This channel is dedicated to and celebrates the late-great LA metal historian and journalist Bob Nalbandian. Featuring interviews and episodes from his legendary Shockwaves Skullsessions Podcast series.
This episode features a 4-way discussion with legendary Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, Roadrunner Records VP of A&R Monte Conner, and metal enthusiast David Tedds as they join Skull Sessions host Bob Nalbandian in this mesmerizing and historic exploration into the first decade of Black Sabbath, commonly referred to as the “Ozzy-era.” The four discuss the entire catalog, from Sabbath’s groundbreaking 1970 debut leading up to 1978’s Never Say Die release. This is perhaps the most compelling Skull Sessions discussion yet. A MUST LISTEN for any Sabbath fan!
21 Jul 2026
The 100 Greatest Guitarists In Metal
This special episode features two great segments; the first features a conversation with author Bill Hale regarding his new book Metallica: The Club Dayz 1982-1984 along with author Joel McIver regarding his latest book To Live Is To Die: The Life and Death of Metallica’s Cliff Burton. The second segment of this episode features a balls-out debate between author Joel McIver and host Bob Nalbandian regarding Joel’s other recently released book The 100 Greatest Guitarists In Metal. In this no-holds-barred debate the two butt-heads about the true meaning of Metal! This is easily the most heated and controversial Skull Sessions debate so far! A must listen for metal guitar fanatics!
17 Feb 2026
Easy Livin': The Uriah Heep Episode
Skull Sessions host Bob Nalbandian is joined by book author/journalist Martin Popoff and classic metal enthusiast and former publishing editor of Metal Rendezvous magazine John Strednansky on this great discussion about the classic hard-rock/metal band Uriah Heep. The three deliberate on the entire Heep catalog from their 1970 debut through their latest 2008 release Wake The Sleeper.
4 Jan 2026
Music Biz- w/Blasko (Ozzy) & Trevor Phipps (Unearth)
Ozzy Osbourne bassist Blasko, who also heads Mercenary Music Management, and Trevor Phipps, vocalist for Unearth and head of Iron Clad Recordings, join host Bob Nalbandian to discuss the general state of the recording industry.
6 Nov 2025
Golden Gate Thrash w/ Gary Holt (Exodus)
Get ready as Exodus' Gary Holt joins Ron Quintana, William Howell and host Bob Nalbandian to talk about the formative years of the Bay Area thrash scene. Gary lays down some of the funniest tales from the era, while Ron and William grant us some beautiful commentary.
29 Oct 2025
Death Magnetic- The Metallica Discussion
Metal fans, industry insiders, and music fans of all stripes have been talking about Metallica’s new album, "Death Magnetic." This week we put all three together to for an unusual discussion. Joining host Bob Nalbandian this week is Skull Sessions regular Joel McIver, the British metal maven journalist and author of the book And Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica. The Skull Sessions also welcomes its first academic, William Irwin, associate professor of philosophy at King's College. Irwin was the editor and co-author of the book Metallica And Philosophy” A Crash Course in Brain Surgery. Finally, former Roadrunner head of new media and current master of the digital domain at Sony/BMG's RCA Records Ed Rivadavia joins the podcast for the first time. Rivadavia has been one of the most-prolific contributors to the metal genre at AllMusic.com (http://allmusic.com/).
13 Oct 2025
Groupies
Host Bob Nalbandian takes a break from debate this week to answer the voluminous amount of email from Skull Sessions fans. Listen up to hear if he answered you. Also, get your chance to win a David Ellefson signature Peavey bass guitar by guessing the identity of 10 metal riffs.
13 Oct 2025
Get Thrashed!
The history of metal would be sorely diminished without Thrash. Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, and much deeper into the underground all changed what we view as metal today. Enter Rick Ernst, for years with Headbangers Ball, freelance director and producer and current video head at Roadrunner Records, and Rat Skates. Maybe you know him from Overkill. This week both Rick and Rat join Bob Nalbandian to talk about their documentary film HYPERLINK "http://www.getthrashed.com/ (http://www.getthrashed.com/)"Get Thrashed now out on DVD. They hit up all the bands mentioned above, plus a ton more featured in the film. Also, we’re extending the David Ellefson signature Peavey bass guitar contest for couple more weeks so you still have a chance at winning that custom bass guitar!
5 Oct 2025
Strip' Metal
Skull Sessions host Bob Nalbandian is joined by Neeley from The Classic Metal Show and Nadir D’Priest from London/D’Priest in this episode as they discuss the Sunset Strip rock/metal scene of the ‘80s.
