It’s called Heavy Metal and Weights: My Story of Guitar, Weights, Heavy Metal Workout Albums, Passion, and Building Muscle—and it’s available now on Amazon (Kindle and paperback).

Order it here on Amazon

What’s Heavy Metal and Weights About?

In this book, I take you back to where it all started—when I first picked up the guitar and a set of weights. Both of these passions hit me around the same time in my mid-teens (yep, late 80s-early 90s!).

From being a skinny kid getting picked on to building muscle and writing instrumental metal albums, this book is my story—and hopefully, motivation for your story, too.

Behind the Scenes of the Heavy Metal Workout Albums

I go deep into the making of my Heavy Metal Workout and Heavy Metal Workout II albums.

You’ll learn how these albums came to life, what gear I used, and how I merged my love for metal with the energy of fitness.

Workout Programs Included

I couldn’t write a book called Heavy Metal and Weights without giving you some solid training advice.

There are two weight training programs inside:

• One for building muscle and mass
• One for getting lean and shredded

You can start these right away—even if you’re new to lifting.

It’s Not Just a Story—It’s Fuel for Your Passion

This isn’t just a “how-I-did-it” story. Heavy Metal and Weights is about going after what you love. I share lessons and mindset shifts that helped me combine two passions—and turn them into something bigger.

Whether you’re into metal guitar, working out, or just need a boost of inspiration, this book will light that fire.

I poured my heart into this book. If you dig metal music, lifting weights, or want to combine your passions into something meaningful, this is for you.

Grab your copy of Heavy Metal and Weights

Keep it Metal,
Jason

Keep it Metal,

Jason

The post Heavy Metal and Weights: My Journey with Guitar, Metal Music, and Building Muscle appeared first on Jason Stallworth.

This is my third studio album—and it’s a heavier, more aggressive follow-up to its predecessor.

Heavy Metal Workout II delivers 13 hard-driving instrumental metal tracks made to fuel your workouts, push your limits, and keep that adrenaline firing. Stylistically, it’s a fusion of old-school thrash metal and melodic death metal… just without the vocals.

From brutal chugs to ripping solos, every track was crafted to hit hard and stay locked in the zone.

Listen While You Read

Or stream it anywhere you listen to music—Click here to listen on other platforms

About Heavy Metal Workout II

Like the first Heavy Metal Workout, this album is packed with melodic hooks and heavy riffs—but HMW II takes things to another level.

It’s faster, more aggressive, and delivers a more intense vibe overall. The riffs are sharper, the drums hit harder (performed by the insanely talented Ed Aborn), and the energy doesn’t let up from start to finish.

So what’s the difference between Heavy Metal Workout I and II?
This one’s juiced. If the first album was strong, this one’s straight-up beast mode. It’s still all-instrumental metal made for the gym—but with a thrashier edge and a heavier punch.

If you’re looking for extreme metal to fuel your workouts—or just love instrumental metal that keeps the adrenaline flowing—HMW II won’t disappoint.

Heavy Metal Workout II – Track List

Release Date: August 18, 2017
Pre-release Single: “Death Lift” – dropped August 4, 2017

1. Death Lift
2. Anabolica
3. One More Round
4. No Pain
5. F’n Brutal
6. Beast Mode
7. Last Rep
8. Go Heavy or Go Home
9. Lean Machine
10. Attack of Quadzilla
11. I Must Break You
12. Start Something
13. Back Off

Click here to listen on more sources

The Making of Heavy Metal Workout II

I never set out to create a series of albums, much less a sequel to the first Heavy Metal Workout. But something shifted right after I wrapped up the original album in February 2016…

The riffs I started writing next were heavier, faster, and way more aggressive.

I found myself drifting toward more extreme metal influences, especially melodic death metal. I had been listening to a ton of Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, and other bands in that space. That energy just started pouring into my writing.

I was also spinning some old-school thrash like Exodus and Kreator—not death metal per se, but still raw, fast, and punishing. And all of that bled into the music for HMW II.

Drums Programmed by a Real Drummer (Wait, What?)

Writing those faster, more aggressive riffs—especially in that melodic death metal style—brought a new set of challenges. I’m not a drummer (not even close!), and the parts I was writing needed a legit metal drummer’s touch.

At that time, I didn’t personally know anyone who could handle the style I had in mind. But then something wild happened…

A dude reached out to me on my Facebook music page, saying he dug my music and videos. We started chatting, and as we got deeper into the convo, I found out I was talking to Ed Aborn—a professional producer and drummer.

Not just any drummer. Ed plays for the band Siren, a metal band with serious history.

