Endless Metal Podcast

By Endless Metal Podcast

Heavy music is a vessel for endless connections—to music past and present—to lyrical content, philosophy, history, and beyond. With the relaunch in 2023, The Endless Metal podcast is co-hosted by Ben and Jeff, two close friends and former bandmates from the Philadelphia area. Now in or near middle-age, we share our continued devotion to extreme heavy music. We blend short snippets of heavy music and other content into a free flowing and open-ended conversation. We hope other kindred spirits from our neck of the woods in the Philly area and beyond will join us as well.

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Going to Candlemass Part 2

Endless Metal PodcastMar 24, 2021

00:00

01:25:04

Talking 10 Years of the Metalheads Podcast with Our Buddy, Markisan Naso

He's back! Literally the day after the Metalheads recorded their just released 4+ hour episode 150, 10th anniversary podcast! The inspiration of this podcast was not only huge for rebooting Endless Metal but for appreciating how metal is something much more than music--namely, forging lasting friendships. While not a great photo--a lot of blue light-- you can see Ben and Jeff with Markisan at the April 2024 Decibel Metal & Beer Fest. While it was our first time meeting person, we're excited to join Markisan and all the boys next year's fest! This cast features some of Markisan's most memorable moments on air with the boys, our shared love for the new Glassing record From the Other Side of the Mirror--we include the track "Nominal Will" at the end of this episode. We turn next to favorite concerts and merch at mid-year! A really fun free-flowing discussion. So crack open a 66.6 ABV DDDDDDHHHH Moonshine Barrel Aged IPA and enjoy!

May 31, 202402:39:36

Metal or Die: The Gift of Kingdom of Tyrants

Ben had a great time talking to Kevin Curran and Mike Munro—two legends of the incredible and underrated Boston power thrash metal scene of the 1980s and 1990s. They talk about the brotherhood and musical vision behind their new super group Kingdom of Tyrants and the band's absolutely phenomenal debut album “Architects of Power.” From Ben's signature metal gushry LOL to deep dives into song development and Mike's vocal arrangements, this interview covers a lot of ground. Rather than proceed in any canned linear way, we talk about Mike's artistic development since his last record with Meliah Rage, the tour de force "Masquerade." We also explore the importance of history in Kevin's approach to song lyrics and how the timeless themes of the Guilded Age created connective tissue between each of "Architects of Power" nine tracks, including the mythological lessons of "Daedalus" and the album's epic "Ghosts of Industry." We also hear from the band's manager and videographer par excellence, Rudy Childs! Exploring the early origins of Steel Assassin and Mike's early band Speed Limit, some great stories and laughs are shared as they drink brews and talk metal past and present. Samples of songs on this episode appear in this order:

Introduction: Daedalus (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants)

II. History Will Tell (from Masquerade by Meliah Rage)

III. Ghosts of Industry (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants)

IV. Metal or Die (from Architects of Power by Kingdom of Tyrants)

Links to Album Bandcamp sites: Buy or die!!!!

⁠Kingdom of Tyrants - Architects of Power⁠

⁠Meliah Rage - Masquerade⁠

Kingdom of Tyrants Videos by Rudy Childs

⁠⁠A Boston Metal Story - KINGDOM OF TYRANTS interview⁠⁠

⁠KINGDOM OF TYRANTS "Ghosts of Industry" music video⁠

⁠KINGDOM OF TYRANTS "Kingdom of Tyrants" music video⁠

⁠Kingdom of Tyrants - The Judas Gate⁠

May 10, 202402:09:56

Talking Metal and Otherwise

Getting back to why we created this cast in the first place: We're great friends who love metal and digressions about books and other things on our minds! We zoom, drink a beer, and chat it up. Always enjoyable! This chat was in anticipation of the Decibel Magazine Tour 2024 with HULDER, DEVIL MASTER, WORM and NECROFIER on March 8 at Underground Arts in Philly. The picture for this episode is of Ben and Jeff at the venue in full metal pose. We'll talk about that show and the recent Decibel Metal and Beer Festival on future casts! Music for this episode is "Serpent Drug Cult Mythology" from the album "Death Rituals" by Swamp Witch.

