Leitmotif And Movement: A Father & Son Journey Through Rock, Metal, & Music History

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad are navigating the transition from the controversial birth of a 90s cornerstone to a 60s anthem that redefined the protest song.We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the crushing, blackened doom and raw atmosphere of Funeral Language, the melodic, post-hardcore-infused alternative rock of DARIA, and the icy, symphonic black metal precision of Darkest of Winter.Next, we dive into our main topic: Stone Temple Pilots’ 1992 powerhouse debut, Core. At the time of its release, the band was famously voted "Best New Band" by fans and "Worst New Band" by critics in the same magazine. We break down why this album was so polarizing, the dark stories behind tracks like "Plush" and "Sex Type Thing," and how the late Scott Weiland and the DeLeo brothers created a record that has stood the test of time for over 30 years.Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss Buffalo Springfield’s 1966 classic, "For What It's Worth." While often mistaken for a Vietnam War protest, we uncover the true story of the Sunset Strip curfew riots that inspired Stephen Stills to write this legendary anthem. We break down that iconic "alarm bell" harmonic and why its message of social tension remains just as relevant today.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! Press play to join the journey from the grunge-soaked 90s to the revolutionary 60s! (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?(00:10:22) - The Art of Discovery(00:10:49) - Funeral Language (feat. Geoff Halbherr) "Off Script)(00:14:14) - Daria "A Smile, An Oasis"(00:18:47) - Darkest Of Winter "III"(00:24:17) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Stone Temple Pilots' 1992 debut, "Core"(00:57:00) - Question for the Audience(00:57:11) - Can't Wait(01:00:24) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth"(01:07:34) - On the Next Episode(01:08:16) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Funeral Language (feat. Geoff Halbherr) – “Off Script” (From the EP: Cirque)·      DARIA – “A Smile, An Oasis” (From the album: Fall Not)·      Darkest Of Winter – “III” (From their album: The Composer: Chapter II) OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Sevendust·      Karnivool·      The Used·      Hällas·      The Hirsch Effekt·      Puscifer·      Silversun Pickups·      Story Of The Year·      Sylosis·      ERRA·      Therapy?·      Green Carnation·      Dir En Grey·      Look Outside Your Window·      Evergrey CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 02/07/2026

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad are exploring the monumental shift from the shadows of Black Sabbath to the birth of a heavy metal icon, before cooling off with a quintessential slice of 90s alternative.We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the atmospheric depth and heavy, progressive layers of Thræds, the epic, high-fantasy scale of power metal outfit Chronosynthesis, and the high-energy, infectious metal drive of Vibrant.Next, we dive into our main topic: Dio’s legendary 1983 debut, Holy Diver. This isn't just an album; it’s a declaration of independence. We break down Ronnie James Dio’s transition from band member to solo powerhouse, the mystery behind the iconic album art, and how he turned a synthesizer riff he almost threw away into one of the most famous anthems in metal history.Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss Toad the Wet Sprocket’s 1991 hit, "All I Want." We look past the quirky Monty Python-inspired band name to explore the track's melodic brilliance and the existential longing hidden beneath its catchy, acoustic-driven surface.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! Press play to join the journey from the dungeons of metal to the heights of 90s alt-rock! (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?(00:09:52) - The Art of Discovery(00:10:18) - Thraeds "Story in Reverse"(00:18:47) - Chronosynthesis "Wrath of God"(00:24:47) - Vibrant "Time Traders"(00:29:09) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Dio's 1983 debut, "Holy Diver"(01:02:59) - Question for the Audience(01:03:10) - Can't Wait(01:06:14) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Toad The Wet Sprocket's "All I Want"(01:10:14) - On the Next Episode(01:10:26) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Thræds – “Story in Reverse” (From the album: Impermanence)·      Chronosynthesis – “Wrath of God” (From the album: Echoes of the Forlon Tales)·      Vibrant – “Time Traders” OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Green Day·      Soundgarden·      Opeth·      Buckethead·      Soen·      My Ruin·      Megadeth·      Pelican·      Textures·      Hällas·      The Hirsch Effekt·      Karnivool·      Puscifer·      Silversun Pickups·      Lamb of God·      Black Label Society·      Einar Solberg·      Sevendust·      The Contortionist CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 01/24/2026