Follow Siren:

• Siren on Facebook
• Siren on Instagram

I somehow talked Ed into helping with the drums on Heavy Metal Workout II. And man, he took it to the next level.

Ed Aborn = Game Changer

This was a huge relief. I finally had a real drummer’s perspective—even though we still programmed the drums, it was Ed who designed and arranged them. That made all the difference.

Honestly, HMW II would not be what it is without Ed’s input. Not even close.

Once Ed finished the drum tracks, things got really fun (cue sarcasm). I realized two things:

1. I had to re-record every single bass track to better match the updated drums.
2. Worse—some of my guitar parts weren’t tight enough, and I had to re-track those too.

Painful? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

Guitar Riffs and Solos

Most of the lead guitar tracks were recorded while I was laying down the rhythm guitars. I did go back and tweak a few solos here and there—but like the first Heavy Metal Workout album, I held back from soloing over every second of every song.

Trust me, it was tempting.

But I had to remind myself: this is a workout album. It’s designed to keep you focused and motivated—not distracted. And sometimes, shredding non-stop can break that groove. That said, you’ll still hear plenty of ripping solos… and even some dueling lead parts that bring extra fire.

But the rhythm guitars are the real meat and potatoes of this album. They’re the heartbeat. The engine. They keep the energy high and the momentum going.

Of course, you don’t have to only listen to Heavy Metal Workout II while you’re lifting. At the end of the day, it’s just a super heavy instrumental metal album—with a bit of a melodic death metal edge. But if you do throw this on during your workout, don’t be surprised if you crank out a few extra reps.

Album Artwork and Concept

For the Heavy Metal Workout II cover, I wanted something that screamed “lifting meets metal” — and that’s exactly what we created.

I hired my good friend and digital artist Dave Velez to bring the vision to life. I had a rough concept: a 45 lb weight plate with the album title where the brand name would normally go, and two killer metal guitars crossing behind it.

I pieced together some ideas using clip art and a few photos I’d taken, and Dave took it from there. He nailed it.

The cover perfectly captures what this album is all about — strength, intensity, and unapologetic heavy metal.

Gear Used on Heavy Metal Workout II

Here’s the lineup of gear that helped bring this album to life:

• Guitar: ESP M-1000 Deluxe
• Bass: ESP LTD D5
• Amps & Effects:
  • Positive Grid BIAS FX – Satan amp sim (modeled after the Randall Satan)
  • Studio Devil Bass Amp Pro for bass tones
• Drums: Performed/programmed by Ed Aborn
• Recording Software & Interface: Studio One + PreSonus Interface
• Monitors: KRK G5 Rokits

Minimal gear… maximum intensity. That’s the way I like to roll.

Click here to listen on more sources

Special Thanks

To Candy, my beloved soul mate — I’m living proof that it makes a massive difference when you have a spouse who believes in your vision and supports your passion. I couldn’t do this without you.

Huge thanks to Ed Aborn for stepping in and handling what seemed like the impossible — the drums for this aggressive, extreme metal album. Your input, advice, and support took this album to the next level.

To Mike Olson at JMO Services LLC, thank you for mastering this beast of an album with your signature precision (and for also mastering Apocalyptic Dreams).

Eddie Gray and Tom Sherman, you guys have been like brothers to me. Even with the miles between us, you’ve always been a huge part of my music journey. Thanks for your support and honest feedback.

To my parents, thank you for your unwavering belief in my dreams. And to Chuck and El, my in-laws — I appreciate your encouragement more than you know.

And to you, my fans and followers — thank you for listening, lifting, and supporting my music. I couldn’t do any of this without you.

The Bigger Picture

Heavy Metal Workout II was more than just a sequel—it was a breakthrough. I pushed harder, went heavier, and began collaborating with other musicians like drummer Ed Aborn to bring new life to the music. It’s where I started refining my workflow, tightening my tone, and thinking beyond just writing riffs.

If you’re someone who’s into both lifting and playing metal—this whole process might hit home for you.

Want the full story? I dive deeper into how I merged my two biggest passions—metal and weights—in my book, Heavy Metal & Weights. It covers my personal journey, struggles, and everything I learned while creating both Heavy Metal Workout albums.
Check it out on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback)

Up Next: Masterpeace

From the gym to the stage… my next release took things to a whole new level.

Masterpeace (2019) was my first album with vocals, and the first time I brought in a real drummer for the full project. It blends traditional heavy metal with thrash and melodic death metal, and features my first recordings using a 7-string guitar.
Behind the Scenes: Masterpeace (2019)

Keep it Metal,
Jason

The post Behind the Scenes: Heavy Metal Workout II – A Heavier, Faster, More Brutal Sequel appeared first on Jason Stallworth.

