This week on Mandatory Music, we're spotlighting some homegrown Canadian talent. Doug Harrison—frontman and guitarist of prog band Fen—returns with his solo project Slug Comparison, and we dive into the opening track of the new album A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife.

The song "Wish to Adapt" is a breath of fresh air for us: modern, emotionally rich, and laced with just enough grunge to hit us right in the feels. We break down what makes this track—and Slug Comparison's overall sound—so compelling.

Tune in, turn it up, and don't forget to check out the full album wherever you stream music.

Here are the official streaming links for Slug Comparison's new album, A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife:

• Apple Music:
  https://music.apple.com/ca/album/a-battle-to-the-end-fought-on-the-edge-of-a-knife/1806606100?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Spotify:
• https://open.spotify.com/album/1XmbWcuJkT3wdWGpK04Nfj?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The album was released on May 9, 2025, and features 11 tracks, including the standout opener "Wish to Adapt." This track blends modern rock elements with a touch of grunge, delivering an emotionally resonant experience.

For those interested in supporting the artist directly or exploring additional formats, the album is also available on

Bandcamp:

https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/a-battle-to-the-end-fought-on-the-edge-of-a-knife?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into an unexpected but seriously cool collaboration — the Blue Man Group is back with a brand-new single, “Things,” featuring the incredibly talented After Cooking. That’s right… Blue Man Group! It’s all about rhythm, vibe, and groove in this episode as we explore this hypnotic, beat-driven track and what makes it such a standout. Sit back, press play, and enjoy the ride through this chill and creative sonic experience.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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We're Back – and So Is Ghost!
After a 3-week break, Mandatory Music returns with a bang as we dive into Ghost’s brand-new album Skeleta. We give our unfiltered take on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Is it a bold new chapter or more of the same? Tune in as we break it all down with our signature mix of insight and brutal honesty.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, we dive horns-first into Volbeat’s blistering new track “In the Barn of the Goat: Giving Birth to Satan's Spawn in a Dying World of Doom.” Is Michael Poulsen stepping up as the new Metal Elvis, ready to snatch the crown from Glenn Danzig himself? We break down the riffs, the vocals, and the epic energy of the song in classic Mandatory Music style—with a killer conversation to match.

But first… we talk golf. Yes, you read that right—before the doom and devilry, we tee off with a few minutes on the unexpected joys of the golf course.

Tune in for a wild mix of fairways and firestorms.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, tensions rise as Sebastian and Mike dive into Sleep Token's brand-new track, “Emergence.” For one of the first times on the show, the duo finds themselves on opposite sides—sparking a passionate, thought-provoking debate. They unpack the haunting lyrics, dissect the song's construction, and explore the intricate layers of its production. Is “Emergence” a bold new chapter or a step too far? Tune in for a deep dive, some heated takes, and a whole lot of sonic analysis.

https://youtu.be/JJpFTUP6fIo?si=jElTLPTFRBNfgBbu

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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A chilling new hymn has emerged from the depths—Ghost’s latest track, Satanized. This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into its haunting melodies, cryptic lyrics, and the eerie energy it conjures. How does it compare to their past works? What secrets lie within the song? We break it all down.

But first, a bit of unexpected chaos—a discussion on facial hair (because why not?), and Sebastian’s recommendation of the brutal Netflix film Sisu.

Join us for a thrilling ride through sound, story, and the unknown.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into Volbeat's new single, By a Monster’s Hand! We break down what we liked, what didn’t quite hit the mark, and how Volbeat continues to wear their influences on their sleeves. Plus, we bring back some Metallica talk for the first time in a while—Kirk Hammett has a new book about his legendary guitar collection, he’s announced a full-length solo record, and we dissect the small hints about what the next Metallica album might sound like. Tune in for all this and more!

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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In this episode of Mandatory Music, we dive deep into Arch Enemy’s “Paper Tiger” — a track that delivers pure, unrelenting energy. From the moment Alissa White-Gluz’s ferocious growls cut through the mix to Michael Amott’s razor-sharp riffs, this song is a masterclass in melodic death metal. We unpack the song’s powerful themes of defiance and exposing hypocrisy, exploring how the lyrics tear down deception with brutal honesty.

But that’s not all — we also break down the intricate guitar work, the thunderous rhythm section, and how Arch Enemy’s musicianship elevates the track to anthem status. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this banger for the first time, join us as we celebrate the intensity and artistry behind “Paper Tiger.”

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
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Thanks for listening and keep on rocking