Shit Talk Reviews

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.com If 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

Shit Talk Reviews is a music podcast hosted by John Staley and Derek Showerhead, with 146 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

John Staley and Derek Showerhead hosts Shit Talk Reviews, a music show with 146 episodes published.

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  Episode #28

  Showing Teeth - A Fate Worse Than Loneliness - Album Review

  Sep 25, 202615 minS4

  A 19-minute metal record is turning heads because it shouldn't work this well - and yet A Fate Worse Than Loneliness by Showing Teeth does just that. Addison, the viral TikTok vocalist from Louisville mixes pop instincts, metalcore precision, and full-on death metal chaos into something wild, modern, and strangely accessible. The STR malcontents break down why the album feels so fresh right now, from the ear-splitting opener "Bad Exchanges" to the switch-flipping vocals that go from beautiful clean singing to guttural, putrid extremes in seconds. They also dig into the band’s oddball atmosphere, the spoken-word interlude "A&ox1," the tightly compressed modern mix, and why this short record makes such a big impression so fast. You'll hear why Addison stands out as one of the most exciting younger voices in heavy music, how her TikTok origins shaped her rise, and why her style could open the door for a new wave of fans who might never have touched death metal otherwise. The conversation also connects her sound to genre-bending heavy acts like Killswitch Engage, Periphery, Jinjer, Humanity's Last Breath, and Vildhjarta, showing just how broad her range really is. They also call out the musicians helping shape the project, including guitarist and co-writer Zach Munowitz, drummer Matt Halpern of Periphery, producer Dan Book and touring bassist Jacob Umansky. That supporting cast helps make the record feel both technically sharp and authentically lived-in. If you care about where heavy music is headed, how a young artist can break through without losing her edge, or why one short album is already making veteran listeners rethink what modern metal can be, this one is worth your time. Perfect for anyone who loves metalcore, death metal, prog, or watching an artist fuse extremes into something genuinely new. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #showingteeth #showingteethband #afateworsethanoneliness #badexchanges #labyrinth #metalcore #metalcoretiktok #heavymusic #undergroundmetal #womeninmusic #matthalpern #jacobumansky Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

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  Episode #27

  STARSET - a n n 1 h 1 l a t 1 0 n - Review

  Sep 17, 202613 minS4

  Starset’s Annihilation sounds huge, polished, and futuristic - but is it actually gripping, or just packaged metal? Derek and John get into the heart of what makes the track work for one listener and fall flat for another, using it as a launchpad for a bigger conversation about modern metal, production, and what actually makes a song hit. John breaks down why Starset’s mix of melodic vocals, chunky riffs, electronic texture, and ambient atmosphere works so well, and why Dustin Bates’ vision feels so intentional. Derek pushes back, calling the song boring while still acknowledging the band’s sonic power. They talk through the role of lyrics versus vocals, and dig into the production team behind the band’s layered sound. From Randy Slaugh’s programming and texturing work to the way modern metal balances heaviness with accessibility, this episode gets into the details that separate a forgettable track from a real statement. They also widen the lens to cover other new releases and legacy bands that are still shaping heavy music now - including Ghost’s live "2 Big to Rig" release, Down’s "Blood Oath," and a surprisingly thoughtful take on what it means for older bands to keep crushing it without pretending they’re still 20 years old. Perfect for metal fans who like honest reactions, sharp opinions, and deep cuts on what makes a track work - or fail. If you care about riffs, texture, vocals, and the state of modern heavy music, this one hits. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #starset #annihilation #starsetsociety #metal #cinematicmetal #starsetonline #dustinbates #hardrock #alternativemetal #metalmusic #scifi #cinematicrock #space #dystopian Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

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  Episode #26

  The Barbarians Of California - MEGATONS - Album Review

  Sep 10, 202628 minS4

  The Barbarians of California just dropped a record that refuses to sit still. Megatons is heavy enough to flatten you, catchy enough to live in your head for days and accessible enough to win over people who don’t even think they like metal. Derek and John break down why this album feels less like a genre exercise and more like a fully formed world of its own. What makes Megatons so compelling is the way it pulls from hardcore, groove and alt-metal but doesn't sound like a patchwork of influences. From the opener “Back to the Valley” to the bruising one-two punch of “Earthquake” and “I Am the Submarine,” the guys dig into the riffs, the production, and the swagger that makes every track hit. “Vanilla Latte” is a sharp little shot at corporate culture, “Bomb to a Knife Fight” lands so hard, “Modern Fashion” and “Shark Out Of Water” show just how much range the band actually has. They also get into the album’s more esoteric touches like the short segues and the little sonic details that make this record feel bigger than a straight-ahead metal/hardcore release. In addition to the crushing riffs, Aaron Bruno’s vocals might be the secret weapon here: unhinged, melodic, fearless, and impossible to copy. The band’s genre-crossing appeal illustrates how Megatons reaches listeners across the metal spectrum without losing the Barbarians’ identity. Over the entire review John and Derek unpack how the band manages to sound crushing, funny, and joyful all at once. If you want an album that feels serious without taking itself too seriously, this is essential listening. Megatons might already be one of the year’s most memorable heavy records - and after hearing this conversation, you’ll understand why The Barbarians Of California are your new favorite band too. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #TheBarbariansOfCalifornia #BarbariansOfCalifornia #BarbariansOfCA #TBOC #MEGATONS #AndNowImJustGnawingMyTeeth #TheGnarlycoreClass #VanillaLatte #BombToAKnifeFight #Earthquake #AaronBruno #Awolnation #EricStenman #zackirons #daveamezcua #lindenreed #isaaccarpenter #HardcorePunk #PostHardcore #AlternativeMetal #MetallicHardcore #CrossoverThrash #CaliforniaHardcore #LAHardcore #HeavyMusic Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

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  Episode #25

  Tony Iommi - World Alone - Review

  Aug 18, 202613 minS4

  The godfather of heavy riffs. The architect of heavy metal. The guitarist's guitarist. In this episode the Shit Talk duo digs into Tony Iommi’s new single “World Alone” and share their completely unsolicited take on what they think works musically—and what doesn’t. Get out the pitchforks people, there are hot takes inbound: While both agree the riffs, production, and musicianship are solid, they wrestle with the vocal style and whether it works. It's hard to ever say anything negative about a project with a guy like Tony; A man with so much history, influence and talent rarely misses the mark. Derek and John also get into a wider celebration of heavy music’s momentum, from standout women-led metal bands like Dogma, Castle Rat, Witch Club Satan, Die Spitz and Frayle to a broader look at the genre’s evolving scene. Light up the torches and get ready to march into the comment section. www.shittalkreviews.com Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/STR-Apple-Podcasts #TonyIommi #Iommi #RiffMaster #GodfatherOfHeavyMetal #BlackSabbath #OzzyOsbourne #GeezerButler #BillWard #RonnieJamesDio #HeavenAndHell #HeavyMetal #DoomMetal #ClassicRock #HardRock #MetalHead #BritishMetal #worldalone Drop us a line! What bands do you want us to review? Who should we interview next?

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  Episode #24

  Aaron Bruno (Barbarians Of California/AWOLNATION) Interview Part Two

  Aug 5, 202629 minS4

  Uncover the behind-the-scenes genius of Aaron Bruno — the mastermind blending heavy music, pop sensibility, and wild creativity in ways you’ve never heard before. If you haven’t seen part one of our chat with Aaron Bruno, be sure to start there and then pop back over here! Aaron Bruno, the iconic voice behind AWOL Nation and now the fiery Barbarians of California, reveals how he's breaking the rules of heavy music, blending genres, and infusing humor into hardcore. From his early bands through the wildly successful AWOLNATION to his eye-opening take on the modern music landscape, Bruno shares how he’s transforming heavy, chaotic sounds into accessible, fun, and dangerously catchy hits. Aaron talks about how releasing singles instead of full albums keeps his music fresh and vital; the secrets behind his unique vocal style rooted in hardcore and metal and how it has matured over decades; and how his relentless passion for good vibes, humor, and authenticity shapes his work. Plus, Aaron dives into the importance of staying playful amidst the chaos and how music remains his ultimate escape — a visceral, emotional connection he’s cultivated for over 30 years. This episode is essential listening for any fan of boundary-pushing music, genre-bending artistry, or anyone craving a candid, raw journey through the chaos and creativity of an artist redefining what heavy means. If you want real insight, hilarious stories, and a taste of the future of heavy music, hit play now — before someone steals your attention. Aaron Bruno is a legend in the making, blending humor, authenticity, and sheer talent, and this episode is your exclusive ticket inside his wild, inspiring world.00:00 00:00 Aaron’s YouTube rabbit holes 03:10 Snarkcore – the next new genre of music 07:08 The marketing and videos for TBoC 09:50 Dangerous vulnerability 12:13 Quickies 18:10 Winning a Grammy, pantsless maybe? 21:30 The NFL, working for The Raiders and $10k haircuts #aaronbruno #barbariansofcalifornia #awolnation #sail #run #megatons #gnashingmyteeth #vanillalatte #dopamineprophecy #wherearethepunks #metal #hardcore #nfl #tombrady #lawrencetaylor #lasvegasraiders 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?

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