The Metal Cell Podcast

This week on The Metal Cell Podcast, Richie sits down with Paul O'Rourke (Vocals), Brian Gribben (Guitar), Daryl Hill (Bass) and Lucas Todesco (Drums) from Belfast heavyweights Shortest Straw.

With their debut EP A New Normal arriving on 11 August, the band discuss far more than breakdowns and blast beats. They reflect on finding their identity, balancing aggression with honesty, writing songs with purpose and building a band that values authenticity over imitation.

The conversation explores the creative process behind the EP, working with producer Josh Sid Robinson (JSR Audio), the realities of starting a heavy band in 2026, preparing for their Irish tour with Dead Mob and Carynx, and why live performance remains the heartbeat of Shortest Straw.

Upcoming Shows:

• 03 August – Limelight 2 supporting Vio-Lence

• 20 August – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast

• 21 August – Sin É, Dublin

• 22 August – Fred Zeppelins, Cork

• 24 October – Northern Dissonance, Limelight 2, Belfast

Shortest Straw link:

https://linktr.ee/shorteststrawuk

If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Ireland's heavy music scene, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.

I was delighted with Liam Hughes (Vocals) and Gerard O'Callaghan (Drums) from Cork's atmospheric blackened doom metal force Soothsayer for an in-depth conversation recorded in person at The Metal Cell Studios.

Following the release of their stunning second album, The Unbinding, we go far beyond the usual album-cycle interview. Together we explore the philosophy, symbolism and deeply personal experiences that shaped one of the most compelling Irish metal releases of 2026.

We also delve into Liam's connection with India and Hindu mythology, the recurring themes of hope, uncertainty and transformation, and why The Unbinding asks listeners to embrace difficult questions rather than easy answers.

Ger also discusses creating the remarkable cover artwork, revealing how the painting unexpectedly became the perfect visual companion to the album's themes of leaving familiarity behind and stepping into the unknown.

Soothsayer links:

Ablum:

https://apocalypticwitchcraft.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/soothsayerdoom

On this episode, I’m joined by all three members of Irish progressive sludge metal force Tooms — Anto Donnellan (bass), Kieran Grace (drums/vocals), and Alex Hölzinger (guitars/vocals) — for an in-depth track-by-track exploration of their crushing new album, Karst. Together, we unpack the origins of the record, the band's evolution from their earlier work, and how Karst became the most complete expression of TOOMS' identity to date. From the earth-shaking opening of "Blood Rust Of Cudgel And Quill" to the staggering finale "Physics Beyond The Standard Model", we examine the stories, emotions, and creative decisions behind every track. We also discuss the album's striking cover artwork and why its haunting floral imagery may be far more connected to the music than it first appears. The band reflects on the recording process with long-time collaborator Chris Quigley, working with acclaimed mixer Matt Bayles and mastering engineer Chris Fielding, the influence of post-metal and extreme music, and how Karst pushes beyond traditional sludge metal into something darker, broader, and more immersive. This is a conversation about riffs, certainly—but it's also about landscape, pressure, collapse, survival, and the strange beauty that can be found in the darkest places. If you've already fallen under the spell of Karst, or you're discovering TOOMS for the first time, this is the definitive deep dive into one of the most compelling heavy releases of the year. TOOMS links: https://tooms.bandcamp.com https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/karst

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