This week, Jay and Modd dive deep into one of the most explosive, misunderstood, and undeniably iconic elements of heavy music: **THE BREAKDOWN**. But not the typical crowd-picked favorites — we’re talking the breakdowns that *we* think truly rewrote the rules, flipped entire genres on their heads, and made metal fans everywhere stop what they were doing and say: “Holy sh*t.”

Before we get into our picks, we break down (no pun intended) what a breakdown actually is, why it matters in metal, and how it became a cornerstone of some of the heaviest subgenres on the planet.

We explore how a great breakdown works:

* The **half-time drum shift** that makes everything hit harder.

* **Palm-muted chugs** synced to the kick drum.

* The importance of **space, repetition, and tension**.

* How drop tunings, syncopation, and rhythmic simplicity create maximum impact.

* Why breakdowns often become the *identity* of a band or album.

Breakdowns aren’t just musical moments — they’re **communal experiences**. They’re the point in a show where the crowd becomes part of the song: the pit opens, the adrenaline spikes, the riff takes over, and chaos becomes art.

After breaking down the anatomy of a breakdown, Jay and Modd reveal their personal list of **underrated, overlooked, and genre-defining breakdowns** — the ones that shaped our listening habits and set the bar for heaviness:

Throughout the episode, we discuss why these moments hit so hard, what makes them stand out from the sea of breakdowns across metal, and how they’ve shaped the bands that came after. We also share stories about discovering these tracks, seeing them live, and how breakdowns have evolved from the 90s to now.

This is a must-listen episode for metalcore fans, deathcore kids, old-school purists, and anyone who loves a riff that hits like a wrecking ball.

Listen. Headbang. Debate us.

What’s YOUR favorite breakdown of all time?

#MetalManiacsPodcast #MetalBreakdowns #MachineHead #DespisedIcon #AsBloodRunsBlack #Carcass #Deathcore #Metalcore #HeavyMetalPodcast #JayIngersoll #Modd**

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Episode 127 – The Metal Maniacs Podcast w/ Jay Ingersoll & Modd

Guest: Neverender (Detroit, MI)

Featuring:

🎤 Justin Savvy – Vocals

🥁 Ted Lietzau – Drums

🎸 Mike Messina – Guitar

🎸 Alex Fuhr – Guitar

This week on The Metal Maniacs Podcast, Jay and Modd sit down with one of the most exciting up-and-coming forces out of the Detroit heavy scene — NEVERENDER. Combining brutal groove, technical precision, and rap-infused vocal fire, Neverender are forging their own path in the modern metal landscape.

In this episode, we go deep into the inception of the band, the meaning behind the name Neverender, and their highly anticipated debut full-length Alpha Wave, dropping February 28, 2025 — a 9-track monster clocking in at 40 minutes of pure controlled chaos.

We break down the record track by track, from the eerie skit intro “Reminiscence” to the skull-splitting breakdowns of “M.O.S.H.”, the relentless riffs of “Malignant”, and the melodic closing power of “Forever.” Jay and Modd share their thoughts on the record’s production, tones, and unique songwriting structure — calling out how the trem riffs hit hard, the vocal patterns command attention, and the grooves bring a fresh bounce to heavy music.

Neverender reveal the creative process behind Alpha Wave:

How they develop and arrange their songs, riffs, and patterns.

When and why they decide to drop a solo.

How collaboration, critique, and evolution play into their sound.

Their practice schedule, studio workflow, and live setup — including guitar tones, tunings, cabs, and drum production.

They also share stories from their early bands, lessons learned along the way, and how their chemistry has solidified into something that feels truly unstoppable.

When it comes to live shows, Neverender aren’t slowing down — the band talks about recent gigs, the energy of the Detroit scene, and upcoming shows that promise to take the Alpha Wave experience to the stage. Touring plans are teased, and there’s plenty more on the horizon for this Detroit juggernaut.

