Unsung Podcast

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Never Say Die! by Black Sabbath w/ Rick Bruce (Moonshine Docks, Coffin Mulch) (Side B) - 348

Well now. It turns out that 19 albums (technically 20 if you include Heaven & Hell's only album, The Devil You Know) is rather a lot. So our two parter has become a three parter. Whoops. But we tackle their discography with someone who knows the band inside out - Richard Bruce, from the band Moonshine Docks and formerly of Coffin Mulch. His encyclopedic knowledge of the band stands us in very good stead as we go about the business of talking about the band and their albums in detail. In this episode we chat about the band's history and then dive into all the Ozzy records, essentially covering all of the band's 1970s output. It's a pretty fascinating journey, and we really enjoyed getting to grips with the "classic" Sabbath material. Next week - Dio, Gillian, Hughes and Martin all come to the Sabbath party. Reaction to Aron interview = 13:05 Lyrical duties = 19:29 Ozzy solo charade and cutting folk out of credits = 20:09 the Beatles influence and pre mobile phone tours = 29:26 KIss is the American Slade = 34:27 West Midlands hard music and WC blokes plus G Harrison = 36:55 BUying the wrong Sabbath record = 40:46 Were Sabbath actually very satanic? Crowley, Witchfinder, Devil Rides out = 49:03 Naive lyrics and nursery rhymes = 57:04 Master of Reality defines stoner and doom = 58:16

Talking Black Sabbath with Aron Ward (Side A) - 347

It's 2025 and we're starting the year off with a bang. Regular fans will know that we always start the year off with a big artist, and there's very few metal bands bigger than Black Sabbath. This week and next we'll be chatting all about them. Episode one is an in-depth interview with Aron Ward, son of Black Sabbath's original drummer, Bill Ward. Aron discusses his eclectic musical journey, influenced heavily by his father but also carved by his own diverse tastes. He talks about his own projects, such as Olanza, Harpoon, and Repoman, and his approach to DIY music production. Aron provides personal anecdotes from his childhood, touring with Black Sabbath, and learning the harsh realities of the music industry. He also shares his thoughts on various Sabbath albums and his dad's impact on his music career. Tune in for a fascinating chat filled with music history, personal stories, and candid insights. NEXT WEEK we're bringing in ANOTHER guest to talk about the band, and focus on the record Never Say Die. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:08 Meet Aron Ward 01:46 Aron's Musical Journey 03:22 Growing Up with Black Sabbath 04:35 Influence of Black Sabbath 16:13 DIY Ethos and Industry Insights 20:13 Memories and Reflections 23:56 Favorite Albums and Musical Preferences 26:33 Interviewing Ian McKay: A Shared Experience 26:54 Heaven and Hell: A New Kind of Metal 27:29 Living in Bel Air: Ozzy's Absence 29:50 The Dio Era: A Divisive Time 32:25 Technical Ecstasy: A Beatles Influence 33:56 Never Say Die: A Confusing Time 39:07 The Influence of Sabbath on Modern Bands 45:03 Final Thoughts and Personal Projects

