ATX Metal Podcast

The Breakdown
Prepare to be punched in the gut by a raw, groove-driven metal episode that reveals how seasoned musicians craft crushing riffs that connect directly with fans—no matter your scene experience. If you've ever wondered how metal bands stay tight, explosive, and engaging live, this episode unlocks the secret sauce: from the power of authentic community support to the art of balancing technical prowess with soulful groove.

Ryan Rayle sits down with Phil King and Dave Revere of Hammer Throne, a band blending doom, thrash, hardcore, and more into a ferocious debut EP. They sh...

The Breakdown
Join Ryan Rayle and Andy Flores as they discuss the evolution of the San Antonio music scene, the importance of community, and the power of platforms like The Hive and The Rock Box in supporting local bands. Discover practical tips for artists, the impact of technology, and future plans for community-driven events.

Episode Info
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_hive_satx/
Band Website: https://www.facebook.com/thehivesatx/
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATXMetalPodcast

The Breakdown
Most bands try to look cool on stage; Release The Captive just proves that behind-the-scenes chaos is where the real magic happens—and how they still crush it despite juggling life and moving into a new place.

Imagine a bunch of Texas musicians navigating tech nightmares, Craigslist hunts, and still managing to deliver a raw, authentic metal experience that keeps fans moshing and the scene alive. Ryan Rayle hosts this hilarious and honest conversation with the band that’s been tearing up Austin for six years with new ,music on the menu.

You’...

The Breakdown
Most band stories sound like Hollywood scripts — but this one might just beat them all. Andy Alderson from San Antonio’s Foreward spills a wild ride from band chaos, political degrees, to signing with Seek and Strike, all while reminiscing about high school hairdos and the glory days of MySpace. Think your band struggles are epic? Wait until you hear how ego, ego trips, and a little bit of ego management slowed this band down—and then fired them back up.

You'll discover:

The Breakdown
In this engaging interview, Skyler McCarthy from the bands 719 and Silence Becoming shares his journey in music, the creative process behind his projects, and his passion for outdoor adventures. Discover insights into metalcore production, the importance of collaboration, and how to support local music scenes.

You ever have a backstage moment where you totally miss who you're talking to? I did — turned out I was chatting with a drummer of a famous band, and I didn't even know! 
Drop a 🔥 if you've ever had a “wait, that was who?” moment.

I'm Ryan, your...

The Breakdown
Cryptopsy is back with a roar—and this time, they’re headlining the Decibel Magazine Tour for 2026. But here’s the twist: how do you stay relevant after 30 years in brutal metal? Easy, you bring insane lighting, killer riffs, and a legendary album anniversary tour that leaves fans moshing in the dark—literally.

Ryan chats with front man Matt McGachy about the wild chaos of “None So Vile” to a visually explosive LED stage show that’s rethinking what a metal concert can be. You'll discover: which Cryptopsy song might be dangerous enough to get banned (hi...

The Breakdown
Most bands have a story, but few have the wild, hilarious, and sometimes downright bizarre adventures these guys do. Imagine walking into a garage and being told “Hey, you’re the vocalist now” — without asking. Or the time their van was attacked by skinwalkers on a Texas highway. If you think “crazy band stories” are just a cliché, think again. This episode with Know Suffer is a no-holds-barred, no-suffer (see what I did there?) look into a band that’s been around for nearly three decades, witnessing everything from skinwalkers to crashed vans, all while keeping it real, raw, a...

So, I sat down with Vilamoura — the Austin locals who are still grinding after all these years. And let me tell you, they’ve got dreams bigger than Texas. In this episode, band members Josh Huber and Don Shipman from Vilamoura discuss their journey, touring challenges, and the importance of supporting local music scenes. They share personal stories, future goals, and ideas to revive the local music culture in Texas.

Tag a local band that needs a little encouragement! 🎸

They’ve been killing it here in the scene, and now they’re finally breaking out of Texas —...

The Breakdown
Most metal bands are happy enough to talk about riffs and mosh pits, but Cytera? They dive headfirst into the chaos—from their first stage nerves to the wild stories of playing Chili’s or imagining shows at nursing homes. These guys are raw, real, and ready to take the stage... possibly in Japan or in your backyard (well, maybe).

In this episode, you'll discover how this Austin three-piece got their start—bouncing back from hiatus, channeling social issues into heavy tunes like “Crave” and “De-Throned,” and what it takes to survive your first gig (spoiler...

