Ep78. Festi-Fall
It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.
Apr 28, 2023•39 min•Ep. 78
Feckin’ Metal Podcast
Fearghal Traynor, co-host of The Feckin’ Check-In, presents a podcast from Dublin, Ireland which celebrates hard rock and heavy metal, both old and new. Enjoy interviews, reviews, informal chats, and special series arcs spanning multiple episodes.
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Episodes
Ep77. Jarvis Leatherby (Night Demon)
Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 77
Ep76. Armstrong Gun
It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc. We also discuss gallivanting, c...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 76
Ep75. Biff Byford (Saxon)
It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.
Feb 22, 2023•53 min•Ep. 75
Ep74. News, Recent Releases, And Love, Sweet Love
On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one.
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 74
Ep73. Oliver Weinsheimer (Keep It True Festival)
On this edition of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Oliver Weinsheimer (Oli), who is the organiser of the long-established Keep It True festival in Germany, along with several other heavy metal festivals over the years. We discuss the early days of the festival and the inspiration behind it, consulting the phone book to find bands, branching out to two festivals a year, booking bands for exclusive sets, helping to reunite bands, the placement of legacy acts on the top of the bill, and what the future ho...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 73
Ep72. Fergal ”H” Holmes (DME Promotions)
In the final piece of my short run of Irish-themed episodes, I speak to Fergal Holmes, also known as "H", owner of DME Promotions. Fergal has been promoting metal and rock gigs in Ireland since 1999 and takes me from his early beginnings putting on gigs for the love of it, right though the development of a successful and profitable business. This is a story of hard work, loyalty, and earning respect of your peers, and the lessons learned along the way.
Jan 25, 2023•53 min•Ep. 72
Ep71. John Bonham (Old Season, Celtic Legacy)
On this episode, I speak to speak to John Bonham, singer in Irish metal bands Old Season and Celtic Legacy, as well as Iron Maiden tribute band - Iorn Maiden. Hear about receiving Skype singing lessons from Tony Harnell of TNT, auditions while having bronchitis, participation in talent show "The Voice", in both Ireland and the UK (and the inner-workings of such shows), and replacing singers in two established Irish metal bands. John is an engaging and entertaining guest with many stories to tell...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 71
Ep70. A Fart Heard ’Round The World
On this episode of Feckin' Metal I speak to Máirtín "Fart" Mac Cormaic, a heavy metal aficionado, former record store co-owner, record label owner, serial festival-goer, and friend to many in the heavy metal community at home and abroad. We talk about early introductions to metal, the Irish scene in the 1990s, travelling to festivals, giving up drinking, music collecting, encounters with Iron Maiden, and a whole lot more! Fart has been there, done that, and bought hundreds of t-shirts!
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 70
Ep69. Talking Phil Lynott With Mick Wall
On the 37th anniversary of his death, Mick Wall and I celebrate the life of legendary Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Mick knew Phil back in the 1970s and 1980s, and draws from his extensive catalogue of first-hand stories, as we discuss the greatest Irish rock star of them all.
Jan 04, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 69
Ep68. Mick Wall Talks Maiden
Previously released on Mick's podcast "Mick Wall", here is the chat I had with Mick about all things Maiden, featuring bonus content of our chats before and after the official recording!
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 68
Ep67. The Day We Caught The Train
This episode, recorded in August 2022, but never released, is a conversation between my friend Kevin and I, discussing the eventful day that we travelled by train from Dublin to Belfast to see Iron Maiden in June 2022, and a review of the concert itself. Plenty of stories and shenanigans in this one, and you'll definitely recognise some of the people who pop up!
Dec 17, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 67
Ep66. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 6
In this lost episode from the Virtual XI series, I go back in time to April 2022 and excavate an episode that evaded the editing process. In it, Andrew DuBroy and I dissect the missing link of our never-ending Virtual XI story "Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger". Also included is a confessional from me, hoping to adequately explain my lengthy absence from your "New Episodes" list. Enjoy!
Dec 13, 2022•40 min•Ep. 66
Ep65. Nor’easter
On this episode, I speak to Andrew and Chris from Nor'easter, a band based in Eastern Connecticut. A band that recorded an album in 1989, and disappeared off the face off the earth. These songs have never been heard, until now! Chris and Andrew talk me through the early days of the Nor'easter, and how they have never played an indoor show. We discuss their influences such as Ozzy, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and Judas Priest, and their early 4 and and 8-track recordings, that were final...
Oct 21, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 65
Ep64. Armstrong Gun
On this episode of Feckin' Metal, I speak to all three members of Armstrong Gun, who have recently self-released their self-titled debut album. You can hear all about how that came together, along with the meaning of the word "Scraggard", how Aretha Franklin is linked to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, and future plans for the band for the next 200,000 years! This was a very enjoyable and informative chat with an up and coming metal band whom I predict good things for in the future....
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 64
Ep63. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 5
In the final part of my pentalogy (it's a thing, I looked it up), with Andrew DuBroy, we tackle the Spanish language, British and Argentinian history, an epic Iron Maiden album-closer, but mostly, our own sobriety. This is, of course, the final track on Virtual XI - Como Estais Amigos. Let us know what you think, on Twitter @feckinmetalcast
Aug 31, 2022•53 min•Ep. 63
Ep62. Steven Waddell (Oath Sc)
I catch up with Steven Waddell from Oath Sc and we discuss all the goings-on between the release of Computer Warrior, and his current album "Hallowed Illusions". Hear about the reasons why he left Tantrum, working in a band vs. working solo, the recording studio vs. live shows, operating on 4 hours of sleep, merch, vinyl, profits, royalties, and much more!
