And Now The Band

EP311 floodlit, Grief, and Purpose in Heavy Music | Elijah Kellogg

Host Tom is joined by Elijah Kellogg of floodlit for a wide-ranging conversation about grief, purpose, and the role of heavy music in processing real-world trauma. Elijah discusses floodlit’s latest single “Ama,” his vocal influences, and the challenge of balancing clean singing with harsh vocals in modern heavy music. The conversation turns deeply personal as Elijah shares how his time doing community development work in Myanmar — and the abrupt evacuation caused by a military coup in 2021 — became the emotional foundation for the Floodlit album. Together, Tom and Elijah explore how music evolves once it’s released, why heavy music carries cultural weight, and the responsibility artists have in creating safe, inclusive spaces without losing intensity. They also touch on the changing nature of hardcore shows, mentorship in heavy music, and upcoming releases including “Akko.” A thoughtful, emotional episode for listeners interested in heavy music with depth, meaning, and purpose. #floodlit #HeavyMusic #PostHardcore #Metalcore #MusicAndMeaning #UndergroundMusic #HeavyMusicPodcast #IndependentArtists Elijah Kellogg floodlit, floodlit Ama, heavy music podcast, post hardcore interview, metalcore podcast, grief in music, underground heavy bands, emotional metal, modern heavy music discussion, independent heavy artists

EP310 HUFR Fest 2026: Building Denver’s Next Heavy Music Festival | S. Patrick Brooks (HUFR)

Host Tom is joined by S. Patrick Brooks of Heavy Underground Farm Report to unveil the inaugural HUFR Fest, happening April 24–26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, Sean breaks down how HUFR Fest came together, why Denver’s underground scene is the perfect home for it, and what makes this festival stand out in a crowded live-music landscape. With a lineup that already includes Lost Relics, Sonolith, Lord Velvet, Violet Rising, Hibernaut, Vashon Seed, Cobranoid, Blue Heron, Luna Sol, Godzillionaire, Momovudu, Psalm, Shadow of Jupiter, Messiahvore, Black Sunrise, Nomestomper, and more to be announced, HUFR Fest is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-attend heavy music events. Tom and Sean also talk candidly about where their passion for live music began, the importance of community-driven festivals, and the immense amount of work that goes into launching something new. Sean sends special thanks to Zeth (Luna Sols amazing drummer) and his (Seans) wife Andrea for their tireless support behind the scenes. A must-listen for fans of underground metal, doom, stoner rock, and independent festivals. #HUFRFest #HeavyUndergroundFarmReport #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #DenverFestival #DoomMetal #StonerRock #MetalPodcast #LiveMusic HUFR Fest 2026, Heavy Underground Farm Report, underground metal podcast, Denver music festival, doom metal podcast, stoner rock podcast, heavy music interviews, independent music festivals, underground rock scene, live music culture, metal festival planning

EP309 Alex Skolnick (Testament / Metal Allegiance) on Jazz, Metal & NAMM Legacy

In EP309, Alex Skolnick (Testament, Metal Allegiance, Alex Skolnick Trio) joins host Tom for an in-depth discussion on collaboration, musicianship, and metal’s evolving legacy. Alex reflects on Metal Allegiance’s 10-year history, their tradition of performing around the NAMM Show, and their upcoming House of Blues Anaheim performance in 2026. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into how Metal Allegiance assembles elite vocalists and musicians, balances limited rehearsal time, and consistently delivers high-level performances. The conversation explores how different vocalists reinterpret classic material, the importance of preparation in supergroup settings, and why musical professionalism matters at the highest level. Alex also explains how his jazz training enhances his metal playing, improving rhythm, listening, and adaptability without sacrificing aggression or identity. This episode offers rare perspective from one of metal’s most respected guitarists and is perfect for fans of thrash metal, guitar-driven music, metal supergroups, and genre-crossing musicianship. #AlexSkolnick #MetalAllegiance #Testament #ThrashMetal #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #GuitarLife #ModernMetalAlex Skolnick podcast, Testament interview, Metal Allegiance podcast, thrash metal guitarist, jazz metal discussion, metal supergroup interview, heavy metal musicianship, NAMM metal bands, guitar podcast metal

SpiritWorld’s Stu Folsom on Touring, Crowd Control & the Future of Heavy Live Shows

In EP308, host Tom welcomes Stu Folsom of SpiritWorld for an in-depth conversation about the realities of modern heavy metal touring, live show evolution, and building longevity as a band. Stu discusses SpiritWorld’s transition into a four-piece live lineup, how rotating fill-in musicians have influenced their performances, and why the band is shifting toward more intentional setlist dynamics rather than nonstop intensity. He also shares lessons learned from touring with Avatar, including insights into modular stage design, production scalability, and connecting with diverse metal audiences. The episode covers crowd management, safety in extreme live environments, and the responsibility bands have to read the room during volatile moments. Stu and Tom also explore the changing relationship between musicians and fans, touring hierarchies, and how SpiritWorld has grown from an underground project into a full-time touring act. The conversation wraps with reflections on tours alongside Obituary and Municipal Waste, plus early insight into SpiritWorld’s upcoming fourth studio album. A must-listen for fans of heavy metal, thrash, hardcore, touring culture, and live music strategy #SpiritWorld #StuFolsom #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #TouringBand #LiveMusic #ModernMetal #ThrashMetal #UndergroundMetalSpiritWorld podcast, Stu Folsom interview, metal band touring, heavy metal podcast, modern metal interviews, thrash metal discussion, hardcore metal podcast, touring musicians, live metal shows, underground metal bands, metal industry podcast

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