The Metal Cell Podcast

Irish extreme metal band FRAUGHT return to The Metal Cell Podcast as guitarist's Dave Green and Leigh Moran join me to discuss a new chapter for the band, the arrival of vocalist James Doporto and their upcoming release, Pillar I: Ashes of Verdant Collapse.
Released through Apocalyptic Witchcraft on November 7, 2026, the first instalment of this three-part project features two tracks, “Death Assemblage” and “Detritivore”, with the three releases ultimately intended to form one larger work.
We get into what James brings to Fraught's sound, how a new vocalist can influence the direction of an established band, Leigh's arrival...

Praelium join The Metal Cell Podcast to talk 'The Weight of Fear', their debut full-length album released on 9 October 2026. Wolfy Vaughan, Kevin Dillon, Phoenix Clancy-Butler and Ronan Madden take us inside a record written over 16 months, blending groove and alternative metal with punk urgency, hardcore aggression and influences drawn from the metalcore and mathcore underground.
We discuss the album's development from the 'PIGS' EP, the ideas and personal themes running through the record, and the thinking behind a track list featuring titles such as 'When I Was 22 I Got Involved with the Russian Mafia, Here's How It Happened'.<...

A discussion aimed specifically at solo artists who want to get their music out there.
Making the music is one thing. Getting people to hear it is another.
For this episode, Richie sits down with Shane Mac Con Uladh of Temair, Stephen Orme of Orm and Roger Boyle of Cursed Monk Records to talk about what comes after the music is finished — releasing it, promoting it, finding an audience and figuring out where you fit in a music industry that has changed massively.

We talk about doing things independently, approaching labels, distribution, physical releases, social me...

Poser performed a high-energy live show at Opium Live in Dublin on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. They were featured as a special guest opener for the highly anticipated Irish tour dates of the Australian hardcore band Speed and California's Spy, alongside Belfast's Frayed Ends.
Letty talked to Cian, Lennon and Tom of the band about upcoming shows, recording and future plans.
For future show announcements, merch drops, and updates from the band, you can check out:
The official Poser Instagram Page (@poser.ie)
Their music and releases via the Poser Bandcamp: https://poserdhc.bandcamp.com/album/demo<...

For this episode of The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Venus Sleeps for an exclusive track-by-track conversation about the release. We go through each song, exploring the themes, ideas, lyrics and musical direction behind the tracks, as well as the process of bringing the new material together.
It's also a chance to look at how Venus Sleeps have developed during the years since Remnants and what has influenced the direction of Origins of Despair.
The current line-up brings its own changes, with newest member James Wilson joining on bass and contributing a darker, more death-influenced...

Irish death metal veterans Zealot Cult are preparing to unleash their long-awaited second album, Psalms of Filth, and The Metal Cell Podcast sat down with vocalist/guitarist Jay Quigley and guitarist Mick Carey in the legendary surroundings of Bobby Byrnes pub in Limerick to talk about the band's past, present and what could be their most important chapter yet.
Nearly two decades after emerging from the ashes of The Swarm and Victim-X, Zealot Cult have earned their place as one of Ireland's most respected and uncompromising death metal bands. With Psalms of Filth arriving eight years after their...

Letty caught up with drummer Cameron Johnston and vocalist Marty McAllister in Dublin, just before MICROTONAL took to the stage as the opening act for legendary crossover thrash pioneers D.R.I. at Opium.
Formed in Belfast in 2023, MICROTONAL released their debut EP Baptism Of Fire in 2025, bringing together death metal, thrash and old-school aggression. Their momentum continued into 2026 when they battled through the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Northern Ireland, ultimately securing their place on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage at BLOODSTOCK.
At the time of this interview, Bloodstock was still ahead of them — and th...

Back in May 2020, Elder Druid joined me on The Metal Cell Podcast at a very different point in their story. The band had just released their critically acclaimed album Golgotha, launched it to a packed Voodoo Room in Belfast, had vinyl pressed, shows booked and looked ready to take the next step. Then COVID happened. The momentum that had been building suddenly disappeared, and the years that followed brought plenty more challenges. But Elder Druid never disappeared.
In this episode, I catch up with Jake, Brien and new guitarist Robbie to talk about the road from Golgotha to...

