Episodes

  • Episode 120 – DBC’s ‘Universe’: Black Hole Spelunking

    Episode 120 – DBC’s ‘Universe’: Black Hole Spelunking

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Is there an album more representative of this podcast's main focus? Not outside of Norway, there isn’t. MontrĂ©al’s DBC (Dead Brain Cells) released ‘Universe’ in 1989, a tech-y cosmic opus of 37:26 that manages to cover the big bang, the evolution of life, the fall of the dinosaurs, man’s eventual dominance on Earth, and humanity's possible future in the album's brief but eventful duration. Join us as we spelunk through the black holes and blocky, monolithic riffs of DBC's second and final album


    Note I:

    All Ye Who Enter: Tangents on other Canadian metal bands will happen throughout this episode. And a Swiss one, too. And time machines
and the moon
and Phil Anselmo’s Mind Over Four shirt.

    Note II:

    Although Hunter claims Garth Richardson (aka GGGarth) produced Helmet’s Betty, the RR fact-checking department can find no evidence that the guy was anywhere near that album. Hunter apologizes and says, “Total brain fart. It was T-Ray [Todd Ray].”

    Note III:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote IV:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    ­­­[all snippets from DBC, Universe, 1989]

    “The Genesis Explosion”

    “Heliosphere”

    “Primordium”

    “Exit the Giants”

    “Rise of Man”

    “Estuary”

    “Humanity’s Child”

    “Phobos & Deimos”

    “Threshold” “Infinite Universe”

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 119.5 – Death, DiGiorgio, and the Bass on ‘Human’

    Episode 119.5 – Death, DiGiorgio, and the Bass on ‘Human’

    · Radical Research Podcast

    This is a “careful for what you wish for” kind of thing. For years and years, we hoped that we could hear the mighty Steve DiGiorgio’s bass work with more clarity on Death’s 1991 masterpiece, Human. Once we could, thanks to the 2011 reissue, we relented and realized we preferred the original version after all. We present this mini-episode in good humor and with an anxious heart, because we hope no one, least of all DiGiorgio himself, understands this is not a critique of his playing. The man is a god to us
we just prefer the original sound of the 1991 ‘Human’ over the 2011 reissue. This shit’s important!

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    ­­­Death, “See Through Dreams” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue])

    Death, “Suicide Machine” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue])

    Death, “Vacant Planets” (Human, 1991 [2011 reissue])Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

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  • Episode 119 – The Fu*king Champs 1994-2007: Hot-Ass Majesty

    Episode 119 – The Fu*king Champs 1994-2007: Hot-Ass Majesty

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Operating outside of the metal infrastructure, but heralding its glory and complexity more so than most “true” metal bands, The Fucking Champs, in their 1994-2007 rampage, cobbled together elements of Trouble, Confessor, Don Caballero, and Kraftwerk and reshaped the geometric possibilities of math metal, all with the insouciance of its indie rock roots. Please join us as we attempt to solve this riddle wrapped in a conundrum. You’ve got a thirst, Portland!Note I:

    We talk about the various name changes our San Franciscan heroes have endured
from The Champs to C4AM95 to The Fucking Champs. We failed to mention what might be our favorite name, one they never recorded under but adopted for a short spell: The Champs UK.

    Note II:

    Apologies for the confusion on the tracks we sample from V. You’ll hear the correction within the episode, and the correct song titles are noted below. Drag City, we are pissed! But
we’re already over it.

    Note III:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote IV:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Intro: “Lamplighter” (IV, 2000)“Guns in Our Schools” (Triumph of the Air Elementals demo, 1994)

    “So Then I Was All Why’d You Say Fuck My Style” (Songs for Films About Rock demo, 1994)

    “Merry Go Round” (Songs for Films About Rock demo, 1994)

    “Flawless Victory” (III, 1997)

    “Heart to Heart” (III, 1997)

    “Tonight, We Ride” (III, 1997)

    “These Glyphs Are Dusty” (IV, 2000)

    “Esprit De Corpse” (IV, 2000)

    “Thor is Like Immortal” (IV, 2000)

    “Children Perceive the Hoax Cluster” (V, 2002)

    “I Am the Album Cover” (V, 2002)

    “Major Airbro’s Landing” (V, 2002)

     â€œA Forgotten Chapter in the History of Ideas” (VI, 2007)“Dolores Park” (VI, 2007)“Earthen Sculptor” (VI, 2007)

    ep. 120 preview: DBC, “Infinite Universe” (Universe, 1989)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 118.5 – Better Slit Than Never: Cryptopsy’s ‘None So Vile’ 28 Years Later

    Episode 118.5 – Better Slit Than Never: Cryptopsy’s ‘None So Vile’ 28 Years Later

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Sometimes it takes a while to come around to an album. In our case, it took 28 years with Cryptopsy’s second album, None So Vile. Better late than never. We repent!!!

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Note III:

    RR listener Joseph Schafer pointed out that we incorrectly credited the sample at the beginning of 'None So Vile.' It is, in fact, from the film 'The Exorcist III: The Heretic.' Our apologies and thanks, Joseph, for helping us come correct!

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    All from Cryptopsy, None So Vile (1996)

    “Slit Your Guts”

    “Orgiastic Disembowelment”

    “Crown of Horns”

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 118 – There’s Only One Good Song On These Albums! One-Song Metal Albums

    Episode 118 – There’s Only One Good Song On These Albums! One-Song Metal Albums

    · Radical Research Podcast

    The one-long-song album is a rare event in the metal genre, and a tough assignment to tackle and get right. We hold up these five albums as the finest examples of the approach. While it’s difficult to convey their scope in snippet form, we tried our best and had a lot of fun doing so. (Incidentally, this also happens to be one of our longest-ever episodes!) Join us, even if these albums only have one good song on them


    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Renaissance, “The Death of Art” (The Death of Art, 1994)

    Edge of Sanity, “Crimson” (Crimson, 1996)

    Sabbat, “The Dwelling – The Melody of Death Mask” (The Dwelling, 1996)

    Fates Warning, “A Pleasant Shade of Gray” part 5 & 11 (A Pleasant Shade of Gray, 1997)

    Green Carnation, “Light of Day, Day of Darkness” (Light of Day, Day of Darkness, 2001)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 117.5 – Ginn Loves Gadd

    Episode 117.5 – Ginn Loves Gadd

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Our man Ginn loves him some Gadd! In this brief episode, we extract three of Hunter’s favorite moments by his favorite drummer on the planet, Steve Gadd. It results in something we thought we’d never do on this podcast: play a snippet of a Paul Simon song. But you have to admit, Gadd is Badd
Badd Ass!

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Chick Corea, “Quartet No. 2, Part II” (Three Quartets, 1981)

    Chick Corea, “Night Sprite” (The Leprechaun, 1976) Paul Simon, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (Still Crazy After All These Years, 1975)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 117 – Steven Wilson’s Intrigue Compilation, Dissection Part 3

    Episode 117 – Steven Wilson’s Intrigue Compilation, Dissection Part 3

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Pull up a chair and get your ears out! We get giddy when we’re together in the same space, which we were for this episode. You’ll hopefully forgive our exuberance and all the talking over each other in excitement of brotherhood, music, pizza and other various inputs. All in the name of exalting the third of four CDs in the Steven Wilson-curated Intrigue compilation series. Join us for another walk through the fascinating world of progressive-minded ‘80s-era UK post-punk and alternative rock.

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Note III:

    If you haven’t checked them out already, we encourage you to listen to our first two Intrigue dissections, conveniently linked for you here:

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    intro: David Bowie, “Up the Hill Backwards” (Scary Monsters [and Super Creeps], 1980)

    [all snippets below are taken directly from the Intrigue compilation; the following indicates where the songs originally appeared]

    Twelfth Night – “Three Dancers” (Smiling at Grief, 1982)

    Thomas Dolby – “Airwaves” (The Golden Age of Wireless, 1982)Crispy Ambulance – “Are You Ready?” (The Plateau Phase, 1982)

    Rupert Hine – “The Outsider” (Waving Not Drowning, 1982)

    A Certain Ratio – “Knife Slits Water” (Sextet, 1982)Tears for Fears – “Memories Fade” (The Hurting, 1983)Peter Hammill – “Patient” (Patience, 1983)

    Cocteau Twins – “Donimo” (Treasure, 1984)

    Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Drake – “In a Waiting Room” (Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Drake, 1984)The Art of Noise - “Close (to the Edit)” (Close [to the Edit] 7”, 1984)

    Dalis Car – “Dalis Car” (The Waking Hour, 1984)

    Scott Walker – “Rawhide” (Climate of Hunter, 1984)

    David Sylvian – “Brilliant Trees” (Brilliant Trees, 1984)

    Propaganda – “Dream Within a Dream” (A Secret Wish, 1985)

    Ep. 188 preview: Renaissance, “The Death of Art” (The Death of Art, 1994)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 116.5 – King Crimson’s Schizoid Man and the Metal in the Hot Middle

    Episode 116.5 – King Crimson’s Schizoid Man and the Metal in the Hot Middle

    · Radical Research Podcast

    In this brief episode, we spotlight the two metal bands brave enough to tackle the middle part of King Crimson's innovative and highly influential 1969 classic, "21st Century Schizoid Man."

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music Cited in Order of Appearance:

    King Crimson, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (In the Court of the Crimson King, 1969)

    Voivod, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (Phobos, 1997)Forbidden, "21st Century Schizoid Man" (Distortion, 1995)

  • Episode 116 — What is Psychedelic Music? The Radical Research Answer to a Vexing Question

    Episode 116 — What is Psychedelic Music? The Radical Research Answer to a Vexing Question

    · Radical Research Podcast

    When it comes to a difficult-to-define concept like psychedelia in music, it's subjective. It’s not all hippies with sitars and lava lamps and bongs
but that’s not wrong either. With a little help from author Michael Hicks and his parameters for what makes music psychedelic, we pose the question: “What is Psychedelic Music?” and offer the Radical Research answer.

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:Our friend Tom Hailey counts Stupid Dream as his favorite and only truly loved Porcupine Tree album. That’s fine. We love it too. But we love many other Porcupine Tree albums. So, when Hunter said “I’ve gotta be honest with you, I’ve gone full Tom Hailey, there’s really only one Porcupine Tree record that I really love anymore,” it blew Jeff’s gaskets. And then it appeared Hunter said that one album was Signify (“and maybe Sky Moves Sideways”). The whole thing became maddening. After listening back to this torrid exchange (starting at the 1:03:25 mark), Hunter wants to clarify: “Stupid Dream is my favorite Porcupine Tree album, and like I said, I like all ‘90s Porcupine Tree.“ He was being oblique in the recording and it all got a bit out of hand. This is the sort of first-world relationship problem that Radical Research can occasionally suffer. And the world keeps turning!

    Note III:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Can – “Halleluwah” (Tago Mago, 1971)

    Miles Davis – “Rated X” (Get Up With It, 1974)

    Steve Hillage – “Meditation of the Snake” (Fish Rising, 1975)

    Joy Division – “Decades” (Closer, 1980)Seefeel – “Time to Find Me (AFX Slow Mix)” (Pure, Impure, 1993)

    Beherit – “Summerlands” (Drawing Down the Moon, 1993)

    Emperor – “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” (Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, 1997)Coil – “The Dreamer is Still Asleep“ (Musick to Play in the Dark Vol. 1, 1999)

    Portal – “The Endmills” (Seepia, 2003)

    Steven Wilson – “Significant Other” (Insurgentes, 2008)

    Melvins – “The Bunk Up” (Hold it In, 2014)Arcturus – “Crashland” (Arcturian, 2015)

    Cynic – “Mythical Serpents” (Ascension Codes, 2021) ep. 117 preview: Crispy Ambulance – “Are You Ready?” (The Plateau Phase, 1982)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 115.5 – Permeable Lines, Part 2

    Episode 115.5 – Permeable Lines, Part 2

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Our second in the Permeable Lines series, and our first point-5 episode since 83.5 nearly two years ago! That enough numbers for you? Join us for a brief dust-up between inspiration and rip-off. You decide. (More numbers: “18 is actually 9
it stuck in his mind
.”)

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org

    Note III:

    Let’s take stock. These are our other .5 episodes thus far. Mini-episodes, if you will. Great for late-night Radical snackin’!

    Metal Laughs, 83.5 (8 min, 13 sec)

    Mystery Snippets Part 2, 41.5 (13 min, 51 sec)https://radicalresearch.org/episode-41-5-mystery-snippets-pt-2/

    Mystery Snippets, 23.5 (9 min, 28 sec)https://radicalresearch.org/episode-23-5-mystery-snippets/Riff Similarities (Permeable Lines), 17.5 (10 min, 59 sec)https://radicalresearch.org/episode-17-5-the-curious-the-uncanny/The Kiss/Nuclear Death Convergence, 5.5 (7 min, 10 sec)https://radicalresearch.org/episode-5-5-calling-dr-morpheus-the-kiss-nuclear-death-convergence/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Mercyful Fate, “A Dangerous Meeting” (Don’t Break the Oath, 1984)

    Megadeth, “Return to Hangar” (The World Needs a Hero, 2001)

    Diamond Head, “Am I Evil?” (Lightning to the Nations, 1980)

    Megadeth, “When” (The World Needs a Hero, 2001)

    Testament, “Over the Wall” (The Legacy, 1987)

    Sieges Even, “Apocalyptic Disposition” (Lifecycle, 1988)

    Pestilence, “Out of the Body” (Consuming Impulse, 1989)Suffocation, “Infecting the Crypts” (Human Waste, 1991)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 115 – Hexx Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

    Episode 115 – Hexx Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

    · Radical Research Podcast

    We celebrate musicians and bands that rapidly evolve and challenge their audience with newness each endeavor. But the abrupt left-turn San Francisco metal band Hexx took between 1986 and 1987 is beyond fascinating, and beyond the norm. It culminates in one of our favorite albums of the early ‘90s, the mighty, seething, adrenaline-injected Morbid Reality. Strap in, freaks, this will be a bumpy ride!

    Note I:

    The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcastNote II:

    All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff’s Peter Steele and Fates Warning books
and more to come soon!

    Radicalresearch.org

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    “Terror” (No Escape, 1984)“Edge of Death“ (Under the Spell, 1986)

    “Edge of Death” (Watery Graves 12”, 1990)

    “Sardonicus” (Quest for Sanity, 1989)

    “Fields of Death” (Quest for Sanity, 1989)

    “Twice as Bright” (Quest for Sanity, 1989)

     â€œMorbid Reality” (two moments) (Morbid Reality, 1991)“The Last Step” (Morbid Reality, 1991)

    “Blood Hunter” (Morbid Reality, 1991)

    “Persecution Experience” (Morbid Reality, 1991)

    “Watery Graves” (Morbid Reality, 1991)

    “Spider Jam” (Morbid Reality, 1991)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 114 – Mourning Sign 1992-1996: Triangulation

    Episode 114 – Mourning Sign 1992-1996: Triangulation

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Radical Research can’t stay away from Scandinavia for more than a brief spell. To that end, your hosts find themselves in Sweden, digging through the short but robust initial run by Mourning Sign. Over the course of a demo, an EP, and two full-lengths, Mourning Sign twisted and bent metal into a wide variety of shapes. Neither exclusively brutal, progressive, nor melodic, but rather an alloy of all three, Mourning Sign, in the tradition of Sweden’s best and brightest, staked out their own territory and defended it with might. Join us on this, our 114th journey into the vortex of radical sound. Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Buy Mourning Sign stuff at Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/268458-Mourning-Sign

    Note III:

    We appreciate Chris Warunki, and you can find his myriad of music projects right here: https://warunkimedia.bandcamp.com/artists

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    “Inner Calmness” (Last Chamber, 1992 demo)

    “Supressed Past” (Last Chamber, 1992 demo)

    “Redeem” (Alienor, 1993)

    “Desert Sun” (Alienor, 1993)

    “Godsend” (Alienor, 1993)

    “I’ll See to That” (Mourning Sign, 1995)

    “Like Father Like Son” (Mourning Sign, 1995)

    “Seems Endless” (Mourning Sign, 1995)“I’ll Be Dancing” (Multiverse, 1996)

    “Subtle Climax” (Multiverse, 1996)

    “Seed of Revival” (Multiverse, 1996)

    “Neerg” (Multiverse, 1996) Episode 115 preview: Hexx, “Fire Mushrooms” (Morbid Reality, 1991)Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 113 – Thief’s ‘Bleed, Memory’: What Was Your Original Face Before You Were Born?

    Episode 113 – Thief’s ‘Bleed, Memory’: What Was Your Original Face Before You Were Born?

