Album Insights Episodes

In this episode, John and Derek dig into Amon Amarth’s new acoustic surprise, “upphaf” and debate whether the band’s newer sound is a bold evolution or a step too far from their roots. Longtime fans might argue that Amon Amarth has shifted toward polished, fist-pumping festival anthems and too far away from tracks like “First Kill.” And thus the question comes back again: Are bands able to successfully evolve and change their styles and vibes without alienating their fan bases?

If you already know who Boundaries is, then you know their latest album "Yearning: The Unbeautiful After" is incredibly powerful. If you're not yet familiar with the band, prepare yourself to be introduced to the band that is currently defining what metalcore is: Aggressive, honest and downright brutal. Derek and John break down why this record, rooted in raw emotion and inspired by tragedy, might just be the future of the genre—an unapologetic blast of honesty, grit, and pain. They explore ...

Unlock the raw intensity behind Mastodon's haunting new single "Your Ghost Again." A powerful tribute to loss, grief, and legacy that echoes through the heavy riffs and emotional lyrics. In this episode, John and Derek delve into the deeply personal story woven into Mastodon's latest release, exploring how grief, anger, and remembrance shape the band's sound and message. The Shit Talk buffoons unpack the heartfelt themes of mourning, healing, and the subtle evolution of Mastodon's signature blend.

100 Demons have unleashed Embrace the Black Light, a ferocious, anger-fueled record that’s been 22 years in the making. Derek and John get into how this long-awaited album challenges modern rock’s safety and the artistry behind its relentless riffs, raw (yet polished) production and provocative artwork. If you're craving pure heavy, this is their statement—an onslaught of hardcore and metal that refuses to fit into any box. In this review: An exploration into what makes Embrace the Black Light a masterclass in staying heavy—without compromise. How the band's raw authenticity pushes the boundaries of genre and convention. Standout tracks like “Meat for the Beast" and “Spiritual Obliteration,” an unrelenting album closer that embodies pure aggression. Plus some chat about the album’s production, mixing, and the high-octane artwork that complements their sound. This new material isn’t just heavy for heaviness’s sake; it’s a cathartic, anti-establishment roar that cuts through the n…

John and Derek get into the wild, boundary-pushing world of Greg Kubacki—musician, guitar wizard, and innovator behind the chaos of Sun Guts and Car Bomb. The guys talk about how Greg’s relentless pursuit of sonic destruction redefines modern metal, with riffs so heavy they feel like driving a truck on black ice—unpredictable, powerful and sometimes downright terrifying. If you've ever wondered how a guitar can sound like a freight train, or how to stretch the limits of gear and songwriting, Greg's guitar prowess is your crash course in musical mastery. Greg’s technical wizardry transforms metal and beyond, blending super modern metal, discordant riffs, and metric madness into a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is meticulously crafted. (Plus, the guys ponder how Greg could turn legends like Dave Matthews or Weird Al into metal monsters - Winning combinations? You be the judge.) Why should you care? Because missing out means falling behind in the evolution of guitar innovation…

In this proglicious episode, the Shit Talk yahoos dive deep into A Pale White Dot, examining why even the most polished metal records can feel a little off to some listeners while being absolutely perfect to others. Some tracks blast into your face like a freight train, while others meander into synth-rich territory that leave some folks yearning for more of the heavy. They get into their standout moments from the record—highlighting Will Ramos’s explosive performance on Subhuman and the riff-driven force of Malevolent and explore why experimentation and moving away from a certain style can sometimes feel hit or miss. John and Derek also get into the band’s unconventional songwriting process for this album, how digital tools and AI are transforming music production, remixing, and even artist originality, the shifting expectations of heavy versus mellow, and how personal taste shapes our perception of a “good record” and why the future might see fans customizing their albums, remixi…

In this episode of Sh!t Talk Reviews, John Staley and Derek Showerhead dive into Mosaic, the latest release from Danish metal outfit Deadnate. The hosts hail the album as a potential "Top 10 of the Year" contender, praising its seamless blend of thrash, progressive metal, and raw aggression. They explore the band's unique production process—multi-tracking during rehearsals to maintain a high-energy, DIY feel that rivals big-budget studio releases. Key highlights include the dual-vocal dynamic between Simon Juul and Kenneth Kejlstrup and deep dives into standout tracks like "Neon Burner," "Guilt and Sorrow," and "Funeral Cortège."

The much-anticipated collaboration between grindcore legends Napalm Death and the legendary Melvins is here— but does it live up to the hype? Dive into a raw, candid breakdown of "Savage Imperial Death March," where the consensus seems to be that it's more Melvins than Napalm Death and it lacks the of aggression and the heavy dose of Napalm Death that may leave some fans of either band feeling disappointed. Check why this album feels more like a relaxed Melvins studio session than a true fusion of these intense acts, and why many believe it misses the mark on the velocity and bite expected from their legendary catalogs.

