And Now The Band

Lungburner join the show to break down their crushing new album “Dogma” (out April 17 via Terminus Hate Records) and dive deep into the realities of the underground metal scene. In this episode, we talk about the band’s evolution, their commitment to delivering immersive live performances, and how they’re pushing beyond traditional doom and sludge with theatrical elements, projection visuals, and...

Florist joins Tom to talk about the upcoming Legalize Lex preshow, festival culture, and the tight-knit community behind doom and stoner rock. This episode dives into the planning, promotion, and real-world logistics of DIY festivals—along with the stories, chaos, and camaraderie that make them unforgettable. Inside this episode:• behind-the-scenes planning for Legalize Lex and preshow events• cre...

After a ripping night of music and friendship, members of King Parrot and Soulfly sat down to have a chat. Youngy, Mike De Leon and Derek Engemann join me for a quick conversation about the show and the tour. Friendship on the road and what it means to be on the road with your friends. What's been the best night of tour so far? No, it wasn't Louisville. King Parrot are making some new fans...

Tom sits down with Curtis and Chad of Witch Ripper to break down their upcoming album Through the Hourglass, arriving April 10 via Magnetic Eye Records. The conversation dives deep into the band’s evolution—from its beginnings as Curtis’ solo project in 2012 to a fully collaborative unit today. With this new record, Witch Ripper leans heavily into a shared songwriting process, with Chad contributi...

Brady Deeprose of Conjurer joins Tom for an in-depth conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a band in today’s music industry. From navigating duplicate band names to planning U.S. tours and adapting to streaming-era realities, Brady breaks down the strategy behind Conjurer’s growth and success. Inside this episode: • the challenge of multiple bands sharing the same name (and att...

Michael Kiske of Helloween joins Tom for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of music, the importance of authenticity, and the future of creativity in the age of AI.Known for his iconic role in shaping power metal during his original run from 1986–1993, Kiske reflects on rejoining Helloween decades later and how the band has evolved while staying true to its core identity. Inside this epi...

Sam Harman of Haunt joins Tom for a deep dive into touring life, the realities of the modern music industry, and what keeps underground metal alive in 2026. From long drives and tight budgets to unforgettable shows and lifelong friendships, Sam shares what it really takes to survive — and thrive — on the road. Inside this episode: • the reality of touring in today’s music economy • why merch sales...

Danny “Stills” Stillman from Drop Dead, Gorgeous joins Tom to talk about the band’s return after a 15-year hiatus and how their sound has evolved since their early post-hardcore days. Instead of simply recreating their past, the band chose to move forward — blending alternative textures, electronic elements, and modern production with the spirit that originally defined Drop Dead, Gorgeous. Inside...

Braun and Josh join Tom to talk about organizing the growing underground music festival Legalize Lex — a three-day event showcasing 19 bands from across the Midwest and Southeast . What started as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of the most anticipated heavy music events in Lexington , bringing together regional bands, collectors, artists, and fans of doom, stoner, and underground heav...

Chris Mullins of Kentucky based Acromancer and Goose Hydra joins Tom to talk about building bands from the ground up, creating unique merch, and navigating the challenges of the underground music scene. They kick things off with the story behind a hand-painted meditating figure designed by Steven that fans are already demanding more of. The conversation expands into DIY merchandise ideas, includin...

Paul and Gusmo from Restless Spirit join Tom to talk about their no-filters, high-energy approach to songwriting, the grind of a decade in the underground scene, and how their new album Restless Spirit became their most focused and authentic release yet. Written mostly between May–August 2025, the record captures the band at their most spontaneous — less overthinking, more instinct. The guys break...

Last night at the LDB Fest Pre-Show at Portal in Louisville, I spent a few minutes chatting with Jp Kaine from Surfaced. Jp and I talk about some of the highlights over the last year and what Surfaced is working on over the next 1-3 years. Is there something here that you didn't know Surfaced was up to? Maybe! You'll have to listen to find out. #surfaced #ldbfest #ldbfestpreshow #portal #a...

Mike Burns of Radian joins Tom to break down the band’s upcoming album Subterfuge (out March 20, 2026) — a record built around flow, atmosphere, and emotional weight rather than singles or algorithms. They dive deep into the sequencing and mood of the album, especially the transition from “Spiraling Ash” into “Fathom,” and how restraint, space, and vocal delivery shaped some of the band’s most pow...

