Episodes

  • Chuck Billy - Holding My Breath

    Chuck Billy - Holding My Breath
    May 27 2026
    In this episode, Chuck sits down with the legendary Chuck Billy of Testament to discuss his upcoming autobiography, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy, dropping November 10th. We dive into the process of translating a Chuck’s fiercely private life into an open book, and how his journey is split cleanly into the “Old Testament” (his early life, athletic background, and the early days of Testament) and the “New Testament” (his triumph over a devastating cancer diagnosis at 38 and his revitalized musical career).Key Topics Covered:* The Power of the Pre-Fame Years: Why it was essential for Chuck to explore his childhood, his athletic background, and his teenage years.* From Sports to the Stage: How getting kicked out of high school pivoted Chuck toward a life in music, and how he translated his aggressive athletic mentality into becoming the frontman for Testament.* The KISS Influence: Chuck recalls seeing KISS live in 1976 and how Gene Simmons’ theatrical performance inspired him to rock out in his garage.* Beating the 38-Year Deadline: Chuck’s childhood premonition that he would “sell his soul” for rock and roll and only live to 38, the exact age he was diagnosed with cancer, and how surviving it reignited Testament.* The Meaning of “Holding My Breath”: The literal and metaphorical meaning behind the book’s title, tracing a stubborn childhood habit to the way Chuck navigated his entire career and life.* Guest Forewords: Why it was crucial to have Metal God Rob Halford (representing the “Old Testament” era) and Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe (representing the “New Testament” era) pen the foreword and afterword.* The Ultimate Question: Does Chuck Billy put pineapple on his pizza?Chuck BillyPre-order the book: ChuckBillyBook.com (Keep an eye out for special editions signed by Chuck, Rob Halford, and Randy Blythe!)Follow on Facebook, InstagramTestament: Website, Facebook, Instagram, YoutubeFans With BandsSubscribe to Fans With Bands on your favorite podcast service such as Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon Music. Be sure to rate the show and please send us feedback. We would love to hear from you.You can also follow Fans With Bands on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and BlueskyFor samplings of music by artists featured on Fans With Bands, check out our playlist on Spotify Get full access to Fans With Bands at fanswithbands.substack.com/subscribe
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    28 mins
  • Drift

    Drift
    May 13 2026

    In this episode, I had the fellas in Drift. Thanks to my old friend Bill Fitzpatrick for sharing the music of this new metalcore band from Detroit. They are playing powerful music that will definitely appeal to fans of Wage War, I Prevail, and Misery Index. We talked about how these guys got together, their prolific songwriting, and plans for the future. As usual, we got into origin stories and pizza toppings.

    Check out Drift’s latest singles “Alone” and “Deceiver” which are out on all the streaming platforms.

    Drift

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    48 mins
  • Widetrack

    Widetrack
    Apr 29 2026

    In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Ron and Zach from Widetrack. I’m so happy to have found the powerful, emotive, and deeply satisfying music from this father and son duo. I very much enjoyed talking with them about how they got started and their respective musical journeys. Of course, we talked a bit about their future plans and pizza.

    Be on the lookout for shows this summer with Widetrack. In the meantime, I highly recommend their latest album Galatea. Get your copy today!.

    Widetrack

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    55 mins
  • Music Notes With Nuno - Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal

    Music Notes With Nuno - Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode, we are back with another installment of Music Notes with Nuno. Chuck and Nuno reunite across the globe to dive into a special assignment. Chuck’s buddy Vic from the Michigan-based label Dystopian Dogs Productions sent over a brand new 12-track compilation vinyl titled Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal. They dive into the record, admire the old-school artwork, and give a track-by-track breakdown.Album Spotlight: Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal* Label: Dystopian Dogs Productions* Format: Vinyl compilation featuring 12 metal tracks from the Michigan area.* Artwork: The cover art by Timothy Jenkins gives off an old-school Frank Kozik vibe. The inside gatefold photo by David Zimmerman sets the tone.* Extras: The record comes with an awesome booklet where each band gets a dedicated page to showcase their art and info.* Overall Vibe: Both Chuck and Nuno agree the compilation is incredibly well-thought-out, perfectly balancing different metal subgenres (thrash, progressive, power) without a single track feeling out of place.Track-by-Track Review (Side A)1. Dungeon Beast – “To Shatter What Binds”* The Vibe: Heavy metal with a progressive flare and power metal elements.* Highlights: An energetic instrumental track chock-full of great guitar leads and sweet solos.* Background: Originally from Lansing, MI, the band appears to have reunited after a 10-15 year hiatus.2. Sauron – “The Infernal Sword”* The Vibe: Slayer-esque infused metal with early black metal riffs.* Highlights: Features staccato riffing and a mix of raspy and operatic (Mercyful Fate-style) vocals.* Background: An old-school band that fully embraces the spiked gauntlet aesthetic; Chuck actually saw them live at Berserker a while back.3. Low Magic – “Sinister Barrier”* The Vibe: Labeled as “Dungeon Synth,” but reminds Nuno heavily of Turbo-era Judas Priest.* Highlights: High-soaring melodic vocals paired with electronic riffing.* Background: A one-man project with a cool, DIY/lo-fi aesthetic.4. Locust Point – “City Sharks”* The Vibe: Clutch-infused stoner rock with a working-class, blue-collar ethic.* Highlights: Highly charged rock music reminiscent of heavy 70s rock and early Tygers of Pan Tang.* Background: One of Chuck’s absolute favorites; he highly recommends their previous full-length album.5. Syder – “Hell Thrashing Death Brigade”* The Vibe: Blackish-infused thrash metal loaded with punk attitude.* Highlights: A devastating, raw, fast-paced track that channels early Slayer, Bathory, and Venom.6. Acid Witch – “You’re Melting”* The Vibe: A mix of evil metal and stoner rock fueled by the spirit of King Diamond.* Highlights: Eerie keyboard melodies mixed with high-pitched vocals.* Background: Closes out Side A. The band shows off their veteran status here with highly professional production and composition—while clearly having a lot of fun.7. Nuke – “Crossfire”* The Vibe: Early Iron Maiden (circa Killers) with raspy vocals and a heavily punkish attitude.* Highlights: A street-wise, thrashy track that channels early Metallica (Kill ‘Em All), Sodom, and the Canadian thrash pioneers Exciter.* Background: Kicks off Side B. The track’s raw, formative energy leads the guys into a discussion about who really recorded the first thrash metal song.8. Jail – “January”* The Vibe: Hell Awaits-era Slayer worship with a darkened, Satanic thrash aesthetic.* Highlights: A fast-paced, old-school thrash track that also brings early Dark Angel to mind.* Background: The aggressive, “evil sounding” nature of the track leads Chuck and Nuno into a fun tangent about the early days of metal panic and overzealous religious protesters at Ozzy and Maiden shows.9. Cruthu* The Vibe: Epic doom blended with epic power metal vocals.* Highlights: A unique mashup style that gives off a heavy Candlemass vibe.* Background: Nuno’s 4th favorite track on the compilation. Both Chuck and Nuno single out vocalist Ryan for his compelling vocal delivery, with Nuno declaring this the best vocal performance on the entire record.10. Anguish – “Celephaïs”* The Vibe: Power metal with soaring, high-register vocals reminiscent of Grim Reaper, infused with psychedelic wah pedal work.* Highlights: Chuck and Nuno describe the interesting guitar work as what it would sound like “if Jimi Hendrix had a metal band”.* Background: Features the kind of “Jimi Hendrix infused Wawa pedal” work that prompts Nuno to (jokingly) trash Metallica’s Kirk Hammett.11. Prelude to Ruin – “Take It Away”* The Vibe: Lively power metal with ripping guitar solos and a haunting, classical vibe.* Highlights: An operatic, epic track deeply influenced by Manilla Road and Cirith Ungol.* Background: Nuno’s 5th favorite track. The song’s clear reverence for Manilla Road sparks a passionate agreement between Chuck and Nuno that Manilla Road is one of the most underrated bands in metal.12. Time Gambler – “...
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    54 mins
  • Blockhouse Valley

    Blockhouse Valley
    Apr 1 2026

    In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Ashleigh and Cody of Blockhouse Valley. It was a joy talking with them about how they came together to form their band, how they approach making music, influences, and so much more. They mix their love of Americana, show tunes, and jazz into a delightful amalgam of music..

    Be sure to pick up a copy of their latest album It’s Alright and be on the lookout for their new album coming soon.

    Blockhouse Valley

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    58 mins
  • Casket Robbery

    Casket Robbery
    Mar 18 2026

    In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Cory, Megan, and Bryan of Casket Robbery. They craft seriously heavy and brutal horror themed death metal with a bit of secret sauce. We talk about how the band got started, their secret sauce that lends eerie tones to their tunes, influences, and more.

    Casket Robbery are headed out west for Vegas Un Alive Fest (March 20) and a string of other shows. They are also part of the fantastic lineup at this year’s Milwaukee Metal Fest which runs from Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7. Casket Robbery will be playing on Saturday June 6. Make it a metal weekend and get your tickets for the Milwaukee Metal Fest today! Tickets for all upcoming Casket Robbery shows can be found here.

    Casket Robbery

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    59 mins
  • Music Notes With Nuno Vol. 2: Bands That Get Better With Age

    Music Notes With Nuno Vol. 2: Bands That Get Better With Age
    Mar 4 2026
    In this episode we are back with our feature where Nuno and Chuck talk about music, life, and whatever else they can think of! In this episode we’ve got a LOT to talk about!!!Topics & Bands:* Rogue Male: Nuno’s recent Substack interview subject.* Kreator: Discussing their consistent catalog and the divisive Cause for Conflict album.* AC/DC: The impact of Malcolm Young, varying drum lineups, and Axl Rose’s stint as frontman.* Judas Priest: Their ongoing strength, the Nostradamus album, and Rob Halford’s autobiographies (Confess and Biblical) .* Iron Maiden: The Di’Anno years vs. Bruce Dickinson vs. Blaze Bayley.* Helloween: Their experimental phase and triumphant reunion.* The Screaming Cheetah Wheelies: A bluesy, funky hard rock recommendation from Nuno.* Amorphis: Exploring their sacred texts-inspired sound; recommendation: Skyforger* Michael Schenker: Box sets, scripted interviews, and incredible guitar work.* Custard Flux: A fantastic progressive band from Michigan mentioned by Chuck.Bands (Apple Music)* Rogue Male: Listen on Apple Music* The Screaming Cheetah Wheelies: Listen on Apple Music* Amorphis: Listen on Apple Music* Custard Flux: Listen on Apple Music* Kreator: Listen on Apple Music* AC/DC: Listen on Apple Music* Judas Priest: Listen on Apple Music* Iron Maiden: Listen on Apple Music* Helloween: Listen on Apple Music* Michael Schenker: Listen on Apple Music* Metallica: Listen on Apple Music* Megadeth: Listen on Apple Music* Europe: Listen on Apple Music* Anthrax: Listen on Apple MusicKey Albums Highlighted (Apple Music)* Amorphis – Skyforger: Listen on Apple Music* Kreator – Cause for Conflict: Listen on Apple Music* Judas Priest – Nostradamus: Listen on Apple Music* Iron Maiden – The X Factor: Listen on Apple Music* Megadeth – Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!: Listen on Apple MusicBooks Mentioned (Apple Books)* Confess by Rob Halford: Find on Apple Books* Biblical by Rob Halford: Find on Apple Books* I’m the Man: The Story of That Guy from Anthrax by Scott Ian: Find on Apple Books* early Metallica/Anthrax days)Nuno BaboCheck out Nuno at Needle In A Substack and Loud Hailer MagazineFans With BandsSubscribe to Fans With Bands on your favorite podcast service such as Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Audible, or Amazon Music. Be sure to rate the show and please send us feedback. We would love to hear from you. Get full access to Fans With Bands at fanswithbands.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Custard Flux

    Custard Flux
    Feb 18 2026

    In this episode, I’m talking with Curvey from Custard Flux. The latest from Custard Flux called Enter Xenon is amazing. Some of the best progressive rock in the world and it starts here in Michigan. I completely enjoyed talking with Curvey about his musical odyssey and the evolution of Custard Flux. As you might guess, our chat included notes on influences, songwriting, recording and you guessed it — pizza.

    Custard Flux

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    54 mins