Signals From Mars Podcast

Episode 457 of Signals From Mars features Victor M. Ruiz in conversation with Pete Rizzi and Coosh from New Jersey hard rock and metal band Who On Earth.

This interview covers Who On Earth’s new album It Takes The Village, the band’s East Coast hard rock and heavy metal roots, the New Jersey music scene, working with Mike Orlando, writing music that can be performed live, revisiting older songs, physical music releases, Bandcamp, vinyl, CDs, and the importance of keeping new rock and metal alive.

Pete and Coosh also discuss the band’s approach to cov...

Episode 456: Greatest Guitar Albums Countdown | Best Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Guitar Albums Ever

What are the greatest guitar albums of all time in hard rock and heavy metal?

In this episode of Signals From Mars, we present a fan-voted countdown of the best guitar-driven albums ever recorded. Listeners submitted their top 10 picks based on one key idea: if you had to introduce someone to a guitar god or shredder, which album would you choose?

Using the signature Signals From Mars points system, we rank the ultimate list featuring legendary artists, iconic riffs, and...

Signals From Mars – Episode 455: Gus G. Interview | Steel Burner, Firewind & Ozzy Osbourne

In Episode 455 of Signals From Mars, Victor M. Ruiz interviews Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy) about his latest solo album Steel Burner and his evolving approach to heavy metal songwriting.

Gus discusses his focus on concise, hard-hitting songs, stepping away from extended guitar-driven tracks in favor of tighter arrangements. He also explains why he handled most of the instrumentation himself, how he selects and works with guest vocalists, and how collaborations come together organically.

The episode also covers:

Signals From Mars Episode 454 – March 2026 Albums Review | Best New Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Albums 2026

Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Ed Ferguson and Jeremy Weltman to review and analyze the best new hard rock and heavy metal albums released in March 2026.

This episode of Signals From Mars delivers a deep dive into March 2026 album releases across multiple subgenres including heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, metalcore, hard rock, and underground independent releases. The panel breaks down standout albums, hidden gems, and notable disappointments while discussing production quality, songwriting trends, and evolving sounds in today’s rock...

Episode 453 - Jeff Wilson | Deeper Graves And Bringers Of Disease

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor speaks with Jeff Wilson of Deeper Graves and Bringers Of Disease.

Jeff is involved in multiple projects that span different areas of heavy music, and in this conversation, he shares insight into his creative approach, how he manages multiple outlets, and what drives his consistent output. The discussion also explores the realities of working independently, balancing different musical identities, and continuing to create in today’s evolving music landscape.

Thank you to my Patrons for al...

Here are your RSS.com show notes for Episode 452 – Hall Of Fame Year 2, built directly from your transcript and following your exact structure:

Episode 452 – Hall Of Fame Year 2

The Signals From Mars Hall Of Fame returns for its second year—celebrating the bands that truly matter, as voted by the listeners.

In this episode, Victor is joined by Metal Dan, Brad Dahl, and Jeremy Weltman to count down the Top 10 Hall Of Fame inductees for 2026. These artists were selected through fan voting, using the same ranked ballot system featured in previous Signals From Mars c...

Episode 451 of Signals From Mars features Radian, with all four members joining Victor for a discussion about the band, their creative process, and the energy behind what they’re doing right now. This episode is a great entry point for listeners who enjoy doom metal, stoner metal, sludge, and underground heavy music.

Rather than revealing too much, this conversation sets the stage for listeners to discover the band through their own words. With the entire lineup participating, the episode captures the personality, perspective, and shared purpose that shape Radian’s sound.

Fans of independent heavy musi...

In episode 450 of Signals From Mars, Victor sits down with John Corabi for a conversation that covers far more than just the usual career retrospective. This is a thoughtful, honest, and wide-ranging discussion with one of hard rock’s most distinctive voices.

