Chord Progression Podcast: The Gateway to New Rock and Metal Music

Music has an incredible ability to create an enhanced way to express complex issues, problems, and ideas. Those problems could be as small as having a bad day, or as big as being in a toxic relationship and struggling to get out. Those ideas could be as small as what should I do today, or as big as learning to handle your emotions properly.

With their first song out in 5 years, this punk rock band came back just as passionate as when they left. Not afraid to take on big topics and ideas, and express them in...

There are always bands out there that are making music so closely intertiwned with the sounds that made them want to become musicians in the first place. Whether it be Led Zeppelin, or the Painkiller album by Judas Priest (like this band), those sounds stay consistent and strong. But how can that sound evolve, and become something more individualistic for an artist?

Well, 8 years after their debut album, a heavy metal band out of the Midwest is taking their heavy metal roots, adding a more robust anthemic and melodic sound, and creating an album that shows exactly...

Musicians face an uphill battle in life when it comes to trying to make it a career, and achieve their dreams. From a need to write great songs, stand out from the crowd, and continue working towards those dreams when everything in life is trying to stop you, musicians dont have it easy.

But if you work hard enough, you may get something. You may figure out your styel of writing and creating. You may just discover that you were meant for this. You may be able to reflect back on life, thinking of what your 15 year...

4 years to create an album is a long time, especially in the age of streaming and digital music. So why not release the album in 3 batches? 2 EPs and then as a full album with more songs thrown in there? Would that even work?

Well it does satisfy the hunger and the want for consistent music in the world today. But it poses some problems of the thought of releasing something as repackaged, releasing something that is better off as parts of a whole, or releasing something that is mostly filler. Can a band do this style right...

Manga and anime have become a massive force in pop culture around the world, being something that is celebrated and enjoyed by many. 20 years ago in the United States and most of Europe, that wasn't the case. Of course it was popular in Japan, but also in France?

So what happens when French musicians grow up on manga & anime, create heavy music heavily inspired and driven by that love for manga, and make music in a creative & unique way, you know you found something. And when heavy music is in the midst of its revival, it is...

Heavy music today is more unique than ever compared to any point in history. It is more diverse in sound compared to the beginnings in the late 60s, than the boom of the 80's, than the nu metal wave of the 90's, than any other era that came before it. But something still is consistent with it, the heaviness is at the core of every artist's sound.

So how do you build off of that to keep this diversity in heavy music continuing to grow and blossom? Something differnt has to be done. Well we found a...

Heavy music has always gone through points of evolution throughout the course of time. From the evolution of thrash metal in the 80s, nu metal in the 90s, and what is happening right now with bands like Bad Omens and Sleep Token. But is that because of artists rehashing and remixing old ideas, or creating something that is uniquely them in this time period?

Well today, we found a band that is one of the freshest sounding heavy bands in the current day. One that is bringing different styles into their music, not in the same way...

At the beginning of 2021, we brought on a band to the podcast due to a copyright snafu forcing their name to change, because we were interested. That has led us to absolutely fall in love with their sound, their fantastic debut album, and a sophmore album that amplified everything about their sound.

But with their third album coming up, you know we have to catch up with the band and answer a few questions. Questions like; what has the band done to evolve their sound oveall on this record, is it going to work out for them...

Some artists in the music industry never realize their full potential. We have heard of so many artists that never made it and we thought they would, or the ones that called it quits before making it big. It is not an easy thing to do, to realize what your potential is.

Back in 2023, we had a stoner metal band on the podcast releasing their second album, and it showed us what untapped potential there was for them. 2 years later, taking their recording to the next level, and adding a 4th member full time, not only has...

The internet is a tough place for any metalcore band to break through the noise and succeed. Not only are you competing with other artists to get in front of fans, but you are also competing against other corporations pumping in millions for social media ads and marketing. Adding on the algorithms that add a paywall to get your music out to people consistently, it is a massive uphill battle.