Jacob and Jake from Redivider join Tom to talk about turning a casual death metal jam project into a fully realized album, surviving lineup challenges, and carving out a sound that feels raw, honest, and authentic. What started as friends playing heavy riffs quickly evolved into a year-long writing and recording process — dialing in tone, tightening chemistry, and refusing to rush the record. The...

Jeff Wilson of Deeper Graves and Chrome Waves joins Tom for a deep dive into writing albums with intention, balancing multiple bands, and surviving today’s underground music economy. Jeff breaks down the creative split between projects — the late 80s/early 90s doom influence behind Deeper Graves versus the guitar-and-synth driven textures of Chrome Waves — and why he curates full albums as complet...

Christian from Necrofier joins Tom to break down the band’s ambitious new album Transcend Into Oblivion — their first record designed as a three-act, cohesive listening experience rather than a singles-driven release. They dive deep into album structure, artistic authenticity in the streaming era, and why Necrofier prioritizes full-album storytelling over chasing algorithms. Christian explains how...

Tom is joined by Vince from Warside to dive deep into the band’s highly anticipated full-length album Cognitive Extinction , set for release on April 17, 2026 via Gruesome Records . In this episode, Vince breaks down the band’s intense new direction — a rawer, more direct death metal sound driven by an evolved lineup and shaped by themes of mental breakdown, technological overload, and cultural de...

Morgan Riley of Blackwater Drowning joins Tom on And Now The Band to break down the band’s upcoming album Obscure Sorrows , out February 27 via Blood Blast Distribution and Bleeding Art Collective . Morgan dives into the band’s new collaborative songwriting approach, adding orchestration and atmosphere to create their most expansive and emotionally heavy record yet. They also talk about balancing...

Tom sits down with Johnny Zilch of Stacked Deck and Useless by Design for one of the most personal and resilient conversations yet — covering lifelong musicianship, health battles, and why creating music never stops. Johnny opens up about living with multiple sclerosis, how it’s impacted everyday things like night driving, and the physical challenges he’s faced over the years. After surviving canc...

Tom sits down with Patrick Brink of Volume to talk about launching the inaugural Mojave Experience Music Festival , a two-day desert rock and psych gathering set for March 20–21 in Joshua Tree, California . Rather than performing with his own band this year, Patrick made the deliberate decision to step back and focus entirely on producing the best possible experience for fans, artists, and volunte...

Tom sits down with Francesco Paoli of symphonic death metal powerhouse Fleshgod Apocalypse to talk about the band’s upcoming U.S. tour supporting Avatar and Frozen Soul, kicking off this spring. The conversation traces Francesco’s journey from his early days with Hour of Penance to Fleshgod’s rise as one of extreme metal’s most ambitious and cinematic acts. With festival appearances at Rockville a...

In this episode of And Now The Band, Tom Robbins talks with Ben Koller — drummer for Converge, High on Fire, Mutoid Man, and Killer Be Killed — about the realities of balancing a relentless touring schedule with family, business, and the changing music industry. The conversation opens with tour life memories and a shared love of live music, including Ben bringing his 11-year-old son to his first m...

In Episode 322 of And Now The Band , Tom Robbins sits down with Jon Davis of UK doom/sludge powerhouse Conan for a wide-ranging conversation about touring life, creative independence, and building a sustainable music career without sacrificing happiness. Jon opens up about recovering from illness and the realities of staying healthy on the road, recalling past strep throat scares while touring the...

In Episode 321 of And Now The Band , host Tom Robbins is joined by Nico (Nikolaos) of Aphea for a thoughtful conversation centered on post-rock, artistic evolution, and the importance of albums as complete narratives . Despite early audio technical difficulties, the conversation quickly settles into a deep discussion of Aphea’s origins and creative direction. Nico explains how Aphea emerged after...

In Episode 320 of And Now The Band , host Tom Robbins is joined by Ben and Stan of UK-based death metal band Unburier for an in-depth conversation about the band’s evolution, creative discipline, and long-term vision. Formed in 2018 and releasing their first music in 2022 , Unburier’s momentum truly accelerated once the right lineup and shared mindset locked into place. Ben and Stan break down how...