Signals From Mars Podcast

Victor M. Ruiz
  • 4.3 (18)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

All types of hard rock and metal interviews and music discussions since 2009. Visit us at www.signalsfrommars.com. Linktr.ee/signalsfrommars patreon.com/signalsfrommars

  1. Struck A Nerve

    3D AGO

    Struck A Nerve

    🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 437 Guest: Nathan Sadd (Struck A Nerve / Shrapnel) In Episode 437 of Signals From Mars, host Victor welcomes guitarist Nathan Sadd, a key force behind the UK thrash band Struck A Nerve, as well as longtime member of Shrapnel. The conversation centers on the explosive debut self-titled album from Struck A Nerve, released in late November, and how the band evolved from a casual side project into a full-throttle modern thrash act gaining serious momentum. Nathan discusses songwriting approach, keeping albums lean and aggressive, and why classic thrash principles still matter in today’s metal landscape. Victor and Nathan also explore the current UK thrash scene, regional influences, balancing multiple bands, and the importance of supporting new metal through physical media, touring, and community engagement. The episode also touches on Struck A Nerve’s partnership with Listenable Records, upcoming tour plans, and what fans can expect next as the band continues building on a strong debut. If you’re passionate about modern thrash, underground metal scenes, and discovering bands that carry the spirit of classic metal forward, this is an essential listen. 437 🙏 Patron Appreciation A huge thank you to the Signals From Mars Patrons who support the show and help keep it independent, community-driven, and listener-funded: Steven Sailer Steve Hoeker Jeremy Weltman Mike Jones Brad Dahl Mark Strigl Gabriel Ruiz Chris Vaglio Metal Dan Johan Ederström Ed Ferguson Anthony Mackey Toni Espin Sean Richmond Many of these patrons actively participate in episodes, shaping the discussion and direction of the show. 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars 🌐 Website: https://signalsfrommars.com 🤘 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ 🐦 X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars 🎮 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars 🛒 Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ 🎧 Podcast Platforms: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ 💼 Sponsorship Info: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/ #SignalsFromMars #MetalPodcast #ThrashMetal #NewMetal #UKMetal #MetalInterview #UndergroundMetal #ModernThrash #MetalCommunity #IndependentMetal #HeavyMetalPodcast #MetalDiscovery

    42 min
  2. Late 2025 Vinyl Haul

    JAN 16

    Late 2025 Vinyl Haul

    🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 436: Vinyl Haul (October–Christmas Edition) 🎸 In this episode of Signals From Mars, I dig into my latest vinyl haul, covering records added to my collection from October through Christmas. This is a pure vinyl-focused episode, spotlighting albums picked up over the past few months and the stories, memories, and motivations behind each addition. As always, this isn’t just a list of records — it’s a conversation about vinyl culture, the joy of collecting, revisiting classic albums, discovering new pressings, and why physical media still matters in a digital world. From longtime favorites to recent finds, every record has a story. If you love vinyl collecting, crate digging, and deep dives into music culture, this episode is for you. 💬 Leave a comment and let me know what records you’ve picked up recently or what’s currently spinning on your turntable. 🤘 Patron Shout-Outs A huge thank you to the Signals From Mars Patrons who support the show and help keep it independent, community-driven, and listener-funded: Steven Sailer Steve Hoeker Jeremy Weltman Mike Jones Brad Dahl Mark Strigl Gabriel Ruiz Chris Vaglio Metal Dan Johan Ederström Ed Ferguson Anthony Mackey Toni Espin Sean Richmond Many of these patrons actively participate in episodes, shaping the discussion and direction of the show. 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars 🌐 Website: https://signalsfrommars.com 🤘 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ 🐦 X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars 🎮 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars 🛒 Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ 🎧 Podcast Platforms: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ 💼 Sponsorship Info: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/

