Aaron Beam discusses Red Fang's new collection and two decades of riff-driven sludge metal, plus Justin Benlolo of BRKN Love joins the show
TL;DR
This week on the Loaded Radio Podcast, Aaron Beam from Red Fang joins us to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary and discuss the release of their latest collection, Deep Cuts. Beam dives into the band's beginnings, the process of assembling rare tracks, and the inspiration behind Red Fang's unrelenting sound. Later in the episode, Justin Benlolo of BRKN Love drops in to talk about the band's ongoing evolution and the exciting plans ahead.
Red Fang reflect on two decades of sludge-soaked greatness
Formed in 2005 in Portland, Oregon, Red Fang carved out a distinct place in the modern heavy scene with their gritty, hook-laden sludge metal. Over the last 20 years, they've delivered one crushing release after another, gaining a reputation for both their anthemic riffs and their offbeat sense of humor.
Now, Aaron Beam and the rest of Red Fang mark their 20th year with Deep Cuts — a sprawling 26-track release packed with non-album tracks, covers, demos, and hidden gems. It's a celebration of the band's journey so far, offering longtime fans a treasure trove of rarely heard material that still captures the raw, unfiltered energy Red Fang are known for.
On the latest episode of the Loaded Radio Podcast, Beam opens up about the creation of Deep Cuts, shares reflections on the early days of jamming in drummer John Sherman's basement, and talks about what it feels like to still be making music together two decades later.
Deep Cuts offers a full throttle dive into Red Fang's evolution
From the thunderous opening riff of "Antidote" to the atmospheric shifts of tracks like "Hollow Light" and "Endless Sea," Deep Cuts showcases the full range of Red Fang's capabilities. Beam notes that the collection captures the oddities, covers, and experimental moments that have fueled the band's evolution over the years.
Highlights include their gritty renditions of Wipers' "Over the Edge" and Dust's "Suicide," as well as fan-favorite deep cuts like "Stereo Nucleosis" and "Black Water." It's a wild ride through the different textures and tones that have shaped Red Fang's career — from straight-up sludge anthems to more experimental, synth-laced jams.
Beam also reflects on how his own musical journey — and the shared history with bandmates Bryan Giles, David Sullivan, and John Sherman — continues to push Red Fang's sound forward even after 20 years.
Justin Benlolo of BRKN Love joins the conversation
The second half of this week's podcast features Justin Benlolo, the dynamic frontman of BRKN Love.
Benlolo and Loaded Radio's Scott Penfold dig into the band's unique blend of hard rock and alternative influences, their songwriting process, and their ambitions as they continue building momentum within the modern rock landscape.
With new music and major tour plans on the horizon, BRKN Love are positioning themselves as one of the exciting young acts keeping heavy music alive in a constantly evolving scene.
