They DIY Toured 10 States With No Label, No Budget, and No Regrets | Ep 157
The Metal Maniacs PodcastShow Notes
This week on The Metal Maniacs Podcast (Ep 157), host Jay Ingersoll sits down with three‑fourths of heavy post‑hardcore breakout Dog Skull — Brad Jahr (bass), Jackson Filion (guitar), and Chance Reyes (drums) — to talk about life on the road, the grind of DIY touring, and carving a modern sound rooted in underground grit. With Jack (vocals) away this round, the band opens up about everything from their East Coast Tour (4/1 – 4/10) to the writing sessions behind one of Michigan’s freshest heavy releases.
Dog Skull has been turning heads across the Midwest with their fusion of raw emotion, groove‑driven riffs, and punk energy — a sound fans of Helmet, Bad Religion, and Trapped Under Ice will instantly connect with. Recorded and produced with the care of veterans who know “clean doesn’t mean soft,” their self‑titled LP (released July 17, 2025) cements them as a serious force in the heavy underground movement.
We dig deep into the band’s inception and influences, how each member contributes to the crisp production and tight live chemistry, and what keeps them motivated to chase authenticity in a saturated heavy scene. Expect laughs, road stories, and insight into how these guys balance brutal honesty and unshakable fun in their songwriting.
💿 Dog Skull (Self‑Titled, 2025) – Highlights Discussed 1. The Old Man The Boat – Catchy opener with thunderous bass and syncopated drum drive. 2. Pressure – Raw punk energy and tasteful vox placement discussion. 3. Face of God – Hooks for days + the “friends support builds momentum” chat. 4. Animal Race – High‑energy intro to groove transition breakdown. 5. So Perfect – Nu‑metal adjacent rhythms & creative guitar textures. 6. Tied To – Bass stops and bridge breakdown highlight (must‑listen). 7. Excuse for an End – Heavier take with descending riffs and samples. 8. No Friend of Mine – Disco‑beat meets Static X vibes; non‑stop vocals. 9. None, the Wiser – Grunge‑inspired bends and rock drive closer.
🗣️ Interview Segments - Band origin story & West Michigan roots - Creative process and riff building - Songwriting dynamics and production style - Post‑tour decompression and future plans - Favorite shows and road moments - Top heavy records that shaped each member - Life outside band 🎸☠️
⚙️ SEO Tags / Keywords Dog Skull Podcast, Dog Skull Interview, West Michigan Post Hardcore Band, Michigan Metal Scene, Underground Hardcore 2026, Metal Maniacs Podcast, Heavy Bands 2026, Post Hardcore 2026, Dog Skull Tour, Midwest Heavy Music, Musicians Interview Podcast, Metal Podcast Dog Skull, New Hardcore 2026, Heavy Post‑Hardcore Band Interview
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About The Show: The Metal Maniacs Podcast is the Midwest’s underground source for all things heavy — from black, death and hardcore to punk and post‑metal. Hosted by Jay Ingersoll, we sit down with bands, creators, and scene lifers who keep heavy music alive. Every episode dives into the craft behind the chaos — recording stories, gear nerd talk, funny tour moments, and honest discussion about art and life in the underground.
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