    · Radical Research Podcast

    For our 113th episode, we dispense with the usual exhalations of the past in favor of the thrills of the tense present-future. Thief, the Los Angeles-based brainchild of visionary producer, Dylan Neal, has released one of 2024’s most extraordinary albums, Bleed, Memory, a harrowing journey through the late stages of the human mind and spirit. Without giving away all of the album’s treasures, this episode can be considered an act of seduction, a persuasion. We dare even the heartiest will to resist the siren strains of Bleed, Memory. 

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Some insight into Dylan Neal’s note to Jeff, mentioned in the early part of the episode (and the question that we borrowed for this episode’s title): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_face

    Note III:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    all songs from Thief, Bleed, Memory (2024)

    “Apparitions”

    “Cinderland”

    “Paramnesia”

    “Prankquean”

    “Dead Coyote Dreams”

    “Dulcinea”

    “Behemouth”

    “Pissing” “To Whom It May Concern”

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 112 – We Mean You Harm: Hail Spirit Noir 2012-2021

    Episode 112 – We Mean You Harm: Hail Spirit Noir 2012-2021

    · Radical Research Podcast

    For its 112th episode, Radical Research travels to balmy Greece to investigate the cryptic evildoing of Hail Spirit Noir, whose hellbroth of black metal, prog, psychedelia, and witchery strikes a special chord with your hosts. We take a deep look at the band’s first four albums and find ourselves more spellbound than ever before. There is no warding off the spell, so give in and join us in this most dangerous of meetings.

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    “Mountain of Horror” (Pneuma, 2012)

    “Into the Gates of Time” (two moments) (Pneuma, 2012)

    “Blood Guru” (Oi Magoi, 2014)“Satan is Time” (Oi Magoi, 2014)

    “The Mermaid” (Oi Magoi, 2014)

    “Mayhem in Blue” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016)

    “Lost in Satan’s Charms” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016)

    “The Cannibal Tribe Came from the Sea” (Mayhem in Blue, 2016)

    “Alien Lip Reading” (Eden in Reverse, 2020)

    “Crossroads” (Eden in Reverse, 2020)

    “Automata 1980” (Eden in Reverse, 2020)“On the Loose Again” (Mannequins, 2021) ep. 113 preview: Thief, “Prankquean” (Bleed, Memory, 2024)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 111 – Immortal’s Blizzard Beasts: Convoking Nebular Dimensions

    Episode 111 – Immortal’s Blizzard Beasts: Convoking Nebular Dimensions

    · Radical Research Podcast

    For episode 111, Radical Research returns to its spiritual homeland of Norway. But on this trip, RR steers clear of the usual avant suspects and instead climbs the Mountains of Might to take a closer look at Immortal’s twisted and divisive fourth album, 1997’s Blizzard Beasts. Though optically outside of RR’s usual territory, the hosts make a compelling case for the album’s inclusion in the annals of the weird. Please tune in but beware of Nebular Ravens and Frostdemons.

    Note I: Although we failed to mention it, along with a resemblance or two to various riffs from Hellwitch’s Syzygial Miscreancy, we find parallels between Blizzard Beasts and any given Order From Chaos era, both vocally and musically. Not that Hellwitch or Order From Chaos directly influenced this album, but if Immortal had said so, we could see it. As you were.

    Note II:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note III:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    [all songs are from Immortal’s Blizzard Beasts, 1997]

    “intro”

    “Blizzard Beasts”

    “Nebular Ravens Winter”

    “Suns That Sank Below”“Battlefields”

    “Mountains of Might”

    “Noctambulant”

    “Winter of the Ages”

    “Frostdemonstorm”

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 110 – Steven Wilson’s Intrigue Compilation, Dissection Part 2

    Episode 110 – Steven Wilson’s Intrigue Compilation, Dissection Part 2

    · Radical Research Podcast

    We continue our wander through the 4CD Intrigue compilation. This installment features 15 UK bands, several which we’d never heard of before (Art Nouveau, New Musik, Section 25). We hope this episode helps prove curator Steven Wilson’s note that Intrigue operates on the “idea that conceptual thinking and ambition didn’t suddenly evaporate after ’77
ambitious, weird and thrilling music was all around you in the ‘80s – if you looked in the right places.” Amen.

