Matt Gamba Podcasts

Matt and Zach name their 5 favorite albums of 2023, as well as discuss which records came close and which ones disappointed them the most, during this very special year-end roundup episode from Epic Footnote Productions. Want to buy some exclusive Epic Footnote merch, or listen to our episodes on another streaming platform? Visit https://linktr.ee/…

When Dolly Parton got inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, she promised to record a “rock” album to justify her inclusion. Well, not only did she make good on her word by recording a mix of cover songs and originals for an album aptly titled “Rockstar,” but also enlisted a stacked lineup of guests to duet with (including Paul McCartney, El…

Hearing new music from Guns N’ Roses “should” be exciting. But does Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan opting to sporadically release singles instead of an actual album of new music dampen the experience? And does the fact that those singles - 2021’s “ABSURD” and “Hard Skool,” along with 2023’s “Perhaps” and “The General” - are merely re-workings of…

The Beatles have unleashed the biggest surprise of 2023: a new song. So does "Now And Then" live up to the Fab Four's incredible legacy, or should the surviving members have left this John Lennon demo (which was initially deemed unusable but brought back to life thanks in part to Peter Jackson’s AI technology) in the vault? Find out what Matt and Z…

The Gaslight Anthem delighted fans and critics alike when they announced their return to full-time status after an 8 year hiatus in 2022. But do Brian Fallon and the New Jersey heartland punk rockers return to form with their comeback album “History Books”? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a pod…

Blink-182 overcame near-death tragedies and internal battles to reunite for one of 2023’s most successful tours and anticipated albums. But do Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker live up to the hype with their first full-length together in 12 years, “One More Time…”? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes…

The Rolling Stones releasing their first album of new material in over 18 years is a big enough deal on its own. Throw in the fact that this also marks their first album since Charlie Watts’ passing (as well as his last known recordings with the band), plus the guest appearances from the Beatles’ Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John…

Led Zeppelin wowed the world in December 2007 with a reunion show at London's O2 Arena. Yet while Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and the late John Bonham’s son Jason wanted to keep the winning streak going, Robert Plant made it immediately clear he had no interest in performing more shows. That led the remaining members to hold secret auditions throug…

To say “American Idiot” gave Green Day a second wind is a massive understatement - it’s the massively successful comeback album that cemented the punk trio’s legacy as one of rock’s biggest acts. And yet it almost never came to be - just a year prior to “American Idiot” coming out, Green Day decided to start creating a new album from scratch after …

30 years ago, Nirvana released “In Utero” - an album that instantly became a commercial and critical success, despite the band’s efforts to deliver a raw, stark contrast to its game-changing, mega-successful predecessor “Nevermind”. But how well has Kurt Cobain’s final studio album aged? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Production…

Van Halen sent the world into a frenzy when they appeared onstage with David Lee Roth at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. But Roth and Eddie Van Halen barely made it off stage before they started butting heads like old times, with all hope of seeing the classic Van Halen lineup reuniting dying quickly. But what if all actually went smoothly between…

It's been nearly a decade since Dethklok unleashed new music and Metalocalypse appeared on TV screens. So does Brendon Small's fictional, larger-than-life death metal outfit return to its brutally glorious form with "Dethalbum IV"? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album rev…

There’s something to be said about an incredible album cover - especially ones that are arguably even more regarded than the album itself. But which three are the most iconic pieces of cover artwork in music? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three …

Creed not only plans to reunite in 2024, but to do so on a nostalgia fueled “Summer of 99 Cruise”... but we can’t help but ask ourselves - why? Is demand for the Scott Stapp fronted group to reunite “higher” than we think, or will most fans NOT embrace a Creed reunion “with arms wide open”? That’s what Matt and Zach discuss in the latest episode of…

Do Greta Van Fleet live up to the massive buzz they’ve accumulated over the years with “Starcatcher,” or does the Michigan rock outfit prove critics and naysayers right with their third full-length? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. In each…

The 90s produced tons of amazing albums that helped propel many bands to new heights of success. But which albums from that decade do you think should've received more acclaim upon its release? Which albums from the 90s do you still feel are underappreciated? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 …

