Harsh Vocals

For our twentieth episode, we decided to talk about how we discover new music. We go into detail about all the resources that we use to help us build our weekly playlists, as well as how we find worthwhile older music that we might have missed. We may have different methods, but we also both have a lot of great suggestions! Check out our resources here: Encyclopedia Metallum – https://www.me...

For our nineteenth episode, we decided to talk about Religion in Metal. As an atheist, is there any real difference between Christian metal and Satanic metal? How important is religion as it relates to the music? Should metal musicians be subject to scrutiny for their beliefs? We discuss it all at length. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three albums from the past two weeks as well as so...

For our eighteenth episode, we decided to talk about Imagery in Metal. How important is the look of a band? How important is the art that is used for album covers? Does one approach give a band more or less credibility? How does that same imagery apply to the listeners? We discuss it all at length. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three albums from the past two weeks as well as some outs...

For our seventeenth episode, we decided to talk about Stereotypes in Metal. We discuss the few positive stereotypes, as well as the predominant negative ones. We even speak about our personal least favorites, and some surprising situations we’ve encountered recently that involved stereotypes. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three albums from the past two weeks as well as some outs...

On this special episode, we had the opportunity to interview Jim Benson and Todd Farnham – The guitarist, vocalist, and bassist behind progressive black metal band “Amiensus”. We talk about Amiensus’ creative process, influences, collaborations and growth. Of course we also ask some deep dive questions about their latest opus – Raclamation Pt 1 and Pt 2. As it stands,...

For our sixteenth episode, we decided to talk about Metal in Pop Culture. We discuss our favorite representations of metal in Movies, TV shows, and Video Games, as well as displays of metal on a global stage. Of course we also touch on Gojira’s amazing performance to open the 2024 Olympic games. We also discuss each of our top three albums from the past two weeks as well as some outstanding...

For our fifteenth episode, we are joined by a special guest and longtime friend – Cary Gordon from MSRcast and Metal Geeks podcasts. We discuss what makes a band underrated, our favorite underrated albums, and deep dive into what sort of vocal stylings do and don’t work for certain bands. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three tracks from the past two weeks as well as some ou...

On this special episode, we had the opportunity to interview P.G. – The Songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist behind Atmospheric black metal band “Groza”. We talk about Groza’s creative process, influences, and touring . It was a lot of fun to discuss not only their upcoming album Nadir but also one of our favorites of 2021, The Redemptive End . Stick around at the end of the...

For our fourteenth episode, we discuss gateway bands, and the progression of our ears from their beginnings to where we can appreciate extreme metal now. We talk about the bands that were most influential to us, as well as how the era we grew up in had a big impact on the music we appreciate today. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three tracks from the past two weeks as well as some outs...

For our thirteenth episode, we decided to check in with our favorite albums of the year so far! We’re just past the halfway point for 2024 and it’s already easily the best year for extreme music in three decades. We have so many favorites to discuss, and even though there is some overlap, there’s a lot of individual picks as well! Of course, we also discuss each of our top three...

For our twelfth episode, we discuss Art vs Artists within Metal. Are we able to separate the music from the musicians, especially if those musicians are questionable? We have strong opinions, and are forgiving towards some and take a harder stance on others. Of course, we also discuss each of our top three tracks from the past two weeks as well as several outstanding honorable mentions. To close o...

For our eleventh episode, we discuss Metal and Mental Health. How does metal help us cope with our negative emotions? Are all Metalheads violent sociopaths? Is Metal akin to therapy? Christian, the Metal Therapist has answers to all these questions and more! Of course, we also discuss each of our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks as well as several honorable mentions. To close out the show, we...

For our tenth episode, we discuss what makes music heavy, and how some music can be considered heavier than others. How can power metal and black metal both be so different, but both be considered heavy? Of course, we also discuss each of our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks as well as several honorable mentions. To close out the show, we play a blast from the past that Justin picked – Soilwor...

On this special episode, we had the opportunity to interview Splatterpvnk – The Songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist behind punk-infused black metal band “Saidan”. We talk in depth about his creative process, his love of horror movies, punk music, and Japanese folklore. It was a blast getting to know him a bit, and it’s an honor to help promote the incredible new release fro...

For our ninth episode, we discuss Lyrical Themes and their importance in Metal. Can good lyrics ever save bad music? Can good music make up for poor lyrics? Listen as we go deep. Of course, we also discuss each of our top 3 tracks from the unbelievably stacked past two weeks as well as several honorable mentions. To close out the show, we play a blast from the past that Christian picked – Carnal F...

On this special episode, we had the opportunity to interview Johnar Håland – the main songwriter, guitarist, and one of the vocalists of the incredible band In Vain. We talk in depth about his creative process, his passion for music, touring, vinyl, and much much more. We had an absolute blast getting to know him and hope that all of you enjoy this episode! If you’d like to purchase a...

For our eighth episode, we decided to talk about Gatekeepers in metal. You know, those guys with the elitist mindset who judge people based on their music taste, or how Kvlt they truly are. We’re not big fans of that mindset and we discuss our personal experiences with it, as well as our general takes on the metal community as a whole. Of course, we also discuss each of our top 3 tracks from...

For our seventh episode, we wanted to talk a bit more about ourselves and our musical tastes/journey, but we also ended up discussing the importance of emotion in metal music. Hence the episode title – Frisson. Frisson is defined as a psychophysiological response to rewarding stimuli – or getting goosebumps when the emotionally driven music is just THAT good. Of course, we each brought...

For our sixth episode, we discussed the topic of Physical Media. Both of us are huge Vinyl collectors, and we wanted to talk about why we got into collecting, the best places to shop, preorders, and some tips and tricks of the hunt. We each brought our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks to the show and discussed them at length. We also covered a few “Honorable Mentions” because 2024...

For our fifth episode, we discussed the topic of Live Shows, including what we like and dislike about them, what could be done better, and some innovative things we’ve noticed at recent shows. We each brought our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks to the show and discussed them at length. We also covered a few “Honorable Mentions” because again, it’s been another couple o...

For our fourth episode, we discussed the topic of A.I. in Metal, following a slew of bands using A.I. for their cover art, and Unleash the Archers using it in every facet of their upcoming album . We each brought our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks to the show and discussed them at length. We also covered a few “Honorable Mentions” because the last two weeks were filled with even...

For our third episode, we discussed the topic of Genres and Subgenres in Metal, including what is necessary to help with expectations, and when descriptions go too far. We each brought our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks to the show and discussed them at length. We also covered a few “Honorable Mentions” because the last two weeks were filled with great releases. To close out the...

For our second episode, we discussed the topic of Battle Jackets including Christian’s history with them, and Justin’s plans for creating one. We each brought our top 3 tracks from the past two weeks to the show and discussed them at length. To close out the show, we discussed a blast from the past – The Covenant’s “Nexus Polaris”. This was a fun episode, and ju...

In our inaugural episode, we talk about the music trends we saw in 2023, and discuss our top 10 lists! For a larger look at our lists, visit harshvocals.com to see our full top 30’s, as well as links to our spotify playlists! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram – Just search for Harsh Vocals! ;