Chord Progression

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

Music and art gives an escape to the individual from the mundane, fall in line, always be the same motivations of society as a whole. For so many, that is the only place where they can be themselves and truly feel comfortable with how they are. But the trick is, how does one take that and apply that to the outside world?Music and art provide the blueprint to that, and that blueprint is rebellion. Rebelling against the status quo, rebelling against what someone else who doesn't even think about you would want you to be. Rebelling against fitting into a specific box because it makes it easier for other people to see you. Therefore, music is the way to rebellion, the most important thing in life.Beth from the growing pop punk / modern rock band A New Violet joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. To get you into A New Violet as a whole, and get inspired for yourself, join us as we discuss:- The reality of being a growing band in today's world; fighting censorship, rebelling against limitations more venues are

The great saying "good things come to those who wait" has stood the test of time for one main reason... because it is true. And in music, not only do good things come to those who wait, but good things come to those who work their ass off to win in an insanely competitive space.We have seen this band on the podcast before, and the last time was 3 years ago, when they were close to finishing their latest album. 3 years later, that album has finally released. And now, that album has finally released. Good things come to those who wait, because this release has been their best yet.The guys from Generation Underground return to the podcast for the first time since early 2022. With the band's latest album, Our Shattered Lives, finally releasing, it is time to see how this has all played out. Today we talk about:- Why it took Generation Underground 3 years to release "Our Shattered Lives" and answer the question, "Was it worth the wait?"- The album as a whole with a look into it, including the reception they have r

Bands and musicians are always putting in an increible amount of work in order to push their dreams, and their music, to the next level. And when their sound begins to reach the masses thanks to online sharing as well as a heavier presence on radio, it puts a lot more buzz around the music.So how will an artist capitalize on it? What will they do with their new music in order to hit even more impactfully with fans and new listeners alike? If they are known for going in a dark direction, they go darker, and more dynamic in the darkness. And... it works.Molly from Living Dead Girl joins the Chord Progression Podcast as the band is set to release their newest album, Con$piracy, on October 10th, 2025. Dive deep into the band and the new album with us as we talk about:- How Living Dead Girl is gaining traction with metal fans thanks to airplay on Sirius XM Octane, but call on traditional radio to play more of this kind of music too.- Why a more dynamic, yet darker tone, is a hallmark to the evolved sound Living De

When it comes to being in a band, trying to make it in the rock and metal world, Arnold Schwarzenegger's 5th rule of success applies, WORK YOUR BUTT OFF! Your dreams aren't going to work unless you do. So what does that mean?That means putting in all of the extra work outside of the norm, outisde of what everyone else is doing. Always make time for the fans, always make your music an experience for the fans, and always remember how much you can mean to a music lover. Those artists, make it to the top. This, is the beginning of another one.The guys from the "Tough Guy Metalcore" band Fight From Within join the Chord Progression Podcast today. Their debut album "Talk Is Cheap" releasing on October 3rd. Join us on this episode as we talk about:- Why focusing on singles is the way to go for an artists to gain relevance in the 2020's and not fall behind in the world of others releasing music every day.- The reason Fight From Within has gained a "cult like" following with the fans, and why they always go the extra

This band has been classified as the best modern metal band by a good number of publication and tastemakers in metal. And it is not surprising to be honest. The sound the band is known for is something heavy, something aggressive, and something cinematically grand.But now signed to a much bigger label, and with metal being so much more known in popular culture, what is this band going to do with their new music? Make the best metal album of 2025? Yea, that seems like the way to go.Niklas from the Swedish metal band Orbit Culture joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. With the band releasing their new album, Death Above Life, on October 3rd 2025, we dive into the album. On this episode, we talk about:- The writing process of "Death Above Life" and how Orbit Culture wanted to write the album where each song could be a single, while bringing that full album experience that metal fans love.- Why Orbit Culture sees their cinematic influences and programming ideas as the secret 5th memebr of the band, making th

Many artists have come back to the Chord Progression Podcast over the course of 6 and a half years. Many of those artists share stories of their successes, their failures, and show us what is in store for the next album. Rarely do we get to dive into a band's attempt at international recognition when they come back, but when you take your growth seriously as an artist, it can happen.From taking European tours by storm as an opener, to almost representing Germany in the Eurovision song contest, this band has picked up more traction across the world. Now with their 3rd album coming out, and a headlining tour across Europe to prove their worth, now is the time to get into the band again.Lukas and Seb from the German nu metal / rap rock band From Fall To Spring return to the Chord Progression Podcast after 2 and a half years. With a brand new album, Entry Wounds, due out on September 26th, we get you ready for the album, and the band's continued rise. We talk about- How much the band has grown since the release o

