Vigorously with Val Kleinhans

Happy (belated) National Metal Day! 

In this episode, Val offers her top favorite metal bands and a how to guide on becoming a fan of heavy music.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

From Type O Negative to Silvertomb and Quiet Riot, drummer Johnny Kelly has plenty of stories to tell!

With Silvertomb's new album, The Interpretation of Nightmares, dropping Friday, Johnny joins Val to talk about bringing the record to life, keeping his drumming chops sharp, and what's next for Quiet Riot. 

Plus, a few stories from the legendary Type O Negative days you won't want to miss!

Silvertomb stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DzvOgjYhye3yHciiHu8TE?si=vujnZQmHRj6wgP7QFXw5jw

This week, Americans voted in midterm elections that were so hotly discussed that even James Hetfield of Metallica got in on the politics conversation recently…whether he wanted to or not.

The backlash this man received from his comments, and the way we’re seeing culture address political change today really made me ask, has choosing not to discuss politics become a political statement in itself? Why is there this expectation that artists speak on the issue simply because they have a public platform?

Social media has made celebrities more accessible, but has that accessibility crea...

Metal, makeup, and making your mark! Full Metal Jessie joins Val on Vigorously to talk about finding her place in the metal community, developing her passion for heavy vocals, and expressing herself through music, makeup, and content creation.

Jessie and Val dive into the work that goes into creating content, the challenges of performing both on camera and onstage, and the growing influence of digital creators within the metal scene. Jessie also shares her experiences as a woman in heavy music, how this pops up in content creation, and why makeup and metal have more...

Val has said multiple times on this podcast that in recent years, and even today, core has taken over the metal scene. It seems to be what sells now. It seems to be what we’re interested in.

In her words, "I know that if I wanted to look into why this is true, I can’t do it without citing one man I feel is responsible for bringing core some mainstream awareness. Mitch Lucker."

Today, we’re going to honor Mitch, look at what Suicide Silence is up to now, and find out ju...

Four years after Momentous, OSYRON is entering a new era. Val sits down with lead vocalist Reed Alton to discuss the band's upcoming self-titled album, the power of collective creativity, and what it takes to build a sustainable future in music.

Entirely funded through Kickstarter, this record is as much a testament to their community as it is to the band's evolution. Reed shares the lessons they've learned about crowdfunding, financial stability, and navigating the business side of being a band without losing sight of the music.

We also dive into...

If you’ve ever been to an Amon Amarth concert, a Týr concert, an Enslaved concert, in the US - you know full well that Americans love a viking moment. But why are we so obsessed? What attracts us to this culture and these stories?

Now that we have a new Amon Amarth album out this month, and a new one from Enslaved just a week away, I thought it would be a good time to look into this - vigorously!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www...

Peekay are one of the fastest growing metalcore groups from India. The eyes of the world are on them right now, and that's something vocalist Prantati Khanna takes in stride.

Val and Pranati get into how to go global as a band, how to bridge cultural gaps in music, what navigating an artist visa is really like, new music on the way, and the latest Cast in Chaos EP.

Peekay stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QRt3WqRMTnQXu6mgGnqKl?si=uEMoozTuTny5eZRdAuv-BQ

Follow Peekay: https://www.instagram.com/p...

In the year of our lord 2026, it's very easy for things to feel very dystopian. If you're looking for the perfect soundtrack to this, THE UNCRTN may have just provided it in their new EP Machine out Friday.

Val, Tyler and Sonia discuss shedding old identities, the story behind The Drifter, and the making of “BAD FOR ME,” featuring Ricky Armellino. Plus, we get into the creative vision behind the EP's visual world, dream collaborations, the New York music scene, and whether the music industry really understands what heavy music fans want.

What does...

After a small vacation, Val is back to welcome October the only way she knows how - by honoring the best albums to celebrate the month.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Life is hard, but what do you do with it? When you want to accomplish something, do you let the "hard" win? If you ask alternative/electronic/hip-hop fusion group Banks Arcade, it's all about choosing what your "hard" is.

Vocalist Joshua O' Donnell joins Val for a chat about what it really takes to launch a band based in New Zealand, the struggles to take the band to the United States, MMA adventures and their new album SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR.

SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR is out now.

Banks...

