Hiroe holds one of my favorite albums this year with Wield. I am going to revisit chatting with them at Post Fest this year. Watching these folks perform and chatting with them was like seeing long lost friends. The conversation was great on and off camera and as a group, they are some of the nicest folks out there.
Tom is joined by Temptress to discuss their upcoming album, releasing January 23rd, and the years-long creative process behind it.
The band dives into their favorite songs on the record, the emotional weight behind tracks like “Be Still,” and how collaboration helped shape an album that reflects both personal growth and their powerful live sound. A major highlight of the discussion is Temptress’ unique dynamic of three lead vocalists, a rare approach that gives the album depth, variety, and a distinct identity.
They also talk about upcoming European tour plans, touring with Friendship Commanders and Buick, discovering new music on the road, and the finer details of vinyl production and collectibles. From gear quality to festival experiences, this episode offers a well-rounded look at where Temptress is headed next.
Temptress interview, Temptress album release, heavy rock podcast, alternative metal interview, female fronted metal, European tour metal bands, vinyl records music podcast, underground rock bands
#Temptress #HeavyRock #AlternativeMetal #UndergroundMusic #NewMusic #MetalPodcast#IndependentArtists
With Down expecting a new album in 2026, lets revisit an early episode with Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod and Down. He talks about some of the writing of the Down material among other things.Thanks for watching and listening across the various platforms. Follow me on instagram for the most up to date giveaways. Sometimes tickets to some Danny Wimmer Presents festivals, albums from artists I love or whatever. @and_now_the_band
One of my favorite bands for the last few years is Blessed Black. They are on a constant rotation for me.
We are going to revisit this conversation with Murphy. I'm ready for Vol 3 and Vol 4 to grace my ears.
#blessedblack #thirdhousecommunications #andnowtheband
In Honor of 2 Years doing this show, I am going to repost EP 20 with Sol Williams and Cathode ULT.
Cathode has their third EP coming out in as long as this show has been going.
Enjoy the show and check out Cathode ULT and the other episodes of ANTB
Revisiting EP2 with Chris Enriquez because Spotlights recently released a Rarities album. It has some killer songs on it that were not available previously on vinyl. Hooray!As I come to the end of Year 2 of And Now The Band, I am going to revisit some of the early episodes. It's amazing to see how far this thing has come since it's inception. Has there been a favorite episode for you? Over 300 numbered episodes.
Host Tom is joined by Elijah Kellogg of floodlit for a wide-ranging conversation about grief, purpose, and the role of heavy music in processing real-world trauma.
Elijah discusses floodlit’s latest single “Ama,” his vocal influences, and the challenge of balancing clean singing with harsh vocals in modern heavy music. The conversation turns deeply personal as Elijah shares how his time doing community development work in Myanmar — and the abrupt evacuation caused by a military coup in 2021 — became the emotional foundation for the Floodlit album.
Together, Tom and Elijah explore how music evolves once it’s released, why heavy music carries cultural weight, and the responsibility artists have in creating safe, inclusive spaces without losing intensity. They also touch on the changing nature of hardcore shows, mentorship in heavy music, and upcoming releases including “Akko.”
A thoughtful, emotional episode for listeners interested in heavy music with depth, meaning, and purpose.
#floodlit #HeavyMusic #PostHardcore #Metalcore #MusicAndMeaning #UndergroundMusic #HeavyMusicPodcast #IndependentArtists
Elijah Kellogg floodlit, floodlit Ama, heavy music podcast, post hardcore interview, metalcore podcast, grief in music, underground heavy bands, emotional metal, modern heavy music discussion, independent heavy artists
Host Tom is joined by S. Patrick Brooks of Heavy Underground Farm Report to unveil the inaugural HUFR Fest, happening April 24–26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
In this episode, Sean breaks down how HUFR Fest came together, why Denver’s underground scene is the perfect home for it, and what makes this festival stand out in a crowded live-music landscape. With a lineup that already includes Lost Relics, Sonolith, Lord Velvet, Violet Rising, Hibernaut, Vashon Seed, Cobranoid, Blue Heron, Luna Sol, Godzillionaire, Momovudu, Psalm, Shadow of Jupiter, Messiahvore, Black Sunrise, Nomestomper, and more to be announced, HUFR Fest is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-attend heavy music events.
Tom and Sean also talk candidly about where their passion for live music began, the importance of community-driven festivals, and the immense amount of work that goes into launching something new. Sean sends special thanks to Zeth (Luna Sols amazing drummer) and his (Seans) wife Andrea for their tireless support behind the scenes.
A must-listen for fans of underground metal, doom, stoner rock, and independent festivals.