The Breakdown
In this lively interview, Ryan chats with band members from Lift the Curse to discuss their latest single 'House of Horrors,' the creative process behind their music and videos, and their plans for the future. They share insights into songwriting, video production, and their DIY approach to the music industry, inspiring aspiring musicians and fans alike.

Episode Info
IG: https://www.instagram.com/liftthecursemusic/
Website: https://liftthecursemusic.com/
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com
Come...

Summary
Join Rya as he chats with Howard and Jun from PH0, a Brooklyn-based band blending traditional Chinese instruments with electronic and metal influences. Discover their journey, creative process, and upcoming performances at South By, along with insights into their unique sound and cultural fusion.

P.H.0 fuse the raw intensity of metal, the cyberpunk intensity of techno and drum & bass, and the visceral punch of modular synths with the ritualistic atmosphere of East Asian religious ceremonies, all channeled through the haunting melodies of the Chinese erhu.

Episode Info
IG: https://www.instagram...

In this episode, Ruben Alvarez from Upon a Burning Body discusses the band's journey, their recent album, and upcoming tours. They also delve into the band's history, the challenges of being independent vs signed, and Ruben's insights on the metal scene and movie collaborations.  Ryan introduces the new Texas Takeover.

Episode Info
IG: uponaburningbodyofficial 
Website: https://www.uabbtx.com/
ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/

Sponsors / Affiliates
Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions....
Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/
No Control Radio: https://www.klb...

The Breakdown
In this engaging interview, Ryan Rayle speaks with Gerard from Darkness Divided, exploring the band's history, their journey through the music scene, and their recent reunion. They discuss the challenges of touring, the creative process behind their new music, and the significance of their upcoming show in Austin. Gerard shares insights into the band's evolution, the meaning behind their latest single 'King of the Undertow', and the importance of community in their musical journey.

Quick Riffs
-Darkness Divided formed in a garage, like many bands.
-The band took a break in 2018 due...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan sits down with members of the band Future Ghost to discuss their musical journey, upcoming performances, and the vibrant Austin music scene. They share personal stories, insights into their creative process, and the importance of community support, especially in light of mental health awareness. The conversation highlights the band's evolution, challenges in live performances, and their commitment to raising the bar in local music.

Quick Riffs
-The band discusses the challenges of performing older songs with a new vocalist.
-They highlight the...

The Breakdown
In this episode, Ryan hosts the band Cult Burner, discussing their formation, music style, and the vibrant Austin music scene. The band members share their experiences, challenges in finding the right vocalist, and their philosophy on live performances. They emphasize the importance of community and supporting local music, while also sharing memorable concert experiences and their aspirations for the future. The conversation highlights the dynamics within the band and their commitment to creating music that resonates with their audience.

Quick Riffs
-Cult Burner aims to put on an engaging live show.
-The...

The Breakdown

In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Broken Time Jake and Alyus, a metal band from Temple, Texas. They discuss their journey to the WACKEN Metal Fest, their experiences at live shows, the dynamics within the band, and their writing process for new music. The conversation also touches on the importance of community support for local music and memorable challenges faced during performances. The band shares their excitement for an upcoming show and expresses gratitude for their fans and the Austin music scene.

Quick Riffs<...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members Brien and Ruben of Bridges Ablaze, discussing their journey from formation to their upcoming showcase. The conversation covers their experiences in the local music scene, the importance of vocal training, collaboration in songwriting, and the preparation for live performances. The band shares insights into their creative process, the significance of community support, and their excitement for new music on the horizon.

Quick Riffs
-The ATX Metal Podcast showcase is an exciting event for local music.
-Bridges Alaze formed...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the band BatLips, discussing their unique sound, evolution, and upcoming performances. The band members share insights into their creative process, live performances, and the vibrant local music scene in Austin. They reflect on their journey, lineup changes, and the importance of community support in the music industry. The conversation highlights their excitement for future projects and the dynamic nature of their music.

Quick Riffs
- Their upcoming music reflects a deeper exploration of their sound.
- The band aims to...