Apr 14, 202401:40:27

Doom the World: The Gift of Sorrow

With few exceptions most short lived metal bands make forgettable comeback albums. One very recent and clear exception to this rule is the stunning death doom record "Death of Sorrow" by Sorrow (Extreme Records, 2023). "Death of Sorrow" is equal parts catchy crushing riffs and and deeply personal ferocity--killer vocals and lyrics that are brutal commentaries on political corruption, religious hypocrisy, and the dark side of the human condition. If you've listened to earlier episodes, you know Jeff and Ben are huge fans of hardcore punk legends Black Flag, Minor Threat, and many others. We appreciate hardcore's brutally honest lyrics, DIY ethos, and take no prisoners delivery. To that end, Sorrow is a rare gem. While they play slow crushing death metal, songs like "Doom the World" and "Judicial Falsity" are heavy smack downs on America's broken social systems and suffocating hypocrisy. Most importantly, this deeply personal record is characterized by a seething ferocity that acts as a pressure valve for decades of pent up aggression (fear, hatred and disgust too). Not surprisingly "Death of Sorrow" was #15 on the Endless Metal top 30 of 2023. And it may even be higher now, as we continue to listen to this record over and over into 2024. It was thus an honor to interview Sorrow's original and now reformed lineup: Andy Marchione (Vocals and Bass), Bill Rogan (Guitars), Brett Clarin (Guitars), and Mike Hymson (Drums).

****

While it may be a point of debate, Sorrow put "death metal" and "doom" on a flier in 1990 and are thus one of the first band's to integrate two of our favorite metal genres. We revisit their (mostly bleak) past, although they played some killer shows in the early 90s with fellow death doom legends Winter and, as the accompanying visual shows, Sorrow headlined a show with another incredibly influential doom band, Grief (now Come to Grief).

Prior to becoming Sorrow, the band in the late 1980s cut their teeth as Apparition in Long Island's (New York's) burgeoning extreme death metal scene. A scene where their friends from the obscure (wink, wink) death metal band Suffocation were tearing up now defunct local clubs like Sundance. We learn about the band's early struggles as perpetual outsiders to the scene as well as some classic and harrowing stories from the road. Classic tales are told of Sorrow's ill fated signing to the infamous Roadrunner Records in the early 1990s--the label that released the band's first EP "Forgotten Sunrise" and first proper full length "Hatred and Disgust" (1992)--and then summarily dropped Sorrow barely two years later. Fortunately, the band's last rehearsals of new material were captured on video. Although they considered a reunion circa 2010, it took eleven more years for Sorrow to reunite, re-learn, and properly record a new record. Some 30 years later, thanks to the miracle of home digital recording by Andy (mixing) and Brett (mastering) "Death of Sorrow" was finally given its proper release. While it is highly unlikely that Sorrow will ever play a live show again, there is a possibility we may hear some new music in the future (Sorrow from the Grave?).

So turn off the latest news of our corrupt, war ridden world and, indeed, enjoy the gift of Sorrow!

Music included in this episode appears in the following order:

"Doom the World" by Sorrow

"At Dawn They Sleep" by Slayer

"Infinite Universe Infinite Death" by Journey into Darkness

"Eternal Frost" by Winter

"Hidden Fear" by Sorrow

"Judicial Falsity" by Sorrow

"Leave Me in Hell" by Venom

"Flight of the Bumble-bee" by The Great Kat

"A Wasted Cry for Hope" by Sorrow

"Small Man, Big Fan" by Minor Threat

"Dumb and Dumber: So you're telling me there's a chance"

"Fracture" by Spacedive

"Remembered Eternally" (Complete Track) by Sorrow

Mar 09, 202401:56:51

A Heart Wide Open - The Gift of Rebecca Vernon of The Keening

Ben had the great privilege of talking to one of his favorite artists, Rebecca Vernon of the great @subrosaslc and now, after many trials and tribulation @thekeeningmusic Rather than presenting linear interview audio, the episode is mixed to reflect Rebecca’s journey in music. As the drummer for bands such as Violet Run and the all women power punk of Stiletto, Rebecca takes us into the Salt Lake City scene as it was blowing up in the late 90s- early 2000s. Working as a reviewer for City Weekly and the associate editor for Salt Lake Underground (SLUG) magazine, Rebecca was completely immersed in the scene—writing exquisite mini-reviews of cutting edge bands—and interviewing dozens of Salt Lake bands and covering hundreds of shows. We talk about the @red.bennies —the legendary sludge rock band that performs with unmatched sonic intensity—and had the most lasting impact on Rebecca’s musical vision and trajectory. We learn also about the genesis of SubRosa and the stunning timeless album “More Constant than the Gods.”

Of course, we talk about The Keening’s deeply inspired chamber doom masterpiece “Little Bird.” Ben gushes (surprise!) and learns the harrowing story of how this record was recorded. And how a second album, “Devotion,” is also complete.

Enjoy this joyous mini-podumentary!

Music heard in this episode comes from: The Keening, Red Bennies, and SubRosa.

#chamberdoom #folkdoom #heavymusic

Feb 17, 202401:13:23

Talking Metal 2023 and Beyond with Markisan Naso

He’s back! We’re back! After a crappy start to the new year for Ben, we are joined by our buddy Markisan Naso of the Metalheads podcast. It’s an epic beer guzzling hang and recap of best live shows, and metal albums from 2023 that continue to grow on us, including “Foreordained” by the mega monsters of doom Phobocosm and post metal-hardcore mind-blower of a record “Vanta” by Bear (as a special treat, this cast ends with the killer title track of that album released by @pelagic_records in 2023). And then we talk about new records we are looking forward to in 2024, including Glassing, LLNN, Judas Priest, High on Fire and more, including bands not scheduled to release this year but really should (Are you listening, Evoken!?!). A lot of laughs and great time was had by all! So crack open a Third Rye Blind Double Dry-Hopped Rye Double IPA w/ Hallertau Blanc, Simcoe and Citra hops by Mikerphoner Brewing and enjoy! **The first 1:32 intro to the show is the extended saxophone solo from the killer song “Until the Sun Illuminates” from the album “It all Began with Loneliness” by The Anchoret —Markisan’s #1 record of 2023 and a huge grower for Ben!

Feb 03, 202403:20:26

Timeless Threnody: The Gift of Rannoch

On this special, end of the year episode, Ben welcomes Ian Gillings of the West Midlands (UK) band Rannoch. After another banner year for metal, Ben selected Rannoch's incomparable epic "Conflagrations" * as his number one album of 2023. The interview was thus an opportunity for Ben to both gush and deep dive into this stunning and, indeed, timeless prog death metal album. In a three hour-plus dialogue, Ben and Ian dig deep into the album's artwork, lyrics, and Ian's process as the band's lead song writer, among other topics.

So sit back, crack open your favorite beverage, and enjoy this special interview to cap off 2023!

*From Rannoch's Bandcamp page:

Accompanied by Australian drumming legend, Dan Presland (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava) the seven tracks contained within open up new levels of musicality, punishing aggression, melancholic refrains and winding aural avenues of dark depths and complexity. Produced by Ian Gillings and mixed by James Stephenson (Cradle of Filth, Onslaught, Ghosts of Atlantis) “Conflagrations” represents a new hybrid of progressive death metal.

credits

released July 21, 2023

Ian Gillings - Guitars, vocals, synths and electronics

Richard Page - Guitars

Paul Lloyd - Bass

Dan Presland - Drums

Music included:

Episode introduction: "Conflagrations" (sample)

Post-Interview: "Threnody to a Dying Star"

Dec 17, 202303:23:38

Sonic Journeymen: An Interview with Ufomammut

Jeff and I had the pleasure of talking to Urlo and Poia, founding members of the incomparable heavy psych-sludge band UFOMAMMUT. We explore the early history of the band, how their sound evolved and is connected to their work as incredible visual artists, and Ufomammut's total embrace of their craft as an unfolding sonic journey. We hope you enjoy this special interview!

Aug 03, 202302:02:10

Andrew Corson of the Fathoming Heavy Podcast

Andrew Corson's Fathoming Heavy podcast was seminal for what Jeff and Ben have aspired Endless Metal to become--namely, a place where both deep appreciation for heavy music and shared bonds of friendship could happen effortlessly and without the typical boundaries associated with the traditional interview format. While Fathoming Heavy has been on an indefinite hiatus, it was a true gift to hear Andrew reflect on the experience as whole. And he shares thoughts on some memorable interviews, including an epic dialogue with the great Mike Scheidt of Yob. This dialogue also takes a most welcome detour into our shared love for the late and great Leonard Cohen (among other heavy off ramps). We also learn about Andrew's recent trip to the Roadburn Festival! Occurring annually in April in the Dutch city of Tilburg, he shares how his ninth Roadburn experience differed in exciting ways. Specifically, the festival has evolved away from stacking lineups with established bands into showcasing some of the most fascinating, truly underground artists in heavy music. Andrew shares with us songs from two of his favorite new discoveries from this year's fest--the captivating folk drone worlds of ambient viola player and vocalist Allison Cotton. We listen to a portion of a composition from her latest record The Portrait You Painted of Me (2022 Rocket Recordings). And then plunge into a stunning work of oppressive heavy, almost ritual industrial from Mütterlein. Another solo artist whose latest album Bring Down the Flags (2021 Eitrin Editions) has quickly become a new favorite of ours. We were also excited to listen to a snippet from the great Ufomammut's latest record album Fenice (Neurot 2022)--another one Andrew has been spinning a lot lately.

