100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal
100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal is a podcast hosted by Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel, who explores one personally curated track each week from his list of the heaviest songs in metal and hard rock. The show features special guest musicians, including artists who wrote and recorded these iconic songs as well as those inspired by them, uncovering the stories behind each track. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides historical context, while producer Jay Ruston offers technical insight into how the anthems were crafted. It aims to appeal to lifelong metalheads and new fans alike, and is part of the Pantheon Podcasts network.
Episodes
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Released as a single on July 29, 1991. The music video was released July 30, 1991 and the album "Metallica" (AKA "The Black Album") was released August 12, 1991.
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and catches up with his old friend Brian Lew who photographed Metallica extensively in the early days, and his work is part of the
Mercyful Fate - "Evil"
Mercyful Fate - "Evil"
Released September 30, 1983 on the album "Melissa"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the Mercyful Fate song "Evil" with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. They also discuss Rainbow, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and much more. Brian also talks to Mark Lewis about the production of the song. Martin Popoff also checks in as usual, being the font of information you've
Ghost - "Ritual"
Ghost's song "Ritual" was released on June 20, 2010, as a single ahead of their debut studio album, Opus Eponymous, which followed on October 18, 2010.
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his appreciation for Ghost and shares stories about his association with the band, especially early on.
Then, he is joined by producer Christian Bladt to look back on this podcast and look ahead
Soungarden - "Rusty Cage"
Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage"
From the album "Badmotorfinger" (Released October 8, 1981)
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" from their breakthrough album "Badmotorfinger". He's joined by the producer of that album, Terry Date, and then he chats with comedian Dean Delray whose passion for the band runs deep. As always, author Martin Popoff checks in with f
Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger"
Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger"
From "Operation: Mindcrime"
(Released May 3, 1988)
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to musician Jacob Bunton about the great Queensryche song "Eyes of a Stranger" from their album "Operation: Mindcrime". He also discusses the production of the album with producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and opinions as always.
Rush - "The Spirit of Radio"
Rush - "The Spirit of Radio"
From the Album "Permanent Waves"
Released January 14, 1980
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" with legendary sports radio and television host JT The Brick. They also discuss how JT has seen Rush 54 times (so far), whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders will be any good over the next few seasons, JT winning
Def Leppard - "Let It Go"
Def Leppard - "Let It Go"
Release Date - July 6, 1981
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blake Ibanez of Power Trip and Fugitive to discuss Def Leppard's "Let It Go" off of their second album "High N' Dry". Jay Ruston talks about the production on that record and author Martin Popoff brings his usual mixture of facts, figures and opinions.
For the complete, unedited video vers
Motley Crue - "Livewire"
Motley Crue - "Livewire"
From the album Too Fast For Love (originally released on Leathur Records in November 10, 1981 and again on Elektra Records August 20, 1982)
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to the producer of this show Christian Bladt about the first Motley Crue song on their first record, "Livewire" from 1981's "Too Fast for Love". They discuss the history of the band and t
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell"
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell"
From the album of the same name, released April 25, 1980
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist and lyricist for Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler. They discuss the song "Heaven and Hell", the pivotal moment in Sabbath's history where Ronnie James Dio joined the band, and they also discuss the follow-up a
Iron Maiden - "Powerslave"
Iron Maiden - "Powerlsave" from the album of the same name
Released in Europe September 3, 1984 and in the US September 14, 1984
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Gabriela Gun of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Ghost about "Powerslave", the amazing title track of the equally incredible album of the same name.
Brian also talks about the production with Jay Ruston and author Martin P
Gojira - "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe"
Gojira - "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe"
From the album "From Mars to Sirius"
RELEASED September 27, 2005
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Steve Carey from the band Senses Fail to discuss Gojira's "Heaviest Matter of the Universe". Ryan Williams also checks in to talk about the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff provides even more information than usual ab
Metallica - "Orion"
Metallica - "Orion" released March 3,1986 from the album "Master of Puppets"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to filmmaker Sam Dunn about Metallica's epic instrumental, "Orion". They also discuss Slayer, Iron Maiden and some of the films he's made through his company Banger Films.