The Breakdown
In this episode, the ATX Metal Podcast hosts the band Zombie King, discussing their Texas tour, origins, and the importance of community support. The band shares their journey from forming through a Craigslist ad to their latest EP, 'The Reveling.' They reflect on their college experiences, the evolution of their music, and the role of local pride in their success. The conversation highlights the challenges of being an independent band and the collaborative nature of their songwriting and production process. In this engaging conversation, the band members discuss their vocal challenges during recording, the evolution...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan speaks with Nick Haas, the creator of Terminal Decay, a deathcore project influenced by horror anime. They discuss Nick's transition from his previous project, The Haas Effect, to Terminal Decay, exploring themes of horror and storytelling through music. The conversation delves into the impact of anime on Nick's creative process, the challenges of character development, and the intricacies of music production. They also touch on personal experiences, the evolution of music styles, and the importance of collaboration in the creative process. In this engaging conversation, Haas...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan speaks with Eamon Danzig about his new album, Thanatocracy, and the personal and political themes that inspired it. Eamon shares his journey of overcoming personal struggles, including sobriety, and how these experiences shaped his music. The conversation delves into the importance of community support, class consciousness, and the role of music in addressing social issues. Eamon emphasizes the need for artists to use their platforms for positive change and encourages listeners to support local music. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of technology on...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan interviews Aaron from the band, discussing their journey from Austin to Pampa, Texas, the challenges of being in a band, and the transition to focusing on an online presence. Aaron shares insights about the local music scene, the realities of band practice, and the formation of their new project, 'The Hey Man Project.' The conversation also touches on the cost of living, work-life balance, and the unique experiences that come with being a musician in a small town. In this conversation, Aaron discusses the complexities...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle speaks with the members of the metal band Wolvera, discussing their formation, the challenges of navigating the Dallas music scene, and their latest release, 'Desperate Dogs.' The conversation delves into the dynamics of songwriting, the recording process, and the importance of community in the music industry. Wolvera shares insights on their influences, upcoming shows, and the journey of being an independent band in today's music landscape.

Takeaways

The Breakdown:
In this episode, Ryan interviews Jordan Rosser from the band Interlinked, discussing their journey from thrash metal to metalcore, the impact of technology on music, and the importance of live shows in building community. They delve into the themes of their upcoming album, 'Recede and Cope,' which explores self-reflection and societal critique, particularly in a post-COVID world. The conversation highlights the creative process behind their music, the significance of authenticity, and their plans for future releases.

Quick Riffs:

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle welcomes Ricky Fullen, the vocalist of Hate Waker and organizer of the Central Texas Metal Fest. They discuss the festival's impact on the local music scene, the importance of supporting local bands and nonprofits, and the challenges of organizing such events. Ricky shares insights into the festival's logistics, the lineup of bands, and the community's response. They also touch on Hate Waker's new music and personal stories that highlight the dynamics within the band and their commitment to the local scene.

Quick Riffs<...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan has an engaging chat with members of the band Reign, exploring their journey over the past decade in the Austin music scene. They discuss the evolution of their band dynamics, the importance of connections and collaborations, and the role of booking in supporting local artists. The conversation also touches on the intricacies of merchandise management, as well as the impact of Twitch on music networking and community building. In this episode, the guests delve into the intricacies of musical performance, the challenges of streaming, and the importance...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle welcomes back the duo Lift the Curse, consisting of Jon Yadon Jr. and Ryan Hegefeld. They discuss their dynamic as a band, their creative process, and the excitement surrounding their upcoming showcase. The conversation delves into their songwriting methods, the importance of collaboration in music video production, and the current buzz in the music scene. They reflect on their decade-long friendship and musical journey, sharing insights on maintaining creativity and the challenges of the industry. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Hegefeld and Jon Yadon Jr...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle engages with members Danny Leal and Travis Case of the band Estraya, discussing their formation, musical influences, and the challenges they faced in the music industry. The conversation delves into their new single '411', the dynamics of songwriting within the band, and the unique experiences of performing in unconventional venues. They also share insights into their future plans, including a concept album that explores themes of social media and its impact on society. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Rayle and Estraya delve into the...

The Breakdown:
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews members Austin Blades and Giancarlo Fernandez of the San Antonio-based band Left IV Dead. They discuss the band's formation, their energetic live performances, and the evolution of the metal scene over the years. The conversation delves into the creative process behind their music, the importance of stage presence, and their upcoming releases, including the new song 'Fracture'. The band emphasizes their commitment to providing a fun and engaging experience for their audience while exploring new musical directions. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, host Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Tibetan Sky Burial, a local band known for their introspective and heavy sound. They discuss their musical journey, the challenges of maintaining a band, the chaos of live performances, and the creative process behind their music. The conversation also touches on their gear, influences, and what audiences can expect from their shows. With a focus on passion and perseverance, the band shares insights into their experiences and future plans. In this engaging conversation, Rick, Ed and Ryan discuss the evolution of...

