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. Deadnate's Drummer and Producer Ole Frank - an interview

    May 26

    Deadnate's Drummer and Producer Ole Frank - an interview

    Guest Ole Frank is the drummer and producer of Danish prog metal band Deadnate, known for his meticulous approach to recording and mixing, which helped shape the sound of Mosaic—a record praised for its clarity, aggression, and emotional depth. A lot of heavy bands struggle to balance raw energy with polished production, but Deadnate pulls it off effortlessly—and their latest album Mosaic is a masterclass in that delicate craft. Ole Frank, the band’s drummer and producer, reveals how they craft a sound that is both ferociously aggressive and meticulously refined without losing its human, gritty edge. Discover the secrets behind their multi-tracking approach, how they balance emotion with technical precision, and their their present journey from small Denmark venues to international stages. You'll learn how Ole’s focus on performance and simplicity creates a larger-than-life sound that rivals big-budget productions. He shares why emotion always guides their mixing decisions—whether it’s a crushing riff or a vulnerable vocal delivery. Plus, get insights into their sound engineering, from tuning and gear choices to recording techniques that keep their music authentic yet powerful. We break down the Danish metal scene’s influence on bands like Deadnate, highlighting underground gems like Baest and the DIY ethos that inspire their work. Ole also takes you through their upcoming live plans, the challenges of performing complex material on stage, and the unique moments in Mosaic that stand out to him—like the emotional weight of “Guilt and Sorrow” or the technical brilliance of “Two Tongues.” If you're a musician or a fan craving behind-the-scenes secrets, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories that'll elevate your own music or deepen your appreciation for high-caliber production. Perfect for aspiring producers, metal fans, or anyone interested in the art of balancing raw emotion with studio craft, this conversation with Ole will leave you inspired to push your music to the next level. Whether you're tracking in your home studio or chasing the big stage, Ole’s journey proves that with passion and precision, you can craft a record that hits hard and sounds incredible—the best of both worlds. 00:00 Intro and producing Mosaic 04:35 Becoming Deadnate's producer, the "DIY" and aggressive vibe 09:00 Ole's "deserted island" albums and Ole's producer influences 14:05 Standout moments on Mosaic 16:55 The Danish metal scene and gear talk 21:55 Perfectionism and Ole reviews the review 26:25 Album artwork and tour plans 29:45 Quickies www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #deadnate #mosaic #olefrank #progmetal #denmark #thrashmetal #gojira #baest #drums #producer #interview #podcast  Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    37 min
  2. Periphery - A Pale White Dot - Album Review

    May 21

    Periphery - A Pale White Dot - Album Review

    In this proglicious episode, the Shit Talk yahoos dive deep into A Pale White Dot, examining why even the most polished metal records can feel a little off to some listeners while being absolutely perfect to others. Some tracks blast into your face like a freight train, while others meander into synth-rich territory that leave some folks yearning for more of the heavy. They get into their standout moments from the record—highlighting Will Ramos’s explosive performance on Subhuman and the riff-driven force of Malevolent and explore why experimentation and moving away from a certain style can sometimes feel hit or miss.  John and Derek also get into the band’s unconventional songwriting process for this album, how digital tools and AI are transforming music production, remixing, and even artist originality, the shifting expectations of heavy versus mellow, and how personal taste shapes our perception of a “good record” and why the future might see fans customizing their albums, remixing tracks, or even cutting songs altogether. Why does this matter? Because in a world where bands push boundaries more than ever, understanding the risk and reward of artistic experimentation can open new listening horizons—or expose you to music that’s not for everyone. If you love metal, appreciate musical craftsmanship, or are curious about the future of music creation you might just dig this episode. (Or you might totally disagree and tell the guys to jump off a cliff.) Hang out for a second as they celebrate the artistry, debate the boundaries, and reflect on what it truly means to be an “objectively good” record in the age of AI and endless options. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just exploring heavier sounds, there's something here to challenge your perspective—and maybe even change how you consume music.  #periphery #apalewhitedot #mishamansoor #markholcomb #jakebowen #matthalpern #spencersotelo #nolly #adamnollygetgood #3dotrecordings #metal #djent #progmetal #mathrock #guitar #drums #mrgod #subhuman #juggernaut #alphaomega 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?