Slayer may have one of the most die-hard, loyal and dare we say obsessed fan bases in not just metal or rock, but all music. Just wear a t-shirt of theirs at a random concert, and see how many attendees scream their name at full volume at the mere sight of their logo (even though the band isn’t playing that show). So how did a band as brutal and di…

Queens Of The Stone Age has been one of the most consistent and reliable rock acts of the past 25 years. But do Josh Homme and co. continue its winning streak with “In Times New Roman…”, or stumble with their eighth studio album? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album revie…

A new Foo Fighters album is already a big deal. But with the tragic passing of long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins, “But Here We Are” is easily one of the most anticipated releases of 2023. So how do Dave Grohl and co. make out with their 11th studio album? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcas…

Avenged Sevenfold is easily one of the most polarizing bands in metal. But does the band's musical progression on "Life Is But A Dream…" win over their harshest critics while also keeping their diehard fan base pleased, or does their 8th studio album end up alienating both? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes …

Rival Sons have gained quite a following with their 70s influenced, blues-infused rock sound. But does the critically acclaimed rock outfit continue their winning streak with “Darkfighter”? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. In each episode,…

Replacing a key member is a tough task for any band. So which replacements in music not only won over fans, but also helped elevate their bands to new heights of success? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three choices on any given music-related top…

Sleep Token have become quite a cult sensation - causing a stir with their mix of tech metal and alternative R&B while remaining entirely anonymous. But does the masked and cloak-wearing outfit led by the mysterious "Vessel" live up to all the hype with their third album "Take Me Back To Eden"? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Pro…

Bamboozle Fest ended up getting canceled one week before it was set to take place in Atlantic City. And believe it or not, even more controversy surrounding the New Jersey festival’s return arose since we premiered our initial episode (stream here: https://youtu.be/TMl3iFfEb6s) - from Bamboozle running promotions that on the surface seemed to under…

To say that the legal battle between Mötley Crüe and former guitarist Mick Mars escalated extremely fast is an understatement - with both sides making harsh claims about each other in the public eye. So how did we end up here? Is either side truly in "the right"? Should we even be surprised that Mötley Crüe is responsible for what promises to becom…

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: a new Metallica album! Does “72 Seasons” show that the metal legends still have plenty of gas left in the tank, or that they’re well past their creative peak? Where does their latest studio album rank within its storied catalog? And can you believe that albums like “Kill ‘Em All,” “... And Justice For All…

It's that time of year whe. Record Store Day once again releases unique vinyl in celebration of indie record stores globally… So which titles are we most excited for in 2023? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three choices on any given music-related…

"So Much (for) Stardust" not only marks Fall Out Boy's first album in 5 years, but also their return to Fueled By Ramen - released their debut album "Take This To Your Grave" 20(!) years ago. So does the Chicago outfit reclaim the pop punk / emo rock throne with album no. 8, or does it leave fans yearning for more? Find out what Matt and Zach think…

Ticketmaster is no stranger to strong criticism. But the fiascos surrounding rollouts of recent tours by artists like Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen has brought tensions at an all time high - with the Department of Justice launching antitrust investigations into Live Nation, the Senate holding hearings about Ticketmaster's presale operations an…

Sometimes the best way to throw shade at someone is through music. So which three diss songs do we feel contain the most cutting and vicious verbal attacks recorded to tape? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three choices on any given music-related …

Bamboozle was easily one of the most eclectic music festivals of the 00s - one that evolved from pop punk roots to a gathering of all types of genres. But the New Jersey festival’s return after an 11 year absence has so far been… lackluster at best, with the rollout of its lineup and pricing causing lots of confusion (and frankly frustration) among…

Paramore's return after a nearly 5 year hiatus was met with much excitement from fans and critics alike. But does Hayley Williams and co.'s comeback album, “This Is Why,” live up to the high expectations? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. I…

The time has come to ask: out of all the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2023 (which includes everyone from Missy Elliott, Rage Against the Machine, and Kate Bush, to Willie Nelson, George Michael, and the White Stripes), which three deserve to be inducted the most? And which three 2023 nominees are most likely to get inducted in…

