Robert Saler is an Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture, and Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence and the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Robert is also an author and theologian who specialises in the intersection of faith and modern society, covering pastoral sabbaticals, theology of the cross, and religion's role in today's culture. Steve Von Till from Neurosis introduced me to Robert, an opportunity I'm thankful for, as I've been eager to find a guest who resides at an intersection of extreme metal and faith for the show.

It'd be tempting to say this is a different guest from what you are used to, but that isn't true. I was the first journalist to contact Stuart Anstis, who blew the lid off the popular narratives surrounding Cradle of Filth. I'm the only person to interview Trey from Morbid Angel's mother. Across 800 other episodes of the show, you have become familiar with my technique of allowing the guest to brooch topics across all social, political and religious contexts.

But this conversation goes beyond typical discussions of faith; it's a deep exploration into his path to spirituality, ministry, and scholarly work in theology. I hope this is the first of many insightful discussions with Robert.

Vinnie Dombroski, the frontman of alternative rock band Sponge, talks about the story behind 'Planet Girls', a long-lost album that has recently been released. Originally intended to follow the success of their iconic albums' Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic', the label shelved Planet Girls and remained unreleased for years.

Vinnie discusses the original sound and vision of 'Planet Girls', which aimed to align more closely with Sponge's earlier work rather than the pop-oriented direction of 'New Pop Sunday'. He sheds light on the pressures from the music industry in the late '90s, including the influence of contemporary bands like Goo Goo Dolls and the impact these pressures had on the band.

The conversation also explores Vinnie's collaboration with producer Kevin Shirley on the 'Planet Girls, the enduring relationship with Tim Patalan (producer of 'Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic'), and the dynamics within the band during those pivotal recording sessions.

Further, Vinnie touches on the legacy of Sponge's music, particularly discussing tracks like 'Neenah Menasha' and its significance in the '90s alternative rock scene. He also pays tribute to the unique talents of band members like Mike Cross (RIP) and Joey Mazzola, giving fans a deeper insight into the chemistry and creativity defining Sponge's sound.

https://www.spongetheband.com/

The Scars and Guitars April new music show is FULL of black and extreme shit!

The show kicks things off with DEICIDE performing "Sever The Tongue," followed by Kerry King's "Residue." DARKTHRONE will present "Black Dawn Affiliation", and ACCEPT brings "Humanoid." The Omnific will showcase "Matrices," and APOCALYPTICA covers "The Unforgiven II." WARDRUNA will perform "Hertan," with Týr following with "Dragons Never Die."

DORO will hit the stage with "Lean Mean Rock Machine," and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH teams up with DMX for "This Is The Way." Orange Goblin delivers "(Not) Rocket Science," and MONO will perform "Oath." ZEAL & ARDOR are set to play "TO MY ILK," with DOPETHRONE bringing "Shlaghammer." Demersal introduces "Lys I Natten," and Faustian performs "Primordial Rot."

Skulldozer begins with "Bow To None," PARACRONA features Baard Kolstad for "Carry The Cross." Darkthrone returns with "The Bird People Of Nordland," and Blaze Of Perdition plays "W kwiecie rozłamu." Morgue Meat takes the stage with "Crushing The Messiah's Skull," followed by KRÅBØL with "Perish." Enevelde will perform "Pandemonium," and Whoredom Rife presents "Den Vrede Makt."

Nekyian offers "Hevn," and Nachtheem presents "Drift van Nostalgie." Obscuration will play "Violent Art," with Death Like Mass performing "Sorcery Unbridled." Altar Of Gore introduces "Carrion Womb," Hässlig plays "Slaves," and Unborn Generation brings "Heritage." UNITYTX is set for "PLAYING FAVORITES," and 156/Silence presents "Unreasonable Doubt."

Wage War will perform "NAIL5," Make Them Suffer will present "Epitaph," and ERRA will take the stage with "Cure." AZIMUT19 will showcase "Anger Plague," and SMOKE AxD will perform "Smoke All Day." Vulture is lined up with "Oathbreaker," and Belushi Speed Ball closes with "My Favorite Color is Pizza."

Check out past issues here! https://scarsandguitars.com/monthly-music-show/