The Smashing Skull Sessions: Recent Episodes

Richard Duhig

The Smashing Skull Sessions is a worldwide podcast and music review website set up in alliance with the Metal Cell Podcast, to give international bands, musicians, promoters, labels and fans another voice. It’s all about showcasing the vast array of metal music that’s out there and highlighting the many genres of heavy music that define us all within this close-knit community. This is a global venture, and I hope to reach out and bring you music, insight and discussions from everyone involved in the metal scene, and everything in between. The show is hosted by me, Pat O Regan, and I hope to offer my guests a different style of interview which is uniquely Irish and should be both entertaining and revealing. I also hope to review and discuss up and coming releases, and maybe even revisit albums that may have gone under the radar. The Smashing Skull Sessions doesn’t work without you, the listeners and the readers, so a huge thank you for stopping by and supporting us. And of course, feel free to share and spread the word. Enjoy, Pat O’ Regan

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, it’s a pleasure to have three members of post metal outfit SYBERIA on the show. Quim, Jordi & Manel sit with me for a chat before heading out on a lengthy European tour, that finishes up the weekend this show goes out! As well as touring, we discuss the bands colossal release, Statement On Death, as well as having a few laughs on the session questions and of course much more besides. Available to download on all good streaming platforms as well as the visual experience on YouTube. Track Played: Stolen Childhood ©️ Syberia - All Rights Reserved Podcast edited and produced by Richie Duhig. 🔥Always Supporting The Scene 🔥

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The Review RoomThis week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I'm delighted to bring you all another episode of The Review Room.Rich B & Rich M join me on the podcast as we play, discuss and review four new releases from SO HIDEOUS, DIN OF CELESTIAL BIRDS, OSTRACA & NONE. We also choose another music related topic to discuss and chew over, and this week it's the turn of Arctangent festival.Thanks for stopping by 🙏🖤Tracks reviewed and played were: So Hideous - Bright Black Beach. ©️ All rights reserved.https://silentpendulumrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bright-black-beach Din Of Celestial Birds - Downpour. ©️ All rights reservedhttps://dinofcelestialbirds.bandcamp.com/album/the-night-is-for-dreamers Ostraca - Stage Whisper. ©️ All rights reservedhttps://ostraca.bandcamp.com/album/disaster NONE - Rest. ©️ All rights reservedhttps://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/inevitable Show edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell. The Smashing Skull Sessions - Always Supporting The Scene.

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast I welcome Ryan and Carver of LIVING WITH GIANTS to the show. New music has just dropped from these guys and let me assure you, it is EPIC. On the show, we have an open and honest conversation about their journey over the last couple of years, which has all culminated in this latest release, and which is a giant step forward musically for the band. As always, we cover many more topics along the way, including the now well established, session questions, which proved very interesting!. Track played: Rest ©️ Living With Giants, all rights reserved. Podcast edited and produced by Richie Duhig. 🔥. Always Supporting The Scene 🔥

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I'm joined by Pennsylvania's The Depth Beneath Us.Their sonic and dynamic blend of powerful post-metal transfused with softer ambient atmospherics has made their debut album a must have in every music collection. Dan, Matt, Ryan & Mike are four of the coolest guys I've sat with, and together, they discuss the creation of that incredible album as well as giving some insight into the workings and mechanics of the band. We also take a look ahead to the future plans of the band, share a few laughs along the way, and a lot more besides. Be sure to check this one out! Available on YouTube and all good streaming platforms. Track played: Eos, ©️ all rights reserved, The Depth Beneath Us Show edited and produced by Richie of The Metal Cell Podcast. ALWAYS SUPPORTING THE SCENE

