A-Sides

Episode 251 of A-SIDES features Brent and Andy returning to the classic format of the podcast, discussing KISS' landmark fourth studio album, Destroyer! The record celebrated it's 50th anniversary this year with the release of a live record from the KISS archives, titled KISS Destroys Anaheim. We talk about the studio album, this new live album, hits and misses from Destroyer, how we discovered KI...

Episode 250 features Bruce Soord, guitarist/songwriter/vocalist for British progressive rock act, The Pineapple Thief. While I'd heard the band's name for nearly a decade, I hadn't actually checked them out until the opportunity presented itself to speak with Bruce for the podcast. Now I can say, I'm hooked! The band's 16th studio album, Far And Wide, just dropped on all streaming platforms and in...

Detroit guitarist Sammy Boller first appeared on A-SIDES at the end of 2025 to share details on his solo album, Midnight Garden, on Episode 219. 40 episodes later Sammy is back for a follow-up, with details on Citizen Zero and their new music, making lasting connections and friendships within the industry, working with Jim Kaufman, and recent movies we've enjoyed. Huge thanks to Sammy for returnin...

Emerging rock band Scarhaven has released a slew of new music in 2026, with more forthcoming, and is now touring as a support act for Alien Ant Farm. The band's drummer Michael "Shap" Shapira joined A-SIDES for Episode 248 to discuss gearing up for touring, the band's friendship, working with Jim Kaufman, and teased what's coming in 2027.  Big thanks to "Shap" for being a guest on this latest epis...

First appearing last August on Episode 203, Michael Rubin of King Falcon returns to A-SIDES. On September 18th, the band will be releasing a new EP called Bloom, and Michael shares details behind the creation of this exciting new music. We also talk about samples, musical influences, emotional lyrics, and more music forthcoming for King Falcon. Huge thanks to Michael for returning to the podcast....

A frequent source of discussion on A-SIDES has been the band Cheap Trick, with occasional splashes of Jellyfish and The Beatles. If you enjoy any of those bands (or all three!), you definitely need to check out Central Illinois musician Don Mabus' latest album, Brighter Day. Don joins Episode 246 to share details on the recording of his new record, his favorite Beatle, even performing in Sturgis,...

One of the earliest guests on A-SIDES was Toschie from Norwegian hard rock band Audrey Horne back in 2022 following the release of Devil's Bell. Guitarist Arve Isdal, who has also produced several of the band's albums, joined Episode 245 to speak on the band's newest release, Achilles, the evolution of the band's sound, and more! Huge thanks to Arve and Audrey Horne, Shane Handal of Atom Splitter...

For A-SIDES' 7th anniversary, this episode features the classic format of Brent and Andy sharing their top five songs from the band Ugly Kid Joe. The band became popular in the early 1990s, mixing satirical humor and heavy metal riffs, with "Everything About You" cracking the top ten of Billboard's Hot 100. This episode features our favorite tracks, thoughts on the band's success, cover songs, and...

Joyous Wolf are a Southern California blues-rock band that's set to release their first full-length record called In-Between on August 21st, 2026 through Blue Grape Music. Guitarist and songwriter Blake Allard joined A-SIDES Episode 243 to not only share details on the music, but also the artwork, working with Jay Ruston, and adapting to changes in the music industry.  Definitely check out their n...

Zak Bellante mixes horror and heavy metal at his gym called Death Comes Lifting in Pittsburgh, PA. He has branded "Sabbath Sunday Yoga" at his studio and recently traveled overseas to host these yoga sessions with I AM YOGI . Zak returns to A-SIDES to talk about his experiences with yoga, Black Sabbath fandom, the Dio-fronted Sabbath years, and more! Visit Zak's fitness crypt online at Death Comes...

Prong found success in the 90's with their groove metal track "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck" following an appearance on Beavis and Butt-Head and it's usage in the world of pro-wrestling. Founding member Tommy Victor joins A-SIDES for Episode 241 to share details on that song's success, working alongside several of his musical influences, and Prong's newest self-titled release. This new Prong...

Ozzy Osbourne's fourth solo effort, The Ultimate Sin, was released on January 24, 1986. Produced by Ron Nevison and including band members Randy Castillo, Jake E Lee, and Phil Soussan, it rocketed up the charts with hot single "Shot In The Dark." For this latest A-SIDES episode, three guests share their stories of discovering Ozzy, collecting albums, concert memories, and more! Huge thanks to thes...

Formed in 1976, The Clash quickly spread their wings beyond their punk roots, releasing a string of experimental and influential albums, including 1979's London Calling. Multi-talented musician Ryan Waters returns to the podcast for Episode 239 to share his introduction to the band, a few noteworthy songs from their catalog, and how he aligns with the band's worldview. The Clash's music can be fou...

Morgan Rose from Sevendust joined A-SIDES Episode 238 to talk about the band's new music along with their upcoming summer tour with Theory Of A Dead Man. However not every podcast goes according to my plans or notes I have taken beforehand. This is a conversation where Morgan Rose from Sevendust took me on a behind-the scenes history of the band's struggles. While fans like myself have supported t...

Mark Menghi has assembled an all-star tribute to Chris Cornell called King Ultramega. It is an all-consuming project for him as he is not only gathering the musicians, but also producing and planning the recordings, and contributing bass. Six songs have been released since Summer 2025's first release, Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage", with four more recordings on the horizon. All ten tracks in total wil...

In their return appearance on A-SIDES, Austin and Zach from Cole Hollow join Episode 236 to share details on their mission for 2026. They have several summer shows booked along with new music ready to launch. The guys also share their thoughts on reaching new fans, "AI-generated music", a shared affection for pro-wrestling, and more! Thanks to Austin and Zach for coming back onto the podcast for a...

Episode 235 of A-SIDES celebrates the life and times of influential space traveler, guitarist, and plumber, Ace Frehley. Co-host Brent Stortzum, along with returning guests Corey Rozzoni, Patrick Kennison, and Kenny Wright share their affection for "The Space Ace", chance encounters with Ace, experiencing KISS live, collecting mementos and magazines, and even the origins of an Ace Frehley tribute...

For Episode 234, Joey Vera of Armored Saint joins the podcast for a brief discussion on the band's recording process. The band is also gearing up for a tour alongside Metal Church this fall with a few unique promotional appearances that may "pop up." Armored Saint's latest record, Emotion Factory Reset, can be found streaming on your favorite app or physically from Metal Blade Records . The band a...

For this special full band interview, heavy Central Illinois rock band heaving. joins A-SIDES for Episode 233. Following the release of a new single titled "Faces On You" onto Bandcamp and all music streaming platforms on May 20th, the band discusses their origins, favorite bands and artists in their formative years, setting themselves apart, and even what they hope to accomplish throughout 2026....

On May 29th, 2026, Devin Townsend will release The Moth through Inside Out Music. For Episode 232, Devin joins A-SIDES to discuss this latest release, capturing moments of creativity, and maintaining your mental and physical health. It was an absolute thrill to hear his process for creating music and even witnessing a moment of his creativity at work. Huge thanks to Devin, Kevin Chiaramonte, Insid...

Immersing yourself into the world of a new rock band is an amazing feeling; it's almost like how an archeologist must feel like when uncovering a new species of dinosaur or an explorer discovering uncharted territory. That is how it felt leading up to this interview with Cody Bowles from progressive rock band, Crown Lands! Cody is the drummer and vocalist of this epic duo that is set to release th...

March 3rd, 1986 marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Metallica's third studio album and thrash metal classic, Master Of Puppets! Three voices joined the podcast to share their own stories with Metallica, from their introduction, to seeing the band live! Hear from co-host Brent Stortzum; returning guest and LA-based musician Yohai Portal; along with notable metal afficionado Paul Tincher....

One amazing thing about the accessibility digital music is discovering bands you may have overlooked years ago. Ugly Kid Joe is one of those bands, which flew under the radar until their 2023 US tour with Fozzy. Since then, they've been a constant presence in my digital library. Record producer and band member Dave Fortman joined A-SIDES Episode 229 to share stories from recording and touring with...

Corrosion of Conformity will release their long-awaited album Good God/Baad Man on April 3rd, 2026. With the new release being a double album of music, this episode is a double-length podcast featuring two interviews with the band! Founding member Woody Weatherman shares details on recording the album, traveling and touring with fellow metal bands, and how he spends his downtime at home. New bassi...

KT Tunstall will be performing in Central Illinois on March 23rd 2026 at Bradley University's Dingeldine Music Center in Peoria, IL. She spoke about this upcoming performance, her "Top Tips" on Instagram, and even the recent 20th anniversary release of her album, Eye To The Telescope. You can purchase tickets to KT's performance in Peoria at the event page on Event Brite . If you are unable to att...