ATX Metal Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered

Donella Drive: We almost Partied with Jean-Claude Van Damme

The BreakdownEver wondered what it’s really like to take a band on the road? In this episode, the high-energy duo from Donella Drive, Aiden Escalante and Andrew Salazar, share the raw, unfiltered experiences of touring, from breakdowns to unforgettable gigs. Their candid storytelling reveals the grit, humor, and camaraderie that fuel their music journey – and you won't want to miss the wild tale about pushing their van down Sunset Boulevard at 3 AM!Dive deeper into their unique sound, which blends progressive rock with a bass-driven backbone that’s earned them comparisons to legendary acts. You’ll discover:- How they define their musical identity amidst a sea of influences, and why they shy away from being called a “Primus clone.” - The surprising backstory behind their latest tracks and the creative sparks that come from chaos and mishaps. - The invaluable lessons they've learned about touring, including the one piece of advice every aspiring band needs to hear about van rentals.Donella Drive’s journey is not just about music; it's about the highs and lows of being a band on the rise. Their experiences resonate with anyone who's ever chased a dream, faced adversity, or simply enjoyed a good rock show. Missing this episode means missing out on laughter, inspiration, and a rare look into the life of dedicated musicians.Perfect for music lovers, aspiring bands, and anyone who enjoys a good story, this episode is your backstage pass to the unpredictable world of touring. Tune in and get ready for a ride that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening!Episode InfoBand IG: https://www.instagram.com/donelladrive/Band Website: https://linktr.ee/donelladriveATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcastSponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Seratonin - Validation of The Thesis

The BreakdownSeratonin is building a metal band the old-school way - from the ground up, with zero compromise, a DIY merch operation, and shows that most bands would never even think to book. If you want to know what it looks like when a new heavy act leans all the way into community, chaos, and raw energy, this one is for you.Ryan sits down with Joe and Randall of Seratonin, the Central Texas band pushing unapologetic, high-octane music that pulls from nu-metal, hardcore, thrash, and the kind of live-wire energy that turns a room into a sweatbox. They break down how the band formed, how the lineup came together with Eric on bass and Jeremiah on drums, and why they’re more interested in getting people moving than fitting neatly into a genre box.You’ll discover:Why the band name Seratonin is more than just a clever word choice - it’s a statement about modern brain rot, short-term dopamine hits, and getting people back into real-life experiencesHow the group is releasing a four-track EP at the end of August instead of chasing endless single dropsWhat working with producer Brett Wassom brings to the record and why they’re aiming for a sound that’s neither overproduced nor garage-demo rawHow they landed a wild EP release event at Cowboy Harley Davidson in South Austin and why they want to tap into biker, car meet, and drift communitiesWhy playing with legacy act Unloco is a major validation moment for a band still introducing itself to the sceneJoe shares his path from Hawaii to Central Texas and how a long love of heavier music shaped his vocals, while Randall traces a globe-trotting life through Louisiana, New York, LA, Asia, Sri Lanka, and back to the South before landing in the band he always wanted to play in. Together, they open up about the strange power of starting out as a mystery band and proving themselves through energy, not hype.This episode is for anyone who loves underground music, DIY culture, and the thrill of finding a band before everyone else does. Seratonin is betting on live shows, real connections, and word-of-mouth buzz over algorithm games - and they might be exactly the band you’ll want to say you discovered first.Episode InfoBand IG: / seratonin.band Band Website: https://seratonintx.bandcamp.com/merchATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcastSponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

