Chord Progression

For the first time in almost 3 years, Kevin does not have a guest on the Chord Progression Podcast. It is the end of the year, and this is the music industry. For the next 3 weeks, it is like time stops so everyone can spend some well earned time with their families. So what are we to do?Kevin does is first solo episode in 3 years and levels with you all. On this episode, Kevin talks about- The state of the Chord Progression Podcast and why it is going on hiatus for a few weeks to end 2025 and when 2026 will begin for the podcast.- His thoughts one if and when the podcast will come to an end, with a reality check on where his mindset is, as well as a revealing take on what is happening with the finances of the podcast.- How the podcast performed in 2025 on both Spotify and here on YouTube, and what that means for the future.Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from the Chord Progression Podcast. Be sure to hit that subscrube button as we are ready to hit it hard in 2026.Check out our sponsor: D

Bringing little known artists to our audience has been our specialty over the years. It has always been a mission of ours because we know how hard it is for artists with big dreams and goals to break through the noise and through all the competition. A little help can go a long way. But, those artists need to be willing to help themselves too.So how can artists help themselves? Well in this world, there are a few things. They can make the best quality music they can. They can use a successful social media strategy to get their music in front of people. They can create a captivating live performance that makes new fans wanting to come back for more. The best, do all of them well.Sam from the Arkansas Deathcore band Hell Comes Home joins the Chord Progression Podcast before a busy 2026 starts for the band. But 2025 not only lead to the release of their debut EP "Dying Breed" early in the year, but the release of their debut self-titled album in December. Join us to discover Hell Comes Home as we talk about:- Wh

In the middle of 2024, we introduced you to a young band that was taking their gruge inspiration with a much more evolved sound, and starting to make waves in the rock and metal world. Have you been keeping up with them? Have you been watching their growth as artists? If you haven't let us detail what happened in 2025.The band played theater shows, opened for Billy Corgan, opened in arenas for Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace, and release a new EP that was acclaimed for its growth in diversity of sound around their grunge core. Clearly 2025 was a great year for this band, and they didnt take it for granted. Will the momentum stop? Absolutely not.The guys in Return to Dust return to the Chord Progression Podcast for the first time in a year and a half. With an impressive 2025 now in the rear view, catch up with them about their success and new music as we discuss:- How the band carried momentum all throughout 2025 and never let it stop, playing 150 shows, releasing new music, and playing in arenas in s

For artists that started during the age of streaming, where singles dominate music release, consumption, and pleasing streaming algorithms, how is a band supposed to show growth and expansion of sound over time? The single shows a track, but an album or an EP can show focus, growth, and give room for an artist to experiment. So how do they walk the fine line of how music is consumed today, and showing more of what they can do?Well today you are in luck. That is because we have a band that Sharptone records believes showed enough promise with the singles that they started releasing back in 2020 to sign, as well as put faith in to show a greater expansion to their post-hardcore sound with their next release. And what better way to discover them than right here.Xavier and Vincent from the Canadian post-hardcore band Second Harbour join the Chord Progression Podcast today. Their debut EP & first release on Sharptone Records, Coalesce, releases on December 12th. Discover the band with us as we talk about:- Why

Artists that have been making music for the majority of their lives notice the same things as they get older. Moving on stage is harder, responsibility in life continues to grow, and mental blocks in the writing process cause new music to take longer to release. It happens to everyone, even though we dont want that to happen.But what happens when an artists embraces these changes, takes their time with the music, and uses those changes to make an introspective review of life? Sure the music might take longer to release, but we get something much more fulfilling and creative than we thought.The Mikes, Michael and Myke, from the melodic metalcore band Volumes joins the Chord Progression Podcast. With their first album since 2021, Mirror Touch, releasing on December 12th, we dive into the making of the album and everything we can by:- Reflecting on the making of "Mirror Touch" and how the band had break through the mental blocks that come with age during the songwriting process.- Seeing how Volumes finds a way t

