The godfather of heavy riffs.
The architect of heavy metal.
The guitarist's guitarist.

In this episode the Shit Talk duo digs into Tony Iommi’s new single “World Alone” and share their completely unsolicited take on what they think works musically—and what doesn’t.

Get out the pitchforks people, there are hot takes inbound: While both agree the riffs, production, and musicianship are solid, they wrestle with the vocal style and whether it works. It's hard to ever say anything negative about a project with a guy like Tony; A man with so much history, influence and talent rarely misses the mark.

Derek and John also get into a wider celebration of heavy music’s momentum, from standout women-led metal bands like Dogma, Castle Rat, Witch Club Satan, Die Spitz and Frayle to a broader look at the genre’s evolving scene. Light up the torches and get ready to march into the comment section.

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#TonyIommi #Iommi #RiffMaster #GodfatherOfHeavyMetal #BlackSabbath #OzzyOsbourne #GeezerButler #BillWard #RonnieJamesDio #HeavenAndHell #HeavyMetal #DoomMetal #ClassicRock #HardRock #MetalHead #BritishMetal #worldalone

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Uncover the behind-the-scenes genius of Aaron Bruno — the mastermind blending heavy music, pop sensibility, and wild creativity in ways you’ve never heard before.

If you haven’t seen part one of our chat with Aaron Bruno, be sure to start there and then pop back over here!

Aaron Bruno, the iconic voice behind AWOL Nation and now the fiery Barbarians of California, reveals how he's breaking the rules of heavy music, blending genres, and infusing humor into hardcore. From his early bands through the wildly successful AWOLNATION to his eye-opening take on the modern music landscape, Bruno shares how he’s transforming heavy, chaotic sounds into accessible, fun, and dangerously catchy hits.

Aaron talks about how releasing singles instead of full albums keeps his music fresh and vital; the secrets behind his unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and metal and how it has matured over decades; and how his relentless passion for good vibes, humor, and authenticity shapes his work. Plus, Aaron dives into the importance of staying playful amidst the chaos and how music remains his ultimate escape — a visceral, emotional connection he’s cultivated for over 30 years.

This episode is essential listening for any fan of boundary-pushing music, genre-bending artistry, or anyone craving a candid, raw journey through the chaos and creativity of an artist redefining what heavy means. If you want real insight, hilarious stories, and a taste of the future of heavy music, hit play now — before someone steals your attention.

Aaron Bruno is a legend in the making, blending humor, authenticity, and sheer talent, and this episode is your exclusive ticket inside his wild, inspiring world.00:00

00:00 Aaron’s YouTube rabbit holes
03:10 Snarkcore – the next new genre of music
07:08 The marketing and videos for TBoC
09:50 Dangerous vulnerability
12:13 Quickies
18:10 Winning a Grammy, pantsless maybe?
21:30 The NFL, working for The Raiders and $10k haircuts

#aaronbruno #barbariansofcalifornia #awolnation #sail #run #megatons #gnashingmyteeth #vanillalatte #dopamineprophecy #wherearethepunks #metal #hardcore #nfl #tombrady #lawrencetaylor #lasvegasraiders

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Aaron Bruno breaks the mold—and the rules—in a conversation packed with raw honesty, beeline humor, and insider stories music fans will love. From celebrating his journey with AWOLNATION and now The Barbarians Of California to revealing how a hardcore kid’s vocals matured into arena-level skills, Bruno pulls back the curtain on creativity, fame, and the unbreakable bond with his fans—plus, the tales of stage-storming with legends like Rage Against the Machine and Chuck D.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving the real story behind the heavy riffs, heavy emotions, and the hilarious, rebellious spirit that fuels Bruno's evolution as an artist and a dad navigating the chaos of life and music.

In this candid chat, Aaron shares how the latest project, The Barbarians of California, is more than a band—it's a reflection of his own unfiltered, fun-loving personality that refuses to take itself too seriously, even as it dominates the heavy music scene. Discover how releasing singles instead of waiting for a full album keeps fans hooked and the unexpected crossover with a mainstream audience. We talk about Bruno’s unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and how that ferocity makes his music both dangerously fun and deeply emotional. Plus, get a glimpse into the future of heavy music—Bruno believes we've only scratched the surface of what’s possible when old genres collide with fresh, snarky innovation.

Why get into this chat? Because this is about more than music; it’s a cultural defiance wrapped in humor, authenticity, and pure unadulterated fun. If you're a fan of heavy riffs masked in humor, love stories of musical rebellion, or simply need a dose of honest, unfiltered creativity—this episode is your playground. Get ready for stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain—plus, Bruno’s take on everything from stage antics to dreams of jazzing up the Grammy stage and bringing back marching powder to the NFL.

Guest credentials: Aaron Bruno is the brain behind AWOLNATION known for hits like "Sail" and "Run," blending emotional storytelling with genre-defying energy. His latest project, The Barbarians of California, pushes boundaries with humor and heaviness, consolidating his place as an innovator in modern rock and metal. Bruno's journey from hardcore roots to mainstream success is an ongoing story of authenticity, fun, and fearless experimentation.

00:00 Introduction and MEGATONS
05:00 Arena shows and headline tours
07:15 Aaron's voice, RATM and Chuck D
14:44 Guest appearances and writing MEGATONS
21:45 New vibe with drummer Linden Reed
24:15 Crossover AWOL fans
29:12 The humor of heavy music and Lou Koller
31:45 Listener questions
40:45 Music as escapism

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Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts

#AaronBruno #megatons #andnowimjustgnashingmyteeth #hardcore #snarkcore #bombtoaknifefight #modernfashion #gnarlycore #snarkcore #thelibrary #bazooka #vanillalatte #rad #dopamineprophecy #Awolnation #Sail #TheBarbariansOfCalifornia #HometownHero #UnderTheInfluenceOfGiantsGenre #AltRock #IndieRock #RockMusic

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