The MetalSucks Podcast

This week we get to know the day to day operation of Gojira with our special guest, Joe Duplantier. Joe gives us insight into how they structure their tour runs, which brother is Mom's favorite and gives us a sneak peak at a song they were working on before we rudely interrupted. We also share some adventures from FunFunFun Fest, give a salute to our retired military for Veterans Day and somehow relate advances in the technology of war to the technological advances of music -- creating it, recording it and playing it live. Songs:Gojira - "Liquid Fire'Dethklok - "Blazing Star" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Araya, the iconic bassist and vocalist of Slayer, shares his life in small-town Texas and reflects on the profound impact of friend Jeff Hanneman's passing on his songwriting. He discusses the importance of humility in the music scene and the need for bands to drop their egos. The conversation touches on emotional challenges musicians face, from dealing with trolls to the complexities of touring—debating the merits of playing hits versus new material. Araya’s candid insights shine a light on the balance between personal loss and artistic expression.

Join Rody Walker, the dynamic vocalist of Protest the Hero, as he shares his love for Star Trek and the band's incredible crowdfunding journey for their album 'Volition.' He humorously admits to knowing little about music writing while discussing the serious topic of concert safety after a recent stabbing incident. The conversation also dives into memorable moments from the Housecore Horror Film Fest and critiques the overly ambitious music comeback efforts of some bands. Get ready for laughs and insightful banter about the evolving metal scene!

Glen Benton, the outspoken vocalist and bassist of Deicide, dives into the recent controversy surrounding the band kicking Broken Hope off their tour. He shares his candid thoughts on navigating band dynamics and the importance of professionalism. Benton reflects on authenticity in death metal, discussing the shift in fan interactions due to social media. He also opens up about his personal evolution regarding religion and the joys and challenges of parenthood, all while emphasizing the resilience of metal musicians amidst changing trends.

Chance Garnette, the lead singer of Skeletonwitch, shares insights on the band's decade-long journey in metal and their upcoming album, 'Serpents Unleashed.' He chats about the unique dynamics of touring with his brother and reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing a music career with personal life. The discussion also touches on Metallica's fearless creative risks and the nature of artistic expression in metal. Expect humor and engaging anecdotes as they navigate these topics and celebrate the vibrant spirit of their genre.

Adam D., the guitar virtuoso and producer from Killswitch Engage, brings insights on their upcoming tour with Lamb of God and the return of lead singer Jesse Leech. Meanwhile, Joseph Michael, the former White Wizzard frontman, opens up about his departure and the surrounding controversies. The conversation hilariously critiques concert culture in the smartphone era, discussing artists' frustrations with audiences filming live shows. They also touch on the complexities of band dynamics and the struggles of maintaining creativity in the evolving metal scene.

Gene Hoglan, the legendary drummer known as the Atomic Clock for his precision, shares his journey in metal. He reflects on Jeff Hanneman's funeral and reveals why he's not drumming for Slayer. Gene opens up about his weight struggles and discusses his engaging clinics, The Gene Hoglan Experience, that cater to all musicians. The conversation also highlights Metallica’s new concert film, appreciating its emotional depth while pondering which band could follow their lead in the future.

This week features Devin Townsend, a Canadian musical genius known for his work in extreme metal, and Kurt Brecht, the politically charged lead singer of D.R.I. They dive into Townsend's latest projects and discuss the shift in metal lyrics, reflecting on the industry's move from direct political messages to more abstract themes. The two artists explore nostalgia in metal, the evolution of band logos, and the balance between creative authenticity and external pressures. It's a compelling conversation about art's impact in today's world!

This week’s guest is Oderus Urungus, the wild lead singer of Gwar, known for his outrageous performances and sharp satire. He discusses the bizarre claims about the Cyrus family and shares insights on Tim Lambesis' legal troubles, urging listeners to reserve judgment. Oderus also reveals details about Gwar's new album, 'Battle Maximus,' following the loss of guitarist Cory Smoot. Meanwhile, hosts Axl and Vince tackle the commercialization of metal, sparked by Deafheaven's iPhone ad, and ponder its effects on the genre's authenticity.

This week’s guest is Eyal Levi, a renowned metal producer and musician known for his work with iconic bands like Doth and Black Dahlia Murder. He dives into the evolution of metal through the years, sharing his insights on industry changes and the rise of nu-metal. The conversation takes a critical turn, discussing the lack of message control among metal bands during controversies. They ponder whether better PR strategies could help, all while reflecting on the balance between mainstream success and artistic integrity in today’s music scene.