In this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Metzfire—a Grand Rapids-based hard rock/alt-metal powerhouse whose sound blends moody atmospheres with haunting melodies, crushing grooves, and deeply emotional lyricism.

Formerly known as The Orphan and Others, Metzfire is a band that channels personal struggle and historic tragedy into powerful sonic storytelling. We dive deep into their debut album “Coordinate Oblivion”, discuss their evolving lineup, talk gear, production, and the journey from their inception to opening for national acts like The Browning and Hail The Sun.

🔥 Highlights from the episode include:

Behind the scenes of recording “Coordinate Oblivion” at Raygun Recording Studio

Reflections on standout tracks like “To Drink an Ocean,” “Stoned Ape Theory,” and “Into the Unknown”

Johnny Whitney’s vocal style—ranging from haunting cleans to visceral screams

Their DIY writing process and how they create moody, genre-bending arrangements

The band’s unique chemistry as a 7-piece and their approach to live performance

What they're listening to, what’s next for 2025, and how they transform anxiety into art

🎵 About “Coordinate Oblivion” (2024)

This 8-track debut captures a range of sonic moods—from ethereal ambiance and post-grunge breakdowns to technical, emotionally charged alt-metal riffage. Recorded and produced by Chris Frankhauser (ONN, Glass God),

🎤 Current Lineup:

Johnny Whitney – Vocals (Kamilla, Johnny Logic)

Josh Barnaby & Mike Hafer – Guitars (The Veronica Speedwell, The Skyline Obscura)

Jonas Beel – Guitar (The Storied Life)

Mike McNally – Bass (Romance for Ransom)

Mike Nolen – Keys/Synth (Long After Midnight)

David Koetje – Drums (Until Forever)

⚙️ Topics Discussed:

Band formation and evolution

The importance of tone, gear, and unconventional tunings

How riffs become full songs

Balancing melody with aggression

Collaboration, songwriting dynamics, and what makes Metzfire click

Show experiences across Michigan

Touring aspirations and new material in the works

🔗 Metzfire Links:

🌐 Linktree-https://linktr.ee/metzfire

💿 Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

📣 Whether you’re a fan of Sevendust, 12 Foot Ninja, Dead Poet Society, or Coheed and Cambria—you’ll want to hear what Metzfire is doing. Their genre-fluid, emotionally intense songs will hit you in the chest and leave you thinking.

💥 Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring conversation.

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your fix.

🔔 Like, comment, subscribe, and share with a fellow metalhead.

In this pulverizing episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, your hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive deep into the diseased heart of Michigan’s underground with Decedent, one of the most exciting new names in the Sepsisgrind scene—a self-described style of cataclysmic death metal somewhere between Sanguisugabogg, Gatecreeper, and 200 Stab Wounds, all filtered through a thick Cannibal Corpse groove and old-school Chuck Schuldiner worship.

🧠 We sit down with the Mount Pleasent-area trio—Josiah Hill (vocals/guitar), Anthony (drums), and Malakai (bass)—to unpack the brutal origins, gear setups, writing methods, and growth of the band from raw demo days to their killer debut album release on Iron Fortress Records, For Those in Shallow Graves (out Aug 15, 2025).

We talk:

🧟 The origins of the Decedent name and lineup

🧬 Recording their first self-titled demo EP (March 5, 2023) — complete with "Machining Through Your Guts" and "Cataclysmic Dome"

🔨 The Persistent Ruin EP (Jan 5, 2024) — tighter drumming, better production, and standout cuts like "Cerebral Hemisect"

💥 Their gnarly Senseless Disgust single (July 23, 2024 via Harder Than You Records)

💦 The devastating Piss Leach split EP (Sept 27, 2024) feat. "Involuntary Self-Decimation"

🪦 The debut full-length For Those in Shallow Graves (Aug 15, 2025) — 9 tracks of pure filth, including:

We break down what makes this 3-piece so tight live, how they develop riff-driven anthems with old-school grooves and blast-laden madness, and why their tone and songwriting offer some of the most exciting death metal in Michigan today.

🎛️ Tech talk? We cover:

Guitar tones

Drums and cabs

Tunings

Practice and rehearsal routines

🪦💀 They may be young, but they’ve got the heart of rotting veterans—and this new LP proves it. Recorded by Furniture City Soundworks, mixed/mastered by Colossus Audio, and wrapped in disgusting art by Martyrdoom Illustrations, For Those in Shallow Graves is slimy, relentless, and catchy as hell.

💽 Pre-order the CD or cassette now at:

👉 https://www.ironfortressrecords.com

🎧 Stream "Molded in Concrete" + the full discography:

👉 https://ironfortressrecords.bandcamp.com

📲 Follow Decedent:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decedentmi

📲 Follow Iron Fortress Records:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/ironfortressrecords

📽️ Watch the LP teaser and music videos:

👉 @ironfortressrecords

🔊 Also discussed:

Their show with Noxis in Lansing

Upcoming tour plans

What they’re listening to right now (spoiler: it’s nasty)

The joy of being in a band, getting weird with riffs, and what’s next for Decedent

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Whether you're into the buzzsaw low-end of Frozen Soul, the riff-worship of Gorguts, or the sledgehammer bounce of Sanguisugabogg, this episode is for you.

LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE | STAY METAL

In Episode 109, Jay and Modd return to one of the most personal and debated topics in all of metal fandom — our Top Metal Albums of All Time. It all started in Episode 7, came back strong in Episode 53, and now the tradition continues with five more additions each to our ever-evolving, ever-brutal, and ever-blessed all-time metal lists.

This is not a “Best Of” list compiled by AI, Rolling Stone, or mainstream music sites. This is straight from our worn-out speakers and battle-hardened souls — albums that shook us, shaped us, and still haunt our playlists today.

💿 Whether it's technical wizardry, emotional weight, lyrical depth, or just head-splitting riffs — each pick is justified, discussed, and dissected with brutal honesty. And as always, we throw in stories, trivia, and mini-rants along the way.

🔁 Previously on the List:

🧠 Episode 7 – The Origin

Nick:

Death – Symbolic

Morbid Angel – Domination

Carcass – Heartwork

Rotting Christ – Triarchy of the Lost Lovers

In Flames – The Jester Race

Jason:

Death – Symbolic

Morbid Angel – Domination

Carcass – Heartwork

Soilwork – The Chainheart Machine

At The Gates – Slaughter of the Soul

🧠 Episode 53 – The Sequel

Nick:

Lamb of God – Ashes of the Wake

BTBAM – The Silent Circus

Meshuggah – Nothing

Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage

Cattle Decapitation – Death Atlas

Jason:

Killswitch Engage – Alive or Just Breathing

Into Eternity – Buried In Oblivion

Glass Casket – We Are Gathered Here Today

BTBAM – Alaska

The Faceless – Akeldama

🧨 What’s Coming in Episode 109?

No spoilers here… but expect curveballs. You’ll hear praise for albums that were overlooked, underappreciated, or just plain slept on — as well as cornerstone releases that still destroy to this day. Will there be a power metal pick? A death-doom detour? Maybe even a curveball from the early 2000s underground?

We want this episode to get you thinking about your own top albums — and maybe inspire you to revisit records that deserve more spins.

📣 Join the Discussion:

👉 What are your all-time favorite metal albums?

👉 What albums did we miss or underrate?

👉 Who would be on your Mount Rushmore of metal records?

Drop a comment, send us your lists, and tag us on Instagram @metalmaniacspodcast with your personal picks. 🤘

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd, this episode dives into a topic every metalhead can relate to: **gateway bands**—the artists that first sparked our obsession with heavy music and led us down the path to extreme metal, death metal, metalcore, black metal, and beyond. 🤘

But what exactly *is* a gateway band?

A gateway band is a group whose music is just heavy *enough* to catch the ear of new listeners, yet accessible thanks to catchy hooks, polished production, or genre-bending elements. They open the door for millions to discover heavier and more underground bands, becoming the first step in countless metal journeys.

---

### 🧠 **What makes a band a gateway?**

* Cleaner production than raw underground acts

* Melodic choruses or anthemic riffs

* Cross-genre appeal (metal meets rock, punk, even pop)

* Exposure on mainstream channels (MTV, radio, gaming soundtracks)

* Lyrics or visuals that resonate with a wider crowd

### 🔥 **In this episode, we talk about bands that became gateways for us and countless others:**

**⚙️ Heavy Metal Icons:**

* *Metallica* – From “Enter Sandman” to “Master of Puppets,” they turned millions into lifelong metal fans.

