Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

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Stevie D says Buckcherry is already looking ahead, with the next album planned as part of the band’s schedule for next year. He outlines the steps involved in moving that record forward, from writing and early planning to getting into the studio and shaping the final songs. The focus is on keeping momentum going while making sure the material is ready before recording begins.
Outside of Buckcherry, Stevie D is also staying busy producing other projects, expanding his work behind the boards and helping develop music beyond his role as a guitarist. At the same time, he’s putting energy into recording D’Molls music, showing that project is part of his creative life as well.
The interview also touches on the tragic accident involving the band’s bus, adding a more serious note to the conversation. Stevie D acknowledges the incident as a difficult moment, set against an otherwise forward-looking discussion about new music, production work, and what’s coming next.

Cloven Hoof have spent decades building a legacy as one of the enduring names in British heavy metal, earning a reputation for power, character, and a sound that has remained unmistakably their own. Across changing eras, the band have continued to carry forward the spirit that first defined them, combining classic metal force with a strong sense of identity. That history gives every new release added weight, and it is exactly that sense of legacy that makes this next chapter stand out.
The new album, Never a Prophet in Your Own Land, arrives as a statement of purpose — one that reflects both experience and ambition. The title alone suggests conflict, perseverance, and the challenge of standing firm in the face of doubt, all themes that fit naturally within the world Cloven Hoof have built over the years. It feels like an album shaped by conviction, carrying the strength of the band’s past while pushing forward with renewed intent.
For longtime listeners, this release represents more than just another record in the catalogue. It is a continuation of the band’s story, rooted in the traditions that helped establish their name while still finding room to expand and evolve. There is a sense of momentum around Never a Prophet in Your Own Land — the sound of a band drawing on its foundations without simply looking backwards.
In this episode, we look at the history behind Cloven Hoof, the road that led to Never a Prophet in Your Own Land, and what this album means within the broader arc of the band’s career. We also explore how this release connects past and present, and why it stands as an important moment for a band that continues to hold its place in heavy metal with authority and purpose.

In this episode, we talk about Forbidden, the new album that marks an important turning point for the band. Built on the history, sound, and identity that have defined the group over the years, Forbidden reflects both where the band has been and where it is headed next. It is a record shaped by growth, change, and a clear sense of purpose.
We also discuss the arrival of the band’s new singer and what that means for this next chapter. Their voice brings a new energy and dimension to the music while staying true to the foundation that longtime listeners will recognize. Forbidden represents that balance between legacy and evolution, holding on to the core of the band while opening the door to something new.
The episode also looks ahead to the new tour and what fans can expect from this era live. More than just a new release, Forbidden signals the beginning of a new phase for the band — one that connects its history to its future in a way that feels natural, ambitious, and ready for the stage.

Dan Lilker is a highly respected figure in heavy music whose career has stretched across thrash metal, hardcore, crossover, and grindcore. He first came to wider attention as a founding member of Anthrax and performed on the band’s 1984 debut album, Fistful of Metal. Although his time in Anthrax was brief, it placed him at the beginning of a major moment in American thrash and helped establish his place in metal history.
He went on to build an even deeper legacy through Nuclear Assault, the band most closely linked to his name, and through Stormtroopers of Death, whose aggressive and sarcastic style became hugely influential in crossover metal. Lilker later expanded into grindcore with Brutal Truth, showing how easily he could move between different extremes of heavy music. Across the years, he has also been involved with many other bands and side projects, which has made him one of the most recognizable and versatile musicians in the underground scene.
What makes Dan Lilker stand out is not just the number of bands he has played in, but how often he has been part of important chapters in metal’s evolution. From early thrash to crossover and grindcore, his bass playing, songwriting, and personality have left a real mark on the genre. Even after stepping back from regular road touring, he remains an important and respected presence whose influence continues to be felt across the metal world.