In EP348, Dead Runes discuss their approach to live performance, merchandise strategy, and their upcoming appearance at the Legalize Lex Festival.

The conversation explores how live shows can redefine audience perception, often revealing a band’s full potential beyond recorded material. The band shares insights into their experience performing across a wide range of venues, from traditional clubs to unconventional spaces like bookstores and community centers.

Additional topics include:

• The Legalize Lex Festival lineup and event structure
• Building audience engagement through live performance
• Limited-edition and creative merchandise strategies
• Touring throughout Kentucky and regional markets
• Adapting setlists to maintain fan interest
• The role of DIY ethics in the underground music scene

This episode provides a detailed look at how emerging bands develop their identity and sustain growth through performance, creativity, and community engagement.

#DeadRunes #MetalPodcast #StonerRock #DoomMetal #UndergroundMusic #LiveMusic #DIYMusic #BandLife #Festival #HeavyMusic

Hashtronaut’s Robb joins the show to break down the band’s evolution, lineup shakeups, and what it really takes to survive in the underground metal scene.

From becoming a 3-piece after internal issues to pushing forward with heavier touring, Robb shares the reality behind keeping a band alive when things go wrong. We also dive into their upcoming Legalize Lex Festival performance, touring stories (including hitting a deer mid-tour), and why they’re taking their time with new music.

We also cover:

• Touring with bands like Dope Throne & Year of the Cobra
• The truth about band drama and rebuilding
• Writing new music without pressure
• Life on the road in underground metal
• Inside Foul Sounds and gear built for heavy bands
• Working with Blues Funeral Recordings

If you’re into stoner metal, doom, sludge, and real band stories, this episode delivers.

👉 Subscribe for more underground metal interviews and scene coverage.

#Hashtronaut #DoomMetal #StonerMetal #SludgeMetal #MetalPodcast #MetalInterview #UndergroundMetal #TourLife #BandLife #LegalizeLex

In Episode 346, we sit down with Fred Muench to explore the evolution of his project Slowrole—from its origins during COVID to a fully realized creative endeavor years in the making.

Fred shares how Slowrole began as a low-pressure songwriting outlet after his time in Bad Trip, eventually growing into a collaborative studio project with talented musicians he hadn’t previously met.

We dive deep into the creative process, discussing how spontaneity, experimentation, and artistic freedom shaped the project—drawing comparisons to later-stage composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and their evolving approach to music.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• The origin and development of Slowrole
• Writing music without pressure or expectations
• The emotional depth behind “Fox’s Prey”
• Music as catharsis and creative expression
• The evolution of punk, hardcore, and modern music scenes
• How today’s musicians blend genres and influences

Fred also reflects on the changing music landscape—from the DIY ethos of 80s/90s punk to today’s image-driven industry—while sharing personal stories about live shows, musical discovery, and introducing his kids to legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses, and Deftones.

Along the way, we touch on iconic influences including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Bleach, Green Day, and The Offspring.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of independent music, punk rock history, and authentic creative journeys.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, creators, and artists.

Legalize Lex April 16, 17, 18 at Als Bar Lexington Ky

Lungburner join the show to break down their crushing new album “Dogma” (out April 17 via Terminus Hate Records) and dive deep into the realities of the underground metal scene.

In this episode, we talk about the band’s evolution, their commitment to delivering immersive live performances, and how they’re pushing beyond traditional doom and sludge with theatrical elements, projection visuals, and raw intensity. The band also shares insights into their upcoming Texas tour, working with Bill Keliher (Mastodon), and their fast-paced approach to writing and recording new music.

We also get into:

The difference between live vs recorded metal experiences

Building a band like a business in today’s music industry

The importance of merch, vinyl, and physical releases

How modern heavy music scenes are stronger than ever

Upcoming studio sessions and future releases

If you’re into doom metal, sludge metal, underground heavy music, or bands like Baroness, Howling Giant, and Generation of Vipers, this episode delivers real insight into what it takes to thrive in today’s scene.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Lungburner is a band to watch in 2026.