Kerrang! Hometaping Vol. 2: Refuse Music, Compiled by Casey Chaos - 364

This week Dave returns as we dive into our bag of covermount CDs and unearth a real gem. If you were buying Kerrang! in August 2002, you might remember issue 918 with The Prodigy on the cover. What you definitely remember is the cover-mount CD that came with it - Hometaping Volume Two, curated by Amen's Casey Chaos. This wasn't your typical corporate compilation of radio-friendly metal and whatever major labels were pushing that month. This was a proper education in underground extremity, compiled by someone who'd been living in the trenches since he was photographed at Black Flag gigs in 1982. Casey wasn't messing about. He whittled down his selection from 60 songs, phoned Henry Rollins and Satyr personally for unreleased tracks, and designed the cover himself. The result was 26 tracks of whiplash-inducing genius that introduced countless metal and punk fans to bands they'd never have discovered otherwise. From Refused's "New Noise" and Iron Monkey's feral sludge to birthday party's pre-Bad Seeds insanity and proper OG punk from Discharge and X-Ray Specs, this was cultural education disguised as a free CD. The fact we're still dissecting every track choice 20+ years later proves Casey achieved something genuinely special - a compilation that worked as both a history lesson and a challenge to dig deeper into the underground. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Welcome to the cave: Easter resurrections and new studio vibes [00:05:39] Casey Chaos biography: From skateboard prodigy to punk legend [00:18:00] Rollins Band gets the pub rock treatment (Chris ducks for cover) [00:24:00] The Kinison: When Oblong, Illinois meets post-hardcore [00:29:00] Murderdolls: Budget Misfits for the nu-metal generation [00:32:00] Discharge delivers the D-beat masterclass [00:43:00] Iron Monkey: Nottingham sludge at its most feral [00:37:00] Refused drops "New Noise" and changes everything [00:42:00] Turbonegro: Norwegian glam-punk that divides the room [00:43:00] Void: The DC hardcore deep cut that finally clicks [00:46:00] Immortal: When black metal meets the Tony Hawk soundtrack [00:51:00] X-Ray Specs: Polystyrene schools the youngsters [00:56:00] Zyklon: Emperor side-project with uncomfortable baggage [01:02:00] Cave In: The wrong track for the right band [01:04:00] Birthday Party: Nick Cave's mental early years get the respect they deserve [01:06:00] Nasum: Swedish grindcore brings back the brutality [01:07:00] The Distillers: Brody Dalle's voice cuts through everything [01:13:00] Eyehategod vs Iron Monkey: The great sludge debate [01:14:00] Division of Laura Lee: Sweden's most forgettable export [01:15:00] The Haunted: At The Gates members go full throttle [01:17:00] Mortiis: Norwegian dungeon synth gets the goth treatment [01:20:00] Gary Numan: The robot pioneer closes out the education [01:22:00] Highlights, lowlights, and wild cards: The final verdict

Mestarin kynsi by Oranssi Pazuzu (Side B) - 346

After touching briefly on it in our Finland episode last week, this week we dive headlong into the discography of disorienting and electrifying world of the Finnish band, Oranssi Pazuzu. Known for their unique blend of black metal, psychedelia, krautrock, and electronica, Oranssi Pazuzu have pushed musical boundaries with their immersive and genre-defying style. We break down their discography, contemplate the terrifying beauty of their sound, and revel in the menacing brilliance of their 2020 album, 'Mestarin kynsi'. Expect insights into their influences, a bit of playful banter, and why their music is like a bad trip brilliantly gone wrong. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride! 07:58 Episode 1 recap 09:16 Oranssi Pazuzu intro 12:53 Influences & Comparisons 20:14 10 Influences As Chosen By The Band 29:27 Discography: Muukalainen Puhuu & Kosmonument 38:26 Discography: Valonielu & Värähtelijä 59:58 Discography: Muuntautuja 66:57 Mestarin Kynsi

Why Is Metal So Popular in Finland? (Oranssi Pazuzu Side A) - 345

This week we dive headfirst into the land of heavy metal, Finland. In what originally started off as an episode on the Oranssi Pazuzu album Mestearin Kynsi, we quickly realised that we had a two parter on our hands. So this week, we're using Oranssi Pazuzu as a lens through which to view the Finnish music scene. In the episode, we take a detour through the history and culture of Finland, exploring why this country has the highest ratio of metal bands per capita. We also touch on notable Finnish acts, quirky cultural elements, and the unique musical environment of Tampere. Expect insight, humour, and a bit of chaos as we unpack what's behind Finland's intense love affair with metal. 00:00 Welcome 01:10 Introducing the Topic: Finnish Metal 02:00 The Finnish Music Scene and Culture 05:43 Patreon and Community Announcements 08:49 Deep Dive into Oranssi Pazuzu 20:36 A Brief History of Finland 26:22 Finnish Traditions and Unique Sports 26:58 Famous Finnish Music and Artists 32:21 The Influence of Metal in Finnish Culture 35:03 Doom Metal and Its Finnish Roots 43:26 The Finnish Music Industry and Government Support 54:22 Tampere's Psychedelic Black Metal Scene 01:00:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Place of Real Insight by Karate - 344

In this episode we explore the eclectic stylings of the band Karate. We break down their shift from post-hardcore roots to embracing jazz influences, focusing on the standout album 'In Place of Real Insight.' And we get there, in the usual fashion, by chatting extensively about their back catalogue. We also theorise that perhaps Karate fans may have split into two camps when they moved the focus almost exclusively to jazz. Our weekly Nexus challenge takes us from Karate to the late John Prescott through a convoluted but fascinating path involving jazz, punk rock, and the peace symbol. Expect deep musical analysis, unexpected links, and a few laughs. Karate background: 08:05 Chris' Theory on Karate fans: 15:13 Early discography and eponymous debut: 19:18 Bed is in the Ocean, Unsolved & the journey to jazzcore: 29:53 Some Boots & Pockets: 41:20 595 & Make It Fit: 48:20 In Place Of Real Insight: 53:28 Summing up the album: 75:51 The John Prescott Nexus: 80:36

In Session 11 w/ Jan Alkema from Compulsion - 343

This week our pal Jan Alkema, drummer of the bands The Drum/China Drum and Compulsion returns. This time here's here to discuss the story of Compulsion. We cover the band's history, its ups and downs, and some behind-the-scenes stories. We hear about Jan's journey from joining The Amazing Colossal Men to Compulsion's battle with record labels, relentless touring, and eventual disbandment. Along the way, Jan drops some memorable anecdotes, including a run-in with Dave Grohl, a misadventure with Cradle of Filth, and plenty of backstage dramas. It's a helluva a ride, a candid real and entertaining look at a band that never quite got its due. 9:27 - Compulsion History and Formation 21:20 - The Amazing Colossal Men & in court with Virgin 29:24 - A fresh start and London 34:25 - The early EPs 39:49 - Touring, Elektra and Comforter 48:14 - Demostikon 50:34 - Timings, genres and peers 01:02:11 - The arrival of Britrock 01:06:21 - The Future is Medium 01:12:11 - The beginning of the end 01:17:08 - After the band 01:22:56 - Reissues 01:24:59 - Late trivia and gossip

22b3 by Device w/ Crag - 342

In this episode, we take a journey back to the 80s to explore Device's only album, '22B3', the choice of this week's guest co-host, our antipodean based pal, Crag! We delve into the album's rich synth-pop-rock sound and discuss why it remains an underrated gem. The key member of this act is the overlooked, yet all time great pop rock songwriter Holly Knight. She was the mastermind behind many iconic hits from the likes of Tina Turner, Bonnie Tyler, Heart and penned songs for Kiss, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, Meatloaf and so many more. On 22b3, she takes centre stage and we use this episode to investigate her influential yet often overlooked contributions. As we go through each track, we highlight the distinctive 80s production techniques, unique sounds, and memorable melodies. Crag shares insights into the equipment used and provides some industry context, which makes for a fascinating deep dive into 80s music culture. From discussing the album's standout tracks like 'Hanging on a Heart Attack' to exploring the various musical influences and collaborations, this episode is packed with intriguing details and anecdotes. We also connect the album to wider music histories and trends, giving listeners a thorough understanding of its place in music lore. As always, we wrap up with our Nexus, this time linking Device to Debbie McGee in a surprisingly twisted route through music and pop culture history. If you're a fan of 80s music, keen on unsung musical heroes, or simply love a good musical anecdote, this episode is a nostalgic treat you won't want to miss. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:26 Listener Suggestions and Album Selection 02:56 Patreon and Membership Perks 05:25 Political Commentary and Americana 09:29 Album Discussion: Device - 22B3 16:49 Holly Knight's Career and Contributions 38:13 Paul Engeman and the Band's Background 47:37 Introduction to Marauder and George Tukto 47:52 Technical Credits and Chart Performance 48:33 Musical Equipment and 80s Sound 50:08 Diving into the Tracks 50:43 Track Analysis: Hanging on a Heart Attack 54:43 Track Analysis: Who Says 57:05 Track Analysis: Pieces on the Ground 58:50 Track Analysis: Tough and Tender 01:01:24 Track Analysis: When Love is Good 01:03:39 Track Analysis: Didn't I Read You Right 01:06:04 Track Analysis: Fall Apart, Golden Heart 01:09:10 Track Analysis: I've Got No Room for Your Love 01:11:42 Track Analysis: Who's on the Line 01:14:11 Track Analysis: Sandstone, Cobwebs and Dust 01:16:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 01:24:21 Nexus Segment: From Device to Debbie McGee 01:32:20 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guests

After the Storm (DRCC Compilation) - 341

In this episode we dive into a lesser-known compilation from Dundee, 1996, titled 'After the Storm', which was created to raise funds for 18U. We explore the tracks, uncovering a mix of genres from 80s power ballads to 90s dance and country influences. There's a lot of colourful and, shall we say, sometimes questionable, musical efforts showcased in this CD, and as ever we humorously navigate the ups and downs of their listening experience. Highlights include oddities like George McFarlane's rap experiment and a cheerful dance track by Bliss. They wrap up with an existential crisis triggered by Real Gone Kid by Deacon Blue. But it's all for your entertainment, so it's all good. Oh, and yeah cause this week is particularly heavy the first 18 minutes or so are about Trump winning the US election. So feel free to skip ahead if that doesn't tickle your fancy. 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Banter 00:57 Post-Birthday Blues and Football Highlights 02:20 Political Discussion: Election Results and Reactions 06:31 The Impact of Information Economy on Politics 09:32 Misogyny and Conservative Trends in Gen Z 11:40 The GOP's Transformation and Democratic Challenges 16:11 Crypto Bros and Political Discourse 17:19 Middle Eastern Vote and Political Puritanism 18:32 Music Podcast Transition and Upcoming Topics 44:41 Country Vibes and Musical Influences 45:47 Highland Cowpunk and Unique Instrumentation 48:08 Exploring George McFarlane's Musical Journey 51:40 Dundee's Musical Scene and Hidden Gems 57:07 Ian Cusick: A Deep Dive 01:01:24 90s Dance Nostalgia with Bliss and Lucy Jules 01:04:42 Gary Clark and King L 01:07:37 Michael Marra: Dundee's Bard 01:19:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Punish, Honey by Vessel - 340

In this episode of the Unsung Podcast, we delve into Vessel's 2014 album 'Punish Honey,' a unique blend of electronic music and modern electronica. We provide an overview of Vessel's career, touching on past albums and collaborative efforts. We discuss standout tracks like 'Red Sex' and 'Anima,' highlighting the album's haunting, ethereal qualities. We also reflect on Vessel's transition to scoring for films like 'The Northman' and talk about the importance of his innovative approach. We end the episode with a Nexus segment linking Vessel to cyclist Chris Hoy. 00:00 Introduction and Banter 02:09 Podcasting Challenges and Humour 03:12 Introducing the Topic: Vessel's Punish Honey 04:28 Patreon Shoutout and Admin 05:30 Concert Stories and Anecdotes 12:36 Social Media and Platform Changes 14:01 Deep Dive into Vessel's Career 21:00 History of Triangle Records 27:00 Early Releases and Order of Noise 34:00 Track Analysis: Order of Noise 45:50 Exploring the Synth Sound 46:52 Discussing the Northman Soundtrack 50:26 Diving into Punish Honey 52:37 Track-by-Track Analysis 01:03:02 Sidebar: Ozzy Osbourne and Rock Legends 01:17:17 Concluding Thoughts on the Album 01:21:17 The Nexus: Connecting the Dots 01:30:19 Call to Action and Future Plans

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