Review Episodes

Power Trip is back, and holy hell, they didn't miss a step. Derek and John dive headfirst into the Texas thrashers' first new tracks in over five years, “Precinct Three” and “Scavenger.” They break down why these riffs actually hit you in the chest, how the groove stayed fully intact, and why Seth Gilmore steps up and fits this band like a glove.

A 19-minute metal record is turning heads because it shouldn't work this well - and yet A Fate Worse Than Loneliness by Showing Teeth does just that. Addison, the viral TikTok vocalist from Louisville mixes pop instincts, metalcore precision, and full-on death metal chaos into something wild, modern, and strangely accessible.

Starset’s Annihilation sounds huge, polished, and futuristic - but is it actually gripping, or just packaged metal? Derek and John get into the heart of what makes the track work for one listener and fall flat for another, using it as a launchpad for a bigger conversation about modern metal, production, and what actually makes a song hit. John breaks down why Starset’s mix of melodic vocals, chunky riffs, electronic texture, and ambient atmosphere works so well, and why Dustin Bates’ vision feels so intentional. Derek pushes back, calling the song boring while still acknowledging the band’s sonic power. They talk through the role of lyrics versus vocals, and dig into the production team behind the band’s layered sound. From Randy Slaugh’s programming and texturing work to the way modern metal balances heaviness with accessibility, this episode gets into the details that separate a forgettable track from a real statement. They also widen the lens to cover other new releases and l…

The Barbarians of California just dropped a record that refuses to sit still. Megatons is heavy enough to flatten you, catchy enough to live in your head for days and accessible enough to win over people who don’t even think they like metal. Derek and John break down why this album feels less like a genre exercise and more like a fully formed world of its own. What makes Megatons so compelling is the way it pulls from hardcore, groove and alt-metal but doesn't sound like a patchwork of influences. From the opener “Back to the Valley” to the bruising one-two punch of “Earthquake” and “I Am the Submarine,” the guys dig into the riffs, the production, and the swagger that makes every track hit. “Vanilla Latte” is a sharp little shot at corporate culture, “Bomb to a Knife Fight” lands so hard, “Modern Fashion” and “Shark Out Of Water” show just how much range the band actually has. They also get into the album’s more esoteric touches like the short segues and the little sonic details…

The godfather of heavy riffs. The architect of heavy metal. The guitarist's guitarist. In this episode the Shit Talk duo digs into Tony Iommi’s new single “World Alone” and share their completely unsolicited take on what they think works musically—and what doesn’t. Get out the pitchforks people, there are hot takes inbound: While both agree the riffs, production, and musicianship are solid, they wrestle with the vocal style and whether it works. It's hard to ever say anything negative...

Episode Highlights: * Walking Back the Hot Take: Hosts John Staley and Derek Showerhead get self-aware and revisit a previous, highly critical take they had regarding the legendary Swedish melodic death metal band, Amon Amarth. * Praise for "Gjallarhorn": Derek admits he judged the band's current status too hastily and praises their recent track "Gjallarhorn" (tied to the Upphaf / The Allfather Awakens cycle) as a massive return to their aggressive, Viking metal roots. * Addressing the Backlash: The duo dives into the heat they took from their listeners over their original comments. * Authenticity vs. Gimmicks: The conversation shifts into a deeper discussion about the role of identity in heavy metal and why metal fans aggressively defend authenticity over perceived gimmicks. * Podcasting Confessions: John humorously owns up to his own podcasting ineptitude and admits to a lack of general knowledge regarding the band's extensive back catalog. * Fearing the Horde: Der…

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.

In this episode, John and Derek talk about Archspire's latest single 'Carrion Ladder,' and the conversation shifts to a personal story about human kindness and the importance of being mindful of others, especially in the context of the metal community's values. Take a listen or put your eyes on it.

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.

John and Derek got their hands on the full Trivium EP entitled Struck Dead.