The Metal Cell Podcast

Richard Duhig
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Irelands premier and award winning Metal Music Podcast. The Metal Cell Podcast sets out to promote the Irish Metal Scene by talking to the bands, promoters, artists and fans of this musical genre. I hope to interview as many generations as possible involved in the Irish Metal community from those who create the music, design the artwork, promote the gigs or simply fans of the music itself. It's one of the most exciting times ever to be a Metal fan in Ireland with so many home grown and international metal bands touring our cities and releasing incredible music. This Podcast has become a solid link in communicating our voices throughout the world wide Metal community. The bonds forged in the Metal Scene are strong, loyal and lasting. Friendships created that traverse oceans and continents, which saw the podcast charting in Europe, the America's, and Asia. Thank you all for listening and for your support, Richie. #supportyourlocalmetalscene

  1. 9 hrs ago

    TOOMS: Beauty, Decay & The Monster Beneath – A Deep Dive into Karst.

    On this episode, I’m joined by all three members of Irish progressive sludge metal force Tooms — Anto Donnellan (bass), Kieran Grace (drums/vocals), and Alex Hölzinger (guitars/vocals) — for an in-depth track-by-track exploration of their crushing new album, Karst. Together, we unpack the origins of the record, the band's evolution from their earlier work, and how Karst became the most complete expression of TOOMS' identity to date. From the earth-shaking opening of "Blood Rust Of Cudgel And Quill" to the staggering finale "Physics Beyond The Standard Model", we examine the stories, emotions, and creative decisions behind every track. We also discuss the album's striking cover artwork and why its haunting floral imagery may be far more connected to the music than it first appears. The band reflects on the recording process with long-time collaborator Chris Quigley, working with acclaimed mixer Matt Bayles and mastering engineer Chris Fielding, the influence of post-metal and extreme music, and how Karst pushes beyond traditional sludge metal into something darker, broader, and more immersive. This is a conversation about riffs, certainly—but it's also about landscape, pressure, collapse, survival, and the strange beauty that can be found in the darkest places. If you've already fallen under the spell of Karst, or you're discovering TOOMS for the first time, this is the definitive deep dive into one of the most compelling heavy releases of the year. TOOMS links: https://tooms.bandcamp.com https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/karst

    1hr 35min

  2. 29 May

    LAVEIN | Peter Cooney Talks Recovery, Perspective & “But I Urged Caution | The Metal Cell Podcast.

    Peter Cooney of Dublin hardcore/metal outfit LaVein joins us on The Metal Cell Podcast for an honest and intense conversation surrounding the band’s new EP “But I Urged Caution”. We dive deep into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the evolution of LaVein since “Fine Failure”, the impact of playing Bloodstock Festival, and the growing force of the Irish heavy music scene. Peter also opens up about his battle with Stage Two Hodgkin Lymphoma, how it changed his perspective on music and life, and what getting back on stage means to him now. 🔥 Topics include: New EP “But I Urged Caution” New single “Puncture Wounds” Bloodstock Festival experience Irish hardcore & metal in 2026 Touring & live intensity Hodgkin Lymphoma recovery The future of LaVein. Cooking & TV with Pete. Band link: https://lavein.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-urged-caution-2 🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with the best heavy bands from Ireland and beyond. LaVein #PeterCooney #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #Hardcore #Metalcore #Bloodstock #HeavyMusic #Podcast

    1hr 1min

  3. 27 May

    INCARCERATED: Inside Necrosphere, working with Flemming Rasmussen & upcoming Irish Tour.

    London-based extreme metal force INCARCERATED joins Letty for a crushing new episode discussing the band’s rise, creative vision, and devastating debut album Necrosphere. Letty sits down with Brazilian members Lander da Silva (Vocals/Guitars) and Rafael Rojo (Lead Guitar) to talk about the formation of the multinational London-based outfit, their blend of Thrash and Death Metal, the recording process behind Necrosphere, and working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios. The band also discusses their upcoming Irish run this June, where they’ll perform four consecutive shows alongside support acts Deserted, Mourning The Heretic, War of Attrition, and Cursed Sun. 📍 Irish Tour Dates: • June 11 – Cork – Dali • June 12 – Limerick – Pharmacia • June 13 – Dublin – Fibber Magees • June 14 – Belfast – Voodoo Belfast Band link: https://incarcerated.bandcamp.com ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #ThrashDeath #Metalhead #SupportUndergroundMetal #MetalTour

    38 min

  4. 15 May

    CANCER PUNCHER II: Steve Hobson (Bad Boat/Cancer Puncher organiser), Carl King (Two Tales of Woe) & Gareth Ruddock (Skypilot)

    In this pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Steve Hobson — organiser of Cancer Puncher and drummer of Bad Boat — alongside Carl King of Two Tales of Woe and Gareth Ruddock of Skypilot to talk all things Cancer Puncher 2. We discuss how the original Cancer Puncher charity event came together following the diagnosis of Lymphoma in Haint frontman Ian, as well as the impact cancer has had on friends, family and members of the local music scene. Steve opens up about organizing the first event, the incredible response from bands and fans, and raising more than €3,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Belfast City Hospital Cancer Unit and Southern Hospice Trust. The conversation also covers the upcoming Cancer Puncher 2 event, the importance of the Metal and alternative scene pulling together for charity, raffle prizes donated by bands including Therapy?, Ten Ton Slug and Slomatics, and why this final event means so much to everyone involved. Topics include: Cancer Puncher 2 charity event Bad Boat reunion Northern Ireland metal scene Two Tales of Woe interview Skypilot interview Charity fundraising through music Cancer awareness and community support Local bands supporting Cancer Focus NI Underground metal and alternative music in Ireland Tickets Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-puncher-ii-tickets-1984458781636 If you enjoy grassroots music, Northern Ireland metal, charity events, podcasts, band interviews and the DIY scene, make sure to like, comment and subscribe. CancerPuncher2 #livemetal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #metal #metalpodcast #charityconcert #alternativemusic #belfast #cancerawareness #heavymusic #podcastinterview

    53 min

  5. 1 May

    Corpse Water | Solo Project Reviving Old School Death Metal | Pete Clarke Interview.

    From Strangle Wire to Corpse Water, Pete Clarke’s Solo Death Metal Project '...something in the water' is a deep dive into old school death metal, real-world horror, and groove-driven brutality. Pete explains how 90s-style death metal bands like Six Feet Under, Obituary and early Cannibal Corpse inspired him to create the groove, hooks, and memorable riffs in his debut release. We talk about the writing process behind Corpse Water, working with members of The Crawling, hiring freelancers through Fiverr to suit budget costs and the influence of real-life horror, including the chilling Cecil Hotel death. This album was made for vinyl and old-school listeners, click on the link to order this lesson in Brutal Death Metal: https://corpsewater.bandcamp.com/album/something-in-the-water DeathMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #CorpseWater #StrangleWire #MetalInterview #ExtremeMetal #DeathMetal2026

    50 min

  6. 17 Apr

    The Road to Wacken: Ireland’s Metal Battle | Winners, Judges & Reality | Donnchadh & Aidan explain.

    In this episode, we take a focused look at Ireland’s pathway to Wacken Open Air — one of the most recognised festivals in the global metal scene. Joining the show: Donnchadh O’Leary – organiser of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland, overseeing the annual competition that sends one Irish band to perform at Wacken. Aidan “Willow” Williams of Aesect – winners of last year’s Irish final, who went on to perform at the festival. We discuss how the competition works behind the scenes, what judges look for, and how bands are selected to represent Ireland. Aidan shares his experience of playing Wacken, from preparation to performance, and reflects on what the opportunity meant for the band afterwards. The conversation also explores the wider Irish metal scene, the role of competitions like Metal Battle, and whether events like Wacken are stepping stones or standalone milestones for emerging bands. We also give a shout out to this year’s six finalists: Dead Memories, Nihilanth, Acid Age, Mourning of the Heretics, Numbskull Narative, and New Enemy — and what they will bring to the stage this Saturday at Fibber Magee's, Dublin. Link: https://www.facebook.com/metalbattleireland 🎧 A solid listen for fans of the Irish scene and bands considering entering future competitions. wackenopenair #metal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #heavymetal #metalpodcast #metalfestival

    1hr 9min

  7. 7 Apr

    Numbskull Narrative: DIY Punk infused Metal | Catharsis & a Shot at Wacken Open Air Festival.

