Chicago post-punk outfit Bleached Cross (Zak and Alex) joins James VanOsdol to break down their latest album, Wrath. 

Episode Highlights

• Radio Nostalgia & Cassette Tapes: Zak brings in his childhood box of handwritten cassette radio rips from late-’90s Q101 broadcasts, sharing early memories of recording tracks off the airwaves and attempting a fourth-grade talent show performance of Silverchair and 311.
• Origins & Evolution: The duo traces their history back to meeting in college, initially bonding over pop-punk, emo, and an Alkaline Trio cover set before steering into darker, more aggressive sonic territory.
• Dissecting Wrath: Alex and Zak detail the creative workflow behind key tracks like “Crucible” and “Thorn Crown,” explaining how bass-driven foundations, layered guitars, and vocal hooks helped define the tone of the record.
• Featured Collaborations: Zak discusses the making of the track “Tomb,” featuring guest vocals from Harlee of the Chicago band Bosses.
• Horror Influences & What’s Ahead: The band dives into favorite horror cinema classics (including Hellraiser, The Thing, and Rosemary’s Baby) and shares what’s next as they balance tour dates, live sets, and early writing for future releases.

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