Heavy Hops Ep. 085: Critique Is An Act of Storytelling (JJ Koczan/The Obelisk)
Joining me this week is JJ Koczan, founder of The Obelisk, an online publication focusing on desert rock, stoner and doom metal. JJ and I both found our way into
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 084: Make Them Bleed From The Eyes (Ammo)
Joining us week is Amaury “Ammo” Dastarac, a freelance illustrator based in Brussels. You’ve likely seen Ammo’s work; he’s created concert and festival posters for Neurosis, Converge, The Melvins, Chelsea
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 083: Efficient Isn’t Always Better (Lou Bank & Chava Peribán/S.A.C.R.E.D & Agave Road Trip Podcast)
For a few years I’ve been intrigued by agave spirits, and in particular Mezcal. The flavor profiles, methods of production and history of these beverages are fascinating and delicious. In
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 082: Under The “L” In Evanston (Paul Hletko/Few Spirits)
Joining me this week is Paul Hletko, founder and distiller of Few Spirits in Evanston, immediately north of Chicago. Hletko’s imaginative approach to bourbon, whiskey and gin have garnered many
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 081: Wall of Amps (Greg Anderson/Sunn 0))), Southern Lord Records)
Joining us this week is Greg Anderson, co-founder of the experimental metal band Sunn O))) and its label home Southern Lord Records. We discuss the band’s recent output Metta, Benevolence
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 080: The Second Testament (Jeff Alworth/Beervana, The Beer Bible)
Jeff Alworth, an award-winning beer writer based in Portland, Oregon is our guest this week. Jeff has authored five books on beer, The Widmer Way, The Secrets of Master Brewers,
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 079: Experiences and Experiencing (Esben Willems/Monolord, Studio Berserk)
This week we’re joined by Esben Willems, drummer in Swedish heavy band Monolord. Your Time To Shine, the band’s fifth album, was released last year on Relapse Records, and we
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 078: Happiness From The Sky (Luca Cimarusti/Annihilus, Luggage)
Joining me this week is Luca Cimarusti – drummer in Chicago-based heavy trio Luggage, and leader of his solo black metal project Annihilus. Both bands were creatively active in 2021
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 077: Wheaties & Lucky Charms (Kate Bernot/Good Beer Hunting Sightlines, Craft Beer & Brewing)
Joining us this week is Kate Bernot, a contributing Editor for Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine, Sightlines contributor for Good Beer Hunting, and previously beer editor for Draft Magazine. In
Continue ReadingHeavy Hops Ep. 076: Protest Songs (Zach Blair/Rise Against)
Joining us this week is Zach Blair, lead guitarist in the legendary punk band Rise Against. For anyone that grew up in Chicago in the early 2000s and was at
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