Best Matt Alschbach Podcasts (2025)

Oh the excess and bombast of the Sunset Strip in the late-70s and 1980s! The Profs discuss the epicenter of rock and metal in the 70s-80s as the Sunset Strip in L.A. became ground-zero for some of the greatest rock and metal acts in American history.

1
Episode 63: KISS in the early-80s 1:05:54

Play Pause

6d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Yes, we know we talk about KISS too often. However, in our defense, those early-80s KISS albums were SPECTACULAR. Court and Matt discuss the iconic albums "Creatures of the Night", "Music from the Elder", "Lick it Up" and "Animalize."

1
Episode 62: Rock and Metal Music Festivals 1:07:07

16d ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Oh the glory of the all-day music festival. US Fest, Ozzfest, Louder than Life, Wacken and Hellfest. So many festivals and so many bands! The Profs discuss the pros and cons of rock and metal music festivals, and cover some of the best and worst ones they've attended.

1
Episode 61: Podcast Producer Tim Williamson Takes over RAMP 1:14:59

18d ago1:14:59

1:14:59

In this special episode of RAMP, our podcast producer and colleague Tim Williamson takes over the show. We talk about whatever he wants to talk about!

1
Episode 60: Metallica in the 90s and Beyond 52:04

6d ago52:04

52:04

Yeah, we've heard it all before. After "...And Justice for All", Metallica became a different band, "sold out", and went mainstream. Early Metallica fans in particular love to condemn Metallica in the 1990s as the band who let them down. The Profs dispel the myths and do their level best to objectively assess Metallica's catalog in the 1990s and be…

1
Episode 59: KISS in the 1980s and beyond 1:06:10

6d ago1:06:10

1:06:10

KISS fans are a devoted bunch, and much of their love for the band is contingent upon when they started listening to them. For Matt, KISS in the 1970s were at their zenith. However, for slightly younger fans like Court, those 80s albums hold a special place. Dr. Lewis shines in this one, talking about the non-make-up years, the brief tenure of guit…

1
Episode 58: Guns & Roses: Use Your Illusion, AKA "Court's Delusion" 1:02:13

6d ago1:02:13

1:02:13

This week the Profs discuss one of the more controversial album releases in American music history, "Use Your Illusion I and II." Many rock fans may not remember that Guns & Roses did something no band had ever done in 1991 -- They released two double studio albums on the same day! Heralded by some rock fans as the answer to glam metal and the emer…

1
Episode 57: The best albums of 2022 41:27

6d ago41:27

41:27

The Profs discuss some of the best rock and metal music offerings of 2022.

1
Episode 56: Listener Questions, part 2 47:28

6d ago47:28

47:28

Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 2 of 2 episodes.

1
Episode 55: Listener Questions, part 1 34:26

6d ago34:26

34:26

Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 1 of 2 episodes.

1
Episode 54: The Meaning of Metallica with author William Irwin 55:17

6d ago55:17

55:17

The Rock and Metal Profs interview Professor of Philosophy, literary critic and heavy metal scholar William Irwin from King's College in Pennsylvania. His new book "The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics" is a detailed breakdown examining the history and philosophy of the most influential metal band in American history, Metallica.…

1
Episode 53: Album Review: DIO -- Holy Diver Deluxe 36:02

6d ago36:02

36:02

The profs discuss the release of the newly remixed and remastered Holy Diver album by Ronnie James Dio.

1
Episode 52: RIOT: The Band that should have been massive in the U.S. and abroad 1:02:10

6d ago1:02:10

1:02:10

New York-based band RIOT enjoyed modest success in the late-1970s and early-80s. They grew a die-hard following, even as they evolved into one of the few American Power Metal bands of the 1980s. However, line-up changes, tragedy, and a few ill-fated marketing decisions limited the band's appeal and commercial success. Undaunted, RIOT continued to p…

1
Episode 51: Interview with Black Sabbath Vocalist Tony Martin 50:35

6d ago50:35

50:35

The Tony Martin-era of Black Sabbath is much celebrated amongst fans of the band. Following the departure of Ronnie James Dio in 1982, Sabbath sought out veteran leadership in the form of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan. That line-up produced one very good album, but it was not to last. When Gillan left the band, Iommi and company found stability, …

