Pantheon Media

Revolutionary Weekly Series Features the Heavy Metal Archaeologist Exploring 43 Years of Metal History Through Interactive Gaming.

Two of the most respected names in metal culture – Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) and Metal Blade Records (the legendary independent heavy-metal label) – are proud to announce the launch of Metal Mondays, a first‐of‐its‐kind interactive music game designed to bring metal fans together each week to engage, compete and connect over their favourite bands, tracks and artists.

Hosted by the Heavy Metal Archaeologist, Metal Mondays transforms metal history into weekly archaeological expeditions through Metal Blade Records‘ legendary 43-year catalog. Players test their knowledge through audio challenges, climb global leaderboards, win exclusive prizes, and discover the buried treasures of metal’s most influential label.

“We’ve built Metal Blade from the ground up on fan passion, discovery and the power of metal culture – this is the next big step: putting the power into the hands of the community, letting fans play, compete, celebrate and elevate the music they live for,” says Brian Slagel, founder & CEO of Metal Blade Records and host of “The 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast “With Metal Mondays we’re creating a weekly ritual for metal fans – a place where you don’t just consume the music, you play it, you live it, you win with it.“

“At Pantheon Media we’ve always believed that fandom is about community, participation and connection,” says Christian Swain, CEO of Pantheon Media. “Metal Mondays is a perfect blend of content, competition and culture: it gives heavy-music fans a fresh way to engage with the bands and songs they love, while unlocking new discovery and reward. We’re thrilled to partner with Brian and Metal Blade on this.”

The Heavy Metal Archaeologist brings a unique educational approach, treating every album as an artifact and every band as a civilization worth studying. “We’re not just testing trivia knowledge – we’re excavating the buried treasures of metal history and making the incredible story of Metal Blade Records accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers,” adds Swain. “Every week feels like discovering ancient artifacts that shaped the metal world we know today.“

Key Features of Metal Mondays:
• Weekly Interactive Episodes – Three challenging questions worth 100 points each, featuring audio clips from iconic Metal Blade releases
• Global Competition – Real-time leaderboards and competitive formats driving worldwide engagement
• Exclusive Prizes – Rare vinyl, signed albums, VIP experiences, and Metal Blade merchandise for top performers, tickets to the Metal Blade Museum
• Educational Entertainment – Learn metal history while competing, from Metallica’s first recording to modern death metal masters
• Community Building – Social features to challenge friends, share victories, and connect with fellow metal archaeologists
• Artist Integration – Special episodes featuring Metal Blade’s legendary roster including Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Amon Amarth

Metal Mondays addresses the growing demand for interactive audio content while serving the passionate heavy metal community with premium, knowledge-based entertainment. The series covers Metal Blade‘s incredible roster of over 180 artists who have shaped the metal landscape since 1982.

Links & Resources:
Metal Mondays Portal: metalblade.com/metalmondays
Game/App Landing Page: podcastpuzzle.com
iOS App: Hit Replay on the App Store
Android App: Hit Replay on Google Play

About Pantheon Media
Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) specializes in creating innovative interactive content experiences for passionate fan communities, transforming traditional media consumption into engaging, participatory experiences that build stronger connections between fans and the content they love.
pantheonpodcasts.com

About Metal Blade Records
Founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel, Metal Blade Records has been home to some of heavy music’s most influential artists including Slayer, Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Amon Amarth, and many others. With over four decades of operation, Metal Blade continues to discover and develop metal talent while maintaining its commitment to artistic integrity and fan service.
metalblade.com

Pantheon Media and Metal Blade Records, two pioneering forces in music and media, have joined forces to create “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal,” a new podcast series for fans of heavy metal and hard rock.

Hosted by Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records, each episode of the series will spotlight one of the most defining songs in metal, blending artist interviews, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the production, cultural impact, and legacy of each track, with insights from prominent voices like music historian Martin Popoff and producer Jay Ruston.

The podcast features exclusive appearances from musicians who either influenced or were influenced by these legendary tracks, ensuring fans a unique, all-encompassing exploration of metal music. Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel shares, “I wanted to give metal fans a definitive playlist that captures what heavy metal is all about, beyond the lists we see from other media outlets. Working with Pantheon, the ultimate home for music podcasts, is a natural fit for this project. This podcast honors both the genre and the fans who live and breathe heavy metal.“

“I’m really looking forward to exploring a list crafted by someone who’s lived and breathed heavy music for over four decades,” says 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal co-creator Christian Bladt. “Each week is a reminder of how great these songs are, and no matter how many times I’ve heard them, I always learn something new from the incredible guests on every episode.“

Pantheon Media‘s CEO Christian Swain remarks, “With Metal Blade’s unparalleled legacy and Brian’s deep connection to the genre, ’100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal’ takes listeners straight to the heart of what makes metal one of the most powerful music genres in the world. Our mission at Pantheon is to bring fans closer to the music and stories that shape their lives, and this podcast does exactly that for metal fans everywhere.”

From Metallica and Slayer to Cannibal Corpse and Alice Cooper, “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” will cover the songs that have defined generations, blending narrative storytelling with in-depth analyses. This podcast also serves as a tribute to the fans whose passion fuels the genre and keeps it alive for future generations.

“100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Pantheon Media
Where fans belong. Dedicated to telling the most compelling stories in music, sports, and pop culture, Pantheon offers a diverse range of shows that connect listeners to their favorite artists, bands, and cultural icons. As the only podcast network with a deep focus on both iconic artists and emerging voices, Pantheon curates a listening experience that celebrates passion, community, and storytelling. With top-tier productions like The Metallica Report, Rock N Roll Archaeology, and exclusive podcasts from rising artists, Pantheon Media is where music and fandom thrive together.
www.pantheonpodcasts.com

Metal Blade Records
Founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel, Metal Blade Records has been the global leader in metal music for over four decades. With a roster that includes some of the most iconic metal acts of all time, Metal Blade has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, bringing metal to the masses and creating a platform for the heaviest bands on the planet. Their legacy is cemented not only by their legendary bands but by their dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent in heavy music.
www.metalblade.com