    52 min
  3. 2025 Recap

    JAN 8

    2025 Recap

    🎙️ Signals From Mars – Episode 435 Hour One: 2025 Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Recap In Episode 435 of Signals From Mars, Victor is joined by longtime patrons Brad Dahl, Jeremy Weltman, and Ed Ferguson for a spoiler-free recap of hard rock and heavy metal in 2025. This episode continues the revived Hour One format, focusing on conversation, reflection, and community rather than rankings, placements, or click-driven takes. 🔥 Episode Topics 🎸 Best-Selling Hard Rock & Metal Albums of 2025 The panel discusses albums that made a major commercial impact, exploring physical sales vs. streaming, genre perception, fan loyalty, and how success is measured today — without revealing rankings or outcomes. 🌍 Top-Grossing Hard Rock & Metal Tours A spoiler-free look at touring trends in 2025, including legacy acts, stadium vs. arena strategies, touring economics, and how nostalgia and setlists shape the live experience. 📰 Biggest Hard Rock & Metal News Stories of 2025 Victor and the panel reflect on the year’s most talked-about developments, major announcements, and ongoing legacy band narratives. (Deaths are intentionally excluded from this segment.) 🕊️ Remembering Those We Lost A respectful segment honoring influential artists who passed away in 2025, focusing on legacy, impact, and what these losses mean to the rock and metal community — without ranking or sensationalism. ❤️ Community & Reflection Beyond albums and tours, this episode highlights why Signals From Mars exists: music as therapy, shared fan experiences, patron-driven discussion, and keeping the rock and metal community connected across generations. 🤘 Patron Shout-Outs Thank you to the Signals From Mars Patrons who help keep the show independent and community-driven: Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond Many patrons actively participate in episodes like this one and help shape the show. 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ Podcast Platforms: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ #SignalsFromMars #HardRock #HeavyMetal #MetalPodcast #RockPodcast #MetalCommunity #YearInReview #MusicPodcast

    1h 21m
  4. October & November 2025 Albums Review

    JAN 8

    October & November 2025 Albums Review

    🎸 Signals From Mars – Episode 434 October & November 2025 Hard Rock & Metal Albums Review (Livestream) Episode 434 of Signals From Mars is a livestream-recorded episode featuring Victor M. Ruiz, joined by Jeremy and Ed, as they catch up on hard rock and heavy metal releases from October and November 2025. Recorded on December 12, this episode continues the show’s long-standing mission: supporting new music and keeping the hard rock and metal scene alive. Rather than living only in the classics, Signals From Mars shines a light on both established artists and lesser-known bands releasing new material. 🎙️ What to Expect (Spoiler-Free) Thoughtful discussion on the importance of discovering and supporting new music Honest, conversational reactions to recent releases A wide range of styles across hard rock and metal Friendly debate, differing opinions, and shared enthusiasm Personal listening habits and how albums grow over time A relaxed livestream atmosphere with real fan interaction No rankings, no spoilers — just genuine music conversation. 🤘 Why This Episode Matters In Episode 434, Victor makes the case that new releases are essential to the future of hard rock and metal. Without continued support for current artists, the genre risks becoming frozen in time. This episode is about exploration, curiosity, and keeping the genre moving forward, whether you’re into classic sounds, modern production, or underground discoveries. 🙌 Patron Shout-Outs A huge thank you to the Signals From Mars Patrons for making episodes like this possible: Steven Sailer • Steve Hoeker • Jeremy Weltman • Mike Jones • Brad Dahl • Mark Strigl • Gabriel Ruiz • Chris Vaglio • Metal Dan • Johan Ederström • Ed Ferguson • Anthony Mackey • Toni Espin • Sean Richmond Your support keeps the conversation going 🤘 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars Merch Store: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ Podcast Platforms: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ Sponsorship: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/

    1h 53m
  5. Wolftooth

    12/12/2025

    Wolftooth

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    49 min
  6. Mezzrow

    12/05/2025

    Mezzrow

    In Episode 432 of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson, vocalist of Swedish thrashers Mezzrow, to discuss the band’s powerful new album Embrace The Awakening. Uffe reflects on Sweden’s enduring metal culture, the impact of recent losses in the community—especially Thomas Lindberg of At The Gates—and how Mezzrow rediscovered their spark decades after disbanding. Uffe explains how the band reunited in 2021 after finding an old recording they’d made with their late former guitarist. This led to recruiting guitarist Magnus Söderman and producer/guitarist Ronny Bjarnström, helping Mezzrow evolve while remaining rooted in Bay Area–influenced thrash. The band focused on making a concise, high-quality album, selecting eight of twelve written tracks for maximum impact. They avoided keyboards this time to create a more live, energetic thrash feel, while still blending in subtle influences from jazz, prog, and black metal. Victor and Uffe discuss how the new songs fit alongside Mezzrow classics like “Frozen Soul,” how the band approaches setlist balance, and why intimate festivals such as Muskelrock remain personal favorites. Uffe also reacts to press comparisons to modern Testament and Coroner, a compliment he embraces proudly—especially after sharing a stage with Coroner in Bulgaria. Mezzrow keeps fans updated through active social media, and the best way to support the band is by purchasing merch directly from their official shop. 🎙️ Patron Shout-outs Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond. Connect with Mezzrow: Website: http://www.mezzrow.black/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezzrowswedishthrash/ 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ Podcast Services: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ Sponsorship: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/

