The Heavy Desert Podcast

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Ripplefest Texas 2026 Preview - Mark Dupuis & Mark Richard Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I’m joined by Drew Dupuis of Call of the Beast Radio and Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog for a full‑throttle preview of Ripplefest Texas 2026!

We tear through the entire lineup: the bands we can’t wait to see, the ones we’re just discovering, and the heavy hitters guaranteed to level Austin. We also break down what to expect at both venues — Sagebrush and The Far Out Lounge — from the atmosphere to the energy to the kind of frenzy that makes Ripplefest the heavy rock pilgrimage of the year.

Drew gives us the inside scoop on how Call of the Beast plans to make its mark at the fest, and as always, hanging with these guys turns into a blast of riffs, laughs, and pure underground hype.

Ripplefest is almost here, and we’re fired up to get out there and soak in every crushing set.

Tune in and hit subscribe — this episode sets the tone for the whole damn weekend.

*At the time of this recording, Yob was still scheduled to play.

Greenleaf - Tommi Holappa Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome guitarist and founding member of Greenleaf, Tommi Holappa to the show. This legendary band has brought so much great music to the scene and we dig into the influences, the backstory and what’s coming up on the horizon. Not to mention after 25 years, they will be making their first trek to North America for a 13-show tour starting in Austin, Texas at Ripplefest on September 20th and wrapping up at In The Key of Doom Fest on October 3rd, in Brooklyn, New York. Not to mention, they’ll be back in late January of 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada for Planet Desert Rock Weekend. I had a great chat with Tommi who was a blast to have on, so make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Mississippi Bones - Dusty Donley & Jared Collins Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Dusty Donley and Jared Collins of Mississippi Bones join the show to talk about their latest release Maladroit Blues For The Colorblind, that drops the day this show is released, on September 8th. These guys have quite a history together, that started as a duo, morphed into a full-live band and came full circle back to being a duo - now releasing their eighth studio album. We dig into everything from the roots, influences, and everything in between, as these guys pride themselves in being a totally independent band. Heavy/bluesy/stoner/doom all mixed together at its finest, Mississippi Bones latest release has it all if you’re a fan of the genre. So make sure to tune in and subscribe to get to know the guys behind this incredible band!

Kal-El Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome The Captain - Staale Rodvelt, Azul-Josh, Doffy, Bjørn & Bjudas of the mighty Kal-El. In the span of 10 months, Kal-El has released, arguably, two of the heaviest, earth-shattering albums in the heavy underground. Astral Voyager Vol 1 & 2 dropped on May 16 of 2025 and March 20 2026, respectfully, and we dig into how they shaped their latest space odyssey. We also dig into their influences, the backstory of the band, their upcoming U.S. tour with Goya and Black Moon Cult and so much more! Dunkin’ Donuts, sex appeal and Kal-El - three - things you probably never thought you’d hear in the same sentence! You’ll need to tune in and subscribe to hear what it’s all about!

Cannabus - James Matheson, Ethan Scott & Brandon Doucet Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, James Matheson, Ethan Scott, and Brandon Doucet of Welland’s fuzz‑drenched trio Cannabus roll through the heavy desert. Their debut full‑length Ride the Bus dropped July 3 via Black Throne Productions, and we dig into the band’s roots, influences, and the creative spark behind the record.

Mark Richard returns with a fresh Jam Yeti Music Minute review, and we dive into how Black Throne is shaping the heavy scene up in their corner of Canada.

Cannabus is already cooking up what’s next — subscribe and tune in to hear what’s coming.

Heavy On The Ride - Jordan Huxtable Aug 27, 2026

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Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome guitarist and vocalist Jordan Huxtable of the band Heavy on the Ride. Out of Wales in the United Kingdom, Heavy on the Ride released its self-titled debut album on July 24. It was 17 years in the making and Jordan talks about it all, from his influences, the lineup changes, the live performances and everything in between. My only hope is we don’t have to wait another 17 years for a follow-up! And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Sönus - David Wachsman, Dave Reno and Colin Jaramillo Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome David Wachsman, Dave Reno and Colin Jaramillo of the band Sönus to the show. Out of the Bay Area in California, Sönus released its third album Planes of Torment on May 22nd and we talk all about it! We also dig into their influences and how David Wachsman started this band as a solo project by recording the first release in his makeshift home studio during the pandemic to where he is now with his bandmates recording their latest album live in an actual studio. David never saw this project going much past his bedroom, and he shares his disbelief with how far this band has got to where it is today. They also share that feeling of getting their latest release on vinyl for the first time. And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns for a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. So make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Sons of Ghidorah - Christopher Konys & Mark Giuliano Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Christopher Konys & Mark Giuliano of the band Sons of Ghidorah to the show. What started out as a friendship from woodshop in seventh grade, playing thrash shows in the underground Buffalo scene in the 80s, to playing in a band called Demented Dreamscapes, which eventually morphed into what is now Sons of Ghidorah, Christopher and Mark have quite a history in the scene. Their latest album, Raining Fire dropped on June 5th, via Argonauta records earlier this year, and they have no signs of slowing down.

We also talk a little Goo Goo Dolls and how Robby Takac started the Music Is Art festival that Sons of Ghidorah will be performing at on September 12th to help benefit the music programs in the Buffalo and Erie County area. I had a great chat with these two veterans in the scene, so make sure to tune in and subscribe!

In The Key Of Doom Festival - Creator Gavin Zollo Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Gavin Zollo of Gav’s Heavily Curated joins the show to talk all about the inaugural In The Key Of Doom Festival, happening October 2–3 at The Meadows in Brooklyn, NY. Gavin’s been involved in the music world since high school, and now he’s stepping up in a huge way with a stacked lineup featuring Bongripper, Insomniac, Greenleaf, Howling Giant, and many more. We cover everything — the lineup, where to stay, eat, explore, and why this event matters for the scene. It was a great chat about the scene as a whole and you won’t wanna miss it! Tune in and subscribe!

Ol’ Time Moonshine - Adam Saitti & Jesse Mackowycz Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome drummer Adam Saitti and bassist/vocalist Jesse Mackowycz, of the band Ol Time Moonshine to the show. Ol Time Moonshine released its fourth album Now I Bleed via Black Throne Productions earlier this year on June 12 and we dig into it, their influences, the backstory of the band, the scene in their neck of the woods in Canada and much more! And, Mark Richard of the Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of Now I Bleed for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

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