Metal Chick Podcast

Welcome back to Season 13 of the Metal Chick Podcast! I am kicking things off with Garrett Smith from one of my favorite local metal bands, Reflection of Flesh. Garrett and I talk about the band's history, their thrash groove metal sound, his journey from trumpet and skateboarding to guitar, and the albums and musicians that influenced him along the way. We also talk about Reflection of Flesh's new music, including their latest single "Souls Rain Fire," the upcoming EP, and what they have planned for getting back out on the road. And of course, we talk Manitowoc Metal Fest at Petskull Brewing, where Reflection of Flesh is opening the main stage on Friday. With a killer lineup and a growing reputation as a destination for metal, this is one festival you definitely want to check out. Garrett and I also discuss touring, their massive production setup, their infamous weather curse, and why the band believes in quality over quantity when it comes to playing live. This was a hell of a fun conversation and a great way to kick off Season 13! Make sure you check out Reflection of Flesh, listen to their music, follow them on social media and go see them live.

9/10/26 • 23:55

In this episode of the Metal Chick Podcast, I'm hanging out at the bar with Andrew Balistreri from Thrasher and Aaron Lane from Aces High, and honestly the conversation starts before I even officially introduce them. Sometimes the best interviews happen that way. We jump right into talking about the music that shaped us growing up, especially the late 80s when albums like …And Justice for All and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son were everywhere and MTV was still playing metal videos. That era had a huge influence on Andrew and the kind of music he still loves playing today. The real reason we're hanging out is to talk about the big metal weekend coming up March 13th and 14th. I've been recording interviews with several of the bands and people involved to help highlight the shows, and this one focuses on the Saturday night lineup. Andrew explains how the March 14 show actually turned into his birthday show. He was looking for a venue around his birthday, and when he started talking with Aaron they realized Aces High was already booked for that night. It made perfect sense to combine forces and turn it into a Thrasher and Aces High double bill. Both guys talk about how well the two bands fit together. Thrasher focuses on classic thrash metal, covering bands like Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Testament, Anthrax, and Sepultura, while Aces High is a full-on tribute to Iron Maiden. The crossover between those fan bases makes for a killer crowd whenever the bands play together. We also get into the topic of setlists and deep cuts. Aaron talks about how Aces High mixes well-known Maiden songs with some deeper tracks that even Iron Maiden doesn't always play live anymore. Andrew shares how Thrasher used to play a lot of obscure European thrash bands early on but eventually shifted toward more recognizable songs so the crowd could really connect with the set. At one point I asked both of them if they ever think about doing original music instead of tribute bands. Aaron tells a great story about trying that years ago and deciding it just wasn't for him. Andrew, on the other hand, still records original material occasionally as a fun side project with friends, but says his schedule is already packed with everything else he's doing. Of course we circle back to the upcoming show and what people can expect. It's shaping up to be a really fun night of classic metal with two bands that bring a ton of energy to the stage. If you're a fan of thrash, Iron Maiden, or just loud metal in general, this is definitely a show you won't want to miss. Links: March 14 Event at Da Bar

3/12/26 • 12:38

In this week's episode of the Metal Chick Podcast I sat down with Chris Oelke from the Milwaukee brutal metal band Reflection of Flesh. Chris and I have known each other for years through the Milwaukee metal scene, so this conversation felt like catching up with an old friend while talking about everything happening with the band right now. We talk about their brand new single Souls Reign Fire, which just dropped on Friday the 13th. Chris explains the writing process behind the song, why the band spent nearly a year working on it, and how they approached creating a longer track that still keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. We also get into touring life as an independent metal band. Chris shares stories from the road, including how the band upgraded from sleeping in vans to traveling in an RV and trailer setup so they can tour more comfortably while still keeping costs down. Reflection of Flesh has already toured across more than two dozen states and they are getting ready to hit the road again for a multi state tour through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Utah. Another topic we dig into is the global metal community. Chris talks about the band's surprising international following, including fans in places like Indonesia and South America, and how metal really is a universal language that connects people all over the world. Of course we also talk about their upcoming Milwaukee show on March 13, 2026 at Da Bar in West Allis and the bands on the bill. If you love heavy music, independent bands, and hearing what it really takes to keep a metal band moving forward, this episode is a fun behind the scenes look at the grind of the modern metal scene. Listen to the new single: Souls Reign Fire You can listen to Souls Reign Fire now and follow Reflection of Flesh at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReflectionofFlesh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflectionofflesh Bandcamp: https://reflectionofflesh.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/reflection-of-flesh Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/reflection-of-flesh/1436362398 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/reflectionoffleshofficial Linktree: https://linktr.ee/reflectionofflesh.official

