100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

Ghost's song "Ritual" was released on June 20, 2010, as a single ahead of their debut studio album, Opus Eponymous, which followed on October 18, 2010.

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his appreciation for Ghost and shares stories about his association with the band, especially early on.

Then, he is joined by producer Christian Bladt to look back on this podcast and look ahead to a new podcast concept that will start in January 2027.

Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Mark Lewis, and, as always, author Martin Popoff will provide historical information about the song, including facts, figures and his opinions.

Watch the complete and unedited video version of Brian's conversation about Ghost, the reflection on this podcast and look ahead to the new one:

https://youtu.be/5tpRMUPExSQ

Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel

Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720

Christian Bladt is on X & Instagram @ChristianDMZ and his podcast is The @Bladtcast

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show @100MetalSongs
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Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage"

From the album "Badmotorfinger" (Released October 8, 1981)

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" from their breakthrough album "Badmotorfinger". He's joined by the producer of that album, Terry Date, and then he chats with comedian Dean Delray whose passion for the band runs deep. As always, author Martin Popoff checks in with facts, figures and opinions.

For the complete unedited video version of the episode, go to our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/ZX8f3GJ3P9w

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

Dean Delray is @DeanDelray

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs
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Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger"

From "Operation: Mindcrime"

(Released May 3, 1988)

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to musician Jacob Bunton about the great Queensryche song "Eyes of a Stranger" from their album "Operation: Mindcrime". He also discusses the production of the album with producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and opinions as always.

Watch the full unedited video version of the interview on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/rmRNMmSEPzw

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

Jacob Bunton is on social media @JacobBunton

Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

You can follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs

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Rush - "The Spirit of Radio"

From the Album "Permanent Waves"

Released January 14, 1980

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" with legendary sports radio and television host JT The Brick. They also discuss how JT has seen Rush 54 times (so far), whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders will be any good over the next few seasons, JT winning the first-ever Smack-Off on The Jim Rome Show and much more!

Brian also talks about the production of the song with proud Canadian producer Jay Ruston, and we get our usual mixture of facts, statistics and opinon from yet ANOTHER proud Canadian, Martin Popoff.

Watch a video version of the full interview on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5og4XF5V2Gc

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

JT The Brick is on X @JTTheBrick and Instagram @JTTheBrickLV

Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs
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Def Leppard - "Let It Go"

Release Date - July 6, 1981

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blake Ibanez of Power Trip and Fugitive to discuss Def Leppard's "Let It Go" off of their second album "High N' Dry". Jay Ruston talks about the production on that record and author Martin Popoff brings his usual mixture of facts, figures and opinions.

For the complete, unedited video version of the Blake Ibanez interview, check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKZSrbBBnHk

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

Blake Ibanez is on Instagram @BlkIbanez

Jay Ruston is on Instagram & X @JayRuston

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs
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