If you're into progressive metal that combines raw intensity with meticulous craftsmanship, Periphery should be high on your list of must listen material. John and Derek get into Mr. God, the first single from Periphery's upcoming album A Pale White Dot. This latest single, on their own 3 Dot Recordings, is a ferocious mix of chunky, heavy baritone guitars, monstrous bass tones, searing vocals and huge drums— all crafted with a level of production that elevates the entire genre.

In this episode of the Shit Talk Reviews Heavy Metal Podcast, hosts Derek and John dive deep into the debut album From Birth To Death by the sludge/doom supergroup Sun Don’t Shine. Featuring a powerhouse lineup including Kirk Windstein and Todd Strange (Crowbar, Down), Kenny Hickey, and Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative), the duo discusses how the record transcends typical genre boundaries. The review highlights the album's unique blend of Black Sabbath-inspired doom, Soundgarden-esque grunge, and surprisingly melodic, Beatles-esque songcraft. They praise Kenny Hickey’s soaring vocal performance and the meticulous, filler-free songwriting that resulted from years of deliberate crafting. It is described as a "soundtrack for introspection and resilience" that elevates the modern metal landscape.

Into Oblivion is being hailed as their most vital and cohesive work in over a decade. It’s a 45-minute "precision-engineered slab of groove-driven fury" that tackles the breakdown of the American social contract and the "fractured world" of 2026

In this episode, the Shittalkreviews crew dives deep into the latest release from the band Chamber, titled "this is goodbye..." The hosts provide a comprehensive, track-by-track breakdown of the entire album, offering their unfiltered opinions and individual ratings for every song—from the opening intensity of "Arms of Eternity" to the final notes of "In Revolving Doors." Listeners will get an inside look at the album's production, songwriting, and overall place in the heavy metal scene. The episode concludes with a final verdict for the record. Whether you're a long-time fan of Chamber or looking for your next heavy rotation, this review covers everything you need to know about their newest chaos.

Textures released their latest album Genotype in January of 2026 and because John is an insatiable fan of music that can be hard to tap your toes to, the guys had to get into it. Derek and John spent some time exploring its ambient and progressive metal elements, vocal styles, and production quality. They also got into a bit of the band's evolution, their favorite tracks, and the importance of music in coping with life's challenges.

The "Dream Team" is back! In this episode, we break down Rob Zombie’s 2026 return to form, The Great Satan. With Riggs and Blasko returning to the fold, we discuss whether this record recaptures the raw, industrial magic of Hellbilly Deluxe or if it’s just a nostalgic trip through the dark carnival.

MØL Dreamcrush is a sonically powerful record. In. this podcast review, John and Derek are beyond smitten with a unique record that will sit across many of music's heavier genres.

John and Derek were a little late to the party for this album but had to talk about the power that Dave Davidson and the boys in Revocation brought with their latest outing New Gods, New Masters. They delve into the musicianship of the band, particularly highlighting guitarist Dave Davidson's skills, and reflect on the cultural commentary regarding technology and AI.

Derek and John finally had a chance to get some time with Dan Lorenzo (Hades, Non Fiction) and Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Danzig, Quiet Riot) of PATRIARCHS IN BLACK to talk about their new album HOME. They go track by track to talk about everything you need to know while experiencing their latest release. As with their previous albums, they've assembled an all star list of musicians and singers, including Kyle Thomas (Exhorder, Trouble,) Dave Neabore (Dog Eat Dog,) K...

Soulfly is back with their first release since 2022. Releasing on 10/24/25, CHAMA brings old school Soulfly vibes with a sprinkling of new school flavor. John came only prepared for Nihilist but Derek pulled a sneak attack with a review on the entire album. If you need a Max fix, this is definitely going to satiate your appetite. If you're new to the Cavalera experience, this album is a great jumping off point. Grab a tasty Caipirinha and settle in to see what the guys think ab...

Testament is back with new thrashy goodness! A return to form if you will.

Send us a text In this episode of Shit Talk Reviews, Derek and John dive headfirst into Orbit Culture's latest full-length album, Death Above Life. Following up on the monumental success of Nija and Descent, this record sees the Swedish metal titans return with their darkest, heaviest, and most cinematic release yet. They explore the crushing riffs, Buster Odeholm's legendary mixing and the other goodies that give this album the potential to plant Orbit Culture as one of the metal giants. Wh...

The fellas got into the latest release from Paris's own Hangman's Chair - Saddiction.

Derek & John get into MESHUGGAH whom has released a remastered version of their 2022 release Immutable

David Gilmour is one of those masterful songwriters and musicians who seemingly can do no wrong. His latest release, Luck And Strange is another fantastic album that seems to fit David's current station in life and includes many of his family members who all bring their own great flavors to the record. Sit down with the Shit Talk malcontents as they wax philosophic about this great album. (And then listen to the album in its entirety!) You already know where to go to check out all the other alb...

John and Derek were excited to get into a Patriarkh - Prophet Ilja, from the band formerly known as Batushka. Find out what the human farts have to think about the record and hear them insult Dave.