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast, I'm delighted to bring you all the first episode of our new series, The Review Room. Tim, Rich B & Rich M join me on the podcast as we play, discuss and review four new releases from LEECH, KRANE, MOURNING COLOURS & A HORRIBLE DEATH TO A HORRIBLE MAN. The idea of this show is primarily to showcase new music, but we also hope it brings a bit of light hearted entertainment along the way with it! We will also choose another music related topic to discuss and chew over, hopefully making the podcast an interesting, informative, and entertaining listen. This week the hot topic is dunk! festival. Thanks for stopping by 🙏🖤 Tracks reviewed and played were: Leech - Pick A Cloud. ©️All rights reserved. https://leechofficial.bandcamp.com/track/pick-a-cloud Krane - Kartharsis II. ©️All rights reserved https://kraneband.bandcamp.com/track/katharsis-ii Mourning Colours - Ornament. ©️All rights reserved https://mourningcolours.bandcamp.com/track/ornament A Horrible Death To A Horrible Man - First Light. ©️All rights reserved https://ahorribledeathtoahorribleman.bandcamp.com/album/days-gone-by Show edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell. The Smashing Skull Sessions - Always Supporting The Scene.

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This week, Pat, Beau & Rhys of TREEBEARD join me on The Smashing Skull Sessions podcast! The Melbourne 4-piece released their beautifully dark and emotive debut album Nostalgia back in 2021, and since then I've been keeping my eye on the band. We discuss the concept and writing process of the album and also look ahead to what's in store for the band over the next few months, which is very exciting!!! We also have some fun with our three session questions, to round off a hugely entertaining conversation. Track played: Pollen ©️ Treebeard. All rights reserved. Edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Available on YouTube and all good streaming platforms. The Smashing Skull Sessions- Always Supporting The Scene 🖤 https://treebeard2.bandcamp.com/album/nostalgianostalgia

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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 undeniable wealth of Swedish bands that can be found in the post-music scene today. All this and so much more! so be sure to check it out on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Track Played: Holding Rivers (C) Oh Hiroshima - all rights reserved And as always, be sure to Like, Subscribe & Follow 🙏🖤 Show is edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. This show is sponsored by Rising Sons Brewery, Cork.

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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 right through to their European tour which wrapped up a few months back. We also get an insight into the incredible work being done at A Thousand Arms, which is a multi-faceted enterprise that incorporates a record label, a distribution hub and an online marketplace, while also providing services for custom screen-printing! One of the hardest working bands in the business, RANGES are a hugely respected and adored group of artists within the post music scene, so I'm sure this will be of interest to a lot of you out there!. The interview is available on YouTube and all good streaming platforms, so go check it out!! Show edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast Track played: Solace : (c) Ranges, all rights reserved

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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 chewed over, and not forgetting the three session questions which are always interesting and entertaining !!! So, be sure to tune in on our YouTube channel for the visual experience! or head straight over to wherever you get your podcasts and have a listen. Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy what Dan and James have to say. Show edited and produced by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast Track played: Atoms Unfurling: (c) Mountainscape, all rights reserved https://mountainscapeuk.bandcamp.com/album/atoms-unfurlingatoms-unfurling

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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 God Is An Astronaut have evolved since their inception. We also get to chat about the Irish and International music scenes, where Torsten gives a candid and very honest opinion on both. This and many more topics are discussed, so if you enjoyed the show please hit that 'SUBSCRIBE' button. Track played: Point Pleasant (c) God is an Astronaut, all rights reserved. Band Link: https://godisanastronaut.com Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 hugely respected and internationally acclaimed composer and virtuoso cellist. Those of you who were lucky enough to have witnessed her perform at festivals like Hellfest, Roadburn, Dunk!fest and Arctangent will understand the impact her music has had within the world of heavy music. Jo was an absolute pleasure to interview, the conversation flowed and we had a few laughs along the way! Immersive and engaging, we get a little insight into the world of Joanna Quail. Go check it out now on YouTube and all good streaming platforms. Track: ©️ Jo Quail ©️ Mandrel Cantus , all rights reserved. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast

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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 or wherever you get your podcasts. Track: ©️ Long Distance Calling ©️ Giants Leaving , all rights reserved. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast

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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 that out!!!Even though English isn't their first language, Sylvain, Mika and Damian showed their class and sincerity in taking time out and chatting with me, and I want to thank them once more for being part of The Smashing Skull Sessions.Track: ©️ Silent Whale Becomes A Dream ©️ Sweet Burning Melancholia , all rights reserved.Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell PodcastPodcast

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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 pleasure to catch up with all three of them . Check it out now on YouTube and all good streaming platforms, and of course, follow both Fall Of Messiah and Chalk Hands on their Facebook and Bandcamp pages 🖤 Track: ©️Fall Of Messiah, ©️ The Loneliest Whale In The world, all rights reserved. Track: ©️ Chalk Hands ©️ A Means to An End , all rights reserved. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast

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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.LYON banner. We also chat about his music agency THISWILL which covers yet another aspect of the music industry. All that, and much more besides!!! Enjoy. Track: Brine Pool ©️ All rights reserved, Where Mermaids Drown. links: https://wheremermaidsdrown.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/wheremermaidsdrown/ https://www.facebook.com/postlyon/ Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell PodcastPodcast

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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 their bands artwork, and of course the inevitable, but always entertaining Session Questions!! I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with these guys, and look forward to meeting them again sometime soon. Sit back and enjoy! Available on most streaming platforms Links: https://coldbonesuk.bandcamp.com/ https://outlandertheband.bandcamp.com/ Track: ©️ Coldbones, ©️ Collapse, all rights reserved. Track: ©️ Outlander, ©️ Sinking, all rights reserved. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast

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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 about both his solo project GATO DE FOGO and the creative process involved in releasing solo work. Felipe also opens the doors to IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THE CAT and gives us a very positive and exciting update on the band. We also get some very interesting answers to our session questions, so be sure to check it out. Available on most streaming platforms and of course YouTube. Feel free to spread the word and be sure to subscribe to the Smashing Skull Sessions Podcast if you haven't already! Links: https://gatodefogo.bandcamp.com/album/always-april https://iahttc.bandcamp.com/album/kingdom-of-roots Track:. Shills And Shysters ©️ Gato De Fogo, all rights reserved. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast

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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 open and enlightening discussion about the bands inception, their close connection to Elusive Sound, their own musical influences and their plans going forward. We even got to discuss the two new tracks that they have recorded, and the possibility of a split EP being released in the not too distant future! So if that has your attention, then grab a beer, chill out, and enjoy. I certainly did!. Available on most streaming platforms such as Spotify and iTunes, and of course the visual option is there on YouTube, just don't forget to subscribe to the channel if you haven't already, thanks!!🙏🙏. Links: https://www.blak.cat/ https://thisisblak.bandcamp.com/album/el-tall-descil-la Track: Black drips in the sky – Overwhelming © BLAK, all rights reserved 2022. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 and Thomas of STILL MOTIONS onto the show to discuss their bands latest releases, and give us some insight into their unique styles of music. Having bands like Lucida Dark, Mountaineer and Still Motions all on one show is an honour for me, so sit back and enjoy our conversation about all things music and everything in between. Don't forget to like and subscribe to The Smashing Skull Sessions, and of course, keep an eye out on where our next Tri-cast episode will take us! Available on nearly every streaming platform!! Links: https://lucidadark.bandcamp.com/ https://mountaineerlfr.bandcamp.com/ https://stillmotions.bandcamp.com/ Tracks: We Shall Part No More © Lucida Dark, all rights reserved 2022 When The Soul Sleeps © Mountaineer, all rights reserved 2022 Welcome Oblivion © Still Motions, all rights reserved 2022 Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 from their hardcore/punk days to where they stand tall today. All that and so much more! To add to this podcast, I had the privilege to witness them live at dunk!fest last week and shared a few beers with them afterwards!. They are some of the coolest guys I've met and I'm sure you will all come to the same conclusion after seeing and hearing this podcast. Sit back and enjoy. Available on nearly every streaming platform!! Links: https://turpentinevalley.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/turpentinevalley Track: Tremor © Turpentine Valley, all rights reserved 2022. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 hit like a steam train back in 2020, and it is still spoken highly of today, so why not bring Jason in, to give us some insight into its creation, and its continued growth. We also discuss their performance at Dunk!Fest back in 2019, and the impact that evening had on the band, and lots more besides. Enjoy! and of course Subscribe!! Links: https://www.facebook.com/coastlandsofficial https://coastlands.bandcamp.com/album/deathdeath Track: Red Smoke Flare © Coastlands, all rights reserved 2022. Show produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 match, in order to make it work. Tim chats about the new album Évora which is now available everywhere, and also discusses Astodan's decision to incorporate vocals into the mix. We also discuss album concepts, playing live, and we take a good look at the post music scene as a whole. All this and of course much, much more! https://astodan.bandcamp.com/album/vora https://smashingskullsessions.fireside.fm/articles/astodan Links: Track: Oath © Astodan, all rights reserved 2022. Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 the rest. A thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly interesting chat, thank you guys. Links: https://elusive-sound.com/ https://voturecords.com/ Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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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 process as well as the growth of the band and what the future holds. Band Links: https://portaltothegoddamnblooddimension.bandcamp.com/album/rotten-fruit-regular-orchard https://m.facebook.com/PortalToTheGodDamnBloodDimension Track: Want © Portal to the God Damn Blood Dimension, all rights reserved 2022. Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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Not many bands can play Cinematic Sludge/Post Metal like Telepathy. Their sound is immense, and their live performances, colossal. The whole band sat in with me recently to chat about where Telepathy has been and what the future holds. We discuss their live shows with Solstafir, their latest Burn Embrace tour, and so much more. A huge thanks to Piotr, Albert, Richard and Krystian for taking the time out to have a chat. Thanks to everyone for their support of the channel so far, and please subscribe to the channel, if you haven't already. Thanks Track: Pariah © Telepathy, all rights reserved 2022. Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast. Band Links: https://www.facebook.com/telepathyband/ https://telepathyband.bandcamp.com/ Track: Pariah © Telepathy, all rights reserved 2022. Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions I'm thrilled to welcome Georg and Jelle of DODSRIT to the show. Their latest release MORTAL COIL literally blew me away when I heard it back in 2021, showcasing its devastating blend of melody, ferocity and power. We get to chat about the inception of the band, their musical influences, and their ferocious live shows. Georg sheds some light on the promotional side of things and the graft and passion needed to run his label WOLVES OF HADES. Of course, many more topics are covered, so have a listen and enjoy. Thanks once again to Georg and Jelle for joining me. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. Band Links: https://dodsrit.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DODSRIT https://wolvesofhades.bandcamp.com/ Track: Shallow Graves © Dödsrit, all rights reserved 2022. Produced and edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.

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This week on The Smashing Skull Sessions, I'm honored to welcome Mark Owen of We Lost The Sea. We Lost The Sea are one of post music's great bands and are probably best known for their album DEPARTURE SONGS, which was released in 2015, and gained them widespread acclaim within the post-rock and metal scenes around the world. The band have reached notable success for their emotional and energetic live performances and modern and thematic approach to the post-rock genre. On this episode, Mark discusses the impact that album has had on the band, and the hope of finally getting to tour 2019's album TRIUMPH AND DISASTER, which became the victim of the covid pandemic. Among many other topics, we discuss their bizarre journey to the infamous Dunk festival as well as their addition to this year's Damnation festival. Mark was an absolute gent to chat with, so be sure to check it out. Available to watch from Saturday on YouTube and the usual streaming platforms. Produced & Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast https://welostthesea.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/welostthesea https://smashingskullsessions.fireside.fm/

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For episode 7, I was delighted to welcome the very knowledgeable and multi talented Rodney Fuchs of Monosphere to the show. The Puppeteer has to be one of the cleverest and most imaginative releases of 2021, and Rodney gives us an insight into the thought process that masterminded this powerful concept album. We also cover many other topics including "Spotify V Bandcamp", so be sure to check it out. Track: The Marionette ©Monosphere, all rights reserved 2022 Links: https://www.facebook.com/monosphereband https://monosphereband.bandcamp.com/ https://smashingskullsessions.fireside.fm/