3/10/26 • 27:28

I sat down with Matt Campbell, who is officially the new permanent audio engineer at Da Bar, and we talked about what it really takes to keep a local metal venue alive and sounding incredible. If you have been to Da Bar recently, you have probably noticed the difference. The sound is tight. The mix is clean. The room just feels dialed in. That is not an accident. Matt has been doing live sound for years, from club shows to outdoor festivals, and now he is bringing all of that experience to one of the most important metal rooms in southeastern Wisconsin. We got into a little bit of everything in this one. We talked about the difference between running sound at a festival versus in a club. We talked about how brutal January can be for venues. We talked about wrestling nights, themed events, and creative ideas to keep the calendar full. And of course, we talked about upcoming metal shows and some very fun possibilities that might be coming to the stage soon. What I love about this conversation is how much it shows that venues do not survive by accident. It takes good sound. It takes consistency. It takes someone who actually cares about the bands and the experience in the room. Da Bar has really become a metal home base in West Allis, and it is exciting to see it leveling up even more. If you care about local metal, go to shows. Bring a friend. Support the rooms that support our scene. You can find upcoming events on the Da Bar Facebook page, and as always you can follow the Metal Chick Podcast for more interviews with the people keeping heavy music alive in Wisconsin. Links: Da Bar Upcoming Events

2/25/26 • 25:02

It's been nine months since I've sat down behind the mic, and I could not have asked for a better comeback episode. In this episode of the Metal Chick Podcast, I catch up with Anthony Diabolos and Thomas "Grim" Nero from the band Haunter. We dive deep into their journey as musicians, what fuels their creativity, and how they've carved out a place for themselves in the Midwest metal scene. We talk about the band's unique sound, which blends influences from across the metal spectrum, and how their individual backgrounds shape the music they create together. They share stories about their early inspirations, what it takes to stand out in a crowded scene, and how they bring that energy to life on stage. We also talk about their EP Sex and Hell, which dropped on Valentine's Day. The timing was deliberate, matching the record's themes of passion, temptation, and darkness. It's a bold release that reflects their willingness to push creative boundaries. The band is already looking ahead to 2026, teasing new material and bigger projects that promise to expand their sound even further. Their upcoming show at Da Bar is shaping up to be a big one, and we get into what fans can expect from that performance, and the mindset that keeps them pushing forward. From pre-show routines that focus on preparation and connection to the perseverance required to gain acceptance in the metal community, this episode is a deep dive into what it means to stay authentic while growing as artists. If you love discovering new music with genuine heart and heavy sound, this one's for you. Even if you aren't a Nickelback fan. Chapters 00:00 Musical Beginnings and Influences 13:12 The Evolution of Music and Its Impact 16:19 Concert Experiences and Live Performances 19:18 Upcoming Shows and Band Dynamics 22:25 New Music Releases and Future Plans 30:03 The Secrets of Haunter's Upcoming Projects 31:07 Pre-Show Rituals and Band Dynamics 35:46 Challenges in Finding Acceptance in the Music Scene 40:51 Unique Opportunities and Community Engagement

