Shit Talk Reviews

John Staley and Derek Showerhead
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

We love the heavy music. Sometimes we stray into lighter stuff, but more often than not we keep it heavy. We talk about albums and singles and occasionally have a guest for an interview. If you like the heavy stuff too, follow and subscribe to the channel and comment who you’d like us to review. It’s free and it’ll make our black hearts sing.  Be sure to check out the fellas' website for links to all podcasts and written reviews, team bios and the like. You can even leave them a voicemail eviscerating their performances! https://www.shittalkreviews.comIf you're more of a newer-school social media type, you can find the guys trying to claw their way through the socials seas here: YouTube - @ShitTalkReviews Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shittalkreviews/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/STalkReviews Threads - https://www.threads.net/@shittalkreviews

  1. 1d ago

    STARSET - a n n 1 h 1 l a t 1 0 n - Review

    Starset’s Annihilation sounds huge, polished, and futuristic - but is it actually gripping, or just packaged metal? Derek and John get into the heart of what makes the track work for one listener and fall flat for another, using it as a launchpad for a bigger conversation about modern metal, production, and what actually makes a song hit. John breaks down why Starset’s mix of melodic vocals, chunky riffs, electronic texture, and ambient atmosphere works so well, and why Dustin Bates’ vision feels so intentional. Derek pushes back, calling the song boring while still acknowledging the band’s sonic power. They talk through the role of lyrics versus vocals, and dig into the production team behind the band’s layered sound. From Randy Slaugh’s programming and texturing work to the way modern metal balances heaviness with accessibility, this episode gets into the details that separate a forgettable track from a real statement. They also widen the lens to cover other new releases and legacy bands that are still shaping heavy music now - including Ghost’s live "2 Big to Rig" release, Down’s "Blood Oath," and a surprisingly thoughtful take on what it means for older bands to keep crushing it without pretending they’re still 20 years old. Perfect for metal fans who like honest reactions, sharp opinions, and deep cuts on what makes a track work - or fail. If you care about riffs, texture, vocals, and the state of modern heavy music, this one hits. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #starset #annihilation #starsetsociety #metal #cinematicmetal #starsetonline #dustinbates #hardrock #alternativemetal  #metalmusic #scifi #cinematicrock #space #dystopian Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    STARSET - a n n 1 h 1 l a t 1 0 n - Review

  2. Sep 11

    The Barbarians Of California - MEGATONS - Album Review

    The Barbarians of California just dropped a record that refuses to sit still. Megatons is heavy enough to flatten you, catchy enough to live in your head for days and accessible enough to win over people who don’t even think they like metal. Derek and John break down why this album feels less like a genre exercise and more like a fully formed world of its own. What makes Megatons so compelling is the way it pulls from hardcore, groove and alt-metal but doesn't sound like a patchwork of influences. From the opener “Back to the Valley” to the bruising one-two punch of “Earthquake” and “I Am the Submarine,” the guys dig into the riffs, the production, and the swagger that makes every track hit. “Vanilla Latte” is a sharp little shot at corporate culture, “Bomb to a Knife Fight” lands so hard, “Modern Fashion” and “Shark Out Of Water” show just how much range the band actually has. They also get into the album’s more esoteric touches like the short segues and the little sonic details that make this record feel bigger than a straight-ahead metal/hardcore release. In addition to the crushing riffs, Aaron Bruno’s vocals might be the secret weapon here: unhinged, melodic, fearless, and impossible to copy. The band’s genre-crossing appeal illustrates how Megatons reaches listeners across the metal spectrum without losing the Barbarians’ identity. Over the entire review John and Derek unpack how the band manages to sound crushing, funny, and joyful all at once. If you want an album that feels serious without taking itself too seriously, this is essential listening. Megatons might already be one of the year’s most memorable heavy records - and after hearing this conversation, you’ll understand why The Barbarians Of California are your new favorite band too. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #TheBarbariansOfCalifornia #BarbariansOfCalifornia #BarbariansOfCA #TBOC #MEGATONS #AndNowImJustGnawingMyTeeth #TheGnarlycoreClass #VanillaLatte #BombToAKnifeFight #Earthquake #AaronBruno #Awolnation #EricStenman #zackirons #daveamezcua #lindenreed #isaaccarpenter #HardcorePunk #PostHardcore #AlternativeMetal #MetallicHardcore #CrossoverThrash #CaliforniaHardcore #LAHardcore #HeavyMusic Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    The Barbarians Of California - MEGATONS - Album Review

