Signals From Mars Episode 475 - September 2026 Albums Review

What were the best hard rock and heavy metal albums of September 2026? Victor M. Ruiz welcomes Ed Ferguson and Jeremy Weltman for a new releases roundup packed with honest reviews, unexpected discoveries, and some sharply divided opinions. From classic hard rock and NWOBHM to thrash, doom, industrial, grindcore, and extreme metal, the trio separates the essential listens from the disappointments.

Anthrax's Cursum Perficio takes center stage: Victor considers it their strongest album since Joey Belladonna's return, but Ed and Jeremy hear things differently. Is this a late-career high point or a step away from the thrash sound fans love? Europe also sparks discussion with Come This Madness, including comparisons to Deep Purple and praise for John Norum's guitar work.

The episode explores Green Lung's Necropolitan, President's Blood of Your Empire, Audrey Horne's Achilles, Accept's Teutonic Titans, Airbourne, and new music from Tygers of Pan Tang, Cloven Hoof, and Stabbing Westward. Ed spotlights underground discoveries including XION's When Stars Collide, Task Force Toxicator's Countdown to Death, Deviated Instinct's Scavenger Gospel, and BRAT's Manslayer. Jeremy weighs in on The Bites and melodic hard rock, while the conversation moves from old-school riffs to modern metal production and genre-crossing experiments.

With hundreds of releases to consider, the discussion highlights established metal legends alongside emerging bands that deserve more attention. Expect contrasting opinions, hidden gems, and some surprising favorites.

Which September 2026 releases deserve repeat listens? Which unexpected album won over the panel? Hear their weekly picks, disagreements, and recommendations, then tell us what made your own list.

Keywords: September 2026 album reviews, new metal albums 2026, Anthrax Cursum Perficio review, Europe Come This Madness, heavy metal podcast, hard rock reviews, thrash metal, doom metal, underground metal, Signals From Mars.

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Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

Corey J Chatelain

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Signals From Mars Episode 474 - AI Music With Corey J Chatelain

Can AI-generated music be creative, original, and meaningful? In Episode 474 of Signals From Mars, Victor M. Ruiz talks with Corey J Chatelain about using artificial intelligence to create and release music, with a heavy focus on hard rock, heavy metal, progressive metal, thrash, djent, songwriting, and experimentation.

Corey explains how tools such as Suno helped turn ideas he had carried for years into finished musical projects. The discussion explores AI-assisted songwriting, prompting, lyrics, musical influences, creative control, production, distribution through DistroKid, Spotify releases, copyright concerns, ethics, and whether AI should be viewed as a replacement for musicians or simply another creative tool.

The conversation also gets into the practical side of creating AI music: refining prompts, guiding emotional changes within a song, working through multiple generations, correcting vocal pronunciation, shaping lyrics, and trying to make separate projects feel like distinct bands with their own identities. Corey also discusses how AI can open doors for people who understand music creatively but may not have the instrumental ability to perform every idea themselves.

The episode touches on projects including Paint Bucket, Pawn, Left Field Philosophers, Elixir Vitae, Giganticide, and Bards of the Forgotten Verses, while examining how AI can blend metal with progressive, folk, orchestral, and Middle Eastern influences. Rather than giving you a verdict on AI music, the conversation looks at how the technology is actually being used and leaves listeners to decide what they think about the future of AI in music.

Keywords: AI Music, AI Generated Music, Suno AI, Artificial Intelligence Music, AI Songwriting, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Djent, Music Production, DistroKid, Spotify, Corey J Chatelain, Signals From Mars

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Corey J Chatelain / Double C Music

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QQRPA6lbofim6ybWjGoPl

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Signals From Mars Episode 473 - Guitar Live Albums

What are the greatest live albums when the guitarist completely takes over the performance? In Episode 473 of Signals From Mars, we focus on Guitar Live Albums: records where the guitar playing is so powerful, expressive, technical, or over the top that it becomes one of the main reasons the album stands out.

