Talk Toomey: The Metal Nexus Podcast

Mike Spreitzer of DevilDriver joins Ro and Toomey this week to discuss his new band, Verona on Venus. Mike dives into the origins of the project and having time during the pandemic to write and record the debut album. Mike talks about deciding to sing on the tracks and having Austin D'Amond play drums. Steve Evitts recorded those drums. Mike also tells the stories of surfing during lockdown and the cops having issues with all the surfers. Mike gives his Top 5 Nu Metal Albums and talks about his industrial influences. The guys discuss DevilDriver playing Coal Chamber songs and Mike tells them his favorite CC songs. Listen to Nu Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at https://talk-toomey.simplecast.com/episodes Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalkRo Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, an

Luis and David of Jesus Piece sat down with Toomey at Louder Than Life to discuss their latest record, ...So Unknown. The guys talk about touring with Hatebreed and what Hatebreed means to the hardcore community. Luis and David speak on writing the album and wanting to hitting you in the face right out of the gate. David has thoughts on if Deftones are Nu Metal and Luis talks about going to see System of a Down in 2005. Listen to Nu Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at https://talk-toomey.simplecast.com/episodes Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest​​ #nupod

Briton and Cody of Wage War sat down with Joshua at Louder Than Life and spoke on their nu metal upbringing. The guys discuss their favorite bands and how it all influenced what they are doing today. Briton and Cody take the Nu Metal Bracket Challenge and there are some surprise picks. Disturbed over Deftones? Primer 55 makes the list? Joshua then asks the guys about Wage War's upcoming 10 year anniversary show. Briton and Cody look back at the last ten years of the band and tell some stories about the early days of touring and then look to the future of Wage War. 

Are Flogging Molly Nu? Nope. Are they awesome? Yes!! Dennis Casey sits down with Joshua Toomey at Louder Than Life to talk touring, early days of Warped Tour and following Green Day on a mainstage. Dennis recalls the stage still smelling of gasoline from the guys in Green Day setting their instruments on fire. Dennis gives his top 5 things he needs on tour. The guys also dive into their love of Elvis. Check out Flogging Molly's latest album, Anthem, out now.Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com​​​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST​​​​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST​​​​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest​​ #nupod #floggingmolly #knotfest

Jared Gomes of (həd)p.e. joins Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli to discuss the upcoming record, Detox. Jared dives into being a nu metal lifer. Does Jared have any regrets? The guys talk about the early days of (həd)p.e. and living the rock star lifestyle. Signing a huge record deal and playing the game. Jared speaks on Jive Records courting them and the work Music For Nations did for the band. Was there a Jive Christmas party with Britney and NSYNC? Old preshow rituals are brought up. Jared talks about his collaboration with Primer 55 on the song "Set It Off" and then dives into his Strait Up contributions. The guys talk Lynn Strait hooking up Jared with a bunk on the Snot bus and working with Morgan and Serg on "Feel Good". Is Nu Metal still a derogatory term? The Nu Metal Madness tour with Crazy Town is discussed. What's the hardest part of switching out members? Jared talks about stopping and smelling the roses during lockdown and then getting a livestream setup. Detox was written from the perspective of his te

Levi Benton of Miss May I sat down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod at Louder Than Life to discuss the reception to Curse of Existence. Levi and Joshua talked about being dads and Miss May I getting away for a weekend to put on a show. The guys talked about how life has changed for Miss May I and the guys starting families during the last few years. Levi tells a great story of life coming full circle with the cousin that got him into Limp Bizkit coming to see him perform for the first time and Limp Bizkit also being on the bill. Levi takes the Nu Metal Bracket Challenge and does he go Disturbed over Deftones??? He talks about watching Korn videos on his mom's work computer and being blown away by the "Right Now" video. 

Alex Varkatzas joins Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey to discuss his new band, Dead Icarus. In the interview, Alex discusses the evolution of his musical journey and upcoming project. Initially revisiting his claim of inventing metalcore, he expresses a desire to infuse the genre with influences from his upbringing. While acknowledging Lamb of God's significance in the NWOAHM scene, he reflects on Atreyu's musical direction, expressing a preference for a heavier sound over an '80s vibe. Despite this, he expresses newfound musical passion, praising his Dead Icarus bandmate Gabe Mangold.Alex delves into the challenges of developing his voice alongside Brandon Saller, citing admiration for Saller's voice. With an upcoming album slated for a spring release, he discusses the writing and recording process and the goal of blending childhood metal influences into the new material. Reflecting on the emotional nature of singers, he shares insights into his creative process, emphasizing peak performance amidst doubt.Addres

On this very special episode of Nu Pod, Ro tells the story of true love on a boat full of metalheads! Ro and his lovely wife Bic got married on the Headbangers Boat and the wedding was officiated by Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Ro and Joshua discuss all the mishaps and shipping issues headed to the boat. Ro talks about how he got Randy to officiate the wedding and how Doc Coyle was chosen as best man. The cruise team was not happy that Ro found a way around being told no! The guys speak on the bands that performed on the ship. Ro also recalls the moments the passengers found out a man had gone overboard and how his shipmates took the news. And in true Ro fashion, he has some ideas for next year's cruise.   

Crow and Tyler of Capra sit down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod to find out who is the greatest Nu Metal band of all time. Spoiler: They don't agree!! Crow and Tyler take the Nu Metal Bracket Challenge and give their own journeys with Nu Metal. Tyler and Joshua dive into hearing Korn for the first time and Crow talks about hearing the music on the radio in their hometown. Crow then tells us about the lyrical content of "Human Commodity" and Tyler talks about being excited to play the new songs live. Tyler tells the story of Candice from Walls of Jericho featuring on the track. "Errors" is out now on Metal Blade Records.

Stephen Richards of Taproot joins Nu Pod this week to do an Audio Autopsy on their debut, Gift. Ro and Joshua get all the details and the behind the scenes of making the record. Stephen tells the story of System Of A Down helping get the band a record deal, selecting Ulrich Wild to produce and being on tour with Papa Roach when the album was released. He then tells a stroy of "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" buying multiple copies of the album and driving over them. The guys dive into the album and go track by track. Stephen discusses the name "Taproot" and it not pigeonholing the band into just one style. The "Again and Again" video shoot is dissected. Did Disturbed get inspiration from "Emotional Times"? Taproot played European festivals with Linkin Park and Deftones. Stephen talks about being big into Bone Thugs and rap when he became the singer for the band. The story behind "1 Nite Stand" is bananas.  Toomey can't pronounce "Mentobe"! What is the "Gift"? They really wanted the "Deftones snare" and he thinks th

Sam Matlock and Milkie Way sit down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod at Louder Than Life. Sam and Milkie start the talk with their take on the Nu Metal Bracket. Are Deftones sexier than Disturbed? Are there people out there making love to Disturbed? Tell us!!  The just released album Venom is discussed and the process of releasing singles before the full length is broken down. They talk about working with Fred Durst on "Bang Ya Head". Sam and Milkie also dive into the videos for the song and the laundry list of places Sam wanted to see the guy headbanging. 

John Nolan of Taking Back Sunday joins Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey to discuss their latest album, 152.John speaks on the band maturing and the recording process behind Taking Back Sunday. The guys talk about how the band still gets in a room and writes together, having full ideas that they give to the producer and being open to outside ideas. Joshua gives his interpretations of lyrics and John shoots them down!  There is a storyline through all the videos that have been released for the buildup to the album and John discusses his thoughts on having a master plan to multiple videos. Does John read the comments on YouTube? There is also talk of the Emo resurgence, his early influences and throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game. 

P-Nut of 311 sits down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod at Louder Than Life. The guys start the conversation with talk about 311 being a forefather of Nu Metal and their place in the musical landscape. They talk about what got P-Nut into playing bass and his metal roots. He talks about the greatness of Cliff Burton and showing his kids early Metallica records. They speak on early 311 shows with Korn and deftones and seeing those bands blow up. They finish up with a chat about P-Nut's memorable stage presence.  

Toomey and Ro dive into the Korn x Adidas Collaboration. Is this 30 years too late? Will you wear a Korn x Adidas track suit? The guys discuss Ro attending the Power Trip Festival. Ro only got to see the Tool/Metallica day and gives a lengthy review of Tool and the visuals. Metallica started out sounding rough but once the sound kicked in the band killed it.  Ro talks about the merch lines being insane and parking miles from the venue. Ro's trek to see Cavalera is up next. The guys talk about their shared love of Chaos A.D. and hoping Max and company will tour that record. Ro lets us know how the show went and feeling the bands were ready for the tour to end. Ro found $6 Run The Jewels tickets and had to hit that show up. Tenacious D opened the show and RTJ ruled. The BabyKlok show is broken down. Ro still hates SoFi but he loves DethKlok. This week's Nu or Nah: Powerman 5000.

At Louder Than Life 2023, Jami Morgan of Code Orange sat down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod. The guys discuss Pittsburgh Dad, The Nu Metal Bracket Challenge and working with Billy Corgan. Jami gives his top 5 tour essentials and the sound of Code Orange evolving over the years. 0:06 - Have you seen Pittsburgh Dad and do you love him? 0:21 - Nu Metal Bracket 3:49 - New Record "The Above" 5:20 - Working with WWE 5:37 - Working with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins 7:07 - Top 5 tour essentials 8:45 - End

Nadja Peulen of Coal Chamber joins Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli on Nu Pod. Nadja speaks on the recent summer tour that Coal Chamber and Mudvayne just finished. She talks about working on artwork for an upcoming graphic novel, acting gigs and CruelTees. The guys ask her about moving to LA when she was 18. jamming with Iggy Pop and getting the Coal Chamber gig. Nadja reminisces about the Livin La Vida Loco Tour with Machine Head and Slipknot and talks about her love of stoner rock. She discusses being around Gwar all summer and watching them get ready as she is having coffee in catering. She looks back on Coal Chamber ending in the early 2000s and DevilDriver forming. Roadrunner United is brought up and she talks highly of recording Rivals. Joshua gets all bass nerd on her and talks about her tone. They both talk about preferring stage monitors to in ears. They end the interview with the Rock Superstar video shoot, more graphic novel talk and Ro asks for her top 5 non metal albums for metalheads.   

Morgan and Mercedes from Kittie sat down with Joshua Toomey and Nu Pod to discuss the return of Kittie, their loyal fans and playing both Sick New World and When We Were Young Fests. Morgan dives into the absence making the fans want Kittie to return and Mercedes adds that they saw an uptick in fans when the documentary was released. They also started to see support on TikTok and other social media platforms. Mercedes speaks on seeing familiar faces in the crowd and they both take the Nu Metal Bracket Challenge.

This week Ro takes control of the Nu Pod and interviews Toomey about his history with Primer 55, nu metal roots and early touring. Toomey talks about the album that got him into playing music, friends in school that helped along the way and his early bands. The guys talk about OzzFest 2000 and some shared stories. Toomey talks about meeting Bobby Burns and Primer 55. He gives the details on joining the band in 2002. The band coming back together in 2007 and what made him get off the road. The guys also talk about the future touring plans and if Toomey would go back on the road. They finish off with a new segment called "Nu or Nah"!!

Toomey and Ro talk about Toomey's latest trek to Louder Than Life. Toomey goes day by day with behind the scenes stories of his interviews and artists he saw in the media area. Toomey ran into Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, Gene Hoglan and was mere feet from the mighty Dave Mustaine. He also recaps his interviews with Kittie, P-Nut from 311, Brendan Small and more. Joshua also delves into his not so pleasant interaction with YouTube sensation Oliver Anthony. That story is a must listen. Overall a great weekend of music and stories throughout the episode.