In the 28th installment of the Metal Maniacs Reaction Series, host Jay Ingersoll is joined by special guest Josh Hibbs as we dive into another stacked lineup of underground heavy music from across North America and beyond. From crushing deathcore and groove metal to immersive storytelling, progressive heaviness, and DIY metal passion projects, we're giving our honest reactions to some incredible artists that deserve your attention.

This episode features bands from Canada, Michigan, Chile, and beyond as we continue our mission of helping listeners discover the next wave of heavy music.

🔥 Featured Bands

🇨🇦 ERASE

Coming out of Windsor, Ontario, ERASE is a fully DIY modern metal band built from friendships, determination, and a shared love of heavy music. Writing, recording, engineering, mixing, merchandise, and content creation are all handled in-house. We react to their newest material and discuss their journey from pandemic songwriting sessions to becoming a full-fledged band.

🔗 Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/erase.on

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/erase_on

🪱 SHOVEL MONSTER

Mick and the crew bring us "Worms," a track that immediately caught our attention with its raw energy and underground attitude.

🎥 Watch:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qudccaTvGSY

⚒️ DUG IN

Known for bringing heavy riffs and relentless energy, DUG IN returns with another crushing track that we break down and discuss.

🎥 Watch:

https://youtu.be/jeW9gJfKHTo

⚡ OMEN MACHINE

We got early access to a private viewing link and reacted to the band's upcoming release before it officially dropped. Expect heavy grooves, atmosphere, and plenty to talk about.

🎥 Video:

https://youtu.be/nzldGF2NR-k

🏥 ABIGAIL'S ASYLUM

Imagine an interactive horror movie told through nu metal. Abigail's Asylum combines music, mystery, puzzles, hidden clues, and storytelling to create a unique experience unlike anything else we've covered.

👻 POLTERGEIST

Recommended by friends of the show, Poltergeist delivers an absolutely filthy track with massive Meshuggah and Car Bomb influences. This one gets heavy in a hurry.

🎥 Video:

https://youtu.be/JPQAacOekE0

🎧 Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5knvvOaeHPWtQuRH9L1WuP

🌊 MAWIZA

One of the most exciting metal bands in the world today. The Chilean Grammy-winning groove metal outfit continues to blend Indigenous Mapuche culture with crushing modern metal. We react to "Ngulutu" and discuss why Mawiza has become such an important force in heavy music.

🎥 Video:

https://youtu.be/4YKRpCSpH5k

🎧 Stream:

https://orcd.co/mawizaul

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt

🔥 VEILBORN

Veilborn closes out the episode with their powerful music video for "Burn The Witch." We discuss the band's sound, presentation, and what could be next as they continue working toward a full-length album.

🔗 EPK:

https://epkbuilder.com/site/veilborn

🎥 Burn The Witch:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/181kJqt4ve8qOD9WWWDRNVqOQtLmfsRd3/view

This episode is packed with heavy riffs, brutal breakdowns, underground discoveries, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're searching for your next favorite band or just want to hear honest reactions from fellow metalheads, this one is for you.

💬 Which band was your favorite?

💬 Who should we react to next?

💬 Which artist deserves a full interview on Metal Maniacs?

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FLEETING LIFE Interview | PERMA DEATH EP Breakdown, Video Game Themes & Modern Metalcore Madness! | Metal Maniacs Podcast #159

Metalcore, Nu Metal, Rap Metal, Perma Death EP, Fleeting Life, Michigan Metal, Modern Metalcore, Gaming Inspired Metal, Breakdowns, Metal Podcast

On this episode of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, host Jay Ingersoll sits down with Michigan metalcore powerhouse Fleeting Life to discuss their journey from a small local project to releasing one of the most ambitious independent metal releases of 2026, the crushing new EP Perma Death.

Joining us are:

🎤 Logan Thomas – Vocals

🎸 Jordan Cyr – Rhythm Guitar

🎸 Steven Parent – Lead Guitar

Not here-

🎸 Calen Thibideau – Bass

🥁 Ryan Bontrager – Drums

We dive deep into the band's origins, how Fleeting Life got its unique name, and the evolution of their sound through a catalog of singles that blend metalcore, nu-metal, rap-metal, electronic elements, gaming influences, and massive guest features.

We break down early releases like Leveling Up, Synth-Etic Love, Entities From the Shallow, Freddy Krueger, Star Shopping, and Your Eyes, discussing the experimentation, collaborations, and songwriting that helped shape the band's identity.

The conversation then shifts to their latest release, Perma Death, a massive leap forward in songwriting, production, musicianship, and creativity. We discuss the EP's arcade-inspired artwork, possible gaming influences, and several standout tracks including:

🔥 Advent

🔥 Parasomniac

🔥 Skull

🔥 Would You Kindly?