    37 min
  7. Rich Knox Of Danko Jones

    11/28/2025

    Rich Knox Of Danko Jones

    Signals From Mars – Episode 431: Rich Knox (Danko Jones) In Episode 431, Victor is joined by Rich Knox, drummer for Danko Jones, to talk about the band’s new album Leo Rising, his journey into the band, working with Marty Friedman, and what keeps the Danko Jones sound sharp after more than a dozen years behind the kit. Rich shares stories about his audition for the band, touring with The Darkness and Black Stone Cherry, the differences between jazz and rock musicians, and how the band writes music while living in three different countries. He also reflects on pandemic-era livestreams, KISS fandom, and what makes a great rock song. The conversation also dives into Rich’s passion for health, mindset, and fitness. Through his project Performers Health, he helps musicians stay healthy on and off the road. Learn more at: https://performershealth.com Topics include: • Making Leo Rising • Collaborating with Marty Friedman • The Danko Jones songwriting process • Minimalist drumming philosophy • Jazz vs. rock approaches • Touring stories & festival moments • Pandemic livestream memories • Health, wellness & Performers Health • Staying grounded as a touring musician 🎙️ Patron Shout-outs: Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond. 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ 🎵 Follow Danko Jones & Rich Knox: Official Site: https://www.dankojones.com Instagram: @danko_jones | @richknoxdrums Performers Health: https://performershealth.com

    49 min
  8. Condition Critical

    11/21/2025

    Condition Critical

    Signals From Mars – Episode 430: Condition Critical In this episode of Signals From Mars, Victor welcomes Tony Barhoum from New Jersey thrashers Condition Critical! Tony discusses the band’s first new album in nine years, Degeneration Chamber, their connection to New Jersey’s thrash legacy, and how they balance old-school aggression with a modern sound. The conversation touches on the influence of local legends like Overkill and DD Verni, the band’s DIY approach to recording, and how they shaped the album’s late-’80s spirit without sounding dated. Tony also talks about his gear setup, unexpected musical influences, frustrations with streaming platforms, and shares a favorite memory of Ace Frehley. Topics discussed include: • New Jersey thrash roots • Mischief Night traditions • Joining Condition Critical • Why Extermination Plan and Degeneration Chamber are nine years apart • Engineering and producing the new album • Gear talk • Surprising influences • Remembering Ace Frehley • Where to buy Degeneration Chamber to best support the band 🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/ 💿 Support Condition Critical: Bandcamp: https://conditioncritical.bandcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conditioncriticalnj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConditionCriticalNJ/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dTcIKLfUXsCPB1HiizLHn 🎙️ Patron Shout-outs: Steven Sailer, Steve Hoeker, Jeremy Weltman, Mike Jones, Brad Dahl, Mark Strigl, Gabriel Ruiz, Chris Vaglio, Metal Dan, Johan Ederström, Ed Ferguson, Anthony Mackey, Toni Espin, Sean Richmond. 🔗 Connect with Signals From Mars: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommars Website: https://signalsfrommars.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signalsfrommars YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommars Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/signalsfrommars Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/ Merch: https://signals-from-mars.creator-spring.com/ Podcast Services: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/podcast-services/ Sponsorship: https://www.signalsfrommars.com/sponsorship/

    40 min
See All (440)

4.3
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

All types of hard rock and metal interviews and music discussions since 2009. Visit us at www.signalsfrommars.com. Linktr.ee/signalsfrommars patreon.com/signalsfrommars

Information

  • Creator
    Victor M. Ruiz
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2026
  • Episodes
    440
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2009 - 2023 www.signalsfrommars.com
  • Show Website
    Signals From Mars Podcast

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