Listeners and friends of the show submitted their ten favorite live albums built around unforgettable guitar performances. We break down the results, discuss what makes a great live guitar record, and look at the impact of legendary solos, extended jams, improvisation, tone, stage energy, and musicians pushing songs far beyond their studio versions.

This is not simply a countdown of famous concert records. The focus is on live albums where the guitarist elevates the music and helps define the entire performance. Some players stretch familiar songs into something completely different onstage, while others deliver solos, riffs, dynamics, and improvisation that make the live version essential listening.

We also talk about what separates an excellent live album from a truly memorable guitar showcase. Is it technical ability, emotion, sound, spontaneity, chemistry with the band, or the feeling that the guitarist is taking risks in front of an audience? The voting brings together different eras and styles of rock and metal while keeping the spotlight firmly on live guitar playing.

This episode is for fans of hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, guitar heroes, live albums, guitar solos, and unforgettable concert recordings. If you love live records where the guitar feels bigger, louder, and more exciting than the studio version, this episode is built for you.

Which live album features your favorite guitar performance? Which guitarist belongs at the top of your own list? Listen to the countdown and compare your choices with the albums that received votes.

Keywords:

Signals From Mars, Guitar Live Albums, Best Live Albums, Greatest Live Albums, Live Guitar Albums, Guitar Solos, Live Guitar Solos, Greatest Guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, Rock Podcast, Metal Podcast, Music Podcast, Live Music

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Signals From Mars Episode 472 - My Kids Top 5 AC/DC

Roman and Adrian return to Signals From Mars to count down their five favorite AC/DC songs. This episode looks at AC/DC through a younger generation of rock fans who are choosing the songs they actually listen to, connect with and keep coming back to, rather than approaching the band through decades of rankings and fan debates.

Victor joins the discussion as they talk about AC/DC classics, deeper cuts, Bon Scott and Brian Johnson-era material, family memories, basketball motivation, gaming, road trips and the songs that have become part of everyday life. Their choices lead into conversations about how younger listeners discover classic rock and hard rock today, why certain AC/DC tracks still connect across generations, and how songs can become tied to specific memories long after their original release.

The episode also expands beyond the Top 5 as Victor compares their choices with his own 45-song AC/DC playlist and puts both kids on the spot over which tracks would make their personal collections. That opens the door to more discussion about AC/DC albums, familiar hits, overlooked songs and tracks they may need to revisit.

There are no spoilers here for Roman or Adrian's complete rankings. Listen to the episode to hear which AC/DC songs make each Top 5, where their tastes overlap, where they differ, and which unexpected choices make the conversation especially interesting.

This is a family rock discussion built around one of hard rock's most influential bands, with AC/DC history, memories, opinions and plenty of classic rock conversation on Signals From Mars Episode 472.

Keywords:

AC/DC, AC/DC Songs, Best AC/DC Songs, Favorite AC/DC Songs, AC/DC Top 5, Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Bon Scott, Malcolm Young, Back In Black, Highway To Hell, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Rock And Roll, Rock Podcast, Music Podcast, Signals From Mars, Episode 472

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

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Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Signals From Mars Episode 471 features the US Vinyl Haul 2026, with a look at the rock and heavy metal albums brought back from a summer trip to the United States.

This vinyl collecting episode covers Corrosion Of Conformity – Good God Baad Man, Mötley Crüe – Too Fast For Love, Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth, Anthrax – Volume 8, Alice In Chains – Alice In Chains, and Megadeth – Megadeth.

Victor discusses the different vinyl editions, packaging, artwork, record store finds, exclusive pressings, pricing, and the reasons these albums were added to the collection. The episode also looks at the realities of vinyl prices in 2026 and how rising costs are affecting buying decisions for collectors.

Among the featured releases are a Walmart exclusive Alice In Chains pressing, the Megadeth Zoetrope vinyl, and a Target exclusive Megadeth CD with additional content. Some of the collector editions impress, while others raise questions about whether premium vinyl releases always deliver enough value.