    Letty Sharp talks to Alan, Francis and Victor of Numbskull Narrative. The band are a Galway-based thrashcore metal punk trio formed in 2022 by Alan Casey (Bass/Lead Vocals), Francis Glynn (Guitar/Backing vocals) and Victor Vieira (Drums) making serious noise on the Irish scene. Fresh off the release of their new EP 'The Gutters', the band has been praised for their “blistering punk anthems” and raw, honest approach—described as “punk therapy” that tackles resilience and mental health head-on. Staying true to their DIY ethos, Numbskull Narrative records and produces all their own music while also creating their own artwork—remaining fully independent at every stage. In this episode, the lads discuss forming the band, recording and producing everything independently, and what it means to reach the final of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland—one step away from one of the biggest metal stages in the world. Band Links: https://numbskullnarrative.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/numbskullnarrative Wacken Metal Battle: https://www.metal-battle.com NumbskullNarrative #TheMetalCell #IrishPunk #DIYpunk #PunkRock #IndependentMusic #GalwayMusic

    32 min

  8. 3 Apr

    NIHILANTH: Belfast, Belief & Brutality | 'Detritus Of Ruin' EP Deep Dive with Aidan (Vocals) & Pete (Riffs/Back Vocals) of the Metal/Deathcore band.

    Nihilanth sit down for an exclusive track-by-track breakdown of their new EP 'Detritus Of Ruin', diving deep into the stories, themes and creative process behind each song. From the raw intensity of “Ruin” to the darker, more personal themes explored in “Don’t Pray For Me,” Aidan (Vocals) & Pete (Riffs) unpack the evolution of the band following lineup changes and how this release became the most focused version of Nihilanth to date. They also talk about pushing themselves in the studio with JSR Audio, collaborating with others, Bloodstock Open Air, and the videos that went into bringing the band’s darker ideas to life visually. Belfast has always had a story to tell — this is one of the heavier ones! Band Link: https://nihilanthriff.bandcamp.com/music Gig Link: Following The Signs / Nihilanth / Too Far Fetched & Terror Syndrome Kino Events HouseKino, Cork Friday, Apr 3, 2026 from 7 pm to 11:30 pm https://www.eventbrite.com/e/following-the-signs-nihilanth-too-far-fetched-terror-syndrome-tickets-1983724475306 Nihilanth #Metalcore #deathcore #irishmetal #ukmetal #newmetal2026 #heavymusic #MetalInterview #BandInterview #NewEP #MetalScene #LiveMusicIreland #metalbreakdown

    58 min
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About

Irelands premier and award winning Metal Music Podcast. The Metal Cell Podcast sets out to promote the Irish Metal Scene by talking to the bands, promoters, artists and fans of this musical genre. I hope to interview as many generations as possible involved in the Irish Metal community from those who create the music, design the artwork, promote the gigs or simply fans of the music itself. It's one of the most exciting times ever to be a Metal fan in Ireland with so many home grown and international metal bands touring our cities and releasing incredible music. This Podcast has become a solid link in communicating our voices throughout the world wide Metal community. The bonds forged in the Metal Scene are strong, loyal and lasting. Friendships created that traverse oceans and continents, which saw the podcast charting in Europe, the America's, and Asia. Thank you all for listening and for your support, Richie. #supportyourlocalmetalscene

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Duhig
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    385
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Richard Duhig
  • Show Website
    The Metal Cell Podcast

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