The Nik Nocturnal Podcast

Simon Crahan and Griffin Taylor from Vended bring their electrifying energy to the conversation. They dive into their musical evolution, sharing heartfelt stories of their childhood influences and the emotional depth of their latest tracks. The duo candidly discusses navigating their identities as musicians with famous parents, along with the humor of learning guitar. They also reminisce about a chaotic tornado encounter that ended with a kitten rescue, showcasing their camaraderie while teasing future creative collaborations.

Matt Tuck, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Bullet for My Valentine, dives into the band’s 20th anniversary tour, celebrating their iconic songs and the nostalgia tied to their journey. They discuss the evolution of metalcore, reflecting on early influences and the thrill of creating new music. Tuck shares insights on the intersection of music and gaming, revealing how their tracks featured in popular games connect them with broader audiences. He emphasizes the importance of balancing nostalgia with innovation to keep the sound fresh and exciting.

Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, the iconic percussionist of Slipknot, shares his journey through the passionate realms of music and gaming. He reflects on the nostalgic impact of games like Minecraft and World of Warcraft, highlighting their community-building aspects. Clown discusses innovative projects merging gaming with NFTs while emphasizing mental well-being. Personal anecdotes reveal his father-son Minecraft streaming events and cultural connections through food, showcasing how creativity and community engagement can heal and inspire through both music and gaming.

Join Alex Terrible, the dynamic frontman of Slaughter To Prevail, as he dives into the wild world of metal and beyond. He shares the thrill of transforming his band's sound from deathcore to a unique blend of hardcore and nu metal. With humor, he recounts outrageous adventures, including a hilarious story about bare-knuckle fights and alligator encounters. Alex also reflects on his journey from YouTube sensation to metal icon, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in both music and life while tackling the challenges of captivating live performances.

Moistcr1tikal, a popular YouTuber renowned for his commentary on gaming and metal culture, shares fascinating insights into the unique bond between the gaming and metal communities. He humorously reflects on controversial figures in music and their impact on fandom. The conversation touches on nostalgic influences like Linkin Park, the evolution of metal music, and quirky fast food reviews. They also discuss the challenges of content creation today, highlighting shifts in video types and audience dynamics within the ever-changing online landscape.

Courtney and Mike, the powerful duo behind Spiritbox, dive into their experiences returning home after a long tour. They share hilarious Tim Hortons anecdotes and reflect on their unique touring life as a married couple. The duo discusses their creative journey since 'Eternal Blue,' the art of modern metal production, and the evolution of sounds in the genre. With honesty, they explore music criticism's emotional toll on artists and emphasize the importance of community support in navigating online backlash, all while preparing for exciting new releases.

Spencer Charnas, the lead vocalist and songwriter of Ice Nine Kills, chats about the fusion of horror and metal music. He shares insights on the theatrical evolution of live performances, highlighting how high production values enhance the experience. Spencer humorously recounts the band’s reenactment of 'American Psycho' and discusses the creative process behind their horror-themed melodies. The conversation dives into the band's innovative storytelling and their dedication to experimenting with sounds that resonate with fans.

Nico Sallach, the energetic vocalist of the German metal band Electric Callboy, joins to share his exciting journey with the band. He talks about stepping into a new role, the electric atmosphere of live performances, and the creative challenges of following up their hits like 'Hyper Hyper.' Nico also dives into the fun of renting castles for videos, the art of acrobatic dance routines, and the ups and downs of pursuing Eurovision. Plus, they explore the evolution of metal music and the cool fusions happening in the genre!

In this engaging chat, Matt Shadows, the lead vocalist of heavy metal giants Avenged Sevenfold, shares deep insights into the evolution of their sound. The conversation takes a turn into the impact of AI on music production, with humorous anecdotes about their creative journeys. Shadows reflects on the balance between artistic integrity and audience expectations while discussing innovative vocal techniques. They also explore their love for gaming, specifically the Call of Duty series, and how nostalgia plays a role in crafting new music.

Danny, a member of the progressive metal band Voyager, dives into their thrilling experience at Eurovision 2023. He shares the excitement of blending heavy music with the colorful spectacle of Eurovision. The discussion touches on the band's evolution over twelve years, the unique challenges of live performances, and the unexpected crossover appeal of metal genres. Danny also explores the camaraderie among competing artists, reflecting on how Eurovision helps reshape metal's image and introduces heavier sounds to new audiences.