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...
Aug 19
12 min
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 thro...
Aug 6
28 min
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 ...
Aug 3
44 min
In an untraditionally self-aware conversation, John and Derek revisit a previous hot take about Amon Amarth and Derek admits he may have judged the current status of the band too quickly. Derek gets into why he thinks “Gjallarhorn” feels like a return to the band’s aggressive Viking metal roots and John acknowledges his podcasting ineptitude and lack of general catalog knowledge. Along the way, they dig into the backlash from listeners, the role of identity in metal, and why fans want authent...
Jul 25
6 min
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? They also loo...
Jul 16
11 min
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 ...
Jul 10
28 min
Unlock the raw intensity behind Mastodon's haunting new single "Your Ghost," 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 ...
Jul 3
15 min
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 eve...
Jun 26
37 min
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 Lig...
Jun 18
11 min
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 soun...
Jun 9
43 min
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