his week I’m joined by Rob Watkins of Australian black metal upstarts, Black Lava, to discuss the making of their forthcoming debut, “Soul Furnace”, signing with Season Of Mist, recording vocals with Covid and more. Later I give the new Darkthrone record, “Astral Fortress” a thorough going over and my final verdict may surprise you. PLUS - in my weekly news rant I give you my first impressions of new tracks by Vulvodynia, Destroyer 666, Katatonia and more. ▶️SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://yout...
Nov 01, 2022•2 hr 39 min
Keith Rich, drummer for Iowa-based psychedelic doom merchants Druids, joins the podcast to discuss their incredible new album, "Shadow Work". I also run down some of my favourite October album releases, including records by Daeva, Mother Of Graves, Abduction, The Antichrist Imperium, Goatwhore and more. PLUS - my weekly news rant where I give my first impressions of the new Darkthrone single, react to Greg Mackintosh and Nick Holmes revisiting one of Paradise Lost's most divisive albums with HOS...
Oct 25, 2022•2 hr 34 min
Names are taken and asses are kicked when no less than THREE of the Horsemen Of The Podcast Apocalypse come together to count down our favourite 90s black metal records. Hosts of the weekly Necromaniacs podcast, Mike Hill (Tombs, Scorpion Throne) and Mike Scondotto (Inhuman) join me for this epic special episode. Plus - a taste of the stunning new Trivax EP and my weekly news rant where I give my first impressions of new tracks by Kanonenfieber, Exhumed, Woods of Desolation and more. ▶️SUBSCRIBE...
Oct 18, 2022•3 hr 22 min
This week the great and powerful Sammy Duet of Goatwhore returns to the podcast to give me a track-by-track breakdown of their new record, “Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven”. Along the way we also discuss several other topics, including his own personal experience of Hurricane Katrina, touring with Danzig, who he’d most like to work with in the future and a whole lot more besides. PLUS - I review the new Antichrist Imperium album, “Vol III: Satan In His Original Glory”, and react to the lat...
Oct 11, 2022•2 hr 50 min
This week I have the pleasure of welcoming Blast Vader himself, aka David Gray of Akercocke, Voices and The Antichrist Imperium to the podcast for the first time. We discuss the making of the spectacular new Antichrist Imperium record, “Vol III: Satan In His Original Glory”, the early days of Akercocke, what drew us both to metal and much more. Later on in the show, I also review the new Strigoi album, “Viscera”, and on my weekly news rant, I listen to and give you my first impressions of new si...
Oct 04, 2022•2 hr 44 min
On another special Friday edition of the podcast, I meet Cwellere of UK black metal upstarts, Aldorfrea, to talk about their debut album, “Thy Kingdom Cold”. He gives me a crash course on ancient English history and how it informs his lyric-writing and we also talk about his own journey into black metal and starting a band. PLUS - two underground bands you absolutely need on your radar get their moment in the ITN spotlight: New Zealand’s Vicissitude and Ireland’s Procession of Spectres. ▶️SUBSCR...
Sep 30, 2022•1 hr 14 min
Tomas Akvik of Bloodbath joins the show this week to discuss the making of “Survival Of The Sickest”, how he ended up joining the band as a full-time member, horror movies and more. I also review the hugely hyped third Gaerea record, “Mirage” and on my weekly news rant I give you my first impressions of new tracks by Black Lava, Theotoxin and more. ▶️SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://youtube.com/c/IntoTheNecrosphere ▶️INTO THE NECROSPHERE MERCH: https://into-the-necrosphere.creator-spring.com ▶️L...
Sep 27, 2022•2 hr 35 min
This week, I have the pleasure of an in-depth conversation with Scott Carstairs of Fallujah about their blistering new record, “Empyrean”, how growing older shaped his work as a guitarist and songwriter and much more. I also review “Opvs Contra Natvram” by Behemoth, and give you my first impression of the latest tracks by Destroyer 666, Mother of Graves, and Veilburner on my weekly news rant. ▶️SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://youtube.com/c/IntoTheNecrosphere ▶️INTO THE NECROSPHERE MERCH: https:...
Sep 21, 2022•2 hr 40 min
On this episode of the podcast, I make full use of the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with one of my all-time musical idols, Greg Mackintosh of Paradise Lost, Strigoi and Vallenfyre. We discuss the making of the upcoming Strigoi record, “Viscera”, the evolution of his unique playing style, his approach to vocals and lyrics and what keeps him motivated and focused as an artist after more than three decades in the industry. PLUS - I review “Shadow Work”, the latest record by Iowan ston...
Sep 13, 2022•2 hr 40 min
Rogier Droog, aka RSDX of Hell Militia joins the podcast this week to discuss the making of the band’s monstrous new album, “Hollow Void”. Along the way, we also discuss his interest in snakes, how he coped with lockdowns in his country and what kept Hell Militia out of the recording studio for nearly a decade. Then, I review the debut record by an Into The Necrosphere “Demo of the Week” alumni - “Thy Kingdom Cold” by Aldorfrea. PLUS - my weekly news rant where I give you my first impressions of...