But how does a band win when they must keep up their masked mystique, win most of their fans over with their live performances, and need to...

Writing heavy and aggressive music over the course of a long career is not an easy thing. Yes it can be done, but to have a long and successful career, it requires a few things. It requires an ability to adapt writing style as time goes on, not restricing themselves based on past success and fan expectations, and not staying focused on the viral moment that hooks a fan.

Heavy bands that are able to evolve and resist the urge of staying with fan expectations end up creating a more diverse sound, maintaining heaviness throughout, and stay...

When it comes to a heavy band gaining traction and popularity in 2025, we on the Chord Progression Podcast have discovered 2 commonalities. First, the music has to hit hard but somehow still connect with people on a more profound level than just the surface. Second, there has to be something else that brings people into the band and connect with them.

Well, we found those 2 commonalities in this band. From the new EP, there is something about the music that hits hard, but provides something more profound in the lyrics and the story. But the second commonality, is...

Time and time again since the 2020, the heavy music scene has been growing because artists have been sticking to their guns with their songwriting, their influences, and not bowing down to what is popular or what every other band that is showing success is doing.

This band is one of those bands in the heavy music space doing just that. From an opening song on the album that throws you off balance in the first 5 seconds, and a theme that shows a little bit more hope in the sadness of the current state of the world, they...

Diversity in metal music has been growing and become on of the most accepted things in music in the 2020's. But that diversity not only comes in the form of the music, but in the presentation of that music as well. It is the artists that are standing out as unique in all levels that are hitting major strides in achieving their dreams. Think Ice Nine Kills, Sleep Token, & Bring Me The Horizon.

But how is a younger band, with a lot smaller of a budget than the examples listed, going to do that when they create...

Music and art gives an escape to the individual from the mundane, fall in line, always be the same motivations of society as a whole. For so many, that is the only place where they can be themselves and truly feel comfortable with how they are. But the trick is, how does one take that and apply that to the outside world?

Music and art provide the blueprint to that, and that blueprint is rebellion. Rebelling against the status quo, rebelling against what someone else who doesn't even think about you would want you to be. Rebelling...

The great saying "good things come to those who wait" has stood the test of time for one main reason... because it is true. And in music, not only do good things come to those who wait, but good things come to those who work their ass off to win in an insanely competitive space.

We have seen this band on the podcast before, and the last time was 3 years ago, when they were close to finishing their latest album. 3 years later, that album has finally released. And now, that album has finally released. Good things come...

Bands and musicians are always putting in an increible amount of work in order to push their dreams, and their music, to the next level. And when their sound begins to reach the masses thanks to online sharing as well as a heavier presence on radio, it puts a lot more buzz around the music.

So how will an artist capitalize on it? What will they do with their new music in order to hit even more impactfully with fans and new listeners alike? If they are known for going in a dark direction, they go darker...

When it comes to being in a band, trying to make it in the rock and metal world, Arnold Schwarzenegger's 5th rule of success applies, WORK YOUR BUTT OFF! Your dreams aren't going to work unless you do. So what does that mean?

That means putting in all of the extra work outside of the norm, outisde of what everyone else is doing. Always make time for the fans, always make your music an experience for the fans, and always remember how much you can mean to a music lover. Those artists, make it to the top...

This band has been classified as the best modern metal band by a good number of publication and tastemakers in metal. And it is not surprising to be honest. The sound the band is known for is something heavy, something aggressive, and something cinematically grand.

But now signed to a much bigger label, and with metal being so much more known in popular culture, what is this band going to do with their new music? Make the best metal album of 2025? Yea, that seems like the way to go.

Niklas from the Swedish metal band...

Many artists have come back to the Chord Progression Podcast over the course of 6 and a half years. Many of those artists share stories of their successes, their failures, and show us what is in store for the next album. Rarely do we get to dive into a band's attempt at international recognition when they come back, but when you take your growth seriously as an artist, it can happen.

