Heavy Metal Philosophy

40 Episodes
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By: Jon Barbas

An exploration of philosophy with heavy metal themes. The intersection between the dark, powerful, and introspective. Tune in every Tuesday!

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#276: I Went To The Most Boujee Venue To See Extreme Metal
#276: I Went To The Most Boujee Venue To See Extreme Metal episode artwork
#276
Today at 9:00 AM

In episode 276 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts the tale of going to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Atlanta to see a modern metal show. Jon went to the Buckhead Theatre to photograph Jinjer, Entheos, and Crystal Lake, but the boujee venue made him feel like a fish out of water! Stay awhile and listen.

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...


#275: Is This Peak Modern Death Doom? | Fires In The Distance Interview
#275: Is This Peak Modern Death Doom? | Fires In The Distance Interview episode artwork
#275
06/16/2026

In episode 275 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down  with one half of Fires In The Distance to discuss the philosophy and choices behind their latest album, Circadian Promise. From existential philosophy to the challenges of having a new singer, join us!

Fires In The Distance Links;
https://firesinthedistance.bandcamp.com/album/circadian-promise
https://www.facebook.com/firesinthedistance/
https://www.instagram.com/firesinthedistance/
https://x.com/DistanceFires

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#274: What Happens When Interviews Get Too DEEP?
#274: What Happens When Interviews Get Too DEEP? episode artwork
#274
06/09/2026

In episode 274 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas attempted to have a 10 minute interview with Ben Hutcherson of Khemmis about their upcoming self-titled album. Ben and Jon then went on an hour long existential and nihilistic spiral... and they did it with smiles on their faces. Do you like cosmic horror and heavy metal? You're in the right place, join us!

Khemmis links;
https://khemmis.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/khemmisdoom/
https://www.facebook.com/khemmisdoom
https://www.instagram.com/khemmisdoom/

Thomas Ligotti Books;
The Conspiracy Against The Human...


#273: Jack Osbourne Claps Back At Metal YouTubers?!
#273: Jack Osbourne Claps Back At Metal YouTubers?! episode artwork
#273
06/02/2026

Recently The Metal Meltdown YouTube channel aired a video criticizing the Osbourne family for investing in an Ozzy Osbourne Ai that will supposedly act like Ozzy and interact with fans. The Metal Meltdown took particular issue with the part of the article that made claims about the ability of the Ai to be placed in ads. Shockingly, Jack Osbourne himself commented on the video and a debate ensued. I had Uncle Melty on the podcast (episode 273) to talk about what happened. Join us!

The Metal Meltdown YouTube Channel and Instagram:
www.youtube.com/@UC6DrrBx7gJ5fKAJFN0...


#272: The BIG Names Behind King Ultramega's Chris Cornell Tribute!
#272: The BIG Names Behind King Ultramega's Chris Cornell Tribute! episode artwork
#272
05/26/2026

In episode 272 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Mark Menghi (from Metal Allegiance) and Brann Dailor (from Mastadon) to chat about King Ultramega, the all-star collective paying tribute to Chris Cornell. This super group ranges from players like Kim Thayil, Alissa White-Gluz, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, Bill Kelliher, Angel Vivaldi, William Duval, and many others including this week's guests Mark and Brann. We'll talk all about the inspiration behind the project, the joys the challenges, and a brief aside about our love of Black Sabbath. Join us!

King Ultramega website:
https://kingultramega.com/
<...


#271: I Shot The Most Evil Metal Concert Ever & It Proved My Theory True!
#271: I Shot The Most Evil Metal Concert Ever & It Proved My Theory True! episode artwork
#271
05/19/2026

In episode 271 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is recounting what happened at the Godless IV tour featuring Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ, and Immolation. During Behemoth's set, a prediction that Jon made last year reviewing their latest album was proven true. Follow along to find out more!

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#270: Brutal Death Metal Bands Are Selling More Tickets Than Pop Stars?!
#270: Brutal Death Metal Bands Are Selling More Tickets Than Pop Stars?! episode artwork
#270
05/12/2026

In episode 270 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down "Blue Dot Fever" and why it's plaguing pop stars like Meghan Trainor and Post Malone, but not death metal and black metal bands. We go over the numbers, the culture, and what it all means. Let us know what you think in the comments!

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#269: Ya'll Ask Me Insightful And Unhinged Questions! 5 Years of HMP!
#269: Ya'll Ask Me Insightful And Unhinged Questions! 5 Years of HMP! episode artwork
#269
05/05/2026

In episode 269 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is celebrating the five year anniversary of Heavy Metal Philosophy! You all asked me a bunch of really insightful but also unhinged questions. That's what I love about this community, we can plumb the depths of our minds or the toilet humor. Either way it's always fun here. Thank you!