Jay Ruston also discusses the production on "Orion" and author Martin Popoff provides his usual combin
AC/DC - "Hells Bells"
AC/DC - "Hells Bells"
From the album "Back In Black"
Released Halloween 1980
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel welcomes back to the show Adam Rank from NFL Network and The Jim Rome Show to discuss the first track on AC/DC's "Back in Black" album, "Hells Bells".
He also discusses the production of the song with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams. There's also the usual background, facts and op
Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe"
Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe"
From the Album "Sabatoge", released July 28, 1975
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by actor-comedian Brian Posehn to talk about Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe", Brian's favorite Sabbath song from his Sabbath album. We also get the usual background, facts, figures and opinions from author Martin Popoff, who says that this is als
Slayer - "South of Heaven"
Slayer "South of Heaven" from the album of the same name.
RELEASED : July 5, 1988
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the title track from Slayer's 1988 album "South of Heaven" with Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch who also co-hosts the "Beardo and Weirdo" podcast with comedian Craig Gass.
Brian also discusses the production on this song with Mark Lewis, and author Marti
Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast"
Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast" from the album of the same name
Released March 22, 1982
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Queensryche lead singer Todd La Torre about Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast".
Producer Jay Ruston returns to discuss the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff offers up some unique opinions while providing facts and figures about the song.
Metallica - "Creeping Death"
Metallica - "Creeping Death"
From the album "Ride the Lightning"
Released November 23, 1984
In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Mike Hamer of the Violent Gentlemen clothing line to discuss Metallica's "Creeping Death".
Brian also discusses the production of Metallica's "Creeping Death" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams.
As always, author Martin Popoff provi
Queensryche - "Roads To Madness"
Queensryche - "Roads to Madness"
RELEASED September 7, 1984 on the album "The Warning"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the final track on Queensryche's full-length debut, The Warning: "Roads to Madness". He talks to producer Zeuss, who has produced the last three Queensryche albums and then Adam Wodon of CollegeHockeyNews.Com who is a huge fan of the band.
As always, Martin P
Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtower"
Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtover"
First released as a single September 21, 1968 and was later featured on the Electric Ladyland album, released in October 16, 1968.
(Originally recorded by Bob Dyland and released on the "John Wesley Harding" album December 27, 1967.
In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by guitarist Stoney Curtis talk about the impact of Jimi
Black Sabbath - "Into The Void"
Black Sabbath - "Into The Void"
Release Date July 21, 1971
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of the Black Sabbath song "Into The Void" with singer John Corabi (who has worked with Motley Crue, Ratt, The Dead Daisies among many others). John also talks about the underappreciated impact of Grand Funk Railroad and how he was able to see the original Sabbath perform l
Fates Warning - "A Pleasant Shade of Gray"
Fates Warning - "A Pleasant Shade of Gray"
Released April 22, 1997
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Fates Warning singer Ray Alder about their 1997 album "A Pleasant Shade of Gray": an entire album made up of one song. He also talks about the production of the record with Bill Metoyer, who did some engineering on the album.
As always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical
Kiss - "Love Gun"
Kiss - "Love Gun"
Released June 30, 1977
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discussed the title track from the 1977 Kiss album "Love Gun". First up, he hears from author Martin Popoff about the historical significance and impact of the song. Then, this show's producer Christian Bladt discusses more of the background and production of the song. Finally, the co-host of Morning Skate Scott Laug
UFO - "Let It Roll"
UFO - "Let It Roll"
The original studio version of UFO's "Let It Roll" was released on the album Force It on July 1, 1975. The popular live version from the album Strangers in the Night was released on January 16, 1979
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about UFO's "Let It Roll" with renowned producer and founder of Shrapnel Records, Mike Varney. Jay Ruston discusses the production wi
Aerosmith - "Make It"
Aerosmith - "Make It"
Released January 5, 1973
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by his Metal Blade colleague Mike Faley to talk about discusses "Make It" from the debut Aerosmith album. This show's producer Christian Bladt talks about the production of that song and the enitre debut album, and, a s always, Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song.
