Episodes

Dec 14

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 8

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 production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides enough facts and figures to put the song in its appropriate historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 1

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24

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 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 2

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 13

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15

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 featured on, and, as always, we get some historical context from author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8

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 gives us some historical perspective on the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1

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 Bowl. As always, author Martin Popoff also joins in to give some historical context for the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 28

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14

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 provides some historical context to the release of the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7

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. For more on Albert Bouchard, be sure to go to albertbouchard.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 16

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 16

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26

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 Popoff also provides background on the song, which is the first US recording featuring Yngwie Malmsteen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12

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 incredibly background information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21

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 tremendous information as always from author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7

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 Our friends at HeroCarePackages.com can help you show your support and uplift our service members with your own customizable package. You'll get 10% off if you use the code METAL 1982. The code METAL1982 will also save you 15% on your order from OldGlory.com for concert, sports or entertainment merchandise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31

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. Our friends at HeroCarePackages.com can help you show your support and uplift our service members with your own customizable package. You'll get 10% off if you use the code METAL1982. The code METAL1982 will also save you 15% on your order from OldGlory.com for concert, sports or entertainment merchandise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24

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. Make sure to check out our friends at HeroPackages.com to show your support and uplift our service members with your own customizable package. Enter the code METAL1982 to get 10% off. You can also use that code, METAL1982 at OldGlory.com to get 15% off your order on concert, sports or entertainment merchandise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17

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, Make sure to check out our friends at HeroCarePackages.com to show your support and uplift our service members with your own customizable package. Enter the code METAL 1982 to get 10% off. You can also use the code METAL1982 at OldGlory.com to get 15% off your order on concert, sports or entertainment merchandise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10

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. Make sure to check out our friends at HeroCarePackages.Com to show your support and uplift our service members with your own customizable package. Enter the code METAL1982 to get 10% off. You can also use the code METAL1982 at OldGlory.Com to get 15% off your order on concert, sports or entertainment merchandise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 2

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Slayer's "Hell Awaits" with author Martin Popoff, producer Bill Metoyer (who produced the record) and guitarist Blasko (who has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie and Cryptic Slaugher. Be sure to check out our friends at Old Glory and when you order at OldGlory.com, be sure to use the promo code Metal1982 to get 15% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the King Diamond classic "The 7th Day of July 1777" with author Martin Popoff, producer Marc Lewis and King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque, who played on this song. Be sure to check out our friends at Old Glory and when you order at OldGlory.Com, make sure to use the promo code Metal1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the Van Halen classic "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love". As always, he's joined by author Martin Popoff, producer Mark Lewis and musician Rob Caggiano, formerly of Volbeat and Anthrax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10

Host and Metal Bade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusss System of a Down's "Hypnotize". As always, Brian checks in with author Martin Popoff. Then he talks about the production of the record with Dave Schiffman before visiting with comedian Craig Gass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel discusses the great Amon Amarth song "Twilight of the Thunder God" with author Martin Popoff, producer Marc Lewis and Amon Amarth's Johan Hegg. Be sure to check out our friends at Old Glory and every order at OldGlory.Com, make sure to use the promo code Metal1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27

This week, Host and Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel tackles a band that he absolutely considers to be a metal band, despite their characterization as part of the early 90's Seattle grunge scene: Alice in Chains and their song "Them Bones" which leads off their album "Dirt". To discuss the song with Brian are author and rock and metal historian Martin Popoff, producer Mark Lewis and the man who signed Alice in Chains to their record deal, the band's A & R manager Nick Terzo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel discusses the classic Pantera song "Cowboys From Hell". As always, he's joined by author Martin Popoff, then, producer Mark Lewis examines the production of the song, and finally Nick Stewart of Power Trip talks about the band's influence on his band, who are about to head out on a European tour with the current version of Pantera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13

This week, Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel focuses on Motorhead's "Ace of Spades. Joining him are author Martin Popoff, producer Bill Metoyer (who also talks about this week's wildfires in Los Angeles) and comedian Jim Florentine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Cannibal Corpse's "Hammer Smashed Face" with the band's drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz, producer Jay Ruston and, as always, author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 2024

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel discusses Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" with author Martin Popoff, "Bladtcast" and "Who Are These Broadcasters?" host and producer Christian Bladt (who co-created this show) and Martin Rind of Sacred Reich, who covered the song on their album "Surf Nicaragua". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 2024

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel discusses Blue Oyster Cult's "Astronomy" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and current Blue Oyster Cult member Richie Castellano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2024

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel talks about Judas Priest's "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and Steffan Chirazi of The Metallica Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024

Host and CEO of Metal Blade Records Brian Slagel discusses Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and comedian / host of Pantheon Podcasts' "Rock Strap", Don Jamieson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2024

Metal Blade Records CEO discusses Slayer's "Black Magic" with producer Bill Matoyer and slayer guitarist Kerry King. Plus. as with every episode, some facts and figures about the song from author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2024

Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records breaks down Armored Saint's "March of the Saint" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and Armored Saint singer John Bush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2024

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Metallica's "One" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and chef Chris Santos of "Chopped". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2024

In the debut episode of "100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal", Metal Blade Records CEO and your host Brian Slagel examines Alice Cooper's "Elected" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and musician Lizzy Borden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2024

Host Brian Slagel of Metal Blade records talks about Anthrax's "Caught in a Mosh" with author Martin Popoff, producer Jay Ruston and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2024

Welcome to 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal , the ultimate journey into the heart of heavy music, hosted by Metal Blade Records’ founder, Brian Slagel. Each week, Brian dives into one of his personally curated tracks from his list of the heaviest songs in metal and hard rock, exploring the music that shaped a genre. With special guest musicians—some who wrote and recorded these iconic songs and others who found inspiration in them—the show unearths the stories behind each track. Whether you’re a lifelong metalhead or a new fan, this podcast brings you closer to the music and the legends who define it. Joining Brian are music journalist and critic Martin Popoff, offering deep historical context for each song, and acclaimed producer Jay Ruston, who provides technical insights into how these heavy anthems were crafted. Together, they bring an all-encompassing look at the hits that set the stage for metal and continue to inspire. Subscribe to 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal and discover the unforgettable songs that live at the core of heavy music, one groundbreaking track at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices