The Metal Cell Podcast

Peter Cooney of Dublin hardcore/metal outfit LaVein joins us on The Metal Cell Podcast for an honest and intense conversation surrounding the band’s new EP “But I Urged Caution”.

We dive deep into the writing and recording process behind the new release, the evolution of LaVein since “Fine Failure”, the impact of playing Bloodstock Festival, and the growing force of the Irish heavy music scene.

Peter also opens up about his battle with Stage Two Hodgkin Lymphoma, how it changed his perspective on music and life, and what getting back on stage means to him now.

🔥 Topics include:

New EP “But I Urged Caution”

New single “Puncture Wounds”

Bloodstock Festival experience

Irish hardcore & metal in 2026

Touring & live intensity

Hodgkin Lymphoma recovery

The future of LaVein.

Cooking & TV with Pete.

Band link:

https://lavein.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-urged-caution-2

🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with the best heavy bands from Ireland and beyond.

LaVein #PeterCooney #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #Hardcore #Metalcore #Bloodstock #HeavyMusic #Podcast

London-based extreme metal force INCARCERATED joins Letty for a crushing new episode discussing the band’s rise, creative vision, and devastating debut album Necrosphere.

Letty sits down with Brazilian members Lander da Silva (Vocals/Guitars) and Rafael Rojo (Lead Guitar) to talk about the formation of the multinational London-based outfit, their blend of Thrash and Death Metal, the recording process behind Necrosphere, and working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios.

The band also discusses their upcoming Irish run this June, where they’ll perform four consecutive shows alongside support acts Deserted, Mourning The Heretic, War of Attrition, and Cursed Sun.

📍 Irish Tour Dates:

• June 11 – Cork – Dali

• June 12 – Limerick – Pharmacia

• June 13 – Dublin – Fibber Magees

• June 14 – Belfast – Voodoo Belfast

Band link:

https://incarcerated.bandcamp.com

ExtremeMetal #UndergroundMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #ThrashDeath #Metalhead #SupportUndergroundMetal #MetalTour

In this pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Steve Hobson — organiser of Cancer Puncher and drummer of Bad Boat — alongside Carl King of Two Tales of Woe and Gareth Ruddock of Skypilot to talk all things Cancer Puncher 2.

We discuss how the original Cancer Puncher charity event came together following the diagnosis of Lymphoma in Haint frontman Ian, as well as the impact cancer has had on friends, family and members of the local music scene. Steve opens up about organizing the first event, the incredible response from bands and fans, and raising more than €3,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Belfast City Hospital Cancer Unit and Southern Hospice Trust.

The conversation also covers the upcoming Cancer Puncher 2 event, the importance of the Metal and alternative scene pulling together for charity, raffle prizes donated by bands including Therapy?, Ten Ton Slug and Slomatics, and why this final event means so much to everyone involved.

Topics include:

Cancer Puncher 2 charity event

Bad Boat reunion

Northern Ireland metal scene

Two Tales of Woe interview

Skypilot interview

Charity fundraising through music

Cancer awareness and community support

Local bands supporting Cancer Focus NI

Underground metal and alternative music in Ireland

Tickets Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-puncher-ii-tickets-1984458781636

If you enjoy grassroots music, Northern Ireland metal, charity events, podcasts, band interviews and the DIY scene, make sure to like, comment and subscribe.

CancerPuncher2 #livemetal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #metal #metalpodcast #charityconcert #alternativemusic #belfast #cancerawareness #heavymusic #podcastinterview

From Strangle Wire to Corpse Water, Pete Clarke’s Solo Death Metal Project '...something in the water' is a deep dive into old school death metal, real-world horror, and groove-driven brutality.

Pete explains how 90s-style death metal bands like Six Feet Under, Obituary and early Cannibal Corpse inspired him to create the groove, hooks, and memorable riffs in his debut release.

We talk about the writing process behind Corpse Water, working with members of The Crawling, hiring freelancers through Fiverr to suit budget costs and the influence of real-life horror, including the chilling Cecil Hotel death.

This album was made for vinyl and old-school listeners, click on the link to order this lesson in Brutal Death Metal:

https://corpsewater.bandcamp.com/album/something-in-the-water

DeathMetal #OldSchoolDeathMetal #CorpseWater #StrangleWire #MetalInterview #ExtremeMetal #DeathMetal2026

In this episode, we take a focused look at Ireland’s pathway to Wacken Open Air — one of the most recognised festivals in the global metal scene.

Joining the show: Donnchadh O’Leary – organiser of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland, overseeing the annual competition that sends one Irish band to perform at Wacken. Aidan “Willow” Williams of Aesect – winners of last year’s Irish final, who went on to perform at the festival.

We discuss how the competition works behind the scenes, what judges look for, and how bands are selected to represent Ireland. Aidan shares his experience of playing Wacken, from preparation to performance, and reflects on what the opportunity meant for the band afterwards.

The conversation also explores the wider Irish metal scene, the role of competitions like Metal Battle, and whether events like Wacken are stepping stones or standalone milestones for emerging bands.

We also give a shout out to this year’s six finalists:

Dead Memories, Nihilanth, Acid Age, Mourning of the Heretics, Numbskull Narative, and New Enemy — and what they will bring to the stage this Saturday at Fibber Magee's, Dublin.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/metalbattleireland

🎧 A solid listen for fans of the Irish scene and bands considering entering future competitions.

wackenopenair #metal #metalcommunity #irishmetal #heavymetal #metalpodcast #metalfestival