From taking European tours by storm as an opener, to almost representing Germany in the Eurovision song contest, this band has picked up more traction across the...

It's the year 2025, and if you look on any social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Reddit), you will notice that the world seems to be living in an era of darkness. People are unhappy with the state of the world, depressed at how life is turning out for them, and shut off with a belief that there is nothing better ever coming again. But this music, will make that not be the case.

When we are in the darkness, we have to find some shred of hope to hold on to. It allows us to keep...

At the end of 2024, we brought Ireland's greatest emo band to the podcast to get to know their backstory where no one believed in their music but themselves, and how they continued to thrive by just believing in themselves.

One year later, the duo is ready to release their second album, reflecting on how everyone did not believe in them, and they had to believe in themselves to win. They know it is ok to be sad, but this is about not wallowing in that sadness, and moving forward with your life and goals.

Steph...

Making music that connects with fans of whatever genre you are in, isn't easy. Making music that connects with fans of other genres is even harder. Doing so and being able to connect on concert bills where you are the lightest band on the bill, it is nearly impossible. But there has to be something that creates that connection.

And we found it with this band. No, there is no specific gimmick that makes them stand out. No, there is no member that was previously famous from another band trying something new. So what is it? The...

Sometimes artists write music to express their own emotions to us in a way that they couldn't do otherwise. Othertimes, they write music as it is the only thing that brings them happiness. The list of reasons goes on and on. But what about writing your music to call yourself out and take accountability?

That is what we found with this artist in the heavy music scene. One that isnt afraid to create music that looks inward at his own faults, take accountability, and learn to move on. Hopefully, we are able to take it that same...

2 years ago, we brought an alt rock and grunge inspired 17 year old artist to the Chord Progression Podcast as he was bringing a fresh sound to the genre. After those 2 years, you might be wondering... what happened to him?

It is 2025 and there is much more to talk about with him. And instead of having you search it up and try to see what he has been up to, we will take care of it ourselves right about now.

Hunter Oliveri rejoins the Chord Progression Podcast for the 2nd time. Hunter is releasing his new...

Put yourself in this position. You are an artist in the heavy music space that has been seemingly opening nearly every tour over the past few years. Every time it seems like fans go and see a show, you are on it. You want to take it to the next level, but how?

Well we found a band in that exact same position and asking that exact same question. And what was their answer to that question? Upgrade their music making process to be greater than anything they have ever done before.

...

In 2024, not only did we discover this hard-hitting band, but the world discovered them with the invention of "moan core." If you heard the song "Primitive" with the moan in the breakdown, you know that this band had something. Then when you discovered more of their music and their live show, you found there was so much more.

Now right before the release of their debut album, the band is ready to not only show the world more of what their sound is, but how they are going to be one of those bands that will be...

We all know the names of the bands that make it big, go on to have incredibly long and notable careers. Their stories are well known across the musical world. But for every successful band, there are way too many bands that never got there. And some of them, just keep trying.

They try to out of a love for the music, a love for being creative, and a desire to do something outside of the norm. Being able to relate to that and have hope in what you are doing in life connects with so many...

What happens when you mix emo music and ska music together? Well, you get something that you probably haven't heard yet but know that your interest has been peaked. However, would you be surprised if we told you the ska community hasn't embraced them becasue they aren't "ska enough?"

Well we want to get you into this "sad ska" band that not only is blending emo music so well with the upbeat sounds of ska, but showing even more by expanding their sound, and their message to destigmatize mental health.

The band Horizon Point is...

We have seen musicians and artists evolve their sound thorughout their careers all the time. There are always different reasons why artists do that, and those reasons can create great music that you never expected.

This band we found originally started in pop punk, but connected with more of a Warped Tour post-hardcore sound almost immediately and set up their core sound from there. But what is the next step in that evolution? Something cool we expect.

The guys from the emo & post-hardcore band Like Ghosts join the Chord Progression Podcast today. With a brand...