What else matches the season better than some psychedelia and indie vibes? For your fix this fall, we present Moon Darling.

Mike and Eliza join Val for a chat about their biggest fears, navigating being the "new kid in town", all the details on making their latest album Hearts To Blame in a cabin, and what makes Moon Darling so bewitching. 

Hearts To Blame is out now.

Moon Darling stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HUkpz2MeD2lDpGiAFZFIj?si=EX2r3e3ORbKvuepszj4eIA

Follow Moon D...

Halloween playlists might have a problem.

Every year, we get the same songs. “Monster Mash.” “Thriller.” Maybe some Rob Zombie if we're feeling particularly dangerous or adventurous…but we’re missing something.

If you're a person like Val who actually likes dark and heavy music, there's an entire universe of songs that sound like Halloween without ever mentioning Halloween. 

So, today, now that we’re deep enough into September that we feel we can all universally agree that spooky season is HERE, we're building the perfect spooky-season playlist—from goth to metal - with all the song...

(Originally aired 8/26/24)

Lindsay Schoolcraft chats with Val about cats, astrology, and the new music she'd been working on and the singles that formed Harrowing before it became the album we know today.

Lindsay Schoolcraft stream:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZLcdPSxw1fTYJlz3DLrSZ

Follow Lindsay: https://www.instagram.com/lindzriot/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

The new Slipknot single "Arsenal" has raised many questions about longevity in metal. When should a band hang it up? Are they required to retire at a certain point?

Val examines the art of knowing when to walk away using Slipknot, Ministry and Mötley Crüe as case studies. 

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

In this episode, Val welcomes Jay and Kevin from metalcore band The Moth Anatomy to discuss navigating the industry (with the delicate yin and yang of a moth) in a world that looks vastly different from when they started. Is putting your music on physical media still worth it? What do audiences want today?

They also discuss their latest single "Unfamiliar" , shooting the video for it, and what metalcore bands of today can take from the ones who started it all decades ago. Plus, they hint at more music on the way.

<...

Modern grunge that hasn't forgotten its roots can be found in Scarhaven. 

In this New Music Friday episode, meet the band introducing grunge to the younger masses - Scarhaven. 

Singer Michael Saint joins Val for a conversation on the live shows they have coming up, bts on the "Clouds" video, general thoughts on the music industry, and how the grunge of it all was just a happy accident.

Scarhaven stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yYuEhmPsIxsYHTDou8lRg

Follow Scarhaven: https://www.instagram.com/scarhaven/

Wa...

Vigorous ones, I’m here to help solve a problem that I’m noticing lately - and that problem is there’s sooooooo much music to go through!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good problem to have, but I get why we’re a little overwhelmed by all of these new releases that (at this point) are year-round. 

We need more than a “here’s some bands you should listen to”. We need to have a conversation about how to find new music in today’s climate. In today’s conditions. As we're adjusting to a ne...

Whimsy is a buzzword at the moment, and it's because today, as a collective, it's easy to feel like we're losing ours. Folk metal duo Forgotten Shrine has the medicine you'll need to reclaim your whimsy!

Sofia and Josh join Val for a playful and candid conversation about their upcoming album Nox Aeterna, injecting whimsy into the music you're making, other artists they're loving right now, and how to balance the responsibilities that surround what it is to be an artist.

Nox Aeterna is out everywhere November 6th.

S...

Severing ties isn't always the worst thing in the world. If anyone knows that, it's alternative rockers cut the cord.

Val chats with singer Dylan about navigating mental health struggles, sobriety, and making moves in the music industry without having a handbook for any of it! Also discussed is new music on the way.

cut the cord STREAM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3msEGnrGYjEsKUe1Z8cEhd?si=2cHXuZWfRvGDKwoAYhrjqQ

Follow cut the cord.: https://www.instagram.com/cutthecorddot/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Whenever someone lives their life vigorously in public, they’re not immune to feedback or criticism - and that goes for everybody, even the angel that is Dolly Parton…and drummer Travis Barker. Two names we don’t throw in the same sentence a lot, but in this sense share a parallel. 

Let’s talk about both of these legends, because there’s a lot to learn from! These two do and have done things vigorously. 

Val's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyva...

Val welcomes back Zahna for a very special occasion! Break or Breakthrough is out Friday.

Easily Zahna's most aggressive and vulnerable piece of work, Val and Zahna chat about navigating life's hardships, the music industry, and "make or break" points with humor, feist, and humility to celebrate the new album. They also chat about the icons she's shared the stage with while on tour this summer.

PRE-SAVE BREAK OR BREAKTHROUGH: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HvsF5I55057H9hTIkn60F?si=cv67jQ5DShiSvGs5T1fM2A

Get...

Gåte is slowly introducing the world to their brand of Norwegian folk metal, and we couldn't be more excited!

In this episode, Val and vocalist Gunnhild Sundli chat about the upcoming album Sigil, how Gåte made the best of their Eurovision experience, and the stories and legends that make Norway unique.

Get more Gåte: https://www.xn--gte-ula.com/

Follow Gåte: https://www.instagram.com/gaate_official/

Gåte Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YxkGgMvqCQA75aFpy6524?si=uY64vruATb6zvKkwc4eQhw&utm_sourc...

One day you're a fan, the next, you're sharing the studio! 

This is the true story of how the collaboration between SAGE and PINKNOISE came to be. 

On this New Music Friday, Val and SAGE also get into their lore, horror movie takes, and what the secret to a successful collaboration really is.

Follow SAGE: https://www.instagram.com/sagebandnj/

Stream SAGE: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RmUSpbeOrKWpFtlTHtbLu?si=Zm6PqO9aQzmtOjS_zEIilA

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://ww...

There's a lot happening in the rock and metal community these last few weeks. In this solo moment, Val briefly chats about the Madden Brothers controversy and finally examines the STATICA EP from Avenged Sevenfold - and BAY-BEEE, it's a ride!

Is genuine artistry about protecting a brand? Or is it about chasing an idea? …wherever it leads. 

Val's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

G...

Artists sometimes refer to their songs or their albums as their babies. If In Between from Joyous Wolf (out Friday) had to be categorized, you'll find that this "youngest" baby has some eldest responsibilities! 

Val chats with guitarist Blake Allard on the new era of Joyous Wolf, what to expect from In Between, the inclusion of new vocalist Pedro Cordeiro, and how their definition of success (and survival) in the music industry has changed.

Get more Joyous Wolf: https://joyouswolfband.com/

Joyous Wolf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/a...

In this edition of New Music Friday, Chas Huff introduces us to alt-metal project Get Out Alive - and its purpose. 

Simply put, the mission of Get Out Alive is to leave anyone who listens feeling better than they were before. You might also find that it's the perfect remedy for a mental health struggle, and your nostalgic 00s loving heart. Something Chas also touches on this episode.

Get ready to meet Get Out Alive and stay ahead of a new EP on the way.

STREAM G...

Identity Crisis are solidifying themselves as the grunge band you need to know - but how is Gen Z receiving them?

Val and lead vocalist Reece Gonzales deep dive into why Identity Crisis is resonating on all cylinders - globally and generationally. They also discuss the Starve EP and what's next musically. Hint: it might just be an album.

Val and Reece get into it all.

Get more Identity Crisis: 

https://www.identitycrisisofficial.com/

STREAM Starve:

https://ffm.to/i...

Our very first edition of New Music Friday features DARKSTXR. 

The boys chat with Val about the rollout process for their new project, their first single "EVERGREEN" their upcoming debut show in South Carolina, why more bands should glaze each other.

Get more DARKSTXR: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EUsHqEocZmF9w0hjmEErM?si=4Cvmp9pUTomk6CiIt59VOQ

DARKSTXR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkstxr/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

G...

Mastodon have been through the wringer lately with the passing of guitarist Brent Hinds. 

While addressing "The Mastodon in The Room" and discussing a new album and era for the band, Val dissects what we can learn from the group about processing tragedy and ponders what calls for a band to take on a new identity entirely. 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&utm_source=qr

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Some of the best elements of Xandria include those famous cinematic and symphonic moments we know and love. 

In this episode, Val chats with Marco Heubaum about the sonic evolution of the band, why the album still matters, and what to expect from their brand new release Eclipse coming Friday.

STREAM Eclipse: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL?si=Q_F7OjR6T16D6oT1SDLYqQ

Get more Xandria: https://www.xandria.de/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Fo...

