Endless Metal Podcast - We're constantly listening to metal in all its glorious forms !

On this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with JohnParadiso and Vince Verkay of the legendary funeral death doom band Evoken.  Celebrating over 33 years as one of theseminal bands in the genre, we had the opportunity to talk about the most recent release, Mendacium released last month on Profound Lore Records.    The interview took place on Halloween, so we begin with some stories about scaringtrick or treaters and the creative lengths Vince went to one year. We then move into concept of the new record.  I wasfortunate to get access to the promo and the limited-edition vinyl from the great Decibel magazine so I had the opportunity to spin the album a lot before talking to the guys.  My original plan was to deep dive into the lyrical themes on each track and the album, but Vince and John are very much in demand these days, so we only had about an hour totalk.   While the episode is considerably shorter than the two-part interview with Vince that Markisan and I completedearlier several months back. In some ways, this interview can be considered a companion to that one.  Specifically, wetalk about return to longtime producer and metal guitar god Ron Bumblefoot Thal.  Specifically, Ron was recentlyinterviewed on the wildly popular Rick Beato’s YouTube channel.  In a remarkable surprise, Ron mentions Mendaciumand a humorous dialogue ensues over the meaning of “doom metal.”   We then talk about the new video for the album’s second single “None,” it’s an incredible piece of cinematic art crafted by Obsidian Studios.  Major props the killer performances by friends Joe the tattoo artist and Chloe Rose, who did a terrific job playing the central characters in the album’s blasphemous tale of a dying Benedictine monk’s inner turmoil and crisis of faith. We also dig deeper into None’s music arrangement and the revelation of Vince Verkay’s phenomenal debut vocal performance.  We learn that it was lead vocalist guitarist and song writer John who convincedVince to go for it!  John and Vince also talk about their collaborative approach he uses to bring Vince’s lyrics tolife.  A little peak inside an musical process that began over 30 years ago!  I personally love Vice’s harsh blackened throat on Mendacium and hope we get to hear him on future Evoken albums.  We also talk about Bumblefoot’s multi-instrument appearance and arrangement wizardry on the mesmerizing and crushing instrumental Prime.  We then explore the ncomplex album opus Sext—a song where Bumblefoot’s mix brought it all together—including what would becomekeyboardist Don Zaros’s haunting intro—a move Don didn’t know about until after the album recording sessions were finished. All in all, this fun chat, especially for me becauseMendacium has been on near constant rotation on my turntable for more than 2 months now.  I was really glad to give the guys their flowers for over three decades of releasing consistently amazing music.  Evoken is one of my all time myfavorite metal bands, their dedication to a scene before there was a scene, and the guy’s devotion to their loyal fans.  Likeother more well-known underground death metal artists from the great New Jersey/New York scene of the early 90s—guys who I deeply admire like John McCantee from the legendary death metal titans Incantation-Vince and John are such down-to-earth guys and passionate artists. Even after 33 years this interview makes plain how devoted to their craft and grateful they remain.  I also recommend to anyone listening to pay the $30+ for the vinyl.  It’s an exceptional package with cover artwork done by the artist ⁠Worthless ⁠and Summer Lacy’s exceptional gatefold layout design. While I do stream metal, and don’t buy vinyl like I used to, this record is 100% wax worthy!  So sit back and enjoy a Black habit Dark Ale brewed by the Benedictine Brewery beer—you guessed it—a brewery owned and operated by Benedictine monks of the Mount Angel Abbey in Mount Angel, Oregon. Enjoy!

We celebrate All Hallows Eve and the Day of the Dead with a special episode featuring our Top 3 favorite metal songs about zombies! We also chat about our first experiences with the undead and discuss our Halloween plans. Plus, lots of love for the stouts from Burial Beer and Markisan recaps his time at the HalloWolfbat show in Asheville, North Carolina, which featured 12-foot tall bloodthirsty, interactive puppets. Happy Halloween!