Sep 06, 2022•2 hr 35 min
This week I talk to KEN Mode vocalist/guitarist Jesse Matthewson about MMA, professionalism in the music industry, balancing small business ownership with being in a band, "NULL" and much more. Then it's on to a review of "Aeturnum" of Hexis, along with my weekly news rant where I react to new singles by Enslaved, Botch, Kampfar, Venom Inc, Devin Townsend and others. ▶️SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://youtube.com/c/IntoTheNecrosphere ▶️INTO THE NECROSPHERE MERCH: https://into-the-necrosphere.cre...
Aug 30, 2022•2 hr 39 min
This week Jon Davis of UK-based sludge purveyors, Conan, blows my mind with his idea to revolutionize the music industry. We also discuss the writing process for Conan’s brilliant new album, “Evidence Of Immortality”, going back out on tour after Covid and a lot more. PLUS: a review of the new record by Grima, and my first impressions of the latest tracks by Behemoth, Strigoi, Stormruler, Black Lava and more on my lengthiest news rant to date. Support the bands featured on this episode: CONAN ht...
Aug 23, 2022•2 hr 48 min
On this week’s episode, A|V of the British black metal band, Abduction, makes his long overdue return to the show to discuss “Black Blood”, signing to Candelight Records, the state of the scene and much more. I also review “Blood & Bonemeal”, the debut by New Jersey doom/death collective, Reeking Aura, and give you my first impressions of new tracks by Bloodbath, Revocation, Trial and others. PLUS - my take on the attempt by a member of the Woke Taliban to cancel Metallica. Support the bands...
Aug 16, 2022•2 hr 57 min
This week I kick off the podcast in grand fashion with the world premiere of the first single taken from the forthcoming Antichrist Imperium record, “Vol 3: Satan In His Original Glory”. Then I host an in-depth conversation with a member of Portuguese black metal battalion, Gaerea, about the band’s upcoming album, “Mirage”, their live show, lyrical philosophy and more. I also review “Divine Council”, the beastly new release by Psycroptic and on my news rants segment, I give you my first impressi...
Aug 09, 2022•2 hr 27 min
This week I’m visiting with Jason Peppiatt of Australian death metal legends, Psycroptic. We discuss their upcoming record, “Divine Council”, Jason’s journey into music, his take on the Pantera reunion, his art and much more. I also review “Mortem Solis” by Krisiun and give you my first impressions of new tracks by Goatwhore, Behemoth and more on my spiciest news rant to date. Plus: a HUGE announcement about next week’s show… Support the bands featured on this episode: PSYCROPTIC https://psycrop...
Aug 02, 2022•2 hr 30 min
On this episode, I welcome Internal Bleeding founding member, Chris Pervelis, to the podcast. We discuss all things death metal, life on the road, Chris’ career outside of the music industry, some of our favourite TV shows and a lot more. I also review the third installment in Panzerfaust’s blistering “Suns Of Perdition” quadrilogy and react to new tracks by Strigoi, Cripple Black Phoenix, Abhor and others on my news rants and reacts segment. Support the bands featured on this episode: INTERNAL ...
Jul 26, 2022•2 hr 45 min
It’s always a good time when I catch up with my brother Shayan of Trivax and The Iblis Manifestation podcast, and this episode is definitely no exception. On this installment of the podcast, we discuss and debate a raft of topics across the cultural and political spectrums, along with a host of other topics in between. PLUS - Shayan gives an update on the status of the forthcoming Trivax record. I also review “Aube Noir” by French black metallers, Orob, and give you my first impressions of my ne...
Jul 12, 2022•3 hr 13 min
On this episode, I talk to Adam Agius of Alchemist (also The Levitation Hex and Pilots of Baalbek) about the early days of the band, signing to Relapse in the early 2000s, along with the events that led up to the band disbanding in 2010. I also ask the question: "What would it take for Alchemist to get back together?" PLUS - I review "Svartsyn", the comeback record by Norwegian black metal collective, Khold. And in another epic news rant, I check out latest tracks being dropped by Panzerfaust, G...
Jul 05, 2022•2 hr 55 min
Matt Wilcock of Werewolves, The Antichrist Imperium and Shotgun Mistress makes his long overdue return to the podcast this week. We discuss the making of and the incredible response to the latest Werewolves record, "From The Cave To The Grave", and I get another update on the forthcoming Antichrist Imperium album. We also cover a number of other topics near and dear to our manly hearts, including the state of the Predator film franchise and the music of Guns ‘n Roses. Later, I review the latest ...
Jun 28, 2022•2 hr 52 min
This week I’m joined by Dagon and Azrael, founding members of UK black metal collective, Heathen Deity, to talk about their triumphant appearance at this year’s Incineration Fest, the early days of the band and to lift the lid off the mystery surrounding the more than two decade wait for their debut album. I also review “From The Cave To The Grave” by Werewolves, and after a week-long absence, the news rant segment returns with my first impressions of new tracks by Behemoth, Sigh, Psycroptic, Co...
