Early in this video, Greg Puciato talks about the need to “[hone] in on the spirit that you need to channel for that day” to be a viable component of the Dillinger Escape Plan. Some days a certain percentage of each member is up to the task, he says, running through a few arbitrary numbers before settling on, yes, “43 percent.” Um, think it’s safe to say he belongs. Anyway, join the for once pretty stable lineup in a very calm forest (?!) and learn about getting “possessed” by the chaos of life in a post math-metal institution.

Royal Thunder vocalist Mlny Parsons was one of three immensely talented ladies to grace the cover of our Women in Metal issue last August. In the latest installment of Converse x Decibel, we learn about the Atlanta outfit’s day-to-day travails as a touring band, and why passion for their trade allows them to overcome any and all obstacles.

Chandler Bing was probably too much of a pussy to listen to Clutch, but we’re gonna channel him anyway: Could this band be any cooler? The ever-unpretentious rock lords have been everywhere in Decibel-ville lately: our April cover, April’s Brewtal Truth column, and now the latest installment of Converse x Decibel. Take a behind-the-scenes glance at the boys not only in the rehearsal room and onstage, but offering insightful commentary on chemistry, editing and lyrical influences–specifically making songs larger than life by absorbing mythology. Get down with Neil, Tim, Dan and Jean-Paul for seven more minutes. You won’t regret it.

And now for something… completely different? Not quite. Or at least not as much as it originally seems. Chelsea Wolfe is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and bandleader who concocts a haunting blend of “doom folk” reminiscent of dB favorites Ides of Gemini. Wolfe earned metal cred in a big way with her devastating cover of Burzum classic “Black Spell of Destruction.” Now she’s the subject of the latest Converse x Decibel, and true to form, her video eschews one-on-one interview fodder, opting for transfixing spoken word and captivating dark imagery.

In the latest Converse x Decibel film, heavy psych dudes Naam record new jams in a cabin in the woods (no Mermen or Cenobites appear, but we forgive them) and collectively recount witnessing a mysterious “football shape” materialize over a treeline. Typical stoned UFO hallucination? Hardly. Naam’s earnest interpretation of the event speaks to the heart of their music: their engrossing fascination with the fear of the unknown. Ingest your illicit substance of choice and get down with the fire in the sky.

Laura Pleasants ponders effects pedals and getting in the right headspace to write lyrics. Phillip Cope has just as much to say about unique tones and avoiding a signature recording style The latest Converse x Decibel is an intimate look at Savannah avant-sludge outfit Kylesa in their longtime studio space, The Jam Room. Light up whatever you’ve got on-hand, air-drum for two, and get in the zone.

Everyone gets old. Most of us get bitter, bored and ignorant along the way. Phil Anselmo, legendary frontman of Pantera and Down, has unexpectedly proven a welcome exception. Now in his mid-40s, Phil has reinvented himself as extreme music’s cool uncle, fostering young boundary-pushing bands via his Housecore Records imprint while sacrificing none of the ferocity and rage that continues to drive his countless projects. In the latest installment of Converse x Decibel, the always candid Anselmo talks boxing, chronic back pain and finding inspiration in a new generation of metalheads.

Last month, Converse x Decibel took you behind the scenes of Brooklyn’s Saint Vitus bar with proprietors Primitive Weapons. Now the band members break down their individual backstories, which include stints with Quicksand architect Walter Schreifels, shitloads of Long Island hardcore bands, and near-misses with major labels. All of which molded them into the on-the-rise sludge/doom powerhouse they are today. Check out this heartfelt second installment pronto.

In the latest installment of the Converse x Decibel series, L.A. thrash punks the Shrine streak a highlighter over one of the truest equations in music history: rock ‘n’ roll + skateboarding = awesome. With new Tee Pee album Primitive Blast turning heads all summer, the band explains how their DIY ethic applies to not just creating their own merch and booking their own tours, but turning found space (specifically empty SoCal pools) into skate heaven.

Non-false Brooklynites are by now more than familiar with Saint Vitus bar, a haven for ripping food, beer and extreme music on the outskirts of the Hipster Apocalypse. Opened by Primitive Weapons guitarists Arthur Shepherd and Justin Scurti, and longtime friend George Souledis, Saint Vitus is the focus of the latest Converse x Decibel. Watch as the noise-doom merchants explain their desire to foster a legitimate local metal scene. Does the man behind their venue’s namesake make a cameo to stamp his personal seal of approval? Press play and find out.

And here’s Part 3 of Red Fang’s 2012 tour doc.

Here’s Part 2 of Red Fang’s 2012 tour documentary.