The rock band I mentioned was 
Ayron Jones

Links to books in the episode;
Albert Camus - The Stranger - https://amzn.to/3Rlt9sE
Peter Watts - Blindsight - https://amzn.to/42j7GmC


#268: The Book Of Revelation Is Metal AF & the Biz Is Evil w Spirit Adrift
#268: The Book Of Revelation Is Metal AF & the Biz Is Evil w Spirit Adrift episode artwork
#268
04/28/2026

In episode 268 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas chats with Nate Garrett of Spirit Adrift and Neon Nightmare. They talk about the band's final album, how metal The Book of Revelation Is, the corruption in underground metal, and what's next for Nate now that Spirit Adrift is ending.

Spirit Adrift and Nate Garrett links;
spiritadrift.com
https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-illumination
20buckspin.com/neonnightmare
www.youtube.com/@UCE2LUdhrZUF58CjsJEQ6xpg 

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#267: It’s The UFC’s Fault That Concert Tickets Are Expensive!
#267: It’s The UFC’s Fault That Concert Tickets Are Expensive! episode artwork
#267
04/21/2026

In episode 267 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes the business decisions of the UFC that have contributed to not only their own ticket prices rising, but also the cost of music concert tickets. Between monopolistic practices and board of director cross pollination, the rabbit hole is deep. 

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#266: When Should Your Favorite Bands Stop Making New Music?
#266: When Should Your Favorite Bands Stop Making New Music? episode artwork
#266
04/14/2026

In episode 266 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas looks at examples of legendary bands who retired early like Bolt Thrower, Nirvana, and Spirit Adrift and wonders if other bands should do the same. Don't get it twisted though, some bands still got it and need to keep going. Is it Metallica? Found out who and let me know if you agree or disagree on this week's episode.

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#265: Three Reasons Hardcore Is Popular Now. It's Not Underground Anymore!
#265: Three Reasons Hardcore Is Popular Now. It's Not Underground Anymore! episode artwork
#265
04/07/2026

In episode 265 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down three reasons why hardcore music has become so popular that it now is featured in pop festivals like Coachella and Late Night Television like Jimmy Kimmel. We even had a hardcore band (Turnstile) win the Grammy for "Best Metal Performance". What do you think? Did we miss any reasons? Let it be known!

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#264: The Philosophy of Corrosion of Conformity: Good God/Baad Man w Pepper
#264: The Philosophy of Corrosion of Conformity: Good God/Baad Man w Pepper episode artwork
#264
03/31/2026

In episode 264 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity. We talk about their new double album 'Good God, Baad Man' and the concept of facing the infinite and death. Don't get it twisted though, this isn't a bummer, the record and the conversation is a lot of fun! Join us. 

Corrosion Of Conformity Links:
https://coc.com/
Corrosion of Conformity - https://corrosion-of-conformity.bandcamp.com/album/good-god-baad-man

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#263: French Expert Pairs Whiskey with Extreme Metal Albums!
#263: French Expert Pairs Whiskey with Extreme Metal Albums! episode artwork
#263
03/24/2026

In episode 263 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is joined by the host of Greg's Whiskey Guide. Greg has been visiting distilleries and tasting whiskeys for over two decades. He is a passionate whiskey blogger and blender as well as a long-time metalhead. In this episode, he has selected three different whiskeys and paired them with three different extreme metal albums from Insomnium, Rivers of Nihil, and Iotunn. Join us as we compare the characteristics and why they pair well together.

Greg's Whiskey Guide Links;
https://www.gregswhiskyguide.com/
www.youtube.com/@UChlToN7TfKTdln_FoPX543w 


#262: Live Nation Exposed In Court After Staff Joke About Prices
#262: Live Nation Exposed In Court After Staff Joke About Prices episode artwork
#262
03/17/2026

In episode 262 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the fallout of the Live Nation and DOJ court settlement. Concert ticket prices have gotten extremely unaffordable over the past decade. Is it thanks to a monopoly held by Ticketmaster and Live Nation? Are the jokes employees messaged to each other indicative of company culture? What can be done about rising ticket prices? Join us and see.

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#261: Wait... There's A Hardcore Scene In Alabama?!
#261: Wait... There's A Hardcore Scene In Alabama?! episode artwork
#261
03/10/2026

In episode 261 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas discovers the hardcore punk scene in Alabama. Where is it? Who plays there? Is it happening? Wielded Steel tells us all, plus we discuss the true meaning of deathcore and metalcore. Let me know what you think!

