And Now The Band

EP307 – The Science of Heavy: Tom & Zach Break Down Howling Giant’s Sound

Tom and Zach of Howling Giant join the show to explore the creative universe behind one of heavy music’s most imaginative and dynamic bands. From sci-fi concept albums and cosmic storytelling to airtight musicianship and relentless touring strategy, Howling Giant has carved out a distinctive place in modern stoner, psych, and doom metal. In this episode, Tom and Zach discuss the band’s origin story, how they craft narrative-driven albums, and the chemistry that’s kept the band tight and evolving. We dive into their approach to vocal harmonies, gear choices that shape their tone, and how they build huge soundscapes as a (now) Four-piece. The duo also shares practical lessons learned from constant touring, including maintaining energy, creating memorable live experiences, and staying connected with fans. Whether you love space-themed heaviness, airtight musicianship, or simply the craft behind building a successful modern heavy band, this conversation delivers insight and inspiration at every turn. If you like what you're hearing: subscribe, like, comment, share. Title: EP307 – Tom & Zach of Howling GiantGuests: Tom Polzine & Zach WheelerShow: And Now The BandKeywords: Howling Giant interview, stoner metal, doom metal, Nashville heavy scene, concept albums, heavy music podcastDescription:Tom and Zach of Howling Giant discuss their origin story, cosmic songwriting, vocal harmonies, gear, touring lessons, and the creative universe behind one of modern heavy music’s most imaginative bands.Howling Giant interviewTom PolzineZach WheelerNashville heavy bandsStoner metal interviewDoom metal podcastPsych metal bandConcept album songwritingHeavy music podcastAnd Now The Band

EP306 – Travis of Carrion Vael: Slay Utterly & True Crime Tech Death

In EP306, Tom sits down with Travis of Carrion Vael to talk about the upcoming album “Slay Utterly”, arriving January 16th via Unique Leader Records, and the intense, research-driven approach behind the band’s technical death metal sound. Travis breaks down how Carrion Vael writes songs inspired by serial killers, cult leaders, and true crime, approaching violent subject matter with analysis and storytelling rather than shock for shock’s sake. The conversation explores the psychology of infamous figures, the balance between art and discomfort, and how extreme themes can coexist with technical precision. Also discussed: * Writing death metal based on real historical crimes * Albums King of the Rhine and Slay Utterly * Songs about Jim Jones and David Parker Ray * Metal influences and formative live show experiences * Pulling inspiration from hip-hop and underground rap * Preparing for album release shows and new merch drops * Carrion Vael’s upcoming Metal Monday appearance at MagBar This episode is a must-listen for fans of technical death metal, true crime, Unique Leader Records artists, and extreme underground music. #CarrionVael #TechnicalDeathMetal #SlayUtterly #DeathMetalPodcast #TrueCrimeMusic #ExtremeMetal #UniqueLeader Carrion Vael podcast, Slay Utterly interview, Travis Carrion Vael, technical death metal discussion, true crime death metal, Unique Leader Records interview, extreme metal podcast, underground death metal band

EP305 – James of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy: DIY , Distortion & Underground Metal

In EP305, Tom welcomes James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy for a deep, honest conversation about DIY metal, distortion-driven songwriting, underground touring, and artistic integrity. James reflects on nearly two decades of creating heavy music, from a bedroom project in 2005 to a fully realized band built on texture, volume, and commitment to artistic truth. They discuss the band’s latest album, which intentionally keeps distortion engaged almost nonstop, and why full-album immersion still matters. Topics include: * Writing and recording a fully distorted heavy album * Staying true to an artistic vision in a commercial industry * The evolution and monetization of heavy metal * The realities of DIY touring and rising costs * Inclusive all-ages shows and changing live culture * Lifelong friendships formed through underground touring * Discovering and supporting lesser-known bands They also share love for bands like Blood Incantation, discuss unforgettable live performances, upcoming festival appearances, and the joy of uncovering hidden gems in the underground scene. This episode is essential listening for fans of metal, psych, noise rock, DIY culture, and underground heavy music. #DoomMetal #TheGrasshopperLiesHeavy #DIYMusic #UndergroundMetal #HeavyPodcast #NoiseRock #PsychDoom #IndependentArtists The Grasshopper Lies Heavy interview, James Woodard podcast, DIY doom metal interview, underground heavy music podcast, distortion doom metal, experimental heavy bands, metal touring discussion, independent metal artists, noise doom podcast

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