And Now The Band

In EP309, Alex Skolnick (Testament, Metal Allegiance, Alex Skolnick Trio) joins host Tom for an in-depth discussion on collaboration, musicianship, and metal’s evolving legacy.Alex reflects on Metal Allegiance’s 10-year history, their tradition of performing around the NAMM Show, and their upcoming House of Blues Anaheim performance in 2026. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into how Metal Allegiance assembles elite vocalists and musicians, balances limited rehearsal time, and consistently delivers high-level performances.The conversation explores how different vocalists reinterpret classic material, the importance of preparation in supergroup settings, and why musical professionalism matters at the highest level. Alex also explains how his jazz training enhances his metal playing, improving rhythm, listening, and adaptability without sacrificing aggression or identity.This episode offers rare perspective from one of metal’s most respected guitarists and is perfect for fans of thrash metal, guitar-driven music, metal supergroups, and genre-crossing musicianship.#AlexSkolnick#MetalAllegiance#Testament#ThrashMetal#MetalPodcast#HeavyMusic#GuitarLife#ModernMetalAlex Skolnick podcast, Testament interview, Metal Allegiance podcast, thrash metal guitarist, jazz metal discussion, metal supergroup interview, heavy metal musicianship, NAMM metal bands, guitar podcast metal

In EP308, host Tom welcomes Stu Folsom of SpiritWorld for an in-depth conversation about the realities of modern heavy metal touring, live show evolution, and building longevity as a band.Stu discusses SpiritWorld’s transition into a four-piece live lineup, how rotating fill-in musicians have influenced their performances, and why the band is shifting toward more intentional setlist dynamics rather than nonstop intensity. He also shares lessons learned from touring with Avatar, including insights into modular stage design, production scalability, and connecting with diverse metal audiences.The episode covers crowd management, safety in extreme live environments, and the responsibility bands have to read the room during volatile moments. Stu and Tom also explore the changing relationship between musicians and fans, touring hierarchies, and how SpiritWorld has grown from an underground project into a full-time touring act.The conversation wraps with reflections on tours alongside Obituary and Municipal Waste, plus early insight into SpiritWorld’s upcoming fourth studio album.A must-listen for fans of heavy metal, thrash, hardcore, touring culture, and live music strategy#SpiritWorld #StuFolsom #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #TouringBand #LiveMusic #ModernMetal #ThrashMetal #UndergroundMetalSpiritWorld podcast, Stu Folsom interview, metal band touring, heavy metal podcast, modern metal interviews, thrash metal discussion, hardcore metal podcast, touring musicians, live metal shows, underground metal bands, metal industry podcast

Tom and Zach of Howling Giant join the show to explore the creative universe behind one of heavy music’s most imaginative and dynamic bands. From sci-fi concept albums and cosmic storytelling to airtight musicianship and relentless touring strategy, Howling Giant has carved out a distinctive place in modern stoner, psych, and doom metal.In this episode, Tom and Zach discuss the band’s origin story, how they craft narrative-driven albums, and the chemistry that’s kept the band tight and evolving. We dive into their approach to vocal harmonies, gear choices that shape their tone, and how they build huge soundscapes as a (now) Four-piece. The duo also shares practical lessons learned from constant touring, including maintaining energy, creating memorable live experiences, and staying connected with fans.Whether you love space-themed heaviness, airtight musicianship, or simply the craft behind building a successful modern heavy band, this conversation delivers insight and inspiration at every turn.If you like what you're hearing: subscribe, like, comment, share.Title: EP307 – Tom & Zach of Howling GiantGuests: Tom Polzine & Zach WheelerShow: And Now The BandKeywords: Howling Giant interview, stoner metal, doom metal, Nashville heavy scene, concept albums, heavy music podcastDescription:Tom and Zach of Howling Giant discuss their origin story, cosmic songwriting, vocal harmonies, gear, touring lessons, and the creative universe behind one of modern heavy music’s most imaginative bands.Howling Giant interviewTom PolzineZach WheelerNashville heavy bandsStoner metal interviewDoom metal podcastPsych metal bandConcept album songwritingHeavy music podcastAnd Now The Band

In EP306, Tom sits down with Travis of Carrion Vael to talk about the upcoming album “Slay Utterly”, arriving January 16th via Unique Leader Records, and the intense, research-driven approach behind the band’s technical death metal sound.Travis breaks down how Carrion Vael writes songs inspired by serial killers, cult leaders, and true crime, approaching violent subject matter with analysis and storytelling rather than shock for shock’s sake. The conversation explores the psychology of infamous figures, the balance between art and discomfort, and how extreme themes can coexist with technical precision.Also discussed:Writing death metal based on real historical crimesAlbums King of the Rhine and Slay UtterlySongs about Jim Jones and David Parker RayMetal influences and formative live show experiencesPulling inspiration from hip-hop and underground rapPreparing for album release shows and new merch dropsCarrion Vael’s upcoming Metal Monday appearance at MagBarThis episode is a must-listen for fans of technical death metal, true crime, Unique Leader Records artists, and extreme underground music.#CarrionVael #TechnicalDeathMetal #SlayUtterly #DeathMetalPodcast #TrueCrimeMusic #ExtremeMetal #UniqueLeaderCarrion Vael podcast, Slay Utterly interview, Travis Carrion Vael, technical death metal discussion, true crime death metal, Unique Leader Records interview, extreme metal podcast, underground death metal band

In EP305, Tom welcomes James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy for a deep, honest conversation about DIY metal, distortion-driven songwriting, underground touring, and artistic integrity.James reflects on nearly two decades of creating heavy music, from a bedroom project in 2005 to a fully realized band built on texture, volume, and commitment to artistic truth. They discuss the band’s latest album, which intentionally keeps distortion engaged almost nonstop, and why full-album immersion still matters.Topics include:Writing and recording a fully distorted heavy albumStaying true to an artistic vision in a commercial industryThe evolution and monetization of heavy metalThe realities of DIY touring and rising costsInclusive all-ages shows and changing live cultureLifelong friendships formed through underground touringDiscovering and supporting lesser-known bandsThey also share love for bands like Blood Incantation, discuss unforgettable live performances, upcoming festival appearances, and the joy of uncovering hidden gems in the underground scene.This episode is essential listening for fans of metal, psych, noise rock, DIY culture, and underground heavy music.#DoomMetal #TheGrasshopperLiesHeavy #DIYMusic #UndergroundMetal #HeavyPodcast #NoiseRock #PsychDoom #IndependentArtistsThe Grasshopper Lies Heavy interview, James Woodard podcast, DIY doom metal interview, underground heavy music podcast, distortion doom metal, experimental heavy bands, metal touring discussion, independent metal artists, noise doom podcast