In honor of Wrestlemania Weekend, it's all about Rock and Wrestling, specifically how the worlds of Rock and Metal and Pro Wrestling have been intertwined for decades. From the simple strums of “Freebird” introducing the Fabulous Freebirds, to the extreme metal of Deadbody's House of Black intro, professional wrestling theme songs are an important part of a wrestler’s character. Today the guys are  going to discuss its beginnings and how its evolved for today’s wrestling superstar. Then at the end, the guys will give you their BIG 4 Metal Wrestling Theme Songs. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin... Hosted by - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ X - https://twitter.com/debatingmtlpod email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

In the world of music, not many genres have the ability to captivate an audience quite like heavy metal. And what better way to keep their attention than by having a mascot. Heavy metal mascots come in all shapes, sizes and species. Not every band has one. Not every band needs one. Today we’re going to go over some of the most poplar heavy metal mascots of all time. Hosted by - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ X - https://twitter.com/debatingmtlpod email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

1986 was an amazing year and not just because a certain Debating Metal host was born that year but because it truly was the Year of Metal. So many huge albums by some of the biggest metal bands in history were released in 86.  Bands like AC/DC, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses and Van Halen all released albums in 86 and the guys are going to talk about a few of them as well as talk about the year as a whole. And then when they get to the end, they’ll give you their BIG 4 Metal Albums from 1986, which coincidentally may not be the same ones they talked about. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosted by - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ X - https://twitter.com/debatingmtlpod email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

First introduced in 1952 as what would become known as a 45, they first were a way to split an LP into 2 or 3 smaller 7” EPs. Later on, they became a way to compile several singles onto one format. As time went on EPs waned in popularity but made a comeback in the 70’s when punk rock and the DIY craze began. In the late 70’s, and 80’s EPs in Heavy Metal became increasingly poplar as a way of releasing music for the independent and financially challenged artist. On this episode, Kenneth Dean and Chris are going to talk about some notable EPs, give you their take on those EPs and then at the end, They'll give you their BIG 4 Metal EPs. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosted by - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ X - https://twitter.com/debatingmtlpod email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

On this special 4th Anniversary episode, the guys are  talking about what each  think are the 10 Most Important Bands in Heavy Metal History. They both have come up with a list of 10 bands who they think are the most important.  They may share some bands on our lists and some they may not.  But overall, they'll give you a compelling overview of the most important band in heavy metal history.  They will also share some thoughts about the last 4 years since the show started including what they consider their favorite and least favorite episodes are.  So sit back, relax, pop open some bubbly, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin!!! Hosted by - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ X - https://twitter.com/debatingmtlpod email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

In the mid 80’s, the Bay Area Thrash was taking off thanks to the likes of Exodus and Metallica. One band in particular, Legacy, which formed in 1983, would go on to sign a record deal, change singers, change their name and go onto become one of the most influential Bay Area Thrash bands.  That band is Testament.  In 1986, original vocalist Steve Souza left to join Exodus as a replacement for the fired Paul Baloff.  At Souza’s suggestion, Testament hired Chuck Billy as their new singer. With their lineup set, Testament would sign with Megaforce Records and release their debut album The Legacy in 1987. Since that time, Testament have released 13 studio albums, 4 live albums, 2 Eps and 5 compilations.  On this episode, Chris and Kenneth Dean will choose 15 songs each from their 13 studio albums. Any songs duplicated automatically make the list. Whichever songs are not, they’ll debate to see which make the final cut. Then they’ll arrange them in concert setlist order for the Ultimate Testament Greatest Hits. BIG 4 - Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2024 Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

It’s that time of year again when we reflect back on what a year it was.  2023 started with a one-off reunion of a makeup wearing New York band and ended with the retirement of a makeup wearing New Your band. In the middle, we got a whole bunch of other reunions, firings, tours and a whole bunch of new music. As the guys take a look back on the past year, they give you their Big 4 Metal Albums of 2023. So sit back, pour yourself some spiked egg nog, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin… Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

From New York City to the Sunset Strip in L.A., Glam Metal rose to prominence in the early 80’s and rode the wave of popularity until the rise of Grunge in the early 90’s. On this episode, the guys will give you what they feel is the BIG 4 of Glam Metal and at the end, they’ll give you their BIG 4 Glam Metal Vocalists.  Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

When it comes to our favorite bands, we all have our favorite person in the band.  And sometimes we even have someone we can do without. Today, the guys are going to discuss exactly who those people are and why they feel they are the most and least valuable in their respective bands. Today the guys are starting something they’re calling MVP-LVP. The premise is they will choose a number of bands and debate who their Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Least Valuable Player (LVP) is.  Today they're starting with the BIG 4 of Thrash - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. And when they’re done, they’ll give you their BIG 4 Favorite BIG 4 Band Members. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin... Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

The guys along with special guest Sklo continue their ranking of KISS' albums from Worst to First. This episode sees the guys go from #12 to #1.  And once they’re done talking about that, they’ll give you their BIG 4 KISS Members.  So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin… Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

Having released 24 studio albums, including their 1978 solo albums, 8 Live albums, various compilations and a box set, KISS are one of the best selling American bands in the history of music. With 30 Gold and Platinum albums to their credit in the US alone, KISS has been a staple of the hard rock and heavy metal scene for 50 years. On this episode, the guys along with special guest Sklo rank their albums from what they think is their worst all the way to what they believe is their best. And once they’re done talking about that, they’ll give you their BIG 4 KISS Members.  So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin… Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

Sometimes, a song or album we like didn’t quite appeal to the masses or was released at a time when the band was going through turmoil and the music didn’t quite get that push. Maybe it was released before the band got big and no one really talks about that album. But somewhere on that album is song you really like or maybe you really love that album and nobody else does. On this episode, the guys picked 4 albums each that they think need some awareness or reconsideration.  At the end, they also pick their BIG 4 Metal Duets. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin… Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

In recent weeks, The guys have made a concerted effort to broaden the scope of what they talk about and how they talk about it. Well on this episode they really take a left turn as they are going to talk about their guilty pleasures. Maybe it’s a song you heard your parents play a million times when you were young. Maybe it a song or album that you used to listen to when you weren’t into metal. Maybe it’s none of the above.  Either way, the guys are going to deep dive into the music that is not what they typically listen to but it’s something that when it comes on the radio they turn it up just a little louder and maybe even get their groove on. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

Every band at some point or another has had lineup changes of some sort of variety. From Black Sabbath to Metallica to In Flames and Amon Amarth, member changes happen to even our favorite bands.  On this episode, the guys have chosen 8 bands to discuss which of their lineups is the best and at the end, they will give you their BIG 4 Rainbow Lineups. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

On this episode the guys are taking a trip once again back in time but not as far as they’ve done before.  This time they’re going back to 1997. Nu-Metal was all the rage, and a lot of new bands were beginning to peer around the corner. 1997 may not have been glamourous. It may not have been earth shattering, but it was important. It was like a transition year that saw the birth of many new artists that would later become mainstays on the metal scene and saw the end of a few influential bands as well. And be sure to stick around to the end as they’ll give you their BIG 4 Metal Songs of 1997.  So sit back, relax, grab a cold one or a shot of your favorite poison and let the debate begin. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

After the rise and fall of Grunge, the New Wave of American Heavy Metal saw an explosion of new artists and new styles. One of the bands that stood out and lead the way was Lamb of God. Formed in 1994 as Burn the Priest, the band released their self titled debut album in 1999 and 1 year later changed their name to Lamb of God and the rest they say is history. After 10 full length albums (9 Lamb of God, 2 Burn the Priest), 1 EP and 1 live album, Lamb of God have sold over 2 million albums in the US and after touring with bands such as Anthrax, Megadeth and most recently Pantera, Lamb of God show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The guys have chosen 15 songs each from their catalog that they consider their best songs. Any tracks they duplicate will automatically make the list. Whichever songs are not, they’ll debate to see which makes the final cut. Then they’ll arrange them in concert setlist order for the ULTIMATE LAMB OF GOD GREATEST HITS and at the end, they’ll give you our BIG 4 Lamb of God albums. So sit back, relax and turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye, guest co-host Sklo Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

On August 4th, Metallica rolled into Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ for a weekend takeover that included 5 bands, 2 free parking lot concerts, 2 full shows w/ different setlists, over 30 songs and over 80,000 of the band’s closest friends, including Debating Metal alum, Sklo, on both nights. For Kenneth Dean, Metallica came to Arlington,TX and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and setup camp there for the weekend. But his participation was a little different. Kenneth sat in the friendly confines of his local movie theater and watched as Metallica’s Arlington show was broadcast worldwide and live to over 2500 cinemas in 75 countries. So sit back, relax, and let the debate begin. Big 4 - M72 No Repeat Weekend World Tour Highlights Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

Last episode we gave you our take on albums that were rereleased after their initial debut for one reason or another.  Today were taking a look at albums that are more Special Edition than the re-releases we talked about last episode. These include Anniversary Editions, Deluxe Editions and even one that came with a platinum album in its sleeve. Today we’re expanding on that list of albums with Remixed, Remastered & Re-Released II. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Big 4 - Re-Released Albums Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

Sometimes, despite talent and good songs, a band doesn't get things right the first time and might have to change things up to break a new market. On this episode, the guys are going to talk about albums that for one reason or another were remixed, remastered and rereleased by the band. In most cases, it’s a bands first album that may have been self-released and their new record company wants a share of the new profits. Or in some cases the record label had different ideas that they thought may help the band sell more records. Today, the guys picked 8 bands to take a look at and deep dive on the subject.  And don't for get at the end, the guys give you their BIG 4 Creed Songs. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com

When it comes to the music business, not many artists can claim to have had 2 successful careers, let alone 1.  Artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Sammy Hagar are examples of artists who have had multi-platinum success first in a band and then as solo artists with Sammy even joining an already successful band and making it more successful than before. Another example of this is Dave Grohl, who first came to prominence as the drummer for the highly successful grunge band Nirvana. After taking some time off to mourn the loss of his friend and bandmate Kurt Cobain, Dave reemerged with his new project Foo Fighters. After 11 studio releases, 3 EP’s, 1 live album and a variety of compilations having sold over 32 million albums worldwide, we give you Foo Fighters Greatest Hits. So sit back, relax, turn it up to 11 and let the debate begin. Hosts - Kenneth Dean, the Dean of Metal and Chris Kaye Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debatingmetalpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debatingmetal/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DebatingMetal email - debatingmetal@gmail.com