Mandatory Music
Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.
Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos.
It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. - Plato
So, come for the ride.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 36 minutes
- Episodes
- 71
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Episode 51: Unraveling The Deadfall – Joe Holmes’ Evocative Craft
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This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into The Deadfall, the latest project from legendary guitarist Joe Holmes. We break down the song’s intricate arra…
Episode 50: The Haunting Echoes of 'Rooster' by Alice in Chains
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Tonight, we took a deep dive into the haunting track Rooster by Alice in Chains. From its chilling melodies to its raw, emotional lyrics, we explored th…
Episode 49 – Black Label Society’s Lord Humungus: A Bone-Crushing Breakdown
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This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive into the sheer heaviness of Black Label Society’s thunderous track Lord Humungus. From Zakk Wylde’…
Episode 48 – Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone'
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This week on Mandatory Music, we take a deep dive into Led Zeppelin’s 'Ten Years Gone.' But before we get into the heart of Zeppelin, we briefly revisit…
🎧 Episode 47: Wardruna’s “Birna” & The End of an Era with Black Sabbath
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In this episode of Mandatory Music, we journey into the mystical soundscapes of Wardruna’s “Birna” from their newest album. We break down the powerful s…
The Grammy's Review
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In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent Grammy Awards, focusing on Gojira's win for best metal performance and their groundbreaking performance at…
Mastodon-Teardrinker and Other Musings
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In this episode, Michael and Sebastian dive into a variety of topics, starting with their frustrations about football and the upcoming Super Bowl. They …
Reacting to Puscifer: Unveiling the Layers of Momma Sed
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This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike embark on a transformative journey into the haunting world of Puscifer’s Momma Sed. For Mike, it’s a fi…
Iron Maiden-Hell on Earth
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Welcome back to another episode of Mandatory Music. Tonight, we venture into the shadowy realm of Iron Maiden’s haunting epic, ‘Hell on Earth.’ As the f…
2024 Year in Review: Hits, Misses, and Future Plans
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Join us as we close out the year with our 2024 Year in Review! We reflect on our podcast journey so far, share our most and least popular episodes, and …
Episode 40: Metallica for a Cause!
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In this episode, we recap Metallica's recent benefit concert, highlighting the electrifying setlist, standout moments, and the incredible work of their …
Episode 39: David Gilmour - On an Island
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In this episode, we dive into what we've been spinning lately, including a mix of music and audiobooks that have caught our attention. Then, we take a d…
Episode 38: Marko Hietala(Ex Nightwish) Left on Mars review
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In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, we dive into Marko Hietala’s captivating new song, Left on Mars. Join us as we explore the song’s themes, mus…
Thunderstruck by AC/DC’s Tour and Ghost’s Haunting Melodies
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Sebastian is back on Mandatory Music! In this episode, we dive into the electrifying announcement of AC/DC's upcoming tour and debate if it’s worth tryi…
Solo Session: Mike’s Dive into Four Mystical Bands
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With Sebastian under the weather, Mike takes the stage solo for this week’s Mandatory Music. This episode dives into the sounds of four fascinating band…
Linkin Park Returns: Breaking Down the New Sound
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In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into Linkin Park’s latest album, They unpack the evolution of the band’s sound, …
Silver Screen Sounds: Our Top 5 Movie Compilation Soundtracks
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In this week’s episode of Mandatory Music, we’re diving into our top 5 movie compilation soundtracks—a mix that spans decades and genres but shares one …
Musical Icons and the Mysteries of Pink Floyd's Animals (Side B)
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What if you could uncover the hidden threads connecting a musical legend and a rock masterpiece? In our latest episode, we honor the unparalleled Quincy…
Shepherds Reign: Thunderous Polynesian Metal and the Magic of No-Phone Concerts
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In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful soundscapes of Shepherds Reign, a band blending Polynesian roots with heavy metal in a way that’s fierce…
Dark Realms and Dog Tales: Pink Floyd’s Animals (Side A)
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This week on Mandatory Music, Michael and Sebastian take a journey back to the 1970s as we delve into Side A of Pink Floyd's provocative album, Animals.…