#HUFRFest #HeavyUndergroundFarmReport #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #DenverFestival #DoomMetal #StonerRock #MetalPodcast #LiveMusic
HUFR Fest 2026, Heavy Underground Farm Report, underground metal podcast, Denver music festival, doom metal podcast, stoner rock podcast, heavy music interviews, independent music festivals, underground rock scene, live music culture, metal festival planning
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 crimes
Albums King of the Rhine and Slay Utterly
Songs about Jim Jones and David Parker Ray
Metal influences and formative live show experiences
Pulling inspiration from hip-hop and underground rap
Preparing for album release shows and new merch drops
Carrion Vael’s upcoming Metal Monday appearance at MagBar
This 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 #UniqueLeader
Carrion 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 album
Staying true to an artistic vision in a commercial industry
The evolution and monetization of heavy metal
The realities of DIY touring and rising costs
Inclusive all-ages shows and changing live culture
Lifelong friendships formed through underground touring
Discovering and supporting lesser-known bands
They 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 #IndependentArtists
The 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
In EP304, Tom sits down with Valira of Vesseles to discuss her upcoming album Home, releasing January 16th, 2026, and the deeply personal artistic journey behind her evolving approach to black metal.
Valira opens up about discovering heavy music, gravitating toward darker and more atmospheric sounds, and challenging herself with tracks like Flesh Throne, Eternally Within Us, and Scriptures Until They Are Dust. She explains her passion for creating full-album experiences, focusing on flow, pacing, and emotional progression.
The conversation also explores:
The origins and evolution of Vesseles
The creative process using Guitar Pro
Building a cohesive visual identity through custom latex masks
Balancing audience expectations and personal fulfillment
The welcoming nature of the heavy music community
Touring strategy in the Pacific Northwest and future expansion
The 12-month plan for Vesseles (shows, festivals, regional push)
Their album release show – Jan 24 @ Neck of the Woods in San Francisco
This episode is a deep dive into creativity, identity expression, underground metal culture, and the mindset behind building a DIY project from the ground up. If you love black metal, atmospheric heavy music, or stories of artists forging their own path—this episode is for you.
#BlackMetal #Vesseles #Valira #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #ExtremeMetal #AtmosphericBlackMetal #UndergroundMetal #ArtistInterview #MetalCommunity #IdentityAndArt
Vesseles interview, Valira black metal, Home album Vesseles, underground black metal artist, heavy music podcast interview, custom mask artist, Brandy Beast latex masks, Guitar Pro composer, PNW black metal scene, atmospheric metal, Vesseles band 2026, modern black metal evolution
Mike Sanchez of the mighty Acid Bath stopped by during Louder Than Life to talk about what's been happening in the Acid Bath camp and how it feels to play together again. The resurgence of AB has been tremendous and with 2 AB newcomers, they're sounding super tight and getting the crowd hyped.
#acidbath #mikesanchez #louderthanlife #andnowtheband
EP303 | Mike Leon of CKY joins Tom for an energetic and heartfelt conversation about CKY’s resurgence, new music, global touring, and the full-circle moment of joining a band that helped shape his musical identity.
In this episode:
• The making and reception of CKY’s newest single “Can’t Stop Running”
• Recent UK tour + upcoming Australia run + Sonic Temple 2025
• CKY’s healthiest and most focused era yet
• Mike’s years with Soulfly, Crowbar & Battlecross
• Why younger fans are discovering CKY like it’s brand new
• Emotional stories about fan interactions and growing up with heavy music
• World-travel food adventures, including wild nights in Singapore
• The metal cruise community and the “no ego” culture
• Gear talk: Mike’s work with Enki and high-end road cases
• Plans to bring CKY to Louisville’s Portal venue in May
It’s a fun, insightful, high-energy conversation celebrating metal culture, creativity, and the fans that keep this scene alive.
If you love CKY, heavy music stories, or behind-the-scenes tour life — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
CKY interview
Mike Leon CKY
CKY new music 2025
Alternative metal podcast
Soulfly bassist interview
Crowbar touring
Battlecross history
Metal podcast interview
Heavy music storytelling
Sonic Temple Festival
Louisville metal scene
Guitar gear Enki
Metal tour stories
2000s alt metal bands
Heavy music community
#CKY #MikeLeon #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusicPodcast #Soulfly #Crowbar #Battlecross #AlternativeMetal #MetalTouring #SonicTemple #MetalStories #PodcastInterview
In EP302, Connor of Dissentience joins Tom to talk about the band’s creative evolution, their new monster-movie-inspired EP Kaiju, and the challenges of being a genre-fluid metal band in a scene that often demands labels. Connor shares the band’s journey from high school roots to their current sound, shaped by drummer Nick and longtime producer Corey.