#Lungburner #Dogma #DoomMetal #SludgeMetal #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #UndergroundMetal #MetalInterview #NewMetal #MetalScene #StonerMetal #LiveMusic #MetalBands #VinylCommunity #Metalheads

Florist joins Tom to talk about the upcoming Legalize Lex preshow, festival culture, and the tight-knit community behind doom and stoner rock.This episode dives into the planning, promotion, and real-world logistics of DIY festivals—along with the stories, chaos, and camaraderie that make them unforgettable.Inside this episode:• behind-the-scenes planning for Legalize Lex and preshow events• creating content to promote festivals and build audience engagement• the challenges of organizing tours and events across regions like Florida• why the doom and stoner rock scene is one of the most supportive communities in music• upcoming festivals like Tampa Doom & Gloom and Planet Desert Rock Weekend• tour routing, long drives, and surviving life on the road• building lineups with bands like Lordship, Blessed Black, and Faerie RingThey also break down the full Legalize Lex lineup, highlighting bands such as Hashtronaut, Crop, Crystal Spider, Dead Runes, Acromancer, and Blonde Cauldron—showcasing the depth of the regional scene.The conversation also touches on:• after-party plans tied to shows featuring Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity• memorable past festival moments and wild live show stories• merchandise logistics, vinyl releases, and managing fan expectations• the resurgence of 90s heavy music and bands like Acid Bath and Deftones• the importance of supporting local venues, artists, and small businessesIf you’re into doom metal, stoner rock, or the grassroots side of the music industry, this episode gives you a real look at what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.🎧 Tap in to hear how festivals like Legalize Lex are bringing the underground scene together.#LegalizeLex#DoomMetal#StonerRock#UndergroundMusic#MusicFestival#DIYMusic#MetalScene#TourLife#AndNowTheBand

After a ripping night of music and friendship, members of King Parrot and Soulfly sat down to have a chat.Youngy, Mike De Leon and Derek Engemann join me for a quick conversation about the show and the tour. Friendship on the road and what it means to be on the road with your friends. What's been the best night of tour so far? No, it wasn't Louisville.King Parrot are making some new fans on this run with Gwar and Soulfly. 6 weeks on the road with this rowdy bunch.What's in the works? no clueGo check out the tour when it comes to a town near you!kingparrot.net/tour

Tom sits down with Curtis and Chad of Witch Ripper to break down their upcoming album Through the Hourglass, arriving April 10 via Magnetic Eye Records.

The conversation dives deep into the band’s evolution—from its beginnings as Curtis’ solo project in 2012 to a fully collaborative unit today.

With this new record, Witch Ripper leans heavily into a shared songwriting process, with Chad contributing more than ever before, helping expand the band’s melodic range and overall dynamic.

Tom highlights the album’s immersive feel, and the band explains how Through the Hourglass was intentionally crafted as a concept-driven, front-to-back listening experience. Drawing inspiration from cinematic storytelling and graphic novels, they emphasize leaving space for interpretation rather than spelling everything out—creating a more engaging experience for listeners.

Musically, the album represents a shift. Compared to The Flight After the Fall, the new material explores:darker tonalities and more minor-key structures, greater use of space in productionless reliance on constant rhythm guitar layering increased focus on vocals and drums

The band also discusses the business side of heavy music, including the evolution from traditional label deals to modern independent models where bands retain ownership of masters and publishing—contrasting that with legacy acts like Metallica and Mastodon.

On the road front, Witch Ripper outlines a packed schedule, including:

a Seattle album release showa 16-day West Coast tour in late May additional regional dates through September

They also discuss the realities of touring logistics, noting that an East Coast run isn’t feasible this year—but remains a goal for the future.

The episode takes a personal turn as well, with stories about first concerts—from Michael Jackson to Rush—and how those early experiences shaped their connection to music. The conversation also touches on gear preferences, the role of the internet in modern musicianship, and the importance of community in heavy music.

If you’re into concept albums, collaborative songwriting, and the realities of being a modern independent metal band, this episode offers a detailed look inside Witch Ripper’s world.

#WitchRipper #HeavyMetal #ConceptAlbum #MetalPodcast #MagneticEyeRecords #UndergroundMetal #AndNowTheBand #MetalInterview #DIYMusic #NewMusic