Rock & Metal's Hidden Gems

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast continues our deep dive into Gojira , as we move onto the band's fourth studio album, The Way of All Flesh . In this episode, we explore the overall theme behind The Way of All Flesh , how Gojira's profile continued to grow as they found themselves touring alongside some much bigger names in metal, and why Joe Duplantier believes this was the album...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast continues our deep dive into Gojira , as we move onto the band's breakthrough studio album, From Mars to Sirius . In this episode, we explore the story behind From Mars to Sirius , looking at the concept behind the album, how it helped bring the band to a much wider audience, and which popular song Joe Duplantier detests. As always, most importantly we&a...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast continues our deep dive into Gojira , as we move onto the band's second studio album, The Link . In this episode, we look at how Gojira recorded The Link in their newly built recording studio in France, how the album was received by critics, and the touring that followed its release. As always, most importantly we'll be highlighting and dissecting t...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast returns with a brand new series, and this time we're taking a deep dive into Gojira . In this first episode, we go back to the beginning of the band's story, looking at the Duplantier brothers growing up, the influences behind the band and how they funded their early years. We also cover the release of their debut album, Terra Incognita , and how Go...

Our Hidden Gem Band series continues with Mystic Prophecy as we work our way through the rest of the band's back catalogue, from Satanic Curses through to their latest album, Hellriot . In this episode, we focus less on the Mystic Prophecy story and more on the music itself, looking at some of their biggest songs and how their sound has developed over the years. More importantly we will be sh...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast returns with our Hidden Gem Band series, and this time we're going power metal and showcasing German metal band Mystic Prophecy . In this episode, we cover the formation of the band, the inspiration for why the band exists, the metal scene coming out of Europe during this period and the importance of guitar virtuoso Gus G . We cover the band's first...

Our Shinedown series reaches the end as we cover the band’s most recent studio album, Ei8ht . In this episode, we explore the story behind Ei8ht , including the delays that surrounded the album's release. We discuss the themes and musical influences that run throughout the record but, most importantly, we will be highlighting and dissecting the Hidden Gems from Ei8ht . Those songs that are ov...

Our Shinedown series continues as we move onto the band’s seventh studio album Planet Zero . In this episode, we explore the story behind Planet Zero and Shinedown's decision to create another concept album. We discuss the ideas that drive the record, the band's move towards a more raw, stripped back sound, and how Planet Zero became one of their most political releases to date. And as a...

Our Shinedown series continues as we move onto the band’s sixth studio album, Attention Attention . In this episode, we explore the story behind Attention Attention and the band's decision to create their first concept album . We discuss the themes that run throughout the record, how Shinedown continued to evolve their sound following Threat To Survival , and why many fans see this as a retur...

Our Shinedown series continues as we move into the band’s fifth studio album, Threat To Survival . In this episode, we explore some potential inspirations behind Threat To Survival and the shift in musical direction that came with it. This is where Shinedown really start leaning further into a more pop influenced rock sound, moving away from some of the heavier tones of their earlier records. We’l...

Our Shinedown series continues as we dive into the band's fourth studio album, Amaryllis . In this episode, we discuss the writing and recording of Amaryllis , the band's continued evolution in sound, and how the album further cemented Shinedown's ability to connect with their fans through empowered and relatable lyrics. As always, we'll be highlighting and dissecting the hidde...

Our Shinedown series continues as we dive into the band's breakthrough album, The Sound of Madness . In this episode, we cover the lineup changes that followed Us and Them and the challenges the band faced as they entered a new chapter. We discuss the writing and recording of The Sound of Madness , an album that would elevate Shinedown to a whole new level of success and help define modern ha...

