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Shred Sessions Podcast

Drew Creal

Shred Sessions is a Nashville based Heavy Metal Podcast hosted by guitarist Drew Creal. The show focuses on band and musicians that are part of the Nashville Metal and Hardcore Scene.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 25 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • #74
    October 2 · 2 hr 57 min

    Kevin Frasard: Death Metal, Bodybuilding and What Really Happened with SixStringTV

    Death metal, competitive bodybuilding, an absolutely insane guitar collection, and a story that goes much deeper than what you may have seen online.In this massive 3-hour episode of Shred Sessions, Drew sits down with guitarist and competitive bodybuilder Kevin Frasard for an in-depth conversation about his life in music, lifting, working construction, guitars, and YouTube.Kevin takes us all the way back to the beginning, sharing how he first got into playing guitar and what eventually led him into competitive bodybuilding. We dive deep into his love of 90s death metal, the bands and guitarists that shaped his playing, and why that era of extreme metal still has such a huge influence on him today.And, of course, we talk GEAR.Kevin gives us a tour of his extensive collection of B.C. Rich, Jackson and other metal machines, sharing the stories behind some of his favorite instruments and what he looks for in a great death metal guitar.Later in the conversation, we get into a more complicated chapter of Kevin's career: his experiences with SixStringTV and Eisbrecher Guitars. Kevin talks about his relationship with Kaelyn from SixStringTV, being managed as a YouTuber, working with Eisbrecher on a signature guitar, how those relationships developed, and ultimately what happened from his perspective.This is Kevin's opportunity to tell his side of that story in his own words.Support Shred Sessions and order a T Shirt:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • #73
    September 4 · 46 min

    Dallas Toler-Wade | NARCOTIC WASTELAND | NILE | Full Interview

    I finally got to meet and talk to Dallas Toler-Wade, who is a highly requested guitarist here on the Shred Sessions Podcast. This interview was conducted on the patio at The Cobra in Nashville, TN while Narcotic Wasteland was on the "Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse" tour with Visitant, Vile Light and Blood Coven. This conversation gives fans an inside look at the progression of his sound and creative process. We get into the specifics of his playing style and even address viewer questions regarding the amps and cabinets used during the early Nile records, on Annihilation of the Wicked as well as the recording of At The Gates of Sethu.Dallas was extremely generous with his time and was very open about the questions I asked regarding Nile, addiction and his practice routine. One of my favorite parts of the interview was when Dallas was talking about how some guitarists say: "I only pick up the guitar when I have something to write...STAY OUT OF MY LANE!" He's a true death metal guitar artist and loves playing the instrument as well as the craft and we love him for it! Subscribe for more artist interviews and breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which musician you want to see featured next.0:00 A Deep Dive with Dallas Toller-Wade2:33 Navigating Social Media Censorship6:48 The Origins of Narcotic Wasteland11:56 The Fentanyl Crisis and Modern Addiction14:15 Playing in Nile vs Narcotic Wasteland18:33 Why Dallas left Nile21:18 Dallas' Early Influences and the Bands that Got Him into Extreme Metal24:55 How Dallas met Karl Sanders27:00 Viewer Questions43:19 Advice for the Next Generation

  • #72
    August 28 · 1 hr 16 min

    How Derrick Schneider Joined TALLAH | Nu Metal, Max Portnoy and Modern Metal Guitar

    We sat down with Derrick Schneider of Tallah for an in-depth conversation about his journey into one of modern metal’s most chaotic and exciting bands.Derrick takes us all the way back to his Tallah audition, including the wild story of auditioning with a Dream Theater song, and explains what it took to land the gig in the band founded by drummer Max Portnoy.From there, we get into what life in Tallah actually looks like behind the scenes — the practice and preparation required to perform their music, the challenges of translating such intense material to the stage, and what it’s like playing these songs live night after night.Of course, we had to talk GUITAR GEAR.Derrick breaks down his live and studio setup, his experience with Schecter guitars, why he uses the EverTune bridge, and the gear that helps him pull off Tallah’s aggressive, technical sound.But Derrick’s musical life goes much deeper than guitar.Over the years, he’s gone deep into audio engineering, recording, mixing and production, developing the skills to create killer mixes not only for Tallah, but also for other artists and clients. We talk about how he approaches mixing heavy music, what he’s learned from producing his own band, and how becoming an engineer has changed the way he thinks about guitar tone, songwriting and making records.If you're into Tallah, modern metal, guitar gear, Schecter guitars, EverTune, audio engineering, mixing, music production or the realities of being a working metal musician, there’s a ton to dig into here.Hosted by Drew Creal & Christian ColabelliTopics include:• How Derrick Schneider joined Tallah• Auditioning with a Dream Theater song• Playing alongside Max Portnoy• Learning and practicing Tallah's music• Preparing for live shows• Derrick's guitar rig and gear• Schecter guitars• Why Derrick uses EverTune• Recording heavy guitars• Audio engineering and music production• Mixing Tallah• Mixing and producing music for clients• Developing your ear as an audio engineer• The relationship between guitar tone and a great mix• Life as a modern metal musician

  • #71
    August 26 · 2 hr 7 min

    Joe Stump | The Art of Neoclassical Shred | Guitars, Malmsteen, Picking and Marshall Amps

    Legendary neoclassical shred guitarist Joe Stump joins the Shred Sessions Podcast for an epic two-hour deep dive into the world of high-level guitar playing, neoclassical metal, vintage gear, and a lifetime dedicated to the instrument.Joe takes us inside his new solo record “Lord of the Strings,” dropping October 16th, 2026, and breaks down the guitars, amps, strings, picks, and techniques behind his unmistakable sound.We get deep into Joe's incredible collection of Fender Stratocasters and ESP guitars, including his Custom Shop Strats and 1998 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Strat. Joe explains why the Stratocaster remains his weapon of choice and talks about the Marshall amps that have powered his tone throughout his career.Of course, this wouldn't be a Joe Stump conversation without talking about shred guitar technique. Joe gives us an inside look at his right-hand picking mechanics, his approach to alternate and economy picking, repeating patterns, scales, and hexatonic concepts. If you're a guitarist interested in the mechanics and vocabulary behind neoclassical shred, there's a ton to dig into here.Joe also reflects on his favorite records, his guitar heroes, seeing Allan Holdsworth with UK opening for Al Di Meola, his years in the East Village, the New York Yankees, and his journey from obsessive guitar student to becoming one of the most respected names in neoclassical guitar.Whether you're into Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Allan Holdsworth, shred guitar, neoclassical metal, Fender Strats, Marshall amps, or just love hearing great guitar players talk shop, this episode is packed with guitar history and insight.

  • #70
    August 18 · 1 hr 53 min

    SERGE DROBAN | A Rising Star in the Guitar YouTube Space | FULL PODCAST

    Serge Droban has quickly become one of the most talked-about guitarists in the YouTube guitar space. The neoclassical shredder known for insane technique, unapologetic opinions, and calling out “fake guitarists” joins me for nearly TWO HOURS on the Shred Sessions Podcast.And yes… we talk about Yngwie Malmsteen.Serge has a fascinating perspective on Yngwie’s career, from the groundbreaking neoclassical guitar playing of his early years to the point where Serge believes the legendary Swedish shredder stopped progressing. We talk Malmsteen Strats, Yngwie’s technique, his influence on generations of guitarists, and the question nobody wants to ask: Did the king of neoclassical shred eventually fall off?But this conversation goes WAY beyond Yngwie.Serge takes us through his entire journey as a guitarist, including touring nationally with a band at only 16 years old, dealing with a serious physical injury, and completely rethinking his approach to guitar technique in pursuit of effortless playing.We go deep into the mechanics and philosophy of high-level guitar playing: sweep picking, picking technique, tension, efficiency, why certain legendary shredders seemingly never lose their abilities, and what separates real technical mastery from simply playing fast.Serge also shares his thoughts on the music of classical virtuosos Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt and why their compositions continue to fascinate him. We discuss classical music, neoclassical guitar, musical development, and whether there can actually be an OBJECTIVE standard for determining the quality of music.Then there’s the controversy…Serge’s rise on YouTube has been fueled in part by his willingness to call out questionable and “fake” guitar performances online. We discuss that chapter of his channel, the drama surrounding fake guitar playing on social media, and why Serge ultimately decided he wanted to move beyond it and put the focus back where it belongs: MUSIC.Whether you’re into Yngwie Malmsteen, neoclassical shred guitar, sweep picking, classical music, guitar technique, virtuoso players, or the insanity of modern Guitar YouTube, there’s a LOT to unpack in this episode.Do you agree with Serge about Yngwie Malmsteen? Is there such a thing as objectively good or bad music? And what do you think about the fake guitar controversy?Drop your take in the comments. Let’s hear it.Thanks for watching!Interested in guitar lessons?Serge:https://www.sergedroban.com/Drew:https://lessonswithdrew.com/

  • #69
    August 7 · 1 hr 38 min

    WARFORGED | Progressive Death Metal | Max Damske | Full Podcast

    Get ready for an in-depth Shred Sessions Podcast with Max Damske, guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Chicago progressive death metal band Warforged. Over the course of nearly two hours, we dive deep into the creative mind behind one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in modern progressive metal.Warforged has built a reputation for blending crushing technical death metal with cinematic atmosphere, progressive songwriting, and incredible musicianship. With their newest album arriving through The Artisan Era, home to some of the biggest names in technical death metal, including Inferi, the band offers a new record entitled "The Grove |Almanac."In this conversation, Max discusses his songwriting process, the bands and guitarists that shaped his playing, the music that continues to inspire him, and how Warforged developed its signature sound. We also nerd out over guitar gear, favorite guitars, amplifiers, pedals, recording techniques, and the latest developments in digital amp modeling, including the exciting possibilities of NAM A2 technology.Whether you're a guitarist, songwriter, producer, gear enthusiast, or simply a fan of progressive metal, technical death metal, djent, or modern extreme music, there's something here for you.In this episode:• The story behind Warforged and its musical evolution• Writing progressive and technical death metal• Max's biggest musical influences• Favorite bands, albums, and guitar players• Guitar tone, amps, pedals, and recording• NAM A2 amp modeling and the future of digital guitar technology• Creativity, songwriting, and composing long-form music• Gear talk and plenty of guitar nerd discussions

  • #68
    June 17 · 2 hr 8 min

    BRETT STINE | Haji's Kitchen | In the Mystery | Allan Holdsworth Secrets Revealed

    Brett Stine is a Dallas, TX based guitarist known for playing in Haji's Kitchen as well as the guy that cracked the code for how Allan Holdsworth thinks about scales, harmony and composition. In 2023, "In the Mystery: A Deconstruction of the Harmony, Melody, Compositions and Improvisations of Allan Holdsworth" was released in digital format. Since that time, Brett has updated the book and come out with "In the Mystery Volume 2" which is a compendium of all the scales that Allan Holdsworth used. These books, as well as Brett's Messiaen Etudes books, have proved to be a valuable resource for any guitarist that is looking for fresh ideas and to get inside the world of improvising like Allan Holdsworth did...perhaps to get to the next level and beyond. This exclusive 2 hour conversation with Brett Stine covers Brett's background with music, playing in Haji's Kitchen, jamming with his brother Scott, working with Mike Varney from Shrapnel Records, 9 note scales, Messiaen's Modes of Limited Transposition and so much more! Purchase Brett's Transcriptions and Books: https://www.brettstinemusic.net/ Buy Physical Copies from Amazon: In The Mystery Vol 1: https://amzn.to/4en3Jmr In the Mystery Vol 2: https://amzn.to/4vW3A0F Messiaen Etudes: https://amzn.to/4uHg1wj NEW! Messiaen Patterns Vol 1: https://amzn.to/4xx0UIh Support Shred Sessions:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • #67
    June 3 · 2 hr 4 min

    RUSTY COOLEY | Extreme Shred Guitar | Outworld | Day of Reckoning

    Rusty Cooley is the original online Shred Guitarist. From his early days of YouTube shred videos, to his "Betchya Can't Play This" Guitar World licks, his Chops From Hell lessons and his solo records, Rusty has been an inspiration to every guitarist who tried to push the instrument beyond what it was currently capable of. Rusty is the OG extended range godfather of shred and he's here with us to discuss how he transformed the super strat into a "super shredder strat," partnering with Dean Guitars and then Ormsby Guitars. We also get into discussing his band Outworld and why they broke up as well as a ton of great practice tips and discussions around improving at guitar while trying to raise a family. If you're into extreme guitar playing at all, this episode is for you!Support the show, grab a T-Shirt:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/Rusty's Website:https://rustycooley.com/Lessons with Rusty:rustycooleysocial@gmail.comDrew's Website:https://lessonswithdrew.com/

  • #66
    May 28 · 30 min

    Christian Donaldson | CRYPTOPSY | Decibel Magazine Tour 2026 | Full Interview

    Christian Donaldson is the guitarist, mixing engineer and producer for the legendary technical death metal band Cryptopsy. I caught up with Christian on the Decibel Magazine tour with Fulci, Necrot, Blood Monolith and Spirit Adrift on their stop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was able to ask Christian about the tour, their newest record "An Insatiable Violence," playing in a band with Flo Mounier and the legacy of the band's 1996 classic "None So Vile." Cryptopsy has remained one of the most respected and chaotic forces in death metal for decades, and Christian Donaldson’s perspective as both guitarist and producer makes this conversation essential viewing for musicians, producers, and metal fans alike.Subscribe for more interviews, guitar lessons, gear breakdowns, and deep dives into the world of death metal and extreme music.

  • #65
    May 20 · 1 hr 52 min

    Dave Nassie EXPOSES the Secrets Behind Tone, Touring & Survival in Music | FULL PODCAST

    On this episode of the Shred Sessions Podcast, we sit down with legendary guitarist Dave Nassie for a deep 2-hour conversation covering his incredible journey through rock, punk, blues, soul, and heavy music. From performing with bands like No Use for a Name, Infectious Grooves, and Bleeding Through to touring with country star Kip Moore, Dave shares stories from the road, insights into guitar tone, phrasing, songwriting, vintage gear, blues influence, and what it really takes to build a lasting career as a professional guitarist. We also dive into Dave’s current project, Dave Nassie Blues Explosion, his approach to teaching guitar, and the philosophy behind expressive playing and musical storytelling. If you're into guitar tone, classic rock, blues, punk, shredding, session work, or the evolution of modern guitar music, this episode is packed with inspiration and knowledge.Stay in touch with Dave: @DaveNassie https://www.davenassie.com/Support the show, grab a Shred Sessions Shirt:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • May 13 · 1 hr 45 min

    Eric Hill | ELEMENT GUITARS | Sabol Hill Audio | String Source | Skervesen Guitars

    Eric Hill is the definition of multi-disciplinary mastery, and this episode proves it.Music producer. Guitar designer and builder at Element Guitars. U.S. sales rep for Skervesen Guitars. Dental implant designer. And somehow… also a legit pizza craftsman. Eric doesn't just wear multiple hats, he's achieved a great deal of success in everything he's involved in.In this episode of the Shred Sessions Podcast, we sit down with Eric to break down his journey through the music world, the guitar industry, and his professional career outside of music. From building high-end instruments to navigating multiple industries at a high level, Eric shares what it really takes to develop elite-level skill across completely different fields.We also get into:-What it’s like working with boutique guitar brands like Skervesen-The mindset behind designing and building custom guitars-Balancing creativity with technical careers-How discipline and curiosity can open doors most people never even seeEric instantly clicked with us, his passion, work ethic, and outlook on life line up perfectly with what Shred Sessions is all about.If you’re trying to level up your skills, build something meaningful, or push beyond average, this episode is going to hit home. Skervesen Guitars:https://skervesen.eu/Element Guitars:https://www.facebook.com/elementguitarsUSA/Eric's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/erockomania/Sabol/Hill Audio:https://www.sabolhill.com/Support the show, order a T-Shirt or mug:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • May 6 · 23 min

    INFERI | Tech Death Shredders Malcolm Pugh and Sanjay Kumar | FULL INTERVIEW

    We let a girl interview a technical death metal band!!! Can you believe it?!?! Claire did an incredible job asking some of the top guitar players in the game some questions about the craft. It was truly amazing catching these guys on the "Chronicles of Lunacy" tour with Organectomy, Scasm and Defeated Sanity. All these bands have top tier musicians and deliver the material on their records with the utmost accuracy. This was truly one of my favorite shows to attend. What band should be interview next, let us know in the comments! 00:00 Intro00:53 How Has the Tour Been So Far?01:48 Heaven Wept Response03:03 Playing Tech Death Live05:11 Recording Heaven Wept06:08 Inferi Guitar Tones07:45 Guitar Tuning and String Gauges08:58 Changing Drummers RIP Spencer Moore10:16 How did Sanjay Get Involved with Inferi11:55 The Artisan Era14:19 How Did Malcolm Start Making Music Videos?17:58 Will There Be a Sheet Happens Tab Book for Heaven Wept?18:23 When You're Not Playing Metal, What are you Doing?20:31 What Drives You To Keep Going?Listen to/Support Inferi:https://inferi.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-weptSupport Shred Sessions, buy a shirt!https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • #62
    April 30 · 55 min

    SIX FEET UNDER | Jack Owen | Ex-Cannibal Corpse | Death Metal Interview and Lesson

    Here's my interview with one of the icons of death metal, Jack Owen from Six Feet Under. Jack was a founding member of Cannibal Corpse until 2004 when he decided to leave for personal reasons. From 2004 to 2016 Jack played guitar in Deicide but then left to join Six Feet Under with original Cannibal Corpse vocalist. The band released their new record "Next to Die" on Metal Blade Records on 4/24/26. The new record has received positive reviews proving that Jack is a true genius of death metal riffing. Thanks for watching and thanks for your support!Listen to Six Feet Under:https://www.metalblade.com/sixfeetunder/00:00 Intro01:18 Jack's Thoughts on Nicotine Pouches03:20 Ray Suhy's Guitar Solos05:18 Next to Die Writing/Recording Process and Gear!08:15 Unmistakable Smell of Death Lesson10:02 Mutilated Corpse in the Woods Lesson14:50 Hammer Smashed Face Lesson18:38 Tomb of the Mutilated Gear20:55 Overcoming Writer's Block23:30 What Happened to the White BC Rich Mockingbird?26:00 Why Use Budget Gear?27:17 How Jack Records Demos31:25 Jack's Writing Style34:55 Death Metal Career?36:09 Why Bob Rusay Couldn't Continue with CC38:55 Recording with Scott Burns42:45 Does Jack Stay in Touch with Pat O'Brien?45:36 Decency Defied, Festering in the Crypt46:50 Pounded into Dust on Children's Instruments49:08 Why Jack Left Cannibal Corpse50:30 Working with Chris Barnes53:30 Jack is a Hockey FanGo check out Jack's YouTube Channel: @jackowen2906 Support the show and grab some merch:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • #61
    April 22 · 1 hr 43 min

    LEVI CLAY | Guitar Transcriptionist, YouTuber and Educator | Full Episode

    Levi Clay is a Glasgow based guitarist, transcriptionist and YouTuber known for his incredible guitar transcriptions and sometimes controversial takes on the online world of guitar. In this video Levi tells us about his guitar journey where he got his start in the world of shred and metal, to his approach to guitar education as well as some areas of the guitar community that he takes issue with. This video is jammed packed with solid advice for aspiring musicians of any genre as well as practice tips for guitar players of any tribe! Support the show: https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/Levi's Website:https://leviclay.com/Get better at guitar here:https://guidedpracticeroutines.com/

  • #60
    April 15 · 1 hr 15 min

    BETTER OFF | Luke Granered | Twin Stacks | Meter | Gorge | Full Podcast

    On this episode of the Shred Sessions Podcast, I had the distinct honor of interviewing someone I've known for a long time, Luke Granered. Luke is the guitarist and vocalist of alt rock band Better Off. Over the years I've seen Luke work tirelessly on his many music projects from Cash Basket to Twin Stacks and more recently Gorge, a hardcore infused death metal band and his most recent project Meter with his longtime partner Cortney Hale.In addition to all of this, Luke holds it down daily at the Bad Luck Burger food truck, one of the best cheeseburgers you can get in Nashville.

  • #59
    April 8 · 17 min

    Brian Leh | MAYHEM and ACID BATH'S Drum Tech | Interview at the Caverns

    Metal music truly has the power to bring people together, and it's typically always a net positive for the musicians and the fans. Since I started Shred Sessions, I've rekindled lost friendships and reconnected with some of the coolest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Such is the case with my friend Brian Leh, drummer of Chicagoland death metal band Art of the Flesh! Brian is also the drum tech for Hellhammer (Mayhem's drummer) as well as Carmine Appice, the legendary rock drummer. Brian is no stranger to complicated and technical setups, which is why it's no surprise that he's out working with Acid Bath as Zack Simmon's drum tech. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and talk about what it's like drum teching for these legendary drummers. Listen to Art of the Flesh:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kcVRRSy71W2yBSmpXh8KQ?si=8W6yScF7TNigaRHW7T0bdwSupport the show, get some Shred Sessions stuff:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • #58
    April 3 · 16 min

    ACID BATH | Drummer Zack Simmons | Goatwhore | Interview in a Cave!

    In this episode of Shred Sessions, we sit down with Zack Simmons, the powerhouse drummer of Goatwhore and current drummer for the legendary Acid Bath for a raw, unforgettable interview recorded INSIDE A CAVE at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.That’s right… this entire conversation goes down underground, just hours before Acid Bath’s highly anticipated return to the stage, alongside death metal icons Obituary and Louisiana death thrashers Heraklion.We dive deep into:Zack’s drumming approach in Goatwhore vs Acid Bath-The reality of stepping into one of the most cult-followed bands in underground music history-Behind-the-scenes moments from this historic show-Touring, endurance, and what it takes to perform extreme metal at the highest level-The energy of the Acid Bath reunion and what it means for fansThis wasn’t just a show, it was a moment in metal history. Fans from across the Southeast packed The Caverns for a night that won’t be forgotten, and we captured a piece of it right here.If you're into death metal, sludge metal, hardcore, or extreme drumming, this is a must-watch.🔥 SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth interviews with the biggest names in metal🔥 Full episodes, lessons, and exclusive content available via channel membershipCamera work by Christian Colabelli, interview by Drew Creal. Support the show by becoming a member of this channel or stopping by the Shred Sessions Store: https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • March 27 · 1 hr 9 min

    Vaughn Stoffey | DEFEATED SANITY | Brutal Death Metal Guitar Lesson

    What does it actually take to play guitar in Defeated Sanity?In this exclusive episode of Shred Sessions, I sit down with Vaughn Stoffey, guitarist of the legendary slamming brutal death metal band Defeated Sanity, to break down the real mechanics behind his playing.We go deep into riffs from “Accelerating the Rot” — one of the standout tracks from the band’s 2024 release Chronicles of Lunacy — and unpack the techniques that make Vaughn’s style so brutal, precise, and unique.This isn’t just a surface-level interview… this is a full guitar lesson + breakdown of how these riffs are actually executed.🔥 In this episode, we cover:How Vaughn approaches complex brutal death metal riffingAdvanced pinch harmonic control in extreme temposDifficult power chord movement strategies used in Defeated Sanity songsPicking techniques for tight, percussive rhythm playingA rare tapping technique you won’t see in most metal bandsThe mindset behind writing riffs for modern slam and technical death metalIf you’re into brutal death metal guitar, slam riffs, advanced metal technique, or you’re trying to level up your playing in extreme styles — this episode is packed with insights you won’t find anywhere else.This is one of the most in-depth breakdowns of Defeated Sanity guitar work currently available.Support the show, check out our webstore:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/Catch Defeated Sanity on tour with Infiri and Organectomy this spring:https://defeatedsanity.com/https://metalinsider.net/touring/defeated-sanity-announce-2026-headline-tour

  • #56
    March 23 · 2 hr 28 min

    FRANK PASQUALE | Guitar Builder | Thrash Metaller | Mentor and Friend

    This episode features my longtime friend and mentor Frank Pasquale of Pasquale Custom Guitars. Our friendship first started when Frank built me my first custom made guitar when I was 16 years old. Frank, being a godly man, always had really great advice and encouragement for me when I was a budding shredder in the Chicago suburbs. Come along for the ride as Frank shares his story of moving to LA from Pittsburg, PA in the late 80s to purse his dreams of being a thrash metal rocker, to then become a guitar builder who learned from Mike Lipe, the Ibanez USA Custom shop master builder. In this episode we go through my guitar collection, which has several guitars that Frank built for me over the years, we then go through several of Frank's custom creations from his secret collection and he tells us about his affinity for vintage Kramer guitars, of which he's amassed nearly 20! Frank is a one of a kind, hardworking American that tells it like it is and has built some of the coolest metal machines the guitar world has ever seen.To see more guitars built by Frank, follow Pasquale Custom Guitars on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PasqualeCustomGuitars/ Support the show by ordering a Shred Sessions T-Shirt or a Mug: https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

  • March 15 · 1 hr 31 min

    RYAN RADO | Make it Perfect | Worker | Visual Artist and Painter

    On this episode of Shred Sessions, I sit down with Ryan Rado — host of the podcast/show Make It Perfect, vocalist of the cult Nashville hardcore band WORKER, and a visual artist known for his powerful large-scale abstract paintings.Ryan is one of those people who naturally pushes conversations into deeper territory. In this discussion we explore everything from childhood trauma and mental health, to living with Tourette’s syndrome, the influence of mass media and millennial programming, and how these experiences shaped Ryan’s artistic voice in both music and visual art.Ryan also shares stories from the Nashville hardcore scene, the underground following surrounding his band WORKER, and what it means for the band to be reuniting and writing music again after years away.Since beginning his painting career in 2014, Ryan has built a reputation for emotionally intense large-scale abstract paintings that channel personal experience, trauma, and reflection into visual form. In this episode we talk about the connection between art, music, healing, and self-examination, and why confronting difficult topics openly can be a path toward growth.We also dive into a wide range of unexpected topics including:• Ryan’s experience growing up with Tourette’s syndrome• Childhood trauma and emotional processing• The psychology of mass media influence and cultural programming• Fatherhood and identity• The return of WORKER and the Nashville hardcore underground• Art as a tool for confronting personal history• Reflections on the 2026 Super Bowl and media spectacleRyan has a rare ability to ask questions that force you to reflect on your own motivations, identity, and beliefs — which makes this one of the most introspective conversations we’ve had on the podcast.If you're interested in hardcore music, underground culture, mental health conversations, or the intersection of art and personal transformation, you won’t want to miss this episode.About Ryan Rado:Ryan Rado is a Nashville-based artist, musician, and host of the Make It Perfect Podcast. He is the vocalist of the underground hardcore band WORKER and is known for his emotionally charged abstract canvas paintings that have gained attention in the independent art world since 2014.Subscribe for MoreShred Sessions features interviews with musicians, artists, and creators exploring the craft, philosophy, and culture surrounding heavy music and creative life.Support the show:https://shred-sessions-shop.fourthwall.com/

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