Feckin’ Metal Podcast (Feckin’ Metal Podcast)

On this episode of Feckin' Metal I speak to Máirtín "Fart" Mac Cormaic, a heavy metal aficionado, former record store co-owner, record label owner, serial festival-goer, and friend to many in the heavy metal community at home and abroad. We talk about early introductions to metal, the Irish scene in the 1990s, travelling to festivals, giving up drinking, music collecting, encounters with Iron Maiden, and a whole lot more! Fart has been there, done that, and bought hundreds of t-shirts!

This week on Feckin' Metal, I speak to Adrian Maestas, long-standing bass player from the San Francisco-based heavy metal band Slough Feg. We talk about Adrian's early experiences buying Napalm Death, and German import Misfits records, Slough Feg's Spinal Tap drummer syndrome, philosophy, the COVID lockdown affect on the band, dog aliens, the iconography of the Traveller t-shirt, cancelled gigs and promoters who still owe the band money, pool balls in socks, LED lights, touring, and what may lie ahead for Slough Feg. Adrian is an entertaining and engaging guest. This is an episode not to be missed!

This episode of ArcSabbath delves deep into the exit of Ronnie James Dio from Black Sabbath, and the re-entrance of Tony Martin. Also discussed are the final two albums Martin recorded with Sabbath - Cross Purposes and Forbidden. This episode also includes insights from world-renowned rock journalist Mick Wall!

This one was put together quickly to discuss the news of Judas Priest continuing as a four-piece. Hear from Jonatan, Melissa, and Nesbit on this urgent topic!

In this episode, I speak to Jack, Jamie, and Danny of the UK-based NWOTHM band Eliminator. We have a career-spanning chat which covers the DIY beginnings of the band, playing the Keep it True festival in the early days, multiple singer changes, the role of the producer, sci-fi and Shakespeare, streaming culture, vinyl production, the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal movement, and more! Join me as I chat to multiple band members simultaneously for the first time ever!

ArcSabbath has finally reached The End™. In this extended episode, I speak to all ten participants from The Arc, as we cover off the final 22 years of Black Sabbath, from 1995 to 2017. We discuss the formation of Ozzfest and its impact on Black Sabbath, Sharon Osbourne's meddling, the legalities and ownership of the name "Black Sabbath", the formation of Heaven and Hell, "The Devil You Know" studio album, Ronnie James Dio's death, reuniting with Ozzy (again), the messy Bill Ward situation, the studio album "13", and the final days of the band. This episode is absolutely packed with info, so put on a pot of coffee, or open a crate of beer, sit back, and enjoy!

This episode brings to a close my 2023 wrap-up with George Silano. Here we discuss more releases from 2023, including Tomb Mold, Green Lung, Amethyst (I know it was 2022, before you write in), King Gizzard And The Wizzard Lizard, and more.

Also featuring: Death metal chat, ennui in Swedish metal, Jim Ross references, more learning for me, ridiculous album names, and enormous discographies. Enjoy!

Clips featured in episode:

1. Tomb Mold - "Will Of Whispers" - The Enduring Spirit (2023)

2. Heavy Load - "Ride The Night" - Riders Of The Ancient Storm (2023)

3. Green Lung - "Maxine (Witch Queen)" - This Heathen Land (2023)

4. Green Lung - "One For Sorrow" - This Heathen Land (2023)

5. Amethyst - "Chasing Shadows" - Rock Knights (2022)

6. King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard - "Witchcraft" - PetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth And The Beginning Of Merciless Damnation (2023)

7. High Spirits - "Til The End Of Time" - Safe On The Other Side (2023)

8. High Spirits - "Now I Know" - Hard To Stop (2020)

9. Night Demon - "Obsidian" - Outsider (2023)

10. Black Sabbath - "Cross Of Thorns" - Cross Purposes (1994)

On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one. 

On this installment of #ArcSabbath, I fill in some blanks regarding Glenn Hughes's exit and Tony Martin's entrance into Black Sabbath, via Martin Popoff's book, Born Again. My guests and I then get deep into the albums Headless Cross and Tyr, in a period of relative stability for the band in 1989/1990. It wouldn't last long.

This week on Feckin' Metal I speak to Trevor William Church, the singer, multi-instrumentalist, and guiding force behind Haunt, who are based in Fresno, California. Trevor talks in great detail about his recent collaborations with the Los Angeles band S A B E R (correct spacing), and Scottish outfit, Oath. He also discusses his approach to interacting with fans, re-investing earnings in studio equipment, Shadow Kingdom Records vs. the freedom of being independent, Spotify vs. Bandcamp, the stigma of being the son of a rock star, and what's next for Haunt. Trevor was a very candid and talkative guest. Enjoy!

This week, I speak to none other than the living legend, Blaze Bayley! Blaze holds nothing back here, and discusses: ordinary heroes, mental health, positivity, the Higgs Boson, Nikola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, heavy metal fan culture, meet & greets, the concept of "identity", Pointless Celebrities, and touring as a heavy metal musician. This is one not to be missed!

After a four week break, Feckin' Metal returns! On this episode, I talk about some hard rock and heavy metal albums celebrating significant anniversaries in 2021, examine Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth's recent actions and try to make sense of it all, and look eagerly towards some upcoming releases this year. It's great to be back!

In collaboration with The Mick Wall podcast, this episode features Mick and I having a discussion about Iron Maiden, focusing on the period between 1989 and 1999. Our chat covers off the parting of Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson in the early 1990s, until their eventual return in 1999. We examine the reasons why both felt they needed to leave Iron Maiden, and why both eventually returned. With the Future Past tour just around the corner, there seemed like no better time for another Maiden chinwag with Mick!

Feckin' Metal has finally returned, and on this installment I speak to Jeff Crossdale, lead singer of Dublin-based heavy rock band Strangers With Guns.  Jeff discusses the Irish music scene in depth, and what it's like to be in a gigging, local band.  We talk about the concept of paying dues in the music industry, not getting paid for gigs, dodgy promoters, and unsavoury establishments. We also cover the song-writing process and take a close look at some lyrics and song meanings. This was a fascinating look at music on a local level, and should be of interest to any aspiring rockers!

I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc and we discuss all the goings-on between the release of Computer Warrior, and his current album "Hallowed Illusions". Hear about the reasons why he left Tantrum, working in a band vs. working solo, the recording studio vs. live shows, operating on 4 hours of sleep, merch, vinyl, profits, royalties, and much more!

This week on Feckin' Metal, I speak to Steven Waddell, the creative force behind Scottish act Oath Sc. Steven talks about how the original Oath EP was recorded using primitive equipment,  the advancements in the Oath sound since recruiting Trevor William Church from Haunt, lyrical inspiration and how "sword and sorcery" is not a good fit for him personally, the artwork of Daniel Porter, the culture of online trolls, and his upcoming full album - Computer Warrior. We also fit in some chat about Oliver/Dawson Saxon and Marillion! Steven was a witty and engaging guest. Enjoy!

On this episode, I join forces with my friend Melissa from the Metal Chat Podcast to delve into the discography of the original incarnation of Sortilège. We discuss how we discovered the band, rate them against their contemporaries, and examine each of the first three releases: Sortilège, Métamorphose, and Larmes de Héros, playing clips from some of our favourite songs along the way. An ideal introduction for the uninitiated. 

On this edition of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Oliver Weinsheimer (Oli), who is the organiser of the long-established Keep It True festival in Germany, along with several other heavy metal festivals over the years. We discuss the early days of the festival and the inspiration behind it, consulting the phone book to find bands, branching out to two festivals a year, booking bands for exclusive sets, helping to reunite bands, the placement of legacy acts on the top of the bill, and what the future holds for Keep It True. Oli answered all the tough questions in what turned out to be a very revealing interview. 

Previously released on Mick's podcast "Mick Wall", here is the chat I had with Mick about all things Maiden, featuring bonus content of our chats before and after the official recording!

It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.

This is the third and final part of my interview with DJ Neal Kay. Here, like in previous installments, we discuss many topics, including:

-Getting white labels from record companies  (demos) -Suggestion about putting together a compilation  of unsigned bands, which would become  Metal For Muthas -His original vision for the album vs what  was eventually released -His role/job in this -Which roles paid and which didn't -Being an on tour DJ with Iron Maiden -Star Trek convention -The Vietnam War -The Kennedy Assassination -Supporting Rush -Were Motörhead punk? -Do you believe in ghosts?

Buy Neal's book!

Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com

Clips featured in episode:

1. Iron Maiden - "Iron Maiden" - The Soundhouse Tapes (1979)

A little later than usual, it's Episode 17 of Feckin' Metal. This week, I take a sneak peek at the upcoming Haunt album, "Beautiful Distraction", review the recently-released album from Saber, "Without Warning", and also take a look at some recent releases from Accept and Dread Sovereign.

Continuing on from last week, here Neal covers his first interactions with Iron Maiden, and what set them apart from the rest of the NWOBHM pack. He also talks about his various dealings with record labels and A&R folk (that's artist and repertoire, you know), how Glenn Miller's Orchestra and Buddy Holly influenced heavy metal, Def Leppard's place in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and a lot more.

Buy Neal's book!

Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com

Clips featured in episode:

1. The Damned - "Love Song" - Machine Gun Etiquette (1979)

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Rob Garven for the first time in three years, and speak to Tim Baker for the first time ever, about all of the happenings in Cirith Ungol since late 2020. It's been an extremely busy period for the band, and next year promises to be even busier. We touch on their recently-announced retirement, the departure of guitarist Jim Barazza and who will be his replacement, getting to meet childhood hero Brian Downey, artificial intelligence, and procuring seagulls from the wild! This was a highly enjoyable chat with two very entertaining guests. You can find Cirith Ungol at the links below:

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

Bandcamp: https://cirithungolofficial.bandcamp.com/ 

Merch: https://eu.kingsroadmerch.com/shop/artist/983 

Clip used in episode from the track "I'm Alive", available on the live album "I'm Alive" (2019).

In a temporary departure from my Virtual XI series, I interview Andy, creator of the Book of Skulls table top board game, which has strong ties to heavy metal. Learn about how the germ of the idea came about from watching an episode of Community, and allow Andy to guide you through the entire creative process of developing a board game, an app, and a heavy metal soundtrack to go with it! Something truly different for Feckin' Metal, which I found absolutely fascinating.

