Chaotic, Mayhem, and Groompy return with a heavy and honest new episode of RockMental, kicking things off with a powerful conversation around Jason Newsted’s recent revelation about why he truly left Metallica — and how walking away from something you love can sometimes be the only way to stay alive. This week’s episode dives deep into addiction, sobriety, and choosing your mental health, even when the cost feels unbearable. The crew explores how Newsted’s decision reframes Metallica’s history, challenges our ideas of strength and loyalty, and mirrors the difficult choices so many people face when survival demands change. Alongside the discussion, the episode delivers new rock and punk music discovery, spotlighting three under‑the‑radar bands with under 100K monthly listeners who bring raw emotion, confrontation, and resilience across punk, post‑punk, and metalcore. If you’re looking for heavy music that doesn’t shy away from addiction, shame, recovery, and refusing to quit — this episode hits hard. As always, the conversation blends rock culture, lived mental health experiences, and community, reminding listeners that survival is not weakness — it’s courage. Featured Bands in this Episode: The S***s — A confrontational punk band from Leeds, UK, delivering slow‑burn hostility and unfiltered nihilism. Their music wrestles with guilt, addiction, and emotional collapse, channeling the uncomfortable realities many people live with but rarely say out loud. Courting — Liverpool‑based post‑punk with sharp commentary on consumerism, the music industry, and destructive habits. Their angular sound and biting lyrics explore how addiction, greed, and self‑interest quietly wreck lives. Prison — A Florida metalcore band known for pairing crushing heaviness with an unapologetic mental‑health message. Their songs confront addiction, suicidal ideation, trauma, and survival head‑on, offering both brutal honesty and hope for recovery.This week's show partners: Sonder Mountain Apparel Co. - Check out our exclusive #MoshPitMentality line today! Flare Audio - Audio clarity without muting the world! HeadsUpGuys - Mental health resources for men, by men. Cope Notes - Get 10% off a new subscription when using the code ROCKMENTAL Connect with RockMental: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube DISCLAIMER:This episode includes discussion about addiction, depression, and suicidal ideation. RockMental shares lived experiences and survivor perspectives around mental health. While we are not medical professionals, we believe in honest conversations, community support, and encouraging listeners to seek professional help when needed. Mental health resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, can be found at rockmental.com/help.
