Heavy Metal Philosophy

In episode 278 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas tells four short stories that reveal the current state of our society. As if influencer culture wasn't bad enough, now we have AI producing even worse versions of it. These stories will illustrate the reality of our current situation, but don't worry, I have good news: a white pill, if you prefer... AND a killer new extreme metal band to showcas...

In episode 277 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes criticisms of Yungblud coming from rock stars like Justin Hawkins of the Darkness, Machine Gun Kelly, and Ronnie Radke. Is Yungblud a poser? Disloyal? A rich kid? Does it even matter when he makes pop rock? Let me know what you think! Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs here: https://www.hears.com/HEAVYMETALPHILOSOPHY Get Heavy Metal Philosophy...

In episode 276 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts the tale of going to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Atlanta to see a modern metal show. Jon went to the Buckhead Theatre to photograph Jinjer, Entheos, and Crystal Lake, but the boujee venue made him feel like a fish out of water! Stay awhile and listen. Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs here: https://www.hears.com/HEAVYMETALPHILOSO...

In episode 275 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down  with one half of Fires In The Distance to discuss the philosophy and choices behind their latest album, Circadian Promise. From existential philosophy to the challenges of having a new singer, join us! Fires In The Distance Links; https://firesinthedistance.bandcamp.com/album/circadian-promise https://www.facebook.com/firesinthedistan...

In episode 274 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas attempted to have a 10 minute interview with Ben Hutcherson of Khemmis about their upcoming self-titled album. Ben and Jon then went on an hour long existential and nihilistic spiral... and they did it with smiles on their faces. Do you like cosmic horror and heavy metal? You're in the right place, join us! Khemmis links; https://khemmis.bandcam...

Recently The Metal Meltdown YouTube channel aired a video criticizing the Osbourne family for investing in an Ozzy Osbourne Ai that will supposedly act like Ozzy and interact with fans. The Metal Meltdown took particular issue with the part of the article that made claims about the ability of the Ai to be placed in ads. Shockingly, Jack Osbourne himself commented on the video and a debate ensued....

In episode 272 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Mark Menghi (from Metal Allegiance) and Brann Dailor (from Mastadon) to chat about King Ultramega, the all-star collective paying tribute to Chris Cornell. This super group ranges from players like Kim Thayil, Alissa White-Gluz, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, Bill Kelliher, Angel Vivaldi, William Duval, and many others including t...

In episode 271 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is recounting what happened at the Godless IV tour featuring Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ, and Immolation. During Behemoth's set, a prediction that Jon made last year reviewing their latest album was proven true. Follow along to find out more! Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs here: https://www.hears.com/HEAVYMETALPHILOSOPHY Get Heavy Metal Philos...

In episode 270 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down "Blue Dot Fever" and why it's plaguing pop stars like Meghan Trainor and Post Malone, but not death metal and black metal bands. We go over the numbers, the culture, and what it all means. Let us know what you think in the comments! Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs here: https://www.hears.com/HEAVYMETALPHILOSOPHY Get Heavy Metal Philo...

In episode 269 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is celebrating the five year anniversary of Heavy Metal Philosophy! You all asked me a bunch of really insightful but also unhinged questions. That's what I love about this community, we can plumb the depths of our minds or the toilet humor. Either way it's always fun here. Thank you! The rock band I mentioned was  Ayron Jones Links to books in...

In episode 268 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas chats with Nate Garrett of Spirit Adrift and Neon Nightmare. They talk about the band's final album, how metal The Book of Revelation Is, the corruption in underground metal, and what's next for Nate now that Spirit Adrift is ending. Spirit Adrift and Nate Garrett links; spiritadrift.com https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-illuminatio...

In episode 267 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes the business decisions of the UFC that have contributed to not only their own ticket prices rising, but also the cost of music concert tickets. Between monopolistic practices and board of director cross pollination, the rabbit hole is deep.  Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Heavy Metal Philosophy...

In episode 266 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas looks at examples of legendary bands who retired early like Bolt Thrower, Nirvana, and Spirit Adrift and wonders if other bands should do the same. Don't get it twisted though, some bands still got it and need to keep going. Is it Metallica? Found out who and let me know if you agree or disagree on this week's episode. Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs...

In episode 265 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down three reasons why hardcore music has become so popular that it now is featured in pop festivals like Coachella and Late Night Television like Jimmy Kimmel. We even had a hardcore band (Turnstile) win the Grammy for "Best Metal Performance". What do you think? Did we miss any reasons? Let it be known! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch!...

In episode 264 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity. We talk about their new double album 'Good God, Baad Man' and the concept of facing the infinite and death. Don't get it twisted though, this isn't a bummer, the record and the conversation is a lot of fun! Join us.  Corrosion Of Conformity Links: https://coc.com/ Corrosion of Conformity - h...

In episode 263 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by the host of Greg's Whiskey Guide. Greg has been visiting distilleries and tasting whiskeys for over two decades. He is a passionate whiskey blogger and blender as well as a long-time metalhead. In this episode, he has selected three different whiskeys and paired them with three different extreme metal albums from Insomnium, Rivers o...

In episode 262 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the fallout of the Live Nation and DOJ court settlement. Concert ticket prices have gotten extremely unaffordable over the past decade. Is it thanks to a monopoly held by Ticketmaster and Live Nation? Are the jokes employees messaged to each other indicative of company culture? What can be done about rising ticket prices? Join us and...

In episode 261 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas discovers the hardcore punk scene in Alabama. Where is it? Who plays there? Is it happening? Wielded Steel tells us all, plus we discuss the true meaning of deathcore and metalcore. Let me know what you think! Wielded Steel Links: https://wieldedsteel.bandcamp.com/album/sins-of-your-domain https://www.instagram.com/wieldedsteel Get 10% of Hear's...

In episode 260 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is combining two separate interviews! Jon recently interviewed both Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick of Testament and Metal Allegiance. In those two interviews, obviously similar questions were asked, even though they were both on for different reasons. The result is an interesting contrast in their experiences. Chuck tells a fond memory of Dio and...

In episode 259 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas shows his love for the metal community, but points out 4 places we could do better. These are things that could help the heavy metal image with the mainstream and things we can do better for ourselves. Did I miss any? Let me know, join the conversation! Get 10% of Hear's Earplugs here: https://www.hears.com/HEAVYMETALPHILOSOPHY Heavy Metal Philo...

In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the things that make each sub-genre of metal cheesy and cringe. All of us have a genre of metal we look at as silly, but do we overlook the excesses of our own favorite styles? I'm even going to criticize my beloved death-metal! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Heavy Metal Philosophy Contact; http...

In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the public's response to  misconduct from rock stars versus people in the Epstein files. Both cases seem to be above the law thanks to their fame and wealth, but people like Marilyn Manson and Till Linderman face much different public controversy and cancel culture than Bill Gates and Elon Musk. Why? Let's discuss it. Tell me what you t...

In episode 256 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down the best new metal albums that released in January 2026! From Black Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal, Metalcore, Technical Death Metal, and everything in between! If you want some new metal to listen to, check out this month's lineup!  Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Bands; The...

In episode 255 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explains how Megadeth's retirement is a sign of the decline of heavy metal. Who is next to retire? Judas Priest? Iron Maiden? Metallica? Who will take up the mantle and carry the torch for the next generation of heavy metal bands? What happens to a sub-genre when all of it's standard bearers leave a vacuum? Let me know what you think in the comm...

In episode 254 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the AI music policies of Bandcamp versus Spotify. We then analyze how payment incentives shape each company's stance on generative AI Music. These factors help explain why each company has different rules concerning AI music. Are you happy or angry that Bandcamp banned AI Music? Let me know in the comments. Stephen Brewer 'Beyond Des...