Andy Thomas, guitarist for Rivers of Nihil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:12:10 The Sound of Period Instruments and Fixed Bridge Guitars 00:17:50 The Debate on Coated Guitar Strings 00:23:13 Vibrato Techniques for an EverTune 00:33:57 Mastering Complex Guitar Techniques for Live Performances 00:39:36 Managing Stage Presence and Timing Techniques 00:45:17 Overcoming Stage Fright 01:01:52 Handling Technical Difficulties During Live Performances 01:13:11 Guitar Playing Tip...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 186
Isaac Delahaye, guitarist for Epica, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:20 Crafting the Perfect Song: Finding the Groove 00:12:28 Navigating Constructive Criticism in Bands 00:21:29 The Importance of Simplicity in Music Production 00:29:47 Challenges in Mixing Orchestral Metal Music 00:46:19 Top Metal Mixers: Ranking the Best Audio Engineers 00:50:20 Importance of Initial Mix Feedback 00:57:25 Preparing for Live Performances: Techniques and Stamina 00:58:14 Mastering Righ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 185
Donny Burbage, guitarist for Cradle of Filth, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:03 The Swedish Influence on Melodic Metal 00:22:20 Frustrations with College Education System 00:33:32 The Art of Genre Switching in Music 00:39:01 Crafting "Redneck Vikings from Hell" 00:49:42 Preparing for the Gig: Three Weeks to Learn the Set 00:59:48 Salvaging a Musical Disaster 01:15:21 The Challenge of Developing Song Ideas SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON ...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 184
Yannick Lehmann, guitarist of Paleface Swiss, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:11 The Importance of Enjoyable Exercise 00:06:50 Preparing Mentally for a Stage Performance 00:10:07 Guitar Picking Techniques for More Power 00:23:28 Crafting a Raw and Authentic Album 00:27:03 Songwriting Process with Reaper 00:34:40 Exploring Guitar Tones with Quad Cortex and Reaper 00:41:16 Jens Bogren's Impact on Metal Music Production 00:47:54 The Making of Our Best Song in 2 Hours 00:5...
Apr 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 183
Zach Householder, guitarist of Whitechapel, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:53 Copyright and Musical Originality 00:12:12 European Tour Recap 00:17:46 Crafting Impactful Riffs 00:23:43 The Importance of a Second Set of Ears in Songwriting 00:35:29 Optimizing Guitar Speaker and Mic Setup 00:52:32 The Intersection of Talent and Work Ethic 00:57:52 Undiscovered Local Bands Myths 01:09:03 Evolution of Touring and Music Production 01:20:26 Independent vs. Label 01:25:49 Bal...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 182
Joel Stroetzel, guitarist of Killswitch Engage, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:30 Practice Techniques 00:11:40 Mastering Picking Patterns 00:15:15 Studio Recording Techniques 00:18:34 The Challenge of New Song Releases in Metal Bands 00:21:31 Customizing Your In-Ear Monitor Mix 00:28:50 Transition to Kemper Amps 00:32:23 Comparing Kemper and Quad Cortex for Guitar Profiling 00:39:34 Upgrading Pro Tools 00:47:41 Evolution of Music Production Techniques 00:51:09 Overcom...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 181
Chris Impellitteri joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:53 Visual Learning and Guitar Sight Reading Challenges 00:11:35 Influences of Gary Moore and Blues Roots 00:23:13 Hybrid Picking Techniques 00:27:11 Advanced Guitar Techniques: String Sequences and Patterns 00:31:28 Eddie Van Halen's Influence on Guitar Technique 00:43:05 Evolution of Power Metal and Guitar Shredding 00:50:50 Technological Advancements in Guitar Manufacturing 00:54:47 Behind the Making of 'War Machine'...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 180
Silenoz, guitarist of Dimmu Borgir, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:25 Integrating Keyboards in Metal Music 00:12:26 The Importance of Fresh Perspectives in Music Production 00:16:42 The Rehearsal Process: Rediscovering Songs 00:24:55 Evolution of Practice in Metal Music 00:29:14 Advancements in Amp Sim Technology 00:37:04 Creating Full Production Demos at Home 00:50:28 Reflecting on Early Albums and Youthful Ambition 00:54:52 Influence of Mood on Decision-Making 01:03...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 179
Marco Coti Zelati, guitarist of Lacuna Coil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 178
Brody Uttley, guitarist in Rivers Of Nihil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. In This Episode: 00:03:19 Unearthed EP: A Time Travel Music Surprise 00:06:21 Evolution Of Songwriting Techniques 00:09:38 Beginners Guide To Recording Metal 00:13:10 The Evolution Of Song Arrangements In Metal And Prog 00:23:52 Strategies For Refreshing Creativity 00:30:43 The Car Test: Enhancing Creative Process Through Audio Reflection 00:37:58 Mastering Alternate Picking Techniques 00:41:33 Band Member Warm-up Te...