We live in a world in 2025 that consists of many things that might not be the best for our own self worth. Social media is only showing us the highlights of other people's lives, and we compare ourselves to that. We are pressured to "keep up with the Jones's" and follow along with the crowd in terms of style and tastes.

That is why it is more imporant to find yourself, fall in love with who you are, and be yourself unapologetically. Music always brings that message to us, and this artist not only is doing that...

If you were ever laid up in a hospital bed, seeing people with the same condition as you never leaving, what would that do to your will to fight? Would it inspire you to keep going, or would it make you want to throw in the towel? And if you made it out, how would you treat the rest of your life?

For one musician, he lived this exact scenario over the past few years, going from hospital bed to being unsure if he would make it. But a mantra of "I've Felt Better" kept him driving...

10 years is a long time being in a band and trying to make it in the music industry. It is something that very few people achieve, and even fewer succeed in. And for an artist that succeeds in that endeavour and onto album 6, what goes through their minds?

Are they thinking of the next step and wanting more? Are they thinking it is good enough? Are they keeping things in perspective to their wants and goals, while enjoying the ride along the way? The answer to that is the last, and it brings an album with the...

Who would have thought that after over 13 years since their last album and breakup, that Woe Is Me would be back together as a band, but releasing a full length album? Certainly not the band. But you would be surprised just how much can change over time.

Now there is a new album ready to be released, and a more enhanced sound to come. But what does that sound consist of? And how has the band evolved as songwriters over the last decade plus? Well, we aim to answer that for you right here.

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A special episode is here with our 3rd band to be featured on the Chord Progression Podcast for a 5th time. From their first time on the podcast all the way during the pandemic till now, being able to watch them grow into a great band and even greater people has been our pleasure, and we hope it has been yours too.

So what do we have for you on this band's 5th episode with us? A great number of stories to share from the life of a growing band? A recap of what has been happening...

What is reggaecore? Is it hardcore reggae music? Is it a blend of reggae music and heavier musical styings like metalcore? And what can a blend of those types of styles do in order to come together and create some beautiful new heavy music in today's world?

We found out the answer to that is yes, and the way we found it out is by being open minded to all of the experimentation that is coming through in heavy music today, to find the perfect blend of a sound that makes you "aggressively happy" and we are...

Supporting local artists and emerging artists in the music world is one of the most important things we can do as fans to propel the best bands around us to where we want to see them go, and create a community of support and growth. We always advocate for that here.

So when we saw a pop punk artist shoot a promo video on the marooned Deep Thought or "Milwaukee Minnow" with music that pops, we knew what our mission was. Bring this band to the podcast, show you who they are, and fully support the local...

In the heavy music scene of 2025, we are seeing so many bands doing creative things with their music. Sleep Token is bringing an intense aura to metal. Electric Callboy is turning heavy music into a party. Ice Nine Kills brings horror to life with their style of metal. So let's find another great thing.

4 years ago, we met a band that was blending an intense love and passion for synthwave into their style of metalcore. Now, not only have they expanded their idea of synthwave mixed with metal in that time, but they have incorporated the saxaphone...

When a new band hits the music scene and is about to release their first full length record, one fo the best ways to measure & predict how things will go for them is how their music resonates with the live crowd that has yet to know them. Are they going to be a band that takes the crowd by storm? Or are they going to be forgotten about?

Well when you play a show outside your home country and people are in the front row singing every word to every song, you know you have something. When...

It is no shock that hardcore music is having a moment right now. From the massive blow up in pop culture of Knocked Loose, the incredible rise of Kublai Khan, Alpha Wolf, and thrown, as well as the experimental flow of Mugshot and Thoratcut, we are in the golden age. Therefore, how will the golden age continue? With innovation and creativity in a sound that has so much room for growth.

And yes, there is a band that did that in hardcore in 2025 by bringing in so much more nu metal flare into hardcore, just becasue it...