Well, I guess Hell froze over - The first official episode of #ArcSabbath is finally here! Featuring fans, pundits, and podcasters, discussing the original heavy metal behemoths - Black Sabbath! This episode is packed full of anecdotes, personal stories, and heavy metal wisdom. Stick around. You will not be disappointed!

In the second installment of Feckin' NWOTHM, I'm back chatting with George Silano, and we select three releases from 2023 that fall under the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal banner. We've chosen recent releases by Tanith, Blazon Rite, and Century, giving a nice cross-section of the various styles currently on offer in the NWOTHM scene, featuring many clips and lengthy chat about our chosen releases, and the NWOTHM movement in general. You will also learn the meaning of the word "antepenultimate"! Educational, as always, here at Feckin' Metal.

In the final teaser episode for the Black Sabbath arc #ArcSabbath, you'll meet the familiar, yet controversial, Uncle Steve, and Joe Siegler, who is new to Feckin' Metal, but has greater insight into Black Sabbath than anyone on the planet! Steve teases an opinion on Tony Iommi vs. Randy Rhoads, while Joe tells stories that only someone with such strong ties to the Sabbath camp could! Things are about to get interesting...

It's Part 2, or maybe II, of my Virtual XI review with everyone's favourite Canadian Andrew DuBroy. Prepare yourselves for alternate takes on "Lightning Strikes Twice" and "The Clansman", and a truncated Irish history lesson!

On this episode, I speak to someone who has lived through the European power metal scene, from its inception to the present day. Markus Großkopf has been in Helloween since day one, weathering all the line-up changes. He speaks candidly about how the current Pumpkins United version of the band got together, as well as providing fascinating insights into the recording of their new album, "Helloween". Markus is a true heavy metal survivor. Enjoy!

Join me, Ferg, as I continue my quest to find great heavy metal, both old and new. After departing from Sweden, I've stopped off in Portland, Oregon, United States, to check in with the gothic metal band Unto Others, previously know as Idle Hands. This episode examines songs across the discography of the band, delving into lyrical themes and arriving all sorts of conclusions. The quest continues!

On this episode, my guests and I discuss the original Ronnie James Dio era of Black Sabbath, covering off the albums Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, and Live Evil. Hear personal opinions and anecdotes of established FECKers, as we discuss one of the greatest voices in heavy metal!

On this episode, the first of a new series, I chat with fellow podcaster and good friend George Silano, to delve into the movement known as the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. We discuss when we first heard the term and early bands we listened to that fall under the banner. We also list some NWOTHM favourites and discuss the future of the movement. 

The Virtual Eleven play on, as Andrew and I examine the next song on the album "When Two Worlds Collide". Don't be quick to dismiss this track as a dud. There's a lot going on beneath the surface!

ArcSabbath continues into the 1990s as Tony Martin and others step aside for a reunion with Ronnie James Dio, and the rest of the Mob Rules era line-up. This period would produce the album Dehumanizer before imploding yet again, when Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler's true intentions became clear - that elusive reunion with original singer Ozzy Osbourne! Mick Wall, Martin Popoff, and Joel McIver's books help to fill in the blanks and lend context to this era where you could say Black Sabbath were going through changes!

This week I speak to Michael Podrybau, the singer of the comeback kings, Portland Oregon's own Glacier! I chat with Michael about the early days of the band, being fired and rehired by Glacier, recording the first EP, disappearing off the scene in the 1980s, and the triumphant return of the band, initially under the pseudonym "Devil in Disguise",  in 2017, and eventually as Glacier in 2018. Another inspiring comeback story of a band that has plenty of gas left in the tank, if their recent release "The Passing of Time" is anything to go by. Enjoy!

This episode features the first part of a lengthy interview I conducted with DJ Neal Kay back in December of last year. Famous for his involvement in Iron Maiden's early success, Neal's name will be familiar to many. Here, Neal discusses the early start of his DJing career, and brings us right up to the point where he got a five days per week residency in The Bandwagon, home of the Heavy Metal Soundhouse, in Kingsbury, London. Along the way he tells numerous stories of his early DJing career, mentioning how he felt Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band changed the face of popular music, the influence of Leo Fender and Les Paul, working the Berlin club scene in 1969, music changing again with the evolution of disco and punk, and a serendipitous event which resulted in his five nights per week slot in the Bandwagon. Enjoy!

Buy Neal's book!

Contact Stjepan Juras at fanclub@maidencroatia.com

Clips featured in episode:

1. Iron Maiden - "Prowler" - The Soundhouse Tapes (1979)

In the final piece of my short run of Irish-themed episodes, I speak to Fergal Holmes, also known as "H", owner of DME Promotions. Fergal has been promoting metal and rock gigs in Ireland since 1999 and takes me from his early beginnings putting on gigs for the love of it, right though the development of a successful and profitable business. This is a story of hard work, loyalty, and earning respect of your peers, and the lessons learned along the way. 

This week, my guest is the curator of the hugely-popular NWOTHM Full Albums YouTube channel, and the unsung hero of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal movement, Anderson Tiago! Anderson talks about how the channel got started, permission required and legalities involved in posting full albums, researching bands to promote, his criteria for what makes the channel, expectations of fans and sometimes feeling like a fraud, Michael Schenker, branded t-shirts, and more! This week I also discuss news stories related to Marilyn Manson, and Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth. Enjoy!