Jan 02, 2025•55 min•Ep. 177
Fredrik Åkesson, guitarist of Opeth, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:27 Crafting Unique Solos for the New Album 00:10:51 Mastering Guitar Tricks and Techniques 00:16:07 Incorporating Vocal Techniques into Guitar Playing 00:22:30 Importance of BPM for Guitar Practice 00:28:02 Challenges of Playing Long Opeth Songs 00:32:43 Evolution of Live Acoustic and Lead Parts 00:43:22 Coping with Live Music Mishaps 00:54:11 The Evolution of Fly Rigs and Tour Equipment 01:10:00 Perf...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 176
Adrian Thessenvitz, guitarist of Ad Infinitum, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Adrian Thessenvitz Discusses New Album "Abyss" 00:03:20 Crafting Emotion in Music Production 00:17:11 Handling Guitar Recording Challenges 00:20:36 Collaboration Strategies 00:31:2...
Nov 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 175
Rafael Trujillo, lead guitarist of Daath, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Introduction to Rafael Trujillo 00:03:19 Creating Guitar Exercises for Social Media 00:13:22 Optimal Practice Duration for Guitar Techniques 00:25:52 Managing Distractions and Productiv...
Nov 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 174
Juha Raivio, guitarist of Swallow The Sun, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:02:57 Choosing a New Producer for the Album 00:05:52 Guitar Lessons from Elite Players 00:11:13 Techniques for Mixing Bass in Metal Music 00:17:10 The Raw Essence of Black Metal and Its Misc...
Oct 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 173
Ryan J. Downey is a multi-talented journalist, producer, and host whose work has spanned major outlets like MTV News, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Inside the Entertainment Industry with Ryan Downey 00:03:49 The Value of Podcasting for Meaningful Connect...
Oct 23, 2024•58 min•Ep. 172
Nick McLernon, guitarist of Make Them Suffer, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:39 Overcoming Geographic Challenges as a Band 00:11:09 Record Deals and Music Distribution 00:23:22 Hidden Demo Versions in Albums 00:27:04 Transitioning from Six to Seven-String Guita...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 171
Steve Stine is a guitarist known for his huge YouTube channel and online lesson platform, Guitar Zoom. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:15 Importance of Theory in Guitar Learning 00:07:58 Creating Quality Demos for Your Band 00:15:48 Effective Guitar Practice Strategies 00:27:30 Teaching Guitar in ...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 170
Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down) and Morgoth (Producer, Winds of Plague) join Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast to discuss "Seven Hours After Violet," their new metal supergroup. Their debut record is set to be released on October 11, 2024. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:02:52 Writing Session Difference...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 169
Ryan Knight, guitarist of The Black Dahlia Murder, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. The Black Dahlia Murder's new album "Servitude" comes out on September 27th, 2024. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:10:53 - Fear of Commitment in Creativity 00:26:47 - Encouraging Musical Pursuits in Children 00:37:...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 168
Andy Wood, a Nashville based session guitarist, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:33 - Amp Tone and Effects for Lead Lines 00:08:50 - The Halo Pedal and Creating Delays 00:18:11 - The Hero in Guitar Composition 00:31:33 - The Rise of Instrumental Bands in Modern P...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 167
Manuel Gagneux, vocalist and guitarist for Zeal & Ardor, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:14:48 - The Time Capsule Element of Music 00:23:42 - The Balance of Power in a Band 00:42:11 - Perspective on Audience Reception 00:55:35 - Mixing with a Non-Metal Guy 01:0...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 166
Karl Sanders, guitarist of Nile, Joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Nile’s new album, "The Underworld Awaits Us All”, is out August 23 via Napalm Records - order here: https://lnk.to/NILE-TUAUA Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 - The Authenticity of Nile's Death Metal 00:09:32 - The Myth of Bein...
