Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn w/ author Justin Johnson

On this episode of Hart O' The Matter, host Matt Hartnett sits down with author Justin Johnson to dive deep into Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn, the definitive account of one of heavy music’s most uncompromising bands. This conversation traces the rise of the mostly instrumental trio from West Virginia and the raw early 90s Appalachian heavy rock and metal scene that helped propel them onto the global stage. Matt and Justin unpack the band’s Roadrunner Records debut in 1997 and why it became such a cult classic. They explore how Karma To Burn’s sound stood apart from their peers and why that debut record remains so influential decades later. The discussion paints a vivid picture of a band operating on instinct, volume, and riffs rather than convention. The episode also digs into Karma To Burn’s long and frustrating search for a vocalist who truly fit their sound. Justin details the near-miss with Kyuss legend John Garcia, how close it came to becoming permanent, and why legal issues with Kyuss’ label ultimately shut the door. It’s a fascinating look at how industry politics can derail creative momentum. Matt and Justin then get into the band’s contentious relationship with Roadrunner Records. They discuss the pressure to find a frontman, the label’s role in the band ultimately going fully instrumental, and how those struggles shaped Karma To Burn’s identity. This section sheds light on the realities of navigating a major independent label in the 90s metal world. The conversation continues through the band’s initial breakup after their third album and the unrealized fourth record that would have featured Pepper Keenan, Neil Fallon, and Burton C. Bell. Justin explains why that project never materialized and what it could have meant for the band’s trajectory. They also cover Karma To Burn’s 2009 comeback, the release of two more full-length albums, and the renewed creative fire that followed. The episode reflects on the band’s final chapter after the tragic death of guitarist and mainman Will Mecum and what his legacy means to heavy music. Finally, Matt and Justin discuss Rich Mullins and Nathan Limbaugh’s recent project with John Garcia and Bill Kelliher of Mastodon. They explore whether the reportedly completed songs might ever see the light of day and what fans can realistically hope for. Justin also shares what drove him to write Instrumental Forever and why Karma To Burn’s story still matters. #HartOTheMatter #KarmaToBurn #InstrumentalForever #HeavyRock #StonerRock #DesertRock #RoadrunnerRecords #MusicPodcast #MetalPodcast #RockHistory #90sMetal #AppalachianRock #JustinJacksonAuthor #MattHartnett #Kyuss #JohnGarcia #WillMecum #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #RockBook