Mandatory Music
Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.
Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos.
It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. - Plato
So, come for the ride.
Episodes
70 episodes
Episode 69- Yungblud and other musings
In this episode, Michael and Sebastian discuss a variety of topics ranging from the humor in South Park to the potential of Metallica performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas. They delve into the rise of Yungblud in the music scene, explor...
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Episode 69
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26:38
Episode 68: RIP Ozzy
In this heartfelt conversation, Michael and Sebastian reflect on the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. They discuss his profound impact on the music world, particularly in heavy metal, and share personal anecdotes ...
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Episode 68
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25:54
Episode 67: Foo Fighters Today's Song
In this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian discuss their personal experiences, including Sebastian's sunburn from playing soccer. They then transition into a conversation about the Foo Fighters, focusing ...
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Episode 67
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23:57
Episode 666: A Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne
The conversation reviews a monumental tribute concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, discussing the performances of various bands, the dynamics of the lineup, and the overall impact of the event on the heavy metal community. The h...
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Episode 666
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1:13:19
Prison, Prairie, Poetry: Wheat Kings by The Hip
In this episode, the hosts celebrate Canada Day by discussing the Tragically Hip's song 'Wheat Kings,' which tells the story of David Milgaard, a man wrongfully convicted of murder. They explore the song's themes of injust...
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Episode 65
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33:21
To Live Is To Die – A Tribute Etched in Metal
n this episode, Michael and Sebastian delve into Metallica's iconic song 'To Live Is To Die,' exploring its significance as a tribute to Cliff Burton, its emotional depth, and the intricate musical composition. They discuss the song's lyrics, t...
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Episode 64
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37:07
Episode 63.5 Top 5 Guitarists Part II
🎸 Part 2 is here! On this episode of Mandatory Music, we reveal the final two picks in our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time. Narrowing it down wasn’t easy — and these top spots sparked some real soul-searching.If you c...
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27:30
Top 5 Guitarists Part 1
🎸 This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving back into a fan favorite — a Top 5 list! And not just any list… we're tackling our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time. As long-time guitar players ourselves, we knew this was going to be ne...
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Episode 63
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25:36
Episode 62- Iron Maiden: Run for your lives tour Review
In this episode, Sebastian and Michael discuss Iron Maiden's recent 'Run For Your Lives' tour, reflecting on their personal experiences and the setlist choices. They delve into the band's legacy, the significance of their albums, and the expect...
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Episode 62
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35:06
Range, Grit, Soul: The Voices That Rule Them All
SummaryIn this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian dive into their top five favorite vocalists across various genres, discussing the impact and unique styles of each singer. They explore the personal co...
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Episode 61
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49:18
Modern Vibes, Grunge Feels: Slug Comparison Returns
This week on Mandatory Music, we're spotlighting some homegrown Canadian talent. Doug Harrison—frontman and guitarist of prog band Fen—returns with his solo project Slug Comparison, and we dive into the opening tra...
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Episode 60
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24:12
Episode 59 – The Beat Goes Blue: Blue Man Group x After Cooking
This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into an unexpected but seriously cool collaboration — the Blue Man Group is back with a brand-new single, “Things,” featuring the incredibly talented After Cooking. That’s right… Blue Man Group! It...
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Episode 59
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25:01
Album review: Ghost Skeleta
We're Back – and So Is Ghost!After a 3-week break, Mandatory Music returns with a bang as we dive into Ghost’s brand-new album Skeleta. We give our unfiltered take on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Is it a b...
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Episode 58
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45:21
Volbeat: In the Barn of the Goat.......
This week on Mandatory Music, we dive horns-first into Volbeat’s blistering new track “In the Barn of the Goat: Giving Birth to Satan's Spawn in a Dying World of Doom.” Is Michael Poulsen stepping up as the new Met...
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Episode 57
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27:25
Sleep Token: Emergence
This week on Mandatory Music, tensions rise as Sebastian and Mike dive into Sleep Token's brand-new track, “Emergence.” For one of the first times on the show, the duo finds themselves on opposite sides—sparking a passionate, thought-p...
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Episode 56
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34:30
Ghost: Satanized
A chilling new hymn has emerged from the depths—Ghost’s latest track, Satanized. This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into its haunting melodies, cryptic lyrics, and the eerie energy it conjures. How does it compare to t...
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Episode 55
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30:18
Volbeat: By a Monster's Hand
This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into Volbeat's new single, By a Monster’s Hand! We break down what we liked, what didn’t quite hit the mark, and how Volbeat continues to wear their influences on their sleeves. Plus, we b...
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Episode 54
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26:47
Episode 53: Arch Enemy’s “Paper Tiger” – Unleashing Relentless Aggression
In this episode of Mandatory Music, we dive deep into Arch Enemy’s “Paper Tiger” — a track that delivers pure, unrelenting energy. From the moment Alissa White-Gluz’s ferocious growls cut through the mix to Michael Amott’s razor...
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Episode 53
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34:32
Shadows & Sound: The Mystery of Afterglow
A storm brews on the horizon, and from the depths of darkness emerges Afterglow, the crushing new track from Dark Chapel, led by the formidable Dario Lorina of Black Label Society. Haunting melodies, bone-crushing riffs, and an eerie a...
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Episode 52
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24:18
Episode 51: Unraveling The Deadfall – Joe Holmes’ Evocative Craft
This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into The Deadfall, the latest project from legendary guitarist Joe Holmes. We break down the song’s intricate arrangement, its striking melodies, and its unique use of dissonant notes that...
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32:47
Episode 50: The Haunting Echoes of 'Rooster' by Alice in Chains
Tonight, we took a deep dive into the haunting track Rooster by Alice in Chains. From its chilling melodies to its raw, emotional lyrics, we explored the song’s powerful storytelling, the personal history behind it, and the way it capt...
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36:39
Episode 49 – Black Label Society’s Lord Humungus: A Bone-Crushing Breakdown
This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive into the sheer heaviness of Black Label Society’s thunderous track Lord Humungus. From Zakk Wylde’s signature blistering riffs to the song’s relentless groove, they break d...
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Episode 49
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28:14
Episode 48 – Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone'
This week on Mandatory Music, we take a deep dive into Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone.' But before we get into the heart of Zeppelin, we briefly revisit Black Sabbath’s final show. From there, we break down the emotion, composition, an...
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Episode 48
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38:08
🎧 Episode 47: Wardruna’s “Birna” & The End of an Era with Black Sabbath
In this episode of Mandatory Music, we journey into the mystical soundscapes of Wardruna’s “Birna” from their newest album. We break down the powerful storytelling, haunting melodies, and the use of ancient instruments th...
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Episode 46
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37:46