80:The Metal Maniacs Podcast -The Sissy Boys do Hardcore their own way-

In this milestone 80th episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd sit down with Jake and Cam from the Michigan-based hardcore band **The Sissy Boys**. Known for their high-energy performances and raw sound, The Sissy Boys have been making waves in the Michigan hardcore scene, and their passion for music is undeniable.

Fresh off a killer performance at Bell’s, Jake and Cam join us to discuss the band’s journey, creative process, and what’s next for this up-and-coming powerhouse.

🎶 **Releases:**

The band’s debut EP, *We Want To Fight* (released July 9, 2024, via Delayed Gratification Records), showcases their old-school, juvenile hardcore sound with tracks that are as catchy as they are ferocious. From the chant-driven anthem *We Want To Fight* to the infectious riffs of *Looking Down the Barrel*, this EP is a must-listen.

🎸 **Behind the Music:**

- The inception of The Sissy Boys: From 8th-grade dreams of a Pixies-style band to channeling Negative Approach’s raw aggression.

- Writing and production: The band’s DIY ethos, with vocalist Dom handling recording and mixing duties, and mastering by Jesse Cannon.

- Gear talk: Live setups, tunings, and how they achieve their signature tone.

- Practice schedules and how they stay sharp.

🔥 **The Scene:**

- Memorable performances, including their set on the Experience Stage at Electric Forest and a standout show at Detroit’s Tied Down festival (captured by Hate5Six).

- Stories from the road: The highs, lows, and lessons learned from touring and gigging.

💭 **Q&A Highlights:**

- What drives their love for punk and hardcore?

- The origin of their band name.

- Favorite hobbies and influences outside of music.

🎧 **What’s Next?**

The Sissy Boys share their plans for future releases, upcoming shows, and the evolution of their sound.

If you’re a fan of raw, no-frills hardcore with a DIY spirit, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of The Sissy Boys and their infectious passion for music!

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Welcome back to *The Metal Maniacs Podcast In our 79th episode, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd are joined by a friend of the show and multi-talented metal powerhouse, Erikk Stroude. A man of many talents and projects, Erikk is a drummer, guitarist, vocalist, bassist (when needed), producer, pedal collector, and the owner of Apocalypse Audio. His work spans several bands and projects, including The Black Temple, Mercenario, Terror by Night, and Apocalypse Devastator 666.

The last time Erikk joined us, we explored his musical beginnings, the origins of The Black Temple, and the many creative projects he balances. We were also joined by Ray for an unforgettable conversation that went in every direction imaginable.

Erikk has been busy creating and refining his music, with standout recent releases including:

- **The Black Temple – *Rise of the Serpents***

A 2024 EP that takes previously crafted songs and elevates them with new production and energy. These four tracks of blasphemy and perversion are a must-hear for any fan of dark, extreme metal.

- **Mercenario – *Tormented Souls*** (Released September 5, 2024)

A brutal collection that showcases Erikk’s relentless creativity. The accompanying merch, including shirts and CDs, features stunning artwork that enhances the experience.

Erikk dives into the creative and production process behind these releases, discussing how his approach has evolved over time. From writing intricate song patterns and riffs to deciding when to add a blistering solo, he shares what it takes to bring these tracks to life.

Erikk shares some of his most memorable recent performances, including opening for heavyweights like Throne and Dark Funeral. These shows represent the culmination of hard work and passion, connecting with audiences in a way only live metal can achieve.

We also discuss upcoming performances, including an exciting gig on November 15th, as well as Erikk’s favorite shows, his least favorite experiences on stage, and his approach to navigating the challenges of live performance and touring.

### **The Black Temple and Beyond**

The Black Temple continues to be a cornerstone of Erikk’s creative expression, but he’s also active in projects like Terror by Night, Mercenario, and Apocalypse Devastator 666. We talk about how he balances these endeavors and what each project brings to the table in terms of artistic fulfillment.

Erikk also gives us an inside look at the recent rollout of *The Black Temple*’s website, including features like the mailing list and the platform’s overall design. Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Black Temple at [theblacktemple666.com](https://theblacktemple666.com/home).

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Finally, we look ahead to what’s next for Erikk and his projects. From upcoming releases to future collaborations and personal goals, he shares what’s on the horizon for a musician who’s always pushing boundaries.

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### **Why You Should Listen**

Episode 79 is a deep dive into the mind of a modern metal virtuoso. Jay and Modd guide the conversation with their signature mix of humor, insight, and genuine curiosity, creating a space for Erikk to share his story in full.

Whether you’re a musician looking for inspiration, a fan of Erikk’s many projects, or just someone who loves hearing about the passion that drives extreme metal, this episode has something for everyone.

**Stream Episode 79 now** and connect with the chaos and creativity of Erikk Stroude. Explore his projects, check out *The Black Temple – Rise of the Serpents* and *Mercenario – Tormented Souls,* and stay tuned for what’s to come from one of the most versatile talents in the scene.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow *The Metal Maniacs Presents: The Last Week on Earth* for more stories from the world of heavy metal.

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In this explosive episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*, hosts Jay Ingersoll and Modd are joined by two heavy hitters from the scene: Luke Forton, the vocalist of **Reinventing Yesterday**, and Jeremy McClarey, the frontman of **Snake Out**. Together, they introduce Jay and Modd to the world of **hardcore**, diving deep into the extreme metal subgenre that has shaped everything from metal to punk and beyond.

**Hardcore 101: The Roots and Rivalries**

What comes to mind when you think of "metal"? Heavy riffs, brutal breakdowns, and epic solos? Now, what about "hardcore"? Luke and Jeremy help us explore the defining characteristics of hardcore as a genre, its connection to punk, and how it differs—and sometimes overlaps—with metal. We dig into the age-old debates: *Why can’t we all just get along?*

**The Evolution: From Punk to Metal**

Hardcore’s journey through music history is rich with influence. From its roots in 1980s punk with bands like **Black Flag**, **Minor Threat**, and **Bad Brains**, hardcore began blending into the metal world, influencing a wide range of extreme genres. We discuss how crossover thrash emerged, with bands like **Slayer**, **Metallica**, and **Anthrax** adopting hardcore and punk influences to shape the sound of thrash metal in the 80s.

As hardcore evolved, it birthed new subgenres like **metallic hardcore** in the late 80s and 90s. Bands such as **Cro-Mags**, **Biohazard**, **Integrity**, **Madball**, and **Hatebreed** became central figures in the hardcore scene, mixing thrash, hardcore, and metal to create a new wave of aggressive, high-energy music.

**The Blurring Lines of Metalcore**

The line between hardcore and metalcore has always been fuzzy. As metalcore rose in popularity, many fans and critics argued about what truly defines the genre.

**Proto-Deathcore and Beyond**

As hardcore and metalcore evolved, so did the more extreme subgenres. **Deathcore** emerged as a brutal hybrid of death metal and hardcore, and while it’s often debated whether it retains any hardcore essence, the influence of hardcore can still be traced in bands like **The Acacia Strain**, **The Red Chord**, and **Bleeding Through**.

However, hardcore’s reach didn’t stop with metalcore or deathcore—it also inspired the rise of extreme bands in various niches of the underground scene. Luke and Jeremy give us their personal recommendations of modern hardcore bands, such as **Drain**, **Ingrown**, **Knocked Loose**, and **Candy**, discussing how they continue to carry the torch for hardcore with fresh, innovative sounds.

**The Sound of Hardcore Today**

In the second half of the episode, we dive into the current state of hardcore, where bands like **Twitching Tongues**, **God's Hate**, **Gates to Hell**, and **Fuming Mouth** have brought the genre to new heights. Whether it’s the blistering speed of **Enforced** or the pummeling grooves of **Pain of Truth**, hardcore continues to push the boundaries of aggression, intensity, and emotion.

Jay and Modd get to react to snippets of some of these bands’ latest tracks, which leads to some fascinating conversations about the evolving sounds of hardcore and how the genre is both changing and staying true to its roots. The energy and raw emotion in these tracks are undeniable, and you’ll hear firsthand the passion both our guests and hosts bring to the discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the deep roots of extreme music. Whether you’re a seasoned hardcore fan or new to the scene, Luke and Jeremy break down everything you need to know about the genre’s evolution, its influence on modern metal, and how it’s still thriving today. So, tune in and get ready for an unforgettable ride through the world of hardcore!

**Don’t forget to subscribe** to *The Metal Maniacs Presents: The Last Week on Earth*, where we bring you all the latest and greatest in metal, hardcore, and beyond!

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