Radioactive Metal Podcast

We're sure everyone was quite pleased with the "Back To The Beginning" show. But you can't please everyone, all the time. With every festival, someone has said "I wish Band X was on the bill." The Ozzman's influence is so great they couldn't possibly have squeezed everyone onstage. That's not going to stop us from sharing who we would've loved to have seen paying tribute at The Big Event. We go over which artists, which songs and which Sabbath/Ozzy song we'd love to see them tear up. Our choices would make an awesome festival themselves. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we have some Gear Talk and and discuss the new "Superman" and "Jurassic World" flicks. Musically, we crank Wytch Hazel, Saint Vitus, Viogression, Day Glo Abortions, Witchcraft, Terrifier, St. Elmo's Fire (!) and introduce Nashville's (!!) Savage Attack in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up! 

Realistically, there could only be one topic this week. Arguably, the most important event in all of Metaldom just went down in the form of the Back To The Beginning fest. The line up was a Who's Who in the genre. Most importantly, the world witnessed the final sets from Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. It was an all day PPV extravaganza that had us glued to the screen. So we do a deep dive into the whole event; set by set, highlight by highlight. What was your highlight? In our "News, Views and Tunes", we celebrate "Return of the Living Dead" Day and the National Day of Rock n Roll. Musically, we crank some Trouble, Lucifer's Friend, Nefarious, Pig Pen, serpent Rider and we introduce Australia's Thraxas in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!!!  

Do you want to play a game? For years, teens have been playing the classic "2 Lies and a Truth" party game. We here at the RAM offices have vast amounts of experiences in Metaldom. Be they as fans at live shows, working as a roadie/stagehand or just everything that goes into creating this very show for the last 17 years. So we though we would put each other to the test and play a few rounds. Hey, we're too old to grow up now. In our "News, Views and Tunes", Aaron shares stories from his recent road trip. Musically, we crank no less than 5 (!) for RAM alum including Crystal Viper, Kickaxe, Death Sentence, Cauldron, Nocturnal Departure, Speed Queen, November Grief and we introduce Greek metallers Drunkard in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns up!!

Five episodes ago we discussed artists that Metaldom discovered first before mainstream success. Arguably, we left Faith No More off the list. FNM dropped their debut record "We Care A Lot" in '85, well before their "epic" break thru. So that makes this album a great candidate for our on going "40th Anniversary Album Spotlight Series". We get into each track, discuss the impending influence this record would have and dive into the FNM camp. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we celebrate the 50th (!) anniversary of "Jaws" and discuss The Care Bears (!!). Musically, we crank some new Gruesome, God's Hate, First Jason, Slaughter Messiah, Harlot's Webb and introduce Poland's Witch Hound in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!!   

For diehard music connoisseurs a vast discography is always aces. But releasing a lot of albums doesn't always mean a banger every time out. Some artists do achieve that "sweet spot". An era of three or more fave albums in succession. So this week we go over our picks of the artists and albums throwing Three Strikes = Homerun! In our "News, Views and Tunes", we share our Friday The 13th and Father's Day experiences. Musically, we crank some Gwar, Cryptopsy, D.R.I., Indestroy, Oral (!), Lunatics Without Skateboards Inc., Riff Randells, Ascendancy and we introduce Australia's Sharpshooter in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up! 

One of the most important moments in Metaldom history is fast approaching. July 5th will be the legendary Ozzy Osbourne's last gig. To commemorate  this momentous event is the "Back To The Beginning" fest. Commencing out of Oz' hometown of Birmingham, some of the biggest names in our genre will be there to pay tribute. Metallica, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Anthrax and Ozzy himself will be doing double duty with Black Sabbath a.o. And it will be available on streaming. So this week we go through the line up and whatever else crosses our mind about this once in a lifetime event. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we reminisce about the days of overnight lining up for concert tix. Musically, we crank some Dead Kennedys, Dark Angel, Pentagram, Pagan Altar, Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre, Iron Man, Temptress, Chernobyl Wolves and we introduce NY's Mykey Massacre in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!   

Our 40th Anniversary Album Spotlight Series continues. This time we tapped one of the most important albums in 80s underground thrash. The amazing Megadeth debut "Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good" introduced mainman Dave Mustaine's new project to a both curious and eager audience. Little did the underground know what a behemoth Dave and the (interchangeable) Boyz would become. Along with their contemporaries in the "Big 4". So this week we do a deep dive into this album that is still a fave today. We go into how it first hit our turntables and go into all the track by track goodness. Is this your fave 'Deth record? In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss the reborn "Heavy Metal" magazine and the "Back To The Future" guitar. Musically, we crank new and used from Dying Fetus, Laaz Rockitt, Conflict, Chris Poland, War//Plague, Tyran, Vomitor and we introduce Washington's Generation Decline in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!  

Heavy Metal has always had it's share of misunderstood meaning in it's lyrics. Yes, some of the lyrics are quite clear: sex, old Beelzebub, and rock n roll. But there are a number of classic tunes that Joe and Jane Average lost the plot with. Tunes from Ozzy/Sabbath, Maiden and Twisted Sister have has their unjustified criticisms. Songs that got their panties in a bunch but all knew better. So this week we made a list and are "counting them down". In our "News, Tunes and Views", we examine the close connection between "Star Wars" and "Carrie" and perform an air drum solo over the air. Musically, we crank some Nuclear Assault, Razor, Mantas (pre Death), Quartz, Eviction, Crusader and we introduce Canuck metallers Cruzer in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up! 

For music conisseurs discovering an act before they develop a wide(r) audience scores cool points. The citizens of Metaldom have been racking up the points for decades. There have been numerous bands that Joe and Jane Average picked up on well after the Metalheads/Punks were in on the ground floor i.e Metallica, Soundgarden, Green Day. Yep, we knew 'em first. This week we have a laundry list of such artists. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we "Wow!" over current day Go -Gos. Musically, we crank Lord Vigo, Day By Day, Gehennah, Game Over, Inferno, Demon Pact and we introduce Archdruid in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!

"Spotify Fights Back" is a rather oxymoronic statement.   This is a recent headline from MusicRadar and it's got us in a tizzy. In said article, Spotify is basically saying their business model is fair ball. But musicians have a slightly different take.   So this week we go our round against the streaming giant. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we tackle A.I. in the music biz and go over the "Thunderbolts*" movie. Musically, we crank Midnight, Ghaal's Wyrd, White Wizard, Mindwars, Leftover Crack, Pupil Slicer, Iron Spell and we introduce Dream Heavy in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

Whew!   We had a lot going on this week. And while most of it was outside the realm of Metal, we decided we still wanted to go over it. Considering Geekworld is good neighbors with Metaldom.   Simply enough, we're talking all our adventures with Free Comic Book Day, May The 4th (Be With You) and the 8th of May (International Motorhead Day). As well, we tackle the announcement from Propaghandi regarding their cancelled US dates for 2025.   Musically, we crank Cancer, Cirith Ungol, the aforementioned Prop., Jaguar, Fleshcrawl, Hexella, The Bloody Hell and we introduce Chile's Witchhunter in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns up!

When RAM was an interview show, we on occasion extended that to the "Indie Spotlight". Whenever an indie band impressed us above and beyond, we liked giving them a moment in the Hot Seat as well.   So since Aaron is going to be sharing a stage with symphonic metal band Eden On Fire this summer, we figured we'd do just that. We're stoked to speak to vocalist Amy Gould and introduce them to our listeners. Give them a listen.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss the Pope's playlist and review the new Alice Cooper (Band) reunion track.   Musically, we crank D.O.A., (Algy Ward's) Tank, Pentagram (Chile), Frantic Amber, The Anti-Queens and Witchspell.   Horns up!

Today more than ever touring is getting tougher and tougher on a lot of artists. Especially financially.   Pop artist Kate Nash has a huge following and her tour was packing 'em in. But she returned home in the red (!). But a couple bare behind pics on OnlyFans and that was that. So that got us thinking about the whole OF thingy and if it's a viable option for artists. What does it take to make it as a musician in today's economy? Have we returned to the days of Mozart when musicians and artists relied on wealthy patron for support?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk Metal artists playing WrestleMania. Musically, we crank new Cadaver, Bikini Kill, Wolf (80s), Inepsy, Witch Vomit, Jivebomb, Demona, Revenge (Chile) and we introduce Mexico's Skeletorn  (love that moniker) in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

