Best Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Podcasts (2025)

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🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society “Broken and Blind” 28:08

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9d ago28:08

28:08

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike try something a little different — their (sort of) first reaction episode! The guys hit play on Black Label Society’s “Broken and Blind” and share their unfiltered thoughts in real time as the song unfolds. From Zakk Wylde’s signature riffs to the momen…

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🎙️ Episode 75: Out of Our Comfort Zone — Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl 30:39

16d ago30:39

30:39

By Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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MM74: Yungblud x Aerosmith 33:58

23d ago33:58

33:58

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Sebastian and Michael break down the brand-new collaboration between YUNGBLUD and Aerosmith, a track that bridges generations and genres in one explosive package. From its composition and production choices to the energy and vibe it carries, we explore how the past meets the future in this unexpected …

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MM73: A Retrospective. Nirvana Nevermind 35:23

26d ago35:23

35:23

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Nirvana's Impact on Grunge Music Mike and Sebastian discussed the impact of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, released on September 24, 1991, and its role in the grunge music movement. They noted the significant influence of the album and its lead singer, Kurt Cobain, on the music landscape and youth cultu…

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MM72: Will Smith- Pretty Girls 23:59

1M ago23:59

23:59

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael dive into the perplexing world of Will Smith's recent musical endeavors. They explore the challenges of staying relevant in the entertainment industry as one ages, using Will Smith's latest song "Pretty Girls" as a focal point. The discussion touches on themes of…

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Episode 71: Gojira- The Shooting Star 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Michael and Sebastian explore themes of aging, reflections on the VMAs, the impact of modern rock icons like Youngblood, and the unique sound of Gojira. They delve into the lyrical depth of Gojira's music, sharing personal connections to the themes of loss and resilience…

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Album Battle: Megadeth Vs. Metallica 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian return from their month-long break to discuss various topics, including their experiences at Burning Man and a detailed comparison of two iconic metal bands: Metallica and Megadeth. They engage in a battle of albums, analyzing songs from both bands, exploring the…

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Episode 69- Yungblud and other musings 26:38

3M ago26:38

26:38

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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, exploring his unique style and the impact he has on fans. The conversati…

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Episode 68: RIP Ozzy 25:54

3M ago25:54

25:54

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 about their experiences with his music. The conversation touches o…

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Episode 67: Foo Fighters Today's Song 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 on Dave Grohl's musical talents and the band's sound. The discussion delves i…

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Episode 666: A Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne 1:13:19

4M ago1:13:19

1:13:19

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 hosts critique individual performances, highlight standout moments,…

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Prison, Prairie, Poetry: Wheat Kings by The Hip 33:21

4M ago33:21

33:21

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 injustice and the poetic nature of Gord Downie's lyrics, emphasizing the band's impact…

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To Live Is To Die – A Tribute Etched in Metal 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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, the guitar techniques used, and the drumming choices that s…

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Episode 63.5 Top 5 Guitarists Part II 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 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 caught Part 1, you already know our #5 through #3… now it’s time to crown the ultimate g…

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Top 5 Guitarists Part 1 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 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 nearly impossible — there’s just too much talent to choose from. We had so m…

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Episode 62- Iron Maiden: Run for your lives tour Review 35:06

5M ago35:06

35:06

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 expectations fans have for live performances. The conversation h…

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Range, Grit, Soul: The Voices That Rule Them All 49:18

5M ago49:18

49:18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Summary In 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 connections to these artists, the diversity in vocal abilities, and the cultural …

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Modern Vibes, Grunge Feels: Slug Comparison Returns 24:12

5M ago24:12

24:12

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 track of the new album A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife. The song "Wish to…

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Episode 59 – The Beat Goes Blue: Blue Man Group x After Cooking 25:01

5M ago25:01

25:01

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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’s all about rhythm, vibe, and groove in this episode as we explore…

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Album review: Ghost Skeleta 45:21

6M ago45:21

45:21

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 bold new chapter or more of the same? Tune in as we break it all down with our…

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Volbeat: In the Barn of the Goat....... 27:25

6M ago27:25

27:25

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 Metal Elvis, ready to snatch the crown from Glenn Danzig himself? We break down the riffs, …

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Sleep Token: Emergence 34:30

7M ago34:30

34:30

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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-provoking debate. They unpack the haunting lyrics, dissect the song'…

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Ghost: Satanized 30:18

7M ago30:18

30:18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 their past works? What secrets lie within the song? We break it all down. But…

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Volbeat: By a Monster's Hand 26:47

7M ago26:47

26:47

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 bring back some Metallica talk for the first time in a while—Kirk Hammett has…

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Episode 53: Arch Enemy’s “Paper Tiger” – Unleashing Relentless Aggression 34:32

7M ago34:32

34:32

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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-sharp riffs, this song is a masterclass in melodic death metal. We unpack…

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Shadows & Sound: The Mystery of Afterglow 24:18

8M ago24:18

24:18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 atmosphere make this song more than just music—it’s an experience. T…

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Episode 51: Unraveling The Deadfall – Joe Holmes’ Evocative Craft 32:47

8M ago32:47

32:47

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

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Episode 50: The Haunting Echoes of 'Rooster' by Alice in Chains 36:39

8M ago36:39

36:39

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

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Episode 49 – Black Label Society’s Lord Humungus: A Bone-Crushing Breakdown 28:14

8M ago28:14

28:14

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

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Episode 48 – Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone' 38:08

8M ago38:08

38:08

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

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🎧 Episode 47: Wardruna’s “Birna” & The End of an Era with Black Sabbath 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

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

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The Grammy's Review 32:10

9M ago32:10

32:10

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

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Mastodon-Teardrinker and Other Musings 38:28

9M ago38:28

38:28

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

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Reacting to Puscifer: Unveiling the Layers of Momma Sed 29:33

9M ago29:33

29:33

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

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Iron Maiden-Hell on Earth 43:01

9M ago43:01

43:01

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 world of apocalyptic visions, chilling reflections, and dark philoso…

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2024 Year in Review: Hits, Misses, and Future Plans 45:04

10M ago45:04

45:04

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 Mike highlights the rising stardom of High Desert Queen. Plu…

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Episode 40: Metallica for a Cause! 42:42

10M ago42:42

42:42

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 inspire, Metallica-style! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and…

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Episode 39: David Gilmour - On an Island 49:36

10M ago49:36

49:36

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 dreamy soundscapes to its reflective themes, we discuss why this r…

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Episode 38: Marko Hietala(Ex Nightwish) Left on Mars review 47:05

11M ago47:05

47:05

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 share a dynamic conversation covering various topics that music fans won’t wa…

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Thunderstruck by AC/DC’s Tour and Ghost’s Haunting Melodies 37:57

11M ago37:57

37:57

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 Sunshine," exploring its themes, lyrics, and musical brill…

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Solo Session: Mike’s Dive into Four Mystical Bands 32:26

11M ago32:26

32:26

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 storytelling of Jess and the Ancient Ones, and the electrifying Wucan. Join…

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Linkin Park Returns: Breaking Down the New Sound 33:45

11M ago33:45

33:45

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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, we couldn’t resist discussing the recent Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul…

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Silver Screen Sounds: Our Top 5 Movie Compilation Soundtracks 52:31

12M ago52:31

52:31

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 Stand by Me to the adrenaline-pumping hits of Top Gun and the dis…

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Musical Icons and the Mysteries of Pink Floyd's Animals (Side B) 42:07

12M ago42:07

42:07

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 share insights into his legendary career, from working with…

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Shepherds Reign: Thunderous Polynesian Metal and the Magic of No-Phone Concerts 19:21

12M ago19:21

19:21

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 concerts—are these policies helping us live in the moment, or …

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Dark Realms and Dog Tales: Pink Floyd’s Animals (Side A) 34:55

12M ago34:55

34:55

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Michael and Sebastian take a journey back to the 1970s as we delve into Side A of Pink Floyd's provocative album, Animals. Join us as we uncover the backstory behind tracks like “Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)” and the sprawling “Dogs,” exploring the biting social critiques, e…

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Jerry Cantrell - I Want Blood 39:49

1y ago39:49

39:49

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode of Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the latest solo release from Jerry Cantrell, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of Alice in Chains. Join us as we explore the album's sonic landscapes, Cantrell's signature guitar work, and how it fits into his legendary career. From grunge roots …

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Classic Album Revisited: Black Sabbath – Paranoid 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on the podcast, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into the iconic Paranoid album by Black Sabbath. This legendary record holds a special place in our hearts, and we explore its lasting influence on us personally and on the heavy metal genre as a whole. From the rebellious energy of 'War Pigs' to …

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Bonus Episode!! Hangman's Chair- 2 AM Thoughts 13:01

1y ago13:01

13:01

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode of Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into Hangman’s Chair’s hauntingly beautiful new single, "2 AM Thoughts." The duo explores the melancholic vibes and atmospheric sounds that make this song stand out, blending doom, post-metal, and introspective lyrics. They discuss their…

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Coldplay: Moon Music 33:23

1y ago33:23

33:23

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Mike and Seb dive into Coldplay's latest album, Moon Music. Mike, with his sharp ear for detail, breaks down the album’s dreamy soundscapes and explores how it pushes the band’s sonic boundaries. Meanwhile, Seb brings his unfiltered takes, questioning whether Coldplay's cosmic themes …

Michael Heide And Sebastian Kwapich Podcasts