Wielded Steel Links:
https://wieldedsteel.bandcamp.com/album/sins-of-your-domain
https://www.instagram.com/wieldedsteel

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#260: Testament Tell Ozzy/Dio Stories & Debate Free Will
#260: Testament Tell Ozzy/Dio Stories & Debate Free Will episode artwork
#260
03/03/2026

In episode 260 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is combining two separate interviews! Jon recently interviewed both Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick of Testament and Metal Allegiance. In those two interviews, obviously similar questions were asked, even though they were both on for different reasons. The result is an interesting contrast in their experiences. Chuck tells a fond memory of Dio and Alex tells a fond memory of playing with Ozzy Osbourne. Then both of them give very different takes on Free Will.  Hear what happens and let me know what you think!

Get Testament tour info here:


#259: The 4 Worst Types of Metal Fans
#259: The 4 Worst Types of Metal Fans episode artwork
#259
02/24/2026

In episode 259 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas shows his love for the metal community, but points out 4 places we could do better. These are things that could help the heavy metal image with the mainstream and things we can do better for ourselves. Did I miss any? Let me know, join the conversation!

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#258: The Cheesiest and Most Cringe Bands In Every Metal Sub Genre!
#258: The Cheesiest and Most Cringe Bands In Every Metal Sub Genre! episode artwork
#258
02/17/2026

In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the things that make each sub-genre of metal cheesy and cringe. All of us have a genre of metal we look at as silly, but do we overlook the excesses of our own favorite styles? I'm even going to criticize my beloved death-metal!

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#257: Is Cancel Culture Broken? The Rock Star vs Epstein Paradox
#257: Is Cancel Culture Broken? The Rock Star vs Epstein Paradox episode artwork
#257
02/10/2026

In episode 257 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the public's response to  misconduct from rock stars versus people in the Epstein files. Both cases seem to be above the law thanks to their fame and wealth, but people like Marilyn Manson and Till Linderman face much different public controversy and cancel culture than Bill Gates and Elon Musk. Why? Let's discuss it. Tell me what you think!

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#256: The Five Best New Metal Albums of January 2026!
#256: The Five Best New Metal Albums of January 2026! episode artwork
#256
02/03/2026

In episode 256 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is breaking down the best new metal albums that released in January 2026! From Black Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal, Metalcore, Technical Death Metal, and everything in between! If you want some new metal to listen to, check out this month's lineup! 

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Bands;
The Ruins of Beverast - https://theruinsofbeverast.bandcamp.com/album/tempelschlaf
Denominate - https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/restoration 
Møl - https://moeldk.bandcamp.com/album/dreamcrush 
Urne - https://musi...


#255: Megadeth's Final Album Is A Harbinger of The Decline of Heavy Metal
#255: Megadeth's Final Album Is A Harbinger of The Decline of Heavy Metal episode artwork
#255
01/27/2026

In episode 255 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explains how Megadeth's retirement is a sign of the decline of heavy metal. Who is next to retire? Judas Priest? Iron Maiden? Metallica? Who will take up the mantle and carry the torch for the next generation of heavy metal bands? What happens to a sub-genre when all of it's standard bearers leave a vacuum? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Dave Mustaine Book:
https://amzn.to/49IQ5Jr

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Heavy Metal Philosophy...


#254: The Real Reason Bandcamp BANNED AI Music But Spotify Doesn't
#254: The Real Reason Bandcamp BANNED AI Music But Spotify Doesn't episode artwork
#254
01/20/2026

In episode 254 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the AI music policies of Bandcamp versus Spotify. We then analyze how payment incentives shape each company's stance on generative AI Music. These factors help explain why each company has different rules concerning AI music. Are you happy or angry that Bandcamp banned AI Music? Let me know in the comments.

Stephen Brewer 'Beyond Desire'
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/stephenbrewer/beyond-desire-feat-jesse-leach?ref=release
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVXhEfFKmtQ 

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Sources:
h...


#253: The Core Kids Are Starting To Agree With Me!?
#253: The Core Kids Are Starting To Agree With Me!? episode artwork
#253
01/13/2026

In episode 253 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas reacts to "10 Modern Metal Trends That Need To Stop In 2026" by MetalBIRB. We made a lot of these same criticisms about modern metal and metalcore a little over year ago. It looks like the core kids are starting to agree with me. Let me know what you think!