Our Shinedown series continues as we move on to the band's second album, Us and Them . In this episode, we pick up the story following the success of Leave a Whisper and explore how Shinedown approached the challenge of recording a follow-up. We talk through the writing and recording of Us and Them , how the band continued to develop their sound, and the songs that helped establish Shinedown...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast returns with a brand new series, and this time we're taking a deep dive into Shinedown . In this first episode, we go right back to the beginning of the band's story, from Brent Smith being discovered and landing a record deal to the formation of Shinedown and the release of their debut album, Leave a Whisper . We talk through Brent Smith's ear...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast continues our spotlight on a true hidden gem rock band as we conclude our deep dive into The Answer . In this episode, we pick up the story from 2010 to the present day, exploring how The Answer’s sound evolved across their later releases and how they continued to stay true to their bluesy, classic rock roots while adapting to a changing music landscape. We h...

Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems Podcast returns with a brand-new series and this time, we're going rock and we’re shining a spotlight on a hidden gem band . In this episode, we dive into the early years of my chosen hidden gem band The Answer , covering the period from their formation up to 2009, including their debut album Rise and the follow up Everyday Demons . We explore the band’s formati...

Our Nightwish series concludes as we explore the band’s latest album, Yesterwynde , and reflect on the incredible journey of one of the most influential bands in the symphonic metal world. In this episode, we dive into the themes and musical direction of Yesterwynde , while, as always, highlighting and dissecting the hidden gems from the album — those tracks that may not always get the attention t...

Our Nightwish series continues as we move onto the album Human. :||: Nature. — a release that continues the band’s exploration of nature and the human experience. In this episode, we explore Nightwish during this period, discussing the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and the increased musical experimentation from the band. But more importantly, we highlight and dissect the hidden gems from Human....

Our Nightwish series continues as we enter the Endless Forms Most Beautiful era — the first full studio album to feature Floor Jansen , Kai Hahto , and officially Troy Donockley (now he is a full-time member). In this episode, we explore Nightwish during this period, from the evolution of their sound with Floor to the album’s strong themes of science, nature, and evolution. But more importantly, a...

Our Nightwish series continues as we step into the Imaginaerum era — one of the most creative and turbulent chapters in the band’s history. In this episode, we focus on the story of Nightwish during this period, exploring the creative vision behind Imaginaerum and the challenges the band faced as they brought this cinematic project to life. We unpack the tensions and changes that led to the depart...

Our Nightwish series continues as we dive into the album Dark Passion Play and the beginning of a brand-new era for the band. In this episode, we cover Dark Passion Play in detail, exploring how Nightwish rebuilt and redefined their sound following Tarja’s departure. We discuss the arrival of Anette Olzon , the pressure surrounding the band at this pivotal moment, and how the album reflects both p...

Our Nightwish series continues as we dive into the album Once and the departure of Tarja Turunen .  In this episode, we break down Once in detail, exploring how the album expanded Nightwish’s reach beyond Europe and marked a significant moment in their career. We also discuss how the broader success of other metal bands in the early 2000s helped create new opportunities within the scene — particul...

Our Nightwish series continues as we cover the EP Over The Hills And Far Away and dive into the album Century Child .  In this episode, we explore how the band’s sound evolved even further,  how the song writing became more personal for Tuomas Holopainen ,  and just how much of a game-changer the arrival of Marko Hietala was for Nightwish .  We look at the band during the 2001–2003 period and, of...

Our Nightwish series continues as we dive into the Oceanborn and Wishmaster era of the band.  In this episode, we explore how the band’s sound developed across these two releases, with sharper songwriting, more ambitious arrangements, and Tarja’s vocals taking on an even bigger role. We cover the story behind both albums, talk through their influence within the symphonic metal scene, and, of cours...

It’s the start of a new series on Rock & Metal’s Hidden Gems — and this time we’re deep-diving into Finland’s biggest metal band: Nightwish . In this first episode, we trace the band’s beginnings, from Tuomas Holopainen’s campfire vision to their formation and early rise. We talk about Nightwish’s influence on the metal world — especially their impact on women in the genre — and, of course, we...