Signals From Mars – Episode 431: Rich Knox (Danko Jones)

In Episode 431, Victor is joined by Rich Knox, drummer for Danko Jones, to talk about the band’s new album Leo Rising, his journey into the band, working with Marty Friedman, and what keeps the Danko Jones sound sharp after more than a dozen years behind the kit.

Rich shares stories about his audition for the band, touring with The Darkness and Black Stone Cherry, the differences between jazz and rock musicians, and how the band writes music while living in three different countries. He also reflects on pandemic-era livestreams, KISS fandom, and what makes a great rock song.

The conversation also dives into Rich’s passion for health, mindset, and fitness. Through his project Performers Health, he helps musicians stay healthy on and off the road. Learn more at: https://performershealth.com

Topics include:

• Making Leo Rising

• Collaborating with Marty Friedman

• The Danko Jones songwriting process

• Minimalist drumming philosophy

• Jazz vs. rock approaches

• Touring stories & festival moments

• Pandemic livestream memories

• Health, wellness & Performers Health

• Staying grounded as a touring musician

🎙️ Patron Shout-outs:

Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond.

🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

Website: https://signalsfrommars.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/

Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/

🎵 Follow Danko Jones & Rich Knox:

Official Site: https://www.dankojones.com

Instagram: @danko_jones | @richknoxdrums

Performers Health: https://performershealth.com

Signals From Mars – Episode 430: Condition Critical

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tony Barhoum from New Jersey thrashers Condition Critical! Tony discusses the band’s first new album in nine years, Degeneration Chamber, their connection to New Jersey’s thrash legacy, and how they balance old-school aggression with a modern sound.

The conversation touches on the influence of local legends like Overkill and DD Verni, the band’s DIY approach to recording, and how they shaped the album’s late-’80s spirit without sounding dated. Tony also talks about his gear setup, unexpected musical influences, frustrations with streaming platforms, and shares a favorite memory of Ace Frehley.

Topics discussed include:

• New Jersey thrash roots

• Mischief Night traditions

• Joining Condition Critical

• Why Extermination Plan and Degeneration Chamber are nine years apart

• Engineering and producing the new album

• Gear talk

• Surprising influences

• Remembering Ace Frehley

• Where to buy Degeneration Chamber to best support the band

🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode:

https://www.signalsfrommars.com/

💿 Support Condition Critical:

Bandcamp: https://conditioncritical.bandcamp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conditioncriticalnj/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConditionCriticalNJ/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dTcIKLfUXsCPB1HiizLHn

🎙️ Patron Shout-outs:

Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond.

🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

Website: https://signalsfrommars.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/

Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/

Podcast Services: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/

Sponsorship: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/

Signals From Mars – Episode 429: Howling Giant

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tom Polzine and Sebastian Baltes from Nashville heavy rockers Howling Giant to discuss their new album Crucible & Ruin, released on Halloween.

The band talks about Nashville’s influence, how their sound has evolved since Glass Future, and how the addition of Adrian on keys expanded their creative scope. They share details about writing and recording Crucible & Ruin, favorite gear, and the band’s unique approach to putting their own spin on classic covers.

The discussion also reflects on the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, and what Ozzy’s passing means to them as musicians and fans.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to Howling Giant, this episode offers a deep dive into their creative process, influences, and drive to make timeless, riff-heavy rock that transcends trends.

Topics Discussed:

• Nashville’s impact on Howling Giant’s sound

• The making of Crucible & Ruin

• How Glass Future inspired their next steps

• Gear talk and production choices

• Sebastian’s journey to joining the band

• Their take on cover songs

Connect with Howling Giant:

🌐 Website: https://www.howlinggiant.com/

🛒 Bandcamp: https://howlinggiant.bandcamp.com/

📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howlinggiant/

Patron Shoutouts:

Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, and Sean Richmond.

Connect with Signals From Mars:

🎧 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars

🌐 Website: https://signalsfrommars.com

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/

🛒 Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/

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