Heavy Metal Tones

This week on Heavy Metal Tones Episode 274, we go fully subterranean with Aussie riff burrowers Gopher and their debut album Tunnel Buddies.Legend has it the band was founded by two historically questionable heroes, Ned Smelly and Ernie Bingo, after a very long boat trip with the First Fleet. While the rest of the passengers were busy inventing Australia, these two were apparently below deck inventing fuzz tone and arguing about snacks. History may not confirm this… but the riffs absolutely do.This album digs deep into groove, chaos, and pure backyard-mosh energy. It’s loud, it’s ridiculous, and it sounds like someone plugged a distortion pedal into a shovel and said, “Yeah, that’ll do.”I’ll also be spinning two standout singles from the record: the gloriously deranged Kupa- Kupa Mamam and the sky-high party anthem The Party In The Sky. Because even tunnel dwellers need a rooftop celebration.Grab your hard hat and a cold one — this week we’re going underground, and the party started in 1788.Kupa - Kupa Malamhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRoLgTPcXd0The Party In The Sky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnHYs6yNszgMerch baby Merch https://gopherit.bandcamp.com/merch

This week on Heavy Metal Tones, we descend into the crushing, riff-soaked depths of doom with Episode 273, shining the spotlight on the debut album from doom supergroup With The Dead. Formed from some of the heaviest minds in the genre, this record is a relentless slab of distortion, groove and apocalyptic atmosphere that hits with the weight only true doom can deliver.We dig into what makes this first album so powerful, how it captures the spirit of classic doom while pushing the sound into darker territory, and why it still stands as a modern cornerstone of the genre.If this episode leaves you hungry for more slow, heavy and monolithic sounds, make sure you head back to Show #56, where I take a deeper dive into the world of Doom Metal and its foundations.Turn it up, slow it down, and let the riffs consume you.

This week on Heavy Metal Tones, we dive headfirst into the unmistakable roar of Zakk Wylde and the enduring legacy of Black Label Society. Episode 272 puts the band’s latest album under the microscope, exploring how its tone, attitude, and riff power stack up against the crushing foundation laid by the first four records: Sonic Brew, Stronger Than Death, 1919 Eternal, and The Blessed Hellride.From gritty Southern sludge to soaring melodic leads and that signature pinch-harmonic scream, we trace the evolution of BLS tone and ask the big question: does the new album carry the same fire, or does it forge a different path? Expect deep riff analysis, tone talk, and a celebration of one of modern metal’s most recognisable sounds.Metal Roos interview with Zakk Wylde about the new albumhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOJm5BKxip8&t=161s

Episode 273 of Heavy Metal Tones is a full-on Crypt Crawl into the underground, where the cold is creeping in and the riffs are burning hot. Wynter is coming… and Evillean have brought the fuel.This week I dive into the brand-new EPs from both bands, digging into the sound, the atmosphere and why these releases deserve a place on your radar if you live for the darker corners of heavy music. Along the way I spin Wynter’s crushing “Black Widow” and unleash Evillean’s ferocious “Bitchcntsumfck”, then close out the episode with exclusive previews of another track from each band.Fresh underground metal, icy vibes, and serious attitude — join me for the latest Crypt Crawl.https://www.facebook.com/Evileanhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562429490500Wynter - Black Widow Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wykpIGoFgoEvilean - Bitchcntscumfckhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jtIrTZ9xdk

This week on Heavy Metal Tones we dive back into our 50 Years of Punk (1976–2026) series with Part 3, shining the spotlight on Northern Ireland’s fiery punk rebels Stiff Little Fingers and their powerful second album Nobody’s Heroes.Following the raw impact of their debut, this record captures a band sharpening their sound while refusing to lose the urgency and honesty that made them essential. We explore the stories behind the album, the political tension and social commentary woven through the songs, and why Nobody’s Heroes stands as one of the most important and emotionally charged releases of punk’s early years.If you love punk with heart, history and a message, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Turn it up and join the journey.Here is the video I mentioned the infamous Top Of The Pops appearance where they refused to mime and mucked about.https://youtu.be/i4YolkqwvIk?si=pR0YZqD3rKDrmIk1

This week’s Heavy Metal Tones is a very special and heartfelt episode. Following the sad passing of Ross The Boss on March 26, we’re revisiting one of our favourite conversations — the full interview with Ross alongside Stu Marshall, originally released as Episode 218 in April 2025.In this powerful chat, Ross reflects on his incredible career, from his early days with The Dictators to the glory and power of Manowar, and into the modern era with Death Dealer. It’s an honest, warm and inspiring conversation that captures the passion, humour and dedication that made him such a beloved figure in the metal world.If you missed this episode the first time, or want to celebrate his legacy with us, this is the perfect moment to press play, turn it up loud, and remember a true legend. 🤘