4 Oct 2025
The UFO Discussion
The UFO Discussion. Host Bob Nalbandian is joined by returning guest and author of the UFO book, Shoot Out The Lights, and new guest and music industry veteran Brian Brinkerhoff for a compelling conversation about the greatly underrated classic British hard rock band UFO. The three deliberate on the entire UFO catalog from their 1970 up through their latest 2006 release Monkey Puzzle.
4 Oct 2025
Rock Legends of Los Angeles!
Rock Legends of Los Angeles! On this episode Skullsessions host Bob Nalbandian is joined by three unsung heroes of the Los Angeles hard-rock scene of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s! Original drummer from Snow, Stephen Quadros, along with A La Carte drummer Brian O’Brian and guitar master Greg Leon from the Greg Leon Invasion discuss the early years of the prominent LA music scene sharing great stories from legendary Rock Club the Starwood, Van Halen and early Quiet Riot and some hilarious and bizarre anecdotes ranging from Tracy Lords and Phil Spector to OJ Simpson and a perverted chimpanzee!
4 Oct 2025
The Great IRON MAIDEN Discussion (Part One)
The Great IRON MAIDEN Discussion (Part One) with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel and UK journalist/author and contributing editor of Classic Rock Magazine Malcolm Dome. This is part one of a three-part episode.
4 Oct 2025
Scorpions w/ Herman Rarebell
Skull Sessions host Bob Nalbandian is joined by long-time Scorpions drummer/songwriter Herman Rarebell along with hard rock/metal journalists/connoisseurs Jon Sutherland and John Kornarens as the four discuss the tremendous 35-year + career of the legendary German rockers Scorpions. On this episode Herman shares for the first time some amazing and hilarious stories during his tenure with the band while all four discuss the Scorps extensive catalog from their 1972 debut Lonesome Crow to their 1993 Face The Heat record. A classic discussion to say the least!
4 Oct 2025
Sweet Commotion: The Aerosmith Debate
Join host Bob Nalbandian and show regulars Roadrunner A&R head Monte Conner and author Martin Popoff for a fast-paced race around the work of Aerosmith. The three deliberate, debate and dispute the American hard rock veterans’ entire back catalog and do some psychic reading on the band’s future.
4 Oct 2025
Metalopolis
It’s the metal state of the union as Chris Akin (co-host of The Classic Metal Show), Darryl Keck (author of the new book Metal Generation) and host Bob Nalbandian duke it out over the realities of contemporary metal.The three hit upon myriad topics including the variety present in today’s metal, calssic bands still riding high atop multi-million grossing tours, the possible return of 80s metal to the scene, and a plethora of more metal greatness.
4 Oct 2025
Freshman Year Metal
Metal 101 class is in session! Prepare to get schooled with sharp points and huge riffs as Skull Sessions Episode #7 runs you through a crash course in brain surgery (i.e. the recording industry). Host Bob Nalbandian is joined by Robert Bolger, director of the upcoming documentary film “Behind the Suit and Tie” and David Ellefson, current bassist for F5, Temple Of Brutality, Iron Steel and (formerly) Megadeth. The three have a profound, in-depth discussion regarding the current state of the recording industry. From analysis of the future of the business as it pertains to the artist, the record label, and the fan to the pros and cons of downloadable music, you’ll be impaled with an education you can’t forget.
7 Sept 2025
SLAYER: The Early Years
Host Bob Nalbandian is joined by author/journalist Joel McIver and Doug Goodman. Joel is the author of the new book The Bloody Reign Of Slayer (Omnibus Press 2008) and Doug Goodman was Slayer’s original tour manager from Show No Mercy/Hell Awaits era. The three share some classic stories about SLAYER from their very early years that are revealed for the first time in Joel’s new book. This is a must listen for any fan of Slayer.
7 Sept 2025
The Great DEEP PURPLE Deabte
The Great DEEP PURPLE Debate. On this debut Shockwaves Skull Sessions podcast episode host Bob Nalbandian is joined by head of A&R at Roadrunner Records, Monte Conner, and heavy metal book author/journalist Martin Popoff to discuss the legendary British rock band Deep Purple’s extensive career as they examine the band’s 40 year plus career analyzing their entire musical catalog. This exclusive 3-way conversation was recorded in May 2008
7 Sept 2025
The Great Judas Priest Debate
(2008) Get down on your knees and repent if you please! Get ready for the great JUDAS PRIEST Debate! This episode originally appeared on the Shockwaves/HardRadio podcast but we’re re-posting it for all you metal heads that didn’t have the chance to listen to it the first time around. Returning guests Monte Conner (Roadrunner Records NY head of A&R) and author Martin Popoff join host Bob Nalbandian as the three examine the band’s entire catalog. This was the very episode that originally spawned the Skull Sessions series. This exclusive 3-way conversation was recorded several months ago and originally tied in with the release of Martin’s Judas Priest: Heavy Metal Painkillers book (ECW Press).
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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