This week we’re discussing every album by The Sisters of Mercy. Led by mastermind Andrew Eldritch, this band is paramount in the creation of goth music as we know it. Although they came a few years after pioneers like Siouxsie and the Banshees or The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy’s style was so distinct and memorable that most of what we recognize as …

This week we’re tying up some loose ends by discussing the latest and self-titled album by Redd Kross. If you like Redd Kross, there’s a very good chance you’ll like this album. Jeff and Steve McDonald have never been shy about their love of the Beatles and 60s garage rock, so this album scratches that itch if you have it. Be sure to check out our …

This week we're discussing every album by the Geto Boys. If you thought 2 Live Crew was too family friendly, then Geto Boys have just the right amount of smut and over the top violence to satisfy you. Made up of Willie D, Scarface, and the 3'8" Bushwick Bill, Geto Boys helped pioneer gangsta rap, in addition to their own brand of violent and cartoo…

This week we're discussing Cool World, the latest album by noise rock band Chat Pile. Although simply labeling an album this brilliant, engaging, and endlessly original "noise rock" is doing it a disservice. Cool World is the follow up to 2022's God's Country and it expands upon it in every way. This is a juggernaut of an album and one of the best …

This week we're discussing Hiraeth, the latest album by Canadian "post-everything" band Respire. If you've ever wished Godspeed You! Black Emperor had more black metal elements, then this is the band and album for you. Respire even adds touches of screamo here--a genre we typically have little interest in--to give this record quite an original styl…

This week we're discussing every album by Flipper. While known to many as a huge influence to bands like Nirvana and the Melvins, Flipper are a punk band unlike any other. They're as amazing as they are terrible, but completely unique and bizarrely innovative. After founding member and bassist/vocalist Will Shatter died in 1987, they've gone throug…

This week we're discussing Glossolalia, the latest solo album by Melvins drummer Dale Crover. Not only that, but he was kind enough to do an interview with us talking all about it, as well as tons of other great insights. While known primarily as a drummer, Crover is actually quite the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He's also joined by some …

This week we're discussing Rack, the latest album by The Jesus Lizard and their first in 26 years. None of us saw this album coming and the return of one of the greatest noise rock bands of all-time is a welcome one. Rack shows David Yow, Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims, and Mac McNeilly returning to their roots, as well as venturing into fairly unch…

This week we're discussing every album by Dazzling Killmen. While they were peers of bands like Scratch Acid and the Jesus Lizard, and worked with Steve Albini numerous times, the Killmen were impossible to compare. Equal parts noise rock, punk, and math rock, their music is ferocious, complex, and unmeasurably tight. If you're into noisy aggressiv…

This week we're discussing every album by Metallica from 1983 to 1988. That's right, all the thrash albums. This era highlights not only some of their most ferocious and technical material (and let's face it, BEST albums), but also their time with legendary bassist Cliff Burton before his tragic death. Everyone and their mom has heard these albums,…

This week we're discussing Umbilical, the latest album by sludge/doom metal band Thou. We sure you hope you like punishing, brutal, and unrelenting metal, because Umbilical is one of the gnarliest records released this year. Not counting collab albums, this is the band's first full-length since 2018's Magnus. Crank it and brace yourselves. Closing …

This week we're discussing every album by Acid Bath. While their existence was short lived, Acid Bath's style of sludge metal and stoner rock was a clear inspiration to bands like Pantera. If you're looking for brutal sludge with hard rock hooks, these dudes deliver. Closing track: "Finger Paintings of the Insane" from When the Kite String Pops (19…

This week we're discussing Lost Themes IV: Noir, the latest album by legendary movie director John Carpenter. Collaborating with his son, Cody Carpenter and his godson, Daniel Davies, this is Carpenter's fourth album and it's a ton of fun. Like previous Lost Themes albums, there are a ton of synths, 80s rock guitars, and driving electronic rhythms.…

This week we're discussing every album by Faith No More. As one of the pioneers of alt metal, Faith No More combined heavy hip hop-spired rhythms with chunky metal guitarwork to create a wholly unique style. But since Mike Patton joined the band in the late 80s, FNM has evolved into one of the most interesting and diverse rock bands of all time. Th…

This week we're taking some time to honor the great Steve Albini. Having already done full episodes on Big Black, Rapeman, and most recently Shellac, this time we're talking about everything Albini has worked on that's affected us over the years. Mike speaks with Alex, their history guy, Tom, as well as his brother Robert about everything Steve Alb…

This week we're discussing every album by Shellac. After covering Big Black and Rapeman in past episodes, it was only a matter of time before we eventually got to Shellac. However, due to the unexpected and tragic loss of Steve Albini this year, this episode is bittersweet. They were a fantastic band that we're happy to dissect in detail here. Clos…

This week we're discussing Cometh the Storm, the latest album by the great High on Fire. Led by guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike (Sleep) and joined for the first time by drummer Coady Willis (Murder City Devils, Big Business, Mevlins), Cometh the Storm is High on Fire doing what they do best. Is it similar to their other albums? Yes. Does it rule? Also…