If you collect vinyl, shop at record stores, follow hard rock and heavy metal, or enjoy comparing different editions of classic and modern albums, this Signals From Mars vinyl haul episode has plenty to explore.

Keywords: Signals From Mars, US Vinyl Haul 2026, Vinyl Haul, Vinyl Collection, Vinyl Collector, Heavy Metal Vinyl, Rock Vinyl, Corrosion Of Conformity, Mötley Crüe, Nine Inch Nails, Anthrax, Alice In Chains, Megadeth

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Steven Sailer

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Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Signals From Mars Episode 470 – July & August 2026 Albums Review

Signals From Mars returns after the August hiatus to kick off year 17 of podcasting with a deep dive into the July and August 2026 rock and metal releases. Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to discuss standout albums, new discoveries, disappointments, surprise favorites, and weekly picks across hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, hardcore, punk, industrial metal, power metal, and more.

The episode covers releases from Deep Purple, L.A. Guns, The Rolling Stones, DevilDriver, Left to Die, Motionless In White, Madball, Cancer Bats, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Flotsam and Jetsam, The Warning, Mastodon, Kicking Valentina, Tokyo Blade, Burning Sun, Exhumer, Led By Vultures, and many more. Which albums stood out, which missed the mark, and which 2026 releases deserve another listen?

Keywords: July 2026 albums, August 2026 albums, 2026 rock albums, 2026 metal albums, hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, new music, album reviews, Signals From Mars

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Signals From Mars Episode 469 – June 2026 Albums Review

Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to review the most notable rock and metal albums released in June 2026. The discussion covers hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, progressive rock, alternative rock, symphonic metal, punk, doom and more.

The episode explores standout releases, unexpected discoveries, disappointing albums and the records each panelist recommends from every week of June 2026. Artists discussed include Evergrey, Jared James Nichols, Midnight Rider, Embryonic Autopsy, Dogstar, Death Cab For Cutie, Converge, Evanescence, Voivod, Joe Holmes, Yes, Spread Eagle, Tarja, Devourment, War Thrash, Matador, U.S. Bastards, The Pretty Reckless, Muse and Switchfoot.

Which June 2026 rock and metal albums deserve more attention? Which releases are worth revisiting, and which ones failed to make an impact? Listen as Victor, Jeremy and Ed compare their monthly picks and highlight music from established artists, underground bands and international metal scenes.

Keywords:

June 2026 Albums Review, New Rock Albums 2026, New Metal Albums 2026, Hard Rock Reviews, Heavy Metal Reviews, Rock Podcast, Metal Podcast, Album Review Podcast, Signals From Mars

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

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Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

Sean Richmond

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Episode 468 of Signals From Mars features Victor M. Ruiz talking with Tom Potter of GUNDRIVER about the band’s return, the upcoming album Give War A Chance, and the heavier modern metal direction behind the new material. The conversation touches on the long gap between releases, songwriting with Alex Rivas, working with Ronnie Romero, the impact of Rev Jones, recording in Hollywood, the single One Man Army, and what GUNDRIVER is building next without giving away the full interview.

For fans of hard rock, heavy metal, modern metal, guitar-driven music, Ronnie Romero, Michael Schenker, Rainbow, Black Label Society, Pantera, Metallica, Anthrax, Godsmack, Disturbed, and bands that mix classic metal power with a raw contemporary edge.

Keywords: GUNDRIVER, Tom Potter, Give War A Chance, Ronnie Romero, Rev Jones, Alex Rivas, One Man Army, Signals From Mars, heavy metal podcast, hard rock interview, modern metal interview

Thank you to my Patrons for all of their support

Steven Sailer

Steve Hoeker

Jeremy Weltman

Mike Jones

Brad Dahl

Mark Strigl

Gabriel Ruiz

Chris Vaglio

Metal Dan

Johan Ederström

Ed Ferguson

Anthony Mackey

Toni Espin

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Social Media Links For GUNDRIVER And Tom Potter

Official Website: https://gundriver.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQLlECYRB-KJIppm9n9ji7w

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gundriverofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Gundriver-100063486459960/

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