In this episode, I sit down with Conor Bradley of Black Mantra Photography and Dylan Scully of DYLPOOL Photography — two of the most exciting visual storytellers documenting the pulse of the Irish Metal Scene.
From their creative origins to their unique photography styles, we dive deep into:
Their background and how they got involved in the Irish metal community
The highs and lows of capturing live music
Dylan’s powerful Worn Out documentary
Their creative + professional goals
Tips and advice for up-and-coming photographers and creatives
📍 Filmed at the brilliant Narrow Door Studios in Cork — massive thanks to Alex Da Vinci for hosting us. This was a genuinely fun, insightful, and energizing chat with two artists who are as passionate as they are talented.
👁️ Whether you’re into metal, photography, or just love hearing from rising Irish creatives — this one’s for you.
👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews from Ireland’s underground scene!
LINKS:
Dylan:
https://www.instagram.com/dylpool___/?hl=en
https://linktr.ee/dylpool___?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=16aeec10-977f-4941-8609-fbe632994838
Conor:
https://www.instagram.com/black_mantra_photography/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/conor.bradley.33
Join host Letty Sharp as she sits down with Ryan (Vocals) and Steve (Guitars) of Mallacht, a rising force in the Black Metal scene. With a clear homage to the traditional, classic Black Metal sound fused with a fresh, contemporary edge, Mallacht — which means “Curse” in Gaelic — have been turning heads with their powerful debut EP Black Sorcery.
In this exclusive interview, Ryan and Steve discuss the band’s formation, their diverse influences, and the creative process behind standout tracks like 536 and Nocturnal Wayfarer. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or discovering Mallacht for the first time, this conversation offers deep insights into their dark, atmospheric sound.
🎵 Listen to Mallacht’s music here:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UgZFOtuoQ1u3teOoClfO3
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth chats with your favorite metal artists!
In this episode, I sit down with Steve (drums) and Robbie (guitar) from the 5-piece hardcore-infused metal outfit If It Bleeds – one of the most exciting names rising out of the Belfast heavy scene.
We dive deep into:
• How the band was formed
• Steve and Paddy’s shared history in Heal of Achilles
• Their debut WE CAN KILL IT EP — 13 minutes of crushing, high-impact metal mixed & mastered by Josh Robinson
• Capturing raw live energy in both their recordings and chaotic, DIY music videos
• A creative, uncompromising approach to heavy music
• Bringing Belfast Hardcore to Bloodstock 2025
• And their passion for making real connections in the metal and hardcore scenes
This band is as real and raw as it gets — loud, aggressive, and unapologetically themselves.
🎧 Whether you're into hardcore, metalcore, or anything heavy, this one’s a must-listen.
🩸 If it bleeds… you know the rest.
🔗 Watch/listen now, drop a like, subscribe, and support independent heavy music!
Join us for a wild and unfiltered chat with Dwayne Close (guitars) and Pete Crenshaw (vocals) from Belfast groove/thrash metal heavyweights Ketos! We dig into the band's origins, the evolution from their Rise EP to the full-length onslaught that is First Strike, and explore the themes and sound of their latest singles.
We also dive into the incredible Irish metal scene, shouting out some of the bands that are absolutely killing it live and helping put Ireland firmly on the global metal map.
Expect raw stories, loud laughs, and unexpected moments—including a surprise guest appearance from one of the musicians who happened to be playing with Pete just before the interview and managed to get a few words in despite Pete being... well, a few pints deep. It’s chaotic, it’s candid, and it’s Ketos.
Turn it up, crack one open, and get ready to dive into the madness behind the music.
Ketos links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ketosband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ketos_metal/?hl=en
Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/ketos-merch
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/59Iot61Gb7q2B4w6BxqRKO
THRASH VALHALLA GIG TICKETS: https://secure.waterfront.co.uk/24725/24726?z=0
In this episode, we dive into the origin and rise of Tide 7, one of the most aggressive and exciting new bands in Ireland’s heavy music scene. From drummer Jack’s initial vision in late 2022 to the formation of a powerhouse lineup featuring Luke, Aaron, and Mark — we explore how the band forged their signature sound blending metalcore, deathcore, djent, and mathcore.
