The Kevin Powell Podcast SPIRITWORLD | Stu Folsom on New Album, Country Influences & Life on the Road | Louder Than Life 2025
Nov 1, 2025
Stu Folsom, the energetic frontman of SpiritWorld, shares insights on his band's unique fusion of hardcore, thrash, and country influences. He discusses the writing process for their upcoming album, blending classic country sounds with heavy metal. Stu reflects on their growth since Helldorado and reveals what fans can expect from their live shows, emphasizing their dynamic stage presence. He also offers advice for aspiring musicians, encouraging them to pursue their passion fearlessly. Don't miss their forthcoming record set for 2026!
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Country Guitar Influences Matter
- Telecaster-driven country artists like Dwight Yoakam and Marty Stuart have influenced Spirit World's guitar sound.
- Stu says those country sounds are rubbing off on songs even amid thrash and hardcore influences like Slayer and Nails.
What To Expect Live
- Spirit World packs high-energy, riff-heavy sets with minimal talking and lots of aggression in 30-minute festival slots.
- Stu summarizes the live experience as headbanging riffs mixing Slayer, Pantera groove, and Hatebreed intensity.
Origin Of The Band Name
- The band's name comes from the movie Young Guns and a peyote scene referencing 'spirit world', not anime.
- Early demos used that film clip, and physical demo copies still contain the sample even if streaming versions don't.