Aug 21, 2024•50 min•Ep. 165
Greg Burgess, guitarist of Allegaeon and Nuclear Power Trio, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 - Introducing Greg Burgess: Guitar Player for Allegaeon and Nuclear Power Trio 00:11:45 - Balancing Artistic Output and Band Dynamics 00:19:55 - The Changing Economy ...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 164
Alex Skolnick, lead guitarist of Testament and founder of the Alex Skolnick Trio joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Alex Skolnick and his Musical Journey 00:07:00 - Honesty and Self-Awareness in the Creative Industry 00:14:36 - Branching Out fr...
Aug 07, 2024•58 min•Ep. 163
RJ Pasin, a guitarist, composer, producer, and social media influencer joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:06 - Collab with Tim Hansen 00:11:28 - The Challenges of Making a Career in the Music Industry 00:15:28 - The Power of Content Creation 00:22:54 - Creating and...
Jul 31, 2024•59 min•Ep. 162
Jason Richardson joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast for some questions from the Riffhard community. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com Chapters: 00:06:03 - Being in the Right Place at the Right Time 00:11:47 - The Dilemma of Choosing Singles 00:23:09 - Finding the Balance in Technique and Practice 00:29:03 - Reflecting on ...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 161
Mike Martin and Jason Richardson, guitarists of All The Remains, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com Chapters: 00:03:00 - Dealing with Intense Bands and Scheduling Issues 00:08:22 - Devin Townsend: A Crazy, Insane Genius 00:16:05 - The Fluctuating Value of Collectible Gear 00:21:43 - The ...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 160
John Matos, guitarist of Abiotic, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Chapters: 00:04:11 - Metal Shows in Miami 00:11:14 - Near-Death Motorcycle Experience 00:15:33 - Living with Risk To Pursue Dreams 00:22:19 - The Importance of Polite Persistence 00:24:35 - Unexpected Success in Social Media and Online Education 00:31:52 - Finding Success on YouTube 00:43:26 - Don't Take Yourself So Seriously 00:54:39 - The Effort of Creating Social Media Videos 00:58:54 - Balancing Content Creation with Other...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 159
Cody Quistad, guitarist of Wage War, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Chapters: 00:03:35 - What Makes Up Wage War's Guitar Tone? 00:08:35 - the Importance of Clean and Concise Records 00:10:11 - Technique for Down Picking and Bending 00:11:42 - Playing 19 Songs in 45 Minutes 00:14:46 - Technical Difficulties at a Live Show 00:19:34 - Using an Octave Pedal for Creativity on Guitar 00:21:00 - the Energy of Different Guitar Tunings 00:25:37 - Embracing 90s and 80s Inspiration in Heavy Music 00:2...
Jul 03, 2024•50 min•Ep. 158
Trev Lukather, guitarist of The Effect, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Chapters: 00:02:18 - Musical Upbringing 00:10:31 - The Importance of Taking Music Seriously 00:14:52 - The Psychological Impact of Being the Child of Famous Artists 00:23:22 - The Myths and Stories of Record Deals 00:32:18 - The Challenges of Signing a Record Deal 00:44:36 - The Importance of Attention to Detail in Music Production 00:51:20 - Collaboration and Respect in the Recording Process 00:55:54 - The Influence of ...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 157