🔥 Vampire

We talk about the crushing riffs, layered vocals, rap-metal influences, dual guitar harmonies, bass tone, drum production, breakdowns, and the incredible attention to detail throughout the EP.

Other topics include:

⚡ How each song develops from riff ideas to finished tracks

⚡ Writing and arranging solos

⚡ Guest vocalists and collaborations

⚡ Guitar tones, tunings, gear, cabs, and production techniques

⚡ Backing tracks and live performance setups

⚡ Practice routines and band chemistry

⚡ Favorite gaming influences in their music

⚡ Touring goals and upcoming shows

⚡ Worst live show experiences

⚡ What first got the members into metal and extreme music

⚡ Hobbies outside the band

⚡ What's next for Fleeting Life

If you're a fan of modern metalcore, nu metal, electronic metal, Linkin Park, Bring Me The Horizon, I Prevail, Falling In Reverse, Fame on Fire, From Ashes To New, and genre-bending heavy music, this episode is packed with insight and laughs.

🎧 Listen now and discover one of Michigan's most exciting rising heavy bands.

FOLLOW FLEETING LIFE:

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🔥 MICHIGAN METAL FEST • MIDWEST BRUTAL FEST • METAL FESTIVALS • BATTLE CREEK METAL • STEVE MAPLE • SCOTT HAKES • METAL PODCAST • METAL MANIACS PODCAST 🔥

Welcome to Episode 158 of the Metal Maniacs Podcast hosted by Jay Ingersoll!

In this episode, Jay sits down with Steve Maple and Scott Hakes, the driving forces behind two of Michigan's biggest independent heavy music events: Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brutal Fest.

We dive deep into the history, growth, and future of these festivals, discussing everything from booking bands and building lineups to sponsorships, VIP experiences, volunteer crews, and what it really takes to run successful metal festivals in today's music scene.

Michigan Metal Fest has become one of the Midwest's premier metal destinations since launching in 2017, bringing together local favorites, national touring acts, vendors, artists, and passionate fans for an unforgettable weekend in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Meanwhile, Midwest Brutal Fest has quickly become one of the region's most exciting new events, offering a unique multi-stage experience, killer VIP packages, and an atmosphere designed for fans of deathcore, hardcore, brutal death metal, nu-metal, and beyond.

Topics discussed include:

⚡ The origins of Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brutal Fest

⚡ Building festival lineups and selecting bands

⚡ The realities of festival promotion and logistics

⚡ VIP experiences and fan engagement

⚡ Sponsorships and community partnerships

⚡ Supporting local and regional metal bands

⚡ The growth of Michigan's metal scene

⚡ Volunteer teams and behind-the-scenes challenges

⚡ Future plans for both festivals

⚡ Advice for bands looking to get booked

Featured bands and artists discussed include Green Jellÿ, Psychostick, Crossbreed, Monochromatic Black, Hemlock, Rose Funeral, Gore Pig, Ghost In Motion, Let It Rot, Killcrown, King's Glass, and many more.

Whether you're a musician, promoter, festival-goer, or simply a fan of heavy music, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the curtain at what it takes to build successful metal festivals from the ground up.

🎟️ Get Tickets & Learn More:

Michigan Metal Fest:

https://michiganmetalfest.net

Midwest Brutal Fest:

https://midwestbrutalfest.com

Follow Michigan Metal Fest:

https://www.facebook.com/MichiganMetalFest

Follow Midwest Brutal Fest:

https://www.facebook.com/MidwestBrutalFest

🎧 Listen to Metal Maniacs Podcast:

Follow Metal Maniacs:

Facebook:

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/metalmaniacsmi

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@MetalManiacsPodcast

If you enjoy interviews with metal musicians, promoters, festival organizers, and members of the heavy music community, be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode.

#MichiganMetalFest #MidwestBrutalFest #MetalFestival #MetalPodcast #BattleCreekMichigan #HeavyMetal #Deathcore #Metalcore #Hardcore #MetalCommunity #MichiganMetal #FestivalSeason #MetalManiacsPodcast #JayIngersoll #SteveMaple #ScottHakes

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This one's for the inner circle. Jay Ingersoll breaks down the biggest — and most slept-on — metal releases from April and May 2026 in this exclusive Patreon member episode. 27 albums. One episode. Zero filler. Every month, Patreon members get Jay's unfiltered takes on the freshest metal releases AND get to throw their own album recommendations into the mix for next month. This is where the real Metal Maniacs conversation happens.

