The Rock and Metal Profs
Professors Dr. Courtland Lewis and Matt Alschbach offer a fun and academic analysis of Rock and Metal acts from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. This research-driven podcast relies on primary and secondary sources, and never uses A.I. in any capacity.
Episodes
Episode 71: 2026 Releases: Joe Holmes, Spread Eagle, Anthrax, Evanescence, UFO, Green Lung, Armored Saint, Geoff Tate; Legacy band or Tribute band?
2026 is a BANGER year for new rock and metal music so far. Matt and Court talk the triumphant return of RUSH with Annika Niles, and celebrate the long-awaited release of Joe Holmes' new record!!! The Profs also discuss new offerings from Armored Saint, Spread Eagle, Evanescence, Geoff Tate/Operation Mindcrime, Elegant Weapons, Green Lung, Anthrax and Blue Medusa! Then, Matt introduces C
Episode 70: The Scorpions Part II
The Profs chat recent rock and metal news, and they examine the Scorpions' records from 1984's "Love at First Sting" to 2022's "Rock Believer." Dr. Lewis takes the lead on this one! We thank all our listeners for taking the time to download and listen. We appreciate you!
Episode 69: The Scorpions, Part 1
It's time to ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE! Undeniably the greatest hard rock/metal band in German history, the Scorpions heralded career spans 60 years! Few bands have made a greater impact on the history of modern rock/metal music than the Scorps. The Profs look at the early history of the band as it coalesced in postwar West Germany and how Rudolph Schenker, Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, M
Episode 68: 2025 Year in Review and the State of Rock and Metal in 2026
Court and Matt are back with their admittedly fragmentary best of 2025 concerts and albums. The Profs also discuss recent rock and metal news, and the state of the genre in 2026. Megadeth, Anthrax, Queensryche, Accept, Ratt, Slaughter, L.A. Guns, Iron Maiden, Ghost, Helloween, Ozzy, Wings of Steel, Alice Cooper, KISS, Phantom Spell, VV and Peter Criss were all topics covered, and more!
Episode 67: Favorite Drummers and Percussionists with R. Alan Siler
Court and Matt have guested on R. Alan Siler's podcast "Modern Musicology" on multiple occasions, and we thought it was time to turn the tables! On our final episode of 2025 the Profs interview the busiest man in America -- drummer, librarian, author, performer, music connoisseur, and host of multiple podcasts -- R. Alan Siler. Alan has performed in many bands, including tribute acts co
Episode 66: Episode 66: Ghost -- The Profs are Back!!!
Well, we decided to bring the show back after a 3-year hiatus. On the eve of Halloween, what better way to celebrate our return to podcast glory than with the ultimate horror band, GHOST! Court and Matt, with shows to follow as time permits. No social media presence this time, but you can email us at Therockprofs@gmail.com. Welcome back, and as always, thanks so much for your listeners
Episode 65: The Evolution of Rock and Metal
The Profs discuss the origins and evolution of rock and metal!
Episode 64: The Sunset Strip in the 1980s
Oh the excess and bombast of the Sunset Strip in the late-70s and 1980s! The Profs discuss the epicenter of rock and metal in the 70s-80s as the Sunset Strip in L.A. became ground-zero for some of the greatest rock and metal acts in American history.
Episode 63: KISS in the early-80s
Yes, we know we talk about KISS too often. However, in our defense, those early-80s KISS albums were SPECTACULAR. Court and Matt discuss the iconic albums "Creatures of the Night", "Music from the Elder", "Lick it Up" and "Animalize."
Episode 62: Rock and Metal Music Festivals
Oh the glory of the all-day music festival. US Fest, Ozzfest, Louder than Life, Wacken and Hellfest. So many festivals and so many bands! The Profs discuss the pros and cons of rock and metal music festivals, and cover some of the best and worst ones they've attended.
Episode 61: Podcast Producer Tim Williamson Takes over RAMP
In this special episode of RAMP, our podcast producer and colleague Tim Williamson takes over the show. We talk about whatever he wants to talk about!
Episode 60: Metallica in the 90s and Beyond
Yeah, we've heard it all before. After "...And Justice for All", Metallica became a different band, "sold out", and went mainstream. Early Metallica fans in particular love to condemn Metallica in the 1990s as the band who let them down. The Profs dispel the myths and do their level best to objectively assess Metallica's catalog in the 1990s and beyond.
Episode 59: KISS in the 1980s and beyond
KISS fans are a devoted bunch, and much of their love for the band is contingent upon when they started listening to them. For Matt, KISS in the 1970s were at their zenith. However, for slightly younger fans like Court, those 80s albums hold a special place. Dr. Lewis shines in this one, talking about the non-make-up years, the brief tenure of guitarists Mark St. John and Vinnie Vincen
Episode 58: Guns & Roses: Use Your Illusion, AKA "Court's Delusion"
This week the Profs discuss one of the more controversial album releases in American music history, "Use Your Illusion I and II." Many rock fans may not remember that Guns & Roses did something no band had ever done in 1991 -- They released two double studio albums on the same day! Heralded by some rock fans as the answer to glam metal and the emerging grunge scene, some GNR fans we
Episode 57: The best albums of 2022
The Profs discuss some of the best rock and metal music offerings of 2022.
Episode 56: Listener Questions, part 2
Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 2 of 2 episodes.
Episode 55: Listener Questions, part 1
Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 1 of 2 episodes.
Episode 54: The Meaning of Metallica with author William Irwin
The Rock and Metal Profs interview Professor of Philosophy, literary critic and heavy metal scholar William Irwin from King's College in Pennsylvania. His new book "The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics" is a detailed breakdown examining the history and philosophy of the most influential metal band in American history, Metallica.
Episode 53: Album Review: DIO -- Holy Diver Deluxe
The profs discuss the release of the newly remixed and remastered Holy Diver album by Ronnie James Dio.
Episode 52: RIOT: The Band that should have been massive in the U.S. and abroad
New York-based band RIOT enjoyed modest success in the late-1970s and early-80s. They grew a die-hard following, even as they evolved into one of the few American Power Metal bands of the 1980s. However, line-up changes, tragedy, and a few ill-fated marketing decisions limited the band's appeal and commercial success. Undaunted, RIOT continued to produce quality music, and despite the
Episode 51: Interview with Black Sabbath Vocalist Tony Martin
The Tony Martin-era of Black Sabbath is much celebrated amongst fans of the band. Following the departure of Ronnie James Dio in 1982, Sabbath sought out veteran leadership in the form of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan. That line-up produced one very good album, but it was not to last. When Gillan left the band, Iommi and company found stability, talent and tremendous writing chops wi
Episode 50: Black Sabbath: The Tony Martin Era
In the 1980s and 90s Black Sabbath released 5 outstanding studio records (and a great live one) featuring British vocalist Tony Martin. After the departure of Ian Gillan after just one album and an ill-fated Tony Iommi solo record featuring Glenn Hughes on vocals, Sabbath turned to Tony Martin, a virtual unknown. Martin's incredible vocal range and strong song-writing skills gave Sabbat
Episode 49: POWER METAL!!!
Time to put those fists in the air! German metalers Helloween have the distinction of being one of the first (if not the very first) Power Metal bands, but what exactly is Power Metal? How does it differ from speed, thrash, and just plain-old heavy metal? Were German metal outfit ACCEPT a power metal band? What's with all the power metal bands from Germany? How and why did American r
Episode 48: Tesla: The Early Years
Few bands made a bigger impact in the 1980s than Sacramento rockers Tesla. When "Mechanical Resonance" hit the stores, fans compared them to Aerosmith, but they forged a style and sound all their own that shaped the American rock sound for decades. Metallica loved them, girls adored them, and even hardcore metal fans had to admit that they were the perfect blend of hard rock, classic ri
Episode 47: Listeners Sound Off Which Version of the Band was Better?
We all know that AC/DC and Iron Maiden reached new commercial heights with replacement vocalists, but were versions 2.0 better than the original? Was Van Halen a better band with DLR or Sammy? Was Black Sabbath better with DIO or Ozzy? Jake or Zakk? The listeners sounded off, we listened, and we offer our own insight in this fun themed episode!
Episode 46: Epic Album Trios: The Scorpions
In this very special edition of RAMP, Matt interviews childhood friend and long-time Scorpions fan Bruce Miller. They discuss the classic album triumvirate of Love Drive, Animal Magnetism and Blackout from the German forefathers of metal, The Scorpions.
Episode 45: Women in Rock and Metal: Part II
Court and Matt examine the contributions and monumental impact of women in Rock and Metal in the 90s and 2000s. The 21st century is a brave new world for women in rock and metal, and it is about time! So many great front-women in rock, and don't get us started on the great guitar work of shredders like Nita Strauss, Orianthi, Nikki Stringfield and Alyssa Day! Let's hear it for the ladi
Episode 44: Women in Rock and Metal: Part I
This week the Profs discuss the incredible contributions of women who Rock! In the 60s, 70s and 80s rock and metal was a boys club. However, there were a number of trailblazers who had the chops, talent, determination and grit to bring their best in the studio and on stage every time. Court and Matt talk about the glass ceiling in rock and metal, the ladies who shattered it, and the la
Episode 43: Ozzy Osbourne: Part II -- the Jake and Zakk Years
In part 2, the Profs look at the incredible work that Ozzy produced with Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde in the 80s and 90s.
Episode 42: Ozzy Osbourne: Part I
The Madman is back! Matt and Dr. Lewis research the career and legacy of the great Ozzy Osbourne. The Profs analyze his time in Black Sabbath, his break with the band, Sharon Arden's (Osbourne's) role in putting Ozzy back in the mainstream, the Satan Panic, the death of Randy Rhoads, and the Ozman's thunderous impact on rock and metal.
Episode 41: Foo Fighters
By Request, the Profs examine the history, impact and legacy of the Foo Fighters. Friend to the show and long-time supporter Greg Hill in Escondido California suggested the Foo Fighters, and we loved the idea!
Episode 40: Alice Cooper Part II
The Profs handle Alice Cooper's later catalog, history, and legacy.
Episode 39: Bonus Episode: Court interviews Cello The Black Pearl
Dr. Lewis interviews Detroit's Cello "Tha Black Pearl" in this bonus pod.
Episode 38: Alice Cooper
This week Dr. Court Lewis gets to talk about one of his favorite artists, the legendary Alice Cooper. The master of shock rock, Alice's storied career was fraught with controversy, alcoholism, chicken abuse, and a religious awakening. Court is in his element, and Matt is just along for the ride!
Episode 37: The Best Bands and Albums of 2021
Court and Matt discuss the bests albums and artists of 2021.
Episode 36: Van Halen: The David Lee Roth Era
Everybody Wants Some! Has there ever been a more impactful and transformative band than Van Halen? When Eddie, Alex, Michael and DLR hit the Los Angeles scene in the late-1970s, it was a seismic shift in music. A young Eddie Van Halen showed that whatever people might have thought was possible (or impossible) on the guitar, they were wrong. The most complete rock guitar player of all
Episode 35: System of a Down
System of a Down are a band that tackled serious issues. Their outspoken criticism of Turkey's government and the Armenian Genocide is well-documented. But what some casual listeners may not know is that they are also an incredibly talented quartet -- gifted songwriters and musicians. When they hit the music scene in the late-1990s, their crushing rhythms, frenetic energy, and Armenian
Episode 34: Judas Priest: the 1990s and 2000s (Episode 3 of 3)
The Profs examine the tumultuous 1990s and how Judas Priest reinvented when Halford left the band. Like most metal acts in the 90s, JP struggled to maintain legitimacy and their fanbase. Record companies moved on, but the band forged ahead. With Halford returning to the band in the early 2000s, the band produced a string of incredible albums and proved their staying power, resiliency a
Episode 33: Judas Priest: The 1980s
When 1982's "Screaming for Vengeance" hit the U.S. and England, it was a smash. Up until that point, the Birmingham metal outfit had modest success, particular in the U.S. when they opened for KISS in 1979. However, "Screaming..." placed JP alongside the greatest rock and metal acts of the decade. With fame came infamy however, and Priest was not immune to the "Satanic Panic" and the r
Episode 32: Judas Priest: the 1970s - Episode 1 of 3
The Profs mine the data to present the history and philosophy of heavy metal progenitors Judas Priest. Like their fellow Birmingham mates in Black Sabbath, Judas Priest deserve to be placed alongside Sabbath as the founding fathers of heavy metal. From the start, Priest blazed their own path, creating a sound and style that has been often emulated but never mastered. With Rob Halford's
Episode 31: Rock N Pod Interviews: Vinnie Appice, Producer Toby Wright and Tora Tora
More interviews from Rock N Pod August 2022. Matt and Court interview legendary drummer Vinnie Appice of Black Sabbath and DIO, Producer Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica) and Memphis rockers Tora Tora.
Episode 30: Rock and Pod Interviews: Resist and Bite and Pamela Des Barres
Court and Matt interview members of the rock outfit "Resist and Bite" (featuring Tommy Skeoch of Tesla) and legendary rock muse and groupie Pamela Des Barres.
