Heavy Metal Philosophy

In episode 253 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas reacts to "10 Modern Metal Trends That Need To Stop In 2026" by MetalBIRB. We made a lot of these same criticisms about modern metal and metalcore a little over year ago. It looks like the core kids are starting to agree with me. Let me know what you think! MetalBIRB's video; https://youtu.be/7cmEcXP8XSg?si=6z0hQQ1xFByy7CN1 Get Heavy Metal Philo...

In episode 252 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite metal albums that don't fit the normal criteria. This is the episode where we go outside the normal parameters. You know we like it weird here! My favorite oddball metal albums of 2025! Get a Sandbar for your calloused hands! https://amzn.to/3L9irD7 Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourt...

In episode 251 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite extreme progressive metal albums of 2025. This is an extreme metal show, and thus my progressive picks are also extreme... and beautiful. Let me know what you think! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Bands; Impureza - https://impureza.bandcamp.com/album/alc-zares Dawn of O...

In episode 250 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025, but the title says ten right? This week I am joined by a mystery guest who is also bringing their top 5, which will be radically different from mine. It's a double dose of death metal! Tell us what you think. Bands; Empty Throne - https://emptythroneofficial.bandcamp.com/album/unholy...

In episode 249 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025! For my tastes I prefer my black metal on the more artistic side versus the raw primal side. This list will reflect my tastes, but fret not... there will be plenty of evil. December Book Recommendation; https://amzn.to/4aishwy Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.f...

In episode 248 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite thrash metal albums of 2025! The big guns brought their A game this year. We've got ripping thrash albums from legends and young blood alike. It was a good year for thrash metal, let me know what your favorites were in the comments! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Bands;...

In episode 247 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas votes in the 2025 Nik Nocturnal Awards. There are numerous categories spanning breakdowns, metalcore, deathcore, hardcore, modern metal, and even some extreme metal like death metal and black metal. Plus we are nominated for Best Metal Content! See who I voted for and tell me where you voted differently! Vote in the 2025 Nik Nocturnal Awards her...

In episode 246 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down Rick Beato's latest rant about Heavy Metal's declining popularity. What did Rick Beato get right? What did he get woefully wrong? Is metal really on the decline or are times just different? Let me know what you think! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Heavy Metal Philosophy Contact; https://heav...

In episode 245 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the scam that someone used to land an AI song as number 1 on a Billboard chart. Will metal music be next to have AI music on the charts? Then we compare that scam to big business scams in order to make one final argument about the use of AI in art. Get the ToneX One mentioned in the episode here; https://amzn.to/4pjhh6N Get Heavy Met...

In episode 244 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the practices of masked bands like Slipknot, Ghost, Sleep Token, President, Gwar, Mudvayne, Gaerea, Dogma, and more to figure out which bands are wearing masks for artistic reasons and which ones are exploiting their musicians. It's not an easy answer, well... except in one case. Join the conversation! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch!...

In episode 243 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Roger Merit of Agnostic Front to chat about the band's history, their new album Echoes In Eternity, and what he thinks about the current generation of hardcore punk bands like Knocked Loose and Turnstile.  Agnostic Front links; https://www.agnosticfront.com/ Get Roger's Book; https://amzn.to/3XaW6Yc Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merc...

In episode 242 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explores why some metalheads harbor such hatred for rap and hip-hop music. There's one obvious answer that we won't spend too much time on, because the other reasons are much more interesting. Join the conversation! Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Heavy Metal Philosophy Contact; https://heavymetalphilosop...

In episode 241 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas responds to Andrew Lee's video essay titled "How Heavy Metal Upholds White Supremacy." As an Asian metalhead growing up in the deep south of America, a lot of what Andrew pointed out resonated with me, but some of my experiences were different than his. Those difference might be illuminating. Join in on the conversation! Andrew Lee's channel......

In episode 240 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Tommy T. Baron of Coroner to discuss their triumphant return after thirty years! Coroner was considered one of the most technical and progressive thrash metal bands of the late 80s and early 90s before going on hiatus. After reuniting in 2011, the band still took another 10 years to release another record, and it's finally upon us...

In episode 239 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts one of his favorite memories covering heavy metal shows. While covering a Behemoth and Arch Enemy show, a local Atlanta band called Silly Goose crashed the party and demanded to be heard. Now three years later they have a record deal, big tours, and a Grammy nominated producer who recorded their latest album 'Keys To the City'. Join us...

In episode 238 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with the executive producers of Hulu docuseries 'Into The Void' and 'Dark Side of the Ring'. We chat how they got such a risque show on Disney owned Hulu, the darkness and the triumph of the metal stories they told, and why they chose the topics they did. From Randy Rhoads, Judas Priest, and Dimebag Darrell to more underground tales li...

In episode 237 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is traveling, so the good folks over at the Didn't Go Platinum Podcast were kind enough to let us repurpose Jon's appearance on that show. During this appearance, we discussed the meaning of Rivers of Nihil 'The Work.' Consequently, Albert Camus came up. What is the meaning of work? Join us and find out! Subscribe to Didn't Go Platinum here! htt...

In episode 236 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts a big lesson he learned this weekend. Our country seems more divided than ever, but a local charity gig restored some faith in humanity. Plus a bit of backstory about Jon's past music career. Join us for some fond reflections and much needed positivity.  Get Heavy Metal Philosophy Merch! https://jonbarbas-shop.fourthwall.com/ Heavy Meta...

In episode 235 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas shares is overflowing excitement for Igorrr's upcoming album 'Amen.' After seeing Tommy from The Wolff and the Melody react to the song 'Headbutt,' Jon became an instant fan. From their dense compositions, clever choices, and insane experimentation in the studio, Igorrr has become on of Jon's instant favorite bands. Join us to find out why Jon i...

In episode 234 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the tour earnings of the now X-Cradle of Filth band members to Tank The Tech's YouTube revenue and his own. Zoe Federoff and Ashok recently posted their contracts online detailing their pay. Tank the Tech has also revealed how much revenue he has earned. Perhaps a comparison of our different earnings in the music business might help peo...

In episode 233 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas reacts and responds to Jonny Hawkins of Nothing More defending their use of generative AI on their latest music video. Jonny appeared on Rock Feed to make his arguments. I have agreements and disagreements here that people should consider. It's important to say, this isn't a dunking episode. I'm a fan of Nothing More and Rock Feed. I wish them n...

In episode 232 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Zeb Camp of Bask to talk about their upcoming album 'The Turning,' space westerns, Appalachian folk, heavy metal, and surviving Hurricane Helene. Bask might be the most unique band on Season Of Mist's roster, so if you are looking for something different make sure you join us and look out for the record coming Friday August 22nd! ...

In episode 231 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Richie Cavalera from Incite. Jon's first impression of the band was at a concert, their merch booth had a shirt with the motto "No Gimmicks, No Triggers, No Backing Tracks, Just Metal!" and it was clear this was going to be a fun show. Incite did not disappoint! Their old-school brand of take no prisoners metal was a standout. Thi...

In episode 230 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Svend Karlsson of the death metal band, Baest. Their upcoming album, Colossal, is a pretty big change in sound for the band. They've incorporated a lot of classic and traditional heavy metal sounds into their normally groovy and brutal brand of death metal. Is the world ready for a fun and upbeat death metal band? Is it possible t...

In episode 229 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas revisits his stance on The Osbournes Reality TV show. When it aired, we thought it ruined the myth and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne. However, now that he has passed, hindsight shows a different image. Was the show really a blessing in disguise? Were we wrong to exalt Ozzy? Should Sharon have protected him? I'll lay out examples and my thoughts on it,...