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**

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

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

Solo Playlist-⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xKHLgvk6wRxdChKapLprB?si=7IRGEJ0OSnKr6Vf0ao4jKw&pi=SRzhHrELRrCTa⁠🔥 Welcome to Episode 125 of The Metal Maniacs Podcast — hosted by Jay Ingersoll and Modd, your weekly source for the loudest news, deepest discussions, and heaviest opinions in the world of metal. This week, we plug in, crank up, and dive headfirst into one of the most defining elements of heavy music — the guitar solo.

From blazing shred runs to soul-scorching bends, from blackened tremolo leads to melodic passages that make time stand still — we’re dissecting what makes a great metal solo truly legendary.

In this episode, we explore the solos that shook us, inspired us, and made us want to pick up a guitar in the first place. Whether it’s the fiery precision of Marty Friedman, the emotional chaos of Dimebag Darrell, or the haunting melodic phrasing of Trey Azagthoth, each solo tells a story — one of passion, pain, rebellion, and raw technical mastery.

We break down the anatomy of a perfect metal solo — from tone, phrasing, and timing, to the way emotion and technique collide to create unforgettable moments. It’s not just about how fast you play, but what you say with every note. Expect passionate debates, nerdy breakdowns, and the usual Metal Maniacs banter as Jay and Modd each bring their list of favorites and defend their picks with riffs and reason.

💀 Topics in this episode include:

What defines a great metal solo — emotion vs. technique

The most iconic solos in heavy metal history

Solos that changed the direction of the genre

Hidden gems and underrated soloists you need to hear

The influence of solos in death, thrash, and black metal

Our personal top picks from across the metal spectrum

We also touch on the evolution of solos — how the golden age of guitar heroes paved the way for the chaotic virtuosity of modern extreme metal. From the bluesy roots of early Sabbath to the fretboard madness of Archspire and Obscura, solos remain one of the most personal expressions in all of metal.

This episode isn’t just a list — it’s a full-blown celebration of guitar glory. If you’ve ever air-guitared in your car, rewound a section just to catch that one perfect bend, or debated who had the best solo in history, this one’s for you.

🎧 Whether you’re a guitarist, a metalhead, or just someone who appreciates the art of musical storytelling, you’ll come away from this episode ready to revisit your favorite solos — and maybe discover some new ones that rip just as hard.

🔥 Featuring discussions about:

🎸 Eddie Van Halen

💀 Death

⚡ Metallica

🩸 ⚔️ Megadeth 🌑

⚰️ Morbid Angel

…and many more leads that redefined what it means to shred.

⚡ Join the Maniac Army:

👉 Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify to catch new episodes every week.

👉 Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and community posts from the Michigan metal scene.

👉 Drop a comment with your favorite metal solo of all time — we want to see how your list stacks up against ours.

🧠 The Metal Maniacs Podcast is more than just two dudes talking metal — it’s a community built around passion, respect, and the shared thrill of discovering (and rediscovering) the heaviest music on the planet. Whether it’s interviews with underground legends, deep dives into iconic albums, or episodes like this one where we just geek out over the riffs that shaped us — Metal Maniacs is the home for true fans.

So grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready for 90 minutes of face-melting, soul-shredding metal talk.

🎙️ Episode 125 — “The Greatest Metal Solos of All Time?! | What Makes a Solo ICONIC?”

Hosted by Jay Ingersoll & Modd — Presented by The Metal Maniacs Podcast

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

SPECIAL EDITION :The Metal Maniacs Podcast-Horns up for the holidays benefit

Unruly Brewing and The Metal Maniacs present Horns up for the Holidays. Bands to benefit local families in need for Holidays. All Ages-Pay what you can. Donations welcome.

Colt Snuffer and The Dead Horseman

More Ghosts

Tongue Cutter

Reinventing Yesterday

Iron Sharpens Iron

Kill Tomorrow

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

This episode contains no music from the bands. Streaming has changed their policy to not allow us to use music in our show anymore. You can go to youtube to enjoy the full episode and will have another way for you to enjoy these FULL shows soon. Welcome back maniacs! In the 124th episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd dive headfirst into the 22nd installment of our fan-favorite Reaction Series! You already know what time it is — we’re scouring the underground to find the heaviest, most creative, and most unhinged sounds the metal world has to offer.💀 Bands Featured in this Episode:⚙️ Gear AfflictionKicking off the carnage, we check out Gear Affliction, the solo project of Jon from Slugchild. Raw, riff-heavy, and experimental, this debut EP showcases a range of short bursts and longer cuts of dark, textured metal that hit hard. Jon’s sound brings a mix of industrial grime, progressive grit, and good old-fashioned headbang fuel — perfect for fans of boundary-pushing heavy music. 🎧 Listen: Gear Affliction YouTube Playlist💀 Soul SyphonFrom Lewistown, Pennsylvania, this solo heavy hardcore project is the definition of underground energy. Soul Syphon’s debut EP “Reality is Bleak” (released Feb 21, 2025) blends metallic hardcore aggression with bleak atmosphere. Brutal breakdowns meet emotional catharsis in this self-produced release that feels both personal and punishing. 🔗 Instagram @soulsyphonmusic 🎥 Visualizer⚔️ FedaykinRepresenting Grand Rapids, MI — Fedaykin are here to conquer. Their album “Keter” brings technical riffs, progressive structure, and an undeniable live energy. The band’s mix of modern death metal and melodic flourishes hits like a storm. 🎧 Listen on Spotify⚡ EttrichStraight out of Halle, Germany, Ettrich channels the spirit of the NWOBHM era — think Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden infused with fresh energy. Their debut live track “Dream Maker” proves old-school heavy metal still has fire in its veins. Traditional riffs, melodic hooks, and classic vibes — this one’s for the purists. 🎥 Watch “Dream Maker” (Live)🕯️ Humanity ZeroFrom the crypts of Greece comes Humanity Zero, the funeral doom/death metal duo unleashing their new album “Cursed Be The Gift of Life” on October 15th, 2025 via Satanath Records and Rude Awakening Records. guttural vocals, and atmosphere so thick it’s suffocating. 💿 Five psalms of doom that drag your soul to Hades — this is music from the abyss.🔥 Set Fire To ThisBorn from struggle and survival, Set Fire To This was founded by Jason after a long hospitalization with COVID-19. Joined by Kenneth Jones, Mark Hoag, and Rick Ysasi, the band channels pain into passion. Their modern rock/metal fusion is loaded with heartfelt lyrics, dynamic structures, and a melodic punch that bridges emotion and heaviness. 🎧 Spotify 🎥 Watch on YouTube🧠 StillbornSweatShopExperimental, gritty, and full of attitude, StillbornSweatShop (by Ewan) delivers a raw, industrial-tinged heavy sound that leaves a mark. We dig into his track, offering thoughts on production, songwriting, and the creative vision behind his twisted sonic aesthetic — and what we’d love to hear from him next. 🎥 Listen on YouTube⚰️ RancorClosing the episode, we hit the pit with Rancor — a hardcore/deathcore hybrid from Beckley, West Virginia. Their new track “Struggler” draws inspiration from Berserk, blending anime-fueled storytelling with bone-breaking heaviness. DIY produced and mixed in-house, this track proves these guys are hungry and determined to carve their spot in the scene. 🎧 SpotifyWhether it’s doom from Greece, hardcore from PA, or underground madness from West Virginia — this episode celebrates the global reach of metal and the passion that fuels every riff.🎧 Tune in and bang your head with us as we react, laugh, and celebrate the heavy underground — one submission at a time.Follow Us-https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

On this episode of The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down via Zoom with one of the Midwest’s most terrifyingly powerful death metal forces — CASKET ROBBERY! Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this band has carved out a bloody niche in modern metal by blending crushing grooves, eerie melodies, and horror-inspired atmosphere into a sound that’s unmistakably their own.

We dig deep into the dark roots and evolution of the band, from their humble beginnings in 2011 with founding guitarist Cory Scheider (ex-Luna Mortis, Epicurean), to the arrival of their ferocious vocalist Megan Orvold-Scheider, whose commanding voice and intense stage presence have become synonymous with Casket Robbery’s brand of death metal destruction.

We cover everything from the inception of the band and the origin of their name, to their writing process, tone crafting, production methods, and the bloody live shows that leave fans both terrified and exhilarated. Casket Robbery’s story is one of dedication, evolution, and sheer brutality — with a wink and a scream.

💀 Topics we dive into:

The origins of Casket Robbery and the meaning behind the name

How horror and occult themes fuel their creative process

Developing that signature groovy-meets-gruesome sound

How the band approaches songwriting, tone building, and arrangement

Wisconsin’s underground metal scene — who’s killing it locally

Life on the road, the challenges of touring, and what’s next for the band

We also break down their absolutely lethal discography, from the early self-titled EP (2011) through their monstrous 2022 full-length “Rituals of Death” — a modern death metal masterclass produced by Troy Powell and mixed/mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Featuring standout tracks like “Worm Food,” “Don’t Forget The Eyes” (ft. Keith Wampler of The Convalescence), and “Beautiful Death” (ft. Mary Zimmer), it’s a record that captures everything fans love about the band — groove, filth, melody, and horror.

We even talk about their latest 2024 single, “The Lacryphagist,” a sonic step forward that showcases just how much the band continues to grow and evolve. With its layered production, dynamic vocals, and haunting atmosphere, it’s proof that Casket Robbery is far from done — they’re only getting stronger.

Expect stories about the making of their albums (Evolution of Evil, The Ascension, Rituals of Death), production secrets from Old Dark House Studio and Unintended Studios, and a glimpse into how this band continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal.

If you’re into bands like Jungle Rot, Gojira, Cannibal Corpse, or Pantera, but crave something darker and more theatrical — Casket Robbery is for you. This episode is packed with metal insight, horror lore, and a ton of laughs as we dissect one of the Midwest’s most exciting death metal acts.

🧠 For fans of: Groove-driven death metal, horror themes, relentless energy, and brutal musicianship.

🔥 From Madison to the world — Casket Robbery isn’t just a band… they’re an experience.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and spread the plague — new episodes of The Metal Maniacs Podcast every week, where Jay and Modd bring you the best in underground, heavy, and extreme music.

👉 Follow CASKET ROBBERY:

🌐 casketrobbery.com/linktree

💀www.casketrobbery.com

🎵 Spotify

📸 Instagram/Twitter: @CasketRobbery

👉 Follow The Metal Maniacs Podcast:

YouTube | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi