Artist Spotlight Episodes

Uncover the behind-the-scenes genius of Aaron Bruno — the mastermind blending heavy music, pop sensibility, and wild creativity in ways you’ve never heard before. If you haven’t seen part one of our chat with Aaron Bruno, be sure to start there and then pop back over here! Aaron Bruno, the iconic voice behind AWOL Nation and now the fiery Barbarians of California, reveals how he's breaking the rules of heavy music, blending genres, and infusing humor into hardcore. From his early bands through the wildly successful AWOLNATION to his eye-opening take on the modern music landscape, Bruno shares how he’s transforming heavy, chaotic sounds into accessible, fun, and dangerously catchy hits. Aaron talks about how releasing singles instead of full albums keeps his music fresh and vital; the secrets behind his unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and metal and how it has matured over decades; and how his relentless passion for good vibes, humor, and authenticity shapes his work. Plu…

Aaron Bruno breaks the mold—and the rules—in a conversation packed with raw honesty, beeline humor, and insider stories music fans will love. From celebrating his journey with AWOLNATION and now The Barbarians Of California to revealing how a hardcore kid’s vocals matured into arena-level skills, Bruno pulls back the curtain on creativity, fame, and the unbreakable bond with his fans—plus, the tales of stage-storming with legends like Rage Against the Machine and Chuck D. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving the real story behind the heavy riffs, heavy emotions, and the hilarious, rebellious spirit that fuels Bruno's evolution as an artist and a dad navigating the chaos of life and music. In this candid chat, Aaron shares how the latest project, The Barbarians of California, is more than a band—it's a reflection of his own unfiltered, fun-loving personality that refuses to take itself too seriously, even as it dominates the heavy music scene. Discover how releasing s…

Most death metal fans haven't heard the full story behind Chuck Schuldiner's legacy—until now. Matt Harvey, the legendary guitarist and vocalist from Exhumed, Gruesome, and now Left to Die, shares candid insights into his journey from learning classic death riffs as a teen to stepping into Chuck Schuldiner's shoes. Discover how one of the most respected death metal figures of all time influences a new generation and why preserving the genre’s brutal yet melodic roots is more critical than ever.

Most heavy metal bands try to reinvent the wheel — these guys just crush it with old-school thrash that hits like a freight train. Denmark’s Persecutor is redefining the genre, blending fierce nostalgia with modern aggression on their recent album Casualties Of Violence, a 31-minute album packed with relentless riffs and raw energy. Stefan Sorensen, riff meister and long-time member, takes us inside the band's creative process, influences, and the secrets behind their old school crushing sound, what it really takes to stay motivated on the road and just how much they all love Britney Spears. Discover how decades-old riffs can still shape a band's identity, why mixing old-school thrash with death metal elements is a recipe for audacious authenticity, and how their minimalist, no-filler album formula keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. Stefan reveals the band’s unique approach to songwriting—drawing inspiration from the Big Four (Five? Six?) — and how their Danish roots fuel…

Guest Ole Frank is the drummer and producer of Danish prog metal band Deadnate, known for his meticulous approach to recording and mixing, which helped shape the sound of Mosaic—a record praised for its clarity, aggression, and emotional depth.

Derek and John recently spent some time with Edge Of Paradise’s singer, pianist and visionary Margarita Monet. Most artists channel their inner sci-fi visionary by dreaming of a full-fledged movie based on their album — but Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise is already on her way. She’s blending heavy riffs, cinematic visuals, the realities and wishes for AI, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human into her band's art and ambitions.

Nashville's metal scene is thriving in ways you never expected—chaotic, intense, and deeply connected. John and Derek sat down for a conversation with Jacob Lilly, vocalist of Chamber, and he pulled back the curtain on their latest album this is goodbye… revealing how chaos, emotion, and raw energy define their sound and their journey. Discover how they push musical boundaries with producer Randy LaBeouf.

Urne released their super powerful third full-length album in January and Derek and John had the great pleasure of sitting down again with Joe Nally and talking through the album. They also talk about the evolution of the band, the creative process behind their latest album.

Charley D and Ryan from Bay Area crushers DOOMSDAY stopped in for a chat with John and Derek.

John and Derek had a chance to spend some time with a true renaissance cowboy: Las Vegas's own Stu Folsom.

Derek and John had the great pleasure of talking with Alan Robert, bassist for Life Of Agony, comic artist, and overall killer dude.

The Shit Talk fellas had a very enjoyable chance to sit down with the super talented studio engineer, producer and mixer Eric Stenman. Eric has been working in the music industry for over 35 years, both playing bass and guitar and running studios, wearing all sorts of different hats along the way. Going back to 2011, he has worked with Aaron Bruno and Los Angeles based band AWOLNATION. In recent years, Eric and Aaron connected with some heavy material that Eric had been working on in the shadows...

We sit down with Grammy nominated lead throat of Shadows Fall, Brian Fair. What a fucking honor!

We are stoked to sit down with Blake Ibanez of Power Trip and Fugitive. The riff monger shares his thoughts on writing music and his two killer bands.

Derek has known Johnny Kelly for a number of years and we loved catching up with both Dan and Johnny about everything Patriarchs In Black, Type O Negative, Peter, writing process and technology.

John and Derek interview the celestian frontwomen of Frayle, Gwyn Strang.

Daniel Freyberg is a monstrous guitar player and songwriter who has played with Naildown, Norther, Children Of Bodom and Crownshift. He joined Derek and John to talk everything from Crownshift to Chuck from Death!

Eric Morgan of A Pale Horse Named Death and Patriarchs in Black joins us for a fun conversation.