Episode 29: Vinnie Vincent
Vinnie Vincent has the distinction of being one of the most beloved, reviled and criticized rock artists of the last 40 years. When he hit the Los Angeles scene he had modest success writing and performing musical scores for TV shows. Hired by KISS to replace founding guitarist Ace Frehley in the early-80s, fans were ecstatic with the new musical direction and more complex guitar arrang
Episode 28: Kansas
The Profs examine the incomparable Kansas. Were they classic rock? Were they early prog rock? Were they a pop band? Kansas was challenging to define, then and now. Whatever the categorization, music fans agree that they made some of the best music of the 70s and 80s, and with very little radio airplay nor popular acclaim. Count and Matt look at the band's past, legacy, and philosoph
Episode 27: Iron Maiden: Part II
The Profs take a 2nd look at the monumental British metal band Iron Maiden. Often considered one of the greatest of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" bands in the early 80s, Maiden's place in the pantheon of metal is secure. And perhaps no band is better at covering historical topics and telling meaningful stories than Steve, Bruce, Dave, Adrian, Janick and Nicko. This one took som
Episode 26: Rockumentaries with Tommy Ellis
This week Matt chats with writer, editor, publisher and music fan Tommy Ellis. In Tommy's longtime role as a magazine editor and publisher, he's had the opportunity to interview some of the biggest names in rock and metal music over his career. He's also an avid fan of music documentaries. Matt and Tommy discuss both well-known and more obscure can't-miss rockumentaries and their impac
Episode 25: Ronnie James Dio: Part II
Well, you knew we were going to circle back to DIO. We couldn't possibly cover such an iconic artist with such an illustrious career in one episode. Court and Matt discuss RJD's career, catalog, history, philosophy and various bandmates.
Episode 24: AC/DC: The Brian Johnson Years
The Profs examine the tragic death of Bon Scott, the band soldiering on, Brian Johnson's humble beginnings, and the band becoming bigger than anyone could have ever imagined with "Back in Black", "For Those About to Rock" and "Flick of the Switch." The band that defied all expectations, genres and cultural conventions, AC/DC!
Episode 23: AC/DC: The Bon Scott Years
One of the most downloaded episodes in the show's history, we underestimated just how many people around the world LOVE AC/DC! The profs discuss the band's early lack of success in their home country of Australia, blowing up in England and the US, and their irrerressible desire to make it big no matter what obstacles they encountered.
Episode 22: Black Sabbath: The Ozzy Years
The Profs discuss the history and philosophy of the progenitors of an entire genre of music, the great Black Sabbath. Recorded a few years prior to Ozzy's passing, Matt and Court cover the early history of the band's roots in Birmingham and just how transformative Sabbath was in terms of music, imagery, themes and culture.
Episode 21: Guitar Gods
The Profs discuss the rise of the guitar virtuoso in the 70s and 80s. From Ritchie Blackmore to EVH, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie, the rock and metal genre boasts the greatest guitar players ever to grace the earth. This is going to be a fun one!
Episode 20: Queensryche
Court and Matt discuss Seattle metal pioneers Queensryche. When this quintet hit the music scene in the early 80s with their 4-song EP, fans knew they were going to be special. With a unique prog sound, soaring vocals and technical guitar and drum work, they were an instance success within the metal community. The Profs discuss the band's history, the greatest concept album of all time
Episode 19: Body Count
The Profs discuss hardcore metal act Body Count and the impact Ice T. and his bandmates made when they hit the scene in the early-90s. From the beginning the band stoked controversy, built a devoted following, endured repeated attacks from politicians and bigots, and persevered over time to become a mainstay at metal festivals into the 2020s.
Episode 18: The RUSH experts - Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza
Matt is joined by long-time friends and hardcore RUSH fans, Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza. The trio have a fun conversation about when they discovered RUSH, what the band meant to them, live concerts they attended, and the passing of the world's greatest percussionist, the Professor Neil Peart.
Episode 17: Interview with Rob De Luca from Spread Eagle, UFO and Sebastian Bach
Road warrior, bassist, songwriter and founding member of Spread Eagle Rob De Luca joins the Profs to talk about the current incarnation of the band, his time with rock legends UFO, and touring with Sebastian Bach.
Episode 16: Spread Eagle
When New York's Spread Eagle hit the metal scene in 1989, many early fans recognized that they were different from the established glam and sleaze metal bands of the late-80s. A self-styled "Street Metal" act, Rob De Luca, Paul DiBartolo, Ray West and Tommy Gallo produced two hard-hitting, raw and uncompromising albums within just a few short years. Alas, as the music industry shifted
Episode 15: Rush part 3
This week Matt invites on a couple Rush experts and long-time friends, Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza and Mr. Chris Christianson. Were it not for Chris, Matt would not be the Rush fan that he is today. Dr. Rojo Mendoza provides a unique perspective as a Rush fan growing up in Mexico City. My thanks to both of these fine gentlemen for taking the time to join the show!
Episode 14: Rush part 2
The Profs are back with part 2 in a 3-part series featuring the GLORIOUS music, history and philosophy of Rush.
Episode 13: Rush part 1
We have some listeners who are going to LOVE this one. Court and Matt unpack the music, history, philosophy and legacy of the greatest Canadian power trio of all time, RUSH! Rush's music is timeless, brilliant, and masterfully composed. Neil Peart's lyrics were a thing of breathtaking beauty and remarkable intellectual and philosophical gravity and insight. Dr. Lewis shines on this on
Episode 12: Stryper
For Heaven's Sake, it's Stryper! Stryper proved that a Christian rock band can hit the mainstream, find continued success, and rock! An equal opportunity podcast, the Profs give equal time to the "Yellow and Black Attack", looking at the band's history, legacy, music and staying power. To hell with the Devil!
Episode 11: Alice In Chains
Time to Bleed the Freak! The Profs take on the history and philosophy of one of Seattle's greatest exports, the one and only Alice In Chains. AIC were the band the bridged the 80s and 90s and kept metal fresh and exciting. Often lumped in with the grunge movement and Seattle sound, Layne, Jerry, Mike and Sean were far more than just another rock band trying to find an identity -- they
Episode 10: Anthrax
This week, the Profs are Caught in a Mosh! Time for some east coast thrash! Anthrax are considered one of the "Big 4" acts in metal, and it is well-deserved. Breaking big with "Among the Living" in 1986, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, Scotty Ian and Dan Spitz brought a sound, style and appearance that metal fans welcomed. With well-crafted songs, Stephen King-inspired
Episode 9: Coheed and Cambria
This week a deep dive into an incredibly talented band that may be unfamiliar to some listeners. Coheed and Cambria have made a nice career releasing concept albums with sci-fi and fantasy themes, comic book tie-ins, and incredible musicality and virtuosity. Don't sleep on this band!
Episode 8: Iron Maiden
This Profs investigate the career of one of the most heralded bands of all time, the incomparable Iron Maiden. Matt and Court recount the band's rise to success in England, the Paul DiAnno years, the introduction of Bruce Dickinson, and taking the world by storm in the early-80s. Metal mascots: Has anyone done it better than Iron Maiden with Eddie? Has there ever been a band better at
Episode 7: KISS: The KISS LIST
This one is for the hardcore KISS Fan! Court and Matt discuss lyrics and how the band's songs have aged, as well as a multitude of esoteric facts that longtime fans of the band will likely know already. This is a fun one, so join us!
Episode 6: KISS: Part II
The Profs discuss the band's meteoric rise to rock greatness in the 70s, line-up changes, taking off the make-up (or more acccurately, applying the make-up differently), their reemergence in the 80s, missteps in the 90s and the inevitable reunion of the 4 founding members.
Episode 5: KISS: The Early Years
In the 70s and 80s no band influenced Court and Matt more than KISS. In this first episode in a 3-episode series, the Profs look at the history and philosophy of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter, the formation of Wicked Lester (Gene and Paul's first band), their early challenges, and the incredible determination of 4 young New Yorkers who would not be denied their rightful place as rock gods.
Episode 4: Ronnie James Dio
Often venerated as one of the greatest rock vocalists in history, Ronnie James Dio's storied career is as fantastic as the lyrics he penned about dragons, tigers and rainbows. Court and Matt mine the data to bring you a thoughtful, respectful and thorough accounting of the Man on the Silver Mountain. Rest in peace Ronnie!
Episode 3: UFO
The Profs examine the career of UFO, your favorite band's favorite band. UFO has the distinction of influencing dozens of the biggest names in rock and metal music in the 70s and 80s. Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Pete Way, Paul Raymond and the Mad Axeman Michael Schenker redefined the world of rock, headlining major music festivals in the U.S. and Britain in the late-1970s. We discuss the c
Episode 2: Megadeth
This week the Rock and Metal Profs discuss Megadeth. There is no denying the seismic impact that Megadeth made with Peace Sells, So Far, So Good, So What, Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. This legendary run of albums made Dave Mustaine and his sometimes revolving door of great musicians titans of thrash in the 80s and 90s. Court and Matt discus
Episode 1: Metallica - Back to the Beginning
Welcome back to the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast! After a few years hiatus, Court and I have decided to re-release all episodes of the show! Moving forward, we will record and release new episodes as time permits and inspiration strikes. As listeners may know, Dr. Lewis and I are working college professors, and time is a precious luxury. Nevertheless, our passion for music beckoned us