10/7/25 • 48:18

In this episode of the Metal Chick Podcast, host Carrie Zylka welcomes fellow WAMI board members Patrick Nettesheim (Music6s), Jessie Greenwald (VP of WAMI), and Rick Hagopian (Kitty Soft Paw), to discuss the upcoming WAMI Holiday Party January 16, 2025, the significance of Paulie's Pub in the local music scene, and the celebration of 45 years of WAMI. The conversation highlights the importance of original music, the role of community in supporting artists, and personal stories from the band Kitty Soft Paw. The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2025 and the exciting events planned for the Wisconsin music community. Chapters 00:00  Welcome to the Chaos 03:05  Celebrating 45 Years of WAMI 06:05  The Role of Paulie's Pub in Music 08:57  Building Relationships Through Music 11:51  Introducing the WAMI Red Carpet Stage 14:56  Expanding Music Success Initiatives 18:06  Showcasing Local Talent 20:54  Meet the Band: Kitty Soft Paw 22:37  The Formation of Kitty Soft Paw 25:04  Musical Journeys and Influences 28:08  The Chemistry of the Band 37:42  Upcoming Events and Community Engagement 44:14  The Importance of Original Music 45:12  A Tribute to Music and Its Healing Power Links: WAMI Holiday Party

1/7/25 • 44:15

On this episode of the Metal Chick podcast, I welcome the band Abaddon's End, who are fresh off their WAMI Awards wins! We dive deep into the story behind their name, the evolution of their lineup over time, and why they believe professionalism is so crucial in the music industry. We also chat about their partnership with Curtain Call Records, the new music they have on the horizon, and the hurdles bands face in today's music scene. Abaddon's End also shares their passion for live shows and their dreams of playing legendary venues. Takeaways Abaddon's End won Rock Song of the Year for 'Absinthe and Adolescence'. The name 'Abaddon' has deep biblical and mythological roots. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years. Professionalism in online presence is crucial for success. Curtain Call Records provides valuable support for indie bands. The band is actively working on new music and videos. Navigating the music industry today requires adaptability and strategy. Live performances are essential for connecting with audiences. The band values open communication and collaboration among members. They aspire to play at iconic venues like Red Rocks and Hellfest. Chapters 00:00  Introduction to the Metal Chick Podcast and Guests 02:28  The Origin of the Band Name Abaddon 05:22  Formation and Evolution of the Band 08:43  Professionalism and Online Presence 11:41  Working with Curtain Call Records 14:37  New Music and Upcoming Releases 17:35  The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry 20:26  Creative Process Behind Music Videos 23:45  Live Performance and Band Chemistry 26:39  Future Aspirations and Dream Venues 29:33  Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement   Links: Abaddon's End Website  Abaddon's End Facebook Event: Lake Effect, Trigger Armada, Abaddon's End and Where is the Key at Da Bar

10/24/24 • 40:23

I had an amazing conversation with the band Waking the Sleeper on the podcast today! We really dug deep into their story – how they got started, how they work together, and the creative juice that's fueling their upcoming album. We talked about the music that shaped their sound, what it's like to tour these days, and why connecting with their fans is so important to them. They've got this unique approach to their music and performing, and it was awesome to hear them talk about how much they value collaboration and community in the metal scene. We wrapped things up by looking ahead – what's next for them, and all the excitement building up to their new album release.  Takeaways: The band Waking the Sleeper originated in 2017 and has members from different states. Finding dedicated musicians who are willing to tour is a challenge. The addition of a second guitarist enhances their musical dynamics. Their new album explores themes of frequencies and healing. The music industry has changed significantly, making touring more challenging. Building genuine connections with fans is crucial for success. Merchandise sales are essential for bands to sustain their careers. Collaborating with other bands fosters a supportive music community. The band is excited about their upcoming album and tour plans. They emphasize the importance of fan engagement and appreciation. Chapters: 00:00  Introduction to Waking the Sleeper 02:03  The Origins of the Band 07:55  Musical Influences and Backgrounds 13:58  The New Album and Its Concept 20:04  Touring Challenges and Future Plans 25:46  Fan Engagement and Meet and Greets 32:04  The Importance of Community in Music 37:46  Closing Thoughts and Where to Find the Band   Links: Waking the Sleeper Website Waking the Sleeper Facebook

10/17/24 • 42:39

Metal Chick Podcast 079 - Cari Cody of Pop Culture   In this episode, host Carrie Z interviews Cari Cody, vocalist for the band Pop Culture. She shares how the band was formed and the band's focus on 80s music. They also talk about the enduring popularity of 80s music and the impact it has on audiences. Cari shares her musical journey and growth, from being involved in community theater to joining bands. She emphasizes the importance of having fun and connecting with the audience during performances. Carie shares upcoming gigs and thoughts on Pop Culture's summer schedule. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:01 Formation of Pop Culture 06:13 Musical Journey and Growth 10:06 The Magic of 80s Music and Soundtracks 21:22 The Importance of Having Fun and Connecting with the Audience 25:13 Continuous Improvement and Growth 29:05 Receiving Compliments and Making an Impact 31:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Gigs   Links: Pop Culture on Facebook

4/4/24 • 31:59

On our way home from a trip to Barbados, we had a layover in Dallas. Seated next to us was the drummer for a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band/blues band from Texas, and the band graciously agreed to a brief interview. As we stood in the baggage claim area, the members of Texas Flood shared the story of how the band came to be, discussed the distinctive hometown of one of the band members, and talked about their upcoming shows scheduled for this weekend. Links: Website Facebook page August 26, 2023 at Des Plaines Theatre    

8/24/23 • 06:06

We're catching up with Chi Node of Headstone!  We talk about his journey to becoming guitarist of the band and about the Appleton event "For the Love of Metal" Links: Headstone Facebook Chi Noden Facebook For the Love of Metal 2023

2/8/23 • 34:44

"Metal Chick Podcast Ep076 - WAMI Nomination Process and New Direction Explained with Board Member Phil Norby"   Phil Norby, board member for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) stops by to explain the new "nomination" process that's been the talk of the town in the past week. He shares that the WAMI Board members do not have anything to do with voting, they've had 1100 nominations as of Friday, January 20, 2023, and why it's called "nomination". We talk about changing the perception of the organization and what's being done to change it.   Be sure to listen in for an answer to a lot of your questions!   Links To nominate someone or yourself: https://www.broadjam.com/wami/ WAMI Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/WAMI.Music  WAMI Website - https://wami.org/  Press Release - https://wami.org/press/2023-nominations-open/  Join the WAMI here - https://wami.org/shop/  Subscribe to the show! Apple Spotify Amazon Music iHeartradio Stitcher Radio

1/23/23 • 41:09

MetalChick Podcast- Olaf Różański & Grzegorz Luzar of the Polish Metal Band Wingless. It's 35 degrees Celsius, (or 95 degrees Fahrenheit for us Wisconsinites) in Crakow, Poland, Greg and Olaf are sharing how the band got started, how they were almost a Gothic Rock band in the style of HIM The Polish mindset vs the Wisconsin mindset when it comes to categorizing metal genres. And for the record Wingless does not want to be put into a box! Carrie refuses to attempt pronunciation of the band members names. And then they talk about how they've been putting out their albums themselves, and providing the promotion via the internet themselves. How Slash was Greg's original inspiration and how the minute Olaf saw Freddie Mercury he knew he wanted to be a singer. Listen in to find out where their dream European gig would be. Wingless Facebook Wingless Twitter Wingless Website

11/30/22 • 37:33

Metal Chick Podcast - Episode 075 - Inverted Vision We have the whole band on the line! They tell me about where they're from, how they got into music and how Craig's List saved the day. They talk about their upcoming Halloween show at X-Ray arcade - listen in to find out what they're dressing up as!

10/20/22 • 33:23

Metal Chick Podcast - Episode 074 - Imperial Fall I've got the guys from Imperial Fall on the line, we talk about a ton of stuff, some of their favorite shows, what attendees can expect for Sunday, July 10 at Da Bar Metal and Mimosa's event, and how you can get your hands on their newest CD.  

7/9/22 • 20:55

073 - Quincy Jackson, Vocalist at KNIFEBACK Quincy stops by the Metal Chick Studio to chat about how he caught the singing bug by doing musicals until his two sisters pushed him in the right direction (thank you Maranda & Kayla!). He talks about how Knifeback went through some lineup changes and how the name of the band came out of a spooky story he was told as a child. Listen in to find out what you can expect at the Sunday, July 10 show at Da Bar! Links Facebook

7/6/22 • 23:59

Ep072 - Blue Moon Assault The guys from doom grunge band Blue Moon Assault stop by to chat about how they started a band right before the pandemic, their musical backgrounds and where they'd love to play. Listen in to find out what they have in store for an upcoming album and some upcoming shows. Andrew Wehrheim - vocals Jake Zblewski - Guitars Eric Nicewander - Bass Phil Menting - Drums Links Bandcamp (yes there really are 3 songs to listen to) Facebook  Instagram

6/7/22 • 22:44

071 - Markus Gorsic owner of Da Bar Markus shares why he decided on the location he chose for Da Bar, how you can get a gig there, and how Pete Syren has become the booking manager. He walks us through why he chooses the music genre that seems to be the theme of the bar. He tells us a bit of his background, where his accent comes from and where he landed when he immigrated to the US. He then shares the differences between West Allis bars and nightclubs in Europe. Then we talk about the 3-day Sunday Funday Metal and Mimosas Event we came up with for Summer. Da Bar Facebook Page Metal and Mimosas Event 2022 Tour Tee Shirt

5/28/22 • 10:51

Metal Chick Podcast Episode 70 - Zack Brannon 27-year-old instrumental Metal Artist Zach Brannon from Vancouver, British Columbia stops by to chat about being a guitar player, writer and composer.  He talks about how he loves to compose and "bring it to life". He talks about how he chose guitar as a child because it was "cool" and how YouTube drove influenced his guitar driven arrangements. He started gigging in 2013, like most musicians he works full time and spends his free time composing. Links Zack Brannon Facebook Zack Brannon Spotify

5/5/22 • 27:22

Angelo Petropoulos guitarist for Heart of Black stops by to explain what "heavy alternative dance music" even is. He shares the influences of the band and some of the songs they cover. An extremely humble musician, I managed to get him to share some of the secret sauce and marketing tips to the success of the band. Then we talk about Sonic Dreams Studios which Angelo started in 2013. He shares his biggest tip for a band/musician interested in coming into the studio. Check out Heart of Black at Da Bar, West Allis March 5, 2022. Links: Heart of Black Website Heart of Black Facebook Heart of Black Instagram Sonic Dreams Studios Website

3/2/22 • 29:15

This morning I'm sitting down with Elise, lead vocalist of Ozzy and Dio Tribute Sabbatha Chicago. She shares how her grandmother was a pianist for silent movies and how she was always involved in music. How she gained a love for metal and rock, and that her previous band took her into Judas priest and Iron Maiden. She then explains why they chose to cover Ozzy and Dio, how the band started just 18 months ago and how they've hit the ground running since April. They are currently looking for a drummer and we chat about the right fit for the and. Shoutout to the fill in for tomorrow's show, Heather Drums from Chicago pop band Serendipity. Links: December 18, 2021 Da Bar Facebook event Sabbatha Chicago Facebook Page Sabbatha Chicago Website  

12/17/21 • 17:42

Tim Jackson and TJ Richardson from Salvation's End call in to chat. Tim started out as a death metal singer and transitioned into a more traditional metal style drawing inspiration from singers like Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson. TJ is a 4th generation guitar player who fell in love with the power metal guitar work. They share how Salvation's End came to be. How forming a touring band right before the pandemic has affecting the band and how they're approaching short tours. They share how Michigan bands are handling vaccine/mask requirements, the meaning of their new single "Monarch" and their writing process. We talk about album artwork and the artists who create them. Links: Salvation's End Facebook

12/11/21 • 25:52

Zoy Begos, CEO of ZandR Entertainment, and President of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry joins us to chat about the current state of the Milwaukee music scene, what the WAMI's are all about and why you should join. We talk about the upcoming WAMI award show at Turner Hall, October 17, 2021 and how it was rescheduled more than once due to COVID. And then we chat about how ZandR Entertainment was formed and his love for the industry. Links: WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) WAMI Award Show ZandR Entertainment Facebook And don't forget, I'll be making a special appearance at 1175 on Friday, October 22, 2021! I can't wait, when a Russian gets you in her sights...you fill in the rest! Advance tickets Facebook event

