Music

Classic Metal Show

Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has been the ultimate destination for honest, no-holds-barred talk about hard rock, heavy metal, and everything in between.

This isn’t just another channel. It’s an uncensored community.

On our paid tier, you get commercial-free access to all of our daily episodes, plus bonus content, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to interact with us directly.

If you’re tired of corporate music media and you want the truth from two guys who have been doing this for over two decades, this is your new home.

Disclaimer: If you can’t handle opinions that aren’t your own, you’re in the wrong place. We’re not here to make friends. We’re here to talk metal. Deal with it, crybabies!

cmspn.substack.com

Latest Episodes:

EDDIE TRUNK MELTDOWN: “Just Saying” Alice Cooper Stole My Spot! 😭📻 Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

“I'm the last guy in the world, honestly—anybody who knows me—I'm the last guy in the world to beat my own drum. [Neeley: Stop it! What are you doing right now?!]”

[Sponsor: Black Sabbath - SABOTAGE COLLECTOR’S EDITION BOX SET - https://amzn.to/45gHgDc]

Want tomorrow’s episode TODAY + VIP exclusives + daily AI news pods with ZERO ads? One $4.99 subscription unlocks it all, everywhere:

► Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com ► Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe ► Rumble Premium: https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

EDDIE TRUNK IS SEETHING! Alice Cooper just got inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and Sir Edward of Trunk is NOT happy about it. Chris and Neely dissect the most passive-aggressive rant in broadcast history. Eddie claims he’s “not beating his own drum” while simultaneously listing every single thing he’s done since 1983. Neely exposes the truth: Eddie thinks he invented rock radio, but Rockline was taking live calls while Eddie was still figuring out his hairspray!

Plus, we look back at the decadence of Jimmy Swaggart and why every cult leader just wants two things: pussy and money. It’s a masterclass in ego, jealousy, and “just saying.” 🤘🔥

Timestamps:

* 00:01:13: Jimmy Swaggart: The original “Miracle Man” scandal

* 00:03:30: Why every cult leader is just after pussy and money

* 00:08:28: Alice Cooper gets into the Radio Hall of Fame

* 00:15:43: The Eddie Trunk Rant begins: Passive-aggression at its finest

* 00:27:48: Did Eddie Trunk invent rock radio? (Spoiler: No)

* 00:45:34: The massive list of people in the Hall of Fame that AREN’T Eddie

Rock the gear:

https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

Chris’s books that started half the fights in metal: Call Me Chris → https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories → https://amzn.to/43A143y …AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY… → https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Is Eddie Trunk a radio legend or just a legendary whiner? Let us know in the comments! 🤘

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

The Hara On Playing Download: "We Blacked Out!" Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Chris Akin Presents... Interviews, Chris sits down with Josh Taylor, Zack Breen, and Jack Kennedy, the guys from the band The Hara. They dig into their new album, The Fallout, which drops on January 23rd, discussing their hard-to-pin-down genre that blends metalcore, pop, and rock. The band talks about their goal of playing stadiums, the backstory of their formation—starting online and rehearsing in a parent’s garage—and what it was like to play huge UK festivals like Download and Slam Dunk. They also dive deep into the meaning behind their songs, including the fan-favorite “Psycho Killer” and the recently released single “Violence”.

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We highly recommend our Locals page: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

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Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

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 Akin - https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

#thehara, #metalcore, #downloadfestival, #newmusic, #rockinterview, #thefallout, #chrisakin, #bandinterview, #metalcore2026, #rockmusic

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Is Into Oblivion The End Of Lamb Of God Or A New Beginning? Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Is Lamb of God finally “untethered,” or have they just become the loudest critics of a society in total collapse? The mainstream media wants to talk about “artistic evolution,” but Alex and Alicia are digging into the raw, ugly truth behind Into Oblivion. Are these veteran metallers finally doing whatever the hell they want, or is Randy Blythe using his veteran privilege to drop a truth bomb that would get any younger band cancelled? You’re being told one thing—now hear the only duo with the balls to tell you what’s actually happening in the studio and in the streets. Hit play or stay in the dark.

ORDER LAMB OF GOD’S INTO OBLIVION ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4pJlQGZ

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🤘 THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW: Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has caused global chaos. Neeley and Chris deliver the best “shock jock” radio today—a scorched-earth look at pop culture, sex, and the 80s Hard Rock we live for.

THE LINEUP: We dive deep into the legends: Motley Crue, Metallica, Judas Priest, Poison, Metal Church, Dokken, Lynch Mob, Journey, Ratt, and our favorite target, Eddie Trunk.

🔗 GET THE REAL SHOW AT: 👉 www.theclassicmetalshow.com

TO ALL OUR LOYAL FCKIES: You know the deal. If you aren’t a pssy, subscribe for the highlights and head to the site for the raw truth. HAIL & KILL! F*CK YOU, PAL! HANDJOB! 🖕

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Why Your Fire Stick is Slowly Becoming Overpriced Cable Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Think you’re winning the cord-cutting war just because Amazon added 50 “free” Roku channels to your Fire Stick? Why would two of the biggest rivals in streaming suddenly start playing nice? Chris Akin digs into the dark side of “free” content and why your favorite streaming device is starting to feel exactly like the cable company you tried to escape. Is this a gift for the fans, or a calculated trap to bleed your wallet dry through ads and hidden subscriptions? The “real truth” about the 50-channel update is more cynical than you think.

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🎙️ ABOUT CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS...

Hard Rock. Heavy Metal. No Filter. 🤘 Join legendary journalist Chris Akin daily for the most honest rants in the industry. From exclusive interviews with rock’s biggest icons to the “real talk” on cord-cutting, movies, and pop culture, Chris Akin Presents… is the home for fans who hate the mainstream script.

📺 WHAT WE COVER:

* Heavyweight Interviews: Unfiltered chats with Hard Rock & Metal’s elite.

* Pop Culture Rants: The truth about Movies, TV, and the streaming wars.

* Cord Cutting: Navigating the modern media mess without getting ripped off.

* Music News: The stories the labels don’t want you to focus on.

#ChrisAkin #HardRock #HeavyMetal #PopCulture #CordCutting #TheClassicMetalShow #MusicInterviews #Uncensored

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

FROM JUNK PUNCH TO GENIUS? TJ James’ Massive Redemption! 🎸🔥 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

[Sponsor: Blackout Coffee - https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=BoNofhazE → Code CHRIA20 for 20% off]

Want tomorrow’s episode TODAY + VIP exclusives + daily AI news pods with ZERO ads? One $4.99 subscription unlocks it all, everywhere:

► Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com► Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe ► Rumble Premium: https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

THE REDEMPTION ARC OF THE CENTURY! Longtime CMS superfan TJ James is BACK, and he’s actually got some killer music this time! After the legendary “Junk Punch” debacle, Tim went to school for EIGHT YEARS to show Chris and Neely he’s the real deal. Now he’s working with ARIA-winning producer Rick Price and Nashville’s finest session players. We’re talking Garth Brooks’ bass player and Sheryl Crow’s drummer!

Tim spills the beans on his $10k grant, his 80 Motley Crue shirts, and his mission to become the next Desmond Child. Plus, we dive into why family-friendly radio should be burned to the ground and why Tim gets a lifetime “hall pass” for the greatest McDonald’s prank in show history. 🤘🔥

Timestamps:

* 00:01:52: The death of family-friendly radio

* 00:04:49: TJ James enters the arena

* 00:06:53: The transition from “Junk Punch” to pro-Nashville sound

* 00:11:58: The $10,000 grant and working with Rick Price

* 00:22:39: Can anyone learn to sing? The Ken Tamplin debate

* 00:42:32: The legendary Orange Soda McDonald’s prank throwback

Rock the gear: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

Chris’s books that started half the fights in metal:

Call Me Chris → https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories → https://amzn.to/43A143y …AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY… → https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Is TJ James finally a “Hook Machine” or is the ghost of Junk Punch still lurking? Let us know in the comments! 🤘

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

KREATOR BASSIST FRÉDÉRIC LECLERCQ: YES, HE LOVES YACHT ROCK! (Audio) Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Frederic Leclercq, the bassist for Kreator, is into Yacht Rock. Yeah, the dude who shreds on KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD also chills out to smooth jams. Wait till you hear WHY he said it…

DON’T WAIT: Order KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD on Vinyl Here: https://amzn.to/44A1RTc

Chris talks to Kreator bassist Frédéric Leclercq about the band’s latest album, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, and how he’s integrated his style into a legendary thrash metal band. They get deep into the creative process and the history of Kreator, dropping some serious knowledge about touring. But does Kreator’s bassist secretly want to join Toto?

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👉 Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

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SPONSOR: Blackout Coffee - https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=BoNofhazE. Use Promo Code CHRIA20 to save 20% on your next purchase!

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CHRIS AKIN’S BOOKS (buy or the algorithm wins):

Call Me Chris – https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4Little Victories – https://amzn.to/43A143y...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... – https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Everything here is 100% opinion. DYOR before you @ us.

#Kreator #YachtRock #ThrashMetal #MetalInterview #FrédéricLeclercq #KrushersOfTheWorld #CMSPN #ChrisAkin #Thrash #Metal

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

TALKING UNDERWATER? The Ozzy Ace Meltdown & The Knockout Game 🥊🔥 Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

“That bloke could talk underwater with a mouthful of arseholes.”