In this installment of ArcSabbath, we delve into Joel McIver's book "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", and Ian Gillan's autobiography, to provide context on the end of the original Dio era, and one of the most bizarre line-up changes in Black Sabbath history. We also hear from the regular cast about the farcical stories surrounding the band at this time, and discuss some quality music that managed to sneak out!

On this episode, I speak to speak to John Bonham, singer in Irish metal bands Old Season and Celtic Legacy, as well as Iron Maiden tribute band - Iorn Maiden. Hear about receiving Skype singing lessons from Tony Harnell of TNT, auditions while having bronchitis, participation in talent show "The Voice", in both Ireland and the UK (and the inner-workings of such shows), and replacing singers in two established Irish metal bands.  John is an engaging and entertaining guest with many stories to tell, from multiple decades spent in the music industry in Ireland!

In this lost episode from the Virtual XI series, I go back in time to April 2022 and excavate an episode that evaded the editing process. In it, Andrew DuBroy and I dissect the missing link of our never-ending Virtual XI story "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger". Also included is a confessional from me, hoping to adequately explain my lengthy absence from your "New Episodes" list. Enjoy!

This episode, recorded in August 2022, but never released, is a conversation between my friend Kevin and I, discussing the eventful day that we travelled by train from Dublin to Belfast to see Iron Maiden in June 2022, and a review of the concert itself. Plenty of stories and shenanigans in this one, and you'll definitely recognise some of the people who pop up!

Finally, the Black Sabbath arc is here. Sort of. This week, I tell my own Black Sabbath story and introduce some of the characters you'll be meeting over the next few weeks. In this episode, you'll hear from Philipp, Ry, Melissa, and Alejandra, who are all Black Sabbath fans, but with very different backgrounds! Over the next few weeks, they'll be sharing their experiences of the band, through a series of interviews I've conducted over the last several weeks! It's heavy riffs and zany characters from here on out, in #ArcSabbath!

On this episode, I speak to world-renowned rock writer, podcaster, and amateur Irish trad singer, Mick Wall! Mick cover rarely-trodden ground and talks about his Irish heritage, tells stories about Lemmy, Iron Maiden, working at Kerrang, starting Classic Rock Magazine as a one shot, talks about his approach to writing books, and a lot more! A true tale of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll from someone who lived through it, I present to you: Mick Wall!

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Graham Killin, one of the two guitarists of NWOBHM band, Bleak House. If you're not familiar with the band, this is the perfect place to start. Formed in the early 1970s, in Hertfordshire, England, they survived many name changes, and the emergence of punk, to release two critically-acclaimed, but relatively-obscure EPs in the 1980s, then disappeared. That was until singer Graham Shaw received a phonecall from Oliver Weinsheimer, organiser of the Keep It True Festival, in early 2021. Since then, they've been on the up and up, and we cover all bases in between.

This week, Andrew and I pick up where we left off with "Writing on the Wall", and also discuss the next three songs on Senjutsu. Wild tangents and theories dominate this lively back and forth discussion on Iron Maiden's latest album!

If you've ever wondered what it's like to organise your own heavy metal festival and all of the complexities, machinations, and responsibilities that go along with it, you're in for a treat! This week, I speak to Wayne Jackson, organiser of ManorFest - a three day heavy metal festival taking place in the UK in May 2022. With bands representing multiple sub-genres of heavy metal, ManorFest has something for everyone. Wayne tells me how it all came together. Also, I reveal episode plans for the festive period!

In Episode 2 of Feckin' Metal, I speak to Kyle McNeill, singer and guitarist from UK-based heavy metal band Seven Sisters. We discuss the origins of the band, Kyle's unlikely start as a singer (and the steps he has taken so as not to sound like the Lancashire Hotpots), early releases, first gigs, and approaches to songwriting. We also chat about the duelling formats of vinyl and streaming, and their coincidental rise in popularity, the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal movement, and what legacy acts can do to help up and coming artists like Seven Sisters. Kyle also provides an exclusive update about the band's forthcoming album! All this and quite a lot more on the sophomore episode of Feckin' Metal!

In Episode 3 of Feckin' Metal, I speak to Nesbit, the co-host of Talking Maiden and host of the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast. Nesbit and I go back a couple of years, since we met in The Cart & Horses pub in London, on a weekend where Iron Maiden were playing a double header in the O2 Arena. We've been talking rock and metal regularly since then, so I thought it would be nice to have him on as a guest to discuss his top 5 hard rock and heavy metal albums of all time. This was a thoroughly enjoyable discussion, where Nesbit gives his personal history with each album, we cordially debate about Appetite for Destruction and "grunge", and Nesbit also reveals his two favourite guitar solos of all time - the results will shock you!

Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap between Night Demon studio albums, the creative process for the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast, and the market for traditional metal in Ireland. As always, Jarvis has plenty of interesting things to say!