The Breakdown
Backbiter, a metal band from Ohio, discusses their formation, music, and experiences in the local music scene. They talk about how they recruited a new member based on his participation in their shows and how having two guitarists enhances their live performances. The band shares their influences and how their sound has evolved over time. They also discuss their craziest shows, including one in Arkansas where the crowd was incredibly active and another in Orlando that was chaotic and intense. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the threshold of acceptable behavior in mosh pits and the...

The Breakdown
Jake Murphy, a solo artist from Denver, shares his journey of becoming a solo artist and creating music. He started his music career in a band in Oklahoma and later moved to Denver to pursue his solo project. Jake collaborates with Tyler Ruhl and Elliott Post to create the instrumental tracks for his songs. He records the vocals himself and sends them back to Tyler for mixing and mastering. Jake discusses the challenges of recording himself and the process of finding his sound. He also talks about the formation of his band, Beyond All Hope, and...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan Rayle interviews the members of Lift the Curse, an alternative heavy rock band based in Austin, Texas. The band consists of Jon Yadon Jr. on guitar, and Ryan Hegefeld on guitar and vocals. They discuss their background, the formation of Lift the Curse, their songwriting process, and their live performances. The conversation also touches on the changing music industry, the use of technology in music creation, and the importance of live shows. The conversation covers various topics including an upcoming show on August 9th, the process of...

The Breakdown
In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with the band Venustra. The band has a unique theatrical show and incorporates elements of shock rock, Japanese visual Kei, and swing music into their sound. They have faced challenges in defining their genre but strive to create a bigger sound that sets them apart from other bands. The conversation also touches on the importance of stage plots and visual elements in their performances, as well as the Austin metal scene and the venues that support it. The conversation covers various topics including the inspiration...

The Breakdown

In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with Eamonn Danzig, one of the creators of the Bat City Black Metal Fest. They discuss the origins of black metal, the message behind the festival, and the efforts to promote inclusivity and distance the genre from its tainted past. The festival will feature eight bands, live sword fighting, tattooing, and a corpse paint booth. The conversation also touches on the importance of nature and the theatrical elements of black metal. Tickets can be purchased through the Far Out Lounge website or at the...

The Breakdown
In this conversation, Ryan interviews Dave Perry of Fear of Water. They discuss various topics including the music industry, radio stations, and the success of Fear of Water's music. Dave talks about the secondary market for radio stations and how they have embraced his music. He also shares his experience with imposter syndrome and the impact of having his music played on Octane, a global radio station.  Dave talks about his collaborations with other artists and his aspiration to be recruited by a band with an established fan base and management. Dave also mentions the importance o...

The Breakdown:

Glass Grinder is a metal band from Austin, Texas that combines elements of grindcore, deathcore, and heavy metal. They aim to stand out by not being confined to a single genre and experimenting with different styles. The band started as a three-piece improvisational group and eventually evolved into a five-piece band. They have released an EP called 'I Hate You' and are working on a new LP. The upcoming album will explore themes of the new generation's failures and the concept of possession. Glass Grinder plans to release a music video for their song 'Repurposing...

The Breakdown:

In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan and Josh discuss their foray into the world of reaction videos and their love for metal music. Josh, also known as Drifter Voyages, is a metal reaction content creator on YouTube and the frontman of a metalcore band. They talk about what they look for in reaction videos, their favorite elements in metal music, and the importance of creating engaging content. They also discuss their experiences in the music community and the excitement of upcoming concerts. Overall, they aim to build a community of metal fans...

The Breakdown:

A Means To An End is a metalcore band from Corpus Christi, Texas. The band has been together for about eight or nine years, but started taking their music seriously about five years ago. The band consists of Storm Galindo on guitar and vocals, Noah Delos Rios on vocals, Ralph on drums, and Kyler on bass. They describe their sound as metalcore with influences from various genres. They recently added Noah as their new vocalist, and their upcoming song, titled 'Oxidation,' explores the theme of personal growth and self-reflection. In this part of the...