👉 Join the Metal Maniacs Patreon & recommend next month's albums:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheMetalManiacsPodcast

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🔥 STANDOUT RELEASES THIS EPISODE

─────────────────────────────

⚡ Dimmu Borgir – Grand Serpent Rising (May 22)

⚡ Periphery – A Pale White Dot (May 15)

⚡ Frozen Soul – No Place of Warmth (Feb 13)

⚡ IATT – Etheric Realms of the Night (May 8)

⚡ Infected Dead – Invicta EP | Prod. V. Santura (May 1)

⚡ Volcandra– Beyond The Will of Mortals | Prosthetic Records (April 24)

⚡ Cognizance – In Light, No Shape (May 1)

⚡ Lago – Vigil | Everlasting Spew Records (May 8)

⚡ Eastern Skylines – Gravity (April 20)

─────────────────────────────

📋 FULL ALBUM LIST

─────────────────────────────

• Vomitory – In Death Throes| Metal Blade (April 10)

• Devoid of Thought – S/T (April 24)

• Vomit Forth – In the Name of the Father EP (April 23)

• Portrayal of Guilt – ...Beginning of the End (April 24)

• Six Feet Under – Next to Die (April 24)

• Eyes of Salt – Collapse of the Infinite (April 24)

• Serpent Icon – Tombstone Stories EP (March 6)

• Cage Fight – Exuvia (May 1)

• Sevendust – One* (May 1)

• Detach the Islands – Concrete Jungle EP (May 1)

• No Grave – Suffer EP (May 1)

• Vctms – Pain Processing II (May 1)

• Ingested – Denigration (May 8)

• Jungle Rot – Cruel Face of War (May 8)

• Gadget – Coerced (May 8)

• Darkthrone – *Pre-Historic Metal (May 8)

• Darko US – Oni 2 | Self-Released (May 5)

• Pro-Pain – Stone Cold Anger (May 15)

─────────────────────────────

🔒 ABOUT THIS PATREON SERIES

─────────────────────────────

Every month, Metal Maniacs drops this exclusive album review episode for Patreon members only. Catch up on everything worth hearing in heavy music, discover your next favorite band, and drop your recommendations to shape next month's list. The community drives the conversation — your picks might make the next episode.

👉 **[Your Patreon Link]**

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📡 FOLLOW THE METAL MANIACS

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Support underground metal. Share the episode. Leave a review. 🤘

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This week on The Metal Maniacs Podcast (Ep 157), host Jay Ingersoll sits down with three‑fourths of heavy post‑hardcore breakout Dog Skull — Brad Jahr (bass), Jackson Filion (guitar), and Chance Reyes (drums) — to talk about life on the road, the grind of DIY touring, and carving a modern sound rooted in underground grit. With Jack (vocals) away this round, the band opens up about everything from their East Coast Tour (4/1 – 4/10) to the writing sessions behind one of Michigan’s freshest heavy releases.

Dog Skull has been turning heads across the Midwest with their fusion of raw emotion, groove‑driven riffs, and punk energy — a sound fans of Helmet, Bad Religion, and Trapped Under Ice will instantly connect with. Recorded and produced with the care of veterans who know “clean doesn’t mean soft,” their self‑titled LP (released July 17, 2025) cements them as a serious force in the heavy underground movement.

We dig deep into the band’s inception and influences, how each member contributes to the crisp production and tight live chemistry, and what keeps them motivated to chase authenticity in a saturated heavy scene. Expect laughs, road stories, and insight into how these guys balance brutal honesty and unshakable fun in their songwriting.

💿 Dog Skull (Self‑Titled, 2025) – Highlights Discussed

1. The Old Man The Boat – Catchy opener with thunderous bass and syncopated drum drive.

2. Pressure – Raw punk energy and tasteful vox placement discussion.

3. Face of God – Hooks for days + the “friends support builds momentum” chat.

4. Animal Race – High‑energy intro to groove transition breakdown.

5. So Perfect – Nu‑metal adjacent rhythms & creative guitar textures.

6. Tied To – Bass stops and bridge breakdown highlight (must‑listen).

7. Excuse for an End – Heavier take with descending riffs and samples.

8. No Friend of Mine – Disco‑beat meets Static X vibes; non‑stop vocals.

9. None, the Wiser – Grunge‑inspired bends and rock drive closer.

🗣️ Interview Segments

- Band origin story & West Michigan roots

- Creative process and riff building

- Songwriting dynamics and production style

- Post‑tour decompression and future plans

- Favorite shows and road moments

- Top heavy records that shaped each member

- Life outside band  🎸☠️

⚙️ SEO Tags / Keywords

Dog Skull Podcast, Dog Skull Interview, West Michigan Post Hardcore Band, Michigan Metal Scene, Underground Hardcore 2026, Metal Maniacs Podcast, Heavy Bands 2026, Post Hardcore 2026, Dog Skull Tour, Midwest Heavy Music, Musicians Interview Podcast, Metal Podcast Dog Skull, New Hardcore 2026, Heavy Post‑Hardcore Band Interview

🔗 Listen / Follow-https://dogskull.bandcamp.com/

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About The Show:

The Metal Maniacs Podcast is the Midwest’s underground source for all things heavy — from black, death and hardcore to punk and post‑metal. Hosted by Jay Ingersoll, we sit down with bands, creators, and scene lifers who keep heavy music alive. Every episode dives into the craft behind the chaos — recording stories, gear nerd talk, funny tour moments, and honest discussion about art and life in the underground.

