Tales From the Riff Podcast

14/01/2026

In this episode of .from.the.riff , we dive headfirst into the gritty, old-school heavy metal storm coming out of Sweden with — a raw and rowdy metal trio hailing from Arvika in Värmland. Emerging from the underground in 2022 with their demo energy and unpolished aggression, Midnatt proudly channels the spirit of traditional Swedish heavy metal with lyrics entirely in Swedish and a sound built on gritty riffs, snarling vocals, and unapologetic attitude.

10/01/2026

Look at these men, look at em I tell you. SOILENT GREEN doing the damn thing at UNO Lakefront Arena

09/01/2026

SOILENT GREEN bruhs are gonna be on a boat.

07/01/2026

Legendary drummer Nicholas Barker joins the podcast. Ever heard ofCradle of Filth , Dimmu Borgir Brujeria ? Yeah he laid it down for them all.

In this episode of Tales From The Riff, I sit down with legendary extreme-metal drummer Nicholas Barker for a candid and deeply personal conversation. Known ...

23/12/2025

Not that you asked, but these 2025 releases are highly valued and played continuously in my collection. I have listened constantly and consistently with the likes of Looking forward to what next year will bring. #2025

17/12/2025

Catch the last Tales From the Riff Podcast episode for 2025 that features Becoming Tjalve creator and good friend Andre Kvebek.

In this episode of Tales From The Riff, I am joined by André “Tjalve” Kvebek, founding member of Norwegian black metal institution 1349, for an expansive and...

17/12/2025

In this episode of Tales From The Riff, we’re joined by André “Tjalve” Kvebek, founding member of Norwegian black metal institution 1349, for an expansive and deeply personal three-hour conversation that goes far beyond surface-level history.

Tjalve opens up about his formative years in the Norwegian extreme metal underground, the creative mindset behind the early days of and how that era shaped his approach to music, identity, and artistic integrity. From there, the conversation unfolds into a wide-ranging exploration of everything that inspires him to create — music, atmosphere, philosophy, environment, and the internal drive that keeps creativity alive long after the spotlight fades.

We dive deep into his post-1349 path, discussing projects such as From the Vast Land, Pantheon I, Svartelder, Horizon Ablaze, and other musical expressions that reflect his evolving vision. Tjalve speaks candidly about artistic freedom, resisting stagnation, and the importance of following instinct over expectation.

11/12/2025

Episode 129 features In this intense and illuminating episode of Tales From The Riff, I sit down with Erymanthon, the visionary force behind the Swedish black metal entity APOCALYPSE. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and architect of several extreme music projects—including Feralia, Teratum, and Jester Majesty—Erymanthon pulls back the veil on his creative universe. Photo credit:

09/12/2025

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Riedl, guitarist, vocalist, and founding force behind the Denver death-metal collective Blood Incantation. Known for their otherworldly blend of cosmic death metal, progressive ambition, and ancient mysticism, Paul dives deep into the band’s creative vision and the philosophies that shape their sound. Listeners will hear Paul reflect on Blood Incantation’s rise from the underground to worldwide acclaim, the balance between brutality and atmosphere in their music, and the influence of outer space, Egyptian mythology, and ancient alien theory on the band’s lyrical and artistic direction. He also discusses his role in the wider Denver metal scene, the importance of analog recording, and how Blood Incantation continues to push boundaries with every release. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Starspawn and Hidden History of the Human Race or just discovering the band’s sprawling cosmic death-metal journey, this episode offers an intimate look into the mind behind one of modern extreme metal’s most visionary acts.

09/12/2025

On this episode of Tales From the Riff, Moe sits down with Michael Klein, the creative force behind MK Audio Design. Known for his masterful approach to crafting soundscapes and designing gear that pushes the boundaries of tone, Michael shares the story of how his passion for audio engineering, metal, and sonic experimentation led him to build one of the most respected names in the underground scene. From dialing in brutal guitar tones to shaping immersive live experiences, Michael discusses the artistry of sound design, the philosophy behind MK Audio Design, and how the right sonic choices can elevate a band’s identity just as much as riffs or lyrics. Along the way, he dives into his own influences, the technical challenges of building gear for extreme music, and what it means to merge craftsmanship with chaos.

09/12/2025

In this episode, I sit down with Staffan Tengner, one of the driving forces behind Century — one of the most exciting new forces in the Swedish heavy metal resurgence. Having witnessed their electrifying set live in Oslo, I reflect on that unforgettable performance and the raw, melodic power that defines Century’s sound. Together, we dive into the band’s origins, influences, and the spirit of traditional heavy metal that fuels their music. With having seen their live performance alongside Flight, Amethyst, and Helvetes Port, I can’t hide the excitement for what promises to be a monumental celebration of true metal energy. Prepare for riffs, passion, and steel — this is a conversation forged in the fires of heavy metal