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!

irishmetalart #Metal2025 #TheMetalCell #MetalCommunity

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...

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...

In this episode, I sit down with Conor Bradley of Black Mantra Photography and Dylan Scully of DYLPOOL Photography — two of the most exciting visual storytellers documenting the pulse of the Irish Metal Scene.

From their creative origins to their unique photography styles, we dive deep into:

Their background and how they got involved in the Irish metal community

The highs and lows of capturing live music

Dylan’s powerful Worn Out documentary

Their creative + professional goals

Tips and advice for up-and-coming photographers and creatives

📍 Filmed...

Join host Letty Sharp as she sits down with Ryan (Vocals) and Steve (Guitars) of Mallacht, a rising force in the Black Metal scene. With a clear homage to the traditional, classic Black Metal sound fused with a fresh, contemporary edge, Mallacht — which means “Curse” in Gaelic — have been turning heads with their powerful debut EP Black Sorcery.

In this exclusive interview, Ryan and Steve discuss the band’s formation, their diverse influences, and the creative process behind standout tracks like 536 and Nocturnal Wayfarer. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or discovering Mallacht for the first ti...

In this episode, I sit down with Steve (drums) and Robbie (guitar) from the 5-piece hardcore-infused metal outfit If It Bleeds – one of the most exciting names rising out of the Belfast heavy scene.

We dive deep into:
• How the band was formed
• Steve and Paddy’s shared history in Heal of Achilles
• Their debut WE CAN KILL IT EP — 13 minutes of crushing, high-impact metal mixed & mastered by Josh Robinson
• Capturing raw live energy in both their recordings and chaotic, DIY music videos
• A creative, uncompromising approach to heavy music
• Bringing Belfast Hardcore t...

Join us for a wild and unfiltered chat with Dwayne Close (guitars) and Pete Crenshaw (vocals) from Belfast groove/thrash metal heavyweights Ketos! We dig into the band's origins, the evolution from their Rise EP to the full-length onslaught that is First Strike, and explore the themes and sound of their latest singles.
We also dive into the incredible Irish metal scene, shouting out some of the bands that are absolutely killing it live and helping put Ireland firmly on the global metal map.
Expect raw stories, loud laughs, and unexpected moments—including a surprise guest appearance fr...

In this episode, we dive into the origin and rise of Tide 7, one of the most aggressive and exciting new bands in Ireland’s heavy music scene. From drummer Jack’s initial vision in late 2022 to the formation of a powerhouse lineup featuring Luke, Aaron, and Mark — we explore how the band forged their signature sound blending metalcore, deathcore, djent, and mathcore.
We also take a look at their self-produced debut EP Rinse and Repeat, their explosive live performances, and how they’re redefining the underground with raw intensity and DIY spirit.
If you're into crushing breakdowns, chaotic...

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Vaughan (Vocals), Darren O’Keeffe (Rhythm Guitar) and Scott McGowan (Lead Guitar) of the band with Mike Jordan (Bass) & Barry English (Drums) making up the rest of Shadows Calling, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising bands blending alt-rock, grunge, and metal into a sound entirely their own.

We dive into how the band came together—born during the 2020 lockdown as the brainchild of Mitchelstown native Darren O’Keeffe. He began writing original material for the first time and teamed up with his sister Jen Vaughan, a seasoned frontwoman with 20+...

Monk Fest 2025 will take place on July 5th in Pharmacia Bar, Limerick, to honour the memory of Rodgers niece Ash who was so well looked after by Temple St. in her final months.
All money raised will be donated to Temple St. Children's Hospital and will go to the Play Therapy Department.
• Tickets are €20 each and will allow access to the live performances upstairs in the venue beginning at 6pm with doors at 5.30pm.
• The From The Depths Lane Party will begin at 3pm and will be free to attend.
• There will be a BBQ at the L...