MetalBIRB's video;
https://youtu.be/7cmEcXP8XSg?si=6z0hQQ1xFByy7CN1

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#252: The Five Best Oddball Albums of 2025!
#252: The Five Best Oddball Albums of 2025! episode artwork
#252
01/06/2026

In episode 252 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite metal albums that don't fit the normal criteria. This is the episode where we go outside the normal parameters. You know we like it weird here! My favorite oddball metal albums of 2025!

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Bands;
Messa - https://messa.bandcamp.com/album/the-spin
Psychonaut - https://psychonautband.bandcamp.com/album/world-maker
Castle Rat - https://castlerat...


#251: The Five Best Progressive Metal Albums of 2025!
#251: The Five Best Progressive Metal Albums of 2025! episode artwork
#251
12/30/2025

In episode 251 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite extreme progressive metal albums of 2025. This is an extreme metal show, and thus my progressive picks are also extreme... and beautiful. Let me know what you think!

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Bands;
Impureza - https://impureza.bandcamp.com/album/alc-zares
Dawn of Ouroboros - https://dawnofouroboros.bandcamp.com/album/bioluminescence
An Abstract Illusion - https://anabstractillusion.bandcamp.com/album/the-sleeping-city
Rivers of Nihil - https://riversofnihil.bandcamp.com/album/rivers-of-nihil
Igorrr...


#250: Ten Best Death Metal Albums of 2025!
#250: Ten Best Death Metal Albums of 2025! episode artwork
#250
12/23/2025

In episode 250 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025, but the title says ten right? This week I am joined by a mystery guest who is also bringing their top 5, which will be radically different from mine. It's a double dose of death metal! Tell us what you think.

Bands;
Empty Throne - https://emptythroneofficial.bandcamp.com/album/unholy
Dormant Ordeal - https://dormantordeal.bandcamp.com/album/tooth-and-nail
Yotuma - https://yotuma.bandcamp.com/album/the-final-void-2
Pathogenic - https://pathogenic.bandcamp.com/album/crowned-in-corpses
...


#249: The Five Best Black Metal Albums of 2025!
#249: The Five Best Black Metal Albums of 2025! episode artwork
#249
12/16/2025

In episode 249 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite black metal albums of 2025! For my tastes I prefer my black metal on the more artistic side versus the raw primal side. This list will reflect my tastes, but fret not... there will be plenty of evil.

December Book Recommendation;
https://amzn.to/4aishwy

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Bands;
Lamp of Murmuur - https://lampofmurmuur.bandcamp.com/album/the-dreaming-prince-in-ecstasy
Saor - https://saor.bandcamp.com/album/amidst-the-ruins-2
Deafheaven - https...


#248: Top 5 Best Thrash Metal Albums of 2025!
#248: Top 5 Best Thrash Metal Albums of 2025! episode artwork
#248
12/09/2025

In episode 248 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is counting down his five favorite thrash metal albums of 2025! The big guns brought their A game this year. We've got ripping thrash albums from legends and young blood alike. It was a good year for thrash metal, let me know what your favorites were in the comments!

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Bands;
Graveripper - https://graveripper.bandcamp.com/album/from-welkin-to-tundra
Struck A Nerve - https://struckanerve.bandcamp.com/album/struck-a-nerve
Coroner - https://coronerofficial.bandcamp.com/album/dissonance-theory-24...


#247: The Best Deathcore And Modern Metal Of 2025!
#247: The Best Deathcore And Modern Metal Of 2025! episode artwork
#247
12/01/2025

In episode 247 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas votes in the 2025 Nik Nocturnal Awards. There are numerous categories spanning breakdowns, metalcore, deathcore, hardcore, modern metal, and even some extreme metal like death metal and black metal. Plus we are nominated for Best Metal Content! See who I voted for and tell me where you voted differently!

Vote in the 2025 Nik Nocturnal Awards here;
https://nocturnalawards.com/

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#246: Is Metal Music REALLY Dying?
#246: Is Metal Music REALLY Dying? episode artwork
#246
11/25/2025

In episode 246 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down Rick Beato's latest rant about Heavy Metal's declining popularity. What did Rick Beato get right? What did he get woefully wrong? Is metal really on the decline or are times just different? Let me know what you think!

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#245: The Truth About AI Music Topping Charts Nobody Wants To Admit
#245: The Truth About AI Music Topping Charts Nobody Wants To Admit episode artwork
#245
11/18/2025

In episode 245 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas breaks down the scam that someone used to land an AI song as number 1 on a Billboard chart. Will metal music be next to have AI music on the charts? Then we compare that scam to big business scams in order to make one final argument about the use of AI in art.

