Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

* **0:19** – Introduction of Paul Mazurkiewicz and his projects.
* **1:12** – Discussion on the origins of Paul's rock band, Umbilicus.
* **2:34** – Early projects: Path of Man and the search for a 70s-style rock singer.
* **6:15** – Reforming during the pandemic and starting fresh with new members.
* **10:30** – Details on the Umbilicus EP, *Ambiguous*.
* **12:11** – Paul's role as a drummer vs. his history with songwriting and guitar.
* **16:05** – Writing the Cannibal Corpse song "Destroyed Without a Trace" entirely on drums.
* **18:11** – Paul's first instrument: Learning guitar on an acoustic before switching to drums.
* **25:28** – The evolution of Paul's drumming style over 40 years.
* **31:30** – Why "Hammer Smashed Face" is the epitome of the Cannibal Corpse sound.
* **33:01** – The challenge of creating setlists with such a massive discography.
* **40:00** – Staying physically fit for extreme metal drumming as he gets older.
* **49:09** – Looking ahead to upcoming Slayer shows and the future of Cannibal Corpse.

Miljenko Matijevic joins the show for a one-on-one conversation about “Without You,” and his work with Niclas Engelin, the new collaborative album that’s on the way, his voice, and the realities of today’s music business. Best known as the founder and voice of Steelheart, Matijevic reflects on the songwriting, the performance side of singing, and how he approaches recording and longevity as a rock vocalist.

The interview also looks back at Steelheart’s history, from the band’s beginnings in Connecticut under the name Red Alert to their breakout with the 1990 debut Steelheart, followed by Tangled in Reins, the 1992 onstage accident that changed everything, and the later return of the band through new releases and touring. It’s a focused conversation with one of hard rock’s most distinctive singers about past chapters, current work, and the new album coming with Niclas Engelin.

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alor Kand is a musician known for his work with Christian Death, where he became a central creative figure as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. His presence helped define the band’s identity for decades, and he became closely associated with its intense sound, theatrical style, and confrontational themes. In addition to performing, he played a major role in shaping the group’s direction and keeping it active across multiple eras.

As an artist, Kand brought a forceful and dramatic approach to Christian Death’s music. His work often emphasized heavy guitars, dark atmosphere, and lyrics that drew on religion, power, violence, and social tension. The result was a sound that felt severe and deliberate, combining gothic imagery with a harder musical edge. His style gave the band a sense of scale and intensity that remained a consistent part of its character.

Beyond individual albums or performances, Valor Kand’s significance lies in the way he sustained Christian Death as an ongoing artistic project. He was not simply a performer within the group but one of its main drivers, responsible for much of its continuity, image, and output over time. His name remains tied to the band because of that long-term creative leadership and the strong imprint he left on its music.

* **00:00** - Intro and Welcome
* **00:35** - Meet Hardip (Lead Guitar) and Ben (Vocals)
* **00:57** - Band History and First Releases
* **02:22** - The Bond Between Band Members
* **04:13** - Influences and Finding Their Sound
* **06:58** - Playing Alongside Different Genres
* **10:37** - Working with Tony (VENOM INC ) on the New Album
* **15:15** - Album Release Details
* **17:42** - Upcoming Shows and Bloodstock Festival
* **21:28** - Advice for Young Bands and the Reality of Touring
* **23:39** - The Importance of Playing Live
* **28:44** - Outro and Farewell