[Sponsor: Sammy Hagar & The Best Of All Worlds Band - The Residency - https://amzn.to/48gl3qj]

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD? Chris and Neely dive into the absolute lunacy of “Ozzy Ace” and a 40-minute rant that has people wondering if he’s on crank! Then, the rage hits a boiling point as they discuss the return of the “Knockout Game”—teenagers assaulting random strangers for “clout” on social media and then apologizing like it’s a “mistake.” Are we headed for vigilante justice? Plus, Eddie Trunk rants about the Rock Hall (again), and Chris explains why 90% of you are too lazy to use Bluetooth. Pure chaos energy right here! 🤘🔥

Want tomorrow’s episode TODAY + VIP exclusives + daily AI news pods with ZERO ads? One $4.99 subscription unlocks it all, everywhere:

► Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com ► Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe ► Rumble Premium: https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

Timestamps:

* 00:01:12: The polarizing Ozzy Ace meltdown

* 00:07:50: The “Knockout Game” is back and it’s vicious

* 00:15:43: Vigilante justice is coming

* 00:25:12: Eddie Trunk vs. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

* 00:33:40: Why the world is too lazy for tech

Rock the gear: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

Chris’s books that started half the fights in metal:

Call Me Chris → https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories → https://amzn.to/43A143y …AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY… → https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Is vigilante justice the only way to stop these “social media pranks”? Let us know in the comments! 🤘

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

The SURVIVOR Takeover: Why Season 50 Is Breaking Every Reality TV Rule Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Is the era of the passive TV viewer officially dead? Chris Akin dives into the massive announcement regarding Survivor Season 50 and why the producers are suddenly handing the keys to the kingdom over to the fans. Why is a 24/7 streaming loop the new weapon of choice for major networks, and what does it say about our attention spans? Before you tune into the next “big thing,” you need to hear why the “on-demand” secret might be the only way to keep your sanity.

* – The Survivor 50th Season Bombshell

* – 24/7 Streaming: Bingeing vs. On-Demand Hacks

* – Season 50: “In the Hands of the Fans” Explained

* – Fear Factor & The Return of “Stupid Human Tricks”

🚀 SUPPORT THE SHOW:

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🎙️ ABOUT CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS...

📺 WHAT WE COVER:

* Heavyweight Interviews: Unfiltered chats with Hard Rock & Metal’s elite.

* Pop Culture Rants: The truth about Movies, TV, and the streaming wars.

* Cord Cutting: Navigating the modern media mess without getting ripped off.

* Music News: The stories the labels don’t want you to focus on.

#ChrisAkin #HardRock #HeavyMetal #PopCulture #CordCutting #TheClassicMetalShow #MusicInterviews #Uncensored #Survivor50 #PlutoTV

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

BEST OF: Was Dave Mustaine a "Bitch" for firing Ellefson? 🎸🔥 Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

“Throwing out a statement like an already strained relationship in public without anything to back it up is a bitch move.”

[Sponsor: Blackout Coffee - https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=BoNofhazE → Code CHRIA20 for 20% off]

UNPACKING THE SCANDAL: 🤘 Bro, we are going deep into the David Ellefson / Megadeth fallout. Bob Nalbandian joins Chris to argue over whether David was a “negligent” friend or if Dave Mustaine caved to the woke mob. Bob reveals he saw them avoiding each other backstage for YEARS—no talking, total separation. Is the Megadeth “brand” more important than a 40-year friendship?

Timestamps:

08:05 – Loyalty to the body of work 15:50 – The “Bitch Move” argument 32:45 – Dave Mustaine watching a “hack” singer do his songs

Want tomorrow’s episode TODAY + VIP exclusives + daily AI news pods with ZERO ads? One $4.99 subscription unlocks it all, everywhere:

► Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com ► Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe ► Rumble Premium: https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

Want the throwback episode + live chat? Full version on Rumble → [https://rumble.com/theclassicmetalshow]

Which side are you on: Team Mustaine or Team Ellefson? Let’s hear it in the comments! 🔥🤘

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

The Classic Metal Show LIVE 1/3/26 (Best Of) Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

“Throwing out a statement like an already strained relationship in public without anything to back it up is a bitch move. That’s a bitch move.” — Chris Akin

[Sponsor: Mötley Crüe - Theatre Of Pain 40th Anniversary Exploded Edition - https://amzn.to/48bOVnF]

Bro, the Megadeth camp is a MESS. Chris and Bob Nalbandian go toe-to-toe on whether Dave Mustaine caved to cancel culture or if David Ellefson finally just pushed the envelope too far with his side projects and “negligence.”

But the real “spit-your-beer-out” moment is Eddie Trunk. He spent his whole show “just saying” why he’s more qualified for the Radio Hall of Fame than Alice Cooper. You can’t make this shit up.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:04:30 – Tabloid metal news vs. Reality. 00:19:47 – The “management statement” breakdown. 01:15:30 – Houston teen learns assault isn’t a YouTube prank. 01:32:30 – Why Eddie Trunk thinks he’s the first rock DJ ever (LOL).

Want tomorrow’s episode TODAY + VIP exclusives + daily AI news pods with ZERO ads? One $4.99 subscription unlocks it all, everywhere:

► Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com ► Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe ► Rumble Premium: https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

Want the throwback episode + live chat? Full version on Rumble → https://rumble.com/premium/theclassicmetalshow

Is Eddie Trunk the most self-important guy in radio, or does he have a point about “pre-recorded” celebrity shows?

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

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