In this exclusive podcast episode, we sit down with FOR RUIN founder John Murphy in the studio, joined by Pete Lawlor (bass) via Zoom, for a full, in-depth track-by-track breakdown of the band’s new album: “Painted In The Colours Of War”. Out January 29th, 2026 via Gate Of Doom Records
Rather than a surface-level promo interview, this episode focuses on the long story behind this record — the 13-year gap since the last full-length, the years of silence, the pandemic-era releases, and why this album exists now. Across the episode, we explore:
• Why FOR RUIN returned with a full album after more than a decade
• How the concept and title Painted In The Colours Of War took shape
• John Murphy’s songwriting process and how it has changed since the early days
• Recording and mixing the album at The Barn, North Cork
• Reuniting much of the Last Light era line-up
• The challenges of recording and collaborating at a distance
• How age, perspective, and time influenced the tone of the record
•The artwork, atmosphere, and emotional intent behind each song
• This is a true track-by-track conversation, covering all ten songs on the album
Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing FOR RUIN for the first time, this episode offers a rare, honest, fan-focused conversation about making extreme metal slowly, deliberately, and on your own terms. We’re 13 subscribers away from 1,000, which is mad. If this kind of long-form, fan-driven metal interview is your thing, subscribing really helps this channel grow. Thanks for being part of it.
Band Links:
https://forruin.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ForRuin/

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew “Jones” Cassidy (Vocals) and Craig (Bass) from Cursed Sun, one of the longest-running metal bands to emerge from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Formed in 2007, Cursed Sun have spent nearly two decades carving out a sound that blends progressive, thrash, speed, and power metal, earning a reputation as a powerful and uncompromising live band. We talk about the band’s early days and how they’ve survived lineup changes and shifts in the local metal scene.
The conversation focuses on their latest EP, Rituals of the Shattered Mind — a release six years in the making, with momentum disrupted by COVID. Jones and Craig break down the themes behind the EP, the creative frustration of sitting on material for years, and why releasing these five songs now was essential, especially with new material already written and ready to go.
We also dive into songwriting, track by track insights and what’s next for Cursed Sun — before closing out with some lighter questions.
Huge thanks to Jones and Craig from Cursed Sun for the chat. Check out Rituals of the Shattered Mind and let us know your favourite track in the comments.
Band links:
https://www.facebook.com/cursedsunmetal
https://cursedsun.bandcamp.com
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2025 was a MASSIVE year for Irish Metal 🤘
In this special Best of Irish Metal 2025 episode, The Metal Cell Forums — Danielle, Joe & Letty — break down the artists, albums, gigs and scene legends that defined the year. Let us know in the comments, who gets YOUR vote!

Categories:
BEST SINGLE:
BEST EP:
BEST ALBUM:
BEST SOLO ARTIST EP/LP:
BEST NEW ACT:
BEST IRISH METAL BAND:
BEST ARTWORK LP/EP:
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE:
BEST VENUE & PROMOTER:
BEST MERCH T-SHIRT/HOODIE:
BEST VIDEO:
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER:
BEST COMEBACK BAND/ALBUM/PERFORMANCE:
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA:
BEST INTERNATIONAL ALBUM:
MVP OF THE IRISH METAL SCENE: