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The Riffhard Podcast

Riffhard

The Riffhard Podcast, Eyal Levi goes in depth with the best guitarists in metal. These are the conversations you always wished you could hear with your guitar heroes.

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 6 min
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#186
May 7, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
RIVERS OF NIHIL (Andy Thomas)| EP 186
Andy Thomas, guitarist for Rivers of Nihil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:12:10 The Sound of Period Instruments and Fixed Bridge Guitars 00:17:50 The Debate on Coated Guitar Strings 00:23:13 Vibrato Techniques for an EverTune 00:33:57 Mastering Complex Guitar Techniques for Live Performances 00:39:36 Managing Stage Presence and Timing Techniques 00:45:17 Overcoming Stage Fright 01:01:52 Handling Technical Difficulties During Live Performances 01:13:11 Guitar Playing Tips from Guitar Legends 01:18:56 Surviving a European Tour with Bronchitis SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#185
Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
EPICA (Isaac Delahaye) | EP 185
Isaac Delahaye, guitarist for Epica, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:20 Crafting the Perfect Song: Finding the Groove 00:12:28 Navigating Constructive Criticism in Bands 00:21:29 The Importance of Simplicity in Music Production 00:29:47 Challenges in Mixing Orchestral Metal Music 00:46:19 Top Metal Mixers: Ranking the Best Audio Engineers 00:50:20 Importance of Initial Mix Feedback 00:57:25 Preparing for Live Performances: Techniques and Stamina 00:58:14 Mastering Right Hand Technique for Guitarists 01:02:15 Live Recording Techniques in Metal Music SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#184
Apr 16, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
CRADLE OF FILTH (Donny Burbage) | EP 184
Donny Burbage, guitarist for Cradle of Filth, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:03 The Swedish Influence on Melodic Metal 00:22:20 Frustrations with College Education System 00:33:32 The Art of Genre Switching in Music 00:39:01 Crafting "Redneck Vikings from Hell" 00:49:42 Preparing for the Gig: Three Weeks to Learn the Set 00:59:48 Salvaging a Musical Disaster 01:15:21 The Challenge of Developing Song Ideas SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#183
Apr 9, 2025 · 55 min
PALEFACE SWISS (Yannick Lehmann) | EP 183
Yannick Lehmann, guitarist of Paleface Swiss, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:11 The Importance of Enjoyable Exercise 00:06:50 Preparing Mentally for a Stage Performance 00:10:07 Guitar Picking Techniques for More Power 00:23:28 Crafting a Raw and Authentic Album 00:27:03 Songwriting Process with Reaper 00:34:40 Exploring Guitar Tones with Quad Cortex and Reaper 00:41:16 Jens Bogren's Impact on Metal Music Production 00:47:54 The Making of Our Best Song in 2 Hours 00:51:18 The Art of Simplicity in Music Performance SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#182
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
WHITECHAPEL (Zach Householder) | EP 182
Zach Householder, guitarist of Whitechapel, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:53 Copyright and Musical Originality 00:12:12 European Tour Recap 00:17:46 Crafting Impactful Riffs 00:23:43 The Importance of a Second Set of Ears in Songwriting 00:35:29 Optimizing Guitar Speaker and Mic Setup 00:52:32 The Intersection of Talent and Work Ethic 00:57:52 Undiscovered Local Bands Myths 01:09:03 Evolution of Touring and Music Production 01:20:26 Independent vs. Label 01:25:49 Balancing Marriage and Home Renovation SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#181
Feb 19, 2025 · 59 min
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (Joel Stroetzel) | EP 181
Joel Stroetzel, guitarist of Killswitch Engage, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:30 Practice Techniques 00:11:40 Mastering Picking Patterns 00:15:15 Studio Recording Techniques 00:18:34 The Challenge of New Song Releases in Metal Bands 00:21:31 Customizing Your In-Ear Monitor Mix 00:28:50 Transition to Kemper Amps 00:32:23 Comparing Kemper and Quad Cortex for Guitar Profiling 00:39:34 Upgrading Pro Tools 00:47:41 Evolution of Music Production Techniques 00:51:09 Overcoming Mental Blocks in Guitar Tracking SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#180
Feb 12, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
IMPELLITTERI (Chris Impellitteri) | EP 180
Chris Impellitteri joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:53 Visual Learning and Guitar Sight Reading Challenges 00:11:35 Influences of Gary Moore and Blues Roots 00:23:13 Hybrid Picking Techniques 00:27:11 Advanced Guitar Techniques: String Sequences and Patterns 00:31:28 Eddie Van Halen's Influence on Guitar Technique 00:43:05 Evolution of Power Metal and Guitar Shredding 00:50:50 Technological Advancements in Guitar Manufacturing 00:54:47 Behind the Making of 'War Machine' 00:58:31 The Importance of Synergy in Music Production SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#179
Feb 7, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
SILENOZ (Dimmu Borgir) | EP 179
Silenoz, guitarist of Dimmu Borgir, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:25 Integrating Keyboards in Metal Music 00:12:26 The Importance of Fresh Perspectives in Music Production 00:16:42 The Rehearsal Process: Rediscovering Songs 00:24:55 Evolution of Practice in Metal Music 00:29:14 Advancements in Amp Sim Technology 00:37:04 Creating Full Production Demos at Home 00:50:28 Reflecting on Early Albums and Youthful Ambition 00:54:52 Influence of Mood on Decision-Making 01:03:31 Collaborating with Frederic Nordström Again SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#178
Jan 15, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
MARCO COTI ZELATI (Lacuna Coil) | EP 178
Marco Coti Zelati, guitarist of Lacuna Coil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#177
Jan 2, 2025 · 54 min
BRODY UTTLEY (Rivers Of Nihil) | EP 177
Brody Uttley, guitarist in Rivers Of Nihil, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. In This Episode: 00:03:19 Unearthed EP: A Time Travel Music Surprise 00:06:21 Evolution Of Songwriting Techniques 00:09:38 Beginners Guide To Recording Metal 00:13:10 The Evolution Of Song Arrangements In Metal And Prog 00:23:52 Strategies For Refreshing Creativity 00:30:43 The Car Test: Enhancing Creative Process Through Audio Reflection 00:37:58 Mastering Alternate Picking Techniques 00:41:33 Band Member Warm-up Techniques 00:47:50 Announcing The Aggressive Progressive Tour With Cynic And Beyond Creation 00:51:28 Integrating Timecoded Lighting For Enhanced Live Performances 00:54:22 Farewell And Future Plans SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#176
Dec 19, 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
OPETH (Fredrik Åkesson) | EP 176
Fredrik Åkesson, guitarist of Opeth, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:05:27 Crafting Unique Solos for the New Album 00:10:51 Mastering Guitar Tricks and Techniques 00:16:07 Incorporating Vocal Techniques into Guitar Playing 00:22:30 Importance of BPM for Guitar Practice 00:28:02 Challenges of Playing Long Opeth Songs 00:32:43 Evolution of Live Acoustic and Lead Parts 00:43:22 Coping with Live Music Mishaps 00:54:11 The Evolution of Fly Rigs and Tour Equipment 01:10:00 Perfecting Guitar Solos: Tips and Techniques 01:15:36 Ideal Recording Process for Bands 01:20:56 Preparing for a Music Tour: Insights and Challenges SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
#175
Nov 15, 2024 · 57 min
AD INFINITUM (Adrian Thessenvitz) | EP 175
Adrian Thessenvitz, guitarist of Ad Infinitum, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Adrian Thessenvitz Discusses New Album "Abyss" 00:03:20 Crafting Emotion in Music Production 00:17:11 Handling Guitar Recording Challenges 00:20:36 Collaboration Strategies 00:31:23 Navigating a Musician's Career in the Modern Era 00:38:22 Evolving Dynamics in Heavy Music 00:45:27 The Influence of Jazz and Musical Intelligence 00:49:03 Discovering the Path to Jazz and Fusion Guitar 00:52:52 Experience at Music School 00:56:23 Building Your Network in Music Education SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#174
Nov 6, 2024 · 51 min
DAATH (Rafael Trujillo) | EP 174
Rafael Trujillo, lead guitarist of Daath, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Introduction to Rafael Trujillo 00:03:19 Creating Guitar Exercises for Social Media 00:13:22 Optimal Practice Duration for Guitar Techniques 00:25:52 Managing Distractions and Productivity Strategies 00:34:55 Efficient Guitar Practice Routine for Touring Musicians 00:38:30 Overcoming Challenging Guitar Techniques 00:41:35 Preparing for a Tour: Timing and Practice Strategies 00:44:46 Mastering Hybrid Picking: Techniques and Challenges SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#173
Oct 30, 2024 · 44 min
SWALLOW THE SUN (Juha Raivio) | EP 173
Juha Raivio, guitarist of Swallow The Sun, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:02:57 Choosing a New Producer for the Album 00:05:52 Guitar Lessons from Elite Players 00:11:13 Techniques for Mixing Bass in Metal Music 00:17:10 The Raw Essence of Black Metal and Its Misconceptions 00:19:41 Criticisms of Doom and Black Metal Culture 00:30:59 The Intersection of Music and Business 00:36:05 Rediscovering a Passion for Music After a Break 00:39:18 Choosing the Right Vocal Producer for Metal Bands 00:42:34 Taking Risks in Music and Personal Growth SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#172
Oct 23, 2024 · 57 min
RYAN J. DOWNEY | EP 172
Ryan J. Downey is a multi-talented journalist, producer, and host whose work has spanned major outlets like MTV News, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00:00 Inside the Entertainment Industry with Ryan Downey 00:03:49 The Value of Podcasting for Meaningful Connections 00:12:27 How Annoying Contact Methods Destroy Opportunities 00:14:56 Crafting Effective Pitch Emails 00:18:45 The Evolution of LinkedIn as a Dominating Platform 00:22:21 Building Your Band Before Seeking Management 00:25:52 Importance of Spotify Metrics for Musicians 00:32:36 The Importance of Traditional Album Sales in Rock and Metal 00:36:09 Social Media Impact on Band Popularity 00:39:40 Misleading Headlines in Music News 00:43:27 Ghost's Heavy Metal Film Success 00:54:42 The Future of Ice Nine Kills SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#171
Oct 16, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
MAKE THEM SUFFER (Nick McLernon) | EP 171
Nick McLernon, guitarist of Make Them Suffer, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:03:39 Overcoming Geographic Challenges as a Band 00:11:09 Record Deals and Music Distribution 00:23:22 Hidden Demo Versions in Albums 00:27:04 Transitioning from Six to Seven-String Guitars 00:35:03 Guitar String Gauge and Sound Quality 00:43:12 Discovering Low Tuning on Custom Guitars 00:51:18 Challenges in Translating Musical Ideas into Recordings 00:58:44 Starting Music Training at Different Ages SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#170
Oct 10, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
STEVE STINE (Guitar Zoom) | EP 170
Steve Stine is a guitarist known for his huge YouTube channel and online lesson platform, Guitar Zoom. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:15 Importance of Theory in Guitar Learning 00:07:58 Creating Quality Demos for Your Band 00:15:48 Effective Guitar Practice Strategies 00:27:30 Teaching Guitar in the '90s: The Nirvana Craze 00:38:57 Joe Satriani and the Pressure to Sound Like Eddie Van Halen 00:42:29 Mastering Solos: Techniques & Approaches 00:46:20 Embracing Opportunities and Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 00:50:03 Navigating Memorization in Diverse Music Gigs 00:54:08 The Reality of Music Making vs. Idealism 00:58:08 Finding Compatible Band Members SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#169
Sep 27, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET (Shavo Odadjian & Morgoth) | EP 169
Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down) and Morgoth (Producer, Winds of Plague) join Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast to discuss "Seven Hours After Violet," their new metal supergroup. Their debut record is set to be released on October 11, 2024. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:02:52 Writing Session Differences Between SHAV and SOAD 00:11:42 Morgoth's Role as Producer with "Seven Hours After Violet" 00:23:29 Evolution of Modern Band Production Techniques 00:28:02 Formation of a Metal Supergroup 00:34:47 The Album's Layered Vibes and Favorite Tracks 00:47:51 Korn's Unique Metal Influences 00:54:39 Creative Control in Music Production SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#168
Sep 11, 2024 · 1 hr 23 min
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER (Ryan Knight) | EP 168
Ryan Knight, guitarist of The Black Dahlia Murder, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. The Black Dahlia Murder's new album "Servitude" comes out on September 27th, 2024. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:10:53 - Fear of Commitment in Creativity 00:26:47 - Encouraging Musical Pursuits in Children 00:37:00 - Daily Practice Routine Approach 00:46:58 - Understanding Jason Richardson's Practice Routine 00:57:35 - Sharing Guitar Solos and Learning Techniques 01:03:14 - Simplifying Guitar Solos 01:08:37 - Dividing Songwriting Roles 01:13:43 - The Role of Music Theory in Songwriting 01:18:38 - Vibrato Mastery in Guitar Playing SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com
#167
Sep 4, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
ANDY WOOD | EP 167
Andy Wood, a Nashville based session guitarist, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast. Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:04:33 - Amp Tone and Effects for Lead Lines 00:08:50 - The Halo Pedal and Creating Delays 00:18:11 - The Hero in Guitar Composition 00:31:33 - The Rise of Instrumental Bands in Modern Platforms 00:44:33 - The Magic of Technique and Expression 00:53:43 - Find Your Voice, Explore Different Genres SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: https://riffhardpodcast.com https://riffhard.com

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