Buckle up and crank the gain to 11—it’s time for the 98th episode of *The Metal Maniacs Podcast, and we’re coming in hot with Reaction Series #16, where we dissect, analyze, and thrash along with some of the most devastating tracks from up-and-coming underground metal acts.

In this installment, Jay and Modd return to the war room with fresh ears and heavier opinions, reacting in real time to a batch of listener-submitted bands, genre-bending newcomers, and pit-ready anthems that demand your full attention. From Michigan to Massachusetts to the infernal corners of YouTube, this episode has it all—death metal, alternative metal, deathcore, and instrumental madness.

🎧 **FEATURING REACTIONS TO:**

🔥 **Krocophile – “Ambush Predator”**

Brutal, primal, and dripping with bloodlust—Krocophile opens this episode with a vicious assault. Bone-snapping riffs and a guttural vocal delivery that sends us straight to the lair of the beast. Jay and Modd go deep on its structure and pacing, questioning whether this predator ever lets up.

💀 **Dawn of Agony – *Born 2 Suffer***

Straight outta the dark side—this record is a sonic breakdown machine. We highlight standout tracks, explore its death metal roots, and talk about the *Born 2 Suffer* album artwork that sets the tone before a note is played.

🌘 **Shadow of the Talisman – “What Is Real?” / “The Outlaw” / “So Below”**

Signed to Eclipse Records and flying the Flint, MI flag high, this band fuses thrash, alternative metal, and post-grunge vibes in a way that turns heads. Jay and Modd dive into the technicality, vocal versatility, and emotional drive that fuels their upcoming full-length *As Above, So Below*. Bonus points for one of the best fan submission letters we’ve seen!

🧨 **Destined for Doom – “Vindictive”**

Salem, MA deathcore newcomers bring the fire with “Vindictive”—a punishing debut that sets expectations sky-high. We react to the production (shoutout Robbie Litchfield), the rage-filled delivery, and how they’re already dialing in a clear sonic identity.

💸 **The Omen Machine – “Financial Crime Death Metal”**

A concept project with an edge: The Omen Machine gives us economy-themed brutality, with Alex Perez (from Sully) on drums. Jay and Modd dissect the balance between lyrical depth and sonic obliteration—and how to make something thematic without losing the punch.

🌒 **Twilight's Umbra – “Malleable Form”**

A curveball in the best way—this self-mixed instrumental brings progressive mood and texture that left us nodding along. Jay talks about the layering and dynamic shifts, while Modd touches on how vocals could shape future versions. The creativity is undeniable.

🧠 **Porphyria – “In Pandemonium”**

Rounding out the chaos is Porphyria with a track that feels like a descent into madness. Complex, atmospheric, and razor-sharp. We talk about the fusion of styles and what makes it stick in a crowded underground scene.

🤘 Whether it’s your first time hearing these bands or you’ve been riding with them since day one, our reactions are honest, raw, and full of the passion that keeps the underground metal flame alive.

📢 **Shoutout and follow the bands featured:**

Krocophile- https://krocophile.bandcamp.com/track/ambush-predator

Dawn of Agony- https://dawnofagonydm.bandcamp.com/album/born-2-suffer

Shadow of the Talisman- http://shadowofthetalisman.com/

Destined for Doom- https://beacons.ai/destinedfordoom

The Omen Machine-https://linktr.ee/theomenmachine

Twilight's Umbra- https://youtu.be/udBtLLlhaLA?si=FdlvEKOV1gksB1as

Porphyria- https://porphyria585.bandcamp.com

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🎙️ *The Metal Maniacs Podcast*

Episode 98 – Reaction Series #16

Hosted by **Jay Ingersoll & Modd**

📲 Follow us on IG, YouTube & TikTok https://linktr.ee/metalmaniacsmi

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms