The Metal Cell Podcast

I was delighted with Liam Hughes (Vocals) and Gerard O'Callaghan (Drums) from Cork's atmospheric blackened doom metal force Soothsayer for an in-depth conversation recorded in person at The Metal Cell Studios. Following the release of their stunning second album, The Unbinding, we go far beyond the usual album-cycle interview. Together we explore the philosophy, symbolism and deeply personal exper...

On this episode, I’m joined by all three members of Irish progressive sludge metal force Tooms — Anto Donnellan (bass), Kieran Grace (drums/vocals), and Alex Hölzinger (guitars/vocals) — for an in-depth track-by-track exploration of their crushing new album, Karst. Together, we unpack the origins of the record, the band's evolution from their earlier work, and how Karst became the most complete ex...

Peter Cooney of Dublin hardcore/metal outfit LaVein joins us on The Metal Cell Podcast for an honest and intense conversation surrounding the band’s new EP “But I Urged Caution”. We dive deep into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the evolution of LaVein since “Fine Failure”, the impact of playing Bloodstock Festival, and the growing force of the Irish heavy music scene. Pe...

London-based extreme metal force INCARCERATED joins Letty for a crushing new episode discussing the band’s rise, creative vision, and devastating debut album Necrosphere. Letty sits down with Brazilian members Lander da Silva (Vocals/Guitars) and Rafael Rojo (Lead Guitar) to talk about the formation of the multinational London-based outfit, their blend of Thrash and Death Metal, the recording proc...

In this pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Steve Hobson — organiser of Cancer Puncher and drummer of Bad Boat — alongside Carl King of Two Tales of Woe and Gareth Ruddock of Skypilot to talk all things Cancer Puncher 2. We discuss how the original Cancer Puncher charity event came together following the diagnosis of Lymphoma in Haint frontman Ian, as well as the impact cancer has had on friends...

From Strangle Wire to Corpse Water, Pete Clarke’s Solo Death Metal Project '...something in the water' is a deep dive into old school death metal, real-world horror, and groove-driven brutality. Pete explains how 90s-style death metal bands like Six Feet Under, Obituary and early Cannibal Corpse inspired him to create the groove, hooks, and memorable riffs in his debut release. We talk about the w...

In this episode, we take a focused look at Ireland’s pathway to Wacken Open Air — one of the most recognised festivals in the global metal scene. Joining the show: Donnchadh O’Leary – organiser of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland, overseeing the annual competition that sends one Irish band to perform at Wacken. Aidan “Willow” Williams of Aesect – winners of last year’s Irish final, who went on to perfo...

Letty Sharp talks to Alan, Francis and Victor of Numbskull Narrative. The band are a Galway-based thrashcore metal punk trio formed in 2022 by Alan Casey (Bass/Lead Vocals), Francis Glynn (Guitar/Backing vocals) and Victor Vieira (Drums) making serious noise on the Irish scene. Fresh off the release of their new EP 'The Gutters', the band has been praised for their “blistering punk anthems” and ra...

Nihilanth sit down for an exclusive track-by-track breakdown of their new EP 'Detritus Of Ruin', diving deep into the stories, themes and creative process behind each song. From the raw intensity of “Ruin” to the darker, more personal themes explored in “Don’t Pray For Me,” Aidan (Vocals) & Pete (Riffs) unpack the evolution of the band following lineup changes and how this release became the m...

In this episode of The Metal Cell Podcast, members of Following The Signs — Alan Jevens, Noel Crowley, Vincent Renoux and Chris Hanlon — join us in Metal Cell Studios to discuss their upcoming EP 'EVOLVE'. The Cork-based band dive into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the themes running through songs like “Call To Rise”, “Break The Frame”, and “Stuck In Place”, and how the...

The full lineup of Molarbear join the show for a loud, loose, and brutally honest deep dive into their upcoming EP Cognitive Dissident — out March 7th. Recorded at Manor Park Studio with Neal Calderwood, Cognitive Dissident sees the band sharpening their identity — bigger riffs, darker atmosphere, and passages that feel like they’re about to collapse under their own weight. And yes… we go track-by...

Irish doom heavyweights Brigantia are back on the show! Myself & Howard had a great catch-up with Dave Gleeson (Guitar/Vocals) and Neill Nevin (Bass) of Co. Tipperary’s traditional doom torchbearers Brigantia, as we dive deep into their upcoming EP — recorded in Limerick with Ben Wanders at Wanderland Studios — and set for release sometime in 2026. Brigantia have been flying the doom flag sinc...

We sit with DOMHAIN — Andy, Anaïs, and Nathan — to drift beneath the surface of their debut album In Perfect Stillness. We explore: • The making of In Perfect Stillness and how it evolved from their earlier work • Recording at Foel Studio in Wales with the legendary Chris Fielding • Their Northern Irish roots, landscape, and the influence of Irish myth, nature, and the ocean • How they balance mel...