40 years later, the legendary Prong is still fighting thanks to vocalist and guitarist Tommy Victor. 

In this episode, Val and Tommy celebrate the release of Prong's first self-titled album coming in November. Val and Tommy also dive into current trends in music, how Prong gave Rob Zombie his directorial debut, the importance of being willing to experiment in music, and what's next for the band.

Stream Prong: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SER9tY2pDIDVWVf5Ql97B?si=OjhQOmP7SKml3rwMum35OA

Prong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p...

It's never easy learning a loved one might be on the opposite end of the political spectrum. XBYRDX might just have the remedy for this dagger in his music - in his new album Anthems For The End Times.

Val and XBYRDX chat about the importance of using artistry to make a statement.

Get more XBYRDX: https://www.instagram.com/xbyrdxmusic/

STREAM Anthems For The End Times: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6YTaWI5Nk358TPiZAhkPWv?si=c5M8lskySG-M53FE77z7kw

Watch on YouTube: https...

Val and Joey Vesely of Trace Remains reminisce about their hometown (Pittsburgh), the new Zero Hour EP, and the importance of flexibility when adapting to the ever changing music industry.

Stream the Zero Hour EP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xnmynY7Zj625B0XAuwU2h?si=7-1F20HGTRKp4g1WwuFc9w

Get more Trace Remains: https://www.instagram.com/traceremains/?hl=en

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx...

Yungblud and Bad Wolves have made the news in the rock and metal scene throughout the early part of this month for a variety of reasons. One is under fire for getting vulnerable. The other is getting mixed reviews as they announce a new era with a new single - something they’ve done a lot in their career. They’re each experiencing two different scenarios right now, but they have one thing in common - they’re both dealing with questions of legitimacy, continuity and audience expectations. 

Val thinks they’re caught between t...

Welcome to a new Tuesday and Thursday schedule for the pod!

In this first Tuesday guest episode, Val chats with Vicky Psarakis of Sicksense about whether or not the range actually helps with Call of Duty play, AI ethics, and the upcoming Funerals EP that mirrors all the thoughts that surround these moments.

PRE-ORDER the Funerals EP: https://ffm.to/sicksense-funerals

Get more Sicksense: https://sicksense.com/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vigorouslyvalpod

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans?xtok=NzFwcGtjOGZzbnBx&u...

When the world seems to be working against you, Beautiful Skeletons have learned that those are the times to bond together that much tighter when accomplishing a goal. 

Val chats with Tina Firefly about music industry challenges, working with legend Ulrich Wild, and the haunted experiences shared while putting the upcoming album Pulse Line Scar together.

STREAM Beautiful Skeletons: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dZD3pOhLSVUZCXLFRwwpd?si=CQV4_j-7Q7aVY7L4gHmEeA

Beautiful Skeletons Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beautiful_sk...

We’re officially in festival season right now, and every year, somebody somewhere is disappointed when severe weather happens and a show has to either be cut short or is canceled altogether. But what exactly happens when this process unfolds? What does it actually take for a show to be cut short or canceled due to severe weather? Who makes that call? And why does it feel like they sometimes make that call too late? How do you make a decision in the middle of all this when you’ve got your own feelings in the way?

Val...

Is delulu the solulu? If you ask Døuble Identity, the answer just might be yes! In life, and creativity! 

Val chats with twins Arden and Courtney about their new single "Kiss Me Again" and how it came to be, why boys make for good subject matter as artists, show safety, and the frustrations that come with navigating the world as a young adult. 

Get more Døuble Identity: https://www.instagram.com/doubleidentityband/

STREAM "KISS ME AGAIN" : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pdssHgpeHiTKzHlmGvGVW?si=S0QIZZDSRw6REbnCQb8gaA<...

In today's edition of the divorce no one saw coming, Val dissects the divorce announcement coming from Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. 

Does divorce impact public figures differently? Why do fans receive this news the way they do? Can we learn anything from their situation to help us navigate divorce better?

Let’s get into the subject of divorce, vigorously.

When anyone gets divorced, it’s a messy, uncomfortable moment that is filled with mixed emotions - and not just between the couple involved, but everyone else in their orbit...