Hart O'The Matter

Matthew Hartnett
  • 5.0 (1)
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Hart O' The Matter on Spotify for Podcasters is a collective of interviews, discussions and debates on all things music business with an emphasis on rock music. The show is hosted by filmmaker (Lifers) and music business veteran Matt Hartnett who has also co-hosted several podcasts including Shockwaves Skullsessions w/ Bob Nalbandian (RIP 2022), Aftershocks TV and The Heavy Galaxy Show,

  1. 11h ago

    JUDAS PRIEST: SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE vs. DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH!

    JUDAS PRIEST: SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE vs. DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH – WHICH ALBUM REIGNS SUPREME?Two albums. One legendary band. One heavyweight battle for heavy metal supremacy!On this episode of Hart O’The Matter with Matt Hartnett, we’re putting two of the greatest heavy metal albums ever recorded head-to-head. The mighty Judas Priest delivered two absolute classics with 1982’s Screaming For Vengeance and 1984’s Defenders Of The Faith. But which one truly deserves the crown?Matt and Tom revisit these landmark records and debate what makes each album so special. From the commercial breakthrough of Screaming For Vengeance to the relentless metallic assault of Defenders Of The Faith, there’s plenty to discuss.We revisit legendary tracks including Electric Eye, Riding On The Wind, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, Freewheel Burning, Jawbreaker, Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, and The Sentinel.Was Screaming For Vengeance Judas Priest’s ultimate masterpiece? Did Defenders Of The Faith take the band’s sound to an even heavier level? Or is this simply a case of choosing between two nearly flawless records?We also discuss the albums’ production, musical evolution, commercial success, MTV-era metal, memorable album artwork, and the infamous PMRC controversy surrounding “Eat Me Alive” and the Filthy Fifteen.Both albums helped define Judas Priest’s legacy and influenced generations of heavy metal bands. But when forced to choose just one desert-island record, which one wins?We’re putting our money on SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE! But do you agree?🔥 JOIN THE DEBATE!Which Judas Priest album is better?SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE or DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH?Drop your choice in the comments and tell us why. We want to hear from Priest fans!Subscribe to Hart O’The Matter with Matt Hartnett for more hard rock and heavy metal discussions, classic album battles, controversial opinions, and conversations celebrating the music we love.Visit our website:https://hartothematter.comPLEASE SUBSCRIBE, CLICK THE NOTIFICATION BELL, LEAVE A COMMENT OR A LIKE, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE!HASHTAGS:#JudasPriest #ScreamingForVengeance #DefendersOfTheFaith #RobHalford #KKDowning #GlennTipton #HeavyMetal #ClassicMetal #BritishHeavyMetal #MetalPodcast #HartOTheMatter #HeavyMetalLegendsNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

  2. 5d ago

    DID METALLICA STEAL THIS RIFF? Excel vs. Enter Sandman!

    DID METALLICA STEAL THE RIFF BEHIND “ENTER SANDMAN”?What if one of heavy metal’s biggest hits sounds strikingly similar to a song recorded by an overlooked underground band two years earlier?On this episode of VINYL VERDICT, Hart O’ The Matter digs into Excel’s 1989 crossover thrash classic, The Jokes On You, and the controversy surrounding “Tapping Into The Emotional Void.”Hailing from Venice Beach, California, Excel blended hardcore punk, skate culture, and thrash metal into a sound that deserved far more recognition. Their second album showcased an adventurous band with plenty to offer beyond one controversial riff.Then came Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” in 1991, and the comparisons began.Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine repeatedly accused Metallica of ripping off Excel’s earlier song. Excel vocalist Dan Clements recalled being struck by the similarities, while drummer Greg Sions later discussed why the band never pursued legal action.We also examine Metallica’s response, the music industry’s role in Excel’s overlooked legacy, and whether a bigger record label could have changed the band’s fortunes.But did Metallica actually copy Excel, or are we hearing a musical resemblance that never proves deliberate plagiarism?We break down the history, revisit the evidence, and give this underrated crossover album the attention it deserves. The controversy remains fascinating, but the music itself deserves to be heard.🎸 JOIN THE DEBATE: Listen to both riffs and tell us what you think in the comments. Was Excel robbed of recognition, or is this one of metal’s great musical coincidences?Subscribe to Hart O’ The Matter for more hard rock and heavy metal history, album deep dives, and controversial music debates.🌐 Website: https://hartothematter.com👍 Like the episode, subscribe, turn on notifications, and share it with a fellow metal fan!#metallica #ExcelBand #entersandman #davemustaine #TheJokesOnYou #TappingIntoTheEmotionalVoid #thrashmetal #heavymetal #crossoverthrash #VinylVerdict

