And Now The Band

Heavy Music

And Now The Band is a podcast focused on music mainly in the Rock or Metal realm. With a love of music of all sorts, there is a heavy emphasis on the underground variety. Tom (the Host) spends his time going to shows all over, watching bands play in front of crowds from no one to 10s of thousands of people. Join the conversation and learn about some bands you may never have heard of without this show. Life is an experience, don't forget to enjoy it.

  1. 2h ago

    EP361 Joseph Martinez (Junius) Interview | Solterra, Post. Festival & Modern Music Industry

    Tom welcomes Joseph E. Martinez of Junius for an in-depth conversation about the band's upcoming album Sotera, their appearance at Post. Festival, the challenges of songwriting, and maintaining artistic integrity in today's music industry. Joseph discusses how Sotera became the heaviest album in Junius' catalog, explaining how a clearly defined concept shaped the music and pushed the band into darker and heavier territory. He shares insights into his songwriting process, vocal development, and the constant revisions that occur before recording. The discussion explores Junius' deliberate approach to album creation, the importance of creative boundaries, and why some songs—no matter how much he loves them—must be left behind if they don't fit the larger vision. Joseph also explains why the band often takes longer between releases and how they balance artistic quality with the realities of modern music production. Additional topics include: Performing at Post. FestivalPlaying nearly the entire Sotera album liveThe resurgence of shoegaze and alternative musicTouring Europe and growing an international audienceRecording at Henson Recording StudiosMemorable encounters with Chris CornellTouring with EnslavedThe financial realities of modern musiciansArtistic integrity versus commercial pressuresDeftones, Mastodon, Spotlights, and influential modern bandsJoseph also reflects on some of the most meaningful moments of his career and offers a candid perspective on creativity, success, and what it means to build a sustainable artistic life in today's music landscape.

    1h 24m
  2. 5d ago

    EP360 Zack Simmons on Acid Bath Reunion, Goatwhore, and Extreme Metal Drumming

    Tom sits down with Zack Simmons of Acid Bath, Goatwhore, and Bringers of Disease for a deep discussion about the long-awaited Acid Bath reunion, preparing to perform iconic material, touring realities, drum influences, and life in extreme music. Zack talks about first discovering Acid Bath as a teenager in the early 2000s and the surreal experience of eventually joining a band he grew up admiring. He discusses working closely with Sammy Duet to revive the material, the pressure of honoring the original songs, and the intense rehearsal process leading up to the reunion shows. The conversation also explores Zack’s work with Goatwhore and Bringers of Disease, balancing multiple projects, and how touring schedules impact longevity for heavy bands. Zack shares stories about filling in for High on Fire, performing in Athens, Greece, and the physical demands of playing back-to-back drum sets in extreme metal environments. Tom and Zack also discuss: Black Sabbath and Motörhead influencesOzzy-era Sabbath and classic heavy music foundationsDave Lombardo, Tommy Aldridge, and Mickey DeeTour burnout and maintaining momentumBlast beats versus groove-oriented drummingThe evolution of modern touring cultureSouthern rock influences and underground metal historyIf you enjoy conversations about sludge metal, doom metal, death metal drumming, underground touring culture, and the legacy of Acid Bath, this episode delivers a detailed look into one of heavy music’s most respected modern drummers.

    41 min
  3. May 15

    EP356 From Noise to Country: Steve Austin’s New Musical Journey

    Tom sits down with Steve Austin of Today Is the Day to discuss his new outlaw country-inspired solo album “Marked Cards and Loaded Dice,” songwriting authenticity, life in rural Maine, and the emotional experiences that shaped the record. Steve reflects on growing up listening to classic country artists like George Jones and Willie Nelson before discovering heavier music through AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” The conversation explores how those early influences resurfaced in a deeply personal album blending traditional country instrumentation with cinematic songwriting and raw emotional honesty. The episode also dives into Steve’s songwriting process, the importance of human connection through music, and how difficult life experiences inspired some of the album’s most powerful moments. Steve discusses writing “The Rain Keeps Coming Down” during a period marked by family loss and the emotional aftermath of the COVID era. Additional topics include: Outlaw country and classic country influencesToday Is the Day history and evolutionSongwriting during grief and hardshipLiving off-grid in MaineHeating costs and rural living realitiesFilming at Acadia National ParkUpcoming tours with Napalm Death, Eyehategod, and PentagramAuthenticity in underground music cultureYoung fans discovering heavy musicSteve also shares details about upcoming live performances, future videos, and his collaboration with filmmaker Zev Deans. If you enjoy outlaw country, underground metal, noise rock, sludge metal, and artist deep dives, subscribe for more long-form conversations with independent musicians and heavy music legends. #SteveAustin #TodayIsTheDay #OutlawCountry #HeavyMusicPodcast #CountryMusic #NoiseRock #UndergroundMusic

    1h 12m
  4. May 13

    EP355 Phase Meridian on Sludge Metal Revival, AI Music & Touring Realities

    Tom sits down with Phase Meridian for a wide-ranging conversation covering progressive sludge metal, underground touring culture, physical media, AI-generated music, and the themes behind their upcoming release “Egregore.” The band discusses their songwriting philosophy of pairing complex instrumentation with memorable vocal hooks, drawing inspiration from progressive and sludge metal legends while building their own sound. The conversation explores the resurgence of bands like Crowbar, Acid Bath, and Eyehategod among younger listeners, the realities of DIY touring, and the importance of community within local metal scenes. The episode also dives into vinyl pressing plans, collectible physical media, absurd Costco performance ideas, cannabis legalization, and the darker economic themes explored throughout “Egregore.” The band reflects on modern capitalism, technological dependence, and the growing influence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. Topics Include: Progressive sludge metal songwritingThe return of classic sludge influencesTouring in small towns vs major citiesVinyl and cassette release plansDIY metal scene cultureAI-generated music concernsCannabis legalization discussionsThe concept and themes behind “Egregore”Underground heavy music communitiesIf you enjoy doom metal, sludge metal, progressive metal, and underground heavy music podcasts, subscribe for more interviews and conversations with independent artists and heavy bands worldwide. #PhaseMeridian #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #ProgressiveMetal #HeavyMetalPodcast #UndergroundMetal #MetalPodcast #VinylRecords #AI Music #Egregore

    1h 9m

About

And Now The Band is a podcast focused on music mainly in the Rock or Metal realm. With a love of music of all sorts, there is a heavy emphasis on the underground variety. Tom (the Host) spends his time going to shows all over, watching bands play in front of crowds from no one to 10s of thousands of people. Join the conversation and learn about some bands you may never have heard of without this show. Life is an experience, don't forget to enjoy it.