That Metal Interview Podcast · That Metal Interview Podcast

chat w/ Ali Richardson of BLEED FROM WITHIN & SYLOSIS S6 E41

May 1, 2025·27 min·2 clips

Ali Richardson intercepted Vinnie Paul at a bar to show him his CFH tattoo and say he's the only reason he picked up the sticks.

1. That Metal Interview Podcast host James (Texas) interviews Ali Richardson, drummer for Bleed From Within and Sylosis, ahead of the release of Zenith, the seventh Bleed From Within album. 2. Ali Richardson is the guest; host James is based in Texas; no other guests are present. 3. The episode covers Richardson's metal origins, the new album Zenith, his dual role as drummer and band manager, and the upcoming Trivium/Bullet for My Valentine US tour. 4. Richardson was nominated for Best UK Live Artist at the Heavy Music Awards — he frames the nomination as recognition for years of hard work rather than a childhood goal. 5. His defining musical moment was downloading Pantera's 'Fucking Hostile' on LimeWire around 2000-2001 after spotting a Hashleaf Pantera patch on a classmate's school bag. 6. He met Phil Anselmo at an O2 Awards after-party in London around 2013 by intercepting him when Rob Flynn went to the toilet, showed his CFH tattoo, and received a 'thank you, brother!' and high five. 7. Richardson clarified he saw Vinnie Paul with Hell Yeah at Download 2005, not Damage Plan, and never saw Dimebag Darrell before his death in December 2004. 8. On the Pantera reunion with Charlie Benante and Zakk Wylde, Richardson says the novelty wore off after the second viewing at Download the following year: 'two of the main reasons I listen to the band aren't there.' 9. Outside music, Richardson lives on the south coast of England near Brighton, listens to funk and soul (Spotify playlists 'All Funked Up' and 'New Funk') on beach walks, and goes to the gym for fitness essential to drumming. 10. Richardson manages both bands day-to-day alongside Adam Foster at 5B Artist Management and also serves as road/tour manager on the road, which he describes as 'very annoying' financially but necessary. 11. He owns three Yamaha drum kits: a Live Custom (oak shells) in Glasgow, a Hybrid Oak in Brighton, and a Stage Custom kit permanently stored in the United States that Yamaha gifted him. 12. Bleed From Within formed in Hamilton, Scotland in 2005; Richardson joined within the first few weeks via a call from his friend Scott Patterson who originally planned to drum; the current lineup has been stable since 2015-2016. 13. Zenith is Richardson's favorite album of the seven: he describes it as having no filler tracks, with 'Violent Nature' (track one) called 'one of the best songs we've ever written' and 'Edge of Infinity' (closing track) as another standout. 14. The band changed their mixing engineer for Zenith and updated the artwork, deliberately pushing themselves to grow and progress beyond their formula. 15. The songwriting process: guitarist Gunzi opens a shared Dropbox with 'ten riffs', Richardson structures parts as drummer, Kennedy adds vocal melodies and lyrics last; Gunzi will not begin writing the next album until after Zenith is released. 16. Band decisions at Bleed From Within, including set lists, are made by democratic vote among five members — Richardson notes this always resolves a deadlock since five is an odd number. 17. On the upcoming Trivium and Bullet for My Valentine US tour, the band has only 25 minutes for their set; Richardson will be on the road for 7.5 weeks total, first three weeks with Sylosis, then the remainder with Bleed From Within. 18. The interview is conversational and fan-oriented, covering both personal backstory and professional logistics; host James asks enthusiastically and Richardson answers in a candid and relaxed tone. 19. The episode is best for metalcore and heavy metal fans curious about the human side of UK metal drummers juggling multiple bands. 20. Listeners seeking deep technical discussions about drumming technique or gear specifications may find the episode light on that content.

As heard by us

A direct metal interview about longevity, live fire, and why the first riffs still matter.

Ali Richardson's conversation stays focused on what has kept a heavy band tight over 20 years: live pressure, friendship, and the pull that first sent him toward drums.

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Why you'd press play

You want a metal interview that turns live-show pride, friendship, and road stories into something easy to sink into.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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