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
57 episodes
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
The Grammy's Review
In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent Grammy Awards, focusing on Gojira's win for best metal performance and their groundbreaking performance at the Olympics. They explore the significance of the Grammys in the music industry, the uniqu...
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Episode 45
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32:10
Mastodon-Teardrinker and Other Musings
In this episode, Michael and Sebastian dive into a variety of topics, starting with their frustrations about football and the upcoming Super Bowl. They share personal stories about family bonding during community events, discuss tattoos...
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Episode 44
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38:28
Reacting to Puscifer: Unveiling the Layers of Momma Sed
This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike embark on a transformative journey into the haunting world of Puscifer’s Momma Sed. For Mike, it’s a first-time listen that sparks raw, unfiltered reactions, as the duo unravels...
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Episode 43
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29:33
Iron Maiden-Hell on Earth
Welcome back to another episode of Mandatory Music. Tonight, we venture into the shadowy realm of Iron Maiden’s haunting epic, ‘Hell on Earth.’ As the final chapter of their 2021 album Senjutsu, this 11-minute odyssey pulls us into a w...
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43:01
2024 Year in Review: Hits, Misses, and Future Plans
Join us as we close out the year with our 2024 Year in Review! We reflect on our podcast journey so far, share our most and least popular episodes, and lay out our goals for 2025. Sebastian dives into Kat Von D's captivating new album, while Mi...
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45:04
Episode 40: Metallica for a Cause!
In this episode, we recap Metallica's recent benefit concert, highlighting the electrifying setlist, standout moments, and the incredible work of their foundation, All Within My Hands. Join us as we explore the power of music to unite and inspi...
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42:42
Episode 39: David Gilmour - On an Island
In this episode, we dive into what we've been spinning lately, including a mix of music and audiobooks that have caught our attention. Then, we take a deep dive into David Gilmour's 2006 solo masterpiece, On an Island. From the album's...
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49:36
Episode 38: Marko Hietala(Ex Nightwish) Left on Mars review
In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, we dive into Marko Hietala’s captivating new song, Left on Mars. Join us as we explore the song’s themes, musicality, and what it reveals about Hietala’s artistry. Along the way, we s...
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47:05
Thunderstruck by AC/DC’s Tour and Ghost’s Haunting Melodies
Sebastian is back on Mandatory Music! In this episode, we dive into the electrifying announcement of AC/DC's upcoming tour and debate if it’s worth trying to snag tickets. Then, we shift gears to dissect Ghost’s haunting track, "Call Me Little ...
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Episode 37
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37:57
Solo Session: Mike’s Dive into Four Mystical Bands
With Sebastian under the weather, Mike takes the stage solo for this week’s Mandatory Music. This episode dives into the sounds of four fascinating bands: the darkly enchanting Lucifer, the retro-fueled Sienna Root, the mystic storytel...
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Episode 36
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32:26
Linkin Park Returns: Breaking Down the New Sound
In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into Linkin Park’s latest album, They unpack the evolution of the band’s sound, their new themes, and how this album stands up to Linkin Park’s previous work. Plus...
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33:45
Silver Screen Sounds: Our Top 5 Movie Compilation Soundtracks
In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, we’re diving into our top 5 movie compilation soundtracks—a mix that spans decades and genres but shares one thing in common: unforgettable music that defined its era. From the timeless soul of Sta...
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Episode 34
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52:31
Musical Icons and the Mysteries of Pink Floyd's Animals (Side B)
What if you could uncover the hidden threads connecting a musical legend and a rock masterpiece? In our latest episode, we honor the unparalleled Quincy Jones, whose recent passing at the age of 91 marks a profound loss in the music world. We s...
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42:07
Shepherds Reign: Thunderous Polynesian Metal and the Magic of No-Phone Concerts
In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful soundscapes of Shepherds Reign, a band blending Polynesian roots with heavy metal in a way that’s fierce, soulful, and utterly unique. We also tackle the growing trend of no-phone policies at conc...
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Episode 32
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19:21