173 episodes
- This week on Riff Worship, we dissect the history of Atlanta’s vegan straight-edge grindcore trio, Dead in the Dirt. We trace their journey from early DIY beginnings to their signing with Southern Lord, exploring the making of their debut LP, The Blind Hole!
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
Guitarist and vocalist Blake Connally’s bizarre introduction to extreme music, from unearthing a buried Helmet CD in the woods to discovering Napalm Death on the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie soundtrack.
The trio's deep roots in the Atlanta heavy music scene, touching on early links to the mathcore outfit Me And Him Call It Us before solidifying the Dead in the Dirt lineup with bassist Bo Orr and drummer Hank Pratt.
A breakdown of the band’s discography, including the raw Vold EP, their Southern Lord debut Fear, and the recording sessions with Andy Nelson (Bricktop Recording, Weekend Nachos) for 2013’s The Blind Hole.
Notable tours alongside heavyweights like Foundation, Harm's Way, Weekend Nachos, and Sunn O))).
The aftermath of the band's relentless touring schedule including post-DITD projects like Infernal Coil, Slow Fire Pistol, and Arbor Labor Union!
Recommendations:
Dead In The Dirt
me and him call it us
Foundation
Infernal Coil
SOLAR FLOWER
ARBOR LABOR UNION
Slow Fire Pistol
Siderean - 30,000 Cycles (Demo)
Nails - Fear Based Life
Emma Ruth Rundle - These Killing Times
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Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)
Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)
Hits from the Crypt (Apple) - Special guest Zach Reini (Ukko’s Hammer) returns to the Riff Worship Podcast to help us unpack the legacy of Finnish death-doom trailblazers Rippikoulu and their monumental 1993 demo, Musta seremonia!
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
Rippikoulu’s evolution from their chaotic hardcore punk origins in Valkeakoski to becoming architects of crushing, atmospheric death metal.
Revisiting their 1992 debut, Mutaation aiheuttama sisäinen mätäneminen and tracing their early foray into gore-obsessed heaviness.
How vocalist Anssi Kartela shifted the band's lyrical focus toward poetic reflections on life and sorrow, establishing Rippikoulu as the first death metal group to perform entirely in Finnish.
A detailed look into the recording process and the impossibly heavy, downtuned legacy of Musta seremonia.
The tragic passing of founding guitarist Marko Henriksson, the band's resulting hiatus, and their unexpected resurrection with the 2014 Ulvaja EP.
Zach breaks down the blistering, riff-heavy metallic hardcore of Ukko’s Hammer’s Demo II, detailing how Finnish folklore, language, and underground music directly shape his artistic approach.
Follow Ukko's Hammer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukkoshammer/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN3Bly2q6K69xh5UukxMIyQ
Bandcamp: https://ukkoshammer.bandcamp.com/music
Recommendations:
Ukko's Hammer - Demo II
Rippikoulu - Musta seremonia
Rippikoulu - Mutaation aiheuttama sisäinen mätäneminen
Rippikoulu - Ulvaja
GODFLESH - Decay
KAAOS - Nukke EP
V/A - No Future, No Past – Finnish Speed & Thrash Metal Explosion 1986–1992
Thergothon - Stream from the Heavens
Asunder - A Clarion Call
Spectral Voice - Sparagmos
Death Possession - Demo
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Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPod
Check out our Official Playlists:
Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)
Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)
Hits from the Crypt (Apple) - In the mid-1980s, global charity supergroups like Band Aid and U.S.A. for Africa dominated international headlines, raising tens of millions of dollars to combat severe famine in Ethiopia. Yet, despite heavy metal’s massive commercial dominance, hard rock and metal musicians were noticeably excluded from pop-centric relief efforts.
In this episode of Riff Worship, we break down how Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and legendary frontman Ronnie James Dio decided to take action, recruiting over 40 hard rock and metal icons to create their own charitable anthem: "Stars" under the collective name Hear 'n Aid.
From the geopolitics and internal conflicts surrounding the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine to the behind-the-scenes madness at Hollywood's A&M Studios, we explore the full story behind metal's most ambitious collaboration.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
The Ethiopian Famine: The political, economic, and military factors under Mengistu Haile Mariam's Derg regime that compounded the crisis.
Pop Philanthropy vs. Metal Stigma: How media controversy, PMRC hearings, and "Satanic Panic" left metal out of Band Aid and Live Aid.
The Origin of Hear 'n Aid: A chance radio interview at LA’s KLOS that sparked Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain to launch the project with Ronnie James Dio.
The All-Star "Stars" Recording Sessions: Highlights from May 1985 featuring members of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, Dokken, Twisted Sister, W.A.S.P., Blue Öyster Cult, and an in-character appearance by Spinal Tap.
The Solos & The Choir: Behind-the-scenes studio dynamics, including the 3+ minute tag-team guitar solo relay featuring Yngwie Malmsteen, Neal Schon, George Lynch, and Brad Gillis.