This week we're discussing every album by Destiny's Child. Yes, you read that correctly. Do we want to cover this band? Absolutely not. Did someone pay us to do it? You're damn right. So we listened to all their albums as unbiased as possible. For the love of God, if you're a fan of Destiny's Child or Beyonce, do not watch this. Closing track: "Jum…

This week we're discussing WAR., the newest album by noise rock band WHORES. This album hits insanely hard. If you find yourself in the mood for noise rock with a healthy dosage of sludge metal mixed in there, you'll have a hard time finding a better album than this one this year. Crank this one loud, folks. Closing track: "Quitter's Fight Song" Pa…

This week we're discussing the remaining albums by Siouxsie and the Banshees. This era covers 1984-1995, into their subsequent break up. While there are still plenty of beloved albums in this era, this is also where some complications hit the band. One of which being their brief stint with The Cure's Robert Smith on guitar. It's not all good, folks…

This week we're discussing the debut solo album by Portishead vocalist Beth Gibbons titled Lives Outgrown. We honestly weren't sure what to expect from this record, but what we got is easily one of the best albums of the year. While there are hints of Portishead's sound here, Gibbons has taken a turn for the dark, orchestral, and tribal. This is on…

This week we're discussing every album by hip hop trio Injury Reserve. Made up of Ritchie with a T, Parker Corey, and Stepa J. Groggs (before his untimely death in 2020), Injury Reserve made some of the most innovative and downright insane rap in history. This isn't for casual music listeners, but it is wholly unique unlike anything we've heard bef…

This week we're discussing the latest album by metalcore band Knocked Loose, titled You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To. Now Alex and Mike aren't the hugest fans of hardcore/metalcore, but they are fans of extreme music. And let me tell you, ANY fan of extreme music must hear this album. The hype is real, folks. This is one of the most creative …

This week we're discussing every album by Hot Snakes. Led by the prolific guitar duo of Rick Froberg and John Reis (Drive Like Jehu, Rocket from the Crypt, Obits), Hot Snakes takes the post-hardcore technicality of Drive Like Jehu and condenses into shorter and more energetic song structures. An incredible band whose life was cut short due to the u…

This week we're discussing Infinite Desires, the latest album by post-disco artist Donny Benét. This isn't the type of album we normally cover on this show, but after taking one look at Donny's incredible mustache and hairdo, we were sold. And the music? If you're open to funky, soulful, and dancey stuff, then it is a must-listen and one of the bes…

This week we’re discussing the only album by Maskull. This album is the biggest mystery we’ve ever had on this show. After its release in 1997, Maskull vanished leaving virtually no trace, aside from a few rumors. The music itself? Completely insane and downright hilarious. Joined by Mike’s brother Robert, we dive deep into the rabbit hole to uncov…

This week we’re discussing every album by Grotus (stylized as Grötüs). Die hard Mike Patton fans might recognize this band, as he championed them in the early 90s and even took them on tour with Mr. Bungle. However, Grotus’s music stands on its own as a brutal mashup of industrial and groove metal. An overlooked gem of a band that’s worth checking …

This week we’re not only discussing Tarantula Heart, the latest album by the Melvins, but Buzz Osborne himself has graced us with an exclusive interview (which starts at 37:56). Tarantula Hearts marks the Melvins’ return to dual drummers (this time with Ministry’s Roy Mayorga) and it’s a delight. Later in the episode, our history guy Tom talks to B…

This week, we’re discussing the latest album by sludge metal band BIG|BRAVE, A Chaos of Flowers. We’ve been following BIG|BRAVE since this show began and A Chaos of Flowers shows them evolving in a massive way. Still one of the heaviest albums you’ll hear, but with careful attention to atmosphere, minimalism, and beauty. A dense and destructive alb…

This week we’re discussing the latest album by Pissed Jeans, Half Divorced. If high speed hardcore punk with a noise rock edge is your thing, this is easily one of the best albums of the year. This is Mike and Alex’s first time hearing Pissed Jeans and they were delighted, to say the least. Give it a shot, this one’s hard not to love. Closing track…

This week we’re discussing every album by Siouxsie and the Banshees from 1978 to 1982. Aside from being one of the most influential bands in modern music, Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees played a major role in pioneering goth music, along with Bauhaus and the Cure. In this episode, we’re tackling the early years where they laid the foundation. It’s…

This week we’re discussing A Sudden Craving, the newest album by The Children… And for the first time ever, we have included an exclusive interview with the band. Made up of Michael Wiener, Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop), and Phil Puelo (Cop Shoot Cop, Swans), The Children have created some of the most fascinating, texture-rich music you will hear thi…

This week we’re discussing every album by Foetus. However, there are a million EPs, remix albums, and collabs, so we’re just sticking with the core 10 albums. Foetus is the brainchild of JG Thirlwell, whom many will know as the music composer for The Venture Bros. and Archer. But Thirlwell’s roots stem all the way back to the New York no wave scene…

For Tom's full interview with the band: https://tomosman.substack.com/p/episode-10-prisoner?r=6g776&triedRedirect=true This week we're discussing Putrid | Obsolete, the latest album by Prisoner. While these guys are self-described as industrial/metal/punk, the result sounds like all of these and none of them at the same time. Punishing, disturbing,…

This week we’re discussing the one and only album by Mike Patton’s Peeping Tom. We all know Patton from Faith No More and Mr. Bungle (and his million other side projects, honestly), but Peeping Tom was the one time he tried mainstream pop music. Or at least his version of it, which of course sounds like no one else and could barely be considered po…

This week we’re discussing every album by Porno for Pyros. Formed by Perry Farrell and Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros is a completely distinct spin-off band. Where JA was more guitar-centric, these guys are more rhythmic and psychedelic. A completely different style, but dynamic and with plenty of musical depth. Also, the band…

This week we’re discussing She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She, the latest album by Chelsea Wolfe. Aside from being a mouthful, this album has Wolfe once again taking a sharp detour from the style of her last album—this time into mind-bending, dark electronic. Wolfe rarely disappoints and this record is no different. Dig it. Closing track: “W…

This week we’re discussing TANGK, the latest album by IDLES. We’ve been huge fans of these guys for years, but now the rest of the world is finally getting around to them. TANGK is their biggest record yet, with production by Nigel Godrich and a guest appearance by LCD Soundsystem. But TANGK doesn’t just talk a big game—it’s their best album yet an…

This week, we’re discussing every album by Tupac Shakur. Or, more accurately, every album by 2Pac and one by Makaveli. It would take us a year to cover all his posthumous albums, so we’re sticking with just one. If you’ve heard of music, then you know 2Pac, plain and simple. But how do we feel about his actual full-length albums? Let’s just say thi…

This week we’re discussing every album by Primus. This band needs no introduction as core members Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde, and Tim Alexander have been gracing us with their insanity since the late 80s. Heavy, funky, kooky, technical, and above all else, memorable. Plus they did several South Park themes. If you’ve been putting this band off, th…

Tom’s full interview with Satyasena: https://tomosman.substack.com/p/episode-3-satyasena-interview?r=6g776 This week we’re discussing the debut album by Satyasena. Formed and led by Pej Mon (of Secret Chiefs 3 and Ghoul), Satyasena explores a side of metal that you probably haven’t heard before. Middle Eastern, industrial, and death metal, among ma…

This week we’re discussing every album by At the Drive-In. Before Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala went on to create proggy psychedelic greatness with The Mars Volta, they cut their teeth with Jim Ward in At the Drive-In. While they started out as straightforward punk/post-hardcore, by the end of their initial run, their evolution was …

Tom’s full interview with the band: https://tomosman.substack.com/p/episode-2-bronson-arm-interview?r=6g776 This week we’re discussing the debut album by Bronson Arm. From Kalamazoo, MI, Bronson Arm is made up of Blake Bickel on baritone guitar and Garrett Yates on drums. Their vicious style of noise rock is reminiscent of 90s AmRep bands, although…

This week we’re discussing every album by Barkmarket. Led by Dave Sardy (or D. Sardy), who is now a Grammy-winning record producer, Barkmarket was a wholly unique noise rock band. Blending elements of alternative metal, industrial, and grunge, these guys were ferocious. They even worked with Rick Rubin on two albums before he moved onto more commer…

It’s the end of another year so we’re picking our favorite albums of 2023. It’s been an amazing year for music, so narrowing down our lists was an absolute nightmare. It’s also the first year we’re ranking our picks, just to make things even more difficult for us. All of these albums are just fantastic so check out as many as you can, please. Closi…

Tom’s full interview with singer Pete Stahl: https://tomosman.substack.com/p/episode-1-interview-with-scream-vocalist?r=6g776 This week we’re discussing DC Special, the reunion album by DC hardcore punk band Scream. In addition to releasing Dischord Records’ first full length LP (1983’s Still Screaming), Scream is also the band Dave Grohl drummed f…

This week we’re discussing the Sex Pistols and their legendary album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. This band needs no introduction, as Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Sid Vicious, and Glen Matlock (original bassist and main songwriter) are paramount in the creation of punk rock. We’ve all heard the hits, but …

This week, we’re discussing GASWAR’s debut album, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club. GASWAR is a supergroup made up of Kevin Rutmanis (Cows, Melvins, Hepa/Titus, Tomahawk), and Apollo Liftoff (aka Paul Erickson) and Jeff Mooridian, Jr. of Hammerhead and Vaz. Recorded over 20 years ago, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club is one of the biggest surpris…

This week we’re discussing every album by the Marked Men. Formed in the early 00s, the Marked Men are heavily inspired by first wave, late 70s punk (most notably the Ramones). While they are certainly much faster and more aggressive than those bands, their sound fits right in with that entire era. Fun and energetic, but don’t expect any surprises. …

This week we’re discussing Fat Chance, the latest album by nose rock duo mr. phylzzz. Made up of Clinton Jacob on guitar/bass/vocals and Danny Sein on drums, mr. phylzzz won over the boys last year with their album Cancel Culture Club, which made Mike’s Best of 2022 list. This time around they’re split, as Fat Chance shows the band noticeably expan…