John opens up about work ethic, longevity, writing music on his own terms, and the mindset that has kept him moving through every phase of his career. The discussion also touches on the spirit behind his new music, how he views albums as complete experiences, and why staying creative matters more than chasing trends.

...

Victor is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to break down a wide range of hard rock and heavy metal releases from February 2026, with the goal of keeping new music in the conversation and helping listeners discover albums that deserve more attention. This episode mixes monthly album-review staples with broader discussion about style, songwriting, production, and why supporting new rock and metal still matters.

Among the records and artists discussed are Tailgunner, Hoaxed, Converge, Leatherhead, Deeper Graves, A Wilhelm Scream, Silver Sun Pickups, Zepter, Serpent Gates, NerveStar, The Sheepdogs, and more. Victor, Jeremy, and Ed each...

In Episode 448 of Signals From Mars, Victor M. Ruiz sits down with Mark Strigl for a conversation centered on some of the biggest talking points in hard rock and metal right now.

Without giving the interview away, this episode digs into the kind of topics that always spark strong opinions among fans: the idea of Metallica playing the Sphere, Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary and Eddfest, what it means if rock is once again gaining momentum, and the broader impact Talking Metal has had on podcasting in the hard rock and heavy metal space.

This is...

Guitarist Philip Shouse joins Signals From Mars to discuss his first solo EP, Side 1 and the journey that led him to finally release music under his own name.

Known for performing alongside artists such as Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, John Corabi, Accept, and the Rock N Roll Residency, Philip has spent years on stages around the world. With Side 1, he steps into the spotlight as a solo artist and shares the songs that represent his personal musical vision.

In this interview, Philip discusses how long he has been working on the material, whether he ever...

This episode is a fan-voted countdown of hard rock and heavy metal albums released in 1980.

All rankings are based on listener submissions and calculated using the same points system used in previous Signals From Mars countdown episodes.

This episode focuses purely on how the audience voted, highlighting consensus picks, surprise placements, and albums that narrowly missed the cut.

What We’re Covering

Listener-submitted Top 10 albums from 1980

Final rankings based on total points

Discussion of each album’s placement, impact, and legacy

Reactions to controversial rankings and...

In Episode 445, Victor sits down with Alex Skolnick for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into creativity, collaboration, and the mindset of a player who never stops evolving. From the unique chemistry behind Metal Allegiance to reflections on live performance, artistic curiosity beyond metal, and moments that defined a legendary career, this episode balances deep guitar talk with thoughtful storytelling. We talk Metal Allegiance, Testament, Savatage, Ozzy, and The Alex Skolnick Trio.

#AlexSkolnick #MetalAllegiance #SignalsFromMars

Thank you goes out to my Patrons:

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker<...

In Episode 444 of Signals From Mars, I’m joined by Ben and Nuno from A Wilhelm Scream for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into the mindset behind their latest album Cheap Heat, the band’s creative process, and the many layers that make up their sound and identity.

Rather than sticking to surface-level promo talk, this interview explores how the band thinks about album construction, influence, environment, collaboration, and longevity—both musically and personally. From unexpected cultural touchstones to the realities of self-producing records, this is a discussion rooted in experience, honesty, and mutual respect.

If you...

In Signals From Mars – Episode 443, I’m joined by Kat Keo of Hoaxed to talk about the band’s latest album, Death Knocks, and the evolution of their sound and lineup.

We get into the sonic jump you’ll hear on this record, the creative process behind bringing April Dimmick into the fold, how that changed what the band can do musically, and how Death Knocks came together after Two Shadows. We also dig into genre labels (hard rock / heavy metal / gothic rock), the realities of coming from the Pacific Northwest, what it means having Relapse Records behind t...

Signals From Mars – Episode 442

January 2026 Albums Review

Episode 442 kicks off the 2026 album review season.

Victor is joined by Jeremy (UK) and Ed (Kentucky) to discuss selected hard rock and heavy metal releases from January 2026. The month starts slow following the holidays, but quickly builds momentum with several notable releases across thrash, sludge, symphonic metal, traditional heavy metal, and underground death metal.