This is a update for Spotify and other streaming sites featuring Solothurn instead of the Shortest Straw clip that somehow made it onto the Solothurn 381 episode.

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Emerging from Belfast's thriving underground scene, Solothurn return to The Metal Cell Podcast to discuss their brilliant new EP, High Priestess. This isn't just another release—it's a significant step forward in the band's development.
We discuss the evolution of Solothurn's sound, the writing and recording process, working with acclaimed artist October Midnight on the EP artwork. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about heavy music, creativity, the world around us and why High Priestess represents the band's darkest and most ambitious release to date.
Featuring:
• Ryan Adair – Vocals
• Dee Cleland – Rhythm Guitar
• Jamie Wright...

Cian (Riffs/Vocals) & Emmett (Bass) of Bucket talk to Letty Sharp of The Metal Cell podcast before their show supporting Knocked Loose at a sold out The Academy in Dublin June 23rd 2026.
Bucket are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Dublin underground in recent years. They sit at the crossroads of punk, noise rock, hardcore and industrial intensity rather than traditional metal. Think of them as existing in the same broad ecosystem that produced bands like Gilla Band, but with a younger, more abrasive DIY energy.
Mosaic was released on 29 April 2026 via A...

This week on The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Paul O'Rourke (Vocals), Brian Gribben (Guitar), Daryl Hill (Bass) and Lucas Todesco (Drums) from Belfast heavyweights Shortest Straw.
With their debut EP A New Normal arriving on 11 August, the band discuss far more than breakdowns and blast beats. They reflect on finding their identity, balancing aggression with honesty, writing songs with purpose and building a band that values authenticity over imitation.
The conversation explores the creative process behind the EP, working with producer Josh Sid Robinson (JSR Audio), the realities of starting a heavy band in 2026...

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 experiences that shaped one of the most compelling Irish metal releases of 2026.
We also delve into Liam's connection with India and Hindu mythology, the recurring themes of hope, uncertainty and transformation, and why The Unbinding asks listeners to embrace...

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 expression of TOOMS' identity to date. From the earth-shaking opening of "Blood Rust Of Cudgel And Quill" to the staggering finale "Physics Beyond The Standard Model", we examine the stories, emotions, and creative decisions behind every track...

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.
Peter also opens up about his battle with Stage Two Hodgkin Lymphoma, how it changed his perspective on music and life, and what getting back on stage means to him now.
🔥...

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 process behind Necrosphere, and working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios.
The band also discusses their upcoming Irish run this June, where they’ll perform four consecutive shows alongside support acts Deserted, Mourning The Heretic, War...

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, family and members of the local music scene. Steve opens up about organizing the first event, the incredible response from bands and fans, and raising more than €3,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Be...

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 writing process behind Corpse Water, working with members of The Crawling, hiring freelancers through Fiverr to suit budget costs and the influence of real-life horror, including the chilling Cecil Hotel death.

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 perform at the festival.

We discuss how the competition works behind the scenes, what judges look for, and how bands are selected to represent Ireland. Aidan shares his experience of pl...

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 raw, honest approach—described as “punk therapy” that tackles resilience and mental health head-on. Staying true to their DIY ethos, Numbskull Narrative records and produces all their own music while also creating their own artwor...

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 most focused version of Nihilanth to date.
They also talk about pushing themselves in the studio with JSR Audio, collaborating with others, Bloodstock Open Air, and the videos that went into bringing the band’s...

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 their sound has developed from early EPs through their album Conflictions to the next chapter of the band.

Alan, Noel, Vinnie and Chris also talk about songwriting dynamics within the band, recording at JSR...

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-track through the entire EP.
We cover:
• Writing Under Pressure
• Studio Stories
• The EP Title Meaning
• Tone & Gear Talk
• Riffs vs Dynamics
• What Comes Next?
Stream Cognitive Dis...

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 since 2007 (with roots stretching back to the ‘90s), and this new chapter feels heavier, darker and more focused than ever.

🔥 EXCLUSIVE: The lads reveal and premiere a brand-new track killer track on the show —
“There’s...