    26 min
  3. Deadnate - Mosaic - Album Review

    May 8

    Deadnate - Mosaic - Album Review

    If you’re sleeping on Deadnate’s new record Mosaic, do yourself a favor and wake up from that beautiful slumber. This album is a relentless, genre-blending killer that expertly combines thrash, prog, and raw aggression. It’s self-produced but sounds like a big-budget release. If you're tired of overproduced, sterile metal albums, this one will hit hard—sonically massive, thoughtfully arranged, and packed with innovative layers.  Derek and John unpack why Mosaic is likely destined for a top 10 album of the year. They get into the band’s meticulous craftsmanship—like multi-tracking during rehearsals to keep the raw energy intact. Check out how dual vocalists Simon Juul and Kenneth Kejlstrup seamlessly trade between melodic and aggressive styles, adding depth and dynamic contrast that keeps each track fresh from start to finish. The guys dive into standout moments like the crushing opening riffs of "Neon Burner," the emotionally intense "Guilt and Sorrow," and the genre-hopping complexity of "Funeral Cortège." Each song is a testament to polished songwriting without filler—just pure, impactful metal.  The record is erfect for heavy music aficionados, guitar geeks, or anyone hungry for fresh soundscapes that challenge genres and elevate the craft. Whether you're a die-hard thrash head or a progressive metal explorer, Mosaic is a must-listen. So hit play and experience a record that may just redefine your metal playlist—and remind you why discovering new bands is worth every second. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #Deadnate #DeadnateBand #deathcore #metal #deathmetal #deathcoreband #metalcore #grindcore #extrememetal #melodicdeathmetal #newmetal #progmetal #progressivemetal #Fredericia #Denmark Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    17 min
  4. Melvins & Napalm Death - Savage Imperial Death March - Album Review

    Apr 27

    Melvins & Napalm Death - Savage Imperial Death March - Album Review

    The much-anticipated collaboration between grindcore legends Napalm Death and the legendary Melvins is here— but does it live up to the hype? Dive into a raw, candid breakdown of "Savage Imperial Death March," where the consensus seems to be that it's more Melvins than Napalm Death and it lacks the of aggression and the heavy dose of Napalm Death that may leave some fans of either band feeling disappointed. Check why this album feels more like a relaxed Melvins studio session than a true fusion of these intense acts, and why many believe it misses the mark on the velocity and bite expected from their legendary catalogs. Is 90% Melvins 10% Napalm Death a fair description? How does that impact the listening experience?  Drop your comments down below! Why does this collaboration matter? Because in an era of safe, polished metal, the album’s raw, unfiltered approach challenges your expectations of what a band like Napalm Death can or should do with a legendary outsider like the Melvins. If you're a fan craving innovation, or a metal purist expecting pure chaos, this might help you decide whether this record deserves a spot in your collection or if it's destined for the bargain bin. The guys also take a minute to talk about being a kid, and the importance of parents letting their kids just be kids. Youth and pure innocence is far too short and kids deserve the chance to get every second of it they can before they have to start dealing with adult issues! www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #melvins #napalmdeath #collaboration #ipecacrecords #grindcore #deathcore #earacherecords #savageimperialdeathmarch Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    17 min
  5. Periphery - Mr God - Single Review

    Apr 20

    Periphery - Mr God - Single Review

    If you're into progressive metal that combines raw intensity with meticulous craftsmanship, Periphery should be high on your list of must listen material. John and Derek get into Mr. God, the first single from Periphery's upcoming album A Pale White Dot.  This latest single, on their own 3 Dot Recordings, is a ferocious mix of chunky, heavy baritone guitars, monstrous bass tones, searing vocals and huge drums— all crafted with a level of production that elevates the entire genre. The guys talk about how Periphery’s commitment to perfecting every detail—top-down mixing, studio magic, and deliberate songwriting—sets them apart from their peers.  So grab yourself a tasty beverage and watch John sink himself as a true fanboy. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #periphery #apalewhitedot #3dotrecordings #mishamansoor #markholcomb #jakebowen #matthalpern #spencersotelo #djent #progressivemetal #progmetal #selectdifficulty #juggernaut #hailstan#djentisnotagenre #marigold #icaruslives #scarlet #bloodeagle Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

    10 min
  6. Sun Dont Shine - From Birth To Death - Album Review

    Apr 17

    Sun Dont Shine - From Birth To Death - Album Review

    This time around Derek and John get into the new album From Birth To Death by SUN DONT SHINE. It’s an awesome record that combines doom, killer melodies and subtle grunge influences—all woven together into a powerful heavy rock record that surprises and elevates the metal landscape. The STR malcontents get into the intricate details that make this album stand out. Check out how the band’s lineup, featuring Kirk Winstein and Todd Strange from Crowbar and Down, delivers riffs that oscillate between Sabbath-inspired doom and Soundgarden-esque grunge, all layered with Beatles-esque songcrafting and a distinctly modern heaviness. Plus, insights into Kenny Hickey’s soaring vocals and Johnny Kelly’s tight, intentional drumming reveal the meticulous craftsmanship behind each track. They analyze how the band’s deliberate songwriting process, taking years to craft this album, results in no filler—just a collection of standouts that hit with authenticity, complexity, and emotional punch. For fans of metal, alternative rock, or anyone craving music that’s both thoughtful and heavy, this episode reveals why From Birth To Death is more than just music—it's a soundtrack for introspection and resilience. #sundontshine #kennyhickey #toddstrange #kirkwindstein #johnnykelly #crowbar #down #typeonegative #metal #doom #alternative #corpsepaintrecords #crytomnesia #thepromisesong #comingdown  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?

    21 min
  7. Margarita Monet - Edge Of Paradise - Interview

    Apr 8

    Margarita Monet - Edge Of Paradise - Interview

    Derek and John recently spent some time with Edge Of Paradise’s singer, pianist and visionary Margarita Monet. Most artists channel their inner sci-fi visionary by dreaming of a full-fledged movie based on their album — but Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise is already on her way. She’s blending heavy riffs, cinematic visuals, the realities and wishes for AI, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human into her band's art and ambitions. When most musicians stick to music, she pushes the boundaries into a universe of graphic novels, stage concepts, and movie dreams that could redefine the future of metal. Discover how Margarita merges her background in theater and visual arts with her passion for heavy metal, creating a band that’s as much about storytelling as it is about sound. During the conversation we break down: •How her innovative visual approach shapes band performances and music videos •The influence of her multicultural background and scientific upbringing on her art and lyrics •The real stories behind her iconography, from gold chest plates to underwater videos, and why she aims for cinematic excellence •The bold philosophy she shares about AI, technology, and staying human in a rapidly evolving digital world •The band’s upcoming tour plans You’ll discover the mindset and artistry that transform Edge of Paradise from a band into a multimedia project — and why their message of hope amidst a sci-fi dystopia matters more than ever. Whether you're a musician, an artist, or a sci-fi aficionado, Margarita’s journey offers inspiration and a new lens on what it takes to craft a universe of your own.  00:00 Introduction, tour prep and painful wardrobe choices 02:15 Serving as the band’s visual architect and graphic novels 04:25 The Prophecy album and AI 12:45 Doug Weiland and writing with extended range guitars 15:35 Videos, family and the international journey 21:55 How it started, tour plans 24:40 Quickies 26:55 Artwork, website and band merch #EdgeOfParadise #MargaritaMonet #NapalmRecords #CinematicMetal #AIInMusic #VisualStorytelling #HeavyMetal #MusicInnovation #SciFiVisionary #ArtAndTechnology #CreativeFreedom #losangelos #moscow #armenia #newyork #houston #graphicnovel 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?

    28 min
  8. CHAMBER - Jacob Lilly - Interview

    Apr 1

    CHAMBER - Jacob Lilly - Interview

    Nashville's metal scene is thriving in ways you never expected—chaotic, intense, and deeply connected. John and Derek sat down for a conversation with Jacob Lilly, vocalist of Chamber, and he pulled back the curtain on their latest album this is goodbye… revealing how chaos, emotion, and raw energy define their sound and their journey. Discover how they push musical boundaries with producer Randy LaBeouf, balancing chaos with cohesion, and what it takes to turn raw studio chaos into a polished masterpiece that rivals legends like Converge.  Here’s what you’ll learn: •The evolution of Chamber's sound, blending mathcore and hardcore into something uniquely brutal yet accessible •How the band crafts vocal chaos ideas on the fly, balancing technicality with raw emotion •The importance of community, legacy, and authenticity in the metal scene, especially in Nashville's surprisingly vibrant metal arena •Practical insights on vocal health, touring life, and making merchandise accessible for fans •The band’s ambitious plans to grow, tour worldwide, and create meaningful connections through their music • Jacob shares the moments that give them tingles when the album is complete and how they’re shaping a new wave of chaos-mosh metal that’s both unhinged and tightly produced. Perfect for metalheads craving heavy, honest, and innovative music, and for artists inspired to push their limits—this is a conversation Derek and John were excited about and they think you will be too. 00:00 Intro and the release of this is goodbye… 05:03 Maintaining the vocal instrument (and coffee!) 08:30 Balancing melody with chaos, genre labels 12:03 The Nashville scenes, evolving from a listener to a performer, dream tour package 18:26 Carrying the weight of lyrical content on stage, samples 21:36 The metal community, intense live shows 24:32 Tour with Malevolence and Guilt Trip 28:28 The service mentality, fan interactions, floor shows 33:57 Upcoming CHAMBER plans, Jacob’s down time, merch 38:33 Quickies #NashvilleMetal #ChamberBand #Chamber615 #PureNoiseRecords #JacobLilly #RandyLeboeuf #GabeManuel #ChrisSmith #TaylorCarpenter #HenryDierig #Metal #Mathcore #HardcoreMusic #MusicProduction #VocalChaos #UndergroundScene #MetalCommunity #MusicJourney #Podcast #Interview 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?

    43 min
See All (132)

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
    132
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shit Talk Reviews
  • Show Website
    Shit Talk Reviews