“I have not, but there’s another genre we have to escape at some point, right?”, he responds after a laugh, referring to the band’s past efforts to distance themselves from the nu metal movement."-From the interview "We told Deftones singer Chino Moreno what ‘baddiecore’ is and this was his response" by Matt Mills ( Metal Hammer, Louder ) last updated 25 August 2025This episode is all Deftones. It features Markisan, Ben and the triumphant return of Jeff!! We begin by hopping into the time machine and discussing "Adrenaline." Deftones debut album that turns 30 this year! Markisan than leads the discussion with some history about the album and music in the early 90s. We share our reactions when we first heard the album and what we think about "Adrenaline" when we spin it today. This leads to a discussion of the nu metal tag in the 90s and how Deftones broke away from it. We then shift to the stunning new Deftones album “private music“! We reflect on the Deftones musical development and how has their sound grown from Adrenaline to private music and where it ranks in their fantastic catalog? We also consider Deftones surging popularity recently today! Other questions that animate this fun and free flowing discussion also include: From blowing up on tiktok to playing arenas, how did this resurgence happened and what does it say about the band’s generational draw? How do we think Deftones has impacted/influenced music and bands over the years? Is the Deftones discography our favorite of all time? Next we open the discussion up to metal adjacent bands we love more broadly--how the Deftones straddle the line between genres and what are some of our other favorite Alt Metal or Metal Adjacent albums released in the last few years. If you dig the Deftones, sit back and crack open a Deftones Phantom Bride IPA from Belching Beaver Brewing: "Named after the ethereal song by the one and only Deftones, Phantom Bride IPA is a blend of Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops delicately balanced for the perfectly drinkable mix of citrus and hoppy goodness. A truly original Deftones/ Belching Beaver collaboration envisioned by Chino Moreno and skillfully crafted by Thomas Peters. Sit back, put on your headphones and drink away. (ABV: 7.1%))."

On this special, end of the year episode, Ben welcomes Ian Gillings of the West Midlands (UK) band Rannoch. After another banner year for metal, Ben selected Rannoch's incomparable epic "Conflagrations" * as his number one album of 2023. The interview was thus an opportunity for Ben to both gush and deep dive into this stunning and, indeed, timeless prog death metal album. In a three hour-plus dialogue, Ben and Ian dig deep into the album's artwork, lyrics, and Ian's process as the band's lead song writer, among other topics. So sit back, crack open your favorite beverage, and enjoy this special interview to cap off 2023!*From Rannoch's Bandcamp page:Accompanied by Australian drumming legend, Dan Presland (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava) the seven tracks contained within open up new levels of musicality, punishing aggression, melancholic refrains and winding aural avenues of dark depths and complexity. Produced by Ian Gillings and mixed by James Stephenson (Cradle of Filth, Onslaught, Ghosts of Atlantis) “Conflagrations” represents a new hybrid of progressive death metal.creditsreleased July 21, 2023Ian Gillings - Guitars, vocals, synths and electronicsRichard Page - GuitarsPaul Lloyd - BassDan Presland - DrumsMusic included:Episode introduction: "Conflagrations" (sample)Post-Interview: "Threnody to a Dying Star"

In this episode of the Endless Podcast, Markisan and Ben had the privilege of talking to the mysterious post-metal artist Thumos. While there are no artist "reveals "in this cast, we had a fantastic time talking to Thumos. We begin with his origin story, development as a musician, and the birth and development of this stunning post-metal project. We talk about Thumos's early works, including last year's riveting and rifftastic EP Atlantis--a record that made both Markisan and Ben's top albums of the 2024. Next, we dive into the creative process that spawned The Trial of Socrates an EPIC double-album released on July 4, 2025 on Snow Wolf Records. After a deep dive into Thumos's approach to crafting songs based on one of the most influential works of ancient philosophy ever produced, the discussion shifts gears. Drawing on a great idea by Markisan, we discuss how some of Socrates's most influential quotes have influenced our own lives. What ensues is an enjoyable and often introspective dialogue by three metal heads posing as philosophers LOL. In all seriousness, we are really thrilled with how this interview came together and the document produced herewith. So retreat to your cave, kick back, and crack open a Hemlock Modern West Coast IPA by New Trail Brewing Company! "Γεια μας!"***A short selection from the track "Timaeus" from the EP Atlantis appears after the introduction. After the interview concludes, we include The Phaedo"--a song about Socrates coming to terms with his own death--in its entirety. Thumos shared some deep insights into interpreting this climactic moment of the saga into music, so we highly recommend listening!