Jul 19, 202301:57:06

Surrender into Sound: An Interview with Steve Von Till

Steve Von Till is an American musician, songwriter, educator, and poet. He is best known as a singer and guitarist in the highly influential and genre defying collective, Neurosis, which has been credited with changing the face of heavy music over the last 35 years. Since 1999 Von Till has composed and recorded five solo albums of his unique style of sonic composition. Under the guise of his alter ego, Harvestman, Von Till has recorded several rural psych albums including the film score for the Italian thriller, H2Odio. He oversees the fiercely independent record label, Neurot Recordings, from a pole barn outside his home in the forests of North Idaho where he also teaches elementary school. Harvestman: 23 Untitled Poems and Collected Lyrics, released in 2020 is his first book of published poetry.
Jeff and I had the privilege to speak with Steve on the heels of a European tour beginning in August. We speak to Steve about his touring band and plunge into an extended history of the present and past. In a very organic dialogue, we learn about his early years as a serious tape trader and zine owner. Focusing on his two favorite bands from the mid-80s, Neurosis and Christ on Parade, Steve tells us the story of how he met Dave Edwardson and joined his dream band in 1989. He shares many stories, and we soon realize we are all huge music nerds. We then have a fascinating discussion of the meaning of the drone and what Brian Eno recently described as the power of surrender in ambient music. Steve shares how surrender has long been central to his own creative process as part of Neurosis and his solo works. Along the way, we listen to music from Neurosis keyboards and electronics wizard, Noah Lands' new band Tension Span's incredible record "The Future Died Yesterday" released on Neurot Recordings in 2022. We also listen to "Trial" by Tribes of Neurot, a song with deep and profound meaning to Jeff. And end on a crescendo when Jeff asks Steve about the Hungarian cosmic sound geniuses, Galloping Corroners—a band that Jeff holds near and dear. Steve shares an unforgettable story recording with the Galloping Corroners vocalist, Attila Grandpierre, during a late night session after Neurosis played with the legendary band in Budapest.

Jun 22, 202302:00:12

The Gift of Endless Metal with Paul Kaplan of Candle$

Jeff and Ben welcome Paul Kaplan, baritone guitar player from the San Diego sludgecore band Candle$. Paul and Ben go way back as colleagues, friends, and fellow metal heads. We get to hear about Paul's metal origin story--growing up in the Bay area--seeing Neurosis in the mid-90s and playing bass in different bands. We listen to a track from the killer new demo from his band Candle$. Formed during the height of the pandemic in San Diego, the band has been tearing it up in both the metal and hardcore scenes, including opening for the classic sludge doom band -!6- (and others). Paul also shares two of his favorite tracks from the mighty Yob! A band Ben and Jeff saw recently with Cave In and High Reaper. And, by the time this episode is uploaded, Paul will see Yob with Pallbearer and Faetooth (a killer San Diego "Fairy Doom" band heard briefly at the beginning of the episode).

Jun 16, 202301:38:03

Emotion Never Dies: An Interview with Greg Chandler of the Legendary Death Doom Band Esoteric

On this episode of the Endless Metal Podcast, we** are joined by Greg Chandler, one of the founding members of the seminal extreme death doom band Esoteric. The dialogue comes at a very exciting time for the band, as Esoteric prepares to tour Australia for the first time. We also celebrate Esoteric’s return to the U.S. for the first time in eleven years; they perform at the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore May 23-26, 2024. We cover topics such as Ben’s belief in long form extreme death doom music as classical music, the emotional language of Esoteric through exploring lyrics and listening to select tracks from the band’s most recent album A Pyrric Existence (“Sick and Tired”) as well as The Maniacal Veil (“Silence”)—a monumental record celebrating its 15th anniversary—and Greg’s recent guest appearance on Ahab’s latest record The Coral Tombs (“The Maelstrom”) (among other topics). We are grateful to Greg for joining us from the UK after a very long day working in his studio and only one week out from the band’s Maniacal Pyrronism Tour of Australia.

