The MetalSucks Podcast

After giving you guys the first half of our Top 15 Best Albums of 2024 last week, it's time to round out the list with the best of the best. This week, we discuss our personal picks from number 7 all the way to coveted number 1 spot. Additionally we let you know what our favorite album cover of the year is! This episode is packed with interviews with four of those artists. We're making this episode just one big celebration with every band getting a shout out! We also get to play some killer music this episode to help close out the year in style. So go listen and see if you agree with our picks, and share yours in the comment section. We can’t wait to bring you new episodes next year and wish everyone a kind and peaceful conclusion to the year that was 2024! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's officially that time of year again here on The MetalSucks Podcast! Time for Petar, Brandon, Jozalyn and Sylvia to get together and discuss the best music of this past year. We're so lucky to have been able to interview some of the artists featured in our list, so to celebrate we're playing tracks from each band and recounting some of our conversations. This week we're presenting albums numbered 15 to 8 and we are naming the best EP of the year as well. So come check out which obvious releases and dark horses made the cut while we attempt to pick artists from across the entire metal spectrum. Interviews in this week's episode include our chat with legendary figures and underground artists we love, including Jerry Cantrell and Brendan Murphy of Counterparts. Check it out because next week we'll release the rest of our favorites of 2024! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Bartek Krysiuk and Monk Boruta of Patriarkh on The MetalSucks Podcast! Their debut album Prophet Ilia coming out January 3! We begin the conversation with the historical figure that they cover, choosing to use regional instruments while recording, and how the first vision of the album completely changed over the two years it took to create it. We also discuss which modern figure can be seen as Prophet Ilja, if there's a documentary outside Poland on the figure they recommend, and performing the album in its entirety being something they feel it needs. We also discuss potential worldwide touring plans they'd like to do, and why Prophet Ilja was the perfect fresh start for them. Petar and Brandon also tackle Shavo Odadjian’s comments about “cheesy bands” ruining nu metal, Primus looking for a new drummer and how intimidating it would be to even send an audition tape to Les Claypool, Otep calling it quits on her music career and why we feel the timing is right, and King Diamond canceling a fair amount of shows on his current North American tour. SONG: PATRIARKH “WIERSZALIN III” SONG: PATRIARKH “WIERSZALIN IV” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Vaughn Stoffey of Defeated Sanity joins us on The MetalSucks Podcast! We are all in on the new album Chronicles of Lunacy, out this Friday, November 22! We start the conversation on the Taxi Driver sample used on the latest single “Accelerating The Rot”, embracing cult horror, and what determines the line of tasteful to tasteless in gore. We also discuss the passing of the iconic Tony Todd and some of his amazing performances, overcoming fear being something artists can get addicted to when creating, the band's touring plans for next year, and the inner workings of the album artwork. Petar and Sylvia discuss CKY getting kicked of a tour with Alien Ant Farm because of a physical altercation, Download announcing the headliners for the festival next year, Down and Scour reportedly releasing new music in 2025, and Sebastian Bach embarrassing his family on the internet because he is “not perfect”. Song: Defeated Sanity “Accelerating The Rot” Song: Defeated Sanity “Temporal Disintegration” Song: 1349 “The God Devourer” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Neon Nightmare mastermind Nate Garrett joins the MetalSucks Podcast! He's here to discuss the release of Faded Dreams! In our chat, we discuss the excellent music videos created for the project and what inspired them. Other points of conversation include how 90’s goth culture had a ridiculous aura associated with it, the negative experience of touring post-pandemic that he's not willing to partake in, and the genetic gift that some people have in conning people. We also discuss the Big Riff Podcast he's been doing the last year, and the model of news sites in modern times relying on the headline or quote. Petar and Sylvia discuss the exciting nominees this year for the Best Heavy Metal Performance Grammy Award, our picks for the winner we want to see