• Sonny Sandoval (P.O.D.) on Veritas, Randy Blythe and Sonny Sandoval Day in San Diego | Talk Toomey
    Apr 26 2024

    Join Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. as he unveils the secrets behind their upcoming album, "Veritas," slated for release on May 3rd to Joshua Toomey and the Talk Toomey Podcast. Delving into the band's creative process, Sonny shares insights into their collaborative spirit in the studio. From unexpected collaborations with Randy Blythe and Tatiana from Jinger to poignant discussions on mental health and the pressures of social media, this episode offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of P.O.D.'s music. With honesty and passion, Sonny also reveals his vision for the Youth of the Nation Foundation, aiming to empower underprivileged youth through the arts. Additionally, Sonny reflects on personal milestones, such as Sonny Sandoval Day in his hometown, and shares anecdotes about his love for San Diego and its influence on his identity and music. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the scene, prepare to be moved and inspired by the stories and sounds of P.O.D.

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more.

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​

    #talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #pod #sonnysandoval

    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Chad Ruhlig (For the Fallen Dreams) Talks Nostalgia and the Future of Metalcore! | Talk Toomey
    Apr 12 2024

    Chad Ruhlig of For the Fallen Dreams joins Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey. Chad talks about the early days of the band, how he joined as a bass player, and the transition to vocals. He reflects on the challenges of being in a band, including touring and his decision to leave the band and his eventual return, emphasizing the impact of nostalgia and his motivation to continue making music. He shares insights into rejoining the band and the changes in dynamics upon his return, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work in the music industry.

    The guys delve into the current landscape of metalcore music, with Chad expressing optimism about its growth and popularity. They mention bands like Bad Omens and Spiritbox as examples of the genre's increasing prominence, noting their ability to blend heavy elements with powerful choruses. Reflecting on the influence of nu metal, the guys reminisce about their own upbringing with bands like Slipknot, acknowledging how nu metal's resurgence has subtly infiltrated modern metalcore. Transitioning to touring experiences, they compare the convenience of services like DoorDash now to the challenges of finding food on the road in earlier years. Additionally, they touch on the stark contrast in fan engagement between regions, with South American fans displaying remarkable enthusiasm compared to audiences in the United States. They touch upon the prevalence of nostalgic sentiments among fans, particularly regarding music, and how it can shape perceptions of newer material. The discussion then delves into the Chad's family background in bluegrass music, highlighting his grandfather's influence as a musician. He expresses a desire to honor his grandfather's legacy through a potential collaboration blending country music with his own metalcore style. The conversation concludes with love for the latest For The Fallen Dreams release and a sense of excitement for future musical endeavors.

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more.

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​

    #talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #metalcore #forthefallendreams

    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • Dryden Mitchell & Terry Corso (Alien Ant Farm)
    Mar 29 2024

    Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli bring you another new episode of Nu Pod presented by Knotfest. Dryden Mitchell and Terry Corso of Alien Ant Farm join the show to talk about their new album, "Mantras." To start the podcast, the Toomey and Ro discuss their history with Alien Ant Farm and dive into Limp Bizkit's recent performance at Lollapalooza in Argentina. Differences between American audiences and audiences abroad are discussed. Shavo from System of a Down and his newly formed supergroup, sevenhoursafterviolet, is disected. Anticipation is high for the group's sound, with expectations leaning towards a heavy and groovy vibe. Shifting gears, the discussion moves on to Korn's recently announced tour commemorating their 30th anniversary, featuring special guests Gojira and Spiritbox across North America from September to October. Amidst the excitement for the tour, there's also speculation about the potential involvement of former Korn members like David, sparking hopes among fans for special reunion performances. Reflecting on Korn's journey from their early days to their immense success, there's a sense of appreciation for their influence on the metal scene and the anticipation for what the future holds. Overall, the conversation captures a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation for both Shavo's new project and Korn's upcoming tour, along with the possibility of reunions within the band.

    Dryden and Terry of Alien Ant Farm invite listeners into their world, teasing the release of their new album, "Mantras," amidst playful banter about pronunciation. The discussion effortlessly transitions from anecdotes about encounters with Metallica's James Hetfield to reflections on their journey over the past decade, marked by personal struggles and creative breakthroughs. As they reminisce about their legacy and the unexpected success of their hit "Smooth Criminal," they candidly share insights into their creative process and the challenges of returning to touring after a hiatus, leaving listeners eager to join them on their next musical adventure.

    Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

    Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more.

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​

    #nupod #numetal #knotfest #korn #alienantfarm

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Burton C Bell Talks "Anti-Droid", The Birth of Nu Metal and More
    Mar 15 2024

    In this episode of Nu Pod on Knotfest.com, hosts Joshua and Ro touch on Slipknot's new drummer speculation and Dino Cazares' search for a bassist and the list of requirements. The guys then dive into the latest track "Anti-Droid" with Burton C. Bell, formerly of Fear Factory. Burton discusses the meaning behind some of the lyrics to the new song, his plan to release more music and hints at an upcoming show. They delve into the industrial sounds Burton brought to the band and the influences behind Fear Factory's iconic style. The guys talk past OzzFests and Burton's early impressions of Slipknot. This one is a must listen!

    Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

    Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more.

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​

    #nupod #numetal #knotfest #burtoncbell

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Machine Head The Burning Red 25th Anniversary with Ahrue Luster
    Mar 1 2024


    In this episode of the Nu Pod, hosts Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli, along with guest Ahrue Luster, former guitarist of Machine Head and current Lions at the Gate, discuss Machine Head's album "The Burning Red," released 25 years ago. They touch on the influence of producer Ross Robinson, the polarizing nature of the album, and its impact on the nu-metal scene. The conversation delves into the recording process, highlighting the emphasis on emotion and feeling in the music. They also explore the opening track, "Enter the Phoenix," and the polarizing "Desire, The Fire," dissecting its origin and unique elements. Ahrue discusses various aspects of his experience during the recording process and touring with Machine Head. He mentions his initial impressions of the band, the challenges faced during recording, and specific details about certain songs such as "Nothing Left," "The Burning Red," "The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears," and "From This Day." Ahrue also shares an anecdote about an incident during the tour with Coal Chamber and Slipknot, highlighting the growing popularity of Slipknot during that time. Ahrue discusses the common tendency of bands to blame labels for low record sales and not receiving enough promotion. They touch upon the perception that external factors contribute to a band's success or lack thereof. The conversation then shifts to the iconic orange jacket worn by Robb Flynn in music videos, revealing it originated from a piece Ahrue had bought at Urban Outfitters but found to have an unusual fit. The orange jacket became a memorable and iconic part of Robb's image. Ahrue shares insights into the making of specific songs, such as "Message in a Bottle," expressing the satisfaction of playing teh opening riff. The interaction with producer Terry Date during the mixing process is highlighted, emphasizing the unique experience of working with him. Overall the guys look back on this record with high praise and great memories.

    Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

    Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more.

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​

    #nupod #numetal #knotfest #machinehead #slipknot

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Tim King (Soil) Navigating Nu Metal's Resurgence to Fond Memories with Dave Williams
    Feb 17 2024

    In this episode of Nu Pod, Toomey and Ro kick off the conversation with a casual check-in and discuss recent experiences, including Toomey attending a Pantera show. Toomey shares insights into the atmosphere of the concert, highlights his favorite moments from Love on the Spectrum and The Underdoggs, a Snoop Dogg movie. The guys discuss the changing dynamics of Pantera's current tour, noting a scaled-back production and speculate on attendance numbers. The conversation transitions to the opening band, Nest, and their performance. They delve into the setlist, comparing it to previous shows, and share thoughts on the overall experience of witnessing the Pantera celebration. 

    Join us for an exclusive conversation with Soil's bassist, Tim King, as he delves into the nuances of the band's journey, from the 2000s nu metal era to their recent album restorations. Reflecting on the upcoming tour with Union Underground, Tim shares insights on the cyclical resurgence of the nu metal scene, drawing parallels between past and present. The interview takes an emotional turn as Tim reminisces about the late Dave Williams and their cherished moments together. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories and the unexpected twists in Soil's musical evolution.

    The guys end the episode with a Should Have Been Bigger segment featuring Nothingface. Nothingface, formed in 1993, lauding their impactful albums like "Pacifier" and "Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity." Ro highlights the band's struggle to resonate with a wider audience during the nu-metal era, attributing this to a unique, guttural sound that differed from the prevailing trends. The discussion delves into Nothingface's challenges with the record label TVT, navigating internal conflicts, and the broader issues faced by bands in an industry shaped by trends and external pressures. Despite these hurdles, Toomey expresses enduring admiration for the band's legacy and recounts fond memories of their live performances.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Connie Sgarbossa: "I Was All About Aggressive and Fast... Slipknot Had That Covered" | Nu Pod
    Feb 13 2024

    Connie Sgarbossa shares insights into SeeYouSpaceCowboy's upcoming album and the diverse sounds it holds. Rooted in San Diego's DIY punk scene, the band's unique sasscore genre takes center stage, shaped by influences from Korn to Slipknot. Dive into a bracket challenge, witness the raw energy of a basement show, and unravel the origin of sasscore—a term coined in a moment of panic that now defines an entire musical culture. Connie hints at a meticulously crafted album, ensuring perfection after a two-year hiatus. Brace yourselves for the ultimate sonic experience as SeeYouSpaceCowboy prepares to unveil their musical odyssey.

    Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

    Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch 

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​ #nupod #numetal #knotfest #sevendust #nashville

    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • Lajon Witherspoon "His Energy Is There Every Night"
    Feb 3 2024

    Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust joins Toomey and Ro this week to discuss the upcoming Static-X/ Sevendust tour. Lajon dives into his upbringing in Nashville and some heartwarming stories with his family growing up. Lajon talks about Mantiquing and his surprise 50th birthday party. The guys go on a tour of his man cave and talk about some great gifts the fans have given him over the years. Lajon recalls hearing Static X in the early days and how Wayne's energy with the band every night on tour. Lajon also speaks on Tommy Lee's bathroom, wanting to buy a full-on Gene Simmons costume and Harley Davidsons. 

    Toomey and Ro start the episode with Ro's recap of NAMM, talking about the latest from Z2 Comics and the upcoming Rob Zombie Tour. They finish up the episode with a Should Have Been Bigger segment featuring the band Stink Bug.

     

    Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 

    Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

    Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch 

    Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

    Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​ 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​ 

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​ 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest ​​ 

    #nupod #numetal #knotfest #robzombie #sevendust

    Show more Show less
    59 mins