This week I welcome back Nesbit, best known as co-host of Talking Maiden, to Feckin' Metal. We discuss Iron Maiden PR disasters, artwork and the evolution of Eddie, international shipping costs, Nesbit's Maiden collection, hairdryer-like crowd noise, Friends references, The Osbournes, oh, and we do a track-by-track analysis of the new live album too! Nesbit was on top form, as usual. I sincerely apologise for audio issues in the second half! (as explained in the opening segment)

On this episode, I welcome the members of Armstrong Gun, and Feckin' Metal alumni, to participate in the first ever Feckin' Metal Quiz! An idea that's been floating around in my brain for quite a while, and a recording that's been sitting on my hard drive for slightly less time than that. Feel free to play along with Dan, Cameron, and Lewis, as they compete head-to-head (-to-head?) in an interactive quiz to determine the inaugural champion of what I hope to be a regular event. Plenty of questions about Wayne's World, and a lengthy tangent about Black Sabbath, because why not? 

In this installment of #ArcSabbath, my guests and I explore the fallout of the Glenn Hughes era, discuss temporary replacement Ray Gillen, reflect on the addition of Tony Martin to the band, and review the album "The Eternal Idol". Again, another tumultuous period in Black Sabbath!

Andrew DuBroy joins me on this episode to review the new Iron Maiden album Senjutsu! We take the long way around to cover the first three tracks on the album, via stories about our heavy metal fandom, memories of the Cart & Horses pub, tangents on political incorrectness in lyrics, discussions on artwork and music videos, and a lot more in between. This lengthy chat covers a lot and is likely to offend. You have been warned!

On this episode, I chat to Yves Bradler, guitarist from up-and-coming traditional heavy metal band Amethyst. Amethyst made waves in 2023 with their excellent debut EP "Rock Knights". I chat to Yves about his early exposure to rock music from listening to his parents' record collections, starting to play guitar in his teens, feeling isolated at this time due to lack of likeminded friends, then meeting a new group of people in his 20s when he started attending metal festivals. We also discuss the upcoming Amethyst album, and upcoming festival appearances and gigs for this year. Amethyst are definitely one to watch.

I catch up with Rob, Tim, and Jarvis from Cirith Ungol/Night Demon regarding recent happenings with both bands, and look towards next week's Frost & Fireland Festival in Limerick, Ireland. Learn how the fellas nearly caught Venereal Disease in Australia, made women cry in China, and what James Bond has in common with Cirith Ungol. We also discuss Night Demon's recent touring activity and support slots with Bruce Dickinson and Michael Schenker. 

In this episode, I review the recent Unto Others gig from Whelan's, in Dublin, Ireland, on the 14th of March. I also look ahead to upcoming festivals and gigs on my calendar for 2022, with a specific focus on Hell's Heroes IV in Houston, Texas in April. On top of that, I take a look at recent releases from Saxon, (the) Scorpions, Ghost, and Sabaton. And last but not least, I take a look at recent news items from the heavy metal world that have piqued my interest, featuring Black Sabbath, Dio, Thin Lizzy, and Judas Priest. Enjoy!

It's #ArcSabbath Episode 2.0, where you'll hear from a broad range of guests, discussing some of the most interesting and creative Black Sabbath albums ever, including: Vol. 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Sabotage. This episode also features Uncle Steve's top 8 original Sabbath album rankings. All this and more and the Arc sails on!

It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc.

We also discuss gallivanting, camaraderie, pub prices, and the Keep it True Festival!

This is one not to be missed by heavy metal fans of any disposition! 

This week I reflect on visiting the Keep it True Rising festival in November 2021, and lay out plans for Feckin' Metal in 2022.

This week I speak to Robert Garven from doom and power metal pioneers Cirith Ungol. Rob talks about his early fandom of Thin Lizzy, buying import records as a teenager, spending pocket money on pot and corn burritos, meeting Rush at the Whisky A Go Go, pay-to-play gigs, the artwork of Michael Whelan, the influence of Lord of the Rings, being too heavy for heavy metal radio,  and so much more, in this career-spanning chat. Rob was an absolute pleasure to speak to and has an abundance of stories from the early days of Cirith Ungol right up to their triumphant return to the stage in 2016.

On this episode, I speak to Andrew and Chris from Nor'easter, a band based in Eastern Connecticut. A band that recorded an album in 1989, and disappeared off the face off the earth. These songs have never been heard, until now! Chris and Andrew talk me through the early days of the Nor'easter, and how they have never played an indoor show. We discuss their influences such as Ozzy, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and Judas Priest, and their early 4 and and 8-track recordings, that were finally restored in 2022. Are they hard rock, metal, or prog? And what does the future hold? Listen to find out!

It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.

This week I chat to Jake Rogers from Salt Lake City-based traditional metallers - Visigoth. We talk about Jake's early singing days and how he inadvertently trained his voice during many long car journeys. We also discuss the scene in Salt Lake City, traditional metal acts of today potentially headlining stadiums in the future, Visigoth's songwriting approach and how pop should not be dismissed when coming up with hooks and choruses, the legalities behind a name, the importance of quality merchandise, and Jake reflects on the passing of Mark Shelton, and a birthday present of sorts that he received from Mark a few years ago. Jake also recommends several current bands on the scene, at my request, that listeners of Feckin' Metal may wish to explore. Oh, and he gives us the inside scoop on current Visigoth activity. This episode is packed with stories and insight from one of the best bands on the scene right now. Enjoy!