In this exclusive podcast episode, we sit down with FOR RUIN founder John Murphy in the studio, joined by Pete Lawlor (bass) via Zoom, for a full, in-depth track-by-track breakdown of the band’s new album: “Painted In The Colours Of War”. Out January 29th, 2026 via Gate Of Doom Records Rather than a surface-level promo interview, this episode focuses on the long story behind this record — the 13-y...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew “Jones” Cassidy (Vocals) and Craig (Bass) from Cursed Sun, one of the longest-running metal bands to emerge from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Formed in 2007, Cursed Sun have spent nearly two decades carving out a sound that blends progressive, thrash, speed, and power metal, earning a reputation as a powerful and uncompromising live band. We talk about the ba...

2025 was a MASSIVE year for Irish Metal 🤘 In this special Best of Irish Metal 2025 episode, The Metal Cell Forums — Danielle, Joe & Letty — break down the artists, albums, gigs and scene legends that defined the year. Let us know in the comments, who gets YOUR vote! irishmetalart #Metal2025 #TheMetalCell #MetalCommunity Categories: BEST SINGLE: BEST EP: BEST ALBUM: BEST SOLO ARTIST EP/LP: BES...

On this episode of The Metal Cell Podcast, we sit down for an in-depth, one-on-one conversation with Barry Murray, known for his devastating contributions to Cork heaviness through bands like Five Will Die, Partholón, and now his solo drone/doom project Skellig. Across the hour, Barry discusses the evolution from full-band chaos to the stark isolationism of solo bass-only sludge and drone, and why...

The Metal Cell Podcast welcomes back the sonic elders of YURT — Andrew Bushe, Steven Anderson, and Boz Mugabe — for an exclusive deep dive into their upcoming album VI – Rippling Mirrors of the Other (2025). Recorded across Hellfire Studio and Deepinthewoods in Wicklow, YURT’s sixth full-length release is a sprawling, psychedelic, progressive noise odyssey blending prog rock, doom, jazz, kraut, pu...

Prepare to dive into the depths. Belfast sludge-groove trio The Boat Sank unveil their brand-new EP, Concerto of the Deep, in an exclusive feature on The Metal Cell Podcast. The Boat Sank consist of Chris (Drums), Charlie (Guitar/Mixing & Mastering), Leighton (Bass). This special episode includes a track-by-track preview, featuring guest vocals from some of the lads biggest inspirations in the...

In this episode of The Metal Cell Podcast, we sit down with Deserted, the Cork-based death metal band tearing through the Irish scene. Formed in 2023, the lads have blended old-school brutality with modern aggression to create their signature sound — showcased in their debut EP Madness of War and their crushing new single Mental Breakdown. Recorded in The Metal Cell Studios, this conversation dive...

Cork’s finest are back — and we’ve got the exclusive! Jake (guitar/vocals) and Cian (bass/vocals) of God Alone join The Metal Cell Podcast for an exclusive, in-studio track-by-track breakdown of their incredible new album The Beep Test, released the same day as this episode — October 10th. We dive deep into every track, from the pulse-pounding single Beep Test to the hypnotic groove of Pink Himala...

In this exclusive interview, Letty Sharp sits down with Olan Parkinson (drums) and Cory Sloan (bass) of Irish grind/death legends Abaddon Incarnate, just before they took the stage at The Grand Social in Dublin supporting the mighty Cancer, with Zealot Cult also on the bill. The lads open up about the latest chapter of Abaddon Incarnate, including: The arrival of their new vocalist Dave Hynes and...

Uragh join The Metal Cell Podcast! This week, myself and Letty sit down with Craig (Vocals), Marcelo (Guitars), and Jay (Drums) of Uragh to talk all about their brand-new EP Stalemate. We do a track-by-track deep dive, discussing the stories behind Crimson Dove, Time Heals Nothing, and more, plus Uragh’s DIY approach to videos, artwork, and collaborations. The band also talk about their launch gig...

Host Letty Sharp sits down with Wolfie (Vocals) and Kevin (Guitars) of Praelium, one of the most exciting new bands in the Irish metal scene. Praelium bring a crushing mix of alt-metal, groove metal, and thrash metal, and they’ve been making serious noise with the release of their debut EP Pigs (2025). In this episode, Wolfie and Kevin talk about the making of Pigs, what inspires their heavy sound...

I sat down with Steve Maher (ex-Abaddon Incarnate, Ancient Malice) to talk about the band’s crushing debut Accept the Vile Gifts of the Dead. We dig into the chaotic roots of Irish deathgrind, finding the balance between memorable riffs and total filth, writing alongside Ian Lawless (Coldwar) and Adam Power (Sheep Dip), and how crust, grind, and death metal collide in the most vile way possible. W...