After years of relentless touring, financial hardship, lineup changes, and violence, Hermosa Beach hardcore pioneers Black Flag finally unleashed their debut full-length Damaged in 1981.With 20-year-old newcomer Henry Rollins entering the fold, the band delivered genre-defining anthems like “Rise Above” and “Police Story” while also pushing boundaries on the raw, experimental “Damaged I & II.”Conflicts over the album’s distribution sparked a lawsuit from the label, ultimately delaying the release of their equally influential (and polarizing) follow-up. Nevertheless, Damaged stands as the product of Black Flag’s blood, sweat, and defiance, and remains a towering pillar in punk history!Recommendations:Salome - SalomeSalome - TerminalThou / Salome - Our Enemy CivilizationThanya Iyer - TIDE/TIEDMachine Head - The More Things Change...Propagandhi - At PeaceFor all updates on Riff Worship follow us on Instagram and TwitterWatch Riff Worship on YouTubeWatch Review's from the Dylbozer's DinCheck out our official playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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1:36:24
#105 - Damaged - Purified in Pain w/ Matt "Skitz" Sanders (Damaged)
Between 1989 and 2004, the self-dubbed “hatecore” madmen DAMAGED erupted from the rural town of Ballarat and onto the Australian metal scene, fusing unhinged aggression with the most extreme elements of of black metal, grindcore, and death metal.With releases like Do Not Spit, Token Remedies Research, and the EP Passive Backseat Demon Engines, DAMAGED unleashed a feral energy that cemented their status as Australia’s premier live metal act of the ’90s. At a time when international bands rarely travelled to Oz’s shores, the band shared the stage with heavyweights like Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Sepultura, Cradle of Filth, Fear Factory, and many more.After a decade incensed with internal turmoil, DAMAGED entered the studio in 2000 alongside Brutal Truth frontman Kevin Sharp to record what would become their final album, Purified in Pain.25 years on, Purified in Pain remains a divisive swan song from a localized, but legendary legacy. This week we are joined by founding member Matt “Skitz” Sanders to unpack the album's story and honor the undefinable chaos, magic, and chemistry it captured.Recommendations:Heaven's Gate - Tales From a Blistering ParadiseFull of Hell - Broken Sword, Rotten ShieldConan - Violence DimensionANGELL - Veiled by WoeSequestrum / Sněť - SplitSoils of Fate - Crime SyndicateFollow Matt "Skitz" SandersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blastabyss/Follow Atræ BilisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/atraebilis/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atraebilis/Follow Fulci RotsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulcirots/Website: https://fulcirots.bigcartel.com/For all updates on Riff Worship follow us on Instagram and TwitterWatch Riff Worship on YouTubeWatch Review's from the Dylbozer's DinCheck out our official playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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2:36:42
#104 - TAD - Inhaler w/ Tad Doyle (TAD, Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, Hog Molly)
Following a stretch of interpersonal conflicts and legal setbacks, Seattle’s own TAD were poised to bring their heavy, aggressive sound to the majors.The arrival of powerhouse drummer Josh Sinder (formerly of The Accüsed) reinvigorated the band, as Tad Doyle, Kurt Danielson, and Gary Thorstensen channeled a blend of punk grit and metal heft into their songwriting.On their 1993 major label debut Inhaler, TAD delivers a raw, monolithic slab of sound both ugly and unrelenting, while still managing to weave in moments of surprising beauty.This week we are joined by special guest Tad Doyle to discuss the making of Inhaler, his prolific solo career, operating Witch Ape Studio, as well as his work composing scores for film!Amalthea is OUT NOW via Bandcamp: https://thomasandrewdoyle.bandcamp.com/album/amaltheaCara is available NOW to buy or rent digitally: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/cara/umc.cmc.4rmrdebdccroxtxu2mzx128uh?ctx_at=6The People's Union USA: https://thepeoplesunionusa.com/Follow Tad DoyleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tad.doyle.music/Twitter: https://x.com/TadDoyle_TadWebsite: https://www.taddoyle.com/Recommendations:YobFor all updates on Riff Worship follow us on Instagram and TwitterWatch Riff Worship on YouTubeWatch Review's from the Dylbozer's DinCheck out our official playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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1:09:38
#103 - Michael Brodsky (Vacuous, Bastard Mycosis, Thundering Hooves)
UK death metal outfit Vacuous charge into 2025 with In His Blood, their blood-soaked, riff-filled Relapse Records debut. Not out to reinvent the genre or shoehorn their eclectic influences, Vacuous succeed in writing honest extreme music that is uniquely their own.Joining us this week is Vacuous guitarist Michael Brodsky for a discussion on the new album, his journey through music, and all things the riff!In His Blood is OUT NOW via Relapse Records: https://www.relapse.com/collections/vacuous-in-his-bloodRecommendations:PortalFange - PurulencesFor all updates on Riff Worship follow us on Instagram and TwitterWatch Riff Worship on YouTubeWatch Review's from the Dylbozer's DinCheck out our official playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
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#102 - Burning Witch (Part 2) w/ Mizmor & Hell
Capturing a blend of intense malice and melancholy, Burning Witch’s career-spanning compilation Crippled Lucifer is essential listening for any doom and drone fan.The band’s unique style echoes through the genre today, particularly on Alluvion, the forthcoming collaboration between heavyweights Mizmor and Hell.This week we are joined by special guests A.L.N. and M.S.W. to discuss the legacy of Burning Witch and one of the year’s most anticipated releases!Alluvion drops April 4th via Gilead Media: https://gileadmedia.net/blogs/news/mizmor-hell-alluvion-cd-lp-tape-merch-pre-order-open-nowFollow Mizmor on Facebook and InstagramFollow Hell on Facebook and InstagramPhoto (Thumbnail) Credit: Emma Ruth RundleRecommendations:Wardruna - BirnaRoger Eno & Brian Eno - Mixing ColoursRoger Eno - VoicesCraftEnyaBurning WitchShape of DespairCold WorldDarkthroneJimmy CliffFor all updates on Riff Worship follow us on Instagram and TwitterWatch Riff Worship on YouTubeWatch Review's from the Dylbozer's DinCheck out our official playlists:Riffs on Repeat (Spotify)Hits from the Crypt (Apple)
The riff is the foundation of heavy music, evolving over several decades and styles. Many of our favorite songs started with a single idea and guitar in hand. Anyone can write a riff, but what makes a good riff? Each week, riff disciples Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, & Justin Swindle attempt to answer this question by discussing their favorite riffs, how they came to be, and why we still worship them today.
Netherlands