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad are charting a course from the underground metal scene to the landmark sounds of the early 2000s and back to the foundations of soul.We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the atmospheric black metal of Ashbringer, the progressive stoner-doom weight of Puerto Rico’s Moths, and the intricate, Barcelona-based progressive metal of Permyon.Next, we dive into our main topic: Finch’s 2002 powerhouse debut, What It Is To Burn. This record was a defining moment for the post-hardcore explosion. We thoroughly explore this visceral, gutwrenching album track by track.Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss The Impressions’ 1963 classic, "It's All Right." Written by the iconic Curtis Mayfield, this track is the essence of "Chicago Soul." We break down the smooth gospel harmonies and its uplifting and powerful message.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode!Press play to join the journey from the underground to the heart of soul! ·      (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?·      (00:06:08) - The Art of Discovery·      (00:06:35) - Ashbringer "Vessels"·      (00:12:00) - Moths "Pride"·      (00:17:15) - Permyon "Minstrel of Wasteland"·      (00:26:04) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Finch's 2002 debut, "What It Is To Burn"·      (01:07:03) - Question for the Audience·      (01:07:15) - Can't Wait·      (01:08:21) - Michael's Journey: Discussing The Impressions' "It's All Right"·      (01:11:42) - On the Next Episode·      (01:11:56) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Ashbringer – “Vessels” (From the album: Subglacial)·      Moths – “Pride” (From the album: Septem)·      Permyon – “Minstrel of Wasteland” (From the EP: Permyon) OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Linkin Park·      Incubus·      Alter Bridge·      Buckethead·      Sloen·      Soen·      Megadeth·      Pelican·      Textures·      The Ocean CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 01/11/2026

CONTENT ADVISORY: This episode's main discussion (Top 5 Records of 2025) includes an analysis of an album with sensitive subject matter, including mental health crises, panic disorders, sleep deprivation, and suicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised.Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!The year is done, but the music lives on! Join Michael and his dad for our annual deep dive as we reveal the albums that dominated our playlists and defined 2025 in the world of heavy music. We're running down our personal Top 5 Records of the Year, talking the biggest surprises, and discussing what these albums mean for the future of the metal scene.We also bring back the best of the independent spirit with our 2025 Best of The Art of Discovery segment, featuring 5 electrifying killer tracks from Caustic Waves, Bragging Rights, Am I In Trouble?, meanue, and Megg Jacobs. Finally, we take a detour from the mosh pit to the dance floor as Michael explores the history and infectious synth-pop groove of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" in Michael's Journey.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode!Press play to discover your new favorite record and celebrate the best music of 2025! ·      (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?·      (00:18:21) - The Art of Discovery·      (00:19:04) - Caustic Waves "Neon Claws"·      (00:24:23) - Bragging Rights "Quake"·      (00:28:28) - Am I In Trouble? "White"·      (00:35:25) - meanue "Anthropocene"·      (00:42:21) - Megg Jacobs "Break the Mirror"·      (00:46:40) - Main Topic: Top 5 Records of 2025·      (01:18:44) - Question for the Audience·      (01:19:07) - Can't Wait·      (01:22:42) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know"·      (01:27:17) - On the Next Episode·      (01:27:28) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Caustic Waves - “Neon Claws” (From the album: Echoes)·      Bragging Rights - “Quake” (From the album: Carpe Jugulum)·      Am I In Trouble? - "White" (From the album: Spectrum)·      meanue - “Anthropocene” (From the EP: The Divine, Evolution, Extinction And Other Modern Prophecies, Vol. 2)·      Megg Jacobs - “Break the Mirror” OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      The Tea Club·      Lynch Mob·      Dyssidia·      Nine Inch Nails·      Trivium·      Northlane·      Persefone·      Tesseract·      Earthside·      Rivers Of Nihil·      Coheed and Cambria·      Dream Theater·      An Abstract Illusion·      The Reticent·      Spiritbox·      Between The Buried And Me·      Killswitch Engage·      Deftones·      Cea Serin·      Allegaeon·      Jinjer CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 12/14/2025

CONTENT ADVISORY: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health crises, panic disorders, sleep deprivation, and suicide, related to the subject matter of The Reticent's album “please". Listener discretion is advised.Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!Join the father and son duo as we unpack the deeply personal and intense new album from The Reticent, please. We'll give you the album's backstory and a detailed track-by-track breakdown of this powerful, heavy release.Next, we dive into Michael's Journey by dissecting the unforgettable 80s dance-rock hit, "Need You Tonight" by INXS!Plus, we shine a light on three fantastic bands that deserve more attention in our essential segment, The Art of Discovery, featuring Flood In Belief, FREKVENT, and Maudits.And before we go, find out what surprise song and albums Michael has to study for the next episode's Top 5 Albums of 2025 Special! ·      (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?·      (00:04:40) - The Art of Discovery·      (00:05:05) - Flood In Belief "Flood in Belief"·      (00:13:26) - Frekvent "The Garden of Delusion"·      (00:23:36) - Maudits "Fall Over"·      (00:32:49) - Main Topic: Breaking Down The Reticent's Brand New Release, "please"·      (01:10:45) - Question for the Audience·      (01:10:55) - Can't Wait·      (01:12:18) - Michael's Journey: Discussing INXS' "Need You Tonight"·      (01:17:35) - On the Next Episode·      (01:17:54) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Flood In Belief “Flood in Belief” (From the album: Senseless)·      FREKVENT - “The Garden of Delusion” (From the album: In Hubris)·      Maudits - "Fall Over" (From the album: In Situ) OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Between The Buried and Me·      Spock’s Beard·      Persefone·      Tesseract CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 11/30/2025

