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For Those Interested...

Hey all,

I know most of you have noticed, but I'm making some changes to the "Chris Akin" brand, such as it is. For awhile now, I've wanted to get back to talking more about music than I've been able to, so I started branching things out. I think that branching is complete now. Going forward, you will be getting as much of me as you can stand, including:

The Classic Metal Show - nothing changes there.

Aftershocks Tremors - Matt Hartnett and I are going to start doing more of a weekly-ish podcast talking about industry stuff, such as we've been doing on occasion the past few months. We both like doing it, and are going to make a go of that.

Talk Toomey (Presented by Knotfest.com) - I'm pleased to announce that Joshua Toomey has asked me to be his co-host on the Knotfest-sponsored platform. Not quite sure what all that entails yet, but we'll be offering some commentary, polls, etc. This will start, I think, in January. I won't be participating in the interviews though, because...

Chris Akin Presents - basically I'll be rebranding what has been called CMS MUSIC w/CHRIS AKIN and before that AFTERSHOCKS TV. This is where I'll be doing interviews with various musicians every week.

There's a lot going on as I grow the various things I'm doing.

There's also two other projects that I'm working on, but aren't quite there to announce yet.

Needless to say, I'm always humbled that anyone cares about anything I'm doing, so thank you if you are one of those that do care.

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TOWNSEND: Heavy Metal is for Hypersensitive Kids

Devin explains why the heaviest music comes from the most sensitive people, not "sociopaths".

The version you’re seeing here is the "sanitized" edit. To hear the full, unfiltered, and legally dangerous deep dive—including the stuff that gets us banned elsewhere—join the Inner Circle at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com. Become a VIP and get the substance the mainstream won't touch.

GET THE MOTH ON VINYL FROM DEVIN TOWNSEND: https://amzn.to/4w1iF1C

00:02:41
75-Year-Old Grandma Picks The Wrong Shift Leader At Tim Hortons (VIP)

Neeley and Chris dive into the bizarre legal fallout of a Tennessee school board member facing criminal assault charges after a context-dependent comment to a student. Was it a predatory move, or did an algorithmic outrage mob just destroy a 20-year career over a colloquial phrase? Immediately following that, the hosts react to the shocking viral footage of an elderly woman engaging in a physical brawl with a Tim Hortons shift leader. We break down the footage, look at who threw the first punch, and ask the uncomfortable question: Has public decorum officially collapsed?

00:58:56
Why Nazareth’s Pete Agnew Thinks the Internet is KILLING Rock and Roll

You’re listening to last week’s news—our VIPs already finished this episode commercial-free seven days ago. Stop waiting in line and get instant access to every show, advance interviews, and exclusive bonus content for just $4.99 at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com.

Nazareth founding member Pete Agnew doesn't pull punches when discussing the state of the music industry and the upcoming "Titans of Classic Rock" tour with Foghat. While the world remembers them for the legendary ballad "Love Hurts," Agnew reveals the raw, hard-rocking reality of a band that has survived five decades of industry shifts. From the "gift from the gods" in new vocalist Gianni Pontillo to the polarizing effect of the internet on global setlists, this is an uncensored look at rock royalty still claiming their throne. Discover why the "original rockers" are the only ones left who truly understand the spirit of the 70s.

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ON THIS EPISODE:

02:15 - The Titans...

00:26:16
DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)

Why is everyone still suing Michael Jackson's estate? Neeley and Chris are giving their honest take on the skepticism surrounding the latest legal battle and reviewing the trailer for the upcoming MICHAEL biopic. We're also talking about the tragedy of the woman who fell off the cruise ship and the infuriating new trend of "seat squatting" on planes. Finally, CMS Producer Weezie honors our lost friend, Bob Nalbandian. Share and follow for the metal-fueled truth! Get commercial-free episodes by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

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Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By ...

DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)
Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)

Seriously, how do you keep your music fresh when you're a band with a decades-long history? It's tough! Chris chats with Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo about their latest, ECHOES OF ETERNITY. They talk about the killer sound improvements, what it was like working with a legend like DMC for the first time, and the guts it takes to try new things as a legacy act. Don't just listen—hit that share button, follow us, and subscribe to Rumble Premium for more! Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

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BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

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Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)
LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)

What’s crazier: Lemmy destroying a multi-million dollar mixing board with a cheeseburger, or King Diamond getting $26,000 a year from his government just for being an artist? Neeley and Chris tackle these wild metal stories! We also review George Lynch's new single, which he released after admitting he totally lied about retiring. Hint: the guys are NOT impressed. Plus, check out the insane guitar talent from a young private school student. Like, follow, and share this video! Get commercial-free episodes and more by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

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BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By Chris ...

LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)

@classicmetalshow Do we think this is down to poor ticket sales/high ticket prices, has Gene fell out of favour for unpopular opinions he has voiced, is he just old news and people are just not interested anymore, or is there some other reason? Interested to know what people say.

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If you read Stevie Rachelle’s piece on Metal Sludge about the dodgy Australian promoter here’s a TV piece about it.

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Down Release Remastered OVER THE UNDER!
Today marks the official release of the remastered edition of Over The Under, the third studio album from American heavy metal supergroup, DOWN!

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Today marks the official release of the remastered edition of Over The Under, the third studio album from American heavy metal supergroup, DOWN!

Initially issued in the Fall of 2007, DOWN’s third studio album was produced by Warren Riker and served as a true moment in time delivering over 60 heartfelt minutes of sonic frustration with songs addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and personal turmoil.

 

 

The 2026 edition of Over The Under features remastered audio by Eric Koondel (Soilwork, Cynic, Malevolent Creation, Death) and marks the first time the LP will be officially available in the US market. Additionally, the CD and digital versions include bonus track “Invest In Fear” (the first time the track will be available on a US physical release and on Digital Service Providers worldwide).

DOWN’s Over The Under remaster is available now on Nuclear Blast on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find orders HERE.

Additionally, DOWN’s special cover of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time,” originally released in video form to celebrate Mardi Gras earlier this year, is currently available on all streaming platforms!

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New Orleans native Dr. John was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music combined New Orleans blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk. “Right Place, Wrong Time” was the first single from Dr. John’s 1973 album, In the Right Place, and became the most popular single of his career. DOWN’s cover of “Right Place, Wrong Time” is an homage to Dr. John and his appearances on The Midnight Special TV series, a late-night musical variety show that aired from 1972 to 1981.

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Stream DOWN’s rendition of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time” HERE and watch the video HERE.

DOWN will return to North American stages this Summer for a two-week headlining tour with support provided by Helmet and Spirit In The Room! The Strap It Down tour begins in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15th and closes in Shakopee, Minnesota on September 4th with a special previously announced performance as direct support to Slayer. The journey also includes slots on the 2026 installment of Zakk Wylde's Berzerkus Festival featuring Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, and others on August 28th in Scranton, Pennsylvania and August 29th in Wantagh, New York.

Limited DOWN VIP ticketless packages are available now, featuring a soundcheck experience, meet & greet, photo opportunity, signed poster, and exclusive merch item.

Visit down-nola.com/tour to secure yours now.

In October, DOWN will perform at both Aftershock and Sick New World Texas. In December the band will headline day two (December 5th) of this year’s edition of the Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest Denver. The appearance marks the band’s first Denver appearance in over twelve years! See all confirmed dates below.

