Pit Warning

Wesley Decker (host), Justin Davidson, Kyle Vaughn, Nate Rippey (producer)

Monthly reviews of underground punk, metal and hardcore. Four friends who grew up catching and playing Bay Area shows curate a playlist of new music and then discuss each other's picks. Listen to the playlist and form your own opinion along with us!

  1. FEB 21

    Season 3, Episode 2; No Half-Steppin'

    Episode Playlist; Hellripper - Hunderprest, Poison Ruin - Eidolon, GAZE - Fly Like a Fly, Rifle - Rifle, Crush Your Soul - Style Dominates, The Violent Youth - sledy, Lathe of Heaven - Matrix of Control, Killing Pace - War Machine Listen along here; Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-season-3-episode-2/pl.u-leylNZLijbKzok Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1CCFBOYomIGIugLpZ6XGac?si=UEqYAs_RRkytQK1gMIEvDw Keywords metal, punk, Hellripper, Poison Ruin, Gaze, Rifle, Crush Your Soul, The Violent Youth, Lathe of Heaven, Killing Pace, music analysis, album reviews, band history, songwriting, metal subgenres, hardcore, post-punk, music discussion, band insights, playlist, underground bands, music scene, album reviews Chapters 00:00 Video Game Adventures and Nostalgia 00:21 Podcast Introduction and Playlist Discussion 01:49 Hellripper's New Release and Song Review 10:30 Exploring New Music Releases 11:05 At The Gates and Mayhem: New Singles 11:10 Poison Ruin: A Unique Sound 13:08 The Aesthetic of Poison Ruin 15:02 Understanding Edelon: Meaning and Context 15:19 Personal Connections to Music 17:29 The Medieval Aesthetic in Punk Rock 19:22 Gaze: A Dive into Finnish Hardcore 21:44 Gaze's Unique Sound and Influences 23:34 Rifle: A London Punk Band 25:37 The Simplicity and Power of Rifle 27:36 Exploring Musical Influences 30:33 The Punk and Hardcore Connection 31:15 Emerging Bands and New Sounds 31:55 The Evolution of Hardcore 35:16 Diving into Eastern European Sounds 37:56 Post-Punk and New Wave Inspirations 40:51 The Impact of Live Performances 44:03 The Live Experience vs. Studio Sound 47:29 Label Dynamics and Branding in Music 50:44 Killing Pace: A Deep Dive into Their Sound 56:04 Pick of the Pod: The Final Selections 57:19 Panterestimate.3.wav Produced by Nate Rippey

    58 min
  2. Season 3, Episode 1; Vampire Era

    JAN 24

    Season 3, Episode 1; Vampire Era

    Listen to the playlist here; Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-season-3-episode-1/pl.u-6mo411LiopLZL Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6g8zpcYTSO0ER2J5lHg1wd?si=fIVVTjYvRcKlnhHZElKWNg (Note; Cave Sermon not available on Spotify) New season, new format! We are "pitting" everyones song selections against each other to see whom is victorious. There can only be one. Cast your vote in the poll! Keywords Youth Avoiders, Tunnel Jumper, Desecrate, Lay Waste, Cave Sermon, Worm, Angel Dust, Laughing Corpse, hardcore, punk, grind, music review, music, metal, vampires, black metal, hardcore punk, album reviews, band discussions, music culture Takeaways The podcast introduces a new season and playlist. Youth Avoiders blend punk and hardcore with catchy melodies. Tunnel Jumper's music addresses themes of income inequality. Desecrate's sound is reminiscent of classic beatdown hardcore. Lay Waste's grind music is politically charged and impactful. Cave Sermon offers a unique post-metal experience. The hosts share their personal connections to the music. Discussion includes the evolution of hardcore and punk genres. The importance of lyrical content in hardcore music is emphasized. Listeners are encouraged to explore the featured bands. The humor in album art can lead to deeper discussions. The evolution of hardcore punk reflects broader cultural shifts. Personal connections to music can enhance the listening experience. The hosts appreciate the fantasy elements in metal. There is a growing acceptance of 'nerdy' themes in heavy music. Produced by Nate Rippey