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!Join the father and son duo as we unpack the raw, electrifying debut of Aerosmith, their self-titled 1973 record. We'll give you the band's origin story and a detailed track-by-track breakdown of the album that launched America's greatest rock and roll band.Next, we dive into Michael's Journey by dissecting the unforgettable 60s Motown classic, The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman!"Plus, we shine a light on three fantastic bands that deserve more attention in our essential segment, The Art of Discovery.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! ·      (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?·      (00:08:18) - The Art of Discovery·      (00:08:43) - Wrath Upon Eden "The Wake of Tragedy"·      (00:14:40) - Voidpiercer "Constellation"·      (00:19:35) - The Sleeper "Your Departure"·      (00:24:48) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Aerosmith's 1973 debut, "Aerosmith"·      (00:50:11) - Question for the Audience·      (00:50:22) - Can't Wait·      (00:51:56) - Michael's Journey: Discussing The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman"·      (00:58:12) - On the Next Episode·      (00:58:49) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Wrath Upon Eden “The Wake of Tragedy” (From the album: The Wake of Tragedy)·      Voidpiercer - “Constellation”·      The Sleeper - "Your Departure" (From the album: Veil) OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Linkin Park·      Caligula’s Horse·      Maudits·      Northlane·      The Reticent·      Of Mice & Men·      The Devil Wears Prada CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 11/16/2025

[BONUS EPISODE] ADVANCE REVIEW! Dive headfirst into the crushing new sound of Bragging Rights' upcoming record, Carpe Jugulum. We were given an early listen to this sludge infused progressive death metal release and are delivering our brutal, in-depth review right now. Discover your next favorite heavy act and find out if this record truly seizes the throat of the underground metal landscape!Featured Album: Carpe Jugulum Artist: Bragging Rights (Sludge Infused Progressive Death Metal)Support the Band and Purchase the Music: https://braggingrights2022.bandcamp.com/HUGE thanks to Bragging Rights for giving us the early listen!CONNECT WITH LEITMOTIF AND MOVEMENTAll Links: Find us everywhere (subscribe, follow, like) at: leitmotifandmovement.com/bioWe are proud members of the SPDM Crew Network of podcasts!Support the Show: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!The Art of Discovery: Are you in a band? Send us a message! We'd love to check you out and give you a shout-out on the show!Recorded on 11/8/2025

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!Join the father and son duo as we unpack the monumental debut of A Perfect Circle, 'Mer de Noms.' We'll give you the album's backstory and a detailed track-by-track breakdown of the 2000 masterpiece.Next, we dive into Michael's Journey by dissecting the unforgettable 80s pop of Mr. Mister's 'Broken Wings!'Plus, we shine a light on three fantastic bands that deserve more attention in our essential segment, The Art of Discovery.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! ·      (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?·      (00:12:33) - The Art of Discovery·      (00:13:05) - Now I've Done It "Dilly-Dally"·      (00:18:49) - Bragging Rights "Carpe Jugulum"·      (00:23:55) - An Abstract Illusion "Frost Flower"·      (00:33:31) - Main Topic: A Perfect Circle Mer de Noms Breakdown·      (01:16:52) - Question for the Audience·      (01:17:02) - Can't Wait·      (01:18:29) - Michael's Journey: Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings"·      (01:22:01) - On the Next Episode·      (01:22:11) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:·      Now I’ve Done It - “Dilly-Dally” (From the album: An Ill Guest)·      Bragging Rights - “Carpe Jugulum” (From the forthcoming album: Carpe Jugulum)·      An Abstract Illusion - "Frost Flower" (From the album: The Sleeping City) OTHER BAND MENTIONS:·      Linkin Park·      Galactic Empire·      Leprous·      Pyschonaut·      Soulfly·      The Acacia Strain·      Archaeologist·      Mammoth·      Avatar·      Frontierer·      Chimaira CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 11/1/2025