Rather than covering everything released, the show focuses on the albums that stood out most to the panel — including both major releases and lesser-known underground records.

Each host shar...

In Episode 441 of Signals From Mars, we’re joined by Seattle heavy metal band Greyhawk to discuss their third full-length album, Warriors Of Greyhawk. Since emerging in 2018, Greyhawk has established themselves as one of the most consistently productive and road-tested bands in modern traditional heavy metal, releasing multiple EPs and full-length albums while refining their sound with each release.

This conversation focuses on process, evolution, and intent rather than surface-level promotion. We explore how the band approaches songwriting over long stretches of time, how creative chemistry evolves with lineup changes, and whether Warriors Of Greyhawk followed a sp...

Signals From Mars – Episode 440

On Episode 440 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by Bones and Rhea of UK heavy metal band Tailgunner to talk about their new album Midnight Blitz and the road that led them there.

The conversation explores the band’s collaboration with legendary guitarist KK Downing, how that relationship came together naturally, and what it was like having such a hands-on presence involved in shaping the album. Bones and Rhea also discuss the evolution of Tailgunner since their debut Guns For Hire, balancing classic heavy metal influences with their own identity, and...

Signals From Mars – Episode 439 Fan-Voted 2025 Albums Countdown (Livestream)

In Episode 439 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by members of the Signals From Mars community to recap the results of the fan-voted 2025 albums countdown.

Listeners submitted their Top 10 albums of the year, the votes were tallied, and the final rankings were revealed live on air. This episode is driven entirely by the audience — no critics, no editorial lists, just passionate music fans discussing the albums that defined the year for them.

Throughout the episode, the panel reacts to surprises, debates placements, and reflects on w...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 438 (Livestream Recording) 🎸

Join me tonight with Jeremy and Ed as we dive into the hard rock and metal albums released in December 2025. 🤘 We’ll be breaking down the latest releases, sharing standout tracks, unexpected favorites, and a few strong opinions along the way — from established heavyweights to releases that may have flown under the radar.

Expect debate, surprises, and plenty of passionate music talk! 💬 Jump into the live chat and let us know your thoughts on these December 2025 releases — your input could shape the conversation in real time. Don’t miss it — be part of the li...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 437

Guest: Nathan Sadd (Struck A Nerve / Shrapnel)

In Episode 437 of Signals From Mars, host Victor welcomes guitarist Nathan Sadd, a key force behind the UK thrash band Struck A Nerve, as well as longtime member of Shrapnel.

The conversation centers on the explosive debut self-titled album from Struck A Nerve, released in late November, and how the band evolved from a casual side project into a full-throttle modern thrash act gaining serious momentum. Nathan discusses songwriting approach, keeping albums lean and aggressive, and why classic thrash principles still matter in to...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 436: Vinyl Haul (October–Christmas Edition) 🎸

In this episode of Signals From Mars, I dig into my latest vinyl haul, covering records added to my collection from October through Christmas. This is a pure vinyl-focused episode, spotlighting albums picked up over the past few months and the stories, memories, and motivations behind each addition.

As always, this isn’t just a list of records — it’s a conversation about vinyl culture, the joy of collecting, revisiting classic albums, discovering new pressings, and why physical media still matters in a digital world. From longtime favorit...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 437

Guest: Nathan Sadd (Struck A Nerve / Shrapnel)

In Episode 437 of Signals From Mars, host Victor welcomes guitarist Nathan Sadd, a key force behind the UK thrash band Struck A Nerve, as well as longtime member of Shrapnel.

The conversation centers on the explosive debut self-titled album from Struck A Nerve, released in late November, and how the band evolved from a casual side project into a full-throttle modern thrash act gaining serious momentum. Nathan discusses songwriting approach, keeping albums lean and aggressive, and why classic thrash principles still matter in to...

