In this Riff Worship Halloween Special, guest David Stepanavicius (Atræ Bilis, Fulci Rots) joins us to dissect the 1994 cult VR horror film Brainscan. Directed by John Flynn and written by Andrew Kevin Walker (Seven) and Brian Owens, this 90s cyber-slasher stars Edward Furlong as a teen trapped in an interactive murder game orchestrated by T. Ryder Smith’s iconic villain, The Trickster. We explore the film's evolution from a 1987 VHS script, behind-the-scenes set friction, and the infamous abomination creature finale cut before theaters.Beyond the movie, we break down Brainscan’s landmark 90s alt-metal and industrial soundtrack from Columbia/Ruffhouse Records, featuring White Zombie, Primus, Pitchshifter, O.L.D., Tad, Mudhoney, Butthole Surfers, and score composer George S. Clinton!We wrap up with our seasonal Halloween horror and music picks, including Conch, Algor Mortis, Mad Monster Party?, and The Ghouls.Follow Atræ BilisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/atraebilis/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atraebilis/Follow Fulci RotsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulcirots/Recommendations:Brainscan (1994)Brainscan Soundtrack (1994)尼浊累CONCH - 2022 Shanghai DemoThe Lair of the White Worm (1988)Algor Mortis - The Art Of SufferingSamhain - Samhain III: November-Coming-FireHubie Halloween (2020)The Ghouls - Halloween With The GhoulsMad Monster Party? (1967)Dead Astronauts - Shallow GraveUsipian - Dead Corner of the EyeThe Cleansing - Poisoned LegacyRacer X - Street LethalSanguine (2026)Cemetery Man (1994)The Day of the Beast (1995)Follow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Oct 29
1 hr 5 min
This week on the Riff Worship podcast, we highlight our most anticipated extreme music releases of October! From atmospheric death-doom to blistering hardcore punk, we break down the albums you need on your radar this month.In this episode:Dream Unending – Certain Uncertainties (20 Buck Spin)Release Date: October 30thWe review the highly anticipated third album from the atmospheric death-doom duo. Listen in as we discuss how Justin DeTore and Derrick Vella transition from their previously glacial, epic sound to a leaner, nocturnal atmosphere packed with blues, jazz, and desert-rock guitar explorations.NØ MAN – Between the Sword and the Neck (Iodine Recordings)Release Date: October 30thWe explore the visceral hardcore punk energy and heavy d-beat rhythms of the band's fourth full-length album. We also delve into the record's urgent themes surrounding the ethnic cleansing in Gaza, delivered through the powerful, deeply personal vocal performance of Maha Shami.Darkest Hour – Suffer Divine (MNRK Heavy)Release Date: October 30thWe tackle the metalcore pioneers' latest ferocious offering, highlighting its relentless melodic death metal roots, intricate dual-guitar harmonies, and menacing breakdowns.Recommendations:Dream Unending - Certain UncertaintiesNØ MAN - Between the Sword and the NeckDarkest Hour - Suffer DivineSelenoplexia - Beneath the Lunar TyrantLast - Potent DesperationSubserviency - Observing the Ancestral Twilight EPRevocationFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Oct 22
46 min
Have you ever bought a record just because the cover caught your eye?This week on Riff Worship, we spotlight the legendary creators who defined the aesthetic of the bands we love!Join us as we discuss our favorite albums covers including the profound works of artists like John Dyer Baizley (Baroness, Pig Destroyer), Orion Landau (Yob), Mariusz Lewandowski (Mizmor), Paul Romano (Mastodon), and Arik Roper (Sleep).From hand-painted masterpieces to captivating photography, we’ll also highlight several of our favorite working artists including Benjamin Vierling, Mark McCoy, Bo Orr, Zach Hobbs, Caroline Harrison, Tetsunori Tawaraya, and many more!What is your favorite album cover of all time? Let us know in the comments!Featured Albums / Artists:Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God (Melissa Farley)Yob - Clearing the Path to Ascend (Orion Landau)Darkest Hour - Deliver Us (John Dyer Baizley)Baroness - Red Album (John Dyer Baizley)Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb (John Dyer Baizley)Sleep - Dopesmoker (Arik Roper)Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska (David Michael Kennedy)Full of Hell - Trumpeting Ecstasy (Mark