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 melancholy, introspection, and atmosphere in their music
• Their striking vocal dynamic — blending raw black metal vocals with tender clean vocals
• Guest contributions from Bryn Mills (composer on Footsteps/An Tal...

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-year gap since the last full-length, the years of silence, the pandemic-era releases, and why this album exists now. Across the episode, we explore:
• Why FOR RUIN returned with a full album...

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 band’s early days and how they’ve survived lineup changes and shifts in the local metal scene.
The conversation focuses on their latest EP, Rituals of the Shattered Mind — a release six years in t...

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!

Categories:
BEST SINGLE:
BEST EP:
BEST ALBUM:
BEST SOLO ARTIST EP/LP:
BEST NEW ACT:
BEST IRISH METAL BAND:
BEST ARTWORK LP/EP:
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE:
BEST VENUE & PROMOTER:
BEST MERCH T-SHIRT/HOODIE:
BEST VIDEO:
BEST PH...

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 stripping everything back to one bass, seventeen pedals and two amps unlocked a new creative truth. We dive into the origins of Skellig, his minimalist artwork, and the personal philosophy behind making music w...

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, punk, electronics, space-rock, and pure experimental weirdness.
In this track-by-track conversation, we explore:
The creation of The Cormorant Tree, Seventh Is The Skut, Pagpag Variations, From the Maggots Perspective, Shop of Most Auspicious Frog, and Sun Roasted Rodent

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 Irish Metal Scene.
An ep which is a tribute to creativity, friendship, and the depths we all share.
Featuring exclusive interviews with guest vocalists Andy Ennis (Imperial Demonic, Domhain & Overoth), Ian Booth (Haint...

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 dives into Deserted’s formation, lineup changes, creative process, and the making of their upcoming album “Brothers Betrayal.”
Listeners will also get to hear two exclusive new tracks from the band — aired here for the very f...

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 Himalayan, exploring the stories, riffs, and energy that define one of Ireland’s most unique and fearless bands.

Expect chaos, honesty, and Cork charm — this one’s special.

🎧 The Be...

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 what he brings to the band
Cory stepping back in on bass duties and how the lineup has evolved
Reflections on their most recent album The Wretched Sermon (2022...

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 in Sin É, Dublin (Sept 26th), upcoming Irish shows including their first-ever Galway appearance, and UK dates in London, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
Hit play and hear the raw energy, creativity, and...

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, and the energy of their recent live shows in Cork and Limerick. Expect raw honesty, laughs, and insights into the world of a rising Irish metal band.
If yo...

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.
We cover songwriting after Abaddon Incarnate, recording raw, live, and without polish.
The role of artwork in extreme metal and the most vile gift that Steve has received
If yo...

🔥 Archaós Are Back! 🔥
Cork metal band Archaós return with a brand-new single and a powerful new voice — Ciara Sheehan joins Luke Butler, Alessio Bagattin, Aaron F Kennedy, and Chris Hanlon to bring a fresh energy to the lineup.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
🎸 How the band dynamic has evolved — musically & personally
🤘 The moment they knew it was time to reform permanently
⚡ What Archaós will bring to the Irish metal scene in 2025 and beyond

Whether you’ve been following Archaós since day one or you’re just discovering them now...

In this episode, Letty sits down with Roni MacRuairi (Vocals) and Shane Martin (Guitars) from Words That Burn – one of Ireland’s most powerful modern metal acts. We caught up right before their explosive set at a packed Academy in Dublin, supporting the UK’s Heriot and Swedish heavyweights Thrown on their first-ever Irish show.

Make sure to check out their latest release Cut Throat Culture, and don’t forget to catch them live in Belfast, September 6th at Voodoo, alongside Haint and From Ruins.

If you love heavy riffs, big choruses, and Irish metal on the r...

In this episode, I sit down with Irish metal trailblazers Machina Kore to dive deep into their fearless new album, Ghosts of Everest. Formed in 2020 and built on decades of hard-earned experience in the rock and metal scenes, the band share their journey from their raw debut EP 'Blood in Code' to the bold, genre-defying sound they’ve forged today.

We explore the emotional and philosophical heart of Ghosts of Everest—an album that takes listeners through the highs and lows of life, from self-inflicted struggles to challenges beyond our control, always underpinned by a message of stre...