    56 min
  3. Season 2 Episode 17; The Best Records of 2025

    12/18/2025

    Season 2 Episode 17; The Best Records of 2025

    Listen to the along to the playlist; Apple Music; https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-best-of-2025/pl.u-PJLBsLAlmAY Spotify; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4d1tAcXiJgHYOydc0FN7zk?si=1rqMYZ3JTBml2uX2LfACOA Keywords music, albums, best of 2025, HEDONIST, Caustic Wound, Havukruunu, Lamp of Murmur, Tetem, xNullifyx, Gumm, Home Front, 1914, Ukko's Hammer, Hot Load, C4, Turnstile, End It, Scarab, Orm, One of Nine, Ciel, Faetooth, Bad Nerves, Oasis, Steroid, Supernova 1006, Cosey Mueller, Fugitive, Upon Stone, Puffer, Beton Arme, Tyreek McDole, James McMurty, music discussion, metal, black metal, hardcore, concert experiences, album reviews, future releases, community, top picks, music reflections Takeaways The year 2025 saw a significant increase in listener engagement for the podcast. The hosts emphasize the importance of unique instrumentation in music, such as the use of flute in black metal. They discuss the evolution of music genres and how new bands are blending styles. The conversation highlights the personal connection the hosts have with the music they discuss. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the playlist associated with the episode. The hosts reflect on their growth as a podcast and the community they've built around music. They share their excitement for discovering new bands and albums that push the boundaries of their genres. The discussion includes a mix of humor and serious analysis of the music industry. The hosts express gratitude for their listeners and the support they've received. They emphasize the importance of sharing music recommendations and experiences with each other. The unique sound of Fetooth draws comparisons to other bands but stands out on its own. Concert experiences can significantly impact one's appreciation for music. Anticipation for future music releases keeps the excitement alive in the music community. Honorable mentions highlight the diversity of music enjoyed throughout the year. Community and shared experiences at concerts can restore faith in humanity. Looking forward to new music releases can create excitement and anticipation. The conversation reflects a deep appreciation for music and its impact on life. Personal connections to music can enhance the listening experience. The importance of supporting new and upcoming bands in the music scene. Gratitude for the music community and shared experiences is a recurring theme. Chapters 00:00 Lamp of Murmur's Breakout Year 00:16 NEWCHAPTER_2 00:17 NEWCHAPTER 20:31 Exploring Tetum's Unique Sound 22:47 Nullify: A Promising New EP 25:27 Honorable Mentions and Live Experiences 29:37 JD's Picks and Reflections 35:46 NEWCHAPTER_3 35:52 Echoes Hammer: A Voice for Workers 37:17 Exploring New Music Discoveries 41:10 The Impact of Punk and Hardcore 43:58 Year-End Music Reflections 45:02 Celebrating Turnstile's Influence 47:17 Diving into Scarab and Other Honorable Mentions 49:54 Reflections on a Challenging Year 52:02 Looking Forward to New Music 54:18 In Memoriam: Bands and Artists 54:33 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 54:54 Panterestimate.3.wav Produced by Nate Rippey

    56 min
  4. Season 2, episode 16; Japanese Oi

    11/20/2025

    Season 2, episode 16; Japanese Oi

    Listen to the playlist first here; Apple Music; https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-episode-16/pl.u-qxylKmJt2gE2ED Spotify; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4hoAvODJ1vVN4xnnmgSQpm?si=hHytkRoaQtmLH9dTF7Hwxg Keywords hardcore, metal, band discussions, album reviews, music insights, music genres, music recommendations, Gumm, Hallas, Hot Load, Denim, ORM, Agartha, Spiritual Cramp, Savage Sword, Converge, reviews Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss their latest playlist featuring various bands, including Gumm, Hallas, and Hot Load. They delve into the unique sounds and influences of each band, sharing personal insights and comparisons to other artists. The conversation highlights the emotional and lyrical depth of the music, as well as the fun and energetic aspects of certain tracks. The hosts express their excitement for the music and the connections they feel to the themes presented in the songs. In this episode, the hosts delve into various metal bands, discussing their unique sounds, influences, and the evolution of their music. They explore the Danish band Orm, the technicality of metal compositions, and the unique sound of Agartha. The conversation also touches on the bittersweet tune of Spiritual Cramp and concludes with a discussion on Converge's new release, highlighting the band's enduring impact on the metal scene. Chapters 00:00 Discussion on Converge and Musical Authenticity 01:15 Exploring the Playlist: New Bands and Recommendations 04:05 Analyzing the Band Gum and Their Musical Style 07:02 Lyrical Themes and Personal Connections 10:05 Comparative Analysis of Vocal Styles 13:08 Transitioning to Halas and Their New Album 15:29 Exploring Musical Influences and Themes 22:14 The Rise of Hot Load: A Perfect Blend of Genres 29:05 Denim: The Aggressive Sound of Oi Punk 32:37 Cultural Misunderstandings and Language Nuances 33:52 Exploring New Music: The Impact of Genre 39:19 Technical vs. Ignorant Punk: A Musical Debate 41:44 Agartha: A Journey Through Sound 48:40 Spiritual Cramp: Blending Genres and Emotions 57:07 The Internet and Music Preferences 57:43 Exploring Savage Sword and Traditional Metal 59:44 Comparing Bands and Musical Evolution 01:03:41 Converge's New Release and Its Impact 01:10:22 Listener Engagement and Podcast Reflections 01:13:33 Panterestimate.3.wav Produced by Nate Rippey

