The Rock and Metal Profs

The Profs discuss the history and philosophy of the progenitors of an entire genre of music, the great Black Sabbath.  Recorded a few years prior to Ozzy's passing, Matt and Court cover the early history of the band's roots in Birmingham and just how transformative Sabbath was in terms of music, imagery, themes and culture.  

The Profs discuss the rise of the guitar virtuoso in the 70s and 80s.  From Ritchie Blackmore to EVH, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie, the rock and metal genre boasts the greatest guitar players ever to grace the earth.  This is going to be a fun one!

Court and Matt discuss Seattle metal pioneers Queensryche.  When this quintet hit the music scene in the early 80s with their 4-song EP, fans knew they were going to be special.  With a unique prog sound, soaring vocals and technical guitar and drum work, they were an instance success within the metal community.  The Profs discuss the band's history, the greatest concept album of all time, and the...

The Profs discuss hardcore metal act Body Count and the impact Ice T. and his bandmates made when they hit the scene in the early-90s.  From the beginning the band stoked controversy, built a devoted following, endured repeated attacks from politicians and bigots, and persevered over time to become a mainstay at metal festivals into the 2020s. 

Matt is joined by long-time friends and hardcore RUSH fans, Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza.  The trio have a fun conversation about when they discovered RUSH, what the band meant to them, live concerts they attended, and the passing of the world's greatest percussionist, the Professor Neil Peart.  

Road warrior, bassist, songwriter and founding member of Spread Eagle Rob De Luca joins the Profs to talk about the current incarnation of the band, his time with rock legends UFO, and touring with Sebastian Bach.  

When New York's Spread Eagle hit the metal scene in 1989, many early fans recognized that they were different from the established glam and sleaze metal bands of the late-80s.   A self-styled "Street Metal" act, Rob De Luca, Paul DiBartolo, Ray West and Tommy Gallo produced two hard-hitting, raw and uncompromising albums within just a few short years.  Alas, as the  music industry shifted its focu...

This week Matt invites on a couple Rush experts and long-time friends, Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza and Mr. Chris Christianson.  Were it not for Chris, Matt would not be the Rush fan that he is today.  Dr. Rojo Mendoza provides a unique perspective as a Rush fan growing up in Mexico City.  My thanks to both of these fine gentlemen for taking the time to join the show!

The Profs are back with part 2 in a 3-part series featuring the GLORIOUS music, history and philosophy of Rush.  

We have some listeners who are going to LOVE this one.  Court and Matt unpack the music, history, philosophy and legacy of the greatest Canadian power trio of all time, RUSH!  Rush's music is timeless, brilliant, and masterfully composed.  Neil Peart's lyrics were a thing of breathtaking beauty and remarkable intellectual and philosophical gravity and insight.  Dr. Lewis shines on this one!  You d...

For Heaven's Sake, it's Stryper!  Stryper proved that a Christian rock band can hit the mainstream, find continued success, and rock!  An equal opportunity podcast, the Profs give equal time to the "Yellow and Black Attack", looking at the band's history, legacy, music and staying power.   To hell with the Devil!

Time to Bleed the Freak!  The Profs take on the history and philosophy of one of Seattle's greatest exports, the one and only Alice In Chains.  AIC were the band the bridged the 80s and 90s and kept metal fresh and exciting.  Often lumped in with the grunge movement and Seattle sound, Layne, Jerry, Mike and Sean were far more than just another rock band trying to find an identity -- they saved met...

This week, the Profs are Caught in a Mosh!  Time for some east coast thrash!  Anthrax are considered one of the "Big 4" acts in metal, and it is well-deserved.  Breaking big with "Among the Living" in 1986, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, Scotty Ian and Dan Spitz brought a sound, style and appearance that metal fans welcomed.  With well-crafted songs, Stephen King-inspired songs, bl...

This week a deep dive into an incredibly talented band that may be unfamiliar to some listeners.  Coheed and Cambria have made a nice career releasing concept albums with sci-fi and fantasy themes, comic book tie-ins, and incredible musicality and virtuosity.  Don't sleep on this band!

This Profs investigate the career of one of the most heralded bands of all time, the incomparable Iron Maiden.  Matt and Court recount the band's rise to success in England, the Paul DiAnno years, the introduction of Bruce Dickinson, and taking the world by storm in the early-80s.  Metal mascots: Has anyone done it better than Iron Maiden with Eddie?  Has there ever been a band better at tackling...

This one is for the hardcore KISS Fan! Court and Matt discuss lyrics and how the band's songs have aged, as well as a multitude of esoteric facts that longtime fans of the band will likely know already.  This is a fun one, so join us!

The Profs discuss the band's meteoric rise to rock greatness in the 70s, line-up changes, taking off the make-up (or more acccurately, applying the make-up differently), their reemergence in the 80s, missteps in the 90s and the inevitable reunion of the 4 founding members.  

In the 70s and 80s no band influenced Court and Matt more than KISS.  In this first episode in a 3-episode series, the Profs look at the history and philosophy of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter, the formation of Wicked Lester (Gene and Paul's first band), their early challenges, and the incredible determination of 4 young New Yorkers who would not be denied their rightful place as rock gods.   

Often venerated as one of the greatest rock vocalists in history, Ronnie James Dio's storied career is as fantastic as the lyrics he penned about dragons, tigers and rainbows.  Court and Matt mine the data to bring you a thoughtful, respectful and thorough accounting of the Man on the Silver Mountain.   Rest in peace Ronnie!

The Profs examine the career of UFO, your favorite band's favorite band.  UFO has the distinction of influencing dozens of the biggest names in rock and metal music in the 70s and 80s.  Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Pete Way, Paul Raymond and the Mad Axeman Michael Schenker redefined the world of rock, headlining major music festivals in the U.S. and Britain in the late-1970s.  We discuss the classic li...

This week the Rock and Metal Profs discuss Megadeth.  There is no denying the seismic impact that Megadeth made with Peace Sells,  So Far, So Good, So What, Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings.  This legendary run of albums made Dave Mustaine and his sometimes revolving door of great musicians titans of thrash in the 80s and 90s.  Court and Matt discuss the alb...

Welcome back to the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast!  After a few years hiatus, Court and I have decided to re-release all episodes of the show!   Moving forward, we will record and release new episodes as time permits and inspiration strikes.  As listeners may know, Dr. Lewis and I are working college professors, and time is a precious luxury.  Nevertheless, our passion for music beckoned us to retu...