This week,  I talk about my love of power metal. Not before discussing Iron Maiden's recent nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2021 ballot, and the small matter of Ronnie James Dio vs. Rob Halford in the battle for the best heavy metal vocalist in all of Eternia, or something like that. After these matters are cleared up, I delve deep into power metal of the 80s, 90s, 00s, and present day. Featuring: Rainbow, Helloween, Riot, Primal Fear, Powerwolf, Sabaton, and more!

This week I speak to Gerry Mulholland, guitarist in Belfast-based heavy metal stalwarts Rabid Bitch of The North. Gerry and I have a varied discussion covering the origins of the band (and the name), the heavy metal scene in Ireland, the prevalence of extreme metal bands on the current scene, bootleg merchandise, and future plans for Rabid Bitch of the North. Rabid Bitch have been flying the flag for Irish metal for a decade and a half and this chat is well worth your time!

The Arc sails on with Episode 2.5, where you'll hear Melissa, Uncle Steve, and Ry, discuss the two least popular Black Sabbath albums of the original Ozzy era. Are these albums unfairly bashed in Sabbath circles? Should the band have hung it up at this point? Also hear the story of Ozzy's exit, return, and second exit from the band within the space of 18 months, told from multiple different perspectives. Never say die!

Rollin' on in 2024, I bring you the second installment of my chat with George Silano from earlier this month. Here, we cover some of our favourite releases from 2023, featuring EPs and albums released last year that we haven't discussed in our previous chats, and things take a rather sinister turn... I also include some audio left off from Episode 88 where I interviewed Damian Kolodiy about his documentary: Immortal Soul - A Riot Tribute And Concert Film.

Clips featured in episode:

1. Primordial - "How It Ends" - How It Ends (2023)

2. Primordial - "Pilgrimage To The World's End" - How It Ends (2023)

3. Primordial - "Victory Has 1,000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan" - How It Ends (2023)

4. Bergfried - "May The Devil Pull Me Under" - Romantik II (2023)

5. By Fire & Sword - "Leave A Little Room" - Glory (2023)

6. "Kenneth Copeland Blasts The Poor & Tells Them to Tithe" - (Posted to YouTube by iThinkBiblically)

7. By Fire & Sword - "Tithe (The Money Song)" - Glory (2023)

8. Weald & Woe - "My Heart To Fear" - For The Good Of The Realm (2023)

9. Riot V - "High Noon" - High Noon [Digital Single] (2023)

On the 37th anniversary of his death, Mick Wall and I celebrate the life of legendary Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Mick knew Phil back in the 1970s and 1980s, and draws from his extensive catalogue of first-hand stories, as we discuss the greatest Irish rock star of them all.

In the final part of my pentalogy (it's a thing, I looked it up), with Andrew DuBroy, we tackle the Spanish language, British and Argentinian history, an epic Iron Maiden album-closer, but mostly, our own sobriety. This is, of course, the final track on Virtual XI - Como Estais Amigos.

Let us know what you think, on Twitter @feckinmetalcast

Your favourite educated fools are back to bring you the fourth installment in our review of Iron Maiden's eleventh studio album, Virtual XI. This one includes listener feedback on the last two episodes, and contains much soul-searching from both Andrew and I.

Making his third appearance on Feckin' Metal, is a man who wears many hats in the music industry - musician, band manager, record label owner, and festival promoter, Jarvis Leatherby. In this chat we discuss the machinations of a music festival like Frost and Fireland or Hell's Heroes, and some of the politics that go with it. Should "legacy" bands be given prime billing due to their past glories? Is it time to take a punt on younger bands in the headlining slots? Can we make lunchtime slots a thing where a band plays their hit song and then leaves??

We also discuss the recent Night Demon beer launch, whether or not Jarvis has Bruce Dickinson Syndrome, bands being accessible to fans and whether that's a good or a bad thing, and lots more. Let's spread the word on the home strait and help make Frost and Fireland a huge success!

I chat to friend and filmmaker Damian Kolodiy about his upcoming mammoth of a documentary "Immortal Soul", which focuses on the career of the band Riot/Riot V. Damian talks about his own background as a fan of heavy metal, the origin of the documentary idea, the filmmaking process, meeting members of the band and conducting interviews with them, and quite a lot more.

Check out the Immortal Soul trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWgng5NyHU

And Damian's NYC Rocks TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NYCROCKSTV 

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc, and we discuss recent activity from his band, then delve into recent releases by Blaze Bayley and Bruce Dickinson, with a brief chat about the latest Judas Priest album/tour as well.

I also give a detailed rundown of my recent trip to Germany to attend Keep It True XXIV, and a swift rundown of Bruce Dickinson in Glasgow!

The cultiest of cult bands? The greatest band you've never heard?? On this episode, I return to Ferg's Quest, to explore the discography of mysterious Swedes, Gotham City. But I couldn't do it alone! I had to enlist the help of metal aficionado and Gotham City nut, Chris Coxon, to help me on my way. We delve deep into the discography of the band and discuss the mystique surrounding them, analysing singers, songs, and solos. Plenty of clips in this one for those unfamiliar with the band. Don't hear small sound!