1
Episode 50: Black Sabbath: The Tony Martin Era 1:02:00

12d ago1:02:00

1:02:00

In the 1980s and 90s Black Sabbath released 5 outstanding studio records (and a great live one) featuring British vocalist Tony Martin. After the departure of Ian Gillan after just one album and an ill-fated Tony Iommi solo record featuring Glenn Hughes on vocals, Sabbath turned to Tony Martin, a virtual unknown. Martin's incredible vocal range and…

1
Episode 49: POWER METAL!!! 59:52

12d ago59:52

59:52

Time to put those fists in the air! German metalers Helloween have the distinction of being one of the first (if not the very first) Power Metal bands, but what exactly is Power Metal? How does it differ from speed, thrash, and just plain-old heavy metal? Were German metal outfit ACCEPT a power metal band? What's with all the power metal bands from…

1
Episode 48: Tesla: The Early Years 52:58

12d ago52:58

52:58

Few bands made a bigger impact in the 1980s than Sacramento rockers Tesla. When "Mechanical Resonance" hit the stores, fans compared them to Aerosmith, but they forged a style and sound all their own that shaped the American rock sound for decades. Metallica loved them, girls adored them, and even hardcore metal fans had to admit that they were the…

1
Episode 47: Listeners Sound Off Which Version of the Band was Better? 1:04:01

18d ago1:04:01

1:04:01

We all know that AC/DC and Iron Maiden reached new commercial heights with replacement vocalists, but were versions 2.0 better than the original? Was Van Halen a better band with DLR or Sammy? Was Black Sabbath better with DIO or Ozzy? Jake or Zakk? The listeners sounded off, we listened, and we offer our own insight in this fun themed episode!…

1
Episode 46: Epic Album Trios: The Scorpions 37:50

23d ago37:50

37:50

In this very special edition of RAMP, Matt interviews childhood friend and long-time Scorpions fan Bruce Miller. They discuss the classic album triumvirate of Love Drive, Animal Magnetism and Blackout from the German forefathers of metal, The Scorpions.

1
Episode 45: Women in Rock and Metal: Part II 50:46

23d ago50:46

50:46

Court and Matt examine the contributions and monumental impact of women in Rock and Metal in the 90s and 2000s. The 21st century is a brave new world for women in rock and metal, and it is about time! So many great front-women in rock, and don't get us started on the great guitar work of shredders like Nita Strauss, Orianthi, Nikki Stringfield and …

1
Episode 44: Women in Rock and Metal: Part I 46:39

23d ago46:39

46:39

This week the Profs discuss the incredible contributions of women who Rock! In the 60s, 70s and 80s rock and metal was a boys club. However, there were a number of trailblazers who had the chops, talent, determination and grit to bring their best in the studio and on stage every time. Court and Matt talk about the glass ceiling in rock and metal, t…

1
Episode 43: Ozzy Osbourne: Part II -- the Jake and Zakk Years 56:50

28d ago56:50

56:50

In part 2, the Profs look at the incredible work that Ozzy produced with Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde in the 80s and 90s.

1
Episode 42: Ozzy Osbourne: Part I 58:06

28d ago58:06

58:06

The Madman is back! Matt and Dr. Lewis research the career and legacy of the great Ozzy Osbourne. The Profs analyze his time in Black Sabbath, his break with the band, Sharon Arden's (Osbourne's) role in putting Ozzy back in the mainstream, the Satan Panic, the death of Randy Rhoads, and the Ozman's thunderous impact on rock and metal.…

1
Episode 41: Foo Fighters 43:16

28d ago43:16

43:16

By Request, the Profs examine the history, impact and legacy of the Foo Fighters. Friend to the show and long-time supporter Greg Hill in Escondido California suggested the Foo Fighters, and we loved the idea!

1
Episode 40: Alice Cooper Part II 55:40

28d ago55:40

55:40

The Profs handle Alice Cooper's later catalog, history, and legacy.

1
Episode 39: Bonus Episode: Court interviews Cello The Black Pearl 47:00

28d ago47:00

47:00

Dr. Lewis interviews Detroit's Cello "Tha Black Pearl" in this bonus pod.

1
Episode 38: Alice Cooper 52:01

28d ago52:01

52:01

This week Dr. Court Lewis gets to talk about one of his favorite artists, the legendary Alice Cooper. The master of shock rock, Alice's storied career was fraught with controversy, alcoholism, chicken abuse, and a religious awakening. Court is in his element, and Matt is just along for the ride!

1
Episode 37: The Best Bands and Albums of 2021 59:15

28d ago59:15

59:15

Court and Matt discuss the bests albums and artists of 2021.

1
Episode 36: Van Halen: The David Lee Roth Era 1:05:24

28d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Everybody Wants Some! Has there ever been a more impactful and transformative band than Van Halen? When Eddie, Alex, Michael and DLR hit the Los Angeles scene in the late-1970s, it was a seismic shift in music. A young Eddie Van Halen showed that whatever people might have thought was possible (or impossible) on the guitar, they were wrong. The mos…

1
Episode 35: System of a Down 1:01:54

28d ago1:01:54

1:01:54

System of a Down are a band that tackled serious issues. Their outspoken criticism of Turkey's government and the Armenian Genocide is well-documented. But what some casual listeners may not know is that they are also an incredibly talented quartet -- gifted songwriters and musicians. When they hit the music scene in the late-1990s, their crushing …

1
Episode 34: Judas Priest: the 1990s and 2000s (Episode 3 of 3) 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

The Profs examine the tumultuous 1990s and how Judas Priest reinvented when Halford left the band. Like most metal acts in the 90s, JP struggled to maintain legitimacy and their fanbase. Record companies moved on, but the band forged ahead. With Halford returning to the band in the early 2000s, the band produced a string of incredible albums and pr…

1
Episode 33: Judas Priest: The 1980s 52:11

1M ago52:11

52:11

When 1982's "Screaming for Vengeance" hit the U.S. and England, it was a smash. Up until that point, the Birmingham metal outfit had modest success, particular in the U.S. when they opened for KISS in 1979. However, "Screaming..." placed JP alongside the greatest rock and metal acts of the decade. With fame came infamy however, and Priest was not i…

1
Episode 32: Judas Priest: the 1970s - Episode 1 of 3 1:01:09

1M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

The Profs mine the data to present the history and philosophy of heavy metal progenitors Judas Priest. Like their fellow Birmingham mates in Black Sabbath, Judas Priest deserve to be placed alongside Sabbath as the founding fathers of heavy metal. From the start, Priest blazed their own path, creating a sound and style that has been often emulated …

1
Episode 31: Rock N Pod Interviews: Vinnie Appice, Producer Toby Wright and Tora Tora 1:10:48

1M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

More interviews from Rock N Pod August 2022. Matt and Court interview legendary drummer Vinnie Appice of Black Sabbath and DIO, Producer Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica) and Memphis rockers Tora Tora.

1
Episode 30: Rock and Pod Interviews: Resist and Bite and Pamela Des Barres 57:35

1M ago57:35

57:35

Court and Matt interview members of the rock outfit "Resist and Bite" (featuring Tommy Skeoch of Tesla) and legendary rock muse and groupie Pamela Des Barres.

1
Episode 29: Vinnie Vincent 54:12

1M ago54:12

54:12

Vinnie Vincent has the distinction of being one of the most beloved, reviled and criticized rock artists of the last 40 years. When he hit the Los Angeles scene he had modest success writing and performing musical scores for TV shows. Hired by KISS to replace founding guitarist Ace Frehley in the early-80s, fans were ecstatic with the new musical d…

1
Episode 28: Kansas 1:05:10

1M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

The Profs examine the incomparable Kansas. Were they classic rock? Were they early prog rock? Were they a pop band? Kansas was challenging to define, then and now. Whatever the categorization, music fans agree that they made some of the best music of the 70s and 80s, and with very little radio airplay nor popular acclaim. Count and Matt look at the…

1
Episode 27: Iron Maiden: Part II 1:00:12

1M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

The Profs take a 2nd look at the monumental British metal band Iron Maiden. Often considered one of the greatest of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" bands in the early 80s, Maiden's place in the pantheon of metal is secure. And perhaps no band is better at covering historical topics and telling meaningful stories than Steve, Bruce, Dave, Adria…

1
Episode 26: Rockumentaries with Tommy Ellis 1:02:35

1M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

This week Matt chats with writer, editor, publisher and music fan Tommy Ellis. In Tommy's longtime role as a magazine editor and publisher, he's had the opportunity to interview some of the biggest names in rock and metal music over his career. He's also an avid fan of music documentaries. Matt and Tommy discuss both well-known and more obscure can…

1
Episode 25: Ronnie James Dio: Part II 57:11

1M ago57:11

57:11

Well, you knew we were going to circle back to DIO. We couldn't possibly cover such an iconic artist with such an illustrious career in one episode. Court and Matt discuss RJD's career, catalog, history, philosophy and various bandmates.

1
Episode 24: AC/DC: The Brian Johnson Years 59:19

1M ago59:19

59:19

The Profs examine the tragic death of Bon Scott, the band soldiering on, Brian Johnson's humble beginnings, and the band becoming bigger than anyone could have ever imagined with "Back in Black", "For Those About to Rock" and "Flick of the Switch." The band that defied all expectations, genres and cultural conventions, AC/DC!…

1
Episode 23: AC/DC: The Bon Scott Years 53:29

1M ago53:29

53:29

One of the most downloaded episodes in the show's history, we underestimated just how many people around the world LOVE AC/DC! The profs discuss the band's early lack of success in their home country of Australia, blowing up in England and the US, and their irrerressible desire to make it big no matter what obstacles they encountered.…

1
Episode 22: Black Sabbath: The Ozzy Years 52:45

1M ago52:45

52:45

The Profs discuss the history and philosophy of the progenitors of an entire genre of music, the great Black Sabbath. Recorded a few years prior to Ozzy's passing, Matt and Court cover the early history of the band's roots in Birmingham and just how transformative Sabbath was in terms of music, imagery, themes and culture.…

1
Episode 21: Guitar Gods 1:02:32

1M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

The Profs discuss the rise of the guitar virtuoso in the 70s and 80s. From Ritchie Blackmore to EVH, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie, the rock and metal genre boasts the greatest guitar players ever to grace the earth. This is going to be a fun one!

1
Episode 20: Queensryche 1:01:01

1M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Court and Matt discuss Seattle metal pioneers Queensryche. When this quintet hit the music scene in the early 80s with their 4-song EP, fans knew they were going to be special. With a unique prog sound, soaring vocals and technical guitar and drum work, they were an instance success within the metal community. The Profs discuss the band's history, …

1
Episode 19: Body Count 1:13:12

1M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

The Profs discuss hardcore metal act Body Count and the impact Ice T. and his bandmates made when they hit the scene in the early-90s. From the beginning the band stoked controversy, built a devoted following, endured repeated attacks from politicians and bigots, and persevered over time to become a mainstay at metal festivals into the 2020s.…

1
Episode 18: The RUSH experts - Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

Matt is joined by long-time friends and hardcore RUSH fans, Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza. The trio have a fun conversation about when they discovered RUSH, what the band meant to them, live concerts they attended, and the passing of the world's greatest percussionist, the Professor Neil Peart.…

1
Episode 17: Interview with Rob De Luca from Spread Eagle, UFO and Sebastian Bach 52:53

1M ago52:53

52:53

Road warrior, bassist, songwriter and founding member of Spread Eagle Rob De Luca joins the Profs to talk about the current incarnation of the band, his time with rock legends UFO, and touring with Sebastian Bach.

1
Episode 16: Spread Eagle 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

When New York's Spread Eagle hit the metal scene in 1989, many early fans recognized that they were different from the established glam and sleaze metal bands of the late-80s. A self-styled "Street Metal" act, Rob De Luca, Paul DiBartolo, Ray West and Tommy Gallo produced two hard-hitting, raw and uncompromising albums within just a few short years…