10/6/21 • 27:35

Scott Couch from Chicago based NightSnake stops by to chat about setlist choices for the Whitesnake tribute band, how they started the band and how his dad used to play for Al Capone. Links:  NightSnake Facebook April 10, 2021 Show

4/7/21 • 23:09

Paul Karcz of Milwaukee metal band Imperial Fall, stops by the Metal Chick Studio to chat about his history in the local music scene. Paul talks about growing up in a non-musical family and how they gave him their support, he shares how he started playing guitar and the first song he ever learned, he talks about his first band and finding his metal amongst his punk roots. He talks about Spiral Trance and the two decades the band played, how they traveled the country, got signed and finally saw it to the natural end of the project. Paul shares his favorite place to play in the Milwaukee area which sent us down memory lane. We talk about how hard it is for original metal bands to get gigs in this scene, how the ended Spiral Trance and how he ended up joining Imperial Fall. He explains their writing process, where you can listen to the band and then we dive into the upcoming March 13, 2021 show at Kelly's Bleachers

3/11/21 • 31:45

Part 2 of the interview with Shane Obershaw. Part 1 covered his band One - Metallica Tribute Band, but now we're chatting about his Metallica podcast "And Podcast for All". We talk about why they started a podcast and not a vidcast. I go off on a rant about Metallica snobs and how happy I am that the podcast covers all albums. We talk about a ton of stuff. Just listen. ONE - Metallica Tribute Band And Podcast For All

10/15/20 • 25:28

Part 1 of the interview with Shane Obershaw, drummer for the One - Metallica Tribute Band stops by to chat about his tribute band and podcast. He shares how he got into music when he was a kid, how a neighbor really influenced the style he followed through He talks about juggling families and careers and playing 40+ shows a year around the country and all over the world. How they've worked hard to grow their impressive social media following, and plans for the future, and one of his favorite festivals ever. ONE - Metallica Tribute Band And Podcast For All

10/15/20 • 26:37

I got to sit down for a few minutes with Michele McCarthy, lead singer of roadhouse rock band Shelly Mack and The ReUnion. She explains how she learned harmonies from Motown at a young age and got into music by following her dad's footsteps. She explains how she met her husband and relocated to Chicago. She moved back a few years ago and her band took off like a freight train. She explains how she chooses the songs to cover and how she deals with the chauvinism she receives as a female fronted band. Shelly Mack and the ReUnion Website Shelly Mack and the ReUnion Facebook Shelly Mack and the ReUnion Twitter Shelly Mack and the ReUnion Instagram    

9/28/20 • 15:36

Texas native and veteran musician, Kevin Goocher stops by to chat about his musical career and upcoming projects. From his southern Baptist beginnings to the progression of his career, he shares how "Of Gods and Monsters" got its name, touring with JAG Panzer, Stryper, why super groups are becoming more mainstream. Why the music industry has taken such a nosedive and how he's managing expectations from fans with the digital mentality. Upcoming tours and how touring have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. How the American listener allows the radio to dictate who they listen to where European and South American metal listener is more open. Then he shares how power metal molded his life and how creating the album was a logistical challenge as the members are scattered across the country. And before I let him go, he gives me the low down on his solo project coming out soon and his new manager Eddie Cantu who is kicking ass and taking names in the music industry. Of Gods & Monsters Facebook Of Gods & Monsters Twitter Kevin Goocher Facebook

4/24/20 • 43:04

Metal Chick Presents: Melting Ice with Metal. Join us January 4th, 2020 for an epic metal show to kick off the year right! How they even got Dave Dayler (who's traditionally been opposed to metal shows at Saloon on Calhoun) to agree to a metal show. Imperial Fall's new lyric video, different marketing tactics each band uses, how the earlier start time was requested by the fans, and what attendees can expect from the show. Download the Metal Chick app in Google Play or Itunes. Facebook Event Bands: Imperial Fall Thrasher Master of Puppets  

12/27/19 • 33:42