They break down the writing process for Kaiju, the band’s most cohesive work yet, written live together for the first time and structured like a classic kaiju film. The conversation explores metal’s shifting trends, the limitations of genre expectations, and how bands like Revocation, Protest the Hero, Deftones, Metallica, and Megadeth influenced Dissentience’s musical identity.
Other topics include:
Vinyl production issues, merch pricing & fan accessibility
Scene challenges in the Valley vs. the Northeast & New England
Winning shows, promoter challenges & why varied lineups matter
Label delays and 2026 plans for shows and touring
The importance of performance energy and musical diversity
If you love technical metal, progressive thrash, or genre-breaking heavy bands, this episode is packed.
#Dissentience #KaijuEP #MetalPodcast #ThrashMetal #DeathMetal #TechnicalMetal #ProgMetal #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #MetalBands #MonsterMovies #GodzillaInspired #MetalInterview #Revocation #ProtestTheHero #MetalEvolution #VinylPressing #metalscene
Dissentience
technical metal podcast
thrash metal interview
death metal band
progressive thrash
Kaiju EP
underground metal scene
heavy music discussion
vinyl production issues
metal band touring
In EP301, Blood Of The Earth join Tom for a wide-ranging conversation covering new music, band growth, touring memories, and the underground metal community. Jeff, Katie, Christian, and John break down their December and January recording schedule, tracking drums, guitars, bass, and keys, plus their upcoming sessions with Ryan Bosch at Kandor Studios in Tampa. They also discuss preparing for Doomfest at Deviant Libation and the excitement of playing as a two-piece before heading back into the studio.
The episode also touches on Tom’s personal stories about aging as a lifelong music fan, Detroit’s economic rise and fall, and reconnecting with family. The band shares future touring plans, European festival goals, collaborations with members of Crisis, their musical evolution beyond doom and stoner roots, and the importance of having fun while creating heavy music.
If you’re into doom, sludge, stoner, post-metal, or behind-the-scenes looks into underground heavy bands, this episode is a must-listen.
#BloodOfTheEarth #DoomMetal #StonerDoom #UndergroundMetal #MetalPodcast #HeavyMusic #Doomfest #LouisvilleMetal #RecordingStudio #MetalBands #SludgeMetal #PostMetal #KandorStudios #RyanBosch #DeviantLibation #MetalMonday #MusicInterviews #HeavyScene
Blood of the Earth
doom metal podcast
underground metal interview
heavy music stories
stoner doom band
metal recording process
touring metal bands
Doomfest
heavy underground community
metal festival talk
For EP300, Tom sits down with Mike and Carly of Radian at Louisville’s iconic Mag Bar just before they take the stage for Metal Monday. They talk about Carly’s path into the band, her deep connection to heavy music, and how she became part of Akron’s sludge/doom scene.
Mike shares behind-the-scenes updates about brand-new Radian material currently in mastering, giving listeners a rare real-time glimpse into the band’s creative process. They also recap a recent standout show with Rwake, Ohlm, and Lordship at Portal Louisville, discussing the energy, performances, and crowd reaction.Fans of sludge, doom, post-metal, and underground heavy music won’t want to miss this one — new music and tour plans are coming soon.#Radian #AkronMetal #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #MetalMonday #MagBar #HeavyMusicPodcast #UndergroundMetal #AndNowTheBand #NewMetal2025 #Rwake #Ohlm #Lordship #OhioMetalScene
Radian podcast interview
Akron sludge metal
heavy music conversation
doom metal band new album
sludge metal artists
underground heavy scene
live metal performance
new sludge metal 2025
metal musician interview
Mag Bar Louisville
In Episode 299, Tom is joined by Mark of Massa Nera to break down the band’s acclaimed new album, The Emptiness of All Things, released on Halloween to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Mark discusses the band’s experimental approach to composition, the intentional push beyond screamo and post-hardcore conventions, and how they crafted an album that moves from chaos to reflection with purpose.
Tom and Mark explore the modern landscape of heavy music — from the disappearing boundaries between metal and punk to the growing inclusivity of the underground scene. They share stories about shows, influential bands, musicianship, and the sense of community that extreme music fosters.
The conversation dives into experimental music, free-form creativity, and the intellectual + emotional side of heavy music. Fans of screamo, post-metal, black metal, punk, and genre-bending underground music will find a ton to love in this episode.
#MassaNera #TheEmptinessOfAllThings #Screamo #PostHardcore #BlackMetalInfluence #ExtremeMusic #UndergroundMetal #ExperimentalMusic #ConvergeFans #HeavyMusicPodcast #AndNowTheBand #PostMetal #MetalPodcast #ScreamoRevival
Massa Nera podcast
post-hardcore experimental
screamo album discussion
heavy music creativity
metal and punk crossover
boundary-pushing heavy bands
extreme music community
experimental songwriting
modern heavy underground
emotional heavy music