Slipknot - "Surfacing"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Slipknot's "Surfacing" from their debut record with the producer of that album, Ross Robinson, and Zach Johnson from the band The Ghost Inside. As always, Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song.
You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE:
https://youtu.be/9EI8pSP6mRM
Follow Ross Robinson on
Back Sabbath "N.I.B."
SONG -Black Sabbath : "N.I.B"
Released Friday February 13, 1970
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." with the bands longtime manager, and wife of Geezer Butler. They also discuss the different eras of Sabbath, Halestorm, Ghost and even some of the best things to do in Las Vegas, where they both live.
Producer Mark Lewis also discusses the production of the
Mercyful Fate - "The Oath"
SONG - Mercyful Fate : "The Oath"
Released September 7, 1984
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the Mercyful Fate song "The Oath", the quasi-title track from 1984's "Don't Break The Oath" with actor-musician-host Elliott Fullam. They also discuss his heavy metal upbringing, his Little Punk People interviews, current musical endeavors and his role in both "Terrifier 2" and "Terrifie
Coheed and Cambria - "Welcome Home"
SONG - Coheed and Cambria "Welcome Home"
Release Date - September 20, 2005
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria about their song "Welcome Home", his writing process, his career, the other forms of media he uses for storytelling and much more.
Ryan Williams also discusses the production of the song with Brian and author Martin Popoff shares a we
Ozzy Osbourne - "Bark at the Moon"
Ozzy Osbourne - "Bark at the Moon"
Released November 15, 1983
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his favorite Ozzy Osbourne song, "Bark at the Moon" with Adam Rank from the NFL Network and The Jim Rome After Hour.
Brian also discusses the production of the song with Bill Metoyer, and as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context as to why this is one of the 1
Dio - "Holy Diver"
Dio - "Holy Diver"
Released May 25, 1983
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the life and legacy of Ronnie James Dio and the song "Holy Diver" with Ronnie's wife and manager, Wendy Dio. Wendy also discusses her ongoing work as part of the Dio Cancer Fund, including an event coming up this Spring in Southern California.
Ryan Williams returns to discuss the production on "Holy Di
Deep Purple - "Highway Star"
Deep Purple - "Highway Star"
Released March 30, 1972 on the album "Machine Head"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the former host of MTV's Headbanger's Ball Riki Rachtman to discuss the first really heavy song either of them ever heard as kids: Deep Purple's "Highway Star". They discuss the importance of that song, the greatness of the album and the band, plus some other musi
Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"
Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"
Released August 4, 1984 on the EP Haunting the Chapel
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the man known on Tik Tok as Metal Horror Madman, who has built a reputation for being passionate for metal, a defender of Slayer who goes so far as to scream about it. They discuss his discovery of Slayer, his love of the band and what stands out about "Chemical W
Cirith Ungol - "King of the Dead"
In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the Executive Producer and Co-Creator of "Dark Side of the Ring" and the recent series of heavy metal documentaries, "Into the Void" about the song that he chose as the theme music for that series, Cirith Ungol's "Into the Void".
Brian also talks about the production on this record with Bill Metoyer, whom Brian worked with on t
Accept - "Fast As A Shark"
Accept - "Fast As A Shark"
Released in November of 1982, on their album "Restless and Wild"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is reunited with his former co-host for the "Metal Misconduct" podcast for the NHL, Shawn Roarke, who is the director of editorial for NHL.com. They discuss some of their memories of doing that podcast, and how easily the episodes can still be found.
They primary fo
Ministry - "Just One Fix"
Ministry - "Just One Fix"
Released on June 14, 1992 on their album commonly known as "Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs"
In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO talks about the importance of the industrial sound to the legacy of heavy metal by focusing on Ministry's "Just One Fix". Current Ministry guitarist Monte Pittman talks about the song and how much fun it is to play
METALLICA - "Hit The Lights"
Metallica - "Hit The Lights"
Originally Released as part of the first Metal Massacre compilation (6/14/82)
In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO takes us all the way back to the beginning, with one of the songs featured on the original Metal Massacre compilation, Metallica's "Hit The Lights", which is the first song the band ever recorded. Joining him for his walk down memory lane is Associ
Scorpions - "Catch Your Train"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to longtime Billy Idol collaborator, guitarist Steve Stevens about Scorpions "Catch Your Train", the band's Uli Jon Roth era, the 70's rock scene in and around New York, what he thinks of Yungblud and much more.
