Radioactive Metal Podcast

Heavy Metal has always had it's share of misunderstood meaning in it's lyrics. Yes, some of the lyrics are quite clear: sex, old Beelzebub, and rock n roll. But there are a number of classic tunes that Joe and Jane Average lost the plot with. Tunes from Ozzy/Sabbath, Maiden and Twisted Sister have has their unjustified criticisms. Songs that got their panties in a bunch but all knew better. So this week we made a list and are "counting them down". In our "News, Tunes and Views", we examine the close connection between "Star Wars" and "Carrie" and perform an air drum solo over the air. Musically, we crank some Nuclear Assault, Razor, Mantas (pre Death), Quartz, Eviction, Crusader and we introduce Canuck metallers Cruzer in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up! 

For music conisseurs discovering an act before they develop a wide(r) audience scores cool points. The citizens of Metaldom have been racking up the points for decades. There have been numerous bands that Joe and Jane Average picked up on well after the Metalheads/Punks were in on the ground floor i.e Metallica, Soundgarden, Green Day. Yep, we knew 'em first. This week we have a laundry list of such artists. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we "Wow!" over current day Go -Gos. Musically, we crank Lord Vigo, Day By Day, Gehennah, Game Over, Inferno, Demon Pact and we introduce Archdruid in our "Indie Spotlight". Horns Up!

"Spotify Fights Back" is a rather oxymoronic statement.   This is a recent headline from MusicRadar and it's got us in a tizzy. In said article, Spotify is basically saying their business model is fair ball. But musicians have a slightly different take.   So this week we go our round against the streaming giant. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we tackle A.I. in the music biz and go over the "Thunderbolts*" movie. Musically, we crank Midnight, Ghaal's Wyrd, White Wizard, Mindwars, Leftover Crack, Pupil Slicer, Iron Spell and we introduce Dream Heavy in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

Whew!   We had a lot going on this week. And while most of it was outside the realm of Metal, we decided we still wanted to go over it. Considering Geekworld is good neighbors with Metaldom.   Simply enough, we're talking all our adventures with Free Comic Book Day, May The 4th (Be With You) and the 8th of May (International Motorhead Day). As well, we tackle the announcement from Propaghandi regarding their cancelled US dates for 2025.   Musically, we crank Cancer, Cirith Ungol, the aforementioned Prop., Jaguar, Fleshcrawl, Hexella, The Bloody Hell and we introduce Chile's Witchhunter in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns up!

When RAM was an interview show, we on occasion extended that to the "Indie Spotlight". Whenever an indie band impressed us above and beyond, we liked giving them a moment in the Hot Seat as well.   So since Aaron is going to be sharing a stage with symphonic metal band Eden On Fire this summer, we figured we'd do just that. We're stoked to speak to vocalist Amy Gould and introduce them to our listeners. Give them a listen.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss the Pope's playlist and review the new Alice Cooper (Band) reunion track.   Musically, we crank D.O.A., (Algy Ward's) Tank, Pentagram (Chile), Frantic Amber, The Anti-Queens and Witchspell.   Horns up!

Today more than ever touring is getting tougher and tougher on a lot of artists. Especially financially.   Pop artist Kate Nash has a huge following and her tour was packing 'em in. But she returned home in the red (!). But a couple bare behind pics on OnlyFans and that was that. So that got us thinking about the whole OF thingy and if it's a viable option for artists. What does it take to make it as a musician in today's economy? Have we returned to the days of Mozart when musicians and artists relied on wealthy patron for support?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk Metal artists playing WrestleMania. Musically, we crank new Cadaver, Bikini Kill, Wolf (80s), Inepsy, Witch Vomit, Jivebomb, Demona, Revenge (Chile) and we introduce Mexico's Skeletorn  (love that moniker) in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

The mid 80s were an interesting time for Canadian legends Rush.   Like so many of their contemporaries of the time, the trio seemingly openly embraced the era by developing a very "80s" look and sound. That was never more evident than their '85 album "Power Windows". The decisive album is 40 years young.   So as is tradition, we've chosen this album for our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive series. Since we're talking Rush, we once again got our "Rush Guy", Mr. Mark Buell on the horn to help dissect this record. We go track-by-track and discuss everything Rush in that era. What's your 411 on "Power Windows"?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we share our Record Store Day haul and acknowledge Rex Manning Day.   Musically, we crank some Scowl, D.I., Sledgehammer, Shed The Skin, Krossfyre and introduce T.O. crossover thrashers The Slime in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

There was a time when "physical product" was flying off the shelves.   There were some points when labels and stores couldn't keep up with demand.Through it all though there were some albums that should have sold by the bucket load. But they somehow fell short.   This week we go over some of these "can't miss" albums. That did. "Cold Lake" anyone? "Chinese Democracy". How about Crue's self titled album? Great albums that never got a fair shake?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss some past musical advancements and some geek talk. Musically, we crank some Conflict, -(16)-, Hobbs Angel of Death, Frightmare, Damien Throne, Hell Poison and we introduce Greek metallers Ringlorn in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

We've all seen the memes.   Pics of a dozen deceased artists with the caption "You can only bring one back for one more show". Unfortunately, Metaldom has lost their share of artists. And I know we'd all love to see them play their trade one more time. Lemmy? Ramones? Maybe RJD?   This episode we share our list of encore performances. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk the appropriate Juno winners and some Geddy Lee talk.   Musically, we crank some Necrophagia, The Great Kat, VHS, Nite, Maul, Antagonizor, Allies and we introduce hardcore bashers Fast Response in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!!!

Aaron is an accomplished musician. He's gifted on a number of instruments and frequently educates us with his Gear Talk. As for Snowy...not so much. He's never so much as owned an instrument. But that's not to say he doesn't appreciate a good axe.   Especially if it's a signature instrument played live by a fave artist. For instance, Micheal Schenker's Flying V. Or one of Lemmy's basses. How about one of the guitars Mantas used to record their classic debut? So this week Aaron has a laundry list of these special instruments to quiz Snowy on how much he'd pay to have these awesome artifacts hanging on the RAM office walls.   Musically, we crank some new and used from Haemorrhage, Slaughter (Can), Spazz, Massacra, Medieval Steel, Iron Curtain, Armoured Angel, Stainless and introduce Quebec bashers Vortex in our "Indie Spotlight".   This is the Ibanez Gem owned by Steve Tai that sparked this topic.   Horns up!! 

Rock n Roll has no rulz.   But I'm sure when we're consuming our fave artists, we all have our own guidelines. Especially when it comes to the all important vinyl. I know when we're digging in the shops we have our own "do's and don'ts". Where's our shopping preferences? What about pic discs and coloured vinyl? And what about Walmart? So this week we do a deep dive into our favourite pastime of digging through the record bins.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we celebrate Thin Lizzy Day and share the fun of our recent golf trip (!). Musically, we crank new and used from Primordial, Savage Master, The Hanson Bros., Jawless, Teaser Sweet, Genocidal Rites, Phantom and introduce India's Sacrifix in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!!

Welcome to #2 of our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive Album Spotlight. Last time we focused on Motley Crue's "Theatre of Pain", an album that epitomized 'Hair Metal'. This time we're going to the opposite end of the spectrum.   NY thrashers Anthrax' second effort "Spreading The Disease" was an important album. Not just for the band, but the Metal underground in general. Along with some of their Big 4 brethren's key releases, the album introduced a more mainstream audience to the  awesomeness that is Thrash Metal. It's also an old fave of ours that still gets turntable time. Was this your fave 'Thrax album?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Metal Massacre..." and "Sisters With Transistor" documentaries. Musically, we crank Sacrifice, C.O.C., Bitch, Living Death, S.S. Decontrol, Lady Beast, 7 Year Bitch, Direct Action, November's Grief and introduce Toronto's Villian in our "Indie Spotlight.   Horns Up!!

The countdown's on!!   Record Store Day is generally a big f'n deal around the RAM offices. April 12 is when it all goes down and the first step is the release of the RSD Special Albums list. Another tradition is going over the list on the air. We scroll the list and make our picks for what we hope to find on The Big Day. So go to www.recordstoreday.com, find the list and join us.   As well, we discuss the "Only Girl in the Orchestra" documentary. Musically, we crank some Terrorizer, Omen, Christian Mistress, Chemicide, Traveler, Morbidity, Tomar Control and we introduce India's Air Raid Silence.   Horns up!

Every year the nominees for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame always seem to raise eyebrows and get tongues wagging. Over the last couple years, the controversy generally is about what exactly constitutes inclusion. Semantics aside, we enjoy getting "The List" and this year we're taking a cue from "High Infidelity" and making our Top 5 list of choices. Who you got?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we hit up the "Capt. Comics Expo" and go over the viral Taylor Swift fan divorce video. Musically, we crank some Blitzkrieg, Budgie, The Exploited, Razor, Sadistic Intent, Mean Mistreated, On Fire and introduce trad metallers Dragonrider in our "Indie Spotlight".   If you are curious about the "Whamola" Aaron mentioned, you can view it here.   Horns Up!

It's that time again. Our little longtime listeners know what the Juno Awards (Canada's answer to the Grammies) mean to us. At least the Metal category, being two time judges ourselves. So we're stoked for this year's nominees. Especially since four out of five are Radioactive Metal alum. So in the spirit of the Junos, we go over the list and "cast our vote" over the air. You'll find making a pick to be a Herculean task too.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Back To The Beginning" final Ozzy gig and announce the Manitoba Metalfest. Musically, we crank Deceased, Anciients, Striker, Warpig, Steel Inferno, Pupil Slicer, Drop Off Point, Malefaction and introduce Finland's Steel Machine in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

As we move along in life we pick up (hopefully) little bits of information. It's mostly info that isn't too groundbreaking or Earth shattering.   But in the context of our beloved genre, these tidbits become downright interesting. Over the past little while we've been compiling out own list of musical trivialities and this week we're sharing a handful of them. We hope we informed as well as entertained.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we have some gear talk and soundtrack speak courtesy of the great Akira Ifukybe. Musically, we crank some Dead Kennedys, MDC, Tokyo Blade, Meliah Rage, Holy Grail, Butcher, Lady Rage and introduce Canadian noise rockers Sweet Beast in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

With 1985 celebrating its 40th anniversary, it's time to kick off this year's Deep Dive series on cool albums turning 40.   1985 was an interesting year. That year could be argued to be the year that really kick started "hair" metal. And Motley Crue's "Theatre of Pain" was leading the pack. Gone were the studs and satanic imagery replaced by the pink scarves and hairspray. Nikki Sixx was leaning into his palm rock influences while sound wise a few tracks would have been right at home on "Shout At The Devil".   This was also a very divisive album. Not just back in the day, but around the RAM offices today. We go through the album track by track and discuss all the going ons when the album hit the tracks.   Musically, we crank Nifelheim, Abbatoir, London (!), Odin (!), Archagathus, Ice War, Breakout, Obnoxious Youth and we introduce Seattle's Hyperstrike in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up! 

As dedicated Metalheads, we all have those special albums near and dear to our Metal Hearts. I'm talking that collection of songs that changed our lives. It got us thinking how cool it would have been to be in the studio when these masterpieces took shape. Either as a fly on the wall or giving our 2 cents. Even getting coffee or going on beer runs would've been cool.   So this week we share our choices for such ventures. To help us out why not enlist a guy who knows his way around a studio. Mr. Matt Copper is our co-host with our sister show, Wrestling Night in Canada. More importantly, he's the main man behind his home studio, Atomic 29 Productions.   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we have some cool gear talk and the goings on in the Exodus camp. Musically, we crank some Raven, DRI, Whipstriker, Mayhem (80s), Twin Temple, Mother of Graves, Rotting and we introduce German trad metallers Hornado.   Horns Up!

A new year always means more important anniversaries. We hate to remind our more veteran listeners that the year 1985 is 40 (!!) years old now! It was an important and pivotal year for Metaldom, to which the effects are still being felt today. So this time we're going deep into '85. We're going over some of the fantastic albums that hit the racks and some of the amazing bands that first hit the garage. Great times!   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss the LA fires and the "Invoking Yell" black metal found footage film. Musically, we crank Grave Digger, Bloodfeast, Minor Threat, Savage Grace, Impaler, Extreme Noise Terror, Black Lace, Satanic Slaughter, Sadistik Executioner, Axetasy and we introduce ChiTown's Gloryhole Guillotine (!!) in our "Indie Spotlight".   Horns Up!

It's not over until...we've had our Rammy Awards.   Basically, the Rammies are our take on the Grammies. Meaning we make our picks for the "Best Of" for the year that was. In the categories that mean the most to Metalheads; Band, Album, Live, News Story a.o. As well, as is tradition, we give our inductions into the RAM Hall of Hall for Band, Album and what we call Myth and Legend. Play along with your picks too.   Musically, we crank Warlord, The Rods, Nails, Ghoul, Jaguar, Sentry, Fulci, and Blood Opera.   Horns Up and here's to an awesome 2025!