This Rocks! Sonic Soapbox – Episode 6: Who Invented Heavy Metal?

Host Erin Fox jumps headfirst into one of rock’s loudest debates: Who really invented heavy metal? Was it the darkness and doom of Black Sabbath, the thunderous power of Led Zeppelin, or the virtuoso force of Deep Purple? Or did the genre’s DNA stretch even further back—and forward—into the sounds of bands that bent the rules before “metal” even had a name?

In this episode, Erin breaks down the riffs, the attitude, and the cultural spark that forged the heavy metal sound, weighing the impact of the Big 3 while exploring the unsung players who shaped the foundation of the genre we know today.

Tune in for a passionate, riff-fueled ride through history that asks the ultimate question: who really lit the fuse on heavy metal?

Episode 5 – KISS Avatars: The Future of Rock or a Digital Gimmick?

In this episode of This Rocks! Sonic Soapbox, we dive headfirst into the world of the KISS avatars — the band’s bold new step into digital immortality. With their farewell tour in the books, KISS has unveiled virtual versions of the Starchild, Demon, Spaceman, and Catman, promising fans a future of high-tech performances that outlive the flesh-and-blood lineup.

But does this push rock into the future, or does it dilute the raw power of live music? We break down the tech, the spectacle, and the controversy, exploring what the avatars mean for KISS fans, the music industry, and the legacy of one of rock’s most theatrical bands.

Whether you’re a diehard member of the KISS Army or just fascinated by the intersection of music and technology, this episode asks the heavy question: is this evolution, revolution, or just a cash grab?

Episode 4: “Pantera Celebration – Legacy, Loud and Unfiltered”

Host Erin Fox breaks down the Pantera Celebration Tour with surgical precision. From the sonic weight of their legacy to the cultural friction surrounding the lineup, this episode cuts through the noise. No blind nostalgia. No sugarcoating. Just a clear-eyed look at what it means to honor a band that redefined heavy.

Tune in to This Rocks! Sonic Soapbox—where music history gets the respect it deserves, and the commentary hits just as hard.