  3. Aug 19

    Tony Iommi - World Alone - Review

    The godfather of heavy riffs. The architect of heavy metal. The guitarist's guitarist. In this episode the Shit Talk duo digs into Tony Iommi’s new single “World Alone” and share their completely unsolicited take on what they think works musically—and what doesn’t.  Get out the pitchforks people, there are hot takes inbound: While both agree the riffs, production, and musicianship are solid, they wrestle with the vocal style and whether it works. It's hard to ever say anything negative about a project with a guy like Tony; A man with so much history, influence and talent rarely misses the mark. Derek and John also get into a wider celebration of heavy music’s momentum, from standout women-led metal bands like Dogma, Castle Rat, Witch Club Satan, Die Spitz and Frayle to a broader look at the genre’s evolving scene. Light up the torches and get ready to march into the comment section. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #TonyIommi #Iommi #RiffMaster #GodfatherOfHeavyMetal #BlackSabbath #OzzyOsbourne #GeezerButler #BillWard #RonnieJamesDio #HeavenAndHell #HeavyMetal #DoomMetal #ClassicRock #HardRock #MetalHead #BritishMetal #worldalone Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    Tony Iommi - World Alone - Review

  4. Aug 6

    Aaron Bruno (The Barbarians Of California/AWOLNATION) Interview Part Two

    Uncover the behind-the-scenes genius of Aaron Bruno — the mastermind blending heavy music, pop sensibility, and wild creativity in ways you’ve never heard before. If you haven’t seen part one of our chat with Aaron Bruno, be sure to start there and then pop back over here! Aaron Bruno, the iconic voice behind AWOL Nation and now the fiery Barbarians of California, reveals how he's breaking the rules of heavy music, blending genres, and infusing humor into hardcore. From his early bands through the wildly successful AWOLNATION to his eye-opening take on the modern music landscape, Bruno shares how he’s transforming heavy, chaotic sounds into accessible, fun, and dangerously catchy hits. Aaron talks about how releasing singles instead of full albums keeps his music fresh and vital; the secrets behind his unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and metal and how it has matured over decades; and how his relentless passion for good vibes, humor, and authenticity shapes his work. Plus, Aaron dives into the importance of staying playful amidst the chaos and how music remains his ultimate escape — a visceral, emotional connection he’s cultivated for over 30 years. This episode is essential listening for any fan of boundary-pushing music, genre-bending artistry, or anyone craving a candid, raw journey through the chaos and creativity of an artist redefining what heavy means. If you want real insight, hilarious stories, and a taste of the future of heavy music, hit play now — before someone steals your attention. Aaron Bruno is a legend in the making, blending humor, authenticity, and sheer talent, and this episode is your exclusive ticket inside his wild, inspiring world.00:00 00:00 Aaron’s YouTube rabbit holes 03:10 Snarkcore – the next new genre of music 07:08 The marketing and videos for TBoC 09:50 Dangerous vulnerability 12:13 Quickies 18:10 Winning a Grammy, pantsless maybe? 21:30 The NFL, working for The Raiders and $10k haircuts #aaronbruno #barbariansofcalifornia #awolnation #sail #run #megatons #gnashingmyteeth #vanillalatte #dopamineprophecy #wherearethepunks #metal #hardcore #nfl #tombrady #lawrencetaylor #lasvegasraiders www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    Aaron Bruno (The Barbarians Of California/AWOLNATION) Interview Part Two

  5. Aug 3

    Aaron Bruno (The Barbarians Of California/AWOLNATION) Interview Part One

    Aaron Bruno breaks the mold—and the rules—in a conversation packed with raw honesty, beeline humor, and insider stories music fans will love. From celebrating his journey with AWOLNATION and now The Barbarians Of California to revealing how a hardcore kid’s vocals matured into arena-level skills, Bruno pulls back the curtain on creativity, fame, and the unbreakable bond with his fans—plus, the tales of stage-storming with legends like Rage Against the Machine and Chuck D.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving the real story behind the heavy riffs, heavy emotions, and the hilarious, rebellious spirit that fuels Bruno's evolution as an artist and a dad navigating the chaos of life and music. In this candid chat, Aaron shares how the latest project, The Barbarians of California, is more than a band—it's a reflection of his own unfiltered, fun-loving personality that refuses to take itself too seriously, even as it dominates the heavy music scene. Discover how releasing singles instead of waiting for a full album keeps fans hooked and the unexpected crossover with a mainstream audience. We talk about Bruno’s unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and how that ferocity makes his music both dangerously fun and deeply emotional. Plus, get a glimpse into the future of heavy music—Bruno believes we've only scratched the surface of what’s possible when old genres collide with fresh, snarky innovation. Why get into this chat? Because this is about more than music; it’s a cultural defiance wrapped in humor, authenticity, and pure unadulterated fun. If you're a fan of heavy riffs masked in humor, love stories of musical rebellion, or simply need a dose of honest, unfiltered creativity—this episode is your playground. Get ready for stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain—plus, Bruno’s take on everything from stage antics to dreams of jazzing up the Grammy stage and bringing back marching powder to the NFL. Guest credentials: Aaron Bruno is the brain behind AWOLNATION known for hits like "Sail" and "Run," blending emotional storytelling with genre-defying energy. His latest project, The Barbarians of California, pushes boundaries with humor and heaviness, consolidating his place as an innovator in modern rock and metal. Bruno's journey from hardcore roots to mainstream success is an ongoing story of authenticity, fun, and fearless experimentation. 00:00 Introduction and MEGATONS 05:00 Arena shows and headline tours 07:15 Aaron's voice, RATM and Chuck D 14:44 Guest appearances and writing MEGATONS 21:45 New vibe with drummer Linden Reed 24:15 Crossover AWOL fans 29:12 The humor of heavy music and Lou Koller 31:45 Listener questions 40:45 Music as escapism www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #AaronBruno #megatons #andnowimjustgnashingmyteeth #hardcore #snarkcore #bombtoaknifefight #modernfashion #gnarlycore #snarkcore #thelibrary #bazooka #vanillalatte #rad #dopamineprophecy #Awolnation #Sail #TheBarbariansOfCalifornia #HometownHero #UnderTheInfluenceOfGiantsGenre #AltRock #IndieRock #RockMusic Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    Aaron Bruno (The Barbarians Of California/AWOLNATION) Interview Part One