Rihanna playing the NFL's Super Bowl halftime show this year is a dream come true for millions of fans. So which 3 songs do we hope the Barbadian megastar sings during the biggest sporting event in the world? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three …

Pink Floyd are without question one of the most iconic and innovative bands in music. But if you had to pick the British rock pioneers’ best songs, which three would you pick? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to pick our top three choices on any given music-relate…

In 1983, both Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe released albums that would not only skyrocket them into rockstar royalty but also (for better or worse) shape the landscape of glam rock and hair metal in the 80s. But do “Pyromania” and “Shout At The Devil” still hold up after nearly 40 years? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’…

Matt and Zach name their 5 favorite albums of 2022, as well as discuss which records came close and which ones disappointed them the most, during this very special year-end roundup episode from Epic Footnote Productions. Available to stream on any platform found here: https://linktr.ee/epicfootnote! Sponsored by Lucky 13 Beard Co.: head over to htt…

As we prepare for Metallica’s new album “72 Seasons” and massive stadium tour around the world, we find ourselves wondering: why is it taking so long to crown the “Next Metallica”? Will a rising band in metal (or rock, for that matter) ever reach the globally massive success of a band like Metallica? Or will Metallica be the last heavy band to ever…

We’ve talked about how Nickelback is easily one of music’s most polarizing bands (listen here: https://youtu.be/l6W11KCNLe4). But does the Canadian rock outfit prove naysayers wrong with “Get Rollin’” (their 10th album and first in more than five years)? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcas…

A supergroup with members of My Chemical Romance, Coheed And Cambria, Thursday, Circa Survive and Saosin?! Does L.S. Dunes live up to its potential with its debut album “Past Lives”? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. In each episode, both h…

The Clash are often referred to as “the only band that matters” (and rightfully so). But if you had to pick the British genre-fusing punk rock icons’ best songs (that are NOT named “London Calling”), which three would you pick? Find out our choices in this episode of Epic Footnote Productions’ “If You Have to Pick 3 … ,” a podcast where we have to …

When we reviewed Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Unlimited Love” back in April, we could never have imagined they’d release ANOTHER double album just a few short months later. But what does “Return of the Dream Canteen” say about the current state of RHCP? Is RHCP’s onslaught of double albums in 2022 (their first in more than 15 years with John Frusciante)…

Does Lamb Of God live up to their legacy as a leader in the new wave of American heavy metal movement with their ninth album “Omens”? Or does Randy Blythe and the Virginia metal outfit leave fans yearning for more? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part comp…

Does Slipknot live up to their status as their generation’s larger-than-life metal band with “The End, So Far,” or does album No. 7 leave much to be desired from Corey Taylor and the Iowa-metal outfit? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. In e…

On paper, an Ozzy Osbourne solo album that enlists a slew of all-stars for guest appearances (including Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck, Eric Claption, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Zakk Wylde, Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready… just to name a few) should be making massive fans like u…

Very few bands are as beloved as Clutch. So do the Maryland rock veterans live up to fans’ high expectations with “Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” (their first album in nearly four years, as well as their shortest to date)? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part…

It's been nearly ten years since The Mars Volta disbanded. But will fans enjoy Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala's attempt to craft their vision of a pop record, or will the group’s self-titled comeback album leave fans yearning for the hyperactive, head-spinning sound that made them prog rock darlings? Find out what Matt and Zach think…

There’s no denying Megadeth are responsible for some of metal’s most iconic albums and songs. But does Dave Mustaine and co. live up to the band’s legacy with its 16th album, “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competi…

Even after nearly three decades, very few bands sound like Muse. But does the operatic alt rock trio live up to their legacy with their ninth studio album, "Will of the People"? Find out what Matt and Zach think in Epic Footnote Productions’ “2 Minutes to Review,” a podcast that’s part album review and part competition. In each episode, both hosts …

Bands reuniting can lead to varied results - especially when bands reunite without key members. But is it hypocritical to be skeptical of some reunions while fully accepting of others when the band’s circumstances may be identical? What makes some reunions successful and others a complete bust? That’s what Matt and Zach discuss in the latest episod…