**Unfortunately, due to rolling blackouts and ensuing confusion, Jeff was not able to join Ben for this interview.

Jun 16, 202301:58:26

The Gift of Endless Metal with Markisan Naso

We are joined by Markisan Naso, one of the boys from the always great Metalheads Podcast! Ben begins with a little synopsis of this three and half hour epic dialogue that ensues. We learn about Markisan's metal origin story, share some laughs, beers, and listen to three of Markisan's favorite albums from the past few years. We hope this episode inspires you to give and receive the gift of (endless) metal!

Link to Markisan Naso's website

https://markisan.com/

Link to the Metalheds podcast

https://wearemetalheads.com/

Links to albums featured in this podcast that you can listen to on Spotify:

Vazio by Sepulcros

Key to a Vanishing Future by Falls of Rauros

Let the Earth be Silent by Fvnerals

Jun 06, 202303:23:53

Doom Therapy

Jeff and Ben prepare for an upcoming interview with Greg Chandler from the legendary death doom band Esoteric. The talk that ensues broaches a number of well, esoteric, themes. And in post-production, Ben has fun mixing in various sampled sounds some obvious and other less so. Enjoy a little doom therapy.

May 24, 202328:00

Don't Call Me Dude!

Jeff and Ben were riffing on Voivod's recent show at Underground Arts in Philly--yep a little Voivod to start the show (and replay)--but a discussion of the metal punk band Ludachrist leads to Ben's story of seeing, um, Scatterbrain: Don't call me dude!!!!!

May 24, 202311:47

Cave(d) In

Ben opens the show with a few reflections about the phrase "endless metal" and the original inspiration for this show--namely, the upcoming Yob and Cave In concert in Philly! But Ben hears the new Dozer "stoner metal" and, um, "grunge" record, Drifting in the Endless Void. In a series of pre-show text messages, Ben and Jeff agree to riff of the now infamous and cliche statement: "grunge killed heavy metal!" All dots point them to the mighty Cave In! Buckle up and enjoy the ensuing dialogue and listening immersions.

Show notes:

Listen to the album Heavy Pendulum by Cave In on Spotify

Listen to the self-titled album by Rage Against the Machine on Spotify

Listen to album Magnified by Failure on Spotify

Listen to the album Drifting in The Endless Void by Dozer on Spotify

Read Steve Chick's review of Heavy Pendulum in the Guardian

May 03, 202301:38:30

Endless Riffs and the Gift of Steve Von Till

Jeff and Ben riff briefly on great heavy riffs. But the real riffing is in the expansive dialogue that takes them from Slayer to the great jazz imprint ECM records and beyond. In the second half, they deep dive into the great Steve Von Till's most recent records No Wilderness Deep Enough and its ambient companion A Deep and Endless Wilderness. Both Jeff and Ben hold Steve's music in great esteem. Indeed, it is a true gift in their respective lives.

Show notes on bands discussed and played in this episode:

Steve Von Till - No Wilderness Deep Enough [Full] (2020) - experimental

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nREf_c9xW9Y

Steve Von Till - A Deep Voiceless Wilderness [Full] (2021) experimental

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWTppxmFggk&t=1812s

Laraaji - Ambient 3-Day of Radiance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMBNKmZgs_Y

"In the Absence of Matter" by UADA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2WqrAEkRU

Opening Riff to "Fight Fire with Fire" by Metallica

ICE-T interview clips from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiitaegUUbo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67v0YfLyywE

Other artists mentioned: Formicide, Meliah Rage, All Out War, Brian Eno, King Crimson (and many others)

Mar 13, 202301:02:34

Endless Embrace: Windhand and Emma Ruth Rundle and Thou

Jeff and Ben begin with ongoing "metal origin stories." And then two "heavy immersions" into two of their favorite heavy releases of the past five years:

https://windhand.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-return

https://thou.bandcamp.com/album/may-our-chambers-be-full

Feb 22, 202357:34

Metal Origin Stories Part 1 of ?????

*The audio quality of this show was poor. However, we will improve it significantly on future episodes.

To kick off the reboot of the Endless Metal Podcast, Ben and Jeff--although Ben totally hogs the mic-- present riffs on how they met, bonded over metal, made music together, and Ben shares an origin story that starts with one of his favorite early metal bands Anthrax--who he just saw in February of 2023 on their 40th Anniversary Tour.

It's clear that such "origin stories" will be a reoccurring theme/topic of entire shows.

What's one of your most memorable "metal origin stories"?

Opening music is an excerpt from the song "Lungs turn to stone" from Ben & Jeff's ultra-obscure blackened industrial doom project BLACK ROLLER CROP ROTATION album "Prayers from the Rotten Soil" released by Crucial Blast records in 2012