Sure, there are tons of metal workout playlists out there. And hey, I love jamming to bands like Slayer, Exodus, Testament, or even old-school Metallica while training.

But here’s the problem…
A lot of those playlists are all over the place—different tempos, random transitions, and vocals that can pull you out of the zone.

That’s why I created Heavy Metal Workout.
A full album of consistent, high-energy instrumental metal made specifically for lifting, training, and pushing your limits in the gym.

If you love metal and you love to train, this was made for you.

Listen While You Read

Or stream it anywhere you listen to music—Click here to listen on other platforms

What Is Heavy Metal Workout?

Heavy Metal Workout is a 12-track instrumental metal album written specifically to fuel your gym sessions. It’s hard-hitting, melodic, and designed to keep you in the zone.

This album isn’t just metal you can lift to—it was built for lifting.

The vision was simple:
No distractions.
No out-of-place vocals.
Just heavy, driving metal with consistent grooves and energy to match your workout intensity.

Each song has its own vibe—different keys, varying BPMs—but the overall flow is steady and motivating. Whether you’re chasing that next PR or grinding through your early morning session, this is your soundtrack.

And even though it’s made for lifters, it stands strong as a straight-up metal album too. There’s plenty of that chuggy, riff-driven energy with nods to classic heavy and modern djent-style grooves.

Don’t lift? No worries—this might be the album that gets you started.

Heavy Metal Workout Track List

Released: February 2016

01 – Jacked
02 – Maxed Out
03 – Train Insane
04 – Mass Season
05 – Skull Crusher
06 – High Intensity
07 – Shut Up and Lift
08 – Weight of the World
09 – Hour of Power
10 – Grow Time
11 – Pushing and Pulling
12 – Shredded

Click Here to Listen on More Sources

The Making of Heavy Metal Workout

Heavy Metal Workout was my second studio album—and it came from merging two lifelong passions: metal and weights.

I actually had this idea in my head for a couple of years. But after returning from a trip to Thailand in late 2015, something just clicked. The vision sharpened, and I started writing and recording almost every night for about six weeks straight. The music poured out, and the concept came to life fast.

Backstory
Growing up, I was a skinny kid—and an easy target for being picked on. That’s what led me to start lifting weights in my mid-teens. At first, it was about protection and confidence. Over time, it became something much deeper: discipline, consistency, and growth.

Building muscle wasn’t easy, but I stuck with it. Now, decades later, I’m still at it—training five days a week, often before 5 AM.

These experiences are part of what shaped Heavy Metal Workout. The album was written with that inner beast mindset—turning pain into power and channeling your fire into something constructive.

If you want the full story behind both the music and training side of my journey, check out my book Heavy Metal & Weights on Amazon.

Writing and Recording the Music

Once the vision for Heavy Metal Workout was finally locked in, I hit the ground running.

To be honest, I went back and forth on how to position the album. Should it just be another instrumental metal album like Apocalyptic Dreams? Or should I lean into the whole workout music concept?

At first, I worried I might lose some listeners by focusing on the gym theme. But at the same time, I couldn’t shake the idea of making a metal album specifically for lifters. Something with intention. Something that pushed back.

Right after our Thailand trip in November 2015, it all became clear. I committed to the original vision, and it lit a fire under me.

I started writing and recording almost every night for about six weeks straight. Riff after riff. Track after track. It just poured out of me.

I don’t think I’ve ever written that much music in such a short time before. But when the inspiration hits and the purpose is real, you make time. And I’m glad I did—this was one of the most exciting and intense creative streaks I’ve ever had.

Guitar Tones

This time around, I didn’t struggle nearly as much with finding the right tone. I had already decided to go with Positive Grid’s BIAS FX for my amp sims and effects. That decision alone saved me a ton of time and second-guessing.

From there, it came down to picking the amp model that fit the sound I was chasing. I went back and forth between a few:

• EVH 5150 III
• Randall
• Mesa Dual Rectifier (aka Treadplate in BIAS FX)

I ultimately went with the Mesa Dual sim—Treadplate—and man, I’m glad I did. It had that perfect mix of punch, saturation, and clarity that matched the energy of the album.

I actually became a little obsessed with it. So much that I’ve already laid down tracks with it for future releases. It just works.

Other Instruments: Drums and Bass

The only real challenge I had outside of guitars was drums.