and why, Geoff Tate deciding to create an Operation: Mindcrime III as a solo artist, Dino Cazares airing out more of Fear Factory’s dirty laundry to its fans, Mötley Crüe helping out lives with a massive donation to the Covenant House, and the open invitation to the Cavalera Brothers to jam at the final Sepultura gig. Song: Neon Nightmare “They Look Like Shadows” Song: Neon Nightmare “Lost Silver” Song: Counterparts “A Martyr Left Alive” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Make Them Suffer's Sean Harmanis joins the podcast this week! The band's self-titled album is coming out this Friday, so we got together to chat about their success with releasing singles over the last two years. We also discuss how it's been touring almost non-stop and why he says the new record feels like a greatest hits album. Interestingly enough, he also shares the concept of the latest music videos being a rebranding of the band in many ways, as well as the visual influences ranging from Akira to Magic The Gathering. Other topics include whose caffeine intake in the band has him a little concerned and why deadlines are so important for Make Them Suffer's creative process. Petar and Jozalyn also discuss Shadows Fall's plan to release a new single on December 6 and our expectations for the single, Headbanger’s Boat announcing next year's line up, the worst metal subgenre to be on a cruise ship with, the hierarchy of rock and metal fanbases that have the most money to throw away, and Ice T’s opinion about Donald Trump. Song: Make Them Suffer “Doomswitch” Song: Make Them Suffer “Mana God” Song: Frozen Crown “Steel And Crown” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode features Biohazard and Powerflo axeman Billy Graziadei! He joins the show to talk about Powerflo’s second album Gorilla Warfare coming out on the Day of the Dead (November 1)! We start our conversation discussing what it's like to juggle so many projects at once and his duties in the process, what sporting event gets the songwriting process flowing for Powerflo, his role as a producer in the songs and how that works for Powerflo, touring the project this time around with Biohazard backing full swing. We also chat about how it's hard to be anything but humble thanks to his opportunity to keep hitting stages in 2024, being a huge Cypress Hill fan and ending up in a band with Sen Dog, and what it was originally like to release Biohazard's Uncilivization on one of saddest days we experienced in our country Petar and Brandon discuss the passing of original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’anno, Erik Rutan from Cannibal Corpse losing 90% of his belongings, Jon Schaffer addressing his role in the insurrection after getting sentenced, Biohazard and Life of Agony bringing the noise to Europe, and Kamala Harris getting the ICP endorsement! Song: Iron Maiden “Wrathchild” Song: Powerflo “Gorilla Warfare” Song: Powerflo “War Machine” Song: League of Distortion “Galvanize” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legendary Melvins drummer Dale Crover is back on the show and this time he's bringing some friends! AAL and EHA of Low Flying Hawks are making their podcast debut to celebrate two new albums: Low Flying Hawks' Makebelieve coming out October 25 and Dale Crover’s awesome new solo album Glossolalia, out now! In our chat, we talk about the writing process for the latest LFH album, the residual affects of the pandemic that still linger for artists, taking two years to create the album this time around, and the idea that mystique brought something tangible to music and artists. Then we sequel over to Dale Crover’s awesome guests that he got on his latest solo record, the story of how he got Tom Waits to say “yes” to being a part of the title track, him opening as a DJ on the upcoming Red Kross European run, and the pros of modern music recording compared to the time crunch the Melvins had early on. Petar and Sylvia discuss Kerry King’s answer in who he thinks can portray him in a Slayer biopic film, Sick New World coming back to Vegas and bringing an Acid Bath reunion with it, just accepting their would never be an Acid Bath reunion years ago to our surprise, Jake E. Lee getting shot while walking his dog, and Deftones setting a record with there demo tape on Discogs. Song: Low Flying Hawks “Suspension of Disbelief” Song: Low Flying Hawks “Out for Blood” Song: Dale Crover “I Quit” Featuring Kim Thayil of Soundgarden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oh man, Sabaton's Joakim Brodén is back on the show! He joins us this week to promote the theatrical release of Sabaton’s “The Tour To End All Tours” flick showing exclusively in North American theaters on October 30 and 31! Our