Amy Jo: Hold Your Horses (Do Something Records) DL/Streaming Out Now Acclaimed UK country/pop singer Amy Jo has just released her new single, Hold Your Horses, on Do Something Records. Althought not the usual LTW fare, we have previously covered the artist, describing her as ‘a Morecambe Bay resident who sounds like a Nashville-era Taylor […]
This week on the Loaded Radio Podcast, we are diving deep into the mind of progressive heavy music’s ultimate mad scientist. Fresh off the global rollout of his massive, 24-track symphonic rock opera project The Moth, Devin Townsend joins host Scott Penfold for an incredibly candid, elaborate conversation.
Townsend pulls absolutely no punches when discussing his notorious need for total isolation in the studio. In a world driven by star-studded features and supergroup collaborations, Townsend explains why absolute creative control is the only path left for his sanity—and why he believes he is actually doing his closest musical friends a massive favor by refusing to work with them.
This Week’s Headliner: The Painful Metamorphosis of The Moth
On this week’s episode, Townsend opens up about the grueling journey behind his latest musical chapter. The Moth was initially conceived over a decade ago as an entirely different, overtly theatrical beast. However, right as production began, real-life intervention shifted everything.
Townsend details how a period of severe physical pain and deep personal turmoil completely derailed his original concepts, forcing him to scrap the initial frameworks. The resulting album morphed into a raw, deeply human exploration of transformation and self-acceptance. It’s an honest look at an artist using physical and emotional suffering to change the very trajectory of his art.
Listeners tuning into this week’s broadcast will also hear Townsend take a fascinating look back at his ’90s catalog. More than three decades after fronting Steve Vai’sSex & Religion album, Devin reflects on how he views those early years today.
While he emphasizes that his current relationship with Vai is excellent, the experience taught him a definitive lesson about his own creative boundaries. Townsend admits that he is simply too difficult to work with unless he is at the helm of the ship. This uncompromising drive is the exact same energy that fueled the chaotic legacy of Strapping Young Lad—a chapter he addresses on the show with peaceful finality.
Voices From The Underground: Silver Bullet Smile
In the second half of this week’s episode, the spotlight shifts from a global icon to the grinding gears of the independent metal scene. For this week’s Voices From The Underground segment, Scott sits down with Niko and Thursday from Spring Hill, Florida’s rising original metal outfit, Silver Bullet Smile.
The band discusses the grit it takes to break through the modern underground circuit, tracking punchy tracks like “Man In The Moon” from a home studio setup, and eventually flying their mixes out to Tristan Hardin at the legendary Hideout recording studio in Las Vegas. It’s a textbook look at the hustle required to stay alive as an independent metal act.
What is Devin Townsend’s new album discussed on the show? This week’s episode focuses heavily on The Moth, a massive 24-track conceptual project that combines orchestral elements, heavy metal grooves, and a 60-person choir.
Does Devin Townsend talk about a Strapping Young Lad reunion? While he reflects deeply on his mindset during the Strapping Young Lad eras, Townsend discusses those years with a sense of finality, focusing instead on his current need for absolute individual control over his music.
Who is the independent band featured on this episode? The Voices From The Underground segment features Florida-based hard rock/metal band Silver Bullet Smile. Host Scott Penfold speaks with members Niko and Thursday about their baseline essentials and independent hustle.
On this week’s Loaded Radio Podcast, Devin Townsend discusses his new 24-track project “The Moth,” detailing how personal pain changed its direction. He also reflects on his ’90s history with Steve Vai and explains why he avoids musical collaboration. The second half features Florida independent metal band Silver Bullet Smile.
Does Devin’s admission that he’s too difficult to work with make you respect his solo work more, or do you wish he would challenge himself by letting another alpha musician take the wheel? Let us know in the comments.
With their new album Vindicate released earlier in May, Black Veil Brides embarked on a 24-city run with From Ashes To New, where we caught them live at the awesome History in Toronto.
At 9:20, the music on the PA stopped, and the room went dark before candelabras lit up the stage that was decorated in black as Bach’s Toccata And Fugue played across the venue.
Fans erupted into cheers as the band, one by one, took the stage. Andy Biersack ran out last as they kicked into Knives And Pens, a track from their 2010 debut album.
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
Biersack’s unique voice echoed against the walls, the crowd singing every word back to him. The passion that the band showcased was reciprocated by the fans in the audience. Black Veil Brides fans bring a love like no other.
The setlist contained tracks from the band’s newest release, Vindicate with Bleeders, Vindicate, Certainty and Hallelujah all translating seamlessly to the live stage. Fans already knew all the words despite the album being less than a month old, something the band was very gracious about.
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
Their classic tracks such as Rebel Love Song, Perfect Weapon, Sweet Blasphemy and Faithless also graced the setlist which pleased everyone in attendance greatly.
Black Veil Brides is a band for the misfits, those who do not fit in, something they have always celebrated. Midway through the set, Biersack took a moment to thank those who have been with the band since the beginning.
“I know it was really hard to be a Black Veil Brides fan back in the day, so thank you for sticking with us because yes we are a really great fucking band.” An eruption of cheers was heard from the audience as they agreed with the lead singer.
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
A highlight of the evening, and what seems to be something that was a ritual throughout the tour, was Biersack’s banter and fan interactions.
“You just graduated from college?” He asked a fan holding a sign in the front row. “Well, congratulations, you’re a lot smarter than me. I didn’t graduate shit. I didn’t even finish high school.” The crowd laughed.
“Thanks for making me feel stupid, smart person,” he joked. His dry humour goes over well with the fans. There was also a girl he helped get back to her mom, as well as a hilarious interaction with a guy who seemed to have lost his phone and wallet.
“Give it up for that guy’s phone and wallet.” The audience cheered, earning a laugh from the band.
They closed out the set with Perfect Weapon, another track from We Stitch These Wounds. The way the crowd cheered, it was obvious they were not ready for the show to be over.
When the stage went black and the band walked off, the crowd immediately began to chant. “One more song, one more song.”
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
The candelabras were relit, and the band reemerged from the darkness. Jinxx traded his guitar for a violin, starting off the emotional ballad, End It All. The lyrics resonated with many fans, as they lit up the room with their cellphone lights.
This was a moment worthy of goosebumps. In The End closed out the night, a fan favourite since its release in 2011. There was not a single silent fan in that room as everyone was singing every word right back to the band.
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
A night that Biersack claimed as the band’s favourite Toronto show they have ever played, it was definitely one to remember. Black Veil Brides always put on an incredible live show, and it is one worth seeing.
This Vindicate tour is a safe space for those who have always felt a little different, and it is a space where everyone is celebrated and allowed to be themselves.
Black Veil Brides – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
From Ashes To New
After two great sets from As December Falls and TX2, From Ashes To New took the stage with a fiery passion. A band that fit perfectly on this bill, their sound and attitude complement Black Veil Brides perfectly.
From Ashes To New – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
Having two singers, Matt Brandyberry handling the heavier rap vocals, while Danny Case handles the majority of the lead vocals, adds a unique element to the band.
Blending rock and rap together to create a sound of their own, they utilise Brandyberry’s voice in the right moments to enhance the songs. Neither vocalist overpowers the other.
From Ashes To New – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
Most fans may have been there to see Black Veil Brides, but it was obvious that the fan bases overlap. Many people in the crowd sang along to every song and even created a mosh pit in the centre of the floor at the request of the band. They had the audience in the palm of their hands.
From Ashes To New – History, Toronto – 25 May 2026. Photo: Taylor Cameron/MetalTalk
High energy from start to finish, they had the room bouncing. Horns held high in the air, and many people headbanging could be seen. From Ashes To New were the perfect choice to be direct support on this tour.
Benny Blanco’s path to becoming one of the most successful producers in modern popular music began in Reston, Virginia, where he was born Benjamin Joseph Levin on March 8, 1988. Long before he became a chart-dominating songwriter and producer, he spent his teenage years creating beats and experimenting with recording techniques. His early demos attracted the attention of producer and songwriter Dr. Luke, who became a mentor and helped introduce him to the professional music industry. Working under Dr. Luke’s guidance gave Blanco an opportunity to develop his songwriting skills and production techniques while contributing to recordings for major artists.
The whole of Pryma joined us at Uprising Festival for a catch up.
They discuss how well the festival is run, building on the momentum they gained from their Bloodstock appearance, how they got the opportunity to perform at this years Download Festival, building a career out of the band, future plans and more.
You can listen to the interview on this very page below!
Or if you prefer to listen on the go, check out the interview on our podcast platforms:
Imminence have revealed that they are going to be kicking 2027 off with their biggest ever headline shows in both the UK and Europe.
The band closed out the ‘The Black’ era in style at the end of 2025, including a stellar display at London’s Roundhouse. Now, they are making their return and upping the ante in a big way. And if that wasn’t enough, they are going to be joined by the legendary August Burns Red as support.
The band had this to say about the announcement, stating, “This is more than just another tour for us. It feels surreal to announce our return to Europe with our first-ever headlining arena shows, and sharing this moment with August Burns Red — a band that inspired us hugely from the very beginning — makes it even more meaningful.
“To everyone who’s supported us, believed in us, and helped carry us this far: thank you. None of this would be possible without you, and we are looking forward to taking the next step together.”
Here are all of the dates:
JANUARY
08 – GOTHENBURG Filmstudios 09 – HAMBURG Sporthalle 12 – MANCHESTER Academy 13 – LONDON Brixton Academy 15 – BRUSSELS Ancienne Belgique 16 – PARIS Zenith Paris – La Vilette 17 – DÜSSELDORF Mitsubishi Electric Halle 19 – OFFENBACH AM MAIN Stadthalle 20 – LUDWIGSBURG MHPArena 21 – MILAN Alcatraz 24 – VIENNA Gasometer 25 – BUDAPEST Barba Negra Red Stage 27 – MUNICH Zenith 29 – BERLIN Columbiahalle 30 – LEIPZIG Haus Auensee 31 – WARSAW Progresja
FEBRUARY
02 – HELSINKI Kulttuuritalo 05 – STOCKHOLM Fållan 06 – MALMÖ Slagthuset
