Shit Talk Reviews

A 19-minute metal record is turning heads because it shouldn't work this well - and yet A Fate Worse Than Loneliness by Showing Teeth does just that. Addison, the viral TikTok vocalist from Louisville mixes pop instincts, metalcore precision, and full-on death metal chaos into something wild, modern, and strangely accessible.

The STR malcontents break down why the album feels so fresh right now, from the ear-splitting opener...

Starset’s Annihilation sounds huge, polished, and futuristic - but is it actually gripping, or just packaged metal? Derek and John get into the heart of what makes the track work for one listener and fall flat for another, using it as a launchpad for a bigger conversation about modern metal, production, and what actually makes a song hit.

John breaks down why Starset’s mix of melodic vocals, chunky riffs, electro...

The Barbarians of California just dropped a record that refuses to sit still. Megatons is heavy enough to flatten you, catchy enough to live in your head for days and accessible enough to win over people who don’t even think they like metal. Derek and John break down why this album feels less like a genre exercise and more like a fully formed world of its own.

What makes Megatons so compelling is the way it pulls from hard...

The godfather of heavy riffs.
The architect of heavy metal.
The guitarist's guitarist.

In this episode the Shit Talk duo digs into Tony Iommi’s new single “World Alone” and share their completely unsolicited take on what they think works musically—and what doesn’t. 

Get out the pitchforks people, there are hot takes inbound: While both agree the riffs, production, and musicians...

Uncover the behind-the-scenes genius of Aaron Bruno — the mastermind blending heavy music, pop sensibility, and wild creativity in ways you’ve never heard before.

If you haven’t seen part one of our chat with Aaron Bruno, be sure to start there and then pop back over here!

Aaron Bruno, the iconic voice behind AWOL Nation and now the fiery Barbarians of California, reveals how he's breaking the rules ...

Aaron Bruno breaks the mold—and the rules—in a conversation packed with raw honesty, beeline humor, and insider stories music fans will love. From celebrating his journey with AWOLNATION and now The Barbarians Of California to revealing how a hardcore kid’s vocals matured into arena-level skills, Bruno pulls back the curtain on creativity, fame, and the unbreakable bond with his fans—plus, the tales of stage...

In an untraditionally self-aware conversation, John and Derek revisit a previous hot take about Amon Amarth and Derek admits he may have judged the current status of the band too quickly. Derek gets into why he thinks “Gjallarhorn” feels like a return to the band’s aggressive Viking metal roots and John acknowledges his podcasting ineptitude and lack of general catalog knowledge. Along the way, they dig into the b...

In this episode, John and Derek dig into Amon Amarth’s new acoustic surprise, “upphaf” and debate whether the band’s newer sound is a bold evolution or a step too far from their roots. Longtime fans might argue that Amon Amarth has shifted toward polished, fist-pumping festival anthems and too far away from tracks like “First Kill.” And thus the question comes back again: Are bands able to succes...

If you already know who Boundaries is, then you know their latest album "Yearning: The Unbeautiful After" is incredibly powerful. If you're not yet familiar with the band, prepare yourself to be introduced to the band that is currently defining what metalcore is: Aggressive, honest and downright brutal.

Derek and John break down why this record, rooted in raw emotion and inspired by tragedy, might just be the future of the g...

Unlock the raw intensity behind Mastodon's haunting new single "Your Ghost," a powerful tribute to loss, grief, and legacy that echoes through the heavy riffs and emotional lyrics.

In this episode, John and Derek delve into the deeply personal story woven into Mastodon's latest release, exploring how grief, anger, and remembrance shape the band's sound and message. The Shit Talk buffoons unpack the heartfelt themes of mourni...

Most death metal fans haven't heard the full story behind Chuck Schuldiner's legacy—until now. Matt Harvey, the legendary guitarist and vocalist from Exhumed, Gruesome, and now Left to Die, shares candid insights into his journey from learning classic death riffs as a teen to stepping into Chuck Schuldiner's shoes. Discover how one of the most respected death metal figures of all time influences a new generation and why prese...

100 Demons have unleashed Embrace the Black Light, a ferocious, anger-fueled record that’s been 22 years in the making. Derek and John get into how this long-awaited album challenges modern rock’s safety and the artistry behind its relentless riffs, raw (yet polished) production and provocative artwork. If you're craving pure heavy, this is their statement—an onslaught of hardcore and metal that refuses to fit int...

Most heavy metal bands try to reinvent the wheel — these guys just crush it with old-school thrash that hits like a freight train. Denmark’s Persecutor is redefining the genre, blending fierce nostalgia with modern aggression on their recent album Casualties Of Violence, a 31-minute album packed with relentless riffs and raw energy. Stefan Sorensen, riff meister and long-time member, takes us inside the band's creative ...

John and Derek get into the wild, boundary-pushing world of Greg Kubacki—musician, guitar wizard, and innovator behind the chaos of Sun Guts and Car Bomb. The guys talk about how Greg’s relentless pursuit of sonic destruction redefines modern metal, with riffs so heavy they feel like driving a truck on black ice—unpredictable, powerful and sometimes downright terrifying. If you've ever wondered how a guitar can so...

Guest Ole Frank is the drummer and producer of Danish prog metal band Deadnate, known for his meticulous approach to recording and mixing, which helped shape the sound of Mosaic—a record praised for its clarity, aggression, and emotional depth.
A lot of heavy bands struggle to balance raw energy with polished production, but Deadnate pulls it off effortlessly—and their latest album Mosaic is a masterclass in that del...

In this proglicious episode, the Shit Talk yahoos dive deep into A Pale White Dot, examining why even the most polished metal records can feel a little off to some listeners while being absolutely perfect to others. Some tracks blast into your face like a freight train, while others meander into synth-rich territory that leave some folks yearning for more of the heavy. They get into their standout moments from the record—high...

If you’re sleeping on Deadnate’s new record Mosaic, do yourself a favor and wake up from that beautiful slumber. This album is a relentless, genre-blending killer that expertly combines thrash, prog, and raw aggression. It’s self-produced but sounds like a big-budget release. If you're tired of overproduced, sterile metal albums, this one will hit hard—sonically massive, thoughtfully arranged, and packed wit...

The much-anticipated collaboration between grindcore legends Napalm Death and the legendary Melvins is here— but does it live up to the hype? Dive into a raw, candid breakdown of "Savage Imperial Death March," where the consensus seems to be that it's more Melvins than Napalm Death and it lacks the of aggression and the heavy dose of Napalm Death that may leave some fans of either band feeling disappointed. Check why this alb...

If you're into progressive metal that combines raw intensity with meticulous craftsmanship, Periphery should be high on your list of must listen material. John and Derek get into Mr. God, the first single from Periphery's upcoming album A Pale White Dot. 

This latest single, on their own 3 Dot Recordings, is a ferocious mix of chunky, heavy baritone guitars, monstrous bass tones, searing vocals and huge drums— all...