Musicians and artists are at war with AI. People are using AI to rip off real musicians for financial gain, and hard working artists are suffering in the massively competitve music space. Remember the saga of the AI band Bleeding Verse ripping of Holding Absence? Yea, this is only going to continue to happen.So in this war, who is going to win? Is it going to be those using AI to create music because it is easy and convenient? Or is it going to be the artists who have the ability to adapt and be creative in their approach to making the music they love? The winner will be the one that can answer this question... who is going to connect with the fans the best?We have Zero 9:36 on the podcast today with his new album (or mixtape) "They Were Always Here" releasing on December 12th. Join us for an impactful 45 minutes as we talk about:- The new album "They Were Always Here" and how it is more like a rap mixtape than a rock album, based on the wide variety and mix of sonic ideas presented... with more to come in 20

Music has an incredible ability to create an enhanced way to express complex issues, problems, and ideas. Those problems could be as small as having a bad day, or as big as being in a toxic relationship and struggling to get out. Those ideas could be as small as what should I do today, or as big as learning to handle your emotions properly.With their first song out in 5 years, this punk rock band came back just as passionate as when they left. Not afraid to take on big topics and ideas, and express them in a way that helps the listener understand their role in that situation. So, who are they, and why should you take this seriously?Shawna from the punk rock band War On Women joins the Chord Progression Podcast. The band recently released their first single in 5 years, "Precious Problem" and this episode we do what War On Women does. We get deep into discussion about:- Intimate Partner Violence as the core story and theme behind "Precious Problem" as well as what we can do to help those in that situation, bein

There are always bands out there that are making music so closely intertiwned with the sounds that made them want to become musicians in the first place. Whether it be Led Zeppelin, or the Painkiller album by Judas Priest (like this band), those sounds stay consistent and strong. But how can that sound evolve, and become something more individualistic for an artist?Well, 8 years after their debut album, a heavy metal band out of the Midwest is taking their heavy metal roots, adding a more robust anthemic and melodic sound, and creating an album that shows exactly who they are. And that is a band that wants to hit it hard, playing in arenas all over the world.Dee and Magnus from the Indianapolis metal band Sacred Leather join the Chord Progression Podcast with their second album, Keep the Fire Burning, releasing on December 12th. Discover the band on this episode as we dive deep into:- Why Sacred Leather decided to create a more anthemic and melodic style to their heavy metal roots, with the focus on the longe

Musicians face an uphill battle in life when it comes to trying to make it a career, and achieve their dreams. From a need to write great songs, stand out from the crowd, and continue working towards those dreams when everything in life is trying to stop you, musicians dont have it easy.But if you work hard enough, you may get something. You may figure out your styel of writing and creating. You may just discover that you were meant for this. You may be able to reflect back on life, thinking of what your 15 year old self would say about you, and know you achieved your dream.Derrick from the pop punk/emo band Minute After Midnight joins the Chord Progression Podcast. With the new song "Masochist" now available, we get to know Derrick and what makes Minute After Midnight special. On this episode, we talk about:- Derrick's life long dream of being a musician, what his 15 year old self would say if he could see Derrick now, and the story that led to Minute After Midnight signing with Fearless Records.- How Derric

4 years to create an album is a long time, especially in the age of streaming and digital music. So why not release the album in 3 batches? 2 EPs and then as a full album with more songs thrown in there? Would that even work?Well it does satisfy the hunger and the want for consistent music in the world today. But it poses some problems of the thought of releasing something as repackaged, releasing something that is better off as parts of a whole, or releasing something that is mostly filler. Can a band do this style right and create something that is great on its own, great as a whole, & only good quality songs? This one can.Chris form the German post-hardcore/metalcore band Annisokay joins the Chrod Progression Podcast today. The new album, Abyss - The Final Chapter, is releasing on November 21st, and yes it is 2 EPs as a whole connected with 3 new songs. On this episode, we talk about:- Why Abyss was released as one EP in 2023, a second EP in early 2025, & a full album at the end of 2025, & how

Manga and anime have become a massive force in pop culture around the world, being something that is celebrated and enjoyed by many. 20 years ago in the United States and most of Europe, that wasn't the case. Of course it was popular in Japan, but also in France?So what happens when French musicians grow up on manga & anime, create heavy music heavily inspired and driven by that love for manga, and make music in a creative & unique way, you know you found something. And when heavy music is in the midst of its revival, it is the perfect storm, for the perfect band.B from the metacore x hardcore x rap x manga band Rise of the Northstar joins the Chord Progression Podcast. The band is set to release their brand new album "Chapter 04: Red Falcon Super Battle! New Paris War!!" on November 14th, and we get you ready for it right here. On this episode, we discuss:- How manga has had a strong connection to French kids for many years compared to the USA & the rest of Europe, and how its inspiration has lea

Heavy music today is more unique than ever compared to any point in history. It is more diverse in sound compared to the beginnings in the late 60s, than the boom of the 80's, than the nu metal wave of the 90's, than any other era that came before it. But something still is consistent with it, the heaviness is at the core of every artist's sound.So how do you build off of that to keep this diversity in heavy music continuing to grow and blossom? Something differnt has to be done. Well we found a band using heavy influences as their primary accenting sound, with infectious grooves and a funky bass as their core. Best part is, you have met them here already.Phillipp and Bastian from the German metalcore band AVRALIZE join the Chord Progression Podcast for the 2nd time. With the new album "liminal" releasing on November 14th, we get you ready for the album by discussing:- How AVRALIZE wrote a heavy record with infections grooves and a funky bass being at the core of their sound, with metalcore influences as the

Heavy music has always gone through points of evolution throughout the course of time. From the evolution of thrash metal in the 80s, nu metal in the 90s, and what is happening right now with bands like Bad Omens and Sleep Token. But is that because of artists rehashing and remixing old ideas, or creating something that is uniquely them in this time period?Well today, we found a band that is one of the freshest sounding heavy bands in the current day. One that is bringing different styles into their music, not in the same way or with the same structures as all others in the scene right now. That infusion has helped them create their own sound that many other artists are big on, but fans are split. But trust us, you will want to be a part of it.Alexander from the experimental German metalcore band Vianova joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. With the band's debut LP, HIT IT, out now, we dive deep into their sound and style with this conversation. Join us as we discuss:- What the reception was like to HIT

At the beginning of 2021, we brought on a band to the podcast due to a copyright snafu forcing their name to change, because we were interested. That has led us to absolutely fall in love with their sound, their fantastic debut album, and a sophmore album that amplified everything about their sound.But with their third album coming up, you know we have to catch up with the band and answer a few questions. Questions like; what has the band done to evolve their sound oveall on this record, is it going to work out for them in the long run, and does the quality of the album stand tall in this sound evolution? Well, we have an album of the year candidate, hope that answers those questions.Matt from the UK post-hardcore band Caskets returns for his 4th & quickest visit to the Chord Progression Podcast, with the 3rd Caskets album "The Only Heaven You'll Know" releasing on November 7th. Dive deep into Caskets and the new album with us as we discuss:- The pressure Caskets felt when it came to delivering on a simil

Some artists in the music industry never realize their full potential. We have heard of so many artists that never made it and we thought they would, or the ones that called it quits before making it big. It is not an easy thing to do, to realize what your potential is.Back in 2023, we had a stoner metal band on the podcast releasing their second album, and it showed us what untapped potential there was for them. 2 years later, taking their recording to the next level, and adding a 4th member full time, not only has that potential been realized, but even more was discovered beyond that.Zach returns and Adrian joins us from the first time from the stoner metal band Howling Giant. The band is releasing their third album, Crucible & Ruin, on October 31st. Join us as we spend the episode discussing:- Recording Crucible & Ruin with a much more expanded idea of their stoner metal sound by using a more consistent and quicker pace, and how working with an outsid producer helped them level up their sound.- The

The internet is a tough place for any metalcore band to break through the noise and succeed. Not only are you competing with other artists to get in front of fans, but you are also competing against other corporations pumping in millions for social media ads and marketing. Adding on the algorithms that add a paywall to get your music out to people consistently, it is a massive uphill battle.But how does a band win when they must keep up their masked mystique, win most of their fans over with their live performances, and need to fight an online attention span of 1.5 seconds to hook new fans into the band? Well, lets say it isnt easy, but someone did it.Joel from the Swedish metalcore band Aviana joins the Chord Progression Podcast. With the bands new album "Void" releasing on October 31st, we dive deep into the album with the band as we talk about:- How Aviana has struggled with online marketing for new music with their persona of staying masked and heavy live focus, and the struggles heavy bands have to deal

Writing heavy and aggressive music over the course of a long career is not an easy thing. Yes it can be done, but to have a long and successful career, it requires a few things. It requires an ability to adapt writing style as time goes on, not restricing themselves based on past success and fan expectations, and not staying focused on the viral moment that hooks a fan.Heavy bands that are able to evolve and resist the urge of staying with fan expectations end up creating a more diverse sound, maintaining heaviness throughout, and stay fresh throughout time. That is the hallmark of a great heavy band.Darius and Alex from the great deatcore band Spite join the Chord Progression Podcast. With their new album "New World Killer" releasing on October 31st, we dive deep into the album, the creation of its sound, and more. We talk about:- How Spite recorded "New World Killer" differently than all of their previous releases, from Alex's writing styles, Daruis's vocal recording, and the success of not staying married

When it comes to a heavy band gaining traction and popularity in 2025, we on the Chord Progression Podcast have discovered 2 commonalities. First, the music has to hit hard but somehow still connect with people on a more profound level than just the surface. Second, there has to be something else that brings people into the band and connect with them.Well, we found those 2 commonalities in this band. From the new EP, there is something about the music that hits hard, but provides something more profound in the lyrics and the story. But the second commonality, is going to be their unique merch idea and how that brings people into them.Austin from the deathcore band Heavy//Hitter joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. With their newest EP "Coming to Terms" out now, we dive deep into so much more about what makes them special talking about:- The importance of bringing variety and your own unique creativity to your merch, including what Heavy//Hitter is going to be doing with a Christmas drop.- Finding creati

Time and time again since the 2020, the heavy music scene has been growing because artists have been sticking to their guns with their songwriting, their influences, and not bowing down to what is popular or what every other band that is showing success is doing.This band is one of those bands in the heavy music space doing just that. From an opening song on the album that throws you off balance in the first 5 seconds, and a theme that shows a little bit more hope in the sadness of the current state of the world, they create a sonically flowing sound that just connects with fans.The guys in Downswing join the podcast today. With their brand new album, And Everything Was Dark, releasing on October 24th, 2025, we break into the album and the band for you. On this episode we:- Review the early reception of the album from the songs played live, including how the opening track "No God to Me" hooks fans into the band in the first 5 seconds.- See how sticking to their guns in the writing process and writing without

Diversity in metal music has been growing and become on of the most accepted things in music in the 2020's. But that diversity not only comes in the form of the music, but in the presentation of that music as well. It is the artists that are standing out as unique in all levels that are hitting major strides in achieving their dreams. Think Ice Nine Kills, Sleep Token, & Bring Me The Horizon.But how is a younger band, with a lot smaller of a budget than the examples listed, going to do that when they create great music overall? They have to think outside of the box, try something completley different, and be as resourceful as possible to stand out in a crowded scene. How can that be done?The boys from the eclectic post-hardcore/modern metal Arsenic Kitchen joined the Chord Progression Pocdast wit their new EP "Handbook for the Recently Deceased" releasing on October 24h. Join us as we discuss:- How Arsenic Kitchen is making their music stand out visually by creating a short film for their new EP, and a fu