Mandatory Music

Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
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  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
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Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos. It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. - PlatoSo, come for the ride.

  1. JAN 27

    Episode 85: "Megadeth" Review

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and I dive headfirst into the brand-new Megadeth album! 🤘 We take you track by track through the high points, the mid moments, and of course… that Ride the Lightning cover, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. We’re blunt, honest, and completely candid as we share our real thoughts on the album as a whole. No hype, no filters—just two longtime fans giving you their genuine reactions. As one of our favorite bands releases what could be their final record, we ask the big question: Did it live up to our expectations? From songwriting and production to legacy and impact, we cover it all in this deep-dive discussion. Whether you’re a lifelong Megadeth fan or just curious about the latest chapter in their story, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in, turn it up, and join the conversation! 🤘 Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    55 min

  2. JAN 20

    Episode 85: Black Label Society: Name In Blood

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Review Black Label Society's new single and discuss related music news. Key Takeaways "Name in Blood" is a 9/10 classic BLS track. Its monster riff, tasteful solos, and "chug-and-groove" pace make it the band's best single in a decade.A BLS show is set for March 17 at the Orpheum. The lineup includes Dario's Dark Chapel and Zakk Sabbath, with tickets at ~$72–$100.Megadeth's new album is the next review topic. The single "Puppet Parade" has a classic '90s thrash tone, but the band's 2001 acoustic album was deemed a failure. Topics Black Label Society: "Name in Blood" Review The single is a standout track, embodying the classic BLS sound.Key Elements:Riff: A "monster" chug-and-groove riff that "swims around the root note."Intro: An ACDC-style clean guitar intro, reminiscent of "Who Made Who."Chorus: A powerful, descending vocal melody with a massive instrumental resolution.Solos: Tasteful and song-serving, featuring Zakk Wylde's signature shred and tasteful double-guitar harmonies.Rating: 9/10.Rationale: A near-perfect track, but a 10/10 is reserved for masterpieces like Metallica's "Master of Puppets."Concern: The track is so strong it may overshadow the rest of the album, a pattern seen with past singles like "Set You Free." BLS Live Show & Album Details Event: Black Label Society at the Orpheum in Vancouver, BC.Date: March 17, 2026.Lineup:Dark Chapel (Dario's band)Zakk Sabbath (Zakk Wylde's Black Sabbath cover set)Black Label SocietyAlbum Release: The new album drops March 27, 2026, ten days after the show. Music News & General Discussion Metallica: 25th anniversary of Jason Newsted's departure.Rumor: A Vegas Sphere residency is planned for late 2026/early 2027.Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson Tour: An East Coast/Southern US tour was announced.Manson's Early Philosophy: His '90s interviews revealed a sharp intellect and a belief that music reflects, rather than causes, societal issues like poor parenting.Megadeth: The new self-titled album is out this Friday.Single "Puppet Parade": Features a classic '90s thrash tone."Unplugged in Boston" (2001): The acoustic album was criticized for awkwardly translating thrash songs like "Symphony of Destruction" without proper re-arrangement. Next Steps Mike & Sebastian: Decide whether to attend the March 17 BLS show.Mike & Sebastian: Review Megadeth's new album for next week's episode.Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    40 min

  3. JAN 14

    Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Alter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing (slides, bends) that avoids straight-ahead clichés."Scales Are Falling":The vocal cadence in the chorus is nearly identical to Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover.""Slave to Master" (9-minute epic):Praise: A career-best song with a powerful, emotional solo compared to David Gilmour's work.Rationale: The solo is purpose-driven, not just flashy, making it the song's "emotional heartbeat."Self-Titled Album:Interpretation: A statement of confidence, declaring "this is who we are" eight albums in, rather than a debut.Other Metal Bands:Gojira: New album rumored for 2026 release.Angus McSix: New album coming with a new singer after Thomas Winkler's departure.Amon Amarth: Praised for their unique blend of power and death metal, and their impressive live show (Viking boat).Sabaton: Also praised; the drummer is partnered with singer Floor Jansen. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    46 min

  4. JAN 7

    Episode 83: Days of the New: A Footnote in time

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the fascinating and often tragic story of Days of the New—one of the most eccentric and misunderstood bands to emerge from the ’90s alternative scene. From their explosive debut and unique acoustic-driven sound to internal turmoil, creative brilliance, and a heartbreaking unraveling, we trace the band’s journey from promising beginnings to a bitter end. It’s a story of talent, tension, and what happens when success collides with instability. If you remember the music—or want to understand what really happened—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    30 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Episode 82: top albums of the Year

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text We are back with our top albums of 2025, you might have heard of a few of our choices and both of Mike's were on the more obscure side. Dig in for a real fun episode 2025 Music Review   Arch Enemy - Blood Dynasty (Sebastian's Pick) Melodic death metal album praised for its classic 90s metal feel.Key Track: "Paper Tiger" → Recalls Metallica's "Spit Out the Bone."Vocals: Alyssa White-Gluz's growls are clear and intelligible, a key factor for Sebastian.Context: White-Gluz departed the band shortly after the album's release, immediately launching a solo single.Nite - Cult of the Serpent's Son (Mike's Pick)Authentic 80s-style metal with influences from Metallica, Tool, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.Vocals: "Death metal light" growls are clear enough to understand, which was a key requirement for Mandatory Music.Key Tracks: "Crow" (most-played song of the year) and "The Mystic."Yungblud - Yungblud EP (Sebastian's Pick)Six-song EP with Aerosmith, featuring a cover of "Back in the Saddle."Impact: Youngblood's youthful energy revitalized Steven Tyler's performance, making the collaboration a standout.Suggestion: Youngblood needs a dedicated, world-class guitarist (e.g., a modern-day Slash) to form a classic frontman-guitarist duo.Wucan - Axioms (Mike's Pick)German band playing 70s-style psychedelic hard rock.Instrumentation: Features keyboards, theremin, and prominent flute (noted as distinct from Jethro Tull).Vibe: Described as a modern album that could have been released in the 70s.Miss Monique (Sebastian's Pick)Ukrainian DJ playing melodic house/trance.Format: Releases long (1–2 hour) progressive sets on YouTube, often filmed in remote locations.Style: Subtle, wave-like progression creates a mellow, non-lyrical journey.Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    49 min

  6. 11/22/2025

    Episode 81: What If

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Ever sit around with friends and start asking, “What if this happened… or what if that had gone differently?” That’s exactly what Sebastian and I dove into this week! We picked a few wild “what if” scenarios and had an absolute blast exploring how things might have turned out. Tune in to hear the twists, turns, laughs, and unexpected answers—we had way too much fun with this one! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    53 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Episode 80 – Soundtracks That Outshine the Movie 🎬🎶

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving into soundtracks that are way better than the movies they came from! From the hard-hitting riffs of Maximum Overdrive and the electronic brilliance of Tron: Legacy, to Ares, Last Action Hero, Blue Hawaii, and plenty more — we’re breaking down the albums that made mediocre movies unforgettable. Tune in for a fun, nostalgic, and music-filled discussion that proves sometimes the soundtrack steals the show! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    38 min

  8. 11/08/2025

    Episode 79: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 This week on Mandatory Music! 🎸 We’re diving into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ahead of the big ceremony on November 8. Mike and Sebastian break down each artist’s well-deserved spot in rock history — from the long-overdue legends to the surprise early entries. Who got in right on time, and who maybe could’ve waited? Tune in, turn it up, and join the debate! 🤘 Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    37 min
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About

Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos. It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. - PlatoSo, come for the ride.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mandatory Music
  • Show Website
    Mandatory Music