The Heavy Desert Podcast

King Buffalo's Sean Roa joins The Heavy Desert Podcast for an honest and engaging conversation that traces the band's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in the heavy underground. Sean reflects on the albums that shaped him as a musician, from Black Sabbath's Paranoid to Pink Floyd's Animals, and shares the story of how King Buffalo emerged from the remnants of previous projects, unexpected opportunities, and a relentless drive to create.

Along the way, we dive into the band's DIY roots, the early days touring with All Them Witches, and the evolution that transformed King Buffalo into the powerhouse trio fans know today. Sean pulls back the curtain on the making of the upcoming album Doomsayer, revealing how the band sifted through dozens of hours of improvised jams, refined their songwriting process, and intentionally crafted a more direct, riff-driven record while settling into their newly built studio.

The conversation also explores the realities of life on the road, the challenges of building a career without shortcuts, and the hard-earned lessons that come from years of touring, sleeping in vans, and grinding it out long before packed venues and sold-out records became part of the story. From guitar tones and recording techniques to memorable fan encounters and the band's unwavering commitment to doing things on their own terms, Sean offers a candid look at the passion, perseverance, and creativity that continue to drive King Buffalo forward.

Whether you're a longtime fan, a musician looking for inspiration, or someone discovering King Buffalo for the first time, this is the kind of conversation that reminds you why great music is built through persistence, vision, and an obsession with creating something meaningful. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

This episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast is all killer riffs, underground passion, and plenty of laughs as Greg, Tommy, and Rocky of Illinois heavy rock trio Erosions join the show.

The guys trace their musical roots back to formative discoveries of KISS, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Deep Purple, Melvins, Kyuss, Sleep, and more, sharing the records and artists that shaped their paths as musicians. Along the way, they discuss learning their instruments, their history in other local bands, and how a persistent invitation to jam eventually led to the formation of Erosions.

The conversation dives deep into the band's organic songwriting process, the creation of their Harvest Session EP, and their upcoming split release with Psalm, which also marks the inaugural release from Space Goat Records. They also talk talk about what it means to be on of the first bands chosen for the label, the importance of independent labels in keeping the underground alive, and the community-driven spirit that fuels heavy music.

The band also shares stories about recording on two-inch reel-to-reel tape, their upcoming appearances at Tampa Doom & Gloom Fest and HUFR Fest, the diverse music scene in Freeport, Illinois, and what's next for Erosions as they continue writing new material and taking their crushing sound on the road.

Packed with humor, gratitude, and a genuine love for underground music, you won’t wanna miss this episode! Make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Vegas doom metal torchbearers Psalm join The Heavy Desert Podcast to talk about their journey from underground hopefuls to one of the first bands signed to the newly launched Space Goat Records. Jon, Ian, Juan, and Jeremy dive deep into their musical origins, sharing the bands, albums, and life experiences that shaped their sound, from Venom, Black Sabbath, and Trouble to classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and the Rolling Stones.

The conversation also explores Psalm's upcoming contribution to the inaugural Space Goat Records split release, how the opportunity came together during HUFR Fest, and what it means to be part of a label focused on community, passion, and the preservation of underground heavy music. The band reflects on touring with Sonolith, recording in Anaheim with producer Colin at Paradise Recordings, and the excitement surrounding their forthcoming self-titled LP arriving this December.

Plus: stories from the road, opening for Pentagram and Weed Eater, a 12-year-old guest bassist making her recording debut, the importance of independent labels, and why positivity and genuine community remain the lifeblood of the heavy underground.

It was a great chat with the guys, so make sure to tune in and subscribe so ya don’t miss it!

The Crooked Skulls return to The Heavy Desert Podcast following the breakout success of Midnight Sun, the album that landed on the Doom Charts and introduced the band's heavy groove-driven sound to listeners around the world.

Pete and Dave reflect on the overwhelming response to the record, the opportunities that followed, and the evolution of the band after founding drummer Chuck Snyder's departure. Joining the conversation is new drummer Bryan Heaney, who discusses stepping into the lineup, finding his place in the band, and preparing for his first live shows with The Crooked Skulls.

The band also dives into their upcoming 7-inch single, Pain Dealer / Ride Free, the songwriting stories behind both tracks, collaborations with Bob Balch, artwork from Matt Pike, a packed run of upcoming shows, and early plans for the next chapter of The Crooked Skulls.

And after my chat with the fellas, The Heavy Desert Podcast will premiere the track Pain Dealer that you’ll hear first, exclusively on the episode!

Whether you've been following The Crooked Skulls since day one or you're just discovering them now, this episode offers a front-row seat to a band that's clearly building serious momentum. Don't miss this conversation with one of the underground's hardest-working heavy rock bands. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Dutch heavy psych powerhouse The Machine joins the show to discuss their brand-new album, Another Sun (Awe Records & Blues Funeral Recordings), and the nearly 20-year journey behind one of underground rock's most enduring bands.

Guitarist and vocalist David Eering and drummer Klaas Dijkstra dive into their earliest musical influences, the evolution of The Machine from a high school band into a respected force in the heavy psych scene, and the creative process behind Another Sun. The conversation explores songwriting, improvisation, recording at their own Evolver Studio, unforgettable performances at Roadburn and SonicBlast, and the unique chemistry that keeps the band pushing forward after almost two decades.

We also discuss the delicate balance between structure and exploration, how songs grow and change over time, and why live performances remain such a powerful and unpredictable experience.

If you're a fan of heavy riffs, psychedelic journeys, and the stories behind the music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Fresh off the release of their crushing debut album, Materializer joins The Heavy Desert Podcast to tell the story behind the band's creation and the brotherhood that drives it. Connor and Chris Poole discuss growing up surrounded by music, learning from their father, discovering bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Nirvana, and Alice In Chains, and how years of playing together shaped their creative chemistry.

We dive into the transition from Swell Fellas to Materializer, the challenge of becoming a two-piece, and how one song, "Falling Out the Fold," convinced them they were onto something special. The brothers also share stories from the road touring with All Them Witches, King Buffalo, YOB, and ASG. They also share about working with longtime collaborator, Ben McLeod (All Them Witches). Connor and Chris speak glowingly about Ben's impact on their music, emphasizing how years of working together have built a level of trust where he instinctively understands what they're trying to achieve. More than just a mixer, they describe Ben as someone who helps "finish the sentence," bringing clarity, depth, and cohesion to their recordings. By their own admission, the album became stronger because of his involvement, and they couldn't be more thrilled with how the record sounds.

If you love heavy rock, creative deep-dives, and hearing how underground bands evolve into something entirely new, this episode is for you. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Rob Edwards and Wigg Grant of the band Risperidrone to discuss the journey behind their crushing new, debut full-length album, Black Shuck. The band dives into their influences, songwriting process, surviving the COVID era, building songs from years-old riff ideas, and the thriving Welsh doom and stoner scene. They also reflect on their album release show, which raised money for the mental health charity Mind, a recent festival appearance at the inaugural Origins Festival, and what's next for one of Wales' heaviest underground acts. Make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Jack Amsler, Etziel Méndez, Fernando Cabrera, and Nicolás Silveira of Weedsnake join the show.

Hailing from Mexico City, Weedsnake are gearing up for Ripplefest Mexico, taking place November 14 at Foro 28. The band rolled a fat one for this conversation and dove deep into their influences, songwriting process, the evolution of the band, and what's on the horizon, including hopes for a new album in 2027.

So light one up, crank the volume, and get to know one of Mexico's veteran heavy rock forces as we spend some quality time with Weedsnake.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Jorge Trejo of the band Rostro Del Sol joins the show. Rostro Del Sol released its latest album Universo 25 earlier this year in January, and we dig into it. They’re also set to play the second annual Ripplefest Mexico, being held this year on November 14th, in Mexico City at Foro 28. Jorge gives a glimpse into how their unique brand of music comes to life and what they have coming up after Ripplefest Mexico. If you’re not familiar with Rostro Del Sol, tune in to get to know this phenomenal band!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Calloway Jones guitarist and vocalist of the band Üga Büga to the show. Out of Virginia, Üga Büga released its sophomore album, Valley of the Wolf on June 5 of 2026, and we dig into it. Along with Calloways influences, the backstory of the band and the current tour they’re on supporting the new album, we cover it all. And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog joins the show as we countdown our Top 10 new releases of the third quarter of 2026. With lists from a few listeners, as well as some honorable mentions, we cover dozens of new albums for you to check out! We also share some of what we’re looking forward to for the final quarter of 2026. If it’s new heavy rock you’re looking for, look no further, The Heavy Desert Podcast has you covered! Make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Drew Pelrine, Gabe Haydar and Troy Welling of Earthlore join the show. Out of Boston, Massachusetts, Earthlore released its debut, full-length album Within The Earth on August 28th. It is a killer album and we dig deep into it, their influences, and what they have coming up.

We also talk about their recent appearance at RPM Fest on Labor Day Weekend and what it was like to play the 10th year of the fest. I had a great chat with these guys, so make sure to check out their album, and come back and get to know the guys! Tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I'm joined by Jose and David of 3 Wheeler Band!