It's the year 2025, and if you look on any social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Reddit), you will notice that the world seems to be living in an era of darkness. People are unhappy with the state of the world, depressed at how life is turning out for them, and shut off with a belief that there is nothing better ever coming again. But this music, will make that not be the case.When we are in the darkness, we have to find some shred of hope to hold on to. It allows us to keep moving when things arent going well, when the world seems dark, because there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That hope, is the most powerful thing in the world. And dark music that finds the smallest shred of hope, is this band's hallmark.Matic from the Slovenian modern metal band Hei'An joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. The brand new album, Kiss Our Ghosts Goodbye, shines a light on hope in the darkness when it comes out on September 26th. Discover Hei'An and Kiss Our Ghosts Goodbye as we discuss.- What is t

At the end of 2024, we brought Ireland's greatest emo band to the podcast to get to know their backstory where no one believed in their music but themselves, and how they continued to thrive by just believing in themselves.One year later, the duo is ready to release their second album, reflecting on how everyone did not believe in them, and they had to believe in themselves to win. They know it is ok to be sad, but this is about not wallowing in that sadness, and moving forward with your life and goals.Steph and Paul from Ireland's greatest emo band Greywind rejoin the Chord Progression Podcast with their new album, Severed Heart City, releasing on September 19th. Dive deep with us as we talk about:- Why Greywind still focuses on fan connection more than anything else, while remembering what it was like to be in their position as fans of their favorite artists.- The meaning behind the new album Severed Heart City, how it relates to their own story of constantly being broken hearted in music, and why it is ok

Making music that connects with fans of whatever genre you are in, isn't easy. Making music that connects with fans of other genres is even harder. Doing so and being able to connect on concert bills where you are the lightest band on the bill, it is nearly impossible. But there has to be something that creates that connection.And we found it with this band. No, there is no specific gimmick that makes them stand out. No, there is no member that was previously famous from another band trying something new. So what is it? The secret, is the ability to successfully tell stories with music, from the instrumentals, the vocal range, and the lyrics, all working in harmony.Travis from the post-hardcore band Colorblind is our guest on the Chord Progression Podcast today. With their new EP, Who Sold You This Truth?, released last week, we get you to understand the band even further. Today, we talk about:- Colorblind going on tour with blessthefall, being the lightest band on the bill, and fitting in perfectly for that

Sometimes artists write music to express their own emotions to us in a way that they couldn't do otherwise. Othertimes, they write music as it is the only thing that brings them happiness. The list of reasons goes on and on. But what about writing your music to call yourself out and take accountability?That is what we found with this artist in the heavy music scene. One that isnt afraid to create music that looks inward at his own faults, take accountability, and learn to move on. Hopefully, we are able to take it that same way and apply it to ourselves. And ask the question, "What would we do if we weren't afraid?"Joe from the metal band DED joins us on the Chord Progression Podcast today. An incredible, deep conversation is on the horizon with DED's new album "Resent" releasing on September 19th. On this episode, we dive into:- How we are currently living in a "changing of the guard" moment in heavy music, and why the self-accountable action to not gatekeeper newer artists is helping fuel the movement.- The

2 years ago, we brought an alt rock and grunge inspired 17 year old artist to the Chord Progression Podcast as he was bringing a fresh sound to the genre. After those 2 years, you might be wondering... what happened to him?It is 2025 and there is much more to talk about with him. And instead of having you search it up and try to see what he has been up to, we will take care of it ourselves right about now.Hunter Oliveri rejoins the Chord Progression Podcast for the 2nd time. Hunter is releasing his new album, Teen Slug, on September 19th, and we some catching up to do. On this episode, we talk about:- What Hunter has been up to over the past 2 years, and why he is putting so much content out on social media in order to garner attention for his music.- Why he played a show at an Air BnB, as well as why this might be a touring concept that he could pull off to promote the release of Teen Slug.- The new album Teen Slug, as well as how he further expanded his sound on this new album.You wanted new music from new

Put yourself in this position. You are an artist in the heavy music space that has been seemingly opening nearly every tour over the past few years. Every time it seems like fans go and see a show, you are on it. You want to take it to the next level, but how?Well we found a band in that exact same position and asking that exact same question. And what was their answer to that question? Upgrade their music making process to be greater than anything they have ever done before.The guys in Nevertel join the Chord Progression Podcast today! Nevertel's brand new album, Start Again, is releasing on September 12th, and we take the time to dive into the creation of the album like no one else will. On this episode, we discuss:- How the band upgraded their ability as writers and music creators on "Start Again" by working with outside producers instead of trying to create everything themselves.- Why Nevertel wrote "Start Again" across different sessions and in different locations, in order to capture emotions and moment