Jun 21, 2022•2 hr 39 min
n this episode of the show, Naas Alcameth of Akhlys and Nightbringer joins me to help make sense of a senseless world. We discuss his music, performing live, spirituality, weightlifting and, of course, we delve into a number of spicy cultural topics in what turns out to be one of the longest and most in-depth conversations I’ve recorded for the show to date. Support the bands featured on this episode: AKHLYS https://akhlys.bandcamp.com/ NIGHTBRINGER https://nightbringer.bandcamp.com/ PANZERFAUST...
Jun 14, 2022•2 hr 53 min
Christian Larson of Necrofier and Night Cobra returns to Into The Necrosphere to talk about touring with Danzig, the response to “Prophecies Of Eternal Darkness”, Hell’s Heroes and much more. I also review THE debut release of 2022 - “Apologetica” by Patristic, introduce the blackened death metal stylings of Necronium and react to new cuts by Massacre, Entrails and more. Support the bands featured on this episode: NECROFIER https://necrofier.bandcamp.com/ NIGHT COBRA https://nightcobra.bandcamp....
Jun 07, 2022•2 hr 20 min
Johan van Hattum and Joose Vervoort of Terzij De Horde are my guests this week. We get knee-deep in the themes and ideas that make up their outstanding sophomore record, “In One Of These I Am Your Enemy”, talk about their experiences playing live after Covid, discuss their creative process and much more. I also review “Modern Primitive”, the hotly anticipated 11th full-length by Septicflesh and on my news rants and reacts segment, I give you my first impression of new tracks by Krisiun, Khold, B...
May 31, 2022•2 hr 38 min
On this episode of the podcast, I’m cracking wise with Andy Marshall of Saor about the band’s upcoming record, “Origins”, meeting Kevin Bacon while on tour in the States, fitting into the black metal scene and much more. I also review the latest Blut Aus Nord record, share my thoughts on the High End Munich 2022 hifi show and react to new tracks by Imperial Triumphant, Witchery, Luminous Vault and more. Support the bands featured on this episode: SAOR https://saor.bandcamp.com/ BLUT AUS NORD htt...
May 24, 2022•2 hr 50 min
In a first for Into The Necrosphere, my brother Evan Hopper of Quell joins me to co-host an episode. We discuss his move back to the US, getting healthy, the very sad news about Trevor Strnad of Black Dahlia Murder and much more. PLUS - we also review the latest records by Cosmic Putrefaction and Au-Dessus and we do a combined news rants and reacts segment, where we give our first impressions of, among others, new tracks by Deathwhite, Behemoth, Decapitated, Origin and more. Support the bands fe...
May 17, 2022•2 hr 42 min
Kirk Windstein of Crowbar makes his debut on this installment of Into The Necrosphere as we discuss the tremendous response to their latest record, “Zero And Below”. We also talk about how life on the road has changed for him, relationships, self-care and well-being and get the scoop that other little-known band he’s involved in, DOWN. Plus - a review of the latest Haunter record and my first impressions of new tracks by Werewolves, Kampfar, Urkraft and more. Support the bands featured on this e...
May 10, 2022•2 hr 36 min
On another special Friday edition of Into The Necrosphere I discuss “Servants of Violence”, the upcoming record by UK sledgehammer groove upstarts, Casket Feeder, with two of its creators - Connor Cazelet-Smith and Graham Wallace. We cover their triumphant turn at Bloodstock, nearly calling it quits during the pandemic and a lot more. Plus, I turn the spotlight on two other excellent independent bands, Master’s Call and Anachronistic. Support the bands featured on this episode: CASKET FEEDER htt...
May 06, 2022•1 hr 23 min
Sam Bean makes his long-awaited return to Into The Necrosphere to discuss life, politics and provide massive updates on the upcoming Werewolves and Antichrist Imperium records. PLUS - has the latest Watain record managed to convince a naysayer like me? I’ll give you my view on “The Agony & Ecstacy Of Watain”. I also react to new tracks Khold, Ligfaerd, Hexis, Saor and more. Support the bands featured on this episode: WEREWOLVES https://werewolvesdeathmetal.bandcamp.com/ WAITAIN https://watai...
May 03, 2022•3 hr 26 min
Ralph Schmidt of Ultha joins me on this episode to discuss the band's breathtaking record, “All That Has Never Been True”. Along the way, we also delve into a number of other topics including the effect that the Covid-19 lockdowns had on his writing, balancing a job as a teacher with life as a musician and much more. I also review the latest records by Troops of Doom and Aeviterne, and give you my first impressions of new tracks by Septicflesh, Rotting Christ and Blut Aus Nord during my weekly m...
Apr 26, 2022•2 hr 42 min
On this episode, Alexander Jones of Undeath joins me for a riotous conversation about their upcoming record, "It's Time To Rise… From The Grave". Along the way, he also shares his experience of the music industry, we discuss our desert island death metal tracks and we talk about Chris Barnes' infamous denunciation of the scene. I also review the latest record by Terzeij De Horde and check out new tracks by Aara, Wormrot, Denouncement Pyre and more. Support the bands featured on this episode: UND...
Apr 19, 2022•2 hr 26 min