  6. Jul 25

    An Apology to Amon Amarth

    In an untraditionally self-aware conversation, John and Derek revisit a previous hot take about Amon Amarth and Derek admits he may have judged the current status of the band too quickly. Derek gets into why he thinks “Gjallarhorn” feels like a return to the band’s aggressive Viking metal roots and John acknowledges his podcasting ineptitude and lack of general catalog knowledge. Along the way, they dig into the backlash from listeners, the role of identity in metal, and why fans want authenticity over gimmicks.  (And Derek begs for a bit of mercy in the hopes that Johan and the boys don't show up on his doorstep with their swords...) www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #amonamarth #vikingmetal #gjallarhorn #upphaf #theallfatherawakens #metal #swedenmetal Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    An Apology to Amon Amarth

  7. Jul 16

    Amon Amarth - Upphaf - Single Review

    In this episode, John and Derek dig into Amon Amarth’s new acoustic surprise, “upphaf” and debate whether the band’s newer sound is a bold evolution or a step too far from their roots. Longtime fans might argue that Amon Amarth has shifted toward polished, fist-pumping festival anthems and too far away from tracks like “First Kill.” And thus the question comes back again: Are bands able to successfully evolve and change their styles and vibes without alienating their fan bases? They also look ahead to the band’s upcoming 2026 album, discuss Johan Hegg’s vocals, and revisit the tension between artistic growth and fan expectations. If you’re into metal, band evolution, and stylistic debate, this one is for you. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #amonamarth #uuphaf #viking #AmonAmarthBand #JohanHegg #VikingMetal #MelodicDeathMetal #Melodeath #DeathMetal #SwedenMetal Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    Amon Amarth - Upphaf - Single Review

  8. Jul 10

    Boundaries - Yearning: The unbeautiful after - Album Review

    If you already know who Boundaries is, then you know their latest album "Yearning: The Unbeautiful After" is incredibly powerful. If you're not yet familiar with the band, prepare yourself to be introduced to the band that is currently defining what metalcore is: Aggressive, honest and downright brutal. Derek and John break down why this record, rooted in raw emotion and inspired by tragedy, might just be the future of the genre—an unapologetic blast of honesty, grit, and pain. They explore how the band’s return to the early days of metalcore, unfiltered and bleeding, elevates metal to a new level of authenticity in a sea of overproduced gloss. It's a reminder that great art often comes from suffering, and in this case, from mourning lost friends and channeling pain into music that hits harder than ever. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #Boundaries #BoundariesCT#YearningTheUnbeautifulAfter  #DeathIsLittleMore #MayThisPainNeverLeave #Metalcore, #Hardcore, #Deathcore, #HeavyMusic #onlyendless #deathwillfollowme #skiescastamberblack Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    Boundaries - Yearning: The unbeautiful after - Album Review
See All (145)

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We love the heavy music. Sometimes we stray into lighter stuff, but more often than not we keep it heavy. We talk about albums and singles and occasionally have a guest for an interview. If you like the heavy stuff too, follow and subscribe to the channel and comment who you’d like us to review. It’s free and it’ll make our black hearts sing.  Be sure to check out the fellas' website for links to all podcasts and written reviews, team bios and the like. You can even leave them a voicemail eviscerating their performances! https://www.shittalkreviews.comIf you're more of a newer-school social media type, you can find the guys trying to claw their way through the socials seas here: YouTube - @ShitTalkReviews Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shittalkreviews/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/STalkReviews Threads - https://www.threads.net/@shittalkreviews

Information

  • Creator
    John Staley and Derek Showerhead
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shit Talk Reviews
  • Show Website
    Shit Talk Reviews