Mandatory Music

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 This week on Mandatory Music! 🎸 We’re diving into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ahead of the big ceremony on November 8 . Mike and Sebastian break down each artist’s well-deserved spot in rock history — from the long-overdue legends to the surprise early entries. Who got in right on time, and who maybe could’ve waited? Tune in, tu...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , Mike and Sebastian dive headfirst into the massive news from Megadeth — their upcoming album, simply titled “Megadeth.” We break down the tracklist (for better or worse), give our first impressions of the lead single “Tipping Point,” and debate what it says about the band’s direction in 2025. But that’s not all — Megade...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎧 Episode 77 is here! This week on Mandatory Music , Mike and Sebastian dive into Rob Zombie’s brand new track “Punks and Demons.” 👹🔥 We do a first-listen reaction , giving our raw and unfiltered thoughts on the song — no edits, no filters, just pure chaos. 😈 Oh, and there’s a hilarious audio glitch somewhere in the episode… can you spot it? 👀😂...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , Sebastian and Mike try something a little different — their (sort of) first reaction episode! The guys hit play on Black Label Society’s “Broken and Blind” and share their unfiltered thoughts in real time as the song unfolds. From Zakk Wylde’s signature riffs to the moments that hit hard — and the ones that didn’t — it’...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , Sebastian and Michael do the unthinkable — we step way outside our hard rock comfort zone and dive headfirst into Taylor Swift’s brand-new album, Life of a Showgirl . 🤯 From guitar riffs to glitter, we break down the songwriting, production, and emotional storytelling behind one of the world’s biggest pop icons. Can tw...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Sebastian and Michael break down the brand-new collaboration between YUNGBLUD and Aerosmith, a track that bridges generations and genres in one explosive package. From its composition and production choices to the energy and vibe it carries, we explore how the past meets the future in this unexpected pairing. Tune in as we unpack what makes this song...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Nirvana's Impact on Grunge Music Mike and Sebastian discussed the impact of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, released on September 24, 1991, and its role in the grunge music movement. They noted the significant influence of the album and its lead singer, Kurt Cobain, on the music landscape and youth culture of the time. They also refl...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael dive into the perplexing world of Will Smith's recent musical endeavors. They explore the challenges of staying relevant in the entertainment industry as one ages, using Will Smith's latest song "Pretty Girls" as a focal point. The discussion touches on themes of authenticity, public percepti...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Michael and Sebastian explore themes of aging, reflections on the VMAs, the impact of modern rock icons like Youngblood, and the unique sound of Gojira. They delve into the lyrical depth of Gojira's music, sharing personal connections to the themes of loss and resilience. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire que...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian return from their month-long break to discuss various topics, including their experiences at Burning Man and a detailed comparison of two iconic metal bands: Metallica and Megadeth. They engage in a battle of albums, analyzing songs from both bands, exploring their musical styles, and reflecting on the legacy of...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian discuss a variety of topics ranging from the humor in South Park to the potential of Metallica performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas. They delve into the rise of Yungblud in the music scene, exploring his unique style and the impact he has on fans. The conversation also touches on the importance of affordable mu...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this heartfelt conversation, Michael and Sebastian reflect on the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. They discuss his profound impact on the music world, particularly in heavy metal, and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with his music. The conversation touches on themes of life, death, and the community within...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian discuss their personal experiences, including Sebastian's sunburn from playing soccer. They then transition into a conversation about the Foo Fighters, focusing on Dave Grohl's musical talents and the band's sound. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of losing...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text The conversation reviews a monumental tribute concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, discussing the performances of various bands, the dynamics of the lineup, and the overall impact of the event on the heavy metal community. The hosts critique individual performances, highlight standout moments, and reflect on the significance of the concert in...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, the hosts celebrate Canada Day by discussing the Tragically Hip's song 'Wheat Kings,' which tells the story of David Milgaard, a man wrongfully convicted of murder. They explore the song's themes of injustice and the poetic nature of Gord Downie's lyrics, emphasizing the band's impact on Canadian culture...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text n this episode, Michael and Sebastian delve into Metallica's iconic song 'To Live Is To Die,' exploring its significance as a tribute to Cliff Burton, its emotional depth, and the intricate musical composition. They discuss the song's lyrics, the guitar techniques used, and the drumming choices that shape its sound. The conversati...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 Part 2 is here! On this episode of Mandatory Music , we reveal the final two picks in our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time . Narrowing it down wasn’t easy — and these top spots sparked some real soul-searching. If you caught Part 1, you already know our #5 through #3… now it’s time to crown the ultimate guitar heroes. 🎖️ Do our top two match yours? Or...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 This week on Mandatory Music , we’re diving back into a fan favorite — a Top 5 list! And not just any list… we're tackling our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time . As long-time guitar players ourselves, we knew this was going to be nearly impossible — there’s just too much talent to choose from. We had so much to say that we had to split the episod...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael discuss Iron Maiden's recent 'Run For Your Lives' tour, reflecting on their personal experiences and the setlist choices. They delve into the band's legacy, the significance of their albums, and the expectations fans have for live performances. The conversation highlights the balance between...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Summary In this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian dive into their top five favorite vocalists across various genres, discussing the impact and unique styles of each singer. They explore the personal connections to these artists, the diversity in vocal abilities, and the cultural significance of Canadian musicians. The conversati...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , we're spotlighting some homegrown Canadian talent. Doug Harrison—frontman and guitarist of prog band Fen—returns with his solo project Slug Comparison, and we dive into the opening track of the new album A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife. The song "Wish to Adapt" is a breath of fresh air f...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , we dive into an unexpected but seriously cool collaboration — the Blue Man Group is back with a brand-new single, “Things,” featuring the incredibly talented After Cooking. That’s right… Blue Man Group! It’s all about rhythm, vibe, and groove in this episode as we explore this hypnotic, beat-driven track and what makes...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text We're Back – and So Is Ghost! After a 3-week break, Mandatory Music returns with a bang as we dive into Ghost’s brand-new album Skeleta . We give our unfiltered take on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Is it a bold new chapter or more of the same? Tune in as we break it all down with our signature mix of insight and brutal honesty...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , we dive horns-first into Volbeat’s blistering new track “In the Barn of the Goat: Giving Birth to Satan's Spawn in a Dying World of Doom.” Is Michael Poulsen stepping up as the new Metal Elvis, ready to snatch the crown from Glenn Danzig himself? We break down the riffs, the vocals, and the epic energy of the song...

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music , tensions rise as Sebastian and Mike dive into Sleep Token's brand-new track, “Emergence.” For one of the first times on the show, the duo finds themselves on opposite sides—sparking a passionate, thought-provoking debate. They unpack the haunting lyrics, dissect the song's construction, and explore the intrica...