Release Delays & Legacy: Label red tape, how Hear 'n Aid’s direct non-profit model avoided administrative grift, and updates on the long-awaited reissue and photo book benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
Hear N' Aid - Stars (1986): https://youtu.be/G5H94GHb-10?si=VKTVKbzfubKhRlXJ
The Hear 'n Aid Sessions (1986): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sHaQxEMM_g&t=489s
Live Aid: The Terrible Truth by Bob Keating (SPIN Magazine, 2015): https://www.spinmagazine.com/2015/07/live-aid-the-terrible-truth-ethiopia-bob-geldof-feature/
Recommendations:
Northern Lights - Tears Are Not Enough
Selenoplexia - The Battle of Agretes (Glory of Holy Warfare)
Cinder Well - A Blooming Body
Follow Riff Worship
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/
Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPod
Check out our Official Playlists:
Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)
Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)
Hits from the Crypt (Apple) - This week on Riff Worship, we dive into the chaotic evolution of mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan and the transformative journey behind their sophomore album, Miss Machine.
Formed in Morris Plains, New Jersey, in 1997 from the ashes of the short-lived hardcore band Arcane, Dillinger immediately set out to break the boundaries of heavy music. By fusing free jazz, progressive metal, and new-school hardcore, they built a legendary reputation on fractured song structures and notoriously unhinged live shows.
After releasing their explosive EP Under the Running Board and their landmark 1999 debut Calculating Infinity, the group reached a major crossroads. Following the departure of original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, the band brought on frontman Greg Puciato and bassist Liam Wilson to kickstart a new era.
Refusing to simply record Calculating Infinity Part 2, they spent years meticulously balancing their signature technicality with newfound melody, electronic textures, and structured songwriting.
From recording in blocks with long-time producer Steve Evetts to navigating depleted budgets, financial gambles, and grueling tour cycles (including near-arrests on Warped Tour and hostile crowds on Gigantour), this episode uncovers the full story behind the creation of Miss Machine!
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Arcane’s transition into The Dillinger Escape Plan and their formative work at Trax East with producer Steve Evetts.
Overcoming devastating accidents, lineup changes, and trading away publishing rights to finish their debut album.
How an open audition tape and a collaboration with Mike Patton on Irony Is a Dead Scene set a new standard, bringing Greg Puciato into the fold.
The four-year writing process for Miss Machine, guerrilla studios, Pro Tools tracking, and deliberate stylistic risks on tracks like “Panasonic Youth,” “Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants,” and “Unretrofied.”
Surviving brutal injuries on the road, charting on the Billboard 200, and cementing their status as extreme music innovators!
Recommendations:
Idiot Pilot - Wolves
Long Goodbye - A Whispered Promise of Failure
GODFLESH - Decay
Metallica - Ride The Lightning
Photo courtesy of Dustin Rabin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustinRabin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustinrabin/
Website: https://www.dustinrabin.com/
Follow Riff Worship
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/
Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPod
Check out our Official Playlists:
Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)
Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)
Hits from the Crypt (Apple) - This week on Riff Worship, we dive deep into the making, history, and sonic evolution of Kylesa’s seminal 2009 masterpiece, Static Tensions!
From their roots in Savannah’s pioneering crust-punk band Damad to their rise as titans of psychedelic sludge, Kylesa's story is defined by resilience, reinvention, and sheer heaviness.
In this episode, we explore:
The early days of co-founders Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants, navigating the tragic loss of founding bassist Brian Duke, and how their DIY origins built their signature sound.
How Carl McGinley and Eric Hernandez unlocked Kylesa’s legendary double-drum assault—plus the hard-panned recording magic crafted at Jam Room Studios.
Rehearsing under The Jinx (and drawing noise complaints from Paula Deen’s restaurant), capturing a real Southern rainstorm for "Nature's Predators," and the surprising tonal influence of The Cult's Love.
The story behind the iconic artwork hand-painted by Baroness’s John Dyer Baizley and session bass work from Javier Villegas (Born Against, Cattle Press).
A detailed analysis of classics like "Scapegoat," "Running Red," "Unknown Awareness," and the frantic "Insomnia for Months!”
Recommendations:
Kylesa - Time Will Fuse Its Worth (20th Anniversary Limited Edition)
Iron Monkey - Our Problem
Cove - Cove
CADY - Limitations of the Human Form
Capsule - Ferox
Gojira - From Mars to Sirius
Corrosion of Conformity - Animosity
Krallice - Scour Order
Follow Riff Worship
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffworshippod/
Twitter: https://x.com/RiffWorshipPod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiffWorshipPod
Check out our Official Playlists:
Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)
Riffs on Repeat (YouTube Music)
Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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About Riff Worship
The riff is the foundation of heavy music, evolving over several decades and styles. Many of our favorite songs started with a single idea and guitar in hand. Anyone can write a riff, but what makes a good riff? Each week, riff disciples Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, & Justin Swindle attempt to answer this question by discussing their favorite riffs, how they came to be, and why we still worship them today.
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