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Review Black Label Society's new single and discuss related music news.

Key Takeaways

• "Name in Blood" is a 9/10 classic BLS track. Its monster riff, tasteful solos, and "chug-and-groove" pace make it the band's best single in a decade.
• A BLS show is set for March 17 at the Orpheum. The lineup includes Dario's Dark Chapel and Zakk Sabbath, with tickets at ~$72–$100.
• Megadeth's new album is the next review topic. The single "Puppet Parade" has a classic '90s thrash tone, but the band's 2001 acoustic album was deemed a failure.

Topics

Black Label Society: "Name in Blood" Review

• The single is a standout track, embodying the classic BLS sound.
• Key Elements:
  • Riff: A "monster" chug-and-groove riff that "swims around the root note."
  • Intro: An ACDC-style clean guitar intro, reminiscent of "Who Made Who."
  • Chorus: A powerful, descending vocal melody with a massive instrumental resolution.
  • Solos: Tasteful and song-serving, featuring Zakk Wylde's signature shred and tasteful double-guitar harmonies.
• Rating: 9/10.
  • Rationale: A near-perfect track, but a 10/10 is reserved for masterpieces like Metallica's "Master of Puppets."
• Concern: The track is so strong it may overshadow the rest of the album, a pattern seen with past singles like "Set You Free."

BLS Live Show & Album Details

• Event: Black Label Society at the Orpheum in Vancouver, BC.
• Date: March 17, 2026.
• Lineup:
  • Dark Chapel (Dario's band)
  • Zakk Sabbath (Zakk Wylde's Black Sabbath cover set)
  • Black Label Society
• Album Release: The new album drops March 27, 2026, ten days after the show.

Music News & General Discussion

• Metallica: 25th anniversary of Jason Newsted's departure.
  • Rumor: A Vegas Sphere residency is planned for late 2026/early 2027.
• Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson Tour: An East Coast/Southern US tour was announced.
  • Manson's Early Philosophy: His '90s interviews revealed a sharp intellect and a belief that music reflects, rather than causes, societal issues like poor parenting.
• Megadeth: The new self-titled album is out this Friday.
  • Single "Puppet Parade": Features a classic '90s thrash tone.
  • "Unplugged in Boston" (2001): The acoustic album was criticized for awkwardly translating thrash songs like "Symphony of Destruction" without proper re-arrangement.

Next Steps

• Mike & Sebastian: Decide whether to attend the March 17 BLS show.
• Mike & Sebastian: Review Megadeth's new album for next week's episode.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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• Alter Bridge - Alter Bridge
  • The band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.
  • Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):
    • Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.
    • Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.
  • Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):
    • Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing (slides, bends) that avoids straight-ahead clichés.
  • "Scales Are Falling":
    • The vocal cadence in the chorus is nearly identical to Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover."
  • "Slave to Master" (9-minute epic):
    • Praise: A career-best song with a powerful, emotional solo compared to David Gilmour's work.
    • Rationale: The solo is purpose-driven, not just flashy, making it the song's "emotional heartbeat."
  • Self-Titled Album:
    • Interpretation: A statement of confidence, declaring "this is who we are" eight albums in, rather than a debut.
• Other Metal Bands:
  • Gojira: New album rumored for 2026 release.
  • Angus McSix: New album coming with a new singer after Thomas Winkler's departure.
  • Amon Amarth: Praised for their unique blend of power and death metal, and their impressive live show (Viking boat).
  • Sabaton: Also praised; the drummer is partnered with singer Floor Jansen.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the fascinating and often tragic story of Days of the New—one of the most eccentric and misunderstood bands to emerge from the ’90s alternative scene. From their explosive debut and unique acoustic-driven sound to internal turmoil, creative brilliance, and a heartbreaking unraveling, we trace the band’s journey from promising beginnings to a bitter end. It’s a story of talent, tension, and what happens when success collides with instability. If you remember the music—or want to understand what really happened—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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We are back with our top albums of 2025, you might have heard of a few of our choices and both of Mike's were on the more obscure side. Dig in for a real fun episode

2025 Music Review

Arch Enemy - Blood Dynasty (Sebastian's Pick)

• Melodic death metal album praised for its classic 90s metal feel.
• Key Track: "Paper Tiger" → Recalls Metallica's "Spit Out the Bone."
• Vocals: Alyssa White-Gluz's growls are clear and intelligible, a key factor for Sebastian.
• Context: White-Gluz departed the band shortly after the album's release, immediately launching a solo single.
• Nite - Cult of the Serpent's Son (Mike's Pick)
  • Authentic 80s-style metal with influences from Metallica, Tool, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.
  • Vocals: "Death metal light" growls are clear enough to understand, which was a key requirement for Mandatory Music.
  • Key Tracks: "Crow" (most-played song of the year) and "The Mystic."
• Yungblud - Yungblud EP (Sebastian's Pick)
  • Six-song EP with Aerosmith, featuring a cover of "Back in the Saddle."
  • Impact: Youngblood's youthful energy revitalized Steven Tyler's performance, making the collaboration a standout.
  • Suggestion: Youngblood needs a dedicated, world-class guitarist (e.g., a modern-day Slash) to form a classic frontman-guitarist duo.
• Wucan - Axioms (Mike's Pick)
  • German band playing 70s-style psychedelic hard rock.
  • Instrumentation: Features keyboards, theremin, and prominent flute (noted as distinct from Jethro Tull).
  • Vibe: Described as a modern album that could have been released in the 70s.
• Miss Monique (Sebastian's Pick)
  • Ukrainian DJ playing melodic house/trance.
  • Format: Releases long (1–2 hour) progressive sets on YouTube, often filmed in remote locations.
  • Style: Subtle, wave-like progression creates a mellow, non-lyrical journey.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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Ever sit around with friends and start asking, “What if this happened… or what if that had gone differently?” That’s exactly what Sebastian and I dove into this week! We picked a few wild “what if” scenarios and had an absolute blast exploring how things might have turned out.
Tune in to hear the twists, turns, laughs, and unexpected answers—we had way too much fun with this one!

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving into soundtracks that are way better than the movies they came from! From the hard-hitting riffs of Maximum Overdrive and the electronic brilliance of Tron: Legacy, to Ares, Last Action Hero, Blue Hawaii, and plenty more — we’re breaking down the albums that made mediocre movies unforgettable. Tune in for a fun, nostalgic, and music-filled discussion that proves sometimes the soundtrack steals the show!

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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🎸 This week on Mandatory Music! 🎸
We’re diving into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ahead of the big ceremony on November 8. Mike and Sebastian break down each artist’s well-deserved spot in rock history — from the long-overdue legends to the surprise early entries. Who got in right on time, and who maybe could’ve waited? Tune in, turn it up, and join the debate! 🤘

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
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This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive headfirst into the massive news from Megadeth — their upcoming album, simply titled “Megadeth.” We break down the tracklist (for better or worse), give our first impressions of the lead single “Tipping Point,” and debate what it says about the band’s direction in 2025.

But that’s not all — Megadeth just dropped a bombshell bonus track: a cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning.” Yep, Dave Mustaine revisits a song he helped write decades ago, putting his own spin on one of metal’s most iconic riffs. You do not want to miss this episode — it’s part nostalgia trip, part breakdown, and 100% metal!

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
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Thanks for listening and keep on rocking