Episodes

  • Episode 51: Unraveling The Deadfall – Joe Holmes’ Evocative Craft
    Mar 5 2025

    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 set it apart. But we don’t stop there—we explore Holmes’ fascinating journey, from his early days in the music scene to his time with Ozzy Osbourne and beyond. Join us as we unpack the artistry of a guitarist who continues to push boundaries in heavy music.

    Listen now and join the conversation!

    Here is the link to the Official YouTube video

    https://youtu.be/xMIBTGWapGM?si=KRsxMe2zVt60c4ns

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    33 mins
  • Episode 50: The Haunting Echoes of 'Rooster' by Alice in Chains
    Mar 3 2025

    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 captures the weight of war and survival. Join us as we break down the eerie atmosphere, Layne Staley’s haunting vocals, and the emotional depth that makes Rooster one of the most unforgettable songs in rock history.

    The Link for the isolated bass track

    https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/461065-rooster-isolated-bass-whats-the-effect/

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    37 mins
  • Episode 49 – Black Label Society’s Lord Humungus: A Bone-Crushing Breakdown
    Feb 27 2025

    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 down what makes this track a headbanger’s dream. They also discuss its Mad Max-inspired themes, crushing guitar tones, and how it fits into BLS’s catalog. Grab a drink, crank up the volume, and join the conversation!

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    28 mins
  • Episode 48 – Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone'
    Feb 19 2025

    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, and songwriting behind 'Ten Years Gone' and touch on Zeppelin’s live performances. Unfortunately, we ran into some audio issues, so the episode ends abruptly—but hey, that’s rock and roll! Tune in and enjoy the ride.

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    38 mins
  • 🎧 Episode 47: Wardruna’s “Birna” & The End of an Era with Black Sabbath
    Feb 13 2025

    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 that bring their music to life. 🎶✨

    But that’s not all—we also reflect on the final Black Sabbath concert, marking the end of an era for one of rock’s most legendary bands. From unforgettable setlists to the legacy they leave behind, we share our thoughts on this monumental farewell. 🤘🖤

    Join us as we explore ancient sounds and heavy metal history, all in one epic episode!

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    38 mins
  • The Grammy's Review
    Feb 5 2025

    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 unique sound of Gojira, and the impact of AI on music production. The conversation also touches on notable Grammy winners, the Beatles' new release, and the current landscape of popular music, including Taylor Swift's absence from the awards. Personal updates and future aspirations are shared, culminating in a lively discussion about Nirvana's legacy and recent performances.


    Takeaways

    Gojira's Grammy win highlights their growing influence in metal.
    The Grammys serve as a popularity contest rather than a true measure of talent.
    Gojira's Olympic performance was a pivotal moment for the band.
    AI technology is reshaping music production and reviving old tracks.
    The Beatles' new song showcases the potential of AI in music.
    Taylor Swift's absence from the Grammys reflects the competitive nature of the industry.
    Understanding the difference between record of the year and album of the year is crucial.
    Nirvana's legacy continues to resonate through new performances.
    Violet Grohl's performance is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain's style.
    Personal goals, like running a marathon, can inspire and motivate.



    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    32 mins
  • Mastodon-Teardrinker and Other Musings
    Jan 29 2025



    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, and reflect on their gambling experiences. The conversation wraps up with a music recommendation, highlighting the band Mastodon and their song 'Teardrinker.' In this engaging conversation, Sebastian and Michael delve into the musical intricacies of the band Mastodon, exploring their melodic riffs, vocal harmonies, and the unique experience of their live performances. They discuss the collaborative songwriting process within the band, the evolution of their sound over the years, and the thematic depth of their lyrics. The duo also reflects on the significance of album artwork and the impact of music videos, while emphasizing the importance of live music in connecting with audiences. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the artistry and creativity that Mastodon brings to the progressive metal genre, making a case for their relevance and appeal in today's music scene.


    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Reacting to Puscifer: Unveiling the Layers of Momma Sed
    Jan 22 2025

    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 the song’s hypnotic melodies, poetic lyrics, and the surreal dreamscape it conjures. Prepare for an emotional deep dive into a track that lingers long after the final note fades.

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

    Contact Mandatory Music:
    email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
    find us on Facebook search mandatory music
    Instagram: mandatory_music1
    Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

    Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

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    30 mins