INRVRY - Married In the Mosh Pit

The BreakdownINRVRY turns a Dayseeker concert into a life-changing moment - and their story is only getting started. If you love music with heart, this one gives you the origin story, the family ties, and the hope behind one of San Antonio's most interesting rising bands.Mando Vargas opens up about building INRVRY with his wife Celeste, their close-friends-turned-bandmates Leo and Chris, and how a song that started as a voice memo became the spark for a full album. From the first track, Intuition, to Grace, Notions, and the new visual for Iridescent, the band shares how they keep the focus where it belongs: serving the song.You'll hear how Dayseeker, Nothing But Thieves, Paramore, and Nothing More shaped their sound, why their music lands somewhere between metalcore, alt-rock, and worshipful honesty, and how a surprise proposal during Homesick became one of those stories you never forget. Celeste jumps in too, bringing the band's mission into focus - giving listeners hope through pain, loss, depression, and anxiety, and reminding people they're not alone.We also get real about storytelling, faith, identity, and what happens when music becomes more than entertainment. For anyone who cares about the human stories behind the songs or wants to discover a band creating with purpose instead of chasing hype, this episode hits hard.If you want music that carries meaning, chemistry, and a little bit of chaos in the best way, INRVRY is worth your time. Hit play and hear how this band is turning shared life, shared struggle, and shared vision into something bigger than themselves.Episode InfoBand IG: / inrvryband Band Website: https://linktr.ee/InrvryATXMP Website: atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcastSponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/Chapters00:00 Intro + Mando’s introduction00:58 Dayseeker and current influences01:47 Who makes up INRVRY02:54 Celeste’s role + church background06:02 How INRVRY began07:39 The Dayseeker proposal story09:20 The proposal plan comes together12:00 Homesick proposal moment15:25 Ryan’s proposal story20:07 Storytelling and conversation25:28 New album origins26:00 “Intuition” begins the project27:46 “Grace,” “Notions,” and writing29:11 First live show33:06 Nothing But Thieves + music’s impact34:29 Faith, identity, and beliefs45:22 New music video + what’s next53:32 Celeste joins the conversation54:18 INRVRY’s mission55:16 Outro

Hammerthrone - Something to Groove To

The BreakdownPrepare to be punched in the gut by a raw, groove-driven metal episode that reveals how seasoned musicians craft crushing riffs that connect directly with fans—no matter your scene experience. If you've ever wondered how metal bands stay tight, explosive, and engaging live, this episode unlocks the secret sauce: from the power of authentic community support to the art of balancing technical prowess with soulful groove.Ryan Rayle sits down with Phil King and Dave Revere of Hammer Throne, a band blending doom, thrash, hardcore, and more into a ferocious debut EP. They share candid stories about their journey from early influences—like Led Zeppelin, Maiden, and New York hardcore—to the gritty reality of building a scene from scratch in Austin and New York. Discover how years of touring, DIY spirit, and genuine passion translate into electrifying stage presence and music that grabs you in the first listen.You'll learn:- How veterans with decades of scene experience bring cohesion and energy to new projects -The importance of groove in cutting through noise and captivating audiences, even with complex riffs- Practical strategies for promoting your band with local support, social media, and authentic networking- Why stage presence and crowd engagement outweigh technical tricks in live performances- The band’s approach to songwriting, balancing heaviness with memorable, groove-oriented riffs that fans can't ignoreIn a landscape saturated with algorithms, AI-soundalikes, and noise, Hammer Throne’s honest approach is a reminder: great music is about community, authenticity, and feeling the groove. This episode is essential listening for aspiring musicians, fans craving real connection, and anyone looking to understand the heart behind heavy music.Whether you're a metal head, DIY supporter, or just hungry for inspiring stories from the scene, you'll find motivation and practical tips to elevate your own musical journey. Hammerthrone is a crushing force of old-school-influenced death metal from Austin, TX. Formed in 2025 by guitarist Phil King, vocalist TJ Lewis, and drummer Dave Revere, all of the Texas Sludge metal band Forebode, with Void Witch bassist Luke Friebertshauser joining shortly after. The band's foundations were built around the punishing Swedish HM-2 chainsaw riffs of the 90s.Episode InfoBand IG:https://www.instagram.com/hammerthronetx/Band Website: https://hammerthronetx.bandcamp.com/album/hammerthroneATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast Sponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hammer Throne01:16 Musical Journeys and Band Origins04:38 The Evolution of Hammer Throne06:47 Songwriting Process and Creative Inspirations11:51 The Groove Factor in Metal Music16:52 Live Performances and Upcoming Shows20:48 The Evolution of Music Scenes24:45 Comparing Hardcore Scenes: New York vs Texas28:48 Building Community Through Local Support31:57 Creative Dynamics in Music Production36:14 The Importance of Passion in Performance

Andy Flores: Building Community Through Music

The BreakdownJoin Ryan Rayle and Andy Flores as they discuss the evolution of the San Antonio music scene, the importance of community, and the power of platforms like The Hive and The Rock Box in supporting local bands. Discover practical tips for artists, the impact of technology, and future plans for community-driven events.Episode InfoBand IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_hive_satx/Band Website: https://www.facebook.com/thehivesatx/ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATXMetalPodcastSponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 The Evolution of The Hive and The Rock Box03:56 COVID's Impact on the Music Scene07:03 Supporting Local Bands and Community Building10:03 The Role of Technology and Platforms15:02 Future Plans and Community Events20:04 The Power of Community in Music25:07 Supporting New and Emerging Bands30:00 The Importance of Professionalism and Etiquette35:13 The Use of AI and Digital Tools in Music Promotion40:08 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved

Poacher: Generational Chaos For Sale

Release The Captive: F**K Hospitality Management

The BreakdownMost bands try to look cool on stage; Release The Captive just proves that behind-the-scenes chaos is where the real magic happens—and how they still crush it despite juggling life and moving into a new place.Imagine a bunch of Texas musicians navigating tech nightmares, Craigslist hunts, and still managing to deliver a raw, authentic metal experience that keeps fans moshing and the scene alive. Ryan Rayle hosts this hilarious and honest conversation with the band that’s been tearing up Austin for six years with new ,music on the menu.You’ll discover: how to make tech issues disappear faster than Ryan's wife's mirror, the surprising power of local shows for testing new material and why being “Craigslist certified” might just be the new badge of honor in the underground scene. We also break down the band's unique blend of old-school influences with a fresh, nu metal revival—plus, their plans to dominate Texas stages and eventually, the world.This episode is for musicians tired of overproduced nonsense, for fans who want to hear what real guys sound like when the mics are on, and for anyone who loves a good story about resilience, friendship, and loud guitars. If you’re longing for a peek behind the curtain of a truly genuine band, this one’s for you.Episode InfoBand IG: @ / releasethecaptiveband Band Website: https://linktr.ee/releasethecaptiveATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast Sponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/

Foreword: The Band is My Gamble

The BreakdownMost band stories sound like Hollywood scripts — but this one might just beat them all. Andy Alderson from San Antonio’s Foreward spills a wild ride from band chaos, political degrees, to signing with Seek and Strike, all while reminiscing about high school hairdos and the glory days of MySpace. Think your band struggles are epic? Wait until you hear how ego, ego trips, and a little bit of ego management slowed this band down—and then fired them back up.You'll discover:How a band formed in 2016 turned hiatus into a comeback with three hit singles, landing a deal with Seek and Strike.The surprising link between politics, heavy metal, and partying your way through a music career.The real truth about the grind of social media, from the horror show of MySpace trains to today's never-ending content treadmill.How a label with roots in Sumerian and New Century Media is helping Foreward hit the next level—and why major labels are both a blessing and a curse.The daily battles of balancing music, business, and ticking boxes like “ear protection” at shows, all with a wink and a nod.This episode is perfect for fans curious about how a local band navigates the tech hustle, the heartbreaks, the hilarious mishaps, and chasing a dream even when the road is paved with debt and questionable hair choices. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep the metal alive and thriving in the digital age, Andy’s story proves: hustle, humor, and a bit of chaos are the true secret weapons.Episode InfoBand IG: / @forewordband Band Website: https://www.seekandstrike.com/ATXMP Website: https://atxmp.transistor.fm/Subscribe to ATX Metal Podcast on YouTube: / @atxmetalpodcast Sponsors / AffiliatesCome and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.comCome and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/No Control Radio: https://www.klbjfm.com/show/no-control/