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#244: Unmasked: Which Metal Bands Are Artists And Which Are Frauds?
#244: Unmasked: Which Metal Bands Are Artists And Which Are Frauds? episode artwork
#244
11/11/2025

In episode 244 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas compares the practices of masked bands like Slipknot, Ghost, Sleep Token, President, Gwar, Mudvayne, Gaerea, Dogma, and more to figure out which bands are wearing masks for artistic reasons and which ones are exploiting their musicians. It's not an easy answer, well... except in one case. Join the conversation!

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#243: Agnostic Front Explains The Real History of Hardcore Punk
#243: Agnostic Front Explains The Real History of Hardcore Punk episode artwork
#243
11/04/2025

In episode 243 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Roger Merit of Agnostic Front to chat about the band's history, their new album Echoes In Eternity, and what he thinks about the current generation of hardcore punk bands like Knocked Loose and Turnstile. 

Agnostic Front links;
https://www.agnosticfront.com/

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#242: Why Are Metalheads Hostile Towards Rap?!
#242: Why Are Metalheads Hostile Towards Rap?! episode artwork
#242
10/28/2025

In episode 242 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas explores why some metalheads harbor such hatred for rap and hip-hop music. There's one obvious answer that we won't spend too much time on, because the other reasons are much more interesting. Join the conversation!

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#241: A Deep South Asian Metalhead Responds To Andrew Lee on Racism In Metal
#241: A Deep South Asian Metalhead Responds To Andrew Lee on Racism In Metal episode artwork
#241
10/21/2025

In episode 241 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas responds to Andrew Lee's video essay titled "How Heavy Metal Upholds White Supremacy." As an Asian metalhead growing up in the deep south of America, a lot of what Andrew pointed out resonated with me, but some of my experiences were different than his. Those difference might be illuminating. Join in on the conversation!

Andrew Lee's channel...
www.youtube.com/@UCjv-NVVzWtu0f43lh7TQO-A 

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#240: One Of The Most Underrated Thrash Bands Is Back After 30 Years!
#240: One Of The Most Underrated Thrash Bands Is Back After 30 Years! episode artwork
#240
10/14/2025

In episode 240 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with Tommy T. Baron of Coroner to discuss their triumphant return after thirty years! Coroner was considered one of the most technical and progressive thrash metal bands of the late 80s and early 90s before going on hiatus. After reuniting in 2011, the band still took another 10 years to release another record, and it's finally upon us! Join us as we chat about what took so long and what lengths the band went to in order to still sound fresh today!

Coroner links;
https://coronerofficial.bandcamp.com/album...


#239: The Wildest Band Stunt That Paid Off Big Time!
#239: The Wildest Band Stunt That Paid Off Big Time! episode artwork
#239
10/07/2025

In episode 239 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas recounts one of his favorite memories covering heavy metal shows. While covering a Behemoth and Arch Enemy show, a local Atlanta band called Silly Goose crashed the party and demanded to be heard. Now three years later they have a record deal, big tours, and a Grammy nominated producer who recorded their latest album 'Keys To the City'. Join us as we chat with Silly Goose about their gimmick and how it paid off.

Silly Goose Links;
https://sillygooseraprock.com/
https://sillygooseatl.bandcamp.com/album/keys-to-the-city
https...


#238: Disney Made A Metal Documentary... And It's Good?!
#238: Disney Made A Metal Documentary... And It's Good?! episode artwork
#238
09/30/2025

In episode 238 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas sits down with the executive producers of Hulu docuseries 'Into The Void' and 'Dark Side of the Ring'. We chat how they got such a risque show on Disney owned Hulu, the darkness and the triumph of the metal stories they told, and why they chose the topics they did. From Randy Rhoads, Judas Priest, and Dimebag Darrell to more underground tales like NME, Wendy O Williams, and Confess, this series will educate novice and veteran metalheads alike!

Watch the series here;
https://www.hulu.com/series/into-the-void-life-death-and-heavy-metal-07fbab33...


#237: The Philosophy of Rivers of Nihil: The Work
#237: The Philosophy of Rivers of Nihil: The Work episode artwork
#237
09/23/2025

In episode 237 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas is traveling, so the good folks over at the Didn't Go Platinum Podcast were kind enough to let us repurpose Jon's appearance on that show. During this appearance, we discussed the meaning of Rivers of Nihil 'The Work.' Consequently, Albert Camus came up. What is the meaning of work? Join us and find out!

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