👉 Subscribe, rate & review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to support independent metal stories.

Hit the bell 🔔 on YouTube for new interviews with bands like Dog Skull

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Episode 155 of the Metal Maniacs Podcast features the return of Detroit progressive metal powerhouse ANNEX VOID. Host Jay Ingersoll reconnects with the band after their last appearance on Episode 84 (Feb 2025), diving into everything that’s changed—from lineup shifts to a sharper, more focused sound.

We kick things off by listening to and breaking down their brand new single “Static Ghost”, out everywhere now. The track showcases Annex Void’s signature blend of intricate grooves, harmonic depth, and raw intensity, pushing their sound further into modern progressive metal territory.

Hailing from Detroit, MI, ANNEX VOID continues to build momentum after their debut EP Will I Dream (April 5, 2024)—a release that made serious waves with production handled by Jonathan Worgan (Poltergeist) and drum tracking by Eric Sills at Stone Soup Studios. Since then, they’ve shared stages as direct support for Leprous, Greylotus, Conquer Divide, Sarah Longfield, ENMY, and more.

We talk about the current lineup:

Gabby – Vocals

Sam – Bass

Rob – Guitar

Stu – Drums

…and what’s evolved since the last episode, including lineup changes and the departure of former members. (With a cameo appearance from Robby of Ghosts In Motion in the room.)

This episode dives deep into:

The creative process behind “Static Ghost”

Writing and recording their upcoming full-length album

Songs that didn’t make the cut—and why

How their songwriting approach has changed (and what they’ve unlearned)

When it’s “too soon” to start writing again

Gear talk including live setup and using the X32

Recent shows (including Mac’s) and building momentum

Upheaval Fest appearance and future plans

What a true “level up” year looks like for Annex Void

Local bands people are sleeping on

What they want new listeners in 2026 to feel when hearing them

Annex Void continues to carve out a unique lane in the progressive metal scene—balancing technicality with emotion, groove with atmosphere, and precision with chaos. If you’re into forward-thinking heavy music, this is one you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen / Subscribe to Metal Maniacs:

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🔥 Follow ANNEX VOID:

https://linktr.ee/annexvoid

💀 Subscribe for weekly interviews, reactions, and deep dives into the underground metal scene.

#AnnexVoid #StaticGhost #ProgressiveMetal #MetalPodcast #MetalManiacs #DetroitMetal #UpheavalFest #ProgMetal #NewMetal #UndergroundMetal

In Episode 154 of the Metal Maniacs Podcast, host Jay Ingersoll sits down with Michigan metal veterans Withhold The Blood to break down over 16 years of grinding through the underground scene. From their early inception around 2010 to their latest 2026 single Nation of Fallacy, this episode dives deep into evolution, persistence, and crushing riffs.

We talk about the current lineup featuring Jesse (vocals), Eli (drums), and Brandon (guitar), and how the band has stayed alive through lineup changes, limited online presence, and years between releases. Despite the chaos, the passion for heavy music never left.

We revisit their early work including the 2014 EP Detached From Reality, featuring long-form songwriting, massive riffs, and vocal highs reminiscent of Randy Blythe. Tracks like “The Chosen” and “Eye For Misery” showcase their early blend of groove, melody, and raw aggression.

Then we dig into 2018’s Aberration, where the band leveled up—introducing heavier tones, tighter production, double bass intensity, and stronger deathcore influences. Songs like “Impulse to Kill,” “Broken Dreams,” and “Empty Confessions” highlight their growth in songwriting, rhythm, and technicality.

Their newest release, “Nation of Fallacy” (2026), pushes even further—leaning harder into deathcore with relentless vocals, sharp melodic experimentation, and standout guitar work. This track feels like a natural evolution of Aberration while carving a heavier, more refined identity.

We also cover:

The band’s origin and what kept them going for over a decade

Lineup changes including past drummers like Levi Smith, Gary Swaggerty, and Mike Miller

Their writing process, riff development, and solo decisions

Production approach, tone, gear, and tuning choices

Live shows, touring history (including 2019 runs), and recent gigs with Vestigial

Practice routines and collaboration dynamics

Life outside music, gaming, and influences they’re listening to now

What’s next for Withhold The Blood

This is a must-listen for fans of metalcore, deathcore, groove metal, and underground heavy music culture.

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🔥 Follow Withhold The Blood:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/39bn5UNKbA5W1egRdqBjSg?si=m_7PjAxpQFqtj7ccLv6WFQ

💀 Subscribe for weekly metal interviews, reactions, and deep dives into the underground scene.