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PODCAST

Mandatory Music

Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos.It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination,

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All Episodes

26:31

Episode 88: Pmad- Blood

Mandatory Music ·

2026/02/18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text I sincerely apologize with the coughing and rough voice, Mike New Music Discovery: P-Mad Artist: P-Mad (Paul Dillon), an independent artist from Ireland.Genre: Dark fusion of post-punk, darkwave, and industrial rock.Influences: Depeche Mode, The Cure, Joy Division.Sound: Haunting, chuggy pace distinct from heavier industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails.Album: One Plus One Equals One (available on Bandcamp).Track Reviewed: "Blood," an intense ...

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38:18

From Kickoff to Curtain Call: Our Super Bowl Breakdown

Mandatory Music ·

2026/02/10

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we talked all things Super Bowl! 🏈🎶 We shared our candid thoughts on the game, broke down the halftime performance, and debated where it ranks among the greatest halftime shows of all time. We also speculated on who could headline next year’s show—and of course, dove into the biggest moments from the game itself. Tune in for a fun, honest, and entertaining breakdown! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced

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28:27

Grammys 2026

Mandatory Music ·

2026/02/10

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Next up, we dive into our Grammys review! 🎶🏆 In this episode, we break down everything about the awards show—the good, the bad, and the frustrating lack of rock and metal representation on the main stage. We also question one of the night’s biggest head-scratchers: how did the Best Metal category go to a band that isn’t even metal? 🤔 Join us for an honest, passionate, and no-holds-barred discussion about the state of rock and metal in today’s

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54:35

Episode 85: "Megadeth" Review

Mandatory Music ·

2026/01/27

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and I dive headfirst into the brand-new Megadeth album! 🤘 We take you track by track through the high points, the mid moments, and of course… that Ride the Lightning cover, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. We’re blunt, honest, and completely candid as we share our real thoughts on the album as a whole. No hype, no filters—just two longtime fans giving you their genuine

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40:01

Episode 85: Black Label Society: Name In Blood

Mandatory Music ·

2026/01/20

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Review Black Label Society's new single and discuss related music news. Key Takeaways "Name in Blood" is a 9/10 classic BLS track. Its monster riff, tasteful solos, and "chug-and-groove" pace make it the band's best single in a decade.A BLS show is set for March 17 at the Orpheum. The lineup includes Dario's Dark Chapel and Zakk Sabbath, with tickets at ~$72–$100.Megadeth's new album is the next review topic. The single "Puppet Parade" has ...

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45:48

Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review

Mandatory Music ·

2026/01/14

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Alter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing ...

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29:50

Episode 83: Days of the New: A Footnote in time

Mandatory Music ·

2026/01/07

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the fascinating and often tragic story of Days of the New—one of the most eccentric and misunderstood bands to emerge from the ’90s alternative scene. From their explosive debut and unique acoustic-driven sound to internal turmoil, creative brilliance, and a heartbreaking unraveling, we trace the band’s journey from promising beginnings to a bitter end. It’s a story of talent, tension, and what hap...

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48:35

Episode 82: top albums of the Year

Mandatory Music ·

2025/12/31

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text We are back with our top albums of 2025, you might have heard of a few of our choices and both of Mike's were on the more obscure side. Dig in for a real fun episode 2025 Music Review Arch Enemy - Blood Dynasty (Sebastian's Pick) Melodic death metal album praised for its classic 90s metal feel.Key Track: "Paper Tiger" → Recalls Metallica's "Spit Out the Bone."Vocals: Alyssa White-Gluz's growls are clear and intelligible, a key factor ...

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52:55

Episode 81: What If

Mandatory Music ·

2025/11/22

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Ever sit around with friends and start asking, “What if this happened… or what if that had gone differently?” That’s exactly what Sebastian and I dove into this week! We picked a few wild “what if” scenarios and had an absolute blast exploring how things might have turned out. Tune in to hear the twists, turns, laughs, and unexpected answers—we had way too much fun with this one! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide an...

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37:42

Episode 80 – Soundtracks That Outshine the Movie 🎬🎶

Mandatory Music ·

2025/11/11

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving into soundtracks that are way better than the movies they came from! From the hard-hitting riffs of Maximum Overdrive and the electronic brilliance of Tron: Legacy, to Ares, Last Action Hero, Blue Hawaii, and plenty more — we’re breaking down the albums that made mediocre movies unforgettable. Tune in for a fun, nostalgic, and music-filled discussion that proves sometimes the soundtrack steals the show!...

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37:02

Episode 79: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

Mandatory Music ·

2025/11/08

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 This week on Mandatory Music! 🎸 We’re diving into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ahead of the big ceremony on November 8. Mike and Sebastian break down each artist’s well-deserved spot in rock history — from the long-overdue legends to the surprise early entries. Who got in right on time, and who maybe could’ve waited? Tune in, turn it up, and join the debate! 🤘 Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide

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32:16

Episode 78: Megadeth’s Bold Return — New Album,...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/31

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive headfirst into the massive news from Megadeth — their upcoming album, simply titled “Megadeth.” We break down the tracklist (for better or worse), give our first impressions of the lead single “Tipping Point,” and debate what it says about the band’s direction in 2025. But that’s not all — Megadeth just dropped a bombshell bonus track: a cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning.” Yep, Dave Mu...

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24:38

Episode 77 Rob Zombie- Punks and Demons

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/25

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎧 Episode 77 is here! This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive into Rob Zombie’s brand new track “Punks and Demons.” 👹🔥 We do a first-listen reaction, giving our raw and unfiltered thoughts on the song — no edits, no filters, just pure chaos. 😈 Oh, and there’s a hilarious audio glitch somewhere in the episode… can you spot it? 👀😂 Tune in, crank it up, and join the madness! 🎶 #MandatoryMusic #RobZombie #PunksAndDemons #MusicPodcast

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28:08

🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/15

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike try something a little different — their (sort of) first reaction episode! The guys hit play on Black Label Society’s “Broken and Blind” and share their unfiltered thoughts in real time as the song unfolds. From Zakk Wylde’s signature riffs to the moments that hit hard — and the ones that didn’t — it’s an honest, off-the-cuff breakdown you don’t want to miss. Tune in for laughs, gut reactions, and...

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30:39

🎙️ Episode 75: Out of Our Comfort Zone — Taylor...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/07

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Michael do the unthinkable — we step way outside our hard rock comfort zone and dive headfirst into Taylor Swift’s brand-new album, Life of a Showgirl. 🤯 From guitar riffs to glitter, we break down the songwriting, production, and emotional storytelling behind one of the world’s biggest pop icons. Can two rock guys find common ground in the world of pop perfection? Tune in to find out — this is an

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33:58

MM74: Yungblud x Aerosmith

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/30

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Sebastian and Michael break down the brand-new collaboration between YUNGBLUD and Aerosmith, a track that bridges generations and genres in one explosive package. From its composition and production choices to the energy and vibe it carries, we explore how the past meets the future in this unexpected pairing. Tune in as we unpack what makes this song tick, why it works (or doesn’t), and what it could mean for the future of rock and pop collabora...

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35:23

MM73: A Retrospective. Nirvana Nevermind

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/27

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Nirvana's Impact on Grunge Music Mike and Sebastian discussed the impact of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, released on September 24, 1991, and its role in the grunge music movement. They noted the significant influence of the album and its lead singer, Kurt Cobain, on the music landscape and youth culture of the time. They also reflected on the contrast between the superficial themes of 1980s rock music and the more authentic, relatable content of...

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23:59

MM72: Will Smith- Pretty Girls

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael dive into the perplexing world of Will Smith's recent musical endeavors. They explore the challenges of staying relevant in the entertainment industry as one ages, using Will Smith's latest song "Pretty Girls" as a focal point. The discussion touches on themes of authenticity, public perception, and the fine line between staying true to oneself and trying to appeal to a younger audience. Tune in for a candi...

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30:36

Episode 71: Gojira- The Shooting Star

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/11

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Michael and Sebastian explore themes of aging, reflections on the VMAs, the impact of modern rock icons like Youngblood, and the unique sound of Gojira. They delve into the lyrical depth of Gojira's music, sharing personal connections to the themes of loss and resilience. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire questions, showcasing their dynamic rapport and insights into music and life. Takeaways Aging brings ...

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58:24

Album Battle: Megadeth Vs. Metallica

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/02

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian return from their month-long break to discuss various topics, including their experiences at Burning Man and a detailed comparison of two iconic metal bands: Metallica and Megadeth. They engage in a battle of albums, analyzing songs from both bands, exploring their musical styles, and reflecting on the legacy of Dave Mustaine. The conversation highlights the technical mastery of both bands and culminates ...

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