As the conversation unfolds, we also dive into:

The mindset behind writing heavy but catchy music.

How rap, groove, and extreme metal collide in their style.

The inspiration behind their lyrics and the emotions driving their sound.

What each member has been listening to lately and how it’s shaping the next phase of Neverender.

By the end of this episode, it’s clear: Neverender are not just another heavy band — they’re redefining what it means to be modern Detroit metal. Their upcoming record, Alpha Wave, delivers intensity, swagger, and technical mastery in equal measure — a sonic wave that refuses to end.

Tracklist – “Alpha Wave” (Feb 28, 2025):

1️⃣ Reminiscence – Skit-style intro with a rap influence that sets the tone.

2️⃣ Mutiny – Trem-picked madness and rhythmic punch.

3️⃣ M.O.S.H. – Groove, ghost notes, and gremlin vocals collide.

4️⃣ Malignant – Double bass fury and unstoppable riffs.

5️⃣ The Final Gambit – A standout vocal pattern and epic outro melody.

6️⃣ Juggernaut – Bass-driven chaos and pig squeals that rule.

7️⃣ Blurred Reality – Melodic yet crushing, full of dynamic shifts.

8️⃣ Leeches – Nu-metal bounce meets deathcore precision.

9️⃣ Forever – A melodic closer that feels cinematic and cathartic.

📍 From the heart of Detroit’s underground to the forefront of modern metal, this conversation captures the hunger, the craft, and the pure energy that makes Neverender one of the most exciting new names in heavy music.

🎙️ Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

🔗 Follow Neverender:

Bandcamp

Instagram

Facebook

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

METAL MANIACS PODCAST EPISODE #126 | AT WATER (Detroit, MI) – “The Sum of All Parts” Interview + Deep Dive! | Djent, Groove & Alternative Metal Powerhouse!

In Episode 126 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with At Water, a rising djenty, heavy alternative metal band straight from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Blending crushing riffs, precision grooves, and melodic hooks, At Water has carved out a unique space in the Michigan metal scene — and their debut EP “The Sum of All Parts” (released March 28, 2025) proves they’re a force to watch.

💿 Stream the EP:

👉 https://atwatermi.bandcamp.com/

🎥 YouTube: At Water Official Channel

💀 EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

Jay and Modd dive deep with the full At Water lineup:

Rob – Vocals

Pat – Guitar & Songwriting

Nick “Fishy” – Bass & Live Rig Setup

Jordan – Drums

Together, we unpack the band’s origins, their evolving sound, and how they’ve built their technical yet emotional brand of modern metal. From their earliest singles to their latest release, we explore how At Water crafts songs that balance melody, atmosphere, and head-splitting heaviness.

🎶 DISCOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS:

💥 The Sum of All Parts (2025)

Reset – Infectious melodies and killer groove.

Goodbye to Hero – Tight hi-hat work and a standout chorus.

Continuum – Syncopated perfection, great gang vocals, and punchy bass tone.

Departure – Atmospheric clean sections leading into a devastating breakdown.

🧠 SPIRIT Annihilated – October 27, 2025

A fresh single that captures At Water’s blend of haunting melody and djent aggression.

💬 PODCAST TOPICS INCLUDE:

What inspired each member to dive into metal and extreme music

How At Water develops song patterns, grooves, and solos

The band’s creative process and how they handle collaboration & critique

Their evolution from early singles to the polished sound on The Sum of All Parts

Michigan’s metal scene and their role within it

What’s next for At Water in 2025 and beyond

⚡ FOLLOW AT WATER:

🎧 Bandcamp: https://atwatermi.bandcamp.com/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdABEGdVnXCSEIIGolgzLag/videos

📸 Instagram | 🎶 Spotify | 🔥 LinkTree coming soon

🎙️ The Metal Maniacs Podcast brings you the best in underground and extreme metal — interviews, reactions, and Michigan metal scene coverage every week.

👊 Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd

🖤 Subscribe, follow, and support independent metal media!

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