The mid 80s were an interesting time for Canadian legends Rush.   Like so many of their contemporaries of the time, the trio seemingly openly embraced the era by developing a very "80s" look and sound. That was never more evident than their '85 album "Power Windows". The decisive album is 40 years young.   So as is tradition, we've chosen this album for our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive series. Since we're talking Rush, we once again got our "Rush Guy", Mr. Mark Buell on the horn to help dissect this record. We go track-by-track and discuss everything Rush in that era. What's your 411 on "Power Windows"?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we share our Record Store Day haul and acknowledge Rex Manning Day.   Musically, we crank some Scowl, D.I., Sledgehammer, Shed The Skin, Krossfyre and introduce T.O. crossover thrashers The Slime in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

There was a time when "physical product" was flying off the shelves.   There were some points when labels and stores couldn't keep up with demand.Through it all though there were some albums that should have sold by the bucket load. But they somehow fell short.   This week we go over some of these "can't miss" albums. That did. "Cold Lake" anyone? "Chinese Democracy". How about Crue's self titled album? Great albums that never got a fair shake?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss some past musical advancements and some geek talk. Musically, we crank some Conflict, -(16)-, Hobbs Angel of Death, Frightmare, Damien Throne, Hell Poison and we introduce Greek metallers Ringlorn in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

We've all seen the memes.   Pics of a dozen deceased artists with the caption "You can only bring one back for one more show". Unfortunately, Metaldom has lost their share of artists. And I know we'd all love to see them play their trade one more time. Lemmy? Ramones? Maybe RJD?   This episode we share our list of encore performances. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk the appropriate Juno winners and some Geddy Lee talk.   Musically, we crank some Necrophagia, The Great Kat, VHS, Nite, Maul, Antagonizor, Allies and we introduce hardcore bashers Fast Response in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!!!

Aaron is an accomplished musician. He's gifted on a number of instruments and frequently educates us with his Gear Talk. As for Snowy...not so much. He's never so much as owned an instrument. But that's not to say he doesn't appreciate a good axe.   Especially if it's a signature instrument played live by a fave artist. For instance, Micheal Schenker's Flying V. Or one of Lemmy's basses. How about one of the guitars Mantas used to record their classic debut? So this week Aaron has a laundry list of these special instruments to quiz Snowy on how much he'd pay to have these awesome artifacts hanging on the RAM office walls.   Musically, we crank some new and used from Haemorrhage, Slaughter (Can), Spazz, Massacra, Medieval Steel, Iron Curtain, Armoured Angel, Stainless and introduce Quebec bashers Vortex in our "Indie Spotlight".   This is the Ibanez Gem owned by Steve Tai that sparked this topic.   Horns up!! 

Rock n Roll has no rulz.   But I'm sure when we're consuming our fave artists, we all have our own guidelines. Especially when it comes to the all important vinyl. I know when we're digging in the shops we have our own "do's and don'ts". Where's our shopping preferences? What about pic discs and coloured vinyl? And what about Walmart? So this week we do a deep dive into our favourite pastime of digging through the record bins.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we celebrate Thin Lizzy Day and share the fun of our recent golf trip (!). Musically, we crank new and used from Primordial, Savage Master, The Hanson Bros., Jawless, Teaser Sweet, Genocidal Rites, Phantom and introduce India's Sacrifix in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!!

Welcome to #2 of our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive Album Spotlight. Last time we focused on Motley Crue's "Theatre of Pain", an album that epitomized 'Hair Metal'. This time we're going to the opposite end of the spectrum.   NY thrashers Anthrax' second effort "Spreading The Disease" was an important album. Not just for the band, but the Metal underground in general. Along with some of their Big 4 brethren's key releases, the album introduced a more mainstream audience to the  awesomeness that is Thrash Metal. It's also an old fave of ours that still gets turntable time. Was this your fave 'Thrax album?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Metal Massacre..." and "Sisters With Transistor" documentaries. Musically, we crank Sacrifice, C.O.C., Bitch, Living Death, S.S. Decontrol, Lady Beast, 7 Year Bitch, Direct Action, November's Grief and introduce Toronto's Villian in our "Indie Spotlight.   Horns Up!!

The countdown's on!!   Record Store Day is generally a big f'n deal around the RAM offices. April 12 is when it all goes down and the first step is the release of the RSD Special Albums list. Another tradition is going over the list on the air. We scroll the list and make our picks for what we hope to find on The Big Day. So go to www.recordstoreday.com, find the list and join us.   As well, we discuss the "Only Girl in the Orchestra" documentary. Musically, we crank some Terrorizer, Omen, Christian Mistress, Chemicide, Traveler, Morbidity, Tomar Control and we introduce India's Air Raid Silence.   Horns up!