This coming Saturday on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, we have the first of our dunk! specials, and I'm delighted to welcome Andrew of Solkyri and Mircea of Am Fost La Munte Și Mi-a Plăcut to the show! Both bands have already graced the dunk! stages, so it was great fun to look back and reminisce on their past experiences. We also look forward to this years festival, and have a good old fashioned chin wag about everything dunk! related. Great fun! 🔥🖤 Tracks played: Shambles ©️ Solkyri, A...
Apr 22, 2023•57 min•Ep. 40
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast I get to tick off another bucket list band, as I share a fascinating conversation with Erik Nilsson & Jakob Berglund of A SWARM OF THE SUN. Heavy, unsettling soundscapes intertwined with restrained patience and devastating power makes A Swarm Of The Sun one of the most intriguing and absorbing post bands out there today. On this episode, Erik and Jakob give me an incredible insight into the creative writing process that shapes their sound, and...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 39
This week on Smashing Skull Sessions podcast I am delighted to welcome Ralf and Max of FARGO to the show for a chat. After an extended hiatus, the Leipzig based four piece are back with a new line-up and a brand new album, GELI, which was only released this month!!. On the show, we discuss the concept and recording process of the new album, as well as taking a look back on the early days of the band. What we don't discuss however, is the reason why every Fargo track is named after a city!!😃🤐 T...
Mar 25, 2023•40 min•Ep. 38
This week I am delighted to welcome Eric Reifinger of CARVED INTO THE SUN to the podcast. Since the release of "The Earth Fell Away" back in 2022, the album has featured very strongly in various music polls and end of year lists. Powerful, emotive and memorable is how best to describe Eric's music. Both myself and Tim take time out to chat with Eric and discuss last year's phenomenal release, uncovering the very personal and emotional journey he underwent in writing this album. We also chat abou...
Mar 11, 2023•58 min•Ep. 37
The Metal Cell Podcast and The Smashing Skull Sessions have come together once again to showcase yet another one of Ireland's metal powerhouses. Raum kingdom are one of the finest sludge/post-metal bands on the scene today, and have been causing rumblings within music circles right here at home and further afield as well. Since the release of Everything And Nothing back in 2019, a lot has happened within the Raum Kingdom family. The sad and sudden passing of bassist Ronan "Bones" Connor back in ...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 36
This week I'm delighted to welcome Joe and Bruce from Pray For Sound to the podcast. I have to say, this was a really cool and fun chat, with the guys giving me a great insight into the band. From the colossal tour dates that never happened, right through to the album that will happen soon, the lads lift the lid on many aspects of the band, bringing up some really big and important decisions that were made along the way. We even discuss less important topics like what their favourite tipple is, ...
Feb 18, 2023•52 min•Ep. 35
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast we have one of the finest post metal bands on the scene today. Vocalist and guitarist Stefan De Graef of PSYCHONAUT joins me on the show to discuss many topics, including the early days of the band, and brings me right up to speed on where they are at today. The conversation flowed and many topics were covered, including covid, philosophy, religion, writing and so much more besides. Stefan was a brilliant guest and I want to that him for his open ...
Feb 04, 2023•59 min•Ep. 34
This week I'm delighted to welcome SAGOR SOM LEDER MOT SLUTET to the show for a chat. Guitarist Jonas and drummer Martin sit down with me and discuss the colossal year that the band have just put down. From releasing their brilliant third album III, to touring across Europe, which included a very memorable performance at the mecca of post music, dunkfest!, we look back fondly at a defining year for the four piece. Sagor Som Leder Mot Slutet are an incredible band, and true to form, great guys to...
Jan 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 33
The first Interview of 2023 is with Sergio González Catalán of Atmospheric Doom metal project RISE TO THE SKY. Hailing from Santiago, Chile, Sergio was a fascinating guest to talk to, and was very open and honest about his music and the emotions that drive him to create such heartbreaking and powerful music. With three album releases within the space of 14 months, he is one of those solo projects with endless talent and creativity. We dig deep on many topics on this episode, and I'm sure this wi...
Jan 07, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 32
Here it is... Volume 2 of the top 20 tracks of 2022. Spanning through many musical genres and styles , both myself and fellow writer Tim Pijnenburg have somehow managed to come up with 20 tracks that have hit hard this year. Not an easy task, as this list could very easily have gotten out of hand! Compiled over two volumes, the 20 tracks will be available to stream and play through YouTube and all good streaming platforms. Thank you to all the bands who have given us permission to share and use ...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 31
What an incredible year it has been for The Smashing Skull Sessions. Since I took over hosting duties back in February, I have been both privileged and honored to have interviewed so many great bands and reviewed so many stellar album releases. Spanning through many musical genres and styles , both myself and fellow writer Tim have somehow managed to come up with 20 tracks that have hit hard this year. Not an easy task, as this list could very easily have gotten out of hand! Compiled over two vo...
Dec 17, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 30
dunk!festival has always featured heavily on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast during the ten months that I have hosted the show. I got to chat with some of the amazing bands on their roster like We Lost The Sea, Turpentine Valley, Silent Whale Becomes A Dream, Coastlands, Astodan and Ranges. So, for my final guests of 2022, I'm delighted to welcome founding members of dunk!, Luc & Wout Lievens to the show. On this episode we take a chronological journey through the early days of dunk! rig...
Dec 10, 2022•47 min•Ep. 29
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I get to chat with Jakob Hemström of the brilliant OH HIROSHIMA. Jakob and myself took a trip down memory lane, looking back on the bands past releases and getting an insight into how each album came together. We do spend a little more time on IN SILENCE WE YEARN, discussing how influential and important this album has been within the realms of post rock for almost close on a decade. We discuss lyrics, line-ups, touring, and a look at the undenia...
Nov 26, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 28
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I am proud to welcome RANGES. Hailing from Bozeman, Montana, RANGES have been a beacon of light for the Post Rock genre for nearly a decade. The vast and rugged landscape of Montana has clearly defined and shaped their sound, with their mix of powerful, transcendent post-rock blended beautifully with serene and subdued ambient soundscapes. Founding members CJ Blessum and Wilson Raska joined me for a chat, where we discuss the band's early days ri...
Nov 12, 2022•48 min•Ep. 27
MOUNTAINSCAPE This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I get to chat with Dan and James Scrivener of Mountainscape.The Reading trio have just released a beast of an album in the shape of Atoms Unfurling, and I was delighted to get the chance to discuss the process that was involved in writing such an intense and powerful record. We discuss the guys musical influences as well as the pros and cons of playing music as a three piece. Topics like music promotion and social media are also che...
Oct 29, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 26
It was a pleasure to welcome Torsten Kinsella (Guitars/Pianos/Synths) of God is an Astronaut to the show. The Irish instrumental/post-rock behemoths have been around for over two decades, and for this special podcast we get to discuss and celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album 'The End Of The Beginning'. Myself and Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast chat to Torsten about the latest live interpretation of the album, where the band breathe new life into the record, showcasing how ...
Oct 14, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 25
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I get to spend time chatting to the amazing Jo Quail. "Heaviness is an emotional concept rather than an expression of volume" - Jo Quail. Jo has been hugely influential in rock and metal circles with collaborations and guest appearances on many big albums, as well as supporting a vast array of bands on the road, such as MONO, Amenra, Boris, Myrkur, Emma Ruth Rundle and Caspian to name just a few. Greater than the sum of all that however, Jo is a ...
Oct 08, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 24
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast we have guitarist Florian Füntmann of Long Distance Calling on the show. Amidst a hectic schedule, Florian pulled his car in to have a chat with me and I think we both thoroughly enjoyed catching up!! We discuss music charts, social media, and get a good insight into what keeps this band so fresh and exciting. We even get a taster of Florian's love of 70's and 80's music!!. All this and more, so be sure to check it out on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes ...
Sep 24, 2022•34 min•Ep. 23
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast I feel extremely privileged to welcome a band like Silent Whale Becomes A Dream to the podcast. These somewhat enigmatic, but incredibly humble group of musicians opened the door on what Silent Whale Becomes A Dream is all about, sharing their thoughts and their opinions on their own unique sound and of course their affinity with the amazing Elusive Sound. They shed a little light on what is next up for the band, but you need to tune in to find th...
Sep 10, 2022•45 min•Ep. 22
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions Podcast, I'm delighted to welcome Fall Of Messiah and Chalk Hands to the show!. Ahead of their nine-date European tour, which kicks off in two weeks time, Pierre, Antoine, and Tommy sat in with me to discuss the tour and get some insight into their latest albums, along with future plans for both bands. We also look back and chat about the early days, right back to choosing the band names!. The conversation flowed and I gotta say, it was an absolute pleasu...
Aug 27, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 21
For Episode #20 of The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, Jean-Sébastien Mattant gives an honest and insightful look into his life, and his undeniable love for music. We begin with an update on WHERE MERMAIDS DROWN and find out what plans are being hatched following their hugely successful post-rock release "And The Raging Winds Do Blow". Often stark but always sincere Jean gives me an "access all areas" look at the work that goes into promoting and organizing gigs under the very industrious POST....
Aug 13, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 20
Episode #19 The Smashing Skull Sessions chat with Ian of OUTLANDER & Max of COLDBONES. Fresh from their amazing Dunk! Festival performances, I was lucky enough to sit with Ian of Outlander and Max of Coldbones. After a few false starts on my end!!, we finally got to chat about their dunk experience and the comedown that every artist and fan experiences after it!! We also discuss the UK music scene and the comparisons to playing further afield throughout Europe. We look into the vision behind...
Jul 30, 2022•56 min•Ep. 19
This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions Podcast, Filipe van Huylenbroeck joins me on the podcast. Filipe is one of those naturally talented musicians that can pull a piece of music from the sky and make it beautiful. Some of you may know his name from the brilliant and near cult status band, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THE CAT. He has now released a solo album under the monikor GATO DE FOGO, and his debut solo ablum "Always April" is an absolute gem. We have a really chilled and informative chat abo...
Jul 16, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 18
Episode #17. BLAK BLAK are special. This group of musicians from Roda De Ter, Catalonia are a heavy instrumental rock band with an amazing gift to create stunning, classically-influenced stories, awash with vast, open cinematic sounds. It's heavy, it's powerful, it's beautiful and often heartbreaking. Their music has had a profound effect on me, so it was a joy to welcome them onto The Smashing Skull Sessions. Eloi and Carles are genuinely two of the nicest guys I have come across. We had an ope...
Jul 09, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to The Smashing Skull Sessions Tri-cast series. We hit the US for our first episode of the new Tri-cast series, which brings three bands together to discuss everything and anything music related!. All hailing from the same country, I'm hoping that these interviews will shed some light on the bands own national scenes and as always, showcase the talent and creativity that's in abundance within the rock/ metal community. I'm thrilled to welcome James of LUCIDA DARK, Clayton of MOUNTAINEER ...
Jun 26, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 16
Episode #15 was a very enjoyable and very interesting chat with Kristoff, Roel and Thomas of TURPENTINE VALLEY. These guys' steady development as a dark post-metal powerhouse is plain to see. ALDER is an imposing album, that stands tall and proud among all the other great post metal albums that I have heard in the last few years, which is why I had to get them on the show. We cover many topics including how well ALDER has been received, the connection between ETCH and ALDER, and their journey fr...
Jun 04, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 15
For Episode #14 on The Smashing Skull Sessions I got the opportunity to speak with Jason Sissoyev of Post-Metallers COASTLANDS. Firstly, I want to thank Jason for his patience, as I sat on this interview for close on five weeks!, but I am thrilled to be able to share our conversation with you all, and show what a gentleman and what an incredibly knowlegable guy he is. We spend a lot of time chatting about the hugely impressive and weighty behemoth that is their latest record, DEATH. That album h...
May 20, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 14
For Episode #13 on The Smashing Skull Sessions Podcast, I'm thrilled to have Tim Moens of ASTODAN on the show. I have been a fan of Astodan's music since 2017 and have admired their steady climb to the top of the post-metal roster, with their unique ability to go from passages of thick, riff-driven melodies to pin-dropping moments of calm, never losing the mood or the energy. Tim is a driven guy, with a musical mind that spans beyond the norm. He has a vision and more importantly, the talent to ...
May 06, 2022•47 min•Ep. 13
Episode 12: On this special episode of The Smashing Skull Sessions, Vinyl Edition, I chat to Philippe Allenbach of Elusive Sound and Yannick Peysale of Voice Of The Unheard, to discuss the explosion of vinyl and the work that's involved behind the scenes in getting these works of art onto our turntables. The guys give me an insight into what's involved in choosing what bands join their roster, as well as uncovering the workload and dedication required to make these labels survive and rise above ...
Apr 23, 2022•50 min•Ep. 12
In this week's episode of The Smashing Skull Sessions Podcast, I sat down with Scott Wasilewski from PORTAL TO THE GOD DAMN BLOOD DIMENSION. Rotten Fruit, Regular Orchard is an album that was first released over a year ago, but with a vinyl release now available, the album has been given another lease of life. It's a unique and absorbing piece of music that aches and haunts with its coarse and unpolished delivery. Everybody needs this album in their collection. Scott describes the writing proces...
Apr 16, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 11
