Hailing from Finland and known as messengers of melancholy, ATLAS forge a uniquely Northern strain of modern metal where emotion meets cinematic scale. Mixed and mastered by Buster Odeholm (Silent Planet, Vildhjarta, Born Of Osiris, Thrown), the album extends ATLAS’s sonic bridge between old and new.

Early singles 'Anodyne', 'Salt and Sulfur' and 'I Whisper Your Name Like a Curse' have already paved the way as ATLAS join Amorphis across Finland this winter, head toward North America with Orbit Culture in early 2026, and return home for Helsinki’s On The Rocks on 23rd May 2026.

Sunder distills the band’s core credo - love conquers death - into a modern Metal work of haunting atmosphere and crushing rhythm. The Finnish five-piece blends ancient echoes and Northern mysticism with a contemporary edge, shaped by a towering, emotive production.

I got to sit down with guitarist Tuomas Kurikka where we talked about the recording process for the bands new album, 'Sunder', thjeir upcoming tour across North America with Orbit Culture and what the music scene is like in Finland.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Atlas here: https://www.instagram.com/atlasfin/?hl=en
Track played: 'Anodyne', ©️ all rights reserved Atlas.

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
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The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Imperial Slave is a thrashy death metal band from New Zealand, formed in 2020, with two critically acclaimed albums and extensive live experience across their home country, Europe and Japan. The band has steadily built its reputation through both headline and support performances. Formed in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 2020 by
vocalist Sam Sheppard, formerly the drummer for influential New Zealand metal bands Sinate and 8 Foot Sativa. Sheppard stepped into the frontman role and completed the line-up with Anthony Hati (guitar), Isaac JohnstonLundy (guitar), and Achilles Manley (bass).

The band’s second album, “…STILL AT LARGE”, which was released in 2023, marked a shift toward a faster, heavier and more aggressive death metal sound. In support of the release, Imperial Slave toured Japan in 2024 with US death metal band Nile, followed by a return to Europe in 2025 for several festivals and club shows. Having achieved significant international exposure in a short period of time, Imperial Slave has established itself as a formidable presence within the extreme metal scene, both as headliners as well as supporting acts for renowned metal bands. The band is currently working on their third studio
album, scheduled for release in 2026.

I got to sit down and chat with vocalist Sam Shepard where we talked about the bands visit to Ireland in 2025, the recording for their 2023 album, '...Still At Large', and whjat he thought about Metallica's visit to New Zealand.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Imperial Slave here: https://www.instagram.com/imperialslave/?hl=en
Track played: 'Priestiality', ©️ all rights reserved Imperial Slave.

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
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The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Leisure Hour is an Emo Rock band who has taken the scene by storm, creating an authentic and diverse communities of baddies through their music.

Their upcoming record “… and to think .. “ comes out January 30th via Counter Intuitive records. The band has many plans to tour across the country promoting their record and making a ton of friends along the way.

I got to sit down and chat with their drummer Raegan where we chatted about how the band started, the recording process for their upcoming album, '...and to think', and so much more!

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Leisure Hour here: https://www.instagram.com/leisure.hour/
Track played: 'Ode To Muncie', ©️ all rights reserved Leisure Hour.

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘

The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Hailing from the musical landscapes of Swedish coastal city Gothenburg, EF emerged already in 2003. This post-rock ensemble quickly captivated audiences with their emotionally charged instrumentals which they skillfully blended with northern melancholy, indie rock riffs and infusing the short energetic bursts of hardcore into their compositions. What truly did set them apart from other bands at this point of time was the use of tender vocals which made their melodies compelling to a diverse fanbase. The debut album, "Give me beauty...Or give me death!" (2006), marked the commencement of a spellbinding adventure into EF's immersive soundscapes. And with the subsequent releases "I Am Responsible" (2008), "Mourning
Golden Morning" (2010), and "Ceremonies" (2013), EF solidified their standing in the post-rock realms. The band's live performances, renowned for intensity and visual allure, added an extra layer to their enigmatic allure and the band have done 400+ shows all over Europe and Asia.

In November 2022, EF continued their musical odyssey with the release of their latest album, "We Salute You, You and You!" on the esteemed German post-metal label Pelagic Records. This latest offering would be the bands 5th, their first in 10 years and a celebration of their 20 years together as a creative force. ”We Salute You, You and You!” further showcased EF's ability to craftevocative soundscapes, contributing another chapter to their captivating journey.

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of ”Give me beauty...Or give me death!” which of course calls for a celebration. The band really wants to give their debut album the love it deserves and decides to re-record the full album. They want to make it tight, bombastic and give the songs a kiss of modern EF. Focusing on making orchestral arrangements bigger, the explosive parts bolder and even creating a new ”gem” out of an old outro. This is surely a heart project for the members, for the old fans, but hopefully will be embraced and find a place in new hearts as well.

I got to sit down with drummer Niklas Åström where we talked about how the band started, going back and recording the 20th anniversary of, "Give Me Beauty...Or Give Me Death!", and the music scene in Gothenburg.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out EF here: https://www.instagram.com/efmusicsweden/
Track played: He Came, He Stayed, He Fell', ©️ all rights reserved EF.

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘

The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Containing members of Dead Swans, Throats, Brutality Will Prevail, Last Witness and Bring Me The Horizon (to name a few!), Still In love is the brainchild of UKHC’s brightest talents.

Following their acclaimed Withdrawal Symptoms EPs, Still In Love have carved out a distinct identity within the UK hardcore scene. Their music blends raw aggression with introspective lyricism, drawing comparisons to bands like Cursed, Blacklisted and Have Heart.

