Scars and Guitars Andrew McKaysmith

Robert Saler is an Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture, and Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence and the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Robert is also an author and theologian who specialises in the intersection of faith and modern society, covering pastoral sabbaticals, theology of the cross, and religion's role in today's culture. Steve Von Till from Neurosis introduced me to Robert, an opportunity I'm thankful for, as I've been eager to find a guest who resides at an intersection of extreme metal and faith for the show. 
It'd be tempting to say this is a different guest from what you are used to, but that isn't true. I was the first journalist to contact Stuart Anstis, who blew the lid off the popular narratives surrounding Cradle of Filth. I'm the only person to interview Trey from Morbid Angel's mother. Across 800 other episodes of the show, you have become familiar with my technique of allowing the guest to brooch topics across all social, political and religious contexts. 
But this conversation goes beyond typical discussions of faith; it's a deep exploration into his path to spirituality, ministry, and scholarly work in theology. I hope this is the first of many insightful discussions with Robert. 

Vinnie Dombroski, the frontman of alternative rock band Sponge, talks about the story behind 'Planet Girls', a long-lost album that has recently been released. Originally intended to follow the success of their iconic albums' Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic', the label shelved Planet Girls and remained unreleased for years.
Vinnie discusses the original sound and vision of 'Planet Girls', which aimed to align more closely with Sponge's earlier work rather than the pop-oriented direction of 'New Pop Sunday'. He sheds light on the pressures from the music industry in the late '90s, including the influence of contemporary bands like Goo Goo Dolls and the impact these pressures had on the band.
The conversation also explores Vinnie's collaboration with producer Kevin Shirley on the 'Planet Girls, the enduring relationship with Tim Patalan (producer of 'Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic'), and the dynamics within the band during those pivotal recording sessions.
Further, Vinnie touches on the legacy of Sponge's music, particularly discussing tracks like 'Neenah Menasha' and its significance in the '90s alternative rock scene. He also pays tribute to the unique talents of band members like Mike Cross (RIP) and Joey Mazzola, giving fans a deeper insight into the chemistry and creativity defining Sponge's sound.
https://www.spongetheband.com/

The Scars and Guitars April new music show is FULL of black and extreme shit!
The show kicks things off with DEICIDE performing "Sever The Tongue," followed by Kerry King's "Residue." DARKTHRONE will present "Black Dawn Affiliation", and ACCEPT brings "Humanoid." The Omnific will showcase "Matrices," and APOCALYPTICA covers "The Unforgiven II." WARDRUNA will perform "Hertan," with Týr following with "Dragons Never Die."
DORO will hit the stage with "Lean Mean Rock Machine," and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH teams up with DMX for "This Is The Way." Orange Goblin delivers "(Not) Rocket Science," and MONO will perform "Oath." ZEAL & ARDOR are set to play "TO MY ILK," with DOPETHRONE bringing "Shlaghammer." Demersal introduces "Lys I Natten," and Faustian performs "Primordial Rot."
Skulldozer begins with "Bow To None," PARACRONA features Baard Kolstad for "Carry The Cross." Darkthrone returns with "The Bird People Of Nordland," and Blaze Of Perdition plays "W kwiecie rozłamu." Morgue Meat takes the stage with "Crushing The Messiah's Skull," followed by KRÅBØL with "Perish." Enevelde will perform "Pandemonium," and Whoredom Rife presents "Den Vrede Makt."
Nekyian offers "Hevn," and Nachtheem presents "Drift van Nostalgie." Obscuration will play "Violent Art," with Death Like Mass performing "Sorcery Unbridled." Altar Of Gore introduces "Carrion Womb," Hässlig plays "Slaves," and Unborn Generation brings "Heritage." UNITYTX is set for "PLAYING FAVORITES," and 156/Silence presents "Unreasonable Doubt."
Wage War will perform "NAIL5," Make Them Suffer will present "Epitaph," and ERRA will take the stage with "Cure." AZIMUT19 will showcase "Anger Plague," and SMOKE AxD will perform "Smoke All Day." Vulture is lined up with "Oathbreaker," and Belushi Speed Ball closes with "My Favorite Color is Pizza." 
Check out past issues here! https://scarsandguitars.com/monthly-music-show/

Join Cremator from Ghoul as he unearths the sinister secrets of Creepsylvaniana. Fresh from the release of their latest EP, "Noxious Concoctions," Cremator takes us on a chilling journey through the genesis of their ghoulish creations. From the infernal inspiration behind their return to the recording studio to the harrowing sessions at Antisleep Audio, the macabre process is revealed. Prepare for a nightmarish interview direct from the depths of Creepsylvaniana. Welcome to the nightmare...
https://tankcrimes.bandcamp.com/album/noxious-concoctions
PS: I was unaware that the interview would be conducted in character. Feel free to laugh at my expense as I fumble through the initial exchanges, trying to make sense of what's happening - Andrew McK.

Steve Von Till peels back the layers of his new Harvestman release, Triptych: Part One, revealing the genesis of its captivating opening track, "Psilosynth." Steve discusses the creative process as he intricately integrates guitars, percussion, and synths into a cohesive sonic tapestry, guiding listeners into meditative states of consciousness. He also explores the celestial significance of coordinating the album series' release with specific full moons and how ancient sites, folklore, and ancestral resonance infuse the sonic landscapes of Triptych.
Steve sheds light on the significance of the title "Triptych". He reflects on Henry Hablak's artwork as a visual representation of the auditory journey and his hopes for listeners' takeaway from Triptych: Part One. Additionally, he reflects on Neurosis' monumental album, Through Silver in Blood, exploring its enduring influence on today's extreme metal landscape and the pivotal role he played in shaping its sound.
https://www.vontill.org/

Glen Benton of Deicide discusses the intricacies of the latest album, Banished By Sin, and the band's enduring legacy. Reflecting on past performances, we address musical evolution and the contributions of new guitarist Taylor Nordberg and sound engineer Jeramie Kling (both in Inhuman Condition). Benton shares insights into guitarist Mark English's departure and talks about the pivotal partnership with Ralph Santolla. From bass setups to managing fan encounters, we also tackle pressing socio-political issues, including the impact of left-wing authoritarianism and the future of global leadership.
 
https://deicideofficial.com/