Loyal fans of That Metal Show who tuned in to the first episode of Season 12 may have thought that they were on the wrong channel if not for Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson being in the picture. The familiar stripped-down set has been updated, the most notable addition being a sleek looking table that turns metaphorical round table discussions into literal ones.
The set wasn’t the only change that was made on That Metal Show for the new season. A number of new segments were introduced as well:
Metal Modem – A surprise guest appears via video conference. This week, Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) was exposed as having a softer side when it was revealed that he skipped Florentine’s comedy show to take his mother and grandmother to a movie.
Take It Or Leave It – A topic is brought up, and the guys give their opinion of whether they “take it” or “leave it.” This week’s topic was Black Sabbath moving forward without Bill Ward.
Jason Newsted Interview – The round table makes the interview segment seem more comfortable than it was in seasons past. Newsted reveals some interesting details about his transition from Flotsam and Jetsam to Metallica, the physical toll that touring took on his body, and the inspiration that a reunion show had on his current project.
Put It On The Table – Lightning round questions that will be asked of all of guests this season. The unique questions give viewers a chance to get to know more about the lives of their favorite artists.
Origins – Video clip of artists revealing their metal origins. This week’s segment featured Bobby Blitz (Overkill). Blitz shared some funny stories about everything from the posters in his childhood room to his parents’ reaction to his leaving college when Overkill got a record deal.
Q’s From The Audience – Audience members ask guests questions by speaking into the “Lemmy mic.”
Underrated – The guys each share an underrated hard rock or metal album. Eddie (Blue Murder – “Nothing But Trouble”), Don (Circus Of Power – self-titled debut album) and Jim (Texas Hippee Coalition – “Pride Of Texas”).
Behind The Music Video – Discussion of a music video clip. This week featured Newsted’s “Soldierhead.”
Rock & Roll Landmarks – Hollywood’s famous Rainbow Bar & Grill was featured. During the segment it was revealed that Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow was named after the landmark.
The only regular feature that was retained for the new season of That Metal Show is “Stump The Trunk.” There will still be “Top 5 List” debates, but only on select episodes. Guest musicians are still a part of each episode, but it is not strictly for guitar players anymore. This week featured drummer, Carmine Appice, whose brother Vinnie will also be appearing this season.
After experiencing 11 seasons of That Metal Show, TMS 2.0 takes some getting used to, but at its core, the new format delivers what TMS fans are looking for – great hard rock and metal content that features their favorite artists. And of course, Eddie, Jim and Don still make it feel like you’re hanging with your friends, albeit in nicer digs.
That Metal Show airs on VH-1 Classic on Saturdays at 11pm EST.
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