Jul 29, 2022•58 min•Ep. 62
Ep61. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 4
Your favourite educated fools are back to bring you the fourth installment in our review of Iron Maiden's eleventh studio album, Virtual XI. This one includes listener feedback on the last two episodes, and contains much soul-searching from both Andrew and I.
Jul 20, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 61
Ep60. Jeff Crossdale (Strangers With Guns)
Feckin' Metal has finally returned, and on this installment I speak to Jeff Crossdale, lead singer of Dublin-based heavy rock band Strangers With Guns. Jeff discusses the Irish music scene in depth, and what it's like to be in a gigging, local band. We talk about the concept of paying dues in the music industry, not getting paid for gigs, dodgy promoters, and unsavoury establishments. We also cover the song-writing process and take a close look at some lyrics and song meanings. This was a fascin...
Jul 14, 2022•57 min•Ep. 60
Ep59. Jarvis Leatherby (Night Demon)
Making his third appearance on Feckin' Metal, is a man who wears many hats in the music industry - musician, band manager, record label owner, and festival promoter, Jarvis Leatherby. In this chat we discuss the machinations of a music festival like Frost and Fireland or Hell's Heroes, and some of the politics that go with it. Should "legacy" bands be given prime billing due to their past glories? Is it time to take a punt on younger bands in the headlining slots? Can we make lunchtime slots a t...
Jun 05, 2022•53 min•Ep. 59
Ep58. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 3
The Virtual Eleven play on, as Andrew and I examine the next song on the album "When Two Worlds Collide". Don't be quick to dismiss this track as a dud. There's a lot going on beneath the surface!
May 31, 2022•40 min•Ep. 58
Ep57. Andy (Book of Skulls Dungeon Crawling Table-Top Game)
In a temporary departure from my Virtual XI series, I interview Andy, creator of the Book of Skulls table top board game, which has strong ties to heavy metal. Learn about how the germ of the idea came about from watching an episode of Community, and allow Andy to guide you through the entire creative process of developing a board game, an app, and a heavy metal soundtrack to go with it! Something truly different for Feckin' Metal, which I found absolutely fascinating.
May 17, 2022•51 min•Ep. 57
Ep56. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 2
It's Part 2, or maybe II, of my Virtual XI review with everyone's favourite Canadian Andrew DuBroy. Prepare yourselves for alternate takes on "Lightning Strikes Twice" and "The Clansman", and a truncated Irish history lesson!
May 14, 2022•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 56
Ep55. Virtual XI Review With Andrew DuBroy Part 1
In Part 1 one of this three-parter, I welcome back Andrew DuBroy, whom regular listeners will remember from our Senjutsu review series back in November 2021. This episode covers some relevant Iron Maiden history, our own initial experiences with this album, analysis of the first two tracks, and copious quantities of shenanigans and tomfoolery. Expect Steve Harris and Blaze Bayley impressions galore, as Andrew and I put on our VR headsets and immerse ourselves in 1998's Virtual XI!
Apr 29, 2022•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 55
Ep54. Unto Others Live Review, Upcoming Gigs, Recent Releases, & Noteworthy News
In this episode, I review the recent Unto Others gig from Whelan's, in Dublin, Ireland, on the 14th of March. I also look ahead to upcoming festivals and gigs on my calendar for 2022, with a specific focus on Hell's Heroes IV in Houston, Texas in April. On top of that, I take a look at recent releases from Saxon, (the) Scorpions, Ghost, and Sabaton. And last but not least, I take a look at recent news items from the heavy metal world that have piqued my interest, featuring Black Sabbath, Dio, Th...
Mar 28, 2022•56 min•Ep. 54
Ep53. Ferg’s Quest (Unto Others)
Join me, Ferg, as I continue my quest to find great heavy metal, both old and new. After departing from Sweden, I've stopped off in Portland, Oregon, United States, to check in with the gothic metal band Unto Others, previously know as Idle Hands. This episode examines songs across the discography of the band, delving into lyrical themes and arriving all sorts of conclusions. The quest continues!
Mar 15, 2022•59 min•Ep. 53
Ep52. Ferg’s Quest (Universe)
In this episode, I delve deep into the obscure, Swedish, 80s metal band Universe, and their follow-up band from the 2010s - Universe Infinity. If you've never listened to the self-titled album from 1985, you're in for a treat. A true hidden gem of 1980s heavy metal. The question is, when they returned to the stage (and the studio) in the late 2010s, could they live up to this fantastic debut? Join me on Installment 2 of Ferg's Quest to find out!
Feb 22, 2022•47 min•Ep. 52
Ep51. Neil Young, Joe Rogan, and Spotify Walk Into A Bar...
On this episode, in a slight departure from the norm, I take a look at the developing situation with Neil Young, Joe Rogan, Spotify, and a growing cast of characters. I am joined by two semi-regular guests in Nesbit and Philipp Trummer. We look at the ins and outs of censorship, streaming platforms, record labels, selling song libraries, and potential loss of income from this apparently rash decision by everyone's favourite contrarian, Neil Young.
Feb 01, 2022•48 min•Ep. 51
Ep50. Tony Martin (Black Sabbath)
This week, Tony Martin discusses his new solo album "Thorns", as well as a deep dive into his tenure with Black Sabbath from 1987 to 1995. We discuss how Tony became inspired to record an album after connecting with Scott McClellan on Facebook, we discuss the lyrics and songwriting approach to Thorns, we discuss Tony's initial recruitment to Black Sabbath, his coming and going from the band, his approach to lyric writing, hidden meanings behind song lyrics, and much more! This is also the first ...
Jan 22, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 50
Ep49. Reflections On Keep It True Rising And Plans For 2022
This week I reflect on visiting the Keep it True Rising festival in November 2021, and lay out plans for Feckin' Metal in 2022.
Jan 14, 2022•51 min•Ep. 49
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