With the band gearing up to hit Ripplefest Mexico on November 14 at Foro 28 in Mexico City, we dive deep into their origins, influences, songwriting, upcoming plans, and plenty more.

If 3 Wheeler Band isn't on your radar yet, now's the time to change that. These guys deliver massive riffs, good vibes, and a no-nonsense approach to rock 'n' roll. Their recipe is simple: crack a cold beer, fire up the carne asada, and unleash the riffs.

So grab your drink of choice, turn it up loud, and join us for a killer conversation. Tune in & subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Brenna Leath of Crystal Spiders & High Priestess Nighthawk of Heavy Temple. At the time of the recording they were set to go on tour together starting October 2nd, but unfortunately, Heavy Temple had to bow out. But I had such an incredible chat with them, I couldn’t just sit on it! We dig into their influences to the backstory of the bands. We even talk a little horror and Nighthawks recent trip to Tomahawk show, and so much more! I had a blast talking to these lovely ladies and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Kenny Charters of the Colorado Springs band Doctor Nez joins the show. Doctor Nez look to release its third EP Nothing Short of Silver on October 1st and we talk all about it!

What started out as a solo, bedroom project, morphed into a three-piece band playing shows around the greater Denver, Colorado area. Kenny never saw this coming and he share his story.

And stay tuned after my chat for the exclusive Heavy Desert Podcast Premiere of the title track off the upcoming release! So make sure to tune in and subscribe, you won’t wanna miss it!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome back to the show Pablo Anton, guitarist and vocalist for Demons My Friends and the creator and curator of Ripplefest Mexico. We talk a little about Demons My Friends latest release, Survive/Yourself that was released earlier this year via Ripple Music. But we really dig into the second annual Ripplefest Mexico that is happening November 14th in Mexico City. We talk about all from the high and lows from putting this festival together. An amazing lineup this year that we get into and so much more! Another fun chat with Pablo, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome vocalist Mehdi Beltaïef, drummer Aziz El Ghoul and bassist Walter Vega of the Tunisian band Shade. These guys forge a fierce, high‑energy blend of alternative rock, stoner grit, and heavy metal. Driven by muscular riffs and detailed, shape‑shifting arrangements, they pull listeners into dense, hypnotic landscapes that erupt with sudden bursts of intensity. Their sound feels both rooted in rock tradition and boldly new.

We dig into everything - from their influences, the backstory and both of their awesome EPs that they released in the span of ten months, 2025’s Under The Distant Suns and 2026’s The Exploitation Tapes.

A killer band that more people need to hear, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Nick and Jake Blevins of two-piece, fuzzed out, doom metal, noise rock band, Arsis Thesis, join the show. They recently released their debut full-length album, Ustanak, on July 31. An album that was put on the back burner seven years ago, has finally seen the light of day, and we dig into it. We also talk about the dynamic of being brothers and how that affects the creative process of the songwriting. They’re also set to perform on December 5th at the Gravitoyd Battle of the Bands for a chance to play at next year’s Gravitoyd Doomfest. It was a pleasure talking with these guys, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Make sure to tune in and subscribe.

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Dalton Kennerly and Schuyler Kotner of the band Creeper Bud to the show. Creeper Bud is a stoner/doom band out of Carbondale, Illinois set to release its self-titled debut album on September 18 via River To River Community Records, and we dig into it, along with their influences and how they got together. We also talk about the scene in Carbondale and there’s also a little guitar pedal talk, as Dalton talks about some of his favorite go-to pedals to use. We cover a lot, and if you stick around, The Heavy Desert Podcast premiers a new track from the upcoming album! You won’t wanna miss it! Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I’m joined by Drew Dupuis of Call of the Beast Radio and Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog for a full‑throttle preview of Ripplefest Texas 2026!

We tear through the entire lineup: the bands we can’t wait to see, the ones we’re just discovering, and the heavy hitters guaranteed to level Austin. We also break down what to expect at both venues — Sagebrush and The Far Out Lounge — from the atmosphere to the energy to the kind of frenzy that makes Ripplefest the heavy rock pilgrimage of the year.

Drew gives us the inside scoop on how Call of the Beast plans to make its mark at the fest, and as always, hanging with these guys turns into a blast of riffs, laughs, and pure underground hype.

Ripplefest is almost here, and we’re fired up to get out there and soak in every crushing set.

Tune in and hit subscribe — this episode sets the tone for the whole damn weekend.

*At the time of this recording, Yob was still scheduled to play.