Over the last couple of years, and especially since the advent of lockdown nearly twelve months ago, there’s been a whole new generation of podcasts that have sprung up in the alternative, rock and metal music space, particularly in the UK. Some of them are brand new podcasts, others are resurgences of existing podcasts that have returned from breaks, or changed their line ups, and there’s a couple of old favourites too.
Our very own podcast, The Rock Sins Podcast, is on hiatus at the moment while Simon and Greg are dealing with lockdown life and other projects, so we wanted to highlight some of the wonderful things we’ve been listening to recently at the start of 2021.
On Wednesdays We Wear Black
What a wonderful breath of fresh air this has been. Kerrang radio presenter and general UK rock legend Sophie K has teamed up with fellow radio presenter Alyx Holcombe and Metal Hammer contributor / TikTok star / friend of ours Yasmine Summan have teamed up to bring us all On Wednesdays We Wear Black. Three bad ass women / non-binary people speaking up for the voices that you hear less of in the alternative, rock and metal media. Not your typical rock and metal podcast – nothing is off limits here – and we’re absolutely here for it.
That’s Not Metal
Re-launched at the end of 2020 after the departure of founding presenter Beez and longtime contributor Ryan De Freitas, remaining presenter Perran Hayes has returned with substantial reinforcements. Those reinforcements are none other than Metal Hammer / Stereoboard scribe and excellent English gent living in Scandinavia Alec Chillingworth and Rock Sins’ very own Sam Dignon! A healthy mix of reviews, news, opinions and banter (the non-shit kind). The 2021 incarnation of That’s Not Metal is highly enjoyable.
Hell Bent For Metal
Ex Terrorizer editor / Metal Hammer contributor Tom Dare teams up with Nuclear Blast Records’ Joe Naan to offer a very unique take on the world of heavy metal from a gay and bisexual perspective. From some very personal stories, to incredible interviews with members of the rock and metal world across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, Hell Bent For Metal has some unmissable episodes. There’s also some incredibly funny stuff along the way too. Very much like On Wednesday’s We Wear Black, Hell Bent For Metal occupies a unique spot in the world of rock and metal media. Joe has recently left the podcast, so we’re excited to see where Tom takes it next.
Riot Act
Metal Hammer contributor and Rock Sins alum Stephen Hill and Remfry Dedman are the Riot Act double act. Covering a broad range of stuff and known for going super in-depth, very well researched deep dives on bands ranging from Trivium to Jane’s Addiction, they’ll also bring you the best of each week’s releases. They also include features like Broken Records – their search for the worst records ever created. A thoroughly good time to be had by all.
The Rockstar Dad Show
Hosted by Bowling For Soup duo Jaret Reddick and Gary Wiseman, The Rockstar Dad Show does pretty much what it says on the tin. Jaret and Gary talk to a wide range of people from bands all across the musical spectrum, where the common denominator is that all the guests are parents. Stories of juggling families with life on the road, hilarious individual anecdotes of the things kids get up to and stories of Jaret and Gary’s kids adventures are just a few of the things you’re likely to hear on The Rockstar Dad Show.
Please check out all of those podcasts and give them a follow on their respective social media accounts!