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This week I got the opportunity to speak to Clement Libes of Bruit≤ . The Machine Is Burning And Everyone Knows It Could Happen Again is their latest release and it is something really special. Bruit≤ have torn up the rule book and have created an album that spans across endless styles and genres without constraints. The music went where it wanted to go, and in doing so has created a piece of work that will sit high in the upper echelons of great albums for a long time to come. Its emotive, diverse and utterly mind changing. Everybody, and I mean everybody needs to hear The Machine is burning and now everyone knows it could happen again. Bruit≤ track: The machine is burning and now everyone knows it could happen again © Bruit≤ all rights reserved 2022 Bruit≤ Links: https://bruitofficial.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bruitofficial

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I was delighted to interview Kevin Storm and Ken Simerly for the show. Fleetburner is an international project from guitarist and songwriter Kevin Storm whom conceived the idea in two months, back in 2018. Fleetburner is a conceptional album, following the adventures of a boy who leaves the sufferings of a war torn land behind by building a ship to escape and sail the oceans. It was great to discuss this story with both Ken and Kevin; who as an incredibly talented touring musician, was able to assemble a stellar cast to perform on the debut self-titled album. The one thing however that alluded Kevin was a singer, despite casting his net far and wide across Europe he was unable to land a vocalist to commit the time to get the project over the line. Enter Ken Simerly! I was blown away by Kens story, how he found Kevin and the fact his soaring and powerful vocal performance along with his emotional buy to the project, has being nothing short of inspirational. All the more unique given Kens background as a touring singer in a Christian pop band. Song featured and permission granted: Open Water (c) Fleetburner, 2020 all rights reserved.

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I was delighted to interview Jason Stallworth for The Smashing Skull Sessions. Jason is a terrific example of how hard work, belief and over-coming obstacles can lead to a career as an independent artist with a huge internet following. Jason is also a published author, has released a new death/melodic album titled Masterpeace and reviews beers. It certainly was a terrific conversation with Jason who believed in himself to leave the safety net of a corporate job and to establish himself as an artist of note is truly admirable. Hope you enjoy the interview and check out all of Jason’s work at https://www.jasonstallworth.com/ Please subscribe to The Smashing Skull Sessions and share, like or convert. Thanks Richie. Song featured and permission granted: Dragons Flame (c) Jason Stallworth, 2020 all rights reserved.

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Myself and Evan my co-host (of Worn Out) were delighted to talk to Grumpster, an upcoming garage punk band from Oakland, California. Their star is quickly rising in the Bay Area Punk scene with some brilliant live performances, cool videos and hook laden songs. The group consists of Falyn Walsh on bass and vocals, Noel Agante on drums and Lalo Gonzalez Deetz on guitar. It was great to hear them talk about their adventures so far, which has seen them sign to Asian Man Records, an invite to tour with Anti-Flag and playing The Filmore. Hope you enjoy the episode! Please don't forget to share, convert fellow music lovers to the Podcast. Thanks Richie.

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Myself and Howard of Partholón were delighted to welcome the wonderful Johan Van Hattum (bassist) of Terzij de Horde to the show. Terzij de Horde is a black metal band with dark vitalism as central theme, from Utrecht, NL, formed in 2010. Johan and Howard share a friendship formed through music over many years. So it was an absolute pleasure to enjoy the stories, insights and love of metal that came out of this unique relationship. Many subjects were talked about whilst downing beers/whiskey and as Johan would say "one could argue" that it was one of the most enjoyable Podcasts I have done. So grab a drink, relax and enjoy where we bring you. Thanks Richie. Song featured and permission granted: Contre le Monde, Contre la Vie (c) Terzij de Horde, 2020 all rights reserved.

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I was delighted to welcome Flower KC (Manager of Underside/Festival Director) and Avishek KC (Vox of Underside)to talk about Metal For Nepal/Silence Festival established to provide relief and support to impoverished communities suffering natural disasters and disease outbreaks across Nepal. In 2015 an eartquake hit Nepal 10,000 people died, 22,000 were injured and 100,000 were made homeless. Flower and Avishek tried to raise money from London and their efforts culminated in Metal For Nepal which brings together people form the Global Metal and Art Communities to help raise awareness and donate money for the ongoing crisis in Nepal. Myself and Joe (Gama Bomb) had a fantastic chat with Flower and Avishek about the Nepal Metal Community and the uphill battles the lads face with the Nepal Government and authorities.