Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!

In this installment, Michael and his dad are exploring the monumental shift from the shadows of Black Sabbath to the birth of a heavy metal icon, before cooling off with a quintessential slice of 90s alternative.

We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the atmospheric depth and heavy, progressive layers of Thræds, the epic, high-fantasy scale of power metal outfit Chronosynthesis, and the high-energy, infectious metal drive of Vibrant.

Next, we dive into our main topic: Dio’s legendary 1983 debut, Holy Diver. This isn’t just an album; it’s a declaration of independence. We break down Ronnie James Dio’s transition from band member to solo powerhouse, the mystery behind the iconic album art, and how he turned a synthesizer riff he almost threw away into one of the most famous anthems in metal history.

Finally, we head into Michael’s Journey to discuss Toad the Wet Sprocket’s 1991 hit, “All I Want.” We look past the quirky Monty Python-inspired band name to explore the track’s melodic brilliance and the existential longing hidden beneath its catchy, acoustic-driven surface.

And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! Press play to join the journey from the dungeons of metal to the heights of 90s alt-rock!

(00:00:00) – Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

(00:09:52) – The Art of Discovery

(00:10:18) – Thraeds “Story in Reverse”

(00:18:47) – Chronosynthesis “Wrath of God”

(00:24:47) – Vibrant “Time Traders”

(00:29:09) – Main Topic:Breaking Down Dio’s 1983 debut, “Holy Diver”

(01:02:59) – Question for the Audience

(01:03:10) – Can’t Wait

(01:06:14) – Michael’s Journey:Discussing Toad The Wet Sprocket’s “All I Want”

(01:10:14) – On the Next Episode

(01:10:26) – Contact Info/Outro

THE ART OF DISCOVERY:

·Thræds – “Story in Reverse” (From the album: Impermanence)

·Chronosynthesis – “Wrath of God” (From the album: Echoes of the Forlon Tales)

·Vibrant – “Time Traders”

OTHER BAND MENTIONS:

·Green Day

·Soundgarden

·Opeth

·Buckethead

·Soen

·My Ruin

·Megadeth

·Pelican

·Textures

·Hällas

·The Hirsch Effekt

·Karnivool

·Puscifer

·Silversun Pickups

·Lamb of God

·Black Label Society

·Einar Solberg

·Sevendust

·The Contortionist

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Recorded on 01/24/2026

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