Signals From Mars Podcast

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 436: Vinyl Haul (October–Christmas Edition) 🎸

In this episode of Signals From Mars, I dig into my latest vinyl haul, covering records added to my collection from October through Christmas. This is a pure vinyl-focused episode, spotlighting albums picked up over the past few months and the stories, memories, and motivations behind each addition.

As always, this isn’t just a list of records — it’s a conv...

🎙️ Signals From Mars – Episode 435

Hour One: 2025 Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Recap

In Episode 435 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by longtime patrons Brad Dahl, Jeremy Weltman, and Ed Ferguson for a spoiler-free recap of hard rock and heavy metal in 2025.

This episode continues the revived Hour One format, focusing on conversation, reflection, and community rather than rankings, placements, or click-driven takes.

🔥 Episode To...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 434

October & November 2025 Hard Rock & Metal Albums Review (Livestream)

Episode 434 of Signals From Mars is a livestream-recorded episode featuring Victor M. Ruiz, joined by Jeremy and Ed, as they catch up on hard rock and heavy metal releases from October and November 2025.

Recorded on December 12, this episode continues the show’s long-standing mission: supporting new music and keeping the har...

In Episode 432 of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson, vocalist of Swedish thrashers Mezzrow, to discuss the band’s powerful new album Embrace The Awakening. Uffe reflects on Sweden’s enduring metal culture, the impact of recent losses in the community—especially Thomas Lindberg of At The Gates—and how Mezzrow rediscovered their spark decades after disbanding.

Uffe explains how the band reunited in 2021 after fi...

Signals From Mars – Episode 431: Rich Knox (Danko Jones)

In Episode 431, Victor is joined by Rich Knox, drummer for Danko Jones, to talk about the band’s new album Leo Rising, his journey into the band, working with Marty Friedman, and what keeps the Danko Jones sound sharp after more than a dozen years behind the kit.

Rich shares stories about his audition for the band, touring with The Darkness and Black Stone Cherry, the differenc...

Signals From Mars – Episode 430: Condition Critical

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tony Barhoum from New Jersey thrashers Condition Critical! Tony discusses the band’s first new album in nine years, Degeneration Chamber, their connection to New Jersey’s thrash legacy, and how they balance old-school aggression with a modern sound.

The conversation touches on the influence of local legends like Overkill and DD V...

Signals From Mars – Episode 429: Howling Giant

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tom Polzine and Sebastian Baltes from Nashville heavy rockers Howling Giant to discuss their new album Crucible & Ruin, released on Halloween.

The band talks about Nashville’s influence, how their sound has evolved since Glass Future, and how the addition of Adrian on keys expanded their creative scope. They share details about wr...

🎃 Signals From Mars – Episode 428: The Halloween Countdown 👻

It’s spooky season on Signals From Mars! In this special Halloween episode, Victor is joined by Dr. Poison himself, Brad Dahl, as they unveil the results of the fan-voted Halloween Countdown — the top 10 bands most associated with Halloween according to the Signals From Mars community! 🧛‍♂️🦇

Listeners from around the world submitted their lists, considering everything f...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 427: Remembering Ace Frehley

In this emotional episode of Signals From Mars, we celebrate the life and legacy of Ace Frehley — the original Space Ace whose sound, style, and spirit helped define generations of rock fans.

From the very first riff that drew us in as kids, Ace became part of the soundtrack of our lives. His guitar tone, his voice, and his unmistakable feel shaped not only KISS but countles...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 426: US Vinyl Hall 🎸

In this episode, I take you through my latest vinyl haul — featuring albums, CDs, cassettes, and signed posters I picked up during my trip to the U.S. and a few classics rediscovered in my parents’ home. I also share some of the vinyl I’ve added to my collection here in Spain throughout the year.

This is a deep dive into collecting, nostalgia, and the stories behind the music that ...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 425 (Livestream Recording) 🎸

Join me live on October 3rd with Jeremy and Ed as we dig into the new hard rock and metal releases from September 2025. 🤘

We’ll be sharing our reactions, favorite tracks, and hot takes on the latest albums — from the big names to the hidden gems. Expect debate, surprises, and plenty of music talk!

💬 Jump into the live chat and let us know your thoughts on this summer’s rel...

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by Jeremy and Ed to review the new hard rock and metal album releases from July and August 2025. Together, they dive into standout records, hidden gems, and surprising letdowns across a wide spectrum of styles — from thrash and power metal to gothic and progressive sounds.

This is the first live episode in months, marking the start of Year 16 of the podcast. Expect passionate ta...

In this episode of Signals From Mars, I’m joined by Laura Donnelly, vocalist of the incredible Scottish doom metal band Kingwitch. We dive deep into the making of their latest album, III — their most powerful and emotionally resonant release yet.

Laura opens up about the five-year gap between albums, much of which was shaped by family life, creative resets, and the band’s commitment to authenticity. We explore how having a child and...

In episode 422 of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes back longtime friend and podcasting peer Joshua Toomey for a deep and candid conversation about the state of podcasting, legacy rock bands, and Toomey’s latest creative projects.

Toomey—co-host of The David Ellefson Podcast, host of Talk Toomey, and member of the reunited Primer 55—opens up about his podcasting evolution, lessons learned from past co-hosts and platforms (including...

🎙️ In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor and Jeremy return with the second installment of “Vinyl Confessions,” diving deep into the records that mean the most to them. Whether it’s about musicianship, emotional connection, or unforgettable stories tied to each LP, this is more than just a show-and-tell — it’s a tribute to why vinyl still matters.

From iconic classics to unexpected favorites, each album comes with personal in...

This episode centers on a full fan and panelist breakdown of the Back to the Beginning tribute concert — the final show for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. The panel (Victor, Brad, and Jeremy) reviews performances, band lineups, vocal quality, setlists, and surprises from the event.

Major topics covered:

• 🎤 Commentary on Ozzy's set and vocal performance
• 🥁 The original Black Sabbath reunion with Bill Ward on drums
• 🤘 Highlights an...

We’re back with a fresh batch of riffs, reviews, and recommendations as we dive into the hard rock and metal album releases from June 2025! In this episode, Jeremy Weltman joins me once again to break down four solid weeks of new music. From well-known acts to rising names and left-field surprises, we take a critical listen and give our unfiltered opinions on what hit hard—and what missed the mark.

Every week brought something uniqu...

In this episode of Signals From Mars, I’m joined by Matt Hartnett and Tanner Poppitt—the creative duo behind the powerful new documentary Lifers.

🎥 Lifers is a raw, heartfelt deep-dive into the lives of musicians who never gave up—regardless of fame, money, or mainstream recognition. These are the road warriors, the underground legends, the unsung heroes of heavy rock who keep doing it for the love of the music. I caught the docume...