Feckin' Metal is proud to welcome back The Busiest Man in Rock - Jarvis Leatherby. In this episode, I catch up with Jarvis regarding all the happenings in Night Demon, Cirith Ungol, and the management world, since we last spoke in October 2020. Covering everything from the new Night Demon album, to bar fights and vocal injuries - you don't want to miss this!

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Tom Hewson - bass player, main songwriter, and founding member of UK traditional metallers, Tailgunner. You'll likely have heard their name mentioned recently, whether that's due to being touted as the next coming of Def Leppard by KK Downing, or for their upcoming gigs touring the UK, or being on the bill for Keep It True Rising III in October. But how did we come to this? How did this band appear to achieve great success, seemingly overnight? Tom gives the full back story of the group, and reveals what has been happening behind closed doors to get them to where they are today.

On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I speak to all three members of Armstrong Gun, who have recently self-released their self-titled debut album. You can hear all about how that came together, along with the meaning of the word "Scraggard", how Aretha Franklin is linked to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, and future plans for the band for the next 200,000 years! This was a very enjoyable and informative chat with an up and coming metal band whom I predict good things for in the future.

On the latest episode of Feckin' Metal, Udo Dirkschneider talks about the recent, excellent U.D.O. release "Touchdown". He also discusses reuniting with former bandmate Peter Baltes, working with his son, Sven, and his relationship with Wolf Hoffmann. A legend of heavy metal speaks!

This week, I speak to night Demon frontman, and generally very busy bloke, Jarvis Leatherby. We discuss Night Demon's approach to releasing music, Jarvis's role in bringing Cirith Ungol back to the stage, what festivals like Keep It True and Up The Hammers mean to the scene, how Jarvis took matters into his own hands and ended up managing Visigoth, The Legacy Of The Beast video game - and a broader discussion about band mythology, and we even chat briefly about DDP Yoga! This was a very enjoyable episode for me, and I appreciated Jarvis's honestly and openness. FECK!

This week, I speak to "The Texan Iron Maiden Connection" - Uncle Steve. This episode features: Bad Texan impressions, Iron Maiden milestones in Steve's life, finding God, boring Rammstein shows, reflections on the Download festival, Forrest Gump quotes, the digital vs. physical debate, and more, in this very enjoyable chat with a fellow Iron Maiden enthusiast! Outside of the interview, I give my rundown of my top metal/rock albums from 2020, with music from Black Soul Horde!

This week, I play some heavy metal earworms, and give you a bit of insight into my fandom of the bands featured. I also speak earnestly about my love for heavy metal! There's a bit of Neil young in here too, but not too much, don't worry. Oh, and there are some interruptions by the postman!

In this installment of ArcSabbath, I speak to my regular guests, and new addition Jonatan Hedlin from Maiden A - Z, about a tumultuous period in Black Sabbath history - the chaos beforehand and the aftermath of the Glenn Hughes era. Jonatan also provides some background info on himself, and growing up as a heavy metal fan in Stockholm, Sweden. Context is provided by a passage from Martin Popoff's excellent book, Born Again: Black Sabbath in the Eighties and Nineties. We also delve deep into the concept of just who is in Black Sabbath, and when, if ever, people stopped considering the band to be authentic.

On the first episode of 2024, I catch up with my good friend George Silano on the year in metal: 2023. The first of multiple parts, on this installment we focus on festivals and gigs that stood out last year (and look towards some from next year), covering Hell's Heroes, Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest, Keep it True, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Saxon, W.A.S.P., and more! I also mention the passing of Tony Clarkin from Magnum and include some clips and personal history with the band. Enjoy!

Clips used in episode:

1. Magnum - "Brand New Morning" - Brand New Morning (2004)

2. Girlschool - "Race With The Devil" - Demolition (1980)

3. The Black Dahlia Murder - "What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse" - Nocturnal (2007)

4. Iron Maiden - "Death Of The Celts - Live At 3 Arena, Dublin Ireland, 24 June 2023" - (Posted to YouTube by Chromeboy2003)

5. Magnum - "Just Like An Arrow" - On A Storyteller's Night (1985)

Seeing out 2021 is the interview I conducted with Mick Wall in November of this year. Some of this was included in ArcSabbath episodes 9.0 and 10.0, but there is so much more to my chat with Mick that deserves to be heard! From doing publicity with the band in the 80s, to being a confidant of Sharon Osbourne in the 90s, to writing a biography of Black Sabbath in the 2010's, Mick Wall has been there, done, that, but don't even think he's bought the t-shirt! He's much too cool for that. Enjoy!

This week I share the full interview I conducted with Joe Siegler of Black-Sabbath.com on the 16th of March, 2021. Many clips from this interview were used in my ArcSabbath series, but here, for the first time, you can hear the entire thing, including my audio. Joe discusses many interesting points such as his time spent working with Apogee Software/3D Realms, starting the website Black-Sabbath.com, his introduction to the band, his favourite shows he's attended as a fan, standing on the side of the stage watching the band, and multiple personal stories about interactions with band members. Enjoy!

This week, I speak to my long-time personal friend, Kevin Daly, about the Sabaton Open Air Festival. We turn the clock back five years, and set the scene to explain how we became Sabaton fans in the first place, and how we ended up attending the Sabaton Open Air festival for five consecutive years. We attended this festival from 2015 to 2019, and have a plethora of stories and memories to share. Hear about Swedish off-licences, sleeping in prisons, night trains, sneaking in Jägermeister in our shoes, falling asleep at UFO gigs, and much much more, in this no-holds-barred account of our concert-attending activities from 2015!

This week, Tony Martin discusses his new solo album "Thorns", as well as a deep dive into his tenure with Black Sabbath from 1987 to 1995. We discuss how Tony became inspired to record an album after connecting with Scott McClellan on Facebook, we discuss the lyrics and songwriting approach to Thorns, we discuss Tony's initial recruitment to Black Sabbath, his coming and going from the band, his approach to lyric writing, hidden meanings behind song lyrics, and much more!

This is also the first episode as part of "Ferg's Quest". This week, we look at the Swedish bands Heavy Load and Nestor!

For my first ever solo episode, I decided to discuss my favourite band of all time - Iron Maiden.  I delve into the deep cuts of post-reunion Iron Maiden and bring you a carefully-chosen selection from each of the studio albums between Brave New World and The Book of Souls. I also go off on several rants and tangents about: Iron Maiden video games and comics, Blabbermouth.net, Iron Maiden single releases, the band's obsession with "death", The Osbournes, and the TV program Lesser Spotted Ulster. Enjoy!

On the latest installment of Feckin' Metal, I catch up with George Silano to discuss three more NWOTHM releases from 2023. This time we cover the debut album from Tailgunner "Guns For Hire", the fourth offering from Wytch Hazel "IV Sacrament", and the recent EP from Phantom Spell "Tales From The Black Spire".

We delve deep into each release, offering info on the bands, and opinions on the tracks. Featuring several clips, this episode is ideal for those uninitiated with these artists. I also include a recap from Keep It True Rising III, including an airport mishap on my return to Dublin!

Cooler than a fridge wearing in a denim jacket, it's Episode 22 of Feckin' Metal! I discuss Austin Powers, Ms Kensington, and some heavy metal news. I then treat the listener to an education in Irish hard rock and heavy metal, featuring: Primordial, Thin Lizzy, Dio, Seven Sisters, and more! Tiochaidh ár lá!

On this episode, I chat to Dave Morrissey: guitarist, and founding-member of Irish trad-metallers Celtic Legacy. This band have been around the block more than a few times and have suffered numerous setbacks, but they're still standing. Dave and his counterpart, Dave "Slim" Boylan have kept the ship afloat during many trials and tribulations, also known as the "Celtic Legacy Curse". Throughout all of this, they have continued to release excellent albums, and kept a positive attitude. Celtic Legacy are survivors. They will not back down and will not take no for an answer. And they may just have their best line-up yet. 

In Part 1 one of this three-parter, I welcome back Andrew DuBroy, whom regular listeners will remember from our Senjutsu review series back in November 2021. This episode covers some relevant Iron Maiden history, our own initial experiences with this album, analysis of the first two tracks, and copious quantities of shenanigans and tomfoolery. Expect Steve Harris and Blaze Bayley impressions galore, as Andrew and I put on our VR headsets and immerse ourselves in 1998's Virtual XI!

This week, I catch up with some heavy metal newz (z for you 2000s kidz, when "z" made everything 10% cooler), then, in anticipation for my Black Sabbath arc, I play a couple of clips of Black Sabbath deep cuts, followed by some 90s Motorhead. I finish off with some NWOTHM favourites, but you'll have to listen to find out what they are!

Here it is, the final piece. Part 3 of my Senjutsu review with Andrew. This one is a Trooper of a Beast of a something. Enjoy!

Kyle McNeill returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss all the goings-on of the last 8 months, including an in-depth chat about upcoming album, Shadow of a Falling Star Pt.1. We also discuss 8-Bits and Smash Hits, Wizard Tower Studios, "dungeon synth", pink t-shirts, social media, and future Seven Sisters shows! Ugh!

On Episode 80, I speak to Luke Appleton about his recently-released solo EP "Forever Viking." We discuss the tragic situation which inspired the release, take an in-depth look at each of the four tracks, and delve into the songwriting process behind them. We also discuss Absolva, a band which features Luke's brother Chris, his time spent working with Blaze Bayley, and his time spent in Iced Earth. Luke has many stories to tell about working with his family, and writing songs with Blaze Bayley and Jon Schaffer. Luke is also open and honest regarding his exit from Iced Earth and the situation that led to it. All of this makes for a fascinating and informative chat.

On this episode, in a slight departure from the norm, I take a look at the developing situation with Neil Young, Joe Rogan, Spotify, and a growing cast of characters. I am joined by two semi-regular guests in Nesbit and Philipp Trummer. We look at the ins and outs of censorship, streaming platforms, record labels, selling song libraries, and potential loss of income from this apparently rash decision by everyone's favourite contrarian, Neil Young.

In this episode, I delve deep into the obscure, Swedish, 80s metal band Universe, and their follow-up band from the 2010s - Universe Infinity. If you've never listened to the self-titled album from 1985, you're in for a treat. A true hidden gem of 1980s heavy metal. The question is, when they returned to the stage (and the studio) in the late 2010s, could they live up to this fantastic debut? Join me on Installment 2 of Ferg's Quest to find out!