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CHECK OUT OVER THE UNDER REMASTERED 2026 HERE: https://downofficial.bandcamp.com/album/over-the-under-2026-remaster

DOWN Live:

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6/21/2026 Hellfest 2026 – Clisson, FR

w/ Helmet, Spirit In The Room:

8/15/2026 The Eastern – Atlanta, GA

8/16/2026 Piedmont Hall – Greensboro, NC

8/19/2026 House Of Blues – Cleveland, OH

8/20/2026 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA

8/22/2026 Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI

8/23/2026 HISTORY – Toronto, ON

8/25/2026 MTELUS – Montreal, QC

8/26/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA

8/28/2026 The Pavilion @ Montage Mountain – Scranton, PA * Berzerkus Fest w/ Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, more…

8/29/2026 Northwell @ Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY * Berzerkus Fest w/ Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, more…

8/30/2026 The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD

9/01/2026 Bogart's – Cincinnati, OH

9/02/2026 Ramova Theatre – Chicago, IL

9/04/2026 Mystic Lake Amphitheater – Shakopee, MN * w/ Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed

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10/03/2026 Aftershock – Sacramento, CA

10/24/2026 Sick New World Texas – Fort Worth, TX

12/05/2026 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest – Denver, CO

* No Helmet, Spirit In The Room

You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. Featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders, there’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. The band upholds a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.

 

 

With a collective resume encompassing Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, and EyeHateGod, the quintet puffed out its first haze of sonic smoke from the belly of gritty old New Orleans on the 1995 platinum-selling classic, NOLA. At that moment, they naturally summoned something akin to a ritual, continually partaking in it with critically revered offerings — Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow in 2002, Down III: Over The Under in 2007, Down IV – Part One in 2012, and Down IV – Part Two in 2014. Their shows built a certain live lore with unforgettable runs alongside Metallica and Heaven & Hell, as well as coveted spots on iconic festivals like Download, Soundwave, Ozzfest, and so many others, forever delivering passionate, powerful, pure heavy music you can feel deep down in your soul.

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Stand by for updates on new DOWN music in the months to come.

 

 

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SPREAD EAGLE ON OLD HEADS STUCK IN 1989: “Stop Demanding We Rehash the Past”
With their brand new record The Brutal Divine, vocalist Ray West and bassist Rob DeLuca aren't chasing the safe, predictable cash of the past.

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Let’s cut through the absolute horse shit that has completely paralyzed the modern hard rock community. For the last three decades, the entire genre has been held hostage by a bunch of "old heads" who stopped evolving the exact second Nirvana dropped "Smells Like Teen Spirit." They want their favorite bands locked in a permanent, pathetic 1989 time capsule, rehashing the same three guitar hooks and hairspray anthems just so they can feel like welcome, nostalgic houseguests at festivals like M3.

 

 

GET SPREAD EAGLE'S THE BRUTAL DIVINE HERE: https://amzn.to/4wUMZLT

Spread Eagle is openly spitting in the face of that corporate, sanitized nostalgia machine.

With their brand new record The Brutal Divine, vocalist Ray West and bassist Rob DeLuca aren't chasing the safe, predictable cash of the past. They are dropping a slab of modern, raw, metal-punk-infused adrenaline that actually reflects the universal, grinding madness of the real world we live in today. They aren't trying to sell you a fictional story about dragons, and they certainly aren't trying to write a calculated, focus-grouped radio hit. They’re writing about the absolute clown show of modern culture, from gullible, uninformed herds to the everyday street level grind. It’s old school pedigree armed with unapologetic new school sensibilities. If you're looking for another safe, corporate Motley Crue clone, you're looking in the wrong place. This is pure, untamed, hundred-percent-live substance.

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This Is Where A Routine Stop Goes Horribly Wrong

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A routine traffic stop quickly escalates into total chaos when a driver decides the side of the highway is the perfect place to argue law with state troopers. What starts as a simple refusal to exit the vehicle spirals into a high-speed pursuit, wrecked police cruisers, and a desperate attempt to swallow the evidence. Fans are completely torn over how this takedown was handled, with many wondering if the escalation could have been avoided entirely.

 

 

If you’re watching this here, you’re already late.The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals:https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

 

 

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