The Metal Cell Podcast

Irish death metal veterans Zealot Cult are preparing to unleash their long-awaited second album, Psalms of Filth, and The Metal Cell Podcast sat down with vocalist/guitarist Jay Quigley and guitarist Mick Carey in the legendary surroundings of Bobby Byrnes pub in Limerick to talk about the band's past, present and what could be their most important chapter yet.

Nearly two decades after emerging from the ashes of The Swarm and Victim-X, Zealot Cult have earned their place as one of Ireland's most respected and uncompromising death metal bands. With Psalms of Filth arriving eight years after their acclaimed debut Spiritual Sickness, the conversation looks at what has kept the band moving forward — and why they refused to rush the follow-up.

We discuss the legacy of Zealot Cult, the influence of the classic Florida death metal scene, songwriting, atmosphere, the evolution of the band's sound and the challenge of remaining true to death metal while continuing to develop as musicians.

Jay and Mick also discuss the darker themes surrounding Psalms of Filth, the striking artwork of Paolo Girardi, the return of the album's fanatical Zealot figure and the connection between the sacred, the profane and the destructive power of fanaticism.

With Zealot Cult now joining Awakening Records, Psalms of Filth has the potential to introduce the band to an entirely new international audience. We talk about what that means for a band that has spent years building its reputation through uncompromising music, strong records and a deep connection to the underground.

Band link:

https://www.facebook.com/zealotcultDM

Album link:

https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com

Letty caught up with drummer Cameron Johnston and vocalist Marty McAllister in Dublin, just before MICROTONAL took to the stage as the opening act for legendary crossover thrash pioneers D.R.I. at Opium.

Formed in Belfast in 2023, MICROTONAL released their debut EP Baptism Of Fire in 2025, bringing together death metal, thrash and old-school aggression. Their momentum continued into 2026 when they battled through the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Northern Ireland, ultimately securing their place on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage at BLOODSTOCK.

At the time of this interview, Bloodstock was still ahead of them — and the excitement was building.

Cameron and Marty talk about the band's rapid rise, their Belfast roots, Baptism Of Fire, their musical influences, the Metal 2 The Masses journey, earning a place at Bloodstock, and the surreal experience of preparing to open for D.R.I.

Microtonal links: https://www.youtube.com/@microtonalband

https://www.facebook.com/microtonalband/

Microtonal #DRI #Bloodstock #ThrashMetal #DeathThrash #BelfastMetal #IrishMetal #Metal2TheMasses #BaptismOfFire #TheMetalCellPodcast

Back in May 2020, Elder Druid joined me on The Metal Cell Podcast at a very different point in their story. The band had just released their critically acclaimed album Golgotha, launched it to a packed Voodoo Room in Belfast, had vinyl pressed, shows booked and looked ready to take the next step. Then COVID happened. The momentum that had been building suddenly disappeared, and the years that followed brought plenty more challenges. But Elder Druid never disappeared.

In this episode, I catch up with Jake, Brien and new guitarist Robbie to talk about the road from Golgotha to where the band finds itself today.

We get into the impact of COVID, keeping the band relevent through live shows, the changes in the lineup and Robbie's arrival.

We also talk about Armada and Coffin Dropper, two new Elder Druid songs performed live at The Crypt of The Riff, featuring their departed brother Daniel on vocals.

This is a conversation about what happens when the plans change, people change, and circumstances change — but the music keeps pulling you back.

Episode dedicated to Daniel Santiago Zanker Ovalle (Rest In Power DZO!)

Elder Druid link:

https://elderdruidband.bandcamp.com

This is a update for Spotify and other streaming sites featuring Solothurn instead of the Shortest Straw clip that somehow made it onto the Solothurn 381 episode.

Emerging from Belfast's thriving underground scene, Solothurn return to The Metal Cell Podcast to discuss their brilliant new EP, High Priestess. This isn't just another release—it's a significant step forward in the band's development.

We discuss the evolution of Solothurn's sound, the writing and recording process, working with acclaimed artist October Midnight on the EP artwork. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about heavy music, creativity, the world around us and why High Priestess represents the band's darkest and most ambitious release to date.

Featuring:

• Ryan Adair – Vocals

• Dee Cleland – Rhythm Guitar

• Jamie Wright – Lead Guitar

• Marty Elley – Drums

Band Link:

https://solothurn.bandcamp.com

If you're a fan of Tool, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, atmospheric sludge, progressive metal and check Solothurn out.

Subscribe to The Metal Cell Podcast for more interviews with the best artists from Ireland and beyond.

Solothurn #HighPriestess #TheMetalCellPodcast #IrishMetal #NorthernIrelandMetal #ProgressiveMetal #SludgeMetal #DoomMetal #Tool #Mastodon #AliceInChains