* *Iron Maiden* – Epic storytelling and soaring melodies that bridge classic rock fans into NWOBHM.

* *Black Sabbath* – The dark, doomy birth of heavy metal itself.

* *Pantera* – Groove, aggression, and hooks that defined the 90s.

* *Slayer* – Their ferocity pulled many thrash fans toward death metal.

**🤘 Metalcore & Deathcore:**

* *Killswitch Engage* – Melodic choruses + heavy riffs = perfect entry into metalcore.

* *Parkway Drive* – Catchy yet crushing; a modern classic gateway.

* *Bring Me The Horizon* (early era) – Their evolution from deathcore to arena rock brought countless fans along for the ride.

**☠️ Death Metal Gateways:**

* *Cannibal Corpse* – Their infamous album art & brutal sound piqued curiosity.

* *Death* – Technical yet melodic; opened doors to progressive & tech death.

* *Amon Amarth* – Viking themes and melodic riffs attracted new ears.

**🧊 Black Metal Access Points:**

* *Dimmu Borgir* – Symphonic black metal with huge production.

* *Cradle of Filth* – Gothic, theatrical, and strangely accessible.

* *Immortal* (later albums) – Ice-cold riffs with more clarity than the rawest black metal.

**⚡ Nu Metal Crossovers:**

* *Slipknot* – Heavy but hooky, angry yet anthemic.

* *Korn* – Deep grooves and raw emotion resonated with 90s youth.

* *System of a Down* – Weird, wild, and instantly memorable.

---

### 🎯 **Why do gateway bands matter?**

They inspire people to:

✅ Explore deeper and heavier subgenres

✅ Keep local and underground scenes alive

✅ Become fans, musicians, and supporters of extreme music

Everyone starts somewhere—and we celebrate that first spark that leads to a lifetime of riffs, blast beats, and stage dives. 🔥

---

**🌙 We also chat about:**

* Newer gateway bands like *Beartooth*, *Spiritbox*, *Sleep Token*

* The bands that *personally* drew us into heavier worlds

* Why it’s *okay* (and awesome!) to love the popular bands that got you started

---

🎧 **Join us for Episode 108** as we remember those first riffs that changed our lives—and maybe yours, too!

🩸 **Stream now on YouTube & Spotify** | Don’t forget to like, comment & share your own gateway band stories in the comments!

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

In this special 107th episode of the **Metal Maniacs Podcast**, hosts **Jay Ingersoll** and **Modd** sit down with none other than **T.J. Miller** — the powerful voice behind the Michigan metalcore pioneers **Still Remains** and the melodic rock project **Glassfield**.

We dive deep into T.J.’s journey through the heavy music world, from the early days playing sweaty local shows to becoming part of a band that helped define a chapter of American metalcore. Together, we explore the evolution of his sound, his songwriting process, and what it’s like to move between heavier and more melodic projects without losing authenticity.

🎤 **Topics we cover include:**

* **The inception of Still Remains** – how the band formed, early influences, and the energy of the Michigan metalcore scene in the early 2000s.

* **Transition to Glassfield** – why T.J. started this melodic rock project and what it unlocked creatively.

* The challenges and joys of balancing two very different musical projects.

* Writing lyrics from personal struggles, hope, and faith — and why vulnerability still matters in heavy music.

* The legacy of Still Remains’ albums like *“Of Love and Lunacy”* and *“The Serpent”*, and how those songs feel to perform today.

* Recording stories, live show memories, and moments that changed the band forever.

* How the Michigan scene shaped T.J. as an artist and as a person.

* Advice for new musicians trying to find their voice in an oversaturated world.

🤘 **Plus:**

* Behind-the-scenes memories of tours and shows that made an impact.

* What’s next for Glassfield, Still Remains, and other creative projects on the horizon.

Still Remains helped craft a melodic, passionate strain of metalcore that was both crushing and deeply melodic, while Glassfield lets T.J. explore soaring hooks and introspective themes. In this conversation, we explore why both sides matter, and how the journey through heavy music is as much about growth and honesty as it is about riffs and breakdowns.

🎶 **Check out T.J. Miller’s music:**

* Still Remains: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dtWjDmyshxEkAD2YWxF6N) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stillremains/)

* Glassfield: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0JH6TRFg4qCKXc9dvUhaJx) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/glassfieldmusic/)

✨ Whether you were there moshing in the front row at a Still Remains show in 2005, or you’ve discovered these bands years later, this episode is a reminder of why heavy music stays with us: it’s real, it’s honest, and it helps us survive.

Don’t forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** to the Metal Maniacs Podcast on YouTube, and follow us on Spotify & all major podcast platforms so you never miss an episode!

📲 **Follow us for more metal:**

* YouTube: [Metal Maniacs Podcast](#)

Follow us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

Thank you for listening — and stay heavy! 🤘🔥

🎙 **Metal Maniacs Podcast – Episode 105**

**"Living Dissection: Filth, Fury & the Future of Slam"**

Hosted by **Jay Ingersoll** & **Modd**

In this episode, we sit down with Detroit’s own **slammy death metal juggernauts**, **Living Dissection** — a band dripping in brutality, precision, and passion. From grotesque riffs to guttural breakdowns, Living Dissection is helping put Michigan on the map for **slam and brutal death metal**, and we dive deep into their past, present, and what’s still to come.

🔥 **Members Featured:**

* **Troy** – Guitarist, original vocalist, founding member

* **James** – New vocalist bringing the fury

* **Mike** – Guitarist, a.k.a. “The Witch”

* **Ben** – Blastbeat machine on drums

We cover everything from the **origin of the band's name** (yes, there's a **Cannibal Corpse** connection 👀) to the real grind of songwriting, practicing, and gigging as an extreme metal unit in the Midwest. This is a must-listen for fans of underground brutality and DIY hustle.

🧠 **Topics Covered:**

* How the band was formed and where it all began

* Transition of members and how that’s impacted the sound

* Band chemistry & writing dynamics — riffs, solos, slams, and song structures

* Practice regimens, live prep, and navigating stage chaos

* Tone, gear, tuning preferences, and recording setups

* Memorable live shows (good *and* disastrous)

* Life on and off stage — and what keeps them inspired

* What’s next for Living Dissection, and their 2025 goals

---

💿 **Living Dissection Discography Highlights:**

* **"Internal Malignance"** *(EP)* – April 27, 2020

Five tracks of raw, slamming fury. Must-hear: *“Insatiable Punishment”*

* **"A Ghost in Flesh"** – July 1, 2021

A tighter, darker edge to their evolving death metal sound

* **"Becoming the Filth"** – July 17, 2023

Technical, brutal, and polished. Their modern slam signature.

* **"Ire of the Rotted"** – December 6, 2024

Savage tone meets sharpened songwriting

* **"Fear Not (For the Plague Lord Provides)"** – April 25, 2025

Crushing riffwork and spiritual decay in under 3 minutes

---

🎤 **Live Shows & Highlights:**

Living Dissection has earned their scars on the Michigan death metal scene, sharing stages with **First Fragment**, **Syphoned**, and **Precordial Thump**, especially at venues like **The Sanctuary Detroit**—a go-to for extreme underground shows.

Their sets are high energy, low mercy, and all about delivering a sonic beatdown with precision.

---

🌐 **Where to Find Living Dissection:**

* **Bandcamp:** [livingdissection.bandcamp.com](https://livingdissection.bandcamp.com)

🎧 **Closing Thoughts:**

We also get personal—talking about what keeps them going, what they're listening to, what it means to be part of Michigan's heavy music community, and how they’ve evolved beyond just writing brutal music—to telling stories through sound.

So crank the volume and get ready to **dig into the filth**, because this week’s episode brings the **slam** like no other.

🎙️ **Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & more**

Follow @themetalmaniacspodcast for updates, clips, and more underground fire.

\#metalmaniacspodcast #livingdissection #slammingbrutaldeathmetal #michiganmetal #deathmetal #detroitmetal #metalinterview #brutaldeath #undergroundmetal #metalpodcast #metalmaniacs105

FOLLOW US-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi