On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, filmmaker Matt Hartnett (LIFERS/Seismic-Sounds.com) & curator/promoter John Gist (Planet Desert Rock Weekend/Vegas Rock Revolution) sit down with T.R. Morton from Freedom Hawk, one of the most revered names in the heavy rock scene. T.R. opens up about the band’s origin in Virginia Beach and how their sound evolved into a globally recognized force. He breaks down his unique vocal tone, often compared to Ozzy Osbourne, and shares how he crafted that distinct style.The conversation dives into T.R.’s favorite festival experiences, the highs and lows of being in a rock band today, and how Freedom Hawk continues to thrive in a world where rock no longer dominates the mainstream. He shares how the band’s music has landed in major TV shows like Hawaii Five-O and gives his honest take on the current state of rock in American culture. T.R. also hints at what fans can expect next and whether new music is on the way. This is an unfiltered and insightful look into the life of a true rock veteran.#HeavyRock #FreedomHawk #StonerRock #RockMusic #HardRock #TRMorton #TheHeavyGalaxyShow #UndergroundRock #OzzyVibes #RockCulture #DesertRock #RocknRollNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Matt Hartnett (One Palm Productions / Seismic-Sounds.com) and John Gist (Planet Desert Rock Weekend / Vegas Rock Revolution) are back—and they’re turning up the volume on THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW.This rebooted episode dives deep into the state of heavy rock, tackling its current challenges, cultural shifts, and where it all might be headed.With their combined years of industry experience, Matt and John offer sharp insight and unfiltered commentary that both hardcore fans and curious newcomers will appreciate.They break down the current music festival landscape—what’s changed, what’s missing, and what it means for the heavy rock scene. From dwindling attendance to fewer rock-focused lineups, they explain how the festival world reflects deeper issues in rock culture today.John shares exclusive updates on Planet Desert Rock Weekend VI, returning to Las Vegas in January 2026 with a killer lineup and fresh energy.He explains what makes the event a must-see for fans of stoner rock, desert rock, and heavy grooves that move your soul.The episode doesn’t shy away from hard truths, especially about the growing disconnect between rock and younger music fans. Matt and John explore why younger audiences in the US are losing interest in rock and how that’s slowly eroding the genre’s mainstream influence as artists and bands prefer to focus growing their fanbase in Europe rather than at home. They dig into generational taste shifts, cultural relevance, and how today’s musical gatekeepers are steering listeners away from guitars and grit. But they don’t just stop at the problem—they spotlight bands that are doing everything right, even if they’re still flying under the radar.The Heavy Galaxy Show is back—watch the episode, join the conversation, and help keep rock’s flame burning.#heavyrock #stonerrock #planetdesertrockweekend #rockfestivals #rockculture #heavymusic #lasvegasrock #rockcommunity #90srockinfluence #rockisnotdead #undergroundrock #musicindustrytalkPlease SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt sits down with guitarist/producer Jeff Henson from Austin metal-heavy rock veterans DUEL. Henson discusses the band's new full-length 'Breakfast With Death' and the band's increased emphasis on metallic-driven songwriting over the last two records. The guys also discuss Henson's work as a producer at his renowned Red Nova Ranch studio in Texas, how he balances being a professional musician and studio maven, why it makes more sense to tour Europe over the US in the current state of the music business and much more.
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist to talk about the band's sophomore release 'Palm Reader'. The guys discuss the band's musical direction on the album and how Garney expanded his vocal range compare to the HDQ's debut full-length 'Secrets Of The Black Moon'. Ryan discusses their 2024' summer tour plans as well as how the band wound up fearing GAUPA vocalist Emma Naslund on the track 'Death Perception'. Garney fills us in on how he curated Ripplefest 2024' band lineup and the challenges he faces annually when selecting band's for the festival and much more.
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Jon Cosky and bassist/vocalist Jude Sisk from Houston stoner-sludge trio STONE NOMADS. The guys discuss the recent remastering of the band's debut LP "...at the Gates of Solitude" and the contributions provided by TROUBLE/EXHORDER vocalist Kyle Thomas, Grammy award winning engineer Alan Douches and MONOLORD drummer Esben WIllems, their decades long musical relationship going back to their teenage years, challenges they face with touring in the modern day music business and much more.
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt sits down with vocalist Mike Vickers from Boston stoner-sludge stalwarts LEATHER LUNG. Vickers talks about the band's debut LP "Graveside Grin" and how the addition of new guitarist Greg has complimented and expanded their sound from previous released EP's. Mike discusses the bands first two singles/videos 'Spit In The Casket' and 'Empty Bottle Boogie' and how he focuses on writing lyrics that music fan can relate to. Vickers discusses the bands debaucherous and alcohol-fueled anthems, the current state of the burgeoning Boston/New England heavy rock scene, LEATHER LUNG's tour plans for 2024 and more.
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS of the Underground Matt chats with bassist and frontwoman High Priestess Nighthawk to chat about the bands new album 'Garden Of Heathens'. They discuss the band's evolving musical style and approach, lyrical themes on the album, recording the album on a farm, favorite memory touring with Wino and The Obsessed, the band's upcoming headlining US Summer Tour with Valley of The Sun and more.
On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Zach Amster from Denver melodic-heavy rockers ABRAMS. The guys talk about the bands new album "Blue City", the band's ever-evolving sound recording at the renowned God City Studios in Salem, MA, the musical relationship between Zach and his twin brother and NEBULA/MONDO GENERATOR drummer Mike Amster, the bands upcoming summer 2024 US tour dates including an appearance at Desertfest 2024 and more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, John and Matt chat with drummer/vocalist Zach Wheeler and bassist/vocalist Sebastian Baltes from Nashville heavy rock honchos HOWLING GIANT. The guys chat about the trio's sophomore full-length 'Glass Future' and discuss the band's more concise approach to the songwriting compare to their debut LP 'The Space Between Worlds'. Zach and Sebastian discuss the band's first single/video 'Aluminum Crown' and how the song was originally scheduled to feature the late-great Mark Lanegan on vocals before his passing in 2022. Baltes talks about being the son of legendary bassist Peter Baltes from German classic metal kings ACCEPT and how joined the three-piece midway through the recording of the band's debut LP back in 2019. Wheeler discusses the bands triple-attack vocal approach and how challenging it is performing led vocals and drums simultaneously and much more.
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Matt and John chat it up with PATRIARCHS IN BLACK guitarist Dan Lorenzo (Cassius King/Vessel Of Light/Non Fiction/Hades) and drummer Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative/Quiet Riot) to talk about the duo's sophomore LP 'My Veneration'. The guys discuss the band's unique approach in selecting multiple vocalists on their first two records and the additional elements that were incorporated into the stellar follow up to 2021's 'Reach For The Scars'. Lorenzo and Kelly discuss the differences between a traditional rock/metal band who writes and records music together in a studio compared to what PIB does with their approach as band members who live a significant distance from one another. The guys discuss their recent Grammy nomination consideration for their cover of the Led Zeppelin track 'Friends' which also features renowned vocalist Militia Vox (Judas Priestess). Kelly fills us in on current happenings with his latest project EYE AM which features fellow Type O Negative member Kenny Hickey and Crowbar guitarist/vocalist Kirk Windstein. Lorenzo gives us the latest on his other bands Vessel Of Light, Cassius King and much more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt and John chat with HAUNT/BEASTMAKER mainman Trevor William Church. Trevor talks growing up in the music world with his father/legendary bassist Bill 'The Electric' Church (Montrose/Sammy Hagar/Van Morrison) and his soon-to-be-released biography 'THE ELECTRIC CHURCH'. Church discusses the recent reactivation of doom metal masters BEASTMAKER and whether or not they will be releasing new music any time soon. Trevor talks the high-production on HAUNT's most recent full-length release 'GOLDEN ARM', his experiences with John at Stoned & Dusted 2018' with BEASTMAKER and much more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt chats with PRONG mainman Tommy Victor about the band's 13th studio full-length 'STATE OF EMERGENCY'. Tommy discusses the his recent relocation from Los Angeles to New York and how it influenced the songwriting and attitude on the record. Victor discusses going back to the band's roots in terms of the album's songwriting and how Prong continues to be one of the only bands to continue playing the groove metal sound of the 90's. Tommy talks about the band's questionable decision to take musical risks on a major label, how band's such as Fear Factory and Static-X modeled their style after his riffs, playing the parking lot at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey before the recent Metallica concert. tour plans for the new record and more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, John sits down with vocalist Wil Martin from Los Angeles hard rock vets Earshot. The guys chat about the recent singles released by the band and discuss their upcoming full-length expected in Spring 2024'. Wil discusses his foray into music, going from a guitar player to a full-time singer, touring with Filter and experiencing Richard Patrick's difficulties on the road, Earshot's upcoming tour and much more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt & John sit down with guitarist/vocalist Dan Frick and bassist Kip Page from San Diego heavy rockers FORMULA 400. The guys discuss the bands latest release 'Divination' and the inspiration behind the album's first single 'Whiskey Bent'. Frick & Page discuss the band's decision to add a more heavier edge to their overall sound as well as the recent lineup change with the addition of new guitarist Alex Zambon. Page discusses this year's SoCal Heavy Jam and the impetus for putting together the annual festival. The guys get into a discussion about the San Diego scene and how it has grown to become one of the biggest hotbeds for heavy rock over the last two decades. Frick and Page talk about their favorite and least favorite live experiences with the band, challenges for San Diego bands when it comes to touring and much more.
On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, John Gist returns as he and Matt sit down with THUNDER HORSE guitarist/vocalist Stephen Bishop to talk about the bands new album 'After The Fall'. Bishop talks on what factors inspired the musical direction of their third full-length and what makes guitarist Todd Connally such a force to be reckoned with in the underground heavy rock/metal scene. Stephen discusses his musical journey that began in San Antonio as a late-teen and whats makes the city such a hotspot for rock and metal. Bishop discusses his time as a frontman for Cleopatra recording artists and industrial metal heavyweights PITBULL DAYCARE, how the new album has been able to attract fans across several different sub-genres and much more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt sits down vocalist Karl Agell to talk about new band LIE HEAVY and their debut release ‘Burn To The Moon. Agell discusses the bands formation and musical direction while explaining his vocal approach on the record and how he goes about writing lyrics. The guys discuss Karl’s history as a vocalist that began in the southern Connecticut hardcore-thrash scene back in the mid-to-late 80’s with his bands Seizure and School Of Violence. Agell talks about his time with the legendary Corrosion of Conformity and the band’s iconic ‘Blind’ album as the band successfully transitioned to a different sound and style during the early 90’s. Agell discusses forming LEADFOOT after his departure from COC and talks about the debacle with Roadrunner Records upon releasing their debut album ‘Bring It On’ in 1997. Karl talks about his current projects including celebrating the late-great Eric Wagner in LEGIONS OF DOOM and replacing him as the vocalist for THE SKULL, his appearance on the up-coming PATRIARCHS IN BLACK album, how he has been able to keep his vocal prowess intact after years in the music business and much more.
On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt sits down with MONSTER MAGNET guitarist Phil Caivano to talk his debut self-titled solo release CAIVANO. Caivano discusses the writing and recording process the took place during the pandemic for the album and how the music compares to what he’s know for musically over the course of his forty-five plus year career. Phil discusses his decades long-relationship with Monster Magnet frontman Dave Wyndorf and how they have been able to maintain a strong friendship and working relationship that started in the late 70’s with the punk band SHRAPNEL. The guys get into a discussion of the New York City heavy rock scene in the early 90’s when Caivano was the frontman for sleaze rock heavyweights BLITZSPEER and discuss the legendary rock club Limelight/Rock N Roll Church where the band recorded a live record for major label Epic/Sony. The guys have a extended discussion on Caivano’s late-friend and former bandmate Todd Youth and his the under the radar musical career that saw him record and play with Danzig, Ace Frehley, Cheap Trick and more. Phil talks about Monster Magnet’s recently completed European tour and the bands upcoming appearance at Desertfest NY, his take on the stoner rock moniker, his plans for the solo record in terms of playing live shows and more.
On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, John & Matt sit down with BORRACHO guitarist/vocalist Steve Fisher and talk about the heavy rock trio's soon-to-be-released fifth LP "Blurring The Lines Of Reality". Fisher starts off by discussing the bands AI generated album cover and fills us in on the record's first single 'Architects Of Chaos Part I' and the song's concept which includes two additional parts/tracks that make up the first side of the upcoming LP. Steve talks about growing up in Kenya and how he was a part of the first rock band in the country's history while getting to meet Lemmy's son while he was vacationing in the African nation. The guys discuss the rich history of the DC/Baltimore/Virginia heavy rock scene and the close knit community that encompasses it. Fisher talks about his current view of the heavy rock scene and how it's becoming a caricature of itself, how he envisions his songwriting as Black Sabbath recording Pink Floyd songs, his appreciation and respect for Fu Manchu, his experience playing with the late Rev. Jim Forrester and SERPENTS OF SECRECY and much more.
On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, Matt & John chat with HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist and RIPPLEFEST TEXAS founder RYAN GARNEY. Garney fills us in on how thing are going in the recording studio as the band is currently recording the follow-up to their heralded 2021’ release ‘Secrets Of The Black Moon’. Ryan discusses the bands' experience on the recently completed Smoke & Dust Tour that saw HDQ play 34 shows in 36 days opening for the legendary desert rock icon Mario Lali and his bands Fatso Jetson and The Rubber Snake Charmers while discussing the pros and cons of touring outside the US in the global underground heavy rock scene. Garney talsk about the band’s mosty recent release and split with fellow desert rock comrades Blue Heron as both bands get ready for their up coming Brewery & Dive Tour Part 1. Ryan and the guys get into a lengthy discussion on RIPPLEFEST TEXAS 2023 and discuss some of the birgeoning bands that will appear at the renowned festival this year as well as the trials and tribulations that he has faced in organizing and conducting an event with its magnitude. The guys get into a lengthy discussion about the current state of the heavy rock scene and discuss its fan driven approach and how the scene has been able to flourish on a global scale over recent times and much more.
On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, the guys sit down with vocalist/drummer Craig Riggs (KIND/SASQUATCH/ROADSAW). Riggs talks to us about KIND's upcoming third release 'Close Encounters' and the musical/vocal differences compared the bands first two albums. John and Craig reminisce on Riggs and SASQUATCH's performance at Stoned & Dusted 2018' and the infamous 'kick drum' fiasco. Riggs discusses the early days of ROADSAW recording the 'Nationwide' album with famed producer and songwriter Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson/Halford) when they were signed to MIA Records which went defunct shortly after the album's release. Craig goes over the current status of Sasquatch and how they are preparing for their next record, compares the current heavy rock scene to the 90's when Roadsaw was gaining ground in the scene, how he helped to start renowned recording studio Mad Oak in 2000, touring with Kyuss during the 90's while striking up a friendship with Queens Of The Stoneage's Josh Homme and more.