Recovery Language delves into themes of personal struggle, resilience, and emotional catharsis, offering a sonic journey through the complexities of the human experience. The album's soundscape is a fusion of relentless riffs, dynamic rhythms, and poignant melodies, reflecting the band's evolution and depth.

I got to sit down with vocalist Nick Worthington where we talked about the recording process for the bands debut album, 'Recovery Language', how the band started and skateboarding.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Still In Love here: https://www.instagram.com/stillinloveuk/?hl=en
Track played: 'Preserve & Cherish (feat. Sam Carter)', ©️ all rights reserved Still In Love

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘

The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Formed in Essex in the UK in 2018, Beyond Extinction have brought the brutality with their debut album, 'Where They Gather'.

With magazines like Kerrang, Metal Hammer and Distorted Group to name a few writing reviews about the album, the band are solidifying their place in heavy music with their brutal breakdowns and hellish soundscape they've created with this album.

I got to sit down with all four band members Jasper (Vocals) Jude (Guitars) Danny (Guitars) and Niall (Drums) where we talked about the band playing The Siege of Limerick, the recording process for their album, 'Where They Gather', the music scene in Essex and so much more.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Beyond Extinction here: https://www.instagram.com/beyondextinction/?hl=en
Track played: 'Apache', ©️ all rights reserved Beyond Extinction

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
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The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

“There’s no point in dressing it up. We’re a meat and potatoes heavy metal band. There are so many genres around these days, people have funny ideas about what heavy metal is. But to me, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s not something you decide to dip into. You either are or you’re not. And it’s for life.”

Honest, hard-working, humble and true, Orange Goblin are easy to spot in a world fuelled by bullshit. For the last 30 years, these London-based diehards have tirelessly flown the flag for balls-out heavy metal and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. Driven by passion, persistence and heartfelt love for metal’s dark magic, Orange Goblin have always been a vital force and a risk-free bet. From the boisterous stoner rock uproar of debut album Frequencies From Planet Ten (1997) and the deeper, doomier rumblings of The Big Black (2000), to more recent critically-acclaimed triumphs A Eulogy For The Damned (2012) and The Wolf Bites Back (2018), their contribution to British metal has been vast and enduring, earning them legendary, tribal treasure status among the denim ‘n’ leather legions of the UK and beyond.

Orange Goblin have made many great albums in the past, but none as deep and dynamic as Science, Not Fiction. From the explosive death-boogie of opener “The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine” onwards, the band’s tenth album crackles with energy and belligerence. With the new line-up fizzing with chemistry, the hard rocking likes of “(Not) Rocket Science”, “The Fury Of A Patient Man” and “The Justice Knife” breathe new life into some classic Orange Goblin tropes. Meanwhile, twisted prog-doom detours like “False Hope Diet” and “Cemetary Rats” take the Londoners into epic new territory, with everything from skull-shattering punk ‘n’ roll to transcendent space rock hurled into the swirling brew.

“It is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, and that’s because when we write, it’s a big mixing bowl of all of our influences and favourite artists, and we try and create the perfect band that we always wanted to hear,” Ben states. “This album, it’s just more accomplished and mature, I guess. None of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve got ten albums under our belts now. I feel like we’re more professional in the recording studio, I feel like we’re better musicians and writers, and now with me looking after myself, I feel like my performance is better as well. It’s all moving in the right direction.”

I got to sit down with guitarist Joe Hoare where we talked about the Orange Goblin coming to an end, the final tour and how the band got their name.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Orange Goblin here: https://www.instagram.com/orangegoblinofficial/
Track played: '(Not) Rocket Science', ©️ all rights reserved Orange Goblin

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘

The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/

Formed in Eastbourne in 2023, Believe In Nothing bring together Caine Hemmingway (vocals/noise), Lawrence Rodriguez (guitar), Steve Collier (guitar), and Jasper Lyons (drums). With a history of playing in various heavy South Coast bands, the members hit the ground running, sidestepping the usual growing pains of a new project and quickly locking into a vision of crushing, apocalyptic sonic ritual.

Believe in Nothing’s creative ethos centres on sonic mass wielded with weaponised restraint to create jarring dynamic changes. Instead of endlessly piling on layers they embrace controlled tension: Barrages of enormous guitars and drums and noise interjected with sparse movements, cold atonal textures, and stifling silences that feel like all oxygen just got sucked out of the room. The results are dense, oppressive soundscapes not from brute force, but via slow, deliberate accumulation. It’s an immersive, unsettling experience shaped by subtraction rather than excess.

They began releasing music in mid‑2024, dropping a demo track ‘Boiling Stone’ to Bandcamp in June 2024. This track was a minimal yet crushing tone‑setting statement that established their turf on a scorched and abandoned earth. The band then planned to dripfeed more demos to Bandcamp at tactical moments but after experiencing their live ferocity, Chuch Road Records picked them up at the end of 2024. The band then began unfolding a string of miserable endtimes inducing singles in 2025.

I got to sit down with vocalist Caine Hemmingway where we talked about how the band started, the recording process for their debut album, 'Rot', and how the band got their eye-catching name.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out Believe In Nothing here: https://www.instagram.com/believeinnothing_noise/?hl=en
Track played: 'The Children Are Cattle', ©️ all rights reserved Believe In Nothing

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
Like, subscribe and always support the scene. Horns up and stay safe 🤘🤘

The Smashing Skull Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/thesmashingskullsessions/