work with the iconic late Wayne Static of Static-X.We dive deep into the creation of the high-octane collaborations "Crash" and "Crash:Reborn". Mikael shares the definitive story on his heavy-hitting remix of Static-X’s "Push It". Mikael gives us insights into Wayne’s unique creative energy, the fusion of industrial beats with nu-metal riffs, and the legacy of these landmark tracks. He also details the hurdles he had to overcome to release these tracks.

Every Nu Metal Band Ever...Almost (Jon Carr (Detox)) | WWLO #46

The definitive A–Z nu metal band list is here c/o Detox! In this episode of We Were Loud Once, Dan and Jeff sit down with Jon Carr to break down his ultimate alphabetical guide to the genre. From the undisputed kings that defined an era to the deepest, most obscure underground gems you probably forgot existed (or never heard of), we’re digging through the crates to see if his list holds up. Trust us, you will find some amazing new music on this list...

The Unauthorized Wayne Static & Tera Wray Documentary Interview (Matt Zane) | WWLO #44

In this episode of We Were Loud Once, Dan and Jeff sit down with filmmaker and musician Matt Zane (Society 1) to discuss one of the most controversial and mysterious projects in industrial nu metal history: his unauthorized documentary on Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static.Matt opens up about his personal relationship with the late Static-X frontman and his late wife, the creative vision behind the film, and the legal and personal hurdles that has ultimately kept the project from a traditional release. We dive deep into the (typically misunderstood) complexities of Wayne’s final years, and the stories that haven't really been told—until now.

James Rietz (Crossbreed) | WWLO #43

In this episode of We Were Loud Once, Dan and Jeff sit down with James Rietz, the visionary frontman of the industrial nu metal powerhouse, Crossbreed!From the glow-in-the-dark paint to the relentless touring cycles of the early 2000s, James breaks down the history and the future of one of the genre’s most visually and sonically distinct bands. We dive deep into the legendary (or infamous rather) Nothingface tour, the transition to Driven Music Group, and the creative process behind their iconic covers. Plus, James gives us a look into his experiences at Wasteland Weekend and what life looks like in the post-apocalyptic subculture.Also, I didn't edit out language because...no.