🎙️ Signals From Mars – Episode 435

Hour One: 2025 Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Recap

In Episode 435 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by longtime patrons Brad Dahl, Jeremy Weltman, and Ed Ferguson for a spoiler-free recap of hard rock and heavy metal in 2025.

This episode continues the revived Hour One format, focusing on conversation, reflection, and community rather than rankings, placements, or click-driven takes.

🔥 Episode Topics

🎸 Best-Selling Hard Rock & Metal Albums of 2025

The panel discusses albums that made a major commercial impact, exploring physical sales vs. streaming, genre perception, fan loyalty...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 434

October & November 2025 Hard Rock & Metal Albums Review (Livestream)

Episode 434 of Signals From Mars is a livestream-recorded episode featuring Victor M. Ruiz, joined by Jeremy and Ed, as they catch up on hard rock and heavy metal releases from October and November 2025.

Recorded on December 12, this episode continues the show’s long-standing mission: supporting new music and keeping the hard rock and metal scene alive. Rather than living only in the classics, Signals From Mars shines a light on both established artists and lesser-known bands releasing new material.

🎙️ What to Expe...

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In Episode 432 of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson, vocalist of Swedish thrashers Mezzrow, to discuss the band’s powerful new album Embrace The Awakening. Uffe reflects on Sweden’s enduring metal culture, the impact of recent losses in the community—especially Thomas Lindberg of At The Gates—and how Mezzrow rediscovered their spark decades after disbanding.

Uffe explains how the band reunited in 2021 after finding an old recording they’d made with their late former guitarist. This led to recruiting guitarist Magnus Söderman and producer/guitarist Ronny Bjarnström, helping Mezzrow evolve while remaining rooted...

Signals From Mars – Episode 431: Rich Knox (Danko Jones)

In Episode 431, Victor is joined by Rich Knox, drummer for Danko Jones, to talk about the band’s new album Leo Rising, his journey into the band, working with Marty Friedman, and what keeps the Danko Jones sound sharp after more than a dozen years behind the kit.

Rich shares stories about his audition for the band, touring with The Darkness and Black Stone Cherry, the differences between jazz and rock musicians, and how the band writes music while living in three different countries. He also reflects on p...

Signals From Mars – Episode 430: Condition Critical

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tony Barhoum from New Jersey thrashers Condition Critical! Tony discusses the band’s first new album in nine years, Degeneration Chamber, their connection to New Jersey’s thrash legacy, and how they balance old-school aggression with a modern sound.

The conversation touches on the influence of local legends like Overkill and DD Verni, the band’s DIY approach to recording, and how they shaped the album’s late-’80s spirit without sounding dated. Tony also talks about his gear setup, unexpected m...

Signals From Mars – Episode 429: Howling Giant

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tom Polzine and Sebastian Baltes from Nashville heavy rockers Howling Giant to discuss their new album Crucible & Ruin, released on Halloween.

The band talks about Nashville’s influence, how their sound has evolved since Glass Future, and how the addition of Adrian on keys expanded their creative scope. They share details about writing and recording Crucible & Ruin, favorite gear, and the band’s unique approach to putting their own spin on classic covers.

The discussion also reflec...

🎃 Signals From Mars – Episode 428: The Halloween Countdown 👻

It’s spooky season on Signals From Mars! In this special Halloween episode, Victor is joined by Dr. Poison himself, Brad Dahl, as they unveil the results of the fan-voted Halloween Countdown — the top 10 bands most associated with Halloween according to the Signals From Mars community! 🧛‍♂️🦇

Listeners from around the world submitted their lists, considering everything from lyrics and imagery to music, atmosphere, and stage presence. Did your favorite creepy or horror-themed act make the list?

Join Victor and Brad as they:

Count down the top 10 Halloween-the...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 427: Remembering Ace Frehley

In this emotional episode of Signals From Mars, we celebrate the life and legacy of Ace Frehley — the original Space Ace whose sound, style, and spirit helped define generations of rock fans.

From the very first riff that drew us in as kids, Ace became part of the soundtrack of our lives. His guitar tone, his voice, and his unmistakable feel shaped not only KISS but countless musicians who picked up an instrument because of him.

Host Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Brad Dahl (Yarg Metal...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 426: US Vinyl Hall 🎸

In this episode, I take you through my latest vinyl haul — featuring albums, CDs, cassettes, and signed posters I picked up during my trip to the U.S. and a few classics rediscovered in my parents’ home. I also share some of the vinyl I’ve added to my collection here in Spain throughout the year.

This is a deep dive into collecting, nostalgia, and the stories behind the music that continues to shape my life. Whether you’re a vinyl junkie, a lifelong rocker, or just...

🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 425 (Livestream Recording) 🎸

Join me live on October 3rd with Jeremy and Ed as we dig into the new hard rock and metal releases from September 2025. 🤘

We’ll be sharing our reactions, favorite tracks, and hot takes on the latest albums — from the big names to the hidden gems. Expect debate, surprises, and plenty of music talk!

💬 Jump into the live chat and let us know your thoughts on this summer’s releases — your input could shape the conversation in real time.

Don’t miss it — b...

In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by Jeremy and Ed to review the new hard rock and metal album releases from July and August 2025. Together, they dive into standout records, hidden gems, and surprising letdowns across a wide spectrum of styles — from thrash and power metal to gothic and progressive sounds.

This is the first live episode in months, marking the start of Year 16 of the podcast. Expect passionate takes, varied perspectives, and plenty of music discovery.

Key Topics & Timestamps

In this episode of Signals From Mars, I’m joined by Laura Donnelly, vocalist of the incredible Scottish doom metal band Kingwitch. We dive deep into the making of their latest album, III — their most powerful and emotionally resonant release yet.

Laura opens up about the five-year gap between albums, much of which was shaped by family life, creative resets, and the band’s commitment to authenticity. We explore how having a child and taking time away from the road gave them the space to refine their sound and make a record that truly represents where Kingwitch is tod...

In episode 422 of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes back longtime friend and podcasting peer Joshua Toomey for a deep and candid conversation about the state of podcasting, legacy rock bands, and Toomey’s latest creative projects.

Toomey—co-host of The David Ellefson Podcast, host of Talk Toomey, and member of the reunited Primer 55—opens up about his podcasting evolution, lessons learned from past co-hosts and platforms (including Knotfest), and why his new partnership with Ellefson has been both rejuvenating and surreal.

The episode dives into:

🎧 The golden age of rock and metal podcasting 🎤 Blabbermouth...

🎙️ In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor and Jeremy return with the second installment of “Vinyl Confessions,” diving deep into the records that mean the most to them. Whether it’s about musicianship, emotional connection, or unforgettable stories tied to each LP, this is more than just a show-and-tell — it’s a tribute to why vinyl still matters.

From iconic classics to unexpected favorites, each album comes with personal insights and memories that reflect decades of passionate music fandom. You’ll hear about record store finds, emotional connections to songs, and the joy of passing music down through gene...

This episode centers on a full fan and panelist breakdown of the Back to the Beginning tribute concert — the final show for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. The panel (Victor, Brad, and Jeremy) reviews performances, band lineups, vocal quality, setlists, and surprises from the event.

Major topics covered:

We’re back with a fresh batch of riffs, reviews, and recommendations as we dive into the hard rock and metal album releases from June 2025! In this episode, Jeremy Weltman joins me once again to break down four solid weeks of new music. From well-known acts to rising names and left-field surprises, we take a critical listen and give our unfiltered opinions on what hit hard—and what missed the mark.

Every week brought something unique, and this episode includes a full track-by-track run through the month’s most talked-about (and some overlooked) releases. As always, we each s...