Myself, Danielle, Evan, Letty & Joe of The Metal Cell Forums react to Metallica hitting Dublin for two nights in 2026 with Gojira, Avatar, Pantera & Knocked Loose being brought along for the craic! (Live Stream Podcast recorded in May 26th, 2025.
Metallica is coming back to Ireland in 2026, and we need to talk about it. In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into what this gig means to Irish fans—because let’s be honest, it’s more than just another show. It’s Metallica. In Ireland. Again. For a lot of us, it’s memories of first gigs, old t-shirts, and that fee...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Grant Walsh (vocals/guitars), Tom Moylan (drums) and Liam Noctor (bass) of Dublin thrash metal band Psykosis as we dissect their long-awaited second album 'Mind Games'. Featuring eight tracks, the album blends reworked material from previous lineups with fresh, crushing new numbers, including the powerful latest single Boiling Point. We explore the songwriting approaches, riff construction, rhythmic intricacies, and production techniques behind each track. The band shares detailed insights into the recording sessions and gear choices that helped craft their aggressive, refined sound. Plus, we trace Psykosis’ evolution and their impact on th...

In this episode, Letty Sharp sits down with Nathan Price (vocals) and Ocean McCormack (guitars) of Limerick metal band War of Attrition. The band is gearing up to play the Tullamore Phoenix Metal Festival on May 31 at John Lee’s Bar & Venue—a one-day charity event in support of the National Missing Persons Helpline. The festival also shines a spotlight on the ongoing search for Luke Price, who has been missing for over three months. Luke's brother, Nathan Price, leads the band with a deep personal connection to the cause.
The conversation also dives into War of Attrition’s sear...

Fangclub are a Dublin alternative rock band with members Steven King (Guitar/Vocals), Kevin Keane (Bass) and Dara Coleman (Drums).
2024s EP, “All Good”, marked a musical return for the band after an extended break since 2020.
On the live circuit, Fangclub have supported bands such as Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, Muse, Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Nothing But Thieves, The Cribs, Swmrs and Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes
Letty got to sit down and chat with Steve & Kevin at Cleeres in Kilkenny before they played with Oracle Villa as support.
Band Link:
https://www.fangclubmusic.com<...

On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Justine and Sammy of Church Road Records/Employed To Serve—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions.
Church Road Records may have started in 2017 as a DIY operation run out of a spare room, but in just a few short years, it has carved out a reputation for consistency, taste, and innovation in the world of underground heavy music. What sets Church Road apart isn’t just the quality of its roster, but the se...

Hailing from the Causeway Coast, Good Friend is Adam Carroll (lead vocals and bass), Izzy Curran (drums), and Andy Reid (lead guitar). These three Irish lads originally come from around Belfast/Northern Ireland but they moved to Newcastle, England to get shitty jobs and form a band. The jobs did indeed turn out to be shitty, but the band turned out great!
'We’ve always described our sound as Punk Rock salted by The Irish Sea. Melodic and ferocious.'
The band are signed to Red Scare Industries (US) and Gunner Records (EU) and have toured the wo...

Two special benefit gigs are set to take place in Dublin and Cork on April 24th and 25th in support of Adam Moore, (Merch Limbo/ex guitarist with Hero In Error), who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over a decade. All proceeds from the shows will go directly toward funding Adam’s ongoing stem cell treatment in Serbia.
In a deeply moving conversation, I was joined by Adam, long-time friend & Hero In Error drummer Steve "Confey" Reilly, along with Evan from Dead Cult Promotions /Worn Out, to talk about the shows and the journey that le...

It was great to meet up with Grey Stag in this pre-recorded episode, before they played a jam packed Fred Zeppelins, in Cork with a serious support line up from Bodydrinkers, Dead Memories and Archaos courtesy of Dead Cult Promotions. Grey Stag were in town to promote their single launch for 'Cauldron Burn' and it was the perfect time to catch up with the lads to find out about the writing, recording and the build-up to the release of Mountain Breaker. Matt, Steve & Daragh have continued in the heavy/melodic musical direction of their last album Call of the...

Join myself, Danielle, Joe and Howard as we discuss the the impact of line-up changes in bands. What inspired the topic was the news of Brent Hinds departure from Mastodon and the potential fall out of revenue, creativity and legal issues that could occur. We look at bands on a local level also along with Joe and Howards experience of it first hand. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel, if you haven't already.

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