discussion begins with the pre-planning that went into the concert film, if the plan will ever release worldwide, and the chances of a band member surprising fans at a screening. We also chat about their current North American with Judas Priest and if he feels Sabaton can keep it going into their 70’s. Naturally, there's also discussion on the most iconic war film and documentary in Brodén's opinion, and a soft timeline on new music. Petar and Jozalyn discuss Mexican Coke leaving Fentanyl because they didn’t mix well on tour, Forbes magazine listing the 38 top metal bands and our thoughts on the fact that no bands that are less than 20 years old made that list and why, James Hetfield not thinking that Metallica are a legacy band, and Gene Simmons hurting people's feelings by being Gene Simmons on network TV. Song: Sabaton “Soldier of Heaven” Song: Sabaton “Stormtroopers” Song; Ad Infinitum “Outer Space” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't look now, but Better Lovers guitarist’s Jordan Buckley is back on the MetalSucks Podcast! We are all in on their debut full-length album Highly Irresponsible, out Friday, October 25. We begin the conversation with his beloved Buffalo Bills and how he's feeling about this season before moving on to Better Lovers spending Thanksgiving this year on the road. We also discuss what venues we're seeing the mosh pit disappear from, the art of music video magic. and neck pain from head banging. We also chat about whether there are any plans for the “frog” to become a mascot, the confidence Buckley gained for the reaction of the EP, and he goes on the record suggesting that in the future we will discover that “energy drinks” may not be as healthy as we think. Petar and Brandon are promoting the new Converge live album to help bonfire the victims of Hurricane Helene, Crowbar/Type O Negative supergroup Eye Am changed their name, Mötley Crüe announced a residence in Las Vegas, a bunch of bands pulled out of the Shell Shock Festival because of Kyle Rittenhouse’s involvement while the promoters of the festival think its a win by replacing them with a cover band, and why Judas Priest’s Nostradamus is a great album in Petar’s opinion. Song: Better Lovers “A White Horse Covered In Blood” Song: Better Lovers “At All Times” Song: Dead Icarus “Bearing Burdens and Saving Skin” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Swallow The Sun founder Juha Raina is our guest on this week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast! We start our conversation by discussing what went into following up to the acclaimed Moonflowers album, the intense personal lyrical content on Shining, his need to constantly be move to stay sane, and why living in a reclusive environment is like paradise when he's not on the road. We also talked about how the band connected with Muse and Bring Me The Horizon producer Dan Lancaster for the new album, how Queen influenced some of the songs, and the surprising negativity still's in heavy metal when it comes to same sex representation. Petar and Sylvia discuss Scotti Hill’s comment of Skid Row reuniting with Sebastian Bach possibly leading to a Jane’s Addiction onstage meltdown, the price tag for Tool’s 30th anniversary of “Undertow” on compact disc, Avenged Sevenfold getting cooler in their old age by sabotaging Journey at Rock In Rio, and Foo Fighters canceling their upcoming performance on short notice. Song: Swallow The Sun “Innocence Was Long Forgotten” Song: Swallow The Sun “What I Have Become” Song: Wind Rose “To Be A Dwarf” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode of The MetalSucks Podcast features Chat Pile's Stan and Luther Manhole! In our interview, we discuss what went into following up the impressive God's Country and how the reception to that album was a game changing experience, We also went deep into Uniform’s Ben Greenberg involvement in mixing the new album, how improvisation is a key part in creating music for them, and the reason they never have a set list when they perform live. Stin also shares the anxiety that creeps up when his photography becomes the cover art of the band’s albums. Petar and Brandon discuss the departure of Mike Dean from C.O.C., Veil of Maya going on hiatus and canceling all touring after this year’s Summer Slaughter tour, Jane’s Addiction calling it quits again and releasing a single after the announcement, Sammy Hagar getting a key to the Las Vegas strip for some reason, Iron Maiden celebrating 50 years of heavy metal next year, and more nonsense from “fans” as they give Power Trip heat for opening for Pantera. Song: Chat Pile “I Am Dog Now” Song: Chat Pile “Masc” Song: Dilemma “Sanctuary” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dream Theater keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess is back on the MetalSucks Podcast! In this episode, we discuss Rudess' new solo album Permission To Fly, which is available right now! Throughout our chat, we also learn more the contest that lead to his music videos for the album, his daughter's involvement in the album, and the artists that joined the project this time around. We'd be remiss if we didn't chat about the massive Dream Theater tour that's coming up and the future of his solo song on the live stage. Petar and Sylvia tackle the Jane’s Addiction onstage meltdown, Dave Growl letting the world know he now has a second family, and Bon Jovi saving someone from a tragic decision. Song: Jordan Rudess “The Alchemist” Song: Charlotte Wessels “Dopamine” Featuring Simone Simons of Epica Song: Unto Others “Momma Likes The Door Closed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Charismatic Voice’s Elizabeth Zharoff is our special guest for this week's edition of the MetalSucks Podcast! Here to promote her Kickstarter campaign for the first ever harsh vocal research study featuring some of our genres biggest names. Elizabeth tells us about the journey that started with Will Ramos of Lorna Shore two years ago. She also outlines some of the real stage consideration that will be taken into account, if there is a possibility to find some real damage on any of the participants, which vocal cords are the easiest to damage for a vocalist, and how this science will help doctors with vocal therapy in many cases. We also discuss her opinion on vocalists that use backing tracks in music and if she'll declare a favorite band from all the artists the participate in the research. Petar and Jozalyn discuss the whirlwind announcement of Linkin Park reuniting, how the single and new vocalist where initially received, followed by a questionable decision made to support a convicted predator, if this will derail the momentum of Linkin Park reuniting. Additionally, we celebrate James Hetfield working in a film version of the excellent Joe R. Lansdale novel The Thicket, and Nita Strauss crossing nine years of sobriety. Song: Cattle Decapitation “Scourge Of The Offspring” Song: Whitechapel “I Will Find You” Song: Human Impact “Destroy To Rebuild” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doc Coyle is back on the podcast! He's one of our favorite personalities in the game and he's here to celebrate his first solo song release “Livin’ On The Edge.” The song came out last week, along with its Falling Down inspired music video. We breakdown his take on a classic film and approach and the joy of creating a music video that references such a great movie. The conversation also heads into our love for film and filmmakers discussing Joel Schumacher, sequels having to always go camp with intense topics in masculinity, how masculinity has changed through the years and how classics films will be seen, and his preference of Tony Scott over Ridley Scott as a filmmaker. We also discuss metal fans being negative towards him being in Bad Wolves because of the elitist mentality in our scene, why he feels jealousy doesn’t play a part in negativity towards legendary bands success, and his upcoming co-headlining tour with Pop Evil in North America. Petar and Brandon breakdown the week of countdowns that lead us to Linkin Park’s delayed announcement and who the fans would embrace as the new singer of Linkin Park, Michael Sweet’s comment about not knowing any Metallica songs, and the Cancer Christ frontman deciding to spend a decade or more behind bars for some craziness. Song: Doc Coyle “Livin’ On The Edge” (Aerosmith Cover) Song: Bad Wolves “ Legends Never Die” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fleshgod Apocalypse mastermind Francesco Paoli is on this week's podcast! Today's show focuses heavily on the band's first new album in five years, Opera! The album dropped this past Friday and we gave it a pretty strong score, so naturally we wanted to talk about what went into the release. During our chat, we discuss the mountain climbing accident that put Paoli's life on pause, the recovery process, and the tour that helped him feel normalcy again on stage after the accident. We also chat about the personal approach he took on the new album, his experiences with the opera growing up, and we discuss the upcoming North American tour. Petar and Sylvia discuss Mötley Crüe dropping a Beastie Boys cover and why that choice is a head scratcher in our opinion, Slipknot's Sid Wilson getting burned in an explosion, Korn launching a fan art contest for their 30th anniversary, and all the fall tour cancellations happening in North America. Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Bloodclock” Song: Fleshgod Apocalypse “Pendulum” Song: Undeath “Brandish The Blade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we've got Karl Sanders of Nile back on the show. This time, however, we're here to discuss The Underworld Awaits Us All, the band's 10th studio album. During our chat, Karl gives us insights on the album's pre-production, including its timeline, how it was a unique experience compared to previous albums, and how Mark Lewis has earned the vital importance of earning the band's trust when mixing an album. He also chats about having a song that is needed in sequence to take a breathe from the sheer brutality of the new album, the process to get the artwork and vinyl pressing just right, and touring in 2024 with realities that dictate how to make it a successful run. Petar and Jozalyn tackle Tommy Lee’s wisdom of being an escort has a down side when it gets to the escorting part of it, Deicide’s drummer defending the use of AI artwork, John 5 getting everyone hyped up for another new Motley Crue song, and Randy Blythe reminding us once again of the power of being in the moment of a live performance. Song: Nile “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes” Song: Nile “To Strike With Secret Fang” Song: Oceano “The Price of Pain” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zeal & Ardor leader Manuel Gagneux joined the MetalSucks Podcast this week, We are in for an awesome treat on August 23 when Zeal & Ardor's latest album GREIF is released, so we decided to start our chat with Manuel by discussing the ceremony that influenced the album, if everyone is making the mistake of calling the album "Grief", and if this is the most vulnerable record he's written. We also talk about the different approach taken on the cover art, why he's not been hit with writer’s block throughout his career, and the true story of how Zeal & Ardor were honored with the coveted national Swiss Music Award. Petar and Brandon discuss the return of Blake Judd and Nacthmystium, his statement that he is making with the release of the new single Predator Phoenix, leaning into a controversial album title and press release statement, and if fans will accept his firebrand approach considering the apology tour most feel the are owed for supporting him in the past. Song: Zeal & Ardor “Fend You Off” Song: Zeal & Ardor “Hide In Shade” Song: The Jesus Lizard “ Hide & Seek” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode features Mikael Stanne, of Dark Tranquillity! Yes, he's back on the podcast, only this time to celebrate the impending release of Endgame Signals, out August 16. During our chat, we discuss the Moment album cycle and how coming back to normalcy was a breathe of fresh air as a creator, why coming across as an honest creator is a high priority for his band, and how being aware of his vulnerability in his art and the journey to get there. We also discuss whether there will ever be another metal scene like the one he experienced in Gothenburg, how festivals have been a part of every tour cycle for him at this stage in his career, and navigating all the new projects he's a part of. Sylvia and Petar discuss the news of a new Opeth album and the expectations that are brought after the first single is released, Better Lovers and Many Eyes news seeming always happening in unison, Marilyn Manson returns with a new song and video, our feelings about what the future holds for him, and the truth of polarizing artists in our scene having loyalty from their fanbase no matter the documented issues of their past. Song: Dark Tranquillity “Unforgivable” Song: Dark Tranquillity “ Not Nothing” Song: Lamb of God “Another Nail For Your Coffin (Feat. Kublai Khan TX and Malevolence) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mushroomhead lifer Steve “Skinny” Felton joined the podcast this week! We are all in on the latest album from Mushroomhead titled Call The Devil, due out August 9! In this episode, we discuss the many meanings fans can take from the album title and artwork, what he was going for when that was created, deciding on the vocal approach in songs when you have multiple vocalists in a project, and the improvisation and file sharing approach that was a part of creating Call The Devil, among a litany of other things. Petar and Brandon discuss the one of a kind moment metalheads the world over experienced with Gojira’s performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, how this spark can change the genre for future audiences, and seeing something we never thought possible for heavy metal. Song: Mushroomhead Fall In Line Song: Mushroomhead Prepackaged Song: High Parasite “Grave Intentions” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices