Ep. 172 Craig Gass // Thom Hazaert – Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast

By | |
Comments Off on Ep. 172 Craig Gass // Thom Hazaert – Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast


The Nashville Rock N Pod episodes roll on with Craig Gass and Thom Hazaert.

First up I talk to Craig Gass. Craig and I talk about his love of Tesla and hanging out in the men’s room with their drummer. Craig talks about hanging with Rudy Sarzo in the 1987 and beyond. We also talk about our love of Canadians and sports. Then he finishes with a hilarious Tracy Morgan impression and story.

Next up is Thom Hazaert. Thom is a friend of the show and great to see in person. Thom and I discuss the origins of his relationship with David Ellefson of Megadeth. We talk about his promoting of a Primer 55 show and releasing a Primer 55 album on his label. Thom tells us about the future of EMP Label Group and so much more.

Rock Allegiance Artist Showcase: SYLAR

By | |
Comments Off on Rock Allegiance Artist Showcase: SYLAR

From Queens, New York, Sylar brings a head-bobbing groove to this year’s Rock Allegiance festival. Their current sound reflects a fusion of rap-rock with heavy modern riffs harkens back to the early 2000’s influences that nu-metal brought to the table. Sylar came to fruition by the hands of singer Jayson Panesso and drummer Thomas Veroutis. Currently signed to Hopeless Records, they are set to release their third full length, “Seasons,” on October 5th.

Their first EP, “Deadbeat” will likely appeal more to a more hardcore audience and two full lengths in between bridge the gap to where the band currently is. Early material was produced by Beartooth frontman, Caleb Shomo, whom Sylar will tour with this fall, one of the stops being Rock Allegiance in Camden, New Jersey. You can check out our previous interview with the band here.

Sylar do an excellent job in paying homage to a major influence, Linkin Park in 2017 when they released a single of their cover of “Points of Authority.” Heavy, aggressive and sometimes unforgiving, Sylar find the perfect balance between chaos and composure. Panesso’s vocals carry a tune that glazes the beatdown riffs with something sweet.

October 6th, in Camden, NJ, Sylar will be a part of the fourth annual Rock Allegiance festival. Tickets are still for sale and can be purchased here, with some fabulous VIP options as well.


State of the Art: West Virginia’s ASTRAEUS

By | |
Comments Off on State of the Art: West Virginia’s ASTRAEUS

 

Smart, yet intoxicating riffs travel through the speakers as an easy brush of arpeggios lift one into another world where all things are neatly and perfectly packaged into sonic bites of progressive wonder. Charleston, West Virginia is the homeland of Astraeus. If you can’t already tell, they are excellent. Continue reading →

Eerie Von (DANZIG, SAMHAIN) “If I Never Have to Play [‘Mother’] Again It’ll Be Too Soon”

By | |
Comments Off on Eerie Von (DANZIG, SAMHAIN) “If I Never Have to Play [‘Mother’] Again It’ll Be Too Soon”

Photo by Tom Begrowits

Eerie Von has been in various bands including Rosemary’s Babies, Samhain, and most well known as the original bassist for Danzig. In addition to his history as a musician he is also talented behind the camera as well and was a photographer/archivist for the Misfits. Although mostly known as a bassist during his time in Rosemary’s Babies he played drums. The band was active from 1980–1983. It was soon after Eerie and Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig formed Samhain. Eerie started out on drums in the band but quickly switched to bass. He remained in the band until 1987 the same year that Danzig formed. Eerie was the original bassist in Danzig and remained in the band until 1997. He appeared on ‘Danzig’ (1988), ‘Danzig II: Lucifuge’ (1990),  ‘Danzig III: How the Gods Kill’ (1992), ‘Danzig 4’ (1994) and portions of ‘Live on the Black Hand Side’. In addition to his accomplishments as a musician Eerie published his first book Misery Obscura in 2009. The book gives us a view into some never before seen photos of the early punk days.  Continue reading →

Ep. 171 Eerie Von (Danzig, Samhain) – Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast

By | |
Comments Off on Ep. 171 Eerie Von (Danzig, Samhain) – Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast

In the first of a series of Rock N Pod Expo interviews, I speak with the legendary Eerie Von. Eerie was the original bass player of Danzig and Samhain. Eerie and I discuss the backstory to the debut Danzig album. Eerie talks about the formation of the band, the recording of the album and their punk and metal backgrounds. Truly an honor to speak with Eerie. 

Exclusive Premier: DOWNTREND – “Back For More” [Lyric Video]

By | |
Comments Off on Exclusive Premier: DOWNTREND – “Back For More” [Lyric Video]

 

Downtrend formed in 2004 and has went through a few lineup changes since then. The band retains founding members Josh Crum and Jeremy Chaney. Long time member drummer J.D. Hall takes his seat behind the drum kit adding his style and showmanship to the band. Hall and Chaney were also formerly bandmates in the crushingly heavy group Voices Of Aggression. The chemistry among these three gents is amazing, which can be heard in their music and seen live when they take the stage. Mike Jackson has been the longtime voice of the band, after a brief departure from the band he has returned to his home behind the microphone. In the bands 10+ years their sound has changed and progressed but the biggest thing about the band is the heart and passion they have for music. The bands most recent release is ‘Southern Fried Hell Ride: Live’ was recorded in West Virginia and truly captures the bands ability to perform live. Downtrend with over a decade of live performance experience the band has been the opening act for various legends in rock and metal. Some include Adema, Nonpoint, Sevendust, 10 Years, Otherwise, Lynch Mob, Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, and various others. In addition to these past shows the band also has upcoming shows schedule with Devildriver and Jinjer in Lexington, Kentucky at Manchester Music Hall on October 30th, and with Doyle on November 15th in Huntington, West Virginia at The V Club. You can message the band directly for ticket info.  Continue reading →

Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT) “I’ll Film Ya, I’ll Watch Ya, and Then I’ll Cop All Your Licks”

By | |
Comments Off on Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT) “I’ll Film Ya, I’ll Watch Ya, and Then I’ll Cop All Your Licks”

Last week, Gene Hoglan (Testament) joined Joshua Toomey for an in-depth interview on an episode of Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast. The conversation covered a wide range of topics including playing as a session drummer for some of the biggest names in metal, the inspiration for creating his own artwork, weight loss, and much more. Continue reading →

Aftershock 2018 Spotlight: WAGE WAR [Video Stream]

By | |
Comments Off on Aftershock 2018 Spotlight: WAGE WAR [Video Stream]

*This is part of our “Aftershock Festival 2018 Spotlight” where we branch out and focus on some of the up-and-coming bands that fans can see at this year’s Aftershock Festival on October 13th & 14th.  This week, we’re checking out WAGE WAR.*

Wage War are slotted to bring their unique form of melodic metalcore to the Northern California stage at this year’s Aftershock Festival. The band has been bringing the heaviness since their inception in 2013 in Ocala, Florida. The lineup for the quintet includes Cody Quistad (vocals/guitar), Briton Bond (vocals), Seth Blake (guitar), Chris Gaylord (bass), and Stephen Kluesener (drums).  Signed to the Fearless label, Wage War has two full length records under their belt – ‘Blueprints’ (2015) and ‘Deadweight’ (2017), which are both produced by Andrew Wade (Neck Deep, Motionless in White) and Jeremy McKinnon (A Day to Remember). They are currently in the process of working on new material that they discuss, among other topics, during their recent interview with Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast – which you can check out here. Continue reading →

Barney Greenway (Napalm Death) Says Trump “Is A Terrible Human Being” [Video]

By | |
Comments Off on Barney Greenway (Napalm Death) Says Trump “Is A Terrible Human Being” [Video]

Napalm Death

 

Napalm Death have been creating thought provoking grind core classics since the mid 1980’s. In most everyone’s eyes they are the kings of grindcore and are responsible for inspiring bands all over the world. Their lyrical content usually written by vocalist Barney Greenway is often complex and gives listeners ideals to chew on and come to their own conclusion. Napalm Death is currently supporting Slayer on their final world tour. We was able to catch up with vocalist Barney Greenway after their performance in Nashville at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium on August 12th. I must add that speaking with Barney was a pleasure, one of the most easy going and pleasant people I’ve ever interviewed. We are grateful for his time in conducting the interview. Continue reading →