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Intro: Brian Eno, “Third Uncle” (Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), 1974)[all snippets below are taken directly from the Intrigue compilation; the following indicates where the songs originally appeared]

    The Sound, “I Can’t Escape Myself” (Jeopardy, 1980)Joy Division, “The Eternal” (Closer, 1980)Swell Maps, “Big Empty Field” (
In “Jane from Occupied Europe”, 1980)

    Art Nouveau, “Enemies” (unreleased, 1980)

    Gary Numan, “The Joy Circuit” (Telekon, 1980)23 Skidoo, “The Gospel Comes to New Guinea” (single, 1980)

    Echo and the Bunnymen, “All My Colours” (Heaven Up Here, 1981)

    The Specials, “Ghost Town” (single, 1981)New Musik, “They All Run After the Carving Knife” (Anywhere, 1981)New Order, “The Him” (Movement, 1981)The Associates, “White Car in Germany” (single, 1981)

    Section 25, “Hit” (Always Now, 1981)

    Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, “Sealand” (Architecture & Morality, 1981)

    Japan, “Talking Drum” (Tin Drum, 1981)

    The Cure, “Faith” (Faith, 1981)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 109 – Sigh’s Weirdest! Let the Strangeness Do the Talking

    Episode 109 – Sigh’s Weirdest! Let the Strangeness Do the Talking

    · Radical Research Podcast

    Sigh is unquestionably one of the weirdest bands in the metal realm. And since Radical Research skews weird, and since we are both fans of Sigh since the mid ‘90s, it seemed obvious that we would eventually do an episode featuring some of the very weirdest of Sigh’s weird moments. So
if you are down with our motto of Keep Metal Weird, you know what to do.

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    "Hail Horror Hail" (Hail Horror Hail, 1997)

    "A Sunset Song" (Imaginary Sonicscape, 2001)

    "Scarlet Dream" (Imaginary Sonicscape, 2001)

    "Heresy II: Acosmism" (Heir to Despair, 2018)

    "Satsui - Geshi No Ato" (Shiki, 2022)

    "12 Souls" (Hail Horror Hail, 1997)"Amongst the Phantoms of Abandoned Tumbrils" (In Somniphobia, 2012)

    “Invitation to Die” (Hail Horror Hail, 1997)“Diabolic Suicide” (Scenario IV: Dread Dreams, 1999)

    “The Molesters of My Soul” (Graveward, 2015)

    "Seed of Eternity” (Hail Horror Hail, 1997)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 108 – Non-Classic-Logo-Era Napalm Death, 1994-1998

    Episode 108 – Non-Classic-Logo-Era Napalm Death, 1994-1998

    · Radical Research Podcast

    The body of critical study - and fan adoration - around the music of Napalm Death has concerned itself principally with the band's pioneering grindcore and its transition into the death metal of Harmony Corruption. But what of the band's wilderness years, the mid- to late-1990s? The 108th episode of Radical Research digs into what its hosts consider to be Napalm Death's most radical music, the four-album futurist blitzkrieg spanning the years 1994-1998. Get ready for some serious side-eye, Legions, as we cross over into the torn apart.

     

    Note I:

    In the episode, Hunter mentions Ian Christe's writing on the band's 1994 album, Fear, Emptiness, Despair. In Christe's Sound of the Beast, he writes that the album, "...started a fresh chapter in the history of a band whose membership half-life had once lasted no longer than an album side. Previous urban hardcore noise blasts were mowed by sophisticated guitar layering and innovative drum patterns. Their dissonance became a conscious component of the composition, not merely a side benefit of chaos, and the marriage of intense anger and calculation yielded a masterpiece of passionate, politically minded, negative realism."

    Note II:

    In an act of gall, the scalar dimensions of which could only be compared to the Pacific Ocean, Mont Blanc, and John Holmes' ballistic member, Christe includes Fear, Emptiness, Despair in his list of the 25 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time. The list includes other controversial entries, such as Morbid Angel's Formulas Fatal to the Flesh, and Dream Death's rarely-trumpeted but mighty Journey Into Mystery. 

    Note III:

    In our excitement, we failed to mention the men who produced these albums. All were produced by the estimable Colin Richardson, except Fear, Emptiness, Despair, which was handled by Pete Coleman. Only one of these gentlemen have played flute on a Skyclad album.

    Note IV:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note V:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    “The Infiltraitor” (Words from the Exit Wound, 1998)“Plague Rages” (Fear, Emptiness, Despair, 1994)

    “Primed Time” (Fear, Emptiness, Despair, 1994)“Fasting on Deception” (Fear, Emptiness, Despair, 1994) 

    “Ripe for the Breaking” (Diatribes, 1996)

    “Take the Strain” (Diatribes, 1996)

    “Diatribes” (Diatribes, 1996)

    “Birth in Regress” (Inside the Torn Apart, 1997)

    “Prelude” (Inside the Torn Apart, 1997)

    “Lowpoint” (Inside the Torn Apart, 1997)

    “None the Wiser?” (Words from the Exit Wound, 1998)

    “Trio-Degradable / Affixed by Disconcern” (Words from the Exit Wound, 1998)

    “The Infiltraitor” (Words from the Exit Wound, 1998)Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and tha

  • Episode 107 – The Saturnine Sleep: Tiamat’s A Deeper Kind of Slumber

    Episode 107 – The Saturnine Sleep: Tiamat’s A Deeper Kind of Slumber

    · Radical Research Podcast

    For a podcast that traffics in all things wild and mind-expanding, the subject of our 107th episode makes everything else feel stone-cold sober by comparison. The fifth album by Sweden's Tiamat, A Deeper Kind of Slumber, luxuriates in the wan, reclined possibilities of Leary biscuits and Psilocybin dreams. This episode paddles along the hallucinatory waters of Tiamat's final masterpiece and resolves itself to the album's irreconcilable mysteries. 

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Intro: “The Ar” (Wildhoney, 1994)

    “The Southernmost Voyage” (The Astral Sleep, 1991)“A Caress of Stars” (Clouds, 1992)“Do You Dream of Me?” (Wildhoney, 1994)

    “Cold Seed” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)“Teonanacatl” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)“Trillion Zillion Centipedes” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    ‘The Desolate One” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)“Atlantis as a Lover” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “Alteration X 10” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “Four Leary Biscuits” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “Only In My Tears It Lasts” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “The Whores of Babylon” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

     â€œKite” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “Phantasma De Luxe” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “Mount Marilyn” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    “A Deeper Kind of Slumber” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

  • Episode 106 — New Metal Massacre: Horrendous, Afterbirth, Laster & Vemod

    Episode 106 — New Metal Massacre: Horrendous, Afterbirth, Laster & Vemod

    · Radical Research Podcast

    We tend to skew toward the past in our explorations with Radical Research, uncovering sounds we feel are overlooked and/or underrated. We’re breaking our usual time travel approach and focusing solely on some new metal music that thrilled us in 2023 and one very fresh entry for 2024. It’s not 1986 or 1991 anymore, obviously, but 2023 was a great year for new music, metal and otherwise. Herein, we delve into the greatness that is Ontological Mysterium (Horrendous), In But Not Of (Afterbirth), Andermans Mijne (Laster), and The Deepening (Vemod). Metal lives? Metal lives!!!

    Note I:The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

    Note II:

    Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcastWe also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books, many of them recently restocked:

    http://radicalresearch.org/shop/

    Music cited in order of appearance:

    Horrendous, “Neon Leviathan” (Ontological Mysterium, 2023)

    Horrendous, “Preterition Hymn” (Ontological Mysterium, 2023)

    Horrendous, “Exeg(en)esis” (Ontological Mysterium, 2023)

    Afterbirth, “Devils With Dead Eyes” (In But Not Of, 2023)Afterbirth, “Vivisected Psychopomp” (In But Not Of, 2023) 

    Afterbirth, “Hovering Human Head Drones” (In But Not Of, 2023)

    Laster, “PoĂ«tische Waarheid” (Andermans Mijne, 2023)Laster, “Onzichtbare Muur” (Andermans Mijne, 2023)

    Laster, “Doodgeboren” (Andermans Mijne, 2023)

    Vemod, “Der Guder Dþr” (The Deepening, 2024)Vemod, “The Deepening” (The Deepening, 2024)

    Ep. 107 preview: Tiamat, “Atlantis as a Lover” (A Deeper Kind of Slumber, 1997)

    Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

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