  3. 5d ago

    Did Metal Lose Its Edge? Politics, Rage & Rock Rebellion

    DID THE ’90s RUIN HEAVY METAL? POLITICS, RAGE & THE DEATH OF ROCK REBELLIONDid the ’90s force heavy metal to grow up—or send it in the wrong direction? Matt and Chris Akin (The Classic Metal Shiw) debate one of rock and metal’s biggest turning points, from Metallica’s Black Album to Nirvana’s Nevermind and beyond.In this episode, we dive into the albums, attitudes, and controversies that changed hard rock and heavy metal forever. Did the rise of grunge make metal more mature, or did it strip away the fun, rebellion, and larger-than-life attitude that made the genre legendary?We also tackle the growing intersection of music and politics. Are rock stars losing their connection with fans by turning concerts into political rallies? What happens when millionaire musicians claim to speak for the people? And why have bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden continued to thrive without making politics the centerpiece of their music?Plus, we discuss Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine, the appeal of angry ’90s metal, and why sometimes fans just want to forget their problems, sing along, and have a damn good time.From Biohazard and Madball to Dokken, Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Rage Against the Machine, this conversation challenges what it means to be rebellious in rock and metal.Is heavy metal better when it’s fun, dangerous, and unapologetic—or has the genre lost its edge?Watch until the end and tell us what you think in the comments!SUBSCRIBE for more hard rock and heavy metal debates, album discussions, music history, and opinions that aren't afraid to challenge the status quo.WATCH MORE FROM HART O’ THE MATTER:Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@HartOTheMatterWebsite: https://hartothematter.com#HeavyMetal #HardRock #Metallica #Nirvana #BlackAlbum #Nevermind #RageAgainstTheMachine #TomMorello #Grunge #90sMetal #RockMusic #HartOTheMatter #JudasPriest #IronMaiden #RockDebate #MetalPodcast #MusicHistory #BiohazardNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and shareDid the ’90s make heavy metal better, or did grunge and politics take away what made rock rebellious and fun?Are you Team Metallica, Team Nirvana, or somewhere in between? And should musicians keep politics out of their music?Drop your take below! We want to hear from the old-school metalheads and the next generation of rock fans.

  4. 6d ago

    Did Grunge Make Rock Better—or Just More Depressing?

    DID GRUNGE RUIN HAIR METAL? DID ROCK AND METAL REALLY GROW UP IN THE ’90s?Did grunge make rock and metal better, or did it take the fun out of rock ’n’ roll? On this episode of Hart O’The Matter, Matt and Chris Akin (The Classic Metal Show) dive into one of hard rock’s most divisive debates: the battle between ’80s hair metal and ’90s grunge.Was the ’90s really a more intelligent, artistic era for rock? Or did grunge replace arena-sized anthems, outrageous personalities, and party-ready riffs with depression, angst, and self-loathing?We’re talking Mötley Crüe, Poison, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Faith No More, Jane’s Addiction, Korn, Limp Bizkit, and the musical movements that changed rock forever.But there’s more to this debate than music. Matt and Chris examine the business behind legacy bands, touring with original members, and why some veteran acts can make a fortune playing classic hits without recording new music.Plus, are younger fans bringing back the glory days of ’80s hard rock and traditional heavy metal? Why are bands like Judas Priest and Def Leppard still inspiring new generations? And what does the success of today’s rock bands say about the future of the genre?From grunge and glam metal to alternative rock and nu metal, nothing is off-limits in this unapologetic conversation about rock’s past, present, and future.THE BIG QUESTION: DID GRUNGE FORCE METAL TO GROW UP, OR DID IT JUST MAKE ROCK LESS FUN?Watch until the end and tell us where you stand!Join the conversation:Was ’80s hair metal unfairly dismissed?Did grunge actually improve rock music?Which era produced the better bands and albums?What modern rock and metal bands deserve more attention?Subscribe to Hart O’The Matter for more honest, unfiltered discussions about hard rock, heavy metal, legendary bands, controversial opinions, and the music that shaped generations.If you love rock debates, classic metal, glam metal, grunge, and alternative rock, this episode is for you.Hit SUBSCRIBE, turn on notifications, LIKE this video, leave a COMMENT, and SHARE it with your fellow rock and metal fans!DISCLAIMER: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, represents the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.#hairmetal #grunge #HeavyMetal #hardrock #rockmusic #glammetal #alternativerock #numetal #defleppard #mötleycrüe #vanhalen #HartOTheMatter