We also take a look at their self-produced debut EP Rinse and Repeat, their explosive live performances, and how they’re redefining the underground with raw intensity and DIY spirit.
If you're into crushing breakdowns, chaotic dissonance, and groove-heavy riffs — this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Song played:
Vermin © TIDE7, all rights reserved 2025.
Band Links:
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tide7.ie
Band page: https://linktr.ee/TIDE7
Bandcamp: https://tide7.bandcamp.com/
In this episode, I sit down with Jen Vaughan (Vocals), Darren O’Keeffe (Rhythm Guitar) and Scott McGowan (Lead Guitar) of the band with Mike Jordan (Bass) & Barry English (Drums) making up the rest of Shadows Calling, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising bands blending alt-rock, grunge, and metal into a sound entirely their own.
We dive into how the band came together—born during the 2020 lockdown as the brainchild of Mitchelstown native Darren O’Keeffe. He began writing original material for the first time and teamed up with his sister Jen Vaughan, a seasoned frontwoman with 20+ years in the music industry. Darren later discovered Cork guitarist Scott McGowan through an online musicians’ platform, igniting the dual-guitar foundation that drives the band’s hard-hitting sound.
Their debut EPs, Spirit Shifter and These Scars, showcase their raw energy, collaborative songwriting, and genre-blending edge. All lyrics are co-written by Darren and Scott, with music crafted collectively by the entire band.
We also talk about the creative process behind both EPs—produced and mixed by John Murphy (For Ruin) and mastered by Marco Tervonen of The Crown (Sweden)—plus stunning artwork by Colin Bolger (Spirit Shifter) and Giulia Benvenuti (These Scars).
From studio sessions and live tour reactions to Jen’s perspective as a female vocalist in metal and what 2025 has in store, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and authenticity.
🎧 Follow Shadows Calling:
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowscalling/
▸ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowscalling13
▸ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1T4NZVz7bX6IzMH2VBnqKC
▸ Merch: https://shadowscalling1.bandcamp.com
📲 Follow the Podcast:
▸ New episodes weekly – Subscribe: https://www.themetalcell.com
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themetalcellpodcast/?hl=en
Monk Fest 2025 will take place on July 5th in Pharmacia Bar, Limerick, to honour the memory of Rodgers niece Ash who was so well looked after by Temple St. in her final months.
All money raised will be donated to Temple St. Children's Hospital and will go the Play Therapy Department.
• Tickets are €20 each and will allow access to the live performances upstairs in the venue beginning at 6pm with doors at 5.30pm.
• The From The Depths Lane Party will begin at 3pm and will be free to attend.
• There will be a BBQ at the Lane Party with fairly priced meat and vegetarian options.
• A Cursed Monk Records stall, and a band merch stall will be upstairs in the venue.
• The raffle will take place during the live performances with tickets available at the Cursed Monk Records stall.
Bands playing are Zhora, Nomadic Rituals, Coroza, Oldd Wvrms, Fraught, Tooms, Molarbear and Noosed.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1546795539345713
Myself, Danielle, Evan, Letty & Joe of The Metal Cell Forums react to Metallica hitting Dublin for two nights in 2026 with Gojira, Avatar, Pantera & Knocked Loose being brought along for the craic! (Live Stream Podcast recorded in May 26th, 2025.
Metallica is coming back to Ireland in 2026, and we need to talk about it. In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into what this gig means to Irish fans—because let’s be honest, it’s more than just another show. It’s Metallica. In Ireland. Again. For a lot of us, it’s memories of first gigs, old t-shirts, and that feeling when the lights drop and “Ecstasy of Gold” hits.
We also take a look at the different packages Metallica are offering this time around—from standard tickets to the full VIP experience—and we’re giving our honest thoughts: worth it or nah? And of course, we couldn’t leave out the support bands. We chat about who’s warming up the stage, what they bring to the night, and whether they can get the crowd fired up before James, Lars, Kirk, and Rob take over.
Whether you’re already counting the days, still trying to convince your mates to go, or just want to relive some Metallica memories, this episode is for you. Get your horns up and let’s get into it!
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Grant Walsh (vocals/guitars), Tom Moylan (drums) and Liam Noctor (bass) of Dublin thrash metal band Psykosis as we dissect their long-awaited second album 'Mind Games'. Featuring eight tracks, the album blends reworked material from previous lineups with fresh, crushing new numbers, including the powerful latest single Boiling Point. We explore the songwriting approaches, riff construction, rhythmic intricacies, and production techniques behind each track. The band shares detailed insights into the recording sessions and gear choices that helped craft their aggressive, refined sound. Plus, we trace Psykosis’ evolution and their impact on the Irish thrash scene. Essential listening for musicians, producers, and metal fans hungry for a technical deep dive into Mind Games.
Band Links:
https://psykosisthrashmetal.bigcartel.com
https://psykosisthrashmetal.bandcamp.com
All songs played © Psykosis , all rights reserved 2025.
In this episode, Letty Sharp sits down with Nathan Price (vocals) and Ocean McCormack (guitars) of Limerick metal band War of Attrition. The band is gearing up to play the Tullamore Phoenix Metal Festival on May 31 at John Lee’s Bar & Venue—a one-day charity event in support of the National Missing Persons Helpline. The festival also shines a spotlight on the ongoing search for Luke Price, who has been missing for over three months. Luke's brother, Nathan Price, leads the band with a deep personal connection to the cause.
The conversation also dives into War of Attrition’s searing new single, “The Devil You’ve Become”—a politically charged track that condemns the actions of Israel in the Middle East, aligning the band with a bold tradition of metal as a vehicle for protest and awareness.
Beyond the music, Letty, Nathan, and Ocean explore themes of grief, activism, community, and the cathartic power of heavy music. It’s an emotional, thought-provoking, and essential listen for metal fans and beyond. Please SUBSCRIBE to The Metal Cell YouTube channel.
Band & Festival Links:
https://www.eventbrite.ie (tullamore-phoenix-metal-festival-tickets)
https://gofund.me/5bee96f2
https://warofattritionie.bandcamp.com
https://warofattrition.ie
Fangclub are a Dublin alternative rock band with members Steven King (Guitar/Vocals), Kevin Keane (Bass) and Dara Coleman (Drums).
2024s EP, “All Good”, marked a musical return for the band after an extended break since 2020.
On the live circuit, Fangclub have supported bands such as Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, Muse, Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Nothing But Thieves, The Cribs, Swmrs and Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes
Letty got to sit down and chat with Steve & Kevin at Cleeres in Kilkenny before they played with Oracle Villa as support.
Band Link:
https://www.fangclubmusic.com
Song played:
Out of my head © Fang Club, all rights reserved 2025.
On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Justine and Sammy of Church Road Records/Employed To Serve—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions.
Church Road Records may have started in 2017 as a DIY operation run out of a spare room, but in just a few short years, it has carved out a reputation for consistency, taste, and innovation in the world of underground heavy music. What sets Church Road apart isn’t just the quality of its roster, but the sense of identity that runs through the label—an identity that’s rooted in the personal vision and hands-on approach of its founders.
Evan and I speak with Justine and Sammy about the origins of the label, the practical and emotional challenges of launching a self-funded venture, and the evolution that has seen Church Road grow from a passion project to a respected institution within the scene. We also dig into the label’s unique subscription service model, the criteria they use when signing new artists, and their broader thoughts on the shifting landscape of the music industry in 2025.
Of course, we also talk about Employed to Serve, the acclaimed band that Justine fronts and Sammy plays guitar in—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions.
This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build and sustain a truly independent label in today’s music ecosystem—and why passion, resilience, and community remain at the core of it all.
Link:
https://churchroadrecords.com
Intro Music:
Wallowing: Flesh & Steel.
Hailing from the Causeway Coast, Good Friend is Adam Carroll (lead vocals and bass), Izzy Curran (drums), and Andy Reid (lead guitar). These three Irish lads originally come from around Belfast/Northern Ireland but they moved to Newcastle, England to get shitty jobs and form a band. The jobs did indeed turn out to be shitty, but the band turned out great!
'We’ve always described our sound as Punk Rock salted by The Irish Sea. Melodic and ferocious.'
The band are signed to Red Scare Industries (US) and Gunner Records (EU) and have toured the world and played with bands like MakeWar, Guerilla Poubelle & Red City Radio.
Good Friend played support to The Menzingers on the 16th of April at Button Factory Dublin, where Letty interviewed Adam and Izzy of the band.
Band link:
https://gunnerrecords.com/product-category/bands/good-friend
https://goodfriend.bandcamp.com/album/tell-me-ma-single
https://www.instagram.com/goodfriendband
Two special benefit gigs are set to take place in Dublin and Cork on April 24th and 25th in support of Adam Moore, (Merch Limbo/ex guitarist with Hero In Error), who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over a decade. All proceeds from the shows will go directly toward funding Adam’s ongoing stem cell treatment in Serbia.
In a deeply moving conversation, I was joined by Adam, long-time friend & Hero In Error drummer Steve "Confey" Reilly, along with Evan from Dead Cult Promotions /Worn Out, to talk about the shows and the journey that led them here. Adam spoke candidly about his diagnosis and the challenges he’s faced living with MS, while Confey reflected on Adam’s time in Hero In Error and the lasting impact he’s had on the Irish music community and beyond.
That sense of impact is clear in the response to a GoFundMe campaign launched by Adam’s fiancée, Tania, which has already surpassed the €75,000 mark — a milestone that surprised everyone except, perhaps, those who know just how many lives Adam has touched.
Adam’s determination in seeking alternative treatments and his decision to undergo stem cell therapy is a testament to his strength and resilience. These upcoming shows are more than just gigs — they’re a show of solidarity from a community that stands behind one of its own.
To contribute or learn more about Adam’s journey and the upcoming gigs, please follow the links below. Every donation and share helps — Richie.
Links:
Hero in Error - Adam Moore Fundraiser w/ Uragh & Solothurn
https://www.universe.com/events/hero-in-error-adam-moore-fundraiser-w-uragh-solothurn-tickets-Z9DRCV
ADAM FEST: Hero In Error // WORN OUT // Codespeaker // Nealo(MS Fundraiser)
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/adam-fest-hero-in-error-worn-out-codespeaker-nealoms-fundraiser-tickets-1204743673759?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
GO FUND ME:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-fiance-adam-moore-fight-multiple-sclerosis-ms-w
It was great to meet up with Grey Stag in this pre-recorded episode, before they played a jam packed Fred Zeppelins, in Cork with a serious support line up from Bodydrinkers, Dead Memories and Archaos courtesy of Dead Cult Promotions. Grey Stag were in town to promote their single launch for 'Cauldron Burn' and it was the perfect time to catch up with the lads to find out about the writing, recording and the build-up to the release of Mountain Breaker. Matt, Steve & Daragh have continued in the heavy/melodic musical direction of their last album Call of the Mountain but have added subtle changes to increase the enjoyment for Stag fans with four new songs on offer here alongside firm live favorite 'Emerald' by Thin Lizzy. The e.p is out now on the link below and for the first time a vinyl release is available also.
Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube page!
Grey Stag link:
https://greystag.bandcamp.com
Track played:
Hellbringer © Grey Stag, all rights reserved 2025.
Join myself, Danielle, Joe and Howard as we discuss the the impact of line-up changes in bands. What inspired the topic was the news of Brent Hinds departure from Mastodon and the potential fall out of revenue, creativity and legal issues that could occur. We look at bands on a local level also along with Joe and Howards experience of it first hand. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube Channel, if you haven't already.
Hunter (Vocals/Bass), Boydy (Drums/Vocals) and Grog (Guitars) of Northern Ireland based Teras have been absolutely killing it lately with live performances all over Ireland, including a memorable Siege of Limerick appearance last year and another invite back to play in Dolans this April. I invited them to The Metal Cell studios in this pre-recorded interview just after they played a killer set supporting XIII Doors at a sold out show in Fred Zeppelins of Cork the previous night. Muscles were aching but the spirits were high when Teras arrived and we quickly got into a great chat about what sort of direction the band are now moving in after a few line-up changes. The hugely positive reaction to their latest single 'Sovereign' along with them explaining the new exciting creative direction they are exploring for the rest of 2025, certainly left me feeling that this is a band that are worth waiting on for their next release. Hunter talks about building up this 'tribe' of followers and you get the feeling that the more Teras find their groove the bigger the 'tribe' will be.
Check out all their socials on the links below and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel.
Teras Links:
https://linktr.ee/theterastribe
https://www.instagram.com/teras_ni
https://www.facebook.com/TerasOffical.ni
Songs played:
Dystopia © Teras, all rights reserved 2025.
Letty interviewed Too Far Fetched in Fibbers where they were playing the Rage Metal Metal night alongside Angry Chair, Pain In Vain and Tide 7.
Too Far Fetched are a brilliant upcoming five-piece metal band hailing from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Colin (Vocals), Anto (Guitars) & Evan (Bass) chat to Letty about the bands formation, playing Siege of Limerick, releasing their own music independently and future plans for this exciting Metal band winning fans over with some incredible live performances all over Ireland.
Band links:
https://www.youtube.com/@TooFarFetched
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hAw8Nt2D5mBWu0JirQXOx?si=wMIWEWqvTcyS-54_Ve4AxA
Song played:
Narcissus © Too Far Fetched, all rights reserved 2025.
I'm delighted to announce another episode focusing on promoting Irish Solo Metal artists. Kevin Byrne of Sonus Mortis makes a return to the show and making their debuts on the podcast are Fionn Murray of FÓS and Shane McCulloch of Temair. While they may have different styles and make incredible music, it's their creative energy and the enjoyment of doing this by themselves shines through on the interview. We hear plenty of insights into how each artist approaches his work, about their dedication to the completion of songs, and the marriage of the music to the art; all of which is fascinating to hear. We also talk about how much effort goes into promoting their work and the importance of getting the release out there for fans to find it. Please 'SUBSCRIBE' to The Metal Cell YouTube channel if you want to see more videos like this, if you haven't already.
LINKS:
FÓS: https://fosmetal.bandcamp.com/album/n-l-mo-chro-in-aon-rud
Sonus Mortis: https://sonusmortis.bandcamp.com/album/synapse-the-hivemind
Temair: https://temair.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-ablaze
The Metal Cell presents Roan Hynes , the solo next-gen music prodigy who’s breaking barriers by blending heavy metal with electrifying synthwave! With 16 explosive releases and a unique sound that combines shredding guitars, thunderous drums, and futuristic synths, this rising star is redefining the limits of genre-bending music in Ireland. Terror Syndrome is a perfect storm of intensity, emotion, and innovation along with live shows that are an absolute must-see—Roan brings an exciting, one-of-a-kind performance that blends high-voltage performances, synthwave atmospheres, and full-throttle metal energy.
On this episode, we hear from Dad, Dave Hynes (Guitarist of Perish The Thought) who offers some insight into Roan's upbringing, you'll see Terror Syndrome perform live in Fred Zeppelins, Cork and hear from Roan himself. Hope you enjoy the episode and please 'SUBSCRIBE' to the YouTube Channel.
Terror Syndrome link:
https://terrorsyndrome.bandcamp.com
All music played © 2025 Terror Syndrome. All rights reserved except
Voodoo People © 2025 The Prodigy. All rights reserved.
