Are Queens of the Stone Age metal? Maybe, maybe not. But screw it ... We love this band and want to share our love witchu!

From the ashes of Kyuss rose this hard-to-pin-down band that's had mainstream success while staying kinda weird. Brian and Matt were immediately captivated by "If Only" in the late '90s and have remained QOTSA fans ever since.

They reveal their favorite albums and the stories behind them, from Josh Homme's near-death experience to the vast cast of characters that have shaped the sound of these desert rock titans.

The guys share personal stories and recommend bands both new and old, so get ready to branch out and rock out to all kinds of fuzzy goodness!

Featured Tracks:

• Rise In Vein - "Low Signal"
• Lust Ritual - "Solitude"

NOISE REPORT LINKS:

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Support the show: Check out the Noise Report merch shop, and find metal book recommendations at Bookshop.org

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Step into the barbed-wire steel cage with us! We talk with Calvin Mathis, aka Ultimo, singer/guitarist for the wrestling-themed hardcore band Tongan Death Grip, about heavy music's many connections to professional wrestling. We discuss early wrestling memories, what makes a great entrance theme, and how Tongan Death Grip uses wrestling references to get their political views across in unique ways.

NOTE (from Matt): We recorded this episode just a few days before the passing of Every Time I Die guitarist and pro wrestler "The Butcher" Andy Williams. He was one of the artists I meant to mention, but in the course of the conversation, it slipped my mind. Apologies to my fellow ETID / Butcher fans for that glaring omission. And of course, condolences to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Andy Williams.

Featured Tracks:

• Tongan Death Grip - "Brainbuster"
• Tongan Death Grip - "Lita’s Baby"

Noise Report Links:

thenoisereport.com

Watch on YouTube.

Rock out to The Noise Report playlists on YouTube Music or Spotify.

Interact with fellow metalheads in the Noise Report YouTube Community.

Find metal book recommendations at Bookshop.org.

Start your own podcast with Captivate.

Megadeth's Rust in Peace is a thrash metal landmark that tackled greed, power, and corruption in a way that feels as relevant today as it did in 1990. Matt and Brian dissect this album's greatness, highlight other Megadeth catalog standouts, and offer recommendations for further listening.

They also review the band's final, self-titled album and discuss Dave Mustaine's most frustrating quality. Despite some hard truths, the conversation ultimately steers in a positive direction and celebrates the legacy of this thrash metal giant.

Featured Tracks:

• PAURA - "Their History Still Bleeds"
• Miscreance - "Vision"

Noise Report Links:

thenoisereport.com

Watch on YouTube.

Rock out to The Noise Report playlists on YouTube Music or Spotify.

Interact with fellow metalheads in the Noise Report YouTube Community.

Find metal book recommendations at Bookshop.org.

Start your own podcast with Captivate.