Producer Jay Ruston discusses the production on this song and Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song.
Vis
Cannibal Corpse - "Scourge of Iron"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Cannibal Corpse bassist and songwriter Alex Webster. They discuss the song "Scourge of Iron" from the band's 2012 album "Torture", Alex's musical background and influence, the extreme vocals of death metal and the evolution of the band's sound throughout their career.
There's also focus on the production of the song, which Mark Lewis provides so
King's X - "Black Flag"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by King's X bassist and singer Dug Pinnick. They discuss the band's career, how the band feels about their early collaboration with Sam Taylor and what it was like making the 1992 self-titled album that was their last with Sam. The primary focus is on one the band's most-streamed songs, "Black Flag".
There's also focus on the production of the song
Rush - "Anthem"
This week, producer Jay Ruston has been promoted to the primary guest, talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rush's "Anthem", a song that was suggested by fellow Canadian and fellow contributor to this show, author Martin Popoff. Producer Mark Lewis also talks about the production of this song.
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Iron Maiden - "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Iron Maiden's epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" with Vaughn Lewis of Unchained Management, who represent Killswitch Engage, Canninbal Corpse, Queensryche and White Chapel among others. Vaughn is a huge Maiden fan, and he and Brian have a conversation of an appropriate length for a song that is nearly 14 minutes long.
Brian also talks about the prod
Kiss - "Deuce"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Anthrax's Charlie Benante to talk about "Deuce" by Kiss -- both the studio version on their debut album and the version that kicks off "Kiss Alive!" Jay Ruston talks about the production and Martin Popoff puts the song in its historical context with some great information.
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Megadeth - "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Megadeth's "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" with longtime bassist for the band David Ellefson. Jay Ruston discusses the production and our friend Martin Popoff provides not only his longest segment ever for this show, but his most fiery
.
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AC/DC - "Let There Be Rock"
Brendan Brown from the band Wheatus joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the AC/DC classic "Let There Be Rock". Brian also talks about the production of the song with Bill Metoyer and, as always, author Martin Popoff gives us all the facts and figures you'll need to put this song in its historical perspective.
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Foghat - "Easy Money"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Foghat's Roger Earl to talk about their song "Easy Money". Jay Ruston talks about the production of the song and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and historical context for the song.
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Judas Priest - "Exciter"
Katon De Pena of Hirax joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discss the iconic Judas Priest song "Exciter", which some people consider to be the first-ever speed metal song. Brian also discusses the production of the song with Jay Ruston and, as always, we get some facts and historical context from Canada's own Martin Popoff.
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Angel Witch - "Angel Witch"
Musician-comedian Dave Hill talks to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about the song "Angel Witch" by the band Angel Witch, from their debut album, Angel Witch. Bill Metoyer also discusses the production on the song, and why it sounds so good for that era, and author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context.
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Six Feet Under - "Lycanthropy"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel starts off the show with a remembrance of the great Ace Frehley. Then, he discusses Six Feet Under's "Lycanthropy" with author Martin Popoff, producer Bill Metoyer and the singer for the band, and founding member of Cannibal Corpse, Chris Barnes.
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Aerosmith - Rats in the Cellar
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Aerosmith's "Rats in the Cellar" with the producer and co-creator of this show, Christian Bladt, who hosts his own show, The Bladtcast. Producer Jay Ruston also discusses the song, as does author Martin Popoff.
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Kiss - "Detroit Rock City"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by guitarist Stoney Curtis to discuss Kiss's "Detroit Rock City" from their landmark album "Destroyer". Brian also talks about the production of the song and the album with producer Jay Ruston, and, as always, author Martin Popoff gives some historical perspective to the song.
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UFO - "Love To Love"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Sirius XM personality and former co-host of That Metal Show Eddie Trunk to discuss UFO's "Love to Love" (both the studio and live versions). Brian also talks about the production of both versions with Jay Ruston, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context for the song.
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Deicide - "Dead By Dawn"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Deicide's "Dead By Dawn" with Monte Conner, the former senior vice president of A&R for Roadrunner Records and current head of A&R at Nuclear Blast Records. Producer Mark Lewis also talks about why this song was so important to him, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context to the song.
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Danzig - "Twist of Cain"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Chef Curtis Duffy about Danzig, particularly the song "Twist of Cain". He also discusses his restaurant in Chicago, Ever, his new book "Fireproof", some of his favorite concerts of all time, and what it was like to be at Black Sabbath's "Back to the Beginning" show. Producer Jay Ruston also discusses this song and the first Danzig solo album it was fea
Sepultura - "Dead Embryonic Cells"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Sirius XM host Jose Mangin to talk about the importance of Sepultura's "Dead Embryonic Cells", the current incarnation of Pantera, Jose's charity Headbang for Science and an incredible story about backstage at a Sepultura-Pantera-Prong show in the 90's. Also: Producer Mark Lewis takes a look at the production on the song and author Martin Popoff g
Metallica - "Spit Out The Bone"
Metal Blade Records CEO discusses the production on Metallica's "Spit Out The Bone" from the album "Hardwired to Self-Destruct" with that album's producer, Greg Fidleman. Then, chef Chris Santos returns to the show to talk about the song, the likelihood of a Metallica residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas and whether or not they will ever get the opportunity to perform at halftime during the Super
King Diamond - "Welcome Home"
This week, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined in The Space studio in Las Vegas by In Flames guitarist Chris Broderick to discuss King Diamond's "Welcome Home". Producer Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff also share their thoughts on the song, and this era of King Diamond.
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AC/DC - "Sin City"
Metal Blade Records CEO talks to Scott Ian of Anthrax about AC/DC's "Sin City". He also talks about the production of the song with producer Mark Lewis and, as always, author Martin Popoff checks in to give us some historical context for the song.
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Judas Priest - Victim of Changes
NHRA Funny Car Driver Ron Capps joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss both the studio and live versions of Judas Priest's "Victim of Changes". Brian also discusses the production of the song with producer Jay Ruston, and author Martin Popoff helps put the song into historical perspective.
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UFO - "Rock Bottom"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about UFO's "Rock Bottom" with guitarist Phil Demmel, producer Jay Ruston and as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical perspective with facts and opinion from the song's release.
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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne
In this special episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel breaks the format of the show to commemorate the passing of The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. He discusses Black Sabbath, Ozzy's solo work, the reality show and everything in between with returning guests comedian Don Jamieson and producers Bill Metoyer and Mark Lewis.
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Rainbow : "Gates of Babylon"
This week, we break format: our weekly one-man encyclopedia of rock and metal (and the author of 138 books) Martin Popoff spends time in the guest chair talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon". Producer Jay Ruston also talks about the production on this song by the great Martin Birch.
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Iron Maiden : "The Wicker Man" (with Chris Jericho)
In this extended episode, Wrestling Champion / Actor / Musician / Podcaster CHRIS JERICHO joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Iron Maiden song "The Wicker Man" and its importance in the history of the band, establishing the "comeback era" after Bruce and Adrian returned to the band.
Brian also talks about the production of the song with Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff p
Blue Oyster Cult - "Fire of Unknown Origin"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blue Oyster Cult founding member Albert Bouchard to discuss working with producer Martin Birch, their song "Fire of Unknown Origin" and the record of the same name, which includes the mega-hit "Burnin' for You". Brian also discusses production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff puts the song into the historical context of its release in 1981.
Alice Cooper - "Halo of Flies"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and the bassist in the original Alice Cooper group, Dennis Dunaway, to discuss past and present collaborations with Alice, especially the band's epic song "Halo of Flies". Jay Ruston talks about the production on the song and author Martin Popoff puts it in its historical context.
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Riot - "Swords & Tequilia"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Riot's "Swords & Tequilia" with television and film writer-producer Brian Koppelman and music producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into its historical context.
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Kiss: "War Machine"
Continuing our conversations recorded at the Rock N Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Courtney Cronin joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Kiss song "War Machine". Brian also discusses the song with producer Jay Ruston, and as always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into context of its release in 1982.
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Motorhead: "Overkill"
Comedian Don Jaimeson is back to discuss Motorhead's "Overkill" with Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, who also discusses the production of the song with producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff gives us some historical perspective on the song.
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Anthrax - "Only"
In our final installment recorded at the 2025 Rock n Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Craig Gass returns to the show to talk to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about a somewhat controversial Anthrax song, "Only", which was their first single released with John Busch on vocals. Jay Ruston discusses the production of the song, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides historical analysis.
L
Steeler : "Cold Day In Hell"
In another of our interviews from the RockNPod Expo in Nashville, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talked to Ron Keel about Steeler's "Cold Day in Hell", the first song on the first-ever Metal Blade release, the original "Metal Massacre". Producer Bill Metoyer also discusses the production on this recording of the song and how it compared to the version on the first Steeler record. Martin Popo
Cynic : "Veil of Maya"
Still in Nashville, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Chaney Crabb of Entheos about Cynic's song "Veil of Maya". He also discusses the production of the song with producer Jason Suecof and our friend Martin Popoff talks about the historical significance of the song.
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Led Zeppelin : How Many More Times
Back at the Rock n Pod Expo in Nashville, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Billy Sheehan about a band he has been very vocal over the years about not being a fan of in Led Zeppelin, but surprisingly really enjoyed their song "How Many More Times" from their first album. He also chats with producer-musician Butch Vig about the song, and, as always, the great Martin Popoff provides incr
King's X : "Dogman"
Still in Nashville for the Rock N Pod Expo, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the King's X song "Dogman" with actor-comedian Hal Sparks, producer Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff.
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Iron Maiden: "Murders in the Rue Morgue"
Once again from the Rock N Pod Expo in Nashville, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Iron Maiden's "Murders in the Rue Morgue" with Sirius XM DJ and co-host of Rock Strap from Pantheon Media, Keith Roth. Brian also visits producer Mark Lewis's home studio to talk Maiden, and, as always, we hear from author Martin Popoff.
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Guns N' Roses: "It's So Easy"
This episode begins our "Nashville Set": about two months worth of episodes primarily recorded at the Rock N Pod Expo in Nashville. At the Expo, our host, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel caught up with legendary A & R man Tom Zutaut who signed Guns N' Roses to Geffen. Their primary focus was the song "It's So Easy", which Brian also discussed with producer Mark Lewis at his home studio, with
Armored Saint : "Reign of Fire"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the importance of the Armored Saint album "Symbol of Salvation" and specifically the song "Reign of Fire" with the band's bassist Joey Vera, producer extraordinaire Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff.
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Judas Priest : "Screaming for Vengeance"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the title track from Judas Priest's album "Screaming for Vengeance" with producer Mark Lewis, author Martin Popoff and comedian Dean Delray, who also talks about his first comedy special, produced by Bill Burr, filmed in a cave in Tennessee and available on his You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@deandelray
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Alice Cooper : "I'm Eighteen"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel welcomes to the show the first artist he ever signed, Betsy Bitch of the band Bitch, to discuss Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen". Jay Ruston also shares his thoughts on the production of the song while author Martin Popoff brings his usual encyclopedic knowledge of rock n roll.
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Slayer: "Raining Blood"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Slayer's "Raining Blood" with that band's drummer Dave Lombardo, producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff.
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Megadeth: "Peace Sells"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Megadeth's "Peace Sells" with author Martin Popoff, producer Mark Lewis and Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake,
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Dethklok : "Awaken"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the song "Awaken" from the band Dethklok, who grew out of the Adult Swim series "Metalocalypse" with the creator and songwriter Brendon Small. Brian also talks about the song with producer Mark Lewis and rock and heavy metal author, "Doctor" Martin Popoff.
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