    1h 14m
  5. Season 2, EP 15; Synth Count

    10/11/2025

    Season 2, EP 15; Synth Count

    Listen to playlist first here; Apple Music; https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-ep-15/pl.u-PDb4994TLj5zg9 Spotify; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5aqqvJmNvQ3RTtktriZ00P?si=ev-pZEiqRzaerxYvTUvYNA Keywords music playlists, hardcore, straight edge, metal, Homefront, Veytik, Lamp of Murmur, Statue of Heaven, Wes Eishold, black metal, post-punk, Drain, AFI, Fate's Hand, Honningbarna, Thomas Lindberg, At The Gates, music review, punk, album review, music discussion Takeaways The podcast features a monthly playlist discussion among friends. Homefront is described as 'your favorite band's favorite band.' Vaitic's music is themed around Bronze Age stories. Lamp of Murmur combines black metal with symphonic elements. Wes Eishold's new project showcases a darker sound. Drain's new song has a poppy vibe reminiscent of the Descendants. The conversation includes humor and camaraderie among the hosts. Listeners are encouraged to explore the bands discussed. The podcast highlights the evolution of music genres. The hosts share personal experiences related to the music. The new Drain track is a mix of styles, described as a 'stew'. Initial reactions to the song were mixed, with some finding it jarring. Fate's Hand received criticism for feeling forced and not engaging. AFI's new album surprised many, showcasing their evolution and songwriting prowess. The hosts reflect on their personal connections to AFI and their music history. Thomas Lindberg's passing was a significant loss to the metal community. His contributions to heavy music were profound and influential. The hosts appreciate the literary depth of Lindberg's lyrics. The discussion highlights the importance of evolving music styles. Listeners are encouraged to explore the works of At the Gates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Playlist Overview 01:15 Discussion on Homefront's New Single 08:36 Exploring Veytik's Melodic Black Metal 16:40 Lamp of Murmur: A Deep Dive into Their Sound 20:31 Exploring Cosmic Black Metal 25:58 Wes Eishold's Latest Work 35:51 The Evolution of Drain 40:30 Critique and Reflection on Drain's Sound 41:24 The Struggle of Enjoyment in Music 42:05 Exploring Vocal Techniques and Musical Styles 42:55 Finding the Right Sound: A Quest for Metal 45:17 The Challenge of Traditional Metal Vocals 47:34 Diverse Reactions to Fate's Hand 48:49 Eternal Champion: A Band Worth Exploring 50:31 C4 and AFI: A Shift in Musical Tastes 52:01 AFI's Evolution and New Album Insights 56:37 The Impact of AFI's New Sound 59:27 Personal Connections to AFI's Music 01:04:07 Feeling Like an Alien 01:08:06 Exploring New Music Discoveries 01:10:30 Generational Music Perspectives 01:13:02 Honoring a Musical Legacy 01:18:35 Panterestimate.3.wav Produced by Nate Rippey

    1h 19m
  6. Season 2 Episode 14; Daddy Yankee

    09/03/2025

    Season 2 Episode 14; Daddy Yankee

    Listen to playlist first here; Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pit-warning-episode-14/pl.u-6mo4MleCBxv06G Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2DJVBU3exPamMRPiW1RsSM?si=h1LvekI5QOOujVSbCOSGUQ Summary In this episode, the hosts dive into a curated playlist featuring a variety of heavy music, discussing each track's unique elements, influences, and the artists behind them. They explore the sounds of Skjolden, Hedonist, xNullifyx, Enumerable Forms, Turian, Die Spitz, Military Gun, and Bastard Mycosis, providing insights into the music's composition, lyrical themes, and overall impact. The conversation highlights the diversity within the metal genre and the excitement surrounding new releases. Keywords music reviews, metal, curated playlists, reviews, Skjolden, Hedonist, xNullifyx, Enumerable Forms, Turian, Die Spitz, Military Gun, Bastard Mycosis Takeaways The playlist features a mix of heavy music from various artists. Skjolden's sound is described as easy listening black metal. Hedonist's title track showcases heavy and intricate compositions. Nullify blends old and new hardcore influences effectively. Enumerable Form combines death and doom metal elements. Turian's music varies significantly across tracks, appealing to diverse tastes. Dice Bits offers catchy tunes that resonate with younger audiences. Military Gun's new release is seen as a potential song of the summer. Bastard Mycosis brings a unique take on death metal with a laid-back vocal style. The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting up-and-coming bands. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Playlist 03:01 Exploring Skjolden's Sound 05:54 Diving into Hedonist 09:09 Introducing Nullify 12:10 Analyzing Enumerable Form 15:03 Turian's Unique Style 32:01 Exploring Musical Influences and Vibes 35:00 Diving into Song Structure and Catchiness 39:09 Band Dynamics and Youthful Energy 42:08 Navigating Genre and Audience Appeal 44:58 The Summer Anthem and Catchy Tunes 53:57 Transitioning to New Sounds and Styles 59:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections Produced by Nate Rippey

    1h 4m
  7. Season 2, Episode 13; A Dessert of Nuts

    07/30/2025

    Season 2, Episode 13; A Dessert of Nuts

    This episode's playlist; Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/season-2-episode-13/pl.u-PJV6tLAlmAY Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4pZq24CtU0A7ALbf59kaxa?si=9-jcHyE1S2GEdBk5DitvoA Keywords Curated playlist, heavy music, album reviews, hardcore, grindcore, black metal, punk, playlists, music discussion, music, metal, hardcore, album reviews, band discussions, music quality, live performances, music genres, underground music, music culture, Alienator, Blighted Elder, Floating, Pains, Bulls Shitt, Necro Soft, Cruelster, Odd Man Out Summary In this episode, the hosts dive into a playlist of heavy music, discussing various tracks and their unique sounds. They explore the aggressive nature of Alienator's 'Constant Pain', the black metal influences of Blighted Elder, and the genre-blending style of Floating. The conversation also touches on the grindcore appeal of Pains and the hardcore vibes of Bulls Shitt, culminating in a discussion about Necro Soft's distinctive sound. Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes and humorous insights, creating an engaging and entertaining listening experience. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various music picks, exploring the quality and curiosity behind them. They discuss the unique sounds of bands like Cruelster and the straight edge perspective of Odd Man Out. The dialogue flows into the evolution of hardcore, touching on the live experience and the formulaic nature of some contemporary bands. The hosts share their thoughts on what makes music enjoyable and the importance of live performances in the hardcore scene. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Playlist 01:08 Discussion on Alienator's 'Constant Pain' 07:05 Exploring Blighted Elder's Sound and Themes 13:55 Reviewing Floating's Unique Blend of Genres 19:08 Exploring Album Art and Music Recommendations 20:30 Diving into Grindcore: Pains from Rockford, Illinois 22:34 The Impact of Drum Production in Heavy Music 24:08 Introducing B******t: A New Hardcore Band 27:32 Understanding the Lyrics and Themes of B******t 28:57 Is This Good? A Discussion on Music Taste 29:32 New Chapter 31:02 The Unique Sound of NecroSoft and Its Influences 31:55 Exploring the Unconventional Sounds of Necro Soft 33:33 The Debate: Is It Good or Not? 36:00 The Wild World of Experimental Music 37:14 Cruelster: A Band That Tickles the Funny Bone 42:27 Odd Man Out: Straight Edge Hardcore and Its Message 46:25 The Breakdown Culture in Hardcore Music 48:36 The Evolution of Hardcore and Its Live Experience 55:11 Analyzing the Art of the Breakdown 57:25 The Legacy of Black Sabbath and Its Influence 59:00 Sign-Off and Reflections on the Conversation 59:25 Panterestimate.3.wav Produced by Nate Rippey

    1 hr
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Monthly reviews of underground punk, metal and hardcore. Four friends who grew up catching and playing Bay Area shows curate a playlist of new music and then discuss each other's picks. Listen to the playlist and form your own opinion along with us!