McCoy)Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly (Denis Rouvre)The Locust - Plague Soundscapes (Sam McPheeters)Cannibal Corpse - Vile (Vincent Locke)Mizmor - Cairn (Mariusz Lewandowski)Songs: Ohia - Magnolia Electric Co. (William Schaff)Sepultura - Chaos A.D. (Michael R. Whelan)Neurosis - Through Silver in BloodDream Unending - Song Of Salvation (Benjamin A. Vierling)Converge - Petitioning The Empty Sky (Aaron Turner)Korn - Korn (Jay Papke and Dante Ariola)Mastodon - Crack the Skye (Paul Romano)YOB - Clearing The Path To Ascend (Orion Landau)Thou - TyrantOther Featured Artists:Adam BurkeZachary HobbsCaroline HarrisonTetsunori TawarayaLiz Walshak (Vanitas Illustration)Kristian Wåhlin (Necrolord)H.R. GigerJacob BannonDan SeagraveWes BenscoterMike D'Antonio (DarkicoN Design)Matt Scott BarnesDerek HessJim H Madison (Print Mafia)Recommendations:Dream Unending - Certain UncertaintiesAsbestosdeath - Dejection / UncleanVenom - Welcome to HellVenom - Black MetalArtificial Brain - AntilliaDarkest Hour - Deliver UsHISS - A Cheapened CrownWitch Bolt - The Tallowman EPSuicide Silence - GracelessSlow Pulp - MelodieJohn Carpenter - Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998Follow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Oct 8
1 hr 27 min
This week on Riff Worship, we explore the impact and evolution of extreme music compilations and label samplers!In this episode, we’ll discuss:Why compilation albums matter as cost-effective label promos, essential music discovery tools, historical snapshots of evolving musical trends, and sources for rare, exclusive tracks!We also break down landmark releases that shaped the underground:Earache's Grindcrusher (1989): Showcasing extreme metal and grindcore pioneers like Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Carcass, Godflesh, Bolt Thrower, and Terrorizer.MTV2's Headbangers Ball Vol. 2 (2004): A Roadrunner Records release featuring heavyweights and underground acts like Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Cradle of Filth, and Dimmu Borgir.BMA vs. Metal Blade vs. Robotic Empire Split Comp (2004): A massive label crossover featuring Pig Destroyer, Lamb of God, Cannibal Corpse, Opeth, and Unearth.What was the first compilation album or label sampler that hooked you on underground music? Let us know below!Recommendations:Grindcrusher - The Earache SamplerGrindcrusher - The Ultimate EaracheMTV2's Headbangers Ball Vol. 2 (Disc 1)MTV2's Headbangers Ball Vol. 2 (Disc 2)BMA vs. Metal Blade vs. Robotic Empire Split CompDark PassagesSounds Of The Underground Volume OneAmpere - The First Five YearsDestroy New GranadaThou - A Young Person's Guide to Thou(Don't Forget To) BreatheHex Records 10 Year comp.Jade Tree - Twenty Five YearsParamaecium - Exhumed Of The EarthEasy Blame - HYPERNORMALIZEDEvery Time I Die - New Junk AestheticEvery Time I Die - From Parts UnknownFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Oct 1
53 min
This week on Riff Worship, we unpack the underground legacy of post-hardcore icons Hot Cross and the turbulent creation of their 2007 swan song, Risk Revival.In this episode, we discuss:The band’s roots in post-hardcore and screamo heavyweights Saetia, You and I, and Neil Perry.Their essential catalog, including defining splits with Light the Fuse and Run, Lickgoldensky, and The Holy Shroud.The decision to scrap the album and re-record it from scratch with former guitarist Josh Jakubowski for Equal Vision Records.How exhaustion, label pressures, and shifting personal lives led to the band's indefinite hiatus in 2007.Breaking down the razor-sharp twin-guitar textures, aggressive delivery, and unsparing intensity that set Hot Cross apart from their contemporaries!Photo: Jonathan FeinsteinRecommendations:Emma Ruth Rundle - These Killing TimesAsunder - A Clarion CallAsunder - Works Will Come UndoneFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Sep 24
1 hr 8 min
Long before the ballads and sold-out stadiums, a twenty-year-old Billy Joel ditched classical piano, maxed out a Hammond B-3 organ through a wall of Marshall stacks, and set out to melt faces.In this episode of Riff Worship, we explore the strange, short-lived history of Attila: the legendary proto-metal duo Joel formed with drummer Jon Small.Join us as we trace their evolution from The Lost Souls and The Hassles straight into the meat-locker photoshoots, the catastrophic reception of their 1970 Epic Records debut, and how it ultimately paved the way for a prolific solo career!Andy Williams Forever: https://andywilliamsforever.com/Recommendations:Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe - Cosa NuestraJim & Jesse and The Virginia Boys - Y’all ComeBreathing Fire - DemoBreathing Fire - Years of LeadGenital Shame - Wellness PlanFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Sep 17
51 min
This week on Riff Worship, we dissect the history of Atlanta’s vegan straight-edge grindcore trio, Dead in the Dirt. We trace their journey from early DIY beginnings to their signing with Southern Lord, exploring the making of their debut LP, The Blind Hole!In this episode, we’ll discuss:Guitarist and vocalist Blake Connally’s bizarre introduction to extreme music, from unearthing a buried Helmet CD in the woods to discovering Napalm Death on the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie soundtrack.The trio's deep roots in the Atlanta heavy music scene, touching on early links to the mathcore outfit Me And Him Call It Us before solidifying the Dead in the Dirt lineup with bassist Bo Orr and drummer Hank Pratt.A breakdown of the band’s discography, including the raw Vold EP, their Southern Lord debut Fear, and the recording sessions with Andy Nelson (Bricktop Recording, Weekend Nachos) for 2013’s The Blind Hole.Notable tours alongside heavyweights like Foundation, Harm's Way, Weekend Nachos, and Sunn O))).The aftermath of the band's relentless touring schedule including post-DITD projects like Infernal Coil, Slow Fire Pistol, and Arbor Labor Union!Recommendations:Dead In The Dirtme and him call it usFoundationInfernal CoilSOLAR FLOWERARBOR LABOR UNIONSlow Fire PistolSiderean - 30,000 Cycles (Demo)Nails - Fear Based LifeEmma Ruth Rundle - These Killing TimesFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Sep 10
49 min
Special guest Zach Reini (Ukko’s Hammer) returns to the Riff Worship Podcast to help us unpack the legacy of Finnish death-doom trailblazers Rippikoulu and their monumental 1993 demo, Musta seremonia!In this episode, we’ll discuss:Rippikoulu’s evolution from their chaotic hardcore punk origins in Valkeakoski to becoming architects of crushing, atmospheric death metal.Revisiting their 1992 debut, Mutaation aiheuttama sisäinen mätäneminen and tracing their early foray into gore-obsessed heaviness.How vocalist Anssi Kartela shifted the band's lyrical focus toward poetic reflections on life and sorrow, establishing Rippikoulu as the first death metal group to perform entirely in Finnish.A detailed look into the recording process and the impossibly heavy, downtuned legacy of Musta seremonia.The tragic passing of founding guitarist Marko Henriksson, the band's resulting hiatus, and their unexpected resurrection with the 2014 Ulvaja EP.Zach breaks down the blistering, riff-heavy metallic hardcore of Ukko’s Hammer’s Demo II, detailing how Finnish folklore, language, and underground music directly shape his artistic approach.Follow Ukko's HammerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukkoshammer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN3Bly2q6K69xh5UukxMIyQBandcamp: https://ukkoshammer.bandcamp.com/musicRecommendations:Ukko's Hammer - Demo IIRippikoulu - Musta seremoniaRippikoulu - Mutaation aiheuttama sisäinen mätäneminenRippikoulu - UlvajaGODFLESH - DecayKAAOS - Nukke EPV/A - No Future, No Past – Finnish Speed & Thrash Metal Explosion 1986–1992Thergothon - Stream from the HeavensAsunder - A Clarion CallSpectral Voice - SparagmosDeath Possession - DemoFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Sep 3
1 hr 42 min
In the mid-1980s, global charity supergroups like Band Aid and U.S.A. for Africa dominated international headlines, raising tens of millions of dollars to combat severe famine in Ethiopia. Yet, despite heavy metal’s massive commercial dominance, hard rock and metal musicians were noticeably excluded from pop-centric relief efforts.In this episode of Riff Worship, we break down how Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and legendary frontman Ronnie James Dio decided to take action, recruiting over 40 hard rock and metal icons to create their own charitable anthem: "Stars" under the collective name Hear 'n Aid.From the geopolitics and internal conflicts surrounding the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine to the behind-the-scenes madness at Hollywood's A&M Studios, we explore the full story behind metal's most ambitious collaboration.In this episode, we'll discuss:The Ethiopian Famine: The political, economic, and military factors under Mengistu Haile Mariam's Derg regime that compounded the crisis.Pop Philanthropy vs. Metal Stigma: How media controversy, PMRC hearings, and "Satanic Panic" left metal out of Band Aid and Live Aid. The Origin of Hear 'n Aid: A chance radio interview at LA’s KLOS that sparked Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain to launch the project with Ronnie James Dio.The All-Star "Stars" Recording Sessions: Highlights from May 1985 featuring members of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, Dokken, Twisted Sister, W.A.S.P., Blue Öyster Cult, and an in-character appearance by Spinal Tap. The Solos & The Choir: Behind-the-scenes studio dynamics, including the 3+ minute tag-team guitar solo relay featuring Yngwie Malmsteen, Neal Schon, George Lynch, and Brad Gillis.Release Delays & Legacy: Label red tape, how Hear 'n Aid’s direct non-profit model avoided administrative grift, and updates on the long-awaited reissue and photo book benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.Hear N' Aid - Stars (1986): https://youtu.be/G5H94GHb-10?si=VKTVKbzfubKhRlXJThe Hear 'n Aid Sessions (1986): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sHaQxEMM_g&t=489sLive Aid: The Terrible Truth by Bob Keating (SPIN Magazine, 2015): https://www.spinmagazine.com/2015/07/live-aid-the-terrible-truth-ethiopia-bob-geldof-feature/Recommendations:Northern Lights - Tears Are Not EnoughSelenoplexia - The Battle of Agretes (Glory of Holy Warfare)Cinder Well - A Blooming BodyFollow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Aug 27
1 hr 9 min
This week on Riff Worship, we dive into the chaotic evolution of mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan and the transformative journey behind their sophomore album, Miss Machine.Formed in Morris Plains, New Jersey, in 1997 from the ashes of the short-lived hardcore band Arcane, Dillinger immediately set out to break the boundaries of heavy music. By fusing free jazz, progressive metal, and new-school hardcore, they built a legendary reputation on fractured song structures and notoriously unhinged live shows.After releasing their explosive EP Under the Running Board and their landmark 1999 debut Calculating Infinity, the group reached a major crossroads. Following the departure of original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, the band brought on frontman Greg Puciato and bassist Liam Wilson to kickstart a new era.Refusing to simply record Calculating Infinity Part 2, they spent years meticulously balancing their signature technicality with newfound melody, electronic textures, and structured songwriting.From recording in blocks with long-time producer Steve Evetts to navigating depleted budgets, financial gambles, and grueling tour cycles (including near-arrests on Warped Tour and hostile crowds on Gigantour), this episode uncovers the full story behind the creation of Miss Machine!In this episode, we’ll cover:Arcane’s transition into The Dillinger Escape Plan and their formative work at Trax East with producer Steve Evetts.Overcoming devastating accidents, lineup changes, and trading away publishing rights to finish their debut album.How an open audition tape and a collaboration with Mike Patton on Irony Is a Dead Scene set a new standard, bringing Greg Puciato into the fold.The four-year writing process for Miss Machine, guerrilla studios, Pro Tools tracking, and deliberate stylistic risks on tracks like “Panasonic Youth,” “Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants,” and “Unretrofied.”Surviving brutal injuries on the road, charting on the Billboard 200, and cementing their status as extreme music innovators!Recommendations:Idiot Pilot - WolvesLong Goodbye - A Whispered Promise of FailureGODFLESH - DecayMetallica - Ride The LightningPhoto courtesy of Dustin RabinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustinRabin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustinrabin/Website: https://www.dustinrabin.com/Follow Riff WorshipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPodCheck out our Official Playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
Aug 20
1 hr 33 min
Load more