This week’s Heavy Metal Tones is a very special and heartfelt episode. Following the sad passing of Ross The Boss on March 26, we’re revisiting one of our favourite conversations — the full interview with Ross alongside Stu Marshall, originally released as Episode 218 in April 2025.

In this powerful chat, Ross reflects on his incredible career, from his early days with The Dictators to the glory and power of Manowar, and into the modern era with Death Dealer. It’s an honest, warm and inspiring conversation that captures the passion, humour and dedication that made him such a beloved figure in the metal world.

If you missed this episode the first time, or want to celebrate his legacy with us, this is the perfect moment to press play, turn it up loud, and remember a true legend. 🤘

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This week on Heavy Metal Tones, we dive deep into one of the boldest and most divisive albums in heavy metal history—Nostradamus. Judas Priest’s 2008 double concept album saw the Metal Gods push boundaries with a grand, symphonic vision, telling the story of the legendary prophet in epic fashion. Was it a stroke of genius or a step too far? I break down the music, the ambition, and where it sits in the Priest legacy.

And as a special treat, I crank up the intensity with “Press The Button” from Swiss shock rockers Dark Flow—dark, theatrical, and guaranteed to leave a mark.

Strap in for a journey through prophecy, power, and pure metal.

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Hi guys it is with sadness that I put this shorter episode this week, Its not been long since I put this interview up EP 251 to be exact. It feels right that on my birthday I air this again as it is one year ago today that on a sunny morning in March I interviewed the closest I will ever get to Lemmy.

So take this time to revisit it and for Phil and all the rest of that whisky soaked good old rock n roll band.

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This week on Heavy Metal Tones – Episode 266, we explore the light and dark within extreme metal through a fascinating contrast of sound, atmosphere and intent.

In this episode I review two very different yet equally compelling releases: Self Portraits in Black and the wild, ritualistic chaos of Witch Club Satan. One dives deep into the introspective and shadowy side of extreme music, creating an atmosphere that feels almost hauntingly personal, while the other unleashes raw, confrontational energy that channels the rebellious spirit at the heart of black metal.

Together they show how extreme metal can exist on both ends of the spectrum — brooding and reflective on one side, feral and explosive on the other.

Two visions. Two extremes. One genre that refuses to be confined.

Turn it up and step into the shadows with Heavy Metal Tones.

https://selfportraitsinblack.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/selfportraitsinblack

https://www.witchclubsatan.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvgixsYAUvE. - You Wild Flower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ls7yOBaEp0 - Fresh Blood Fresh Pussy

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This week on Heavy Metal Tones – Episode 265, we descend once more into the shadows with Canada’s rising doom force Sundecay.

I’m joined by founding members Richard Pauptit and Brian Scott for an in-depth conversation about their brand-new and absolutely brilliant third album. We talk about the evolution of their sound, the weight and atmosphere that defines modern doom, and how this latest release pushes their creativity into darker, heavier, and more progressive territory.

From crushing riffs to introspective lyricism, this episode goes beyond the music and into the mindset behind it — the writing process, studio stories, and what it means to carry the doom torch in 2026.

If you love immersive, slow-burning heaviness with substance and soul, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Turn it loud. Let it breathe. Stay heavy.

Support the band by clicking the links below.

https://sundecay.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sundecay/

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This month, I dive deep into their explosive and era-defining debut album Germfree Adolescents — a record that didn’t just ride the first wave of punk, it twisted it into something sharper, smarter and far more confrontational.

Fronted by the unforgettable Poly Styrene, X-Ray Spex injected punk with biting social commentary, anti-consumerist rage, and a fearless feminist voice that was radically ahead of its time. From the iconic title track to the jagged urgency of “Identity,” this wasn’t just noise — it was a manifesto.

In this episode, I explore:

• The cultural climate of 1977 Britain
• Why Germfree Adolescents still sounds so fresh and dangerous
• Poly Styrene’s legacy and influence
• How X-Ray Spex stood apart from their contemporaries

If you think punk was just three chords and attitude, this album proves it was also intellect, individuality, and rebellion in its purest form.

Part 2 of 50 Years of Punk is loud, colourful, and uncompromising — just the way it should be.

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This week on Heavy Metal Tones it’s an all-out Extreme Metal Triple Episode – three voices, three visions, and three crushing perspectives from the darker side of heavy music.

First up, I dive into the mind of Nergal, the creative force behind Behemoth. We talk conviction, controversy, creativity, and what it truly means to stand defiantly in your art no matter the cost.

Then things get theatrical and unholy with Graf Von Beelzebub of Mystic Circle, as we explore the dark mysticism, occult imagery, and bombastic black metal that has defined their legacy.

And flying the Australian extreme flag, I sit down with Elliot Sansom from Melbourne’s melodic death metal masters Be'lakor. We break down atmosphere, songwriting depth, and how the band continues to evolve their epic, emotionally charged sound.

Three conversations. Three different shades of extreme. From blackened fury to melodic despair, this episode showcases just how vast and powerful the extreme metal landscape truly is.

Turn it up, embrace the darkness, and welcome to the extreme side of Heavy Metal Tones. 🤘

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Heavy Metal Tones Episode 262 – Rush: Snakes & Arrows

This week on Heavy Metal Tones, I dive deep into Rush’s 2007 album Snakes & Arrows — a record that sees the progressive rock legends embracing heavier riffs, darker themes, and a fiercely modern edge. From its political bite and philosophical weight to Alex Lifeson’s crushing guitar tone, Geddy Lee’s sharp bass work, and Neil Peart’s towering lyrical vision, this episode explores why Snakes & Arrows stands as one of Rush’s boldest late-career statements. A journey through progressive power, social commentary, and unmistakable Rush brilliance.

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