Metal Mayhem ROC: Your go to source for everything metal.

Venom guitarist Rage Dixon and Six Feet Under guitarist Jack Owen headline this double episode, breaking down the making of Into Oblivion and Next To Die. Rage explains how losing two years of recordings forced Venom to rebuild the album from scratch, pushing the band toward a more experimental, live-driven sound, while Owen explores whether Six Feet Under is returning to its classic groove-focused identity. The episode covers Venom’s no click track recording approach, the evolution behind “Lay Down Your Soul” and “Kicked Out of Hell,” and the band’s direction moving forward. In the second half, Owen is joined by Metal Mayhem ROC correspondent Bill the Rager, bringing a 35-year friendship into the conversation, turning it into a heavy metal memory lane alongside insights on songwriting, touring, stepping away from lead guitar, and stories from his time in Cannibal Corpse. LINKS https://metalmayhemroc.com/ https://www.venomslegions.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Triumph’s 50th anniversary tour drives this double feature with April Wine’s Brian Greenway and touring member Todd Kerns, breaking down one of 2026’s most talked-about classic rock runs. With Rik Emmett and Gil Moore leading an expanded lineup, this episode digs into how the tour came together and why it matters right now. Brian Greenway shares how April Wine landed the direct support slot and where the band stands today, while Todd Kerns goes inside the Triumph camp—covering the lineup with Phil X and Brent Fitz, the NHL performance that helped spark the tour, plus his work with Bruce Kulick performing deep-era KISS material and other current projects. LINKS https://metalmayhemroc.com/https://triumphmusic.com/https://aprilwine.ca/https://toddkerns.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corrosion of Conformity takes center stage as bassist Bobby Landgraf joins Metal Mayhem ROC to break down the band’s new double album Good God / Baad Man and a pivotal new chapter in the group’s evolution. Landgraf details how he joined Corrosion Of Conformity through long-standing musical relationships with Pepper Keenan and the band’s extended circle, stepping into the role without a formal audition. That foundation of trust carried directly into the studio, where the band built a sprawling double album through a mix of structured demos and spontaneous, full-band jam sessions. A key focus is the organic writing process behind Good God / Baad Man, including songs that emerged in real time while the band recorded together in the same room. Landgraf also discusses working alongside drummer Stanton Moore, whose groove-driven style helped shape the feel and direction of the material. Beyond the album, Landgraf shares insight from his time as a bass tech for Pantera on Metallica’s 72 Seasons stadium tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most technically demanding live productions in modern metal. With new music, a major tour cycle, and a refreshed lineup, Corrosion Of Conformity continues to evolve while staying rooted in the sound and spirit that defines the band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story behind some of the most recognizable logos in rock history starts with designer Gerard Huerta. In this conversation, Huerta takes us inside the creation of legendary visual identities tied to AC/DC, Boston, Blue Öyster Cult, and Ted Nugent—explaining how these now-iconic designs began as everyday assignments inside the 1970s record industry. He breaks down the real process behind album artwork at CBS Records, how art directors shaped concepts, and why most bands weren’t even directly involved in early visual decisions. From hand-drawn lettering and analog production techniques to the evolution of logos into global brand identifiers, this is a rare look at how rock’s visual language was built. Huerta also reflects on the lasting impact of his work beyond music—including HBO, Time Magazine, and People—and how modern design has shifted toward mobile-first thinking, where everything must translate to a screen just inches wide. This is a deep dive into music, typography, and pop culture—told by the artist whose work you’ve seen your entire life, whether you knew his name or not. Metal Mayhem ROC: https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Gerard Huerta: https://gerardhuerta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerardhuerta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerard.huerta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support Life and Music (S.L.A.M.) is a nonprofit committed to fighting musician self-destruction and exposing the real struggles artists face. Founder Jack Mangan joins Metal Mayhem ROC to explain how S.L.A.M. confronts the harsh realities of life in music through outreach, weekly survival-guide conversations, a growing resource network, and research-driven efforts focused on mental-health and addiction awareness in the rock and metal community. This episode breaks down the myths of rock-and-roll glamor, reveals the day-to-day challenges musicians endure, and shows how S.L.A.M. is leading meaningful change in mental-health support across the music scene. Metal Mayhem ROC: https://metalmayhemroc.com/ S.L.A.M. Official Website: https://supportlifeandmusic.org https://youtube.com/SLAMMusic https://facebook.com/SLAM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Metal Mayhem ROC, we’re joined by Bones from the UK heavy metal band Tailgunner. Bones joins us as the band prepare to release their second album, Midnight Blitz, and reflects on a period of rapid growth and forward momentum. We discuss how Tailgunner developed a working relationship with KK Downing, how that connection evolved, and what it was like having KK involved as producer on the new record. The conversation also covers Tailgunner’s role in the No Life ’Til Leather Metallica tribute album, including the exposure that came with kicking off the release, and how extensive touring helped sharpen the band both musically and professionally. Bones also looks back on discovering heavy metal growing up, the early influences that shaped his musical path, and what he’s seeing from audiences today as Tailgunner continue touring in the UK with Fozzy and prepare for major European festival dates this summer, including Download. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Tease 02:08 – Why they call him Bones 02:30 – When KK Downing noticed Tailgunner 04:32 – Why KK got involved 05:41 – KK Downing as a producer 07:38 – How touring shaped the second album 10:08 – New songs: War In Heaven, Midnight Blitz, Eulogy 14:46 – Opening the No Life ’Til Leather Metallica tribute 17:52 – Discovering heavy metal growing up 19:08 – Who’s in the crowd at Tailgunner shows 20:24 – Touring now and playing Download Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in-depth conversation, Darryl McDaniels sits down with Metal Walt to explore the heavy metal and hard rock roots that have been part of his musical identity since childhood. Growing up in New York City, DMC discovered rock and metal through radio, hearing bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest at a formative age. He explains how those sounds were already embedded in early hip-hop culture, from DJs digging through crates to the attitude and energy that shaped Run-DMC from the very beginning. The discussion revisits key moments such as “Rock Box” and “Walk This Way,” why rock was always part of Run-DMC’s DNA, and how those records opened creative doors that still matter today. DMC also talks about his decision to actively create rock and metal music himself, leading to projects like HellRaisers and his 2026 solo metal single “She Gets Me High.” Additional topics include NYC hardcore roots, playing with Agnostic Front, sharing stages with Sammy Hagar, opening for Lou Reed, and how creativity, authenticity, and curiosity continue to guide his work. 00:00 Show Open & Pre-Roll Tease 04:23 What Music Sounded Like in DMC’s House Growing Up 05:58 Discovering Rock on WABC and the First Metal Obsession (Black Sabbath) 09:11 Rock and Early Hip-Hop Culture — DJs, Crates, and Crossover 11:23 “Rock Box” and Why Rock Was Always in Run-DMC’s DNA 14:16 “Walk This Way” — History, Impact, and the Permission Moment 25:25 When DMC Decided to Start Making Rock Music 28:10 DMC and the HellRaisers — Live Reactions and Reality 31:25 Rock DNA Across Classic Run-DMC Songs (King of Rock, It’s Tricky, Mary, Mary, Why You Buggin’) 36:17 “She Gets Me High” — DMC’s Solo Metal Direction and Lineup 47:13 Hardcore Roots — Agnostic Front, NYC, and Underground Energy 56:22 Legacy, Creativity, and What DMC Is About Today 01:09:22 Wrap-Up & Where to Follow DMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ French has lived the full arc of American heavy metal — from club-level survival to global legacy. As guitarist, co-founder, and longtime strategist behind Twisted Sister, JJ French reflects on what it actually takes to last 50 years in a business designed to burn artists out. This is not a nostalgia interview. It is a candid conversation about discipline, reinvention, timing, and truth. JJ discusses the early definition of success, why the UK embraced Twisted Sister before the U.S., the cultural divide between punk and metal at CBGB, the PMRC hearings and their real-world consequences, lineup decisions for the current era, and why the band is returning in 2026 for select 50th-anniversary performances. The conversation also covers milestone performances — including post-9/11 New York City shows, Sweden Rock 2022, and the Morristown Twisted Christmas concert — along with reflections on legacy, music licensing, health, and perspective earned the hard way. Chapters are included for easy navigation. CHAPTER MARKS 02:59 – Did You Ever Expect Twisted Sister to Last 50 Years? 04:03 – What “Success” Really Meant in the Early Years 06:00 – When the Band Shifted from Survival to the Long Game 12:12 – Was the Live Album Recorded at That Legendary Show? 13:09 – Why the UK Embraced Twisted Sister Before the U.S. 14:31 – Why Twisted Sister Was Never Accepted at CBGB 19:22 – Why the 2026 Twisted Sister 50th Anniversary Shows Are Happening 21:25 – Choosing the Lineup: Joey Franco & Russell Zuto Explained 22:15 – Why Mark Mendoza Isn’t Part of This Version 23:10 – Setlists Today: Deep Cuts or Greatest Hits? 29:57 – Why the Rochester Show Was Recorded for King Biscuit Flour Hour 33:00 – Reflections on 9/11 NYC, Sweden Rock 2022 & the Final U.S. Christmas Show 35:17 – PMRC 40 Years Later: JJ French Looks Back 38:09 – Are “We’re Not Gonna Take It” & “I Wanna Rock” the Most Licensed Metal Songs? 39:22 – What JJ French Hopes This Tour Adds to the Legacy LINKS Official Twisted Sister Website https://twistedsister.com JJ French Official Website https://www.jayjayfrench.com Metal Mayhem ROC https://www.metalmayhemroc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Sweet of STRYPER joins Metal Mayhem ROC for an inspiring and a wide-ranging conversation about the band’s new Christmas album, The Greatest Gift of All, the importance of keeping faith at the center of the season, and the powerful message behind STRYPER’s music. Michael also discusses recent health challenges, the band’s enduring brotherhood, and how new Generations of fans continue to discover STRYPER. He goes deeper into the creative process behind reimagining Christmas classics, writing new holiday originals, and preparing for STRYPER’s upcoming studio album and future touring plans. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this episode delivers honesty, heart, and hope. ⏱️ CHAPTERS (FINAL MEGAPHONE VERSION) 00:00 – Show Open & Vernomatic Intro 04:11 – Introduction to Michael Sweet 05:23 – STRYPER’s 40th Anniversary Reflections 06:23 – Brotherhood, Tension & Band Dynamics 07:29 – Michael Sweet’s Health Update 09:24 – New Generations Discovering STRYPER 13:32 – What Christmas Really Means to Michael 17:02 – Reimagining Classic Christmas Songs 24:34 – What’s Next: New STRYPER Music & Projects 26:04 – Final Thoughts & Holiday Wishes 🔗 LINKS Metal Mayhem ROC https://metalmayhemroc.com/ STRYPER Official Website https://stryper.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned rock historian, producer, DJ, and author Denny Somach joins Metal Mayhem ROC to explore the newly updated 2025 edition of his classic book Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World, originally released in 2012. Denny recounts Zeppelin’s journey from The New Yardbirds to worldwide domination, shares never-before-told stories from his decades in radio, and reveals how his infamous Howard Stern Show appearance reignited the “Stairway to Heaven” song-theft controversy. He discusses the Black Sabbath–Led Zeppelin jam rumor, the inside details of the Stairway lawsuit, and hints at unreleased Zeppelin live recordings that might finally see daylight. Somach also teases his latest project, Rock and Roll for Grown-Ups, and reflects on 50 years of chronicling rock history. 📘 Buy the updated book on Amazon 🌐 Visit RocknRoll4GrownUps.com 🎙️ Listen to The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach 💥 Explore MetalMayhemROC.com ⏱ FINAL 10 CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 – Show Open & Episode Tease 00:02:47 – Guest Intro & Updated Book Setup 00:03:12 – Somach’s Career Journey (radio → syndication → Grammy, merch) 00:09:39 – Creating Get the Led Out (radio show → book deal) 00:13:41 – Origins: From The New Yardbirds to Led Zeppelin (Plant/Bonham, name) 00:20:25 – 2012 Book Impact & Why the 2025 Update 00:29:05 – Becoming Led Zeppelin + possible sequel rumors 00:30:00 – Sirius pitch & Howard Stern: the song-theft controversy ignites 00:38:14 – Inside the Stairway to Heaven lawsuit (trial, appeal, folio issue) 00:44:30 – Black Sabbath × Led Zeppelin jam rumor; new projects & where to buy Renowned rock historian, producer, DJ, and author Denny Somach joins Metal Mayhem ROC to explore the newly updated 2025 edition of his classic book Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World, originally released in 2012. Denny recounts Zeppelin’s journey from The New Yardbirds to worldwide domination, shares never-before-told stories from his decades in radio, and reveals how his infamous Howard Stern Show appearance reignited the “Stairway to Heaven” song-theft controversy. He discusses the Black Sabbath–Led Zeppelin jam rumor, the inside details of the Stairway lawsuit, and hints at unreleased Zeppelin live recordings that might finally see daylight. Somach also teases his latest project, Rock and Roll for Grown-Ups, and reflects on 50 years of chronicling rock history. 📘 Buy the updated book on Amazon 🌐 Visit RocknRoll4GrownUps.com 🎙️ Listen to The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach 💥 Explore MetalMayhemROC.com ⏱ FINAL 10 CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 – Show Open & Episode Tease 00:02:47 – Guest Intro & Updated Book Setup 00:03:12 – Somach’s Career Journey (radio → syndication → Grammy, merch) 00:09:39 – Creating Get the Led Out (radio show → book deal) 00:13:41 – Origins: From The New Yardbirds to Led Zeppelin (Plant/Bonham, name) 00:20:25 – 2012 Book Impact & Why the 2025 Update 00:29:05 – Becoming Led Zeppelin + possible sequel rumors 00:30:00 – Sirius pitch & Howard Stern: the song-theft controversy ignites 00:38:14 – Inside the Stairway to Heaven lawsuit (trial, appeal, folio issue) 00:44:30 – Black Sabbath × Led Zeppelin jam rumor; new projects & where to buy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bobby ‘Blitz’ Ellsworth and producer Carl Canedy join Metal Mayhem ROC to celebrate 40 years of Overkill’s debut album, Feel The Fire. They revisit the early New Jersey club days, the Ithaca, NY recording sessions, and the DIY hustle that helped launch East Coast thrash. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about working with Johnny Z of Megaforce Records, the album’s iconic cover shoot, and early tours with Anthrax and Slayer — plus what’s next for both Overkill and The Rods. A powerful and nostalgic look back at the spark that lit Overkill’s unstoppable fire. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Bobby ‘Blitz’ Ellsworth and Carl Canedy 00:46 – Early Days and Formation of Overkill 01:37 – The Journey to Recording Feel the Fire 03:00 – Self-Promotion and Breakthrough 05:01 – Recording Challenges and Studio Stories 10:33 – Living Arrangements During Recording 14:29 – Reflecting on Iconic Tracks and Imagery 19:25 – The Iconic Album Cover 21:59 – The Mascot and Touring 25:28 – Reflecting on the Singing Style 27:44 – Band Chemistry and Songwriting 29:53 – Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 33:08 – Future Plans and New Projects LINKS: Metal Mayhem ROC:https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Overkill Official Website:https://wreckingcrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From winning a songwriting mentorship at 19 to recording with Rush legend Alex Lifeson, Maiah Wynne has become one of modern rock’s most captivating new voices. In this Metal Mayhem ROC exclusive, she opens up about the making of Envy of None’s haunting new album Stygian Wavz, her creative bond with Lifeson and Andy Curran (Coney Hatch), and how the project evolved from a mentorship into a genre-bending collaboration. Maiah discusses the band’s cinematic sound, introspective lyrics, and the visual identity behind their videos and artwork — plus she shares her emotional reaction to the Rush 2026 reunion announcement. Chapters 00:00 – Show Open / Host Intro & Setup 02:11 – Maiah Wynne Introduction 03:05 – Formation of Envy of None 04:59 – Musical Style & Influences 07:16 – Vocal Dynamics & Recording Process 10:04 – Album Themes & Imagery 13:04 – Lyric Writing & Contributions 15:24 – Visual Identity & Music Videos 20:58 – Charitable Efforts & Latest Single 25:22 – Rush Reunion & Future Plans 27:52 – Solo Project Links Metal Mayhem ROC → https://metalmayhemroc.com Envy of None → https://envyofnone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been five years since the passing of Eddie Van Halen — one of the most influential and groundbreaking guitarists of all time. In this special episode, radio veteran and musician Keith Roth joins hosts The Vernomatic and Metal Walt to celebrate Eddie’s life, music, and legacy. Keith shares his personal experiences meeting Eddie and Van Halen over the years, offering a rare, first-hand look at the man behind the guitar hero. Along the way, Vernomatic and Walt recall their own run-ins with Eddie, swapping stories about the first time they saw Van Halen live, the unforgettable riffs that changed their lives, and the moments that still give them chills today. Many fans also know Keith as the co-host of Rockstrap on the Pantheon Podcast Network, where he and Don Jamieson discuss their love of heavy metal with sports legends. Tonight’s conversation taps into that same passion — music, memory, and the spirit that keeps Eddie’s influence alive for generations. 🎸 Eddie Van Halen changed rock forever. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to his genius and a reminder of why his magic can never be replaced. 👉 Visit MetalMayhemROC.com to sign up for the newsletter and enter our Kings of Thrash ticket giveaway — October 21st at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Two pairs of tickets are up for grabs. While you’re there, browse the merch store and catch up on recent episodes with James Rivera of Helstar, Ian Hill of Judas Priest, and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple. 👉 Connect with Keith Roth: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/keith-roth 👉 Listen to Keith Roth’s Rockstrap Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockstrap/id1757444948 ⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Opening tribute: Eddie Van Halen, 5 years later 05:12 – Where were you when you heard Eddie died? 08:06 – Keith Roth’s first Van Halen memory at Macy’s 12:01 – First Van Halen concerts we’ll never forget 19:00 – Meeting David Lee Roth & Eddie Van Halen at the Parker Meridian 25:00 – Walt’s crazy Café Wha? 2012 story — listening from the street 27:18 – Vernomatic’s near misses with Eddie (Golden Girls & Buffalo softball game) 35:22 – What made Eddie Van Halen a once-in-a-century guitarist 43:00 – Why Eddie always put the song before the solo 48:00 – Keith Roth on Rockstrap, Dictators & keeping Eddie’s legacy alive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices