Fearghal Traynor, co-host of The Feckin’ Check-In, presents a podcast from Dublin, Ireland which celebrates hard rock and heavy metal, both old and new. Enjoy interviews, reviews, informal chats, and special series arcs spanning multiple episodes.
Episodes
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
On this episode, the first of a new series, I chat with fellow podcaster and good friend George Silano, to delve into the movement known as the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. We discuss when we first heard the term and early bands we listened to that fall under the banner. We also list some NWOTHM favourites and discuss the future of the movement.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
On Episode 80, I speak to Luke Appleton about his recently-released solo EP "Forever Viking." We discuss the tragic situation which inspired the release, take an in-depth look at each of the four tracks, and delve into the songwriting process behind them. We also discuss Absolva, a band which features Luke's brother Chris, his time spent working with Blaze Bayley, and his time spent in Iced Earth. Luke has many stories to tell about working with his family, and writing songs with Blaze Bayley and Jon Schaffer. Luke is also open and honest regarding his exit from Iced Earth and the situation that led to it. All of this makes for a fascinating and informative chat.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
In collaboration with The Mick Wall podcast, this episode features Mick and I having a discussion about Iron Maiden, focusing on the period between 1989 and 1999. Our chat covers off the parting of Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson in the early 1990s, until their eventual return in 1999. We examine the reasons why both felt they needed to leave Iron Maiden, and why both eventually returned. With the Future Past tour just around the corner, there seemed like no better time for another Maiden chinwag with Mick!
Friday Apr 28, 2023
Friday Apr 28, 2023
It's extinction for Dominion, and lights out for Manor Fest, but how did we get here? And what's next for UK metal festivals? I follow the story as it happened and ponder the future.
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss the recently-released concept album "Outsider". We discuss how this album came about, including the location in Ireland that inspired it, learning from concept albums of the past, the writing process for such an album, and how 35 minutes is the correct length for such a project. We also discuss a number of other topics including how Jarvis currently splits his time between Derry, California, and being on the road, the long gap between Night Demon studio albums, the creative process for the Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast, and the market for traditional metal in Ireland. As always, Jarvis has plenty of interesting things to say!
Friday Mar 24, 2023
Friday Mar 24, 2023
It's my pleasure to welcome Horley's own Armstrong Gun back to Feckin' Metal. We catch up where the previous interview left off, and discuss the band's new EP "Struck With Steel". We cover off numerous topics, including: songwriting (including incorporating older song ideas), taking a more "metal" approach, delving into a "box of riffs", feedback on the last album, converting YouTube views into sales, Bandcamp, cults & Kool Aid, artwork, merch, logistics, etc.
We also discuss gallivanting, camaraderie, pub prices, and the Keep it True Festival!
This is one not to be missed by heavy metal fans of any disposition!
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
It's Biff Byford! Need I say more? Well, maybe a small bit. We chat about recent Saxon activity, Biff's early days in bands, his autobiography (Never Surrender, Or Nearly Good Looking), and quite a bit about the Harvey Goldsmith documentary the band did in 2007 (Get Your Act Together). A great chat with a great man.
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Friday Feb 10, 2023
On this episode, I talk about recent heavy metal news relating to Ozzy Osbourne, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. I also cover recent releases from Tim "Ripper" Owens, Phantom Spell, Luzifer, Konquest, and Scepter. Lots of feckin' metal to digest on this one.
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
On this edition of Feckin' Metal, I chat to Oliver Weinsheimer (Oli), who is the organiser of the long-established Keep It True festival in Germany, along with several other heavy metal festivals over the years. We discuss the early days of the festival and the inspiration behind it, consulting the phone book to find bands, branching out to two festivals a year, booking bands for exclusive sets, helping to reunite bands, the placement of legacy acts on the top of the bill, and what the future holds for Keep It True. Oli answered all the tough questions in what turned out to be a very revealing interview.
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
In the final piece of my short run of Irish-themed episodes, I speak to Fergal Holmes, also known as "H", owner of DME Promotions. Fergal has been promoting metal and rock gigs in Ireland since 1999 and takes me from his early beginnings putting on gigs for the love of it, right though the development of a successful and profitable business. This is a story of hard work, loyalty, and earning respect of your peers, and the lessons learned along the way.