  5. Oct 26

    Did Grunge Force Metal To Grow Up?

    Did grunge force heavy metal and hard rock to grow up—or did it destroy what made the music great?On this episode of Hart O'The Matter, we debate one of rock and metal's biggest turning points. When grunge exploded in the '90s, countless legendary bands tried changing their sound to survive. But did those changes make their music better or leave fans disappointed?From Mötley Crüe's Generation Swine and Poison's Native Tongue to Exodus' Force of Habit, we examine the albums that divided fans and challenged the identities of established bands.We also tackle a controversial question: Do most bands have only 10 great years before they run out of creative ideas?Why do fans keep returning to classic albums while overlooking decades of newer releases? Why does AC/DC continue filling stadiums without dramatically changing its formula? And why do Aerosmith fans still celebrate Toys in the Attic alongside their later commercial successes?We also discuss Voivod, Sevendust, Disturbed, and the albums that defined their legacies.In this episode, we debate:Did grunge make metal better or worse?Why did so many '80s bands struggle to adapt?Are a band's first three or four albums usually its best?Should metal be serious, or should it embrace partying and pure entertainment?Why do fans prefer classic records over newer material?Is staying true to your sound the secret to longevity?Now it's your turn: Did grunge save rock music or ruin an entire generation of heavy metal? Which bands lost their identity trying to keep up with the times?Drop your opinions in the comments. We want to hear from old-school metalheads, hard rock diehards, and fans who discovered these bands years later.If you love honest, unapologetic debates about hard rock and heavy metal, SUBSCRIBE to Hart O'The Matter, hit the like button, turn on notifications, and share this episode with your fellow metalheads!#HeavyMetal #HardRock #Grunge #HairMetal #ThrashMetal #MotleyCrue #Exodus #ACDC #Aerosmith #MetalDebate #RockMusic #HartOTheMatterNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

  6. Oct 21

    DID GRUNGE KILL METAL? The ’80s vs. ’90s Debate Gets HEATED!

    Did grunge bring depth and substance to rock and metal, or did it kill the energy, rebellion, and fun that made the ’80s legendary?On this episode of Hart O’The Matter, Matt and Chris Akin (The Classic Metal Show) dive into one of rock and metal’s biggest generational debates: the ’80s versus the ’90s.From Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Screaming Trees, the conversation explores how the music, attitudes, and themes changed between two defining eras.Did grunge give rock music greater emotional depth, or did its darker themes glorify addiction, despair, and self-destruction? Was the tortured artist the next evolution of heavy music, or did the genre lose something essential along the way?The guys also examine the role drugs played in shaping the music. While ’80s bands often kept their excesses behind the scenes, many ’90s artists put addiction and personal struggles front and center.And what about guitar heroes? Did grunge inspire a new generation of legendary players, or did the ’80s produce more influential musicians who motivated fans to pick up a guitar?From hair metal and arena-rock anthems to heroin-fueled grunge and tortured artistry, this discussion challenges everything you thought you knew about both decades.Now it's your turn!Was ’80s metal more inspiring, energetic, and musically influential than ’90s grunge? Did grunge bring genuine substance to rock, or did it replace rebellion with misery?Drop your opinion in the comments! Tell us which decade wins, defend your favorite bands, and challenge the other side. If you love hard rock and heavy metal debates, subscribe to Hart O’The Matter, hit the like button, and share this episode with a fellow metalhead.NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!#grunge #hairmetal #heavymetal #hardrock #nirvana #AliceInChains #judaspriest #ironmaiden #80smetal #90srock #rockmusic #HartOTheMatter

  7. Oct 20

    Was 1991 the Most Pivotal Year in Rock & Metal History?

    DID GRUNGE KILL HAIR METAL? HOW 1991 CHANGED ROCK AND HEAVY METAL FOREVERDid grunge really kill hair metal, or was the writing already on the wall? On this episode of Hart O'The Matter, Matt and Chris revisit one of the most debated turning points in rock and heavy metal history.Inspired by author Joel McIver’s article, Brain Damage 1991 and How Grunge Forced Metal to Grow Up, the guys examine whether 1991 was truly the most pivotal year in rock history. They break down the massive impact of Nirvana’s Nevermind, Metallica’s Black Album, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik.But there’s more to this story than one year and a handful of albums.Was the transition from hair metal to grunge really an overnight revolution? Or had alternative rock, thrash metal, and underground music been building momentum for years? Matt and Chris discuss MTV’s influence, the changing role of Headbangers Ball, and how 120 Minutes helped bring alternative bands into the mainstream.They also explore why audiences grew tired of the party-driven hair metal formula, how record labels helped create that fatigue, and why established bands struggled when they tried to change with the times.From Guns N’ Roses and Metallica to Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Jane’s Addiction, Faith No More, and the rise of alternative metal, this conversation challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding rock’s biggest musical turning point.Was grunge the revolution that heavy music needed? Did MTV dictate the future of rock? And could hair metal have survived if bands had been allowed to evolve on their own terms?Join Matt and Chris for a candid conversation about the albums, artists, industry decisions, and cultural shifts that reshaped hard rock and heavy metal in the early ’90s.What do you think? Did grunge save rock, kill hair metal, or simply arrive when audiences were ready for something different? Leave your take in the comments!Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

  8. Oct 12

    Are Rock & Metal Award Shows a Complete Joke?

    Are rock and metal award shows really celebrating the best music in the genre, or are they missing the point entirely? On this episode of Hart O'The Matter, Matt and Erik tackle the controversial world of rock and heavy metal awards, questioning whether awards can truly represent a genre built on personal taste, diversity, and individual expression.Matt shares his firsthand experience attending the inaugural Revolver Golden Gods Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Despite an impressive lineup of musicians, did the event live up to the hype? Matt explains why the experience left him disappointed and raises questions about what these ceremonies actually accomplish for rock and metal.The conversation goes beyond one event as the guys examine the Grammy Awards and their relationship with hard rock and heavy metal. Can music ever be judged objectively, or is every award ultimately a reflection of subjective opinions and industry influence?Is one style of music genuinely better than another? Who decides which artists deserve recognition? And do award shows honor musical achievement, or simply reinforce a narrow definition of success?Matt and Erik dig into these questions, challenge conventional thinking, and explore what recognition really means in a genre that thrives on individuality and rebellion.Do you think rock and metal award shows matter, or are they just industry popularity contests? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your opinion might be the next debate on Hart O'The Matter!If you're passionate about rock, heavy metal, music culture, and honest conversations that challenge the status quo, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Hart O'The Matter, hit the notification bell, like the episode, and share it with fellow rock and metal fans. Join the conversation and help grow a community that isn't afraid to question everything.#HartOTheMatter #HeavyMetal #RockMusic #RevolverGoldenGods #GrammyAwards #MetalMusic #RockAndRoll #MusicDebate #MetalHeads #RockCulture #MusicAwards #HardRockNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

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About

Hart O' The Matter on Spotify for Podcasters is a collective of interviews, discussions and debates on all things music business with an emphasis on rock music. The show is hosted by filmmaker (Lifers) and music business veteran Matt Hartnett who has also co-hosted several podcasts including Shockwaves Skullsessions w/ Bob Nalbandian (RIP 2022), Aftershocks TV and The Heavy Galaxy Show,

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Hartnett
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Hartnett
  • Show Website
    Hart O'The Matter

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