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Published by Brian Slagel
100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal is the ultimate journey into the heart of heavy music, hosted by Metal Blade Records’ founder, Brian Slagel. Each week, Brian dives into one of his personally curated tracks from his list of the heaviest songs in metal and hard rock, exploring the music that shaped a genre. With special guest musicians—some who wrote and recorded these iconic songs and others who found inspiration in them—the show unearths the stories behind each track. Whether you’re a lifelong metalhead or a new fan, this podcast brings you closer to the music and the legends who define it. Joining Brian are music journalist and critic Martin Popoff, offering deep historical context for each song, and acclaimed producer Jay Ruston, who provides technical insights into how these heavy anthems were crafted. Together, they bring an all-encompassing look at the hits that set the stage for metal and continue to inspire. Subscribe to 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal and discover the unforgettable songs that live at the core of heavy music, one groundbreaking track at a time. Proud part of Pantheon Podcasts.
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Mercyful Fate - "Evil" Released September 30, 1983 on the album "Melissa" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the Mercyful Fate song "Evil" with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. They also discuss Rainbow, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and much more. Brian also talks to Mark Lewis about the production of the song. Martin Popoff also checks in as usual, being the font of information you've all come to expect. Watch the complete and unedited version of the Kerry King interview HERE: https://youtu.be/V5zitPwlgqk Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel Kerry King is @KerryKingMusic on X and Instagram and @KerryKingOfficial on Tik Tok. Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ghost's song "Ritual" was released on June 20, 2010, as a single ahead of their debut studio album, Opus Eponymous, which followed on October 18, 2010. Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his appreciation for Ghost and shares stories about his association with the band, especially early on. Then, he is joined by producer Christian Bladt to look back on this podcast and look ahead to a new podcast concept that will start in January 2027. Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Mark Lewis, and, as always, author Martin Popoff will provide historical information about the song, including facts, figures and his opinions. Watch the complete and unedited video version of Brian's conversation about Ghost, the reflection on this podcast and look ahead to the new one: https://youtu.be/5tpRMUPExSQ Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Christian Bladt is on X & Instagram @ChristianDMZ and his podcast is The @Bladtcast Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63 Follow the show @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage" From the album "Badmotorfinger" (Released October 8, 1981) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" from their breakthrough album "Badmotorfinger". He's joined by the producer of that album, Terry Date, and then he chats with comedian Dean Delray whose passion for the band runs deep. As always, author Martin Popoff checks in with facts, figures and opinions. For the complete unedited video version of the episode, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ZX8f3GJ3P9w Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Dean Delray is @DeanDelray Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63 Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger" From "Operation: Mindcrime" (Released May 3, 1988) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to musician Jacob Bunton about the great Queensryche song "Eyes of a Stranger" from their album "Operation: Mindcrime". He also discusses the production of the album with producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and opinions as always. Watch the full unedited video version of the interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/rmRNMmSEPzw Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Jacob Bunton is on social media @JacobBunton Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63 You can follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rush - "The Spirit of Radio" From the Album "Permanent Waves" Released January 14, 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" with legendary sports radio and television host JT The Brick. They also discuss how JT has seen Rush 54 times (so far), whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders will be any good over the next few seasons, JT winning the first-ever Smack-Off on The Jim Rome Show and much more! Brian also talks about the production of the song with proud Canadian producer Jay Ruston, and we get our usual mixture of facts, statistics and opinon from yet ANOTHER proud Canadian, Martin Popoff. Watch a video version of the full interview on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5og4XF5V2Gc Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel JT The Brick is on X @JTTheBrick and Instagram @JTTheBrickLV Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63 Follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Def Leppard - "Let It Go" Release Date - July 6, 1981 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blake Ibanez of Power Trip and Fugitive to discuss Def Leppard's "Let It Go" off of their second album "High N' Dry". Jay Ruston talks about the production on that record and author Martin Popoff brings his usual mixture of facts, figures and opinions. For the complete, unedited video version of the Blake Ibanez interview, check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKZSrbBBnHk Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Blake Ibanez is on Instagram @BlkIbanez Jay Ruston is on Instagram & X @JayRuston Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63 Follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Motley Crue - "Livewire" From the album Too Fast For Love (originally released on Leathur Records in November 10, 1981 and again on Elektra Records August 20, 1982) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to the producer of this show Christian Bladt about the first Motley Crue song on their first record, "Livewire" from 1981's "Too Fast for Love". They discuss the history of the band and the scene they came out of, following the evolution of what some people call "hair metal". Jay Ruston also comes by to discuss the production on the song and both versions of the album, and our resident doctor of metal, Martin Popoff provides his unique mix of facts, figures and opinion. For the complete, unedited version of the Christian Bladt interview, go to: https://youtu.be/g7nNbhx9nYE Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Christian Bladt is on social media @ChristianDMZ Jay Ruson is on social media @JayRuston Martin Popoff is on Instagram @martin_popoff63 Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell" From the album of the same name, released April 25, 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist and lyricist for Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler. They discuss the song "Heaven and Hell", the pivotal moment in Sabbath's history where Ronnie James Dio joined the band, and they also discuss the follow-up album "Mob Rules". Brian also talks about the production of the song with Mark Lewis, who talks about how this is one of the greatest and most important songs in his life. We also check in with author Martin Popoff to give us some historical information and his well-informed opinions. Watch the complete, unedited interview with Geezer Butler: https://youtu.be/wZg3zywLe_Y Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Geezer Butler is on Instagram and X @GeezerButler Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Iron Maiden - "Powerlsave" from the album of the same name Released in Europe September 3, 1984 and in the US September 14, 1984 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Gabriela Gun of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Ghost about "Powerslave", the amazing title track of the equally incredible album of the same name. Brian also talks about the production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff checks in with he customary facts, figures, information and opinion. Watch the complete unedited interview with Gabriela Gun on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/V37ZkHY_IbE Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Gabriela Gun is on Instagram @GabrielaGunOfficial and @TheGabrielaGunn on X Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston Martin Popoff's website is MartinPopoff.com Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on social media @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gojira - "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe" From the album "From Mars to Sirius" RELEASED September 27, 2005 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Steve Carey from the band Senses Fail to discuss Gojira's "Heaviest Matter of the Universe". Ryan Williams also checks in to talk about the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff provides even more information than usual about this song and the band Gojira. Watch the complete, unedited video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/JsZ5wLuHR3Q Brian Slagel is on X, Instagram and Tik Tok @BrianSlagel Steve Carey is on X @TCMSteve and Instagram @SteveCarey Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Follow the show @100MetalSongs on Instagram and Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Metallica - "Orion" released March 3,1986 from the album "Master of Puppets" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to filmmaker Sam Dunn about Metallica's epic instrumental, "Orion". They also discuss Slayer, Iron Maiden and some of the films he's made through his company Banger Films. Jay Ruston also discusses the production on "Orion" and author Martin Popoff provides his usual combination of facts, information and opinon. Check out the unedited video version of the Sam Dunn interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/KOS5wo4aDug Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Sam Dunn's Banger Films is on social media @BangerFilms Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston Martin Popoff's website is MartinPopoff.com Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on social media @100MetalSongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AC/DC - "Hells Bells" From the album "Back In Black" Released Halloween 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel welcomes back to the show Adam Rank from NFL Network and The Jim Rome Show to discuss the first track on AC/DC's "Back in Black" album, "Hells Bells". He also discusses the production of the song with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams. There's also the usual background, facts and opinions from author Martin Popoff. Watch the complete, unedited interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/8piwtHOEBcw?si=Z61Rn47wlNFxVy1n Brian Slagel is on X and Instagram @BrianSlagel Adam Rank is on X @AdamRank and Instagram @AdamRankNFL Ryan Williams is on X and Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe" From the Album "Sabatoge", released July 28, 1975 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by actor-comedian Brian Posehn to talk about Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe", Brian's favorite Sabbath song from his Sabbath album. We also get the usual background, facts, figures and opinions from author Martin Popoff, who says that this is also his favorite Black Sabbath song. Plus, a conversation on the production of the song and the record from Mark Lewis. Watch the unedited video version of Brian's interview with Brian Posehn on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/LRT5aVCmmQg Watch the unedited video version of Brian's conversation about this song with producer Mark Lewis: Brian Slagel is on X and Instagram @BrianSlagel Brian Posehn is on X @TheBrianPosehn and Instagram @BrianPosehn Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal @100MetalSongs on X and Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slayer "South of Heaven" from the album of the same name. RELEASED : July 5, 1988 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the title track from Slayer's 1988 album "South of Heaven" with Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch who also co-hosts the "Beardo and Weirdo" podcast with comedian Craig Gass. Brian also discusses the production on this song with Mark Lewis, and author Martin Popoff checks in with his usual mixture of history, facts, figures and opinion. For the complete, unedited video version of the Chris Kael interview: https://youtu.be/keYiHcSC33o?si=qWyVun2a7hnPMj3w Brian Slagel is on X and Instagram @BrianSlagel Chris Kael is on X and Instagram @5fdpchriskael Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal @100MetalSongs on X and Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast" from the album of the same name Released March 22, 1982 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Queensryche lead singer Todd La Torre about Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast". Producer Jay Ruston returns to discuss the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff offers up some unique opinions while providing facts and figures about the song. For the complete, unedited video version of the Todd La Torre interview, where you will see the many technical difficulties that arose during the recording of the interview, click here: https://youtu.be/LDpb0QOKIoo Brian Slagel is on X and Instagram @BrianSlagel Todd La Torre is on Instagram @ToddLaTorreOfficial Jay Ruston is on X and Instagram @JayRuston Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal @100MetalSongs on X and Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Metallica - "Creeping Death" From the album "Ride the Lightning" Released November 23, 1984 In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Mike Hamer of the Violent Gentlemen clothing line to discuss Metallica's "Creeping Death". Brian also discusses the production of Metallica's "Creeping Death" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams. As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Metallica's "Creeping Death" The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Mike Hammer can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nIdYNBrnryk Mike Hammer is on X and Instagram @HammerMe Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Queensryche - "Roads to Madness" RELEASED September 7, 1984 on the album "The Warning" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the final track on Queensryche's full-length debut, The Warning: "Roads to Madness". He talks to producer Zeuss, who has produced the last three Queensryche albums and then Adam Wodon of CollegeHockeyNews.Com who is a huge fan of the band. As always, Martin Popoff checks in with some historical facts and and analysis. For the COMPLETE, UNEDITED video version of the interview, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ZTuOHfRk9jw Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel Zeuss is on Instagram @ZeussProducer and his website is ZeussProducer.com Adam Wodon is on X https://x.com/CHN_AdamWodon Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtover" First released as a single September 21, 1968 and was later featured on the Electric Ladyland album, released in October 16, 1968. (Originally recorded by Bob Dyland and released on the "John Wesley Harding" album December 27, 1967. In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by guitarist Stoney Curtis talk about the impact of Jimi Hendrix by focusing on his cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower". Brian also discusses the production of "All Along The Watchtower" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who breaks down the unique sound and the technology that was available to produce it back in 1968. As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Jimi Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower". The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Stoney Curtis can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNh-9j2Ca2M Stoney Curtis is on social media @StoneyCurtis77 Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Black Sabbath - "Into The Void" Release Date July 21, 1971 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of the Black Sabbath song "Into The Void" with singer John Corabi (who has worked with Motley Crue, Ratt, The Dead Daisies among many others). John also talks about the underappreciated impact of Grand Funk Railroad and how he was able to see the original Sabbath perform live in the 70's and some of the other amazing shows he was able to see growing up in Philadelphia. Brian discusses the production of this song with Bill Metoyer, and, as always, producer Martin Popoff provides musical context and history about this song. You can watch video of the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/Riyvg3UPsQE Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow John Corabi on Instagram @JohnCorabiOfficial and X @CrabLegs59 Follow Bill Metoyer on Instagram @Bill_Metoyer Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fates Warning - "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" Released April 22, 1997 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Fates Warning singer Ray Alder about their 1997 album "A Pleasant Shade of Gray": an entire album made up of one song. He also talks about the production of the record with Bill Metoyer, who did some engineering on the album. As always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical significance and impact of the song. You can watch video of the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDniJAb7iZ4 Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow Bill Metoyer on Instagram @Bill_Metoyer Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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