Ideally, I wanted to bring in a real drummer, but I was on a mission to get Heavy Metal Workout released by a specific date. Since it’s a concept album, I didn’t need crazy fills or flash—I just needed drums that were tight, punchy, and carried the groove.

I ended up going with Metal Machine by Toontrack and spent a lot of time tweaking and arranging grooves that matched the energy of each track. And honestly, I’m pumped with how it turned out. The drums serve the songs perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

I’ll admit—if I had it to do over again, I would’ve hired a real drummer for this album. Starting with Masterpeace, I made that shift, and it’s made a huge difference on every album since. I’ve never really been an advocate of fake drums.

For bass, I used Studio Devil’s Bass Amp Pro plugin. That thing is killer. I was able to dial in a tone that glued everything together—tight low-end, with enough grind to cut through the mix and complement the rhythm guitars.

Simple setup, heavy results.

Album Artwork

One thing I didn’t plan well was the logo and album cover. I had a cool idea in mind, but struggled to bring it to life visually.

So I did what any determined DIY metalhead would do—I took a photo of myself holding my guitar in front of a blank wall (yep, right out by the patio-pool area at our house). I used Apple Keynote to remove the background—free software, nothing fancy—and just started messing around with fonts, layout, and colors.

It definitely wasn’t perfect, but it got the job done. And honestly, the process taught me a lot. If I could go back, I’d hire a pro designer—but I wouldn’t trade the lesson.

Needless to say, I had a much tighter checklist and game plan for the next album!

Gear Used on Heavy Metal Workout

• Guitar: Ibanez RG1570
• Bass: ESP LTD D5
• Amps/Effects: Positive Grid BIAS FX (Treadplate/Mesa Dual amp sim)
• Drums: Toontrack Metal Machine (EZDrummer)
• Recording Software: PreSonus Studio One Pro 2 (hadn’t yet upgraded to 3)
• Interface: PreSonus AudioBox USB
• Monitors: KRK G5 Rokits

It might seem odd that I went with the Ibanez RG1570 for this album. I had my ESP LTD M-1000 Deluxe, which is an absolute beast of a metal guitar. But there was something special about the tone I was getting from the Ibanez—tight, punchy, and super heavy, even with the stock V7 and V8 pickups. And that guitar has a personal history too—it came from my close friend and bandmate Tom, and we’ve always said it would stay in the family.

Outside of the new bass and switching over to BIAS FX, everything else gear-wise was pretty much the same as I used on Apocalyptic Dreams. And just like that album, I kept it simple—minimal gear, maximum output. That’s how I like it.

Click Here to Listen on More Sources

Special Thanks

To Candy, my beloved soul mate—you’ve supported every crazy idea and dream I’ve had. Having a spouse who truly believes in what you’re doing makes all the difference, and I’m living proof of that.

To Mike Olson at JMO Services LLC—thank you for bringing this album to life with your mastering expertise (and for mastering Apocalyptic Dreams as well). Your attention to detail and guidance made a huge impact.

To Eddie Gray and Tom Sherman—you guys are more than friends, you’re brothers. You’ve always been part of this journey, giving honest feedback and pushing me to keep going, even from a distance.

To my parents, Miller and Sherri Stallworth—thank you for supporting my music from the very beginning and always believing in me.

And to Chuck and El, my in-laws—thank you both for your encouragement and support.

Finally, to you, my fans and followers—I couldn’t do this without you. Your support means everything and keeps the fire burning.

Keep it Metal,

Jason

The post Behind the Scenes: Heavy Metal Workout – The World’s First Instrumental Metal Workout Album appeared first on Jason Stallworth.

Listen While You Read

Or stream it anywhere you listen to music—Click here to listen on other platforms

What Is Apocalyptic Dreams?

This 12-track instrumental journey marries classic heavy metal intensity—think Metallica and Joe Satriani—with the soaring melodic tones of European power metal like Sonata Arctica, Nightwish, and Evergrey.

• Balanced solos—melodic, expressive, and fast, but never overpowering the core rhythm riffing.
• A mix of emotional and edgy hooks woven throughout riffs, progressions, and solos that stick with you.
• Ambient-driven textures, using clean and reverb-drenched guitar passages to add emotional depth and atmosphere where you’d usually expect keyboard or synth layers.

Apocalyptic Dreams Track List

Released December 2013

1. Redemption
2. End of Days
3. Facing the Guillotine
4. Apocalyptic Dreams
5. Dark Forces Shall Bow
6. Out There
7. Mission: Terminate
8. Legion of the Underworld
9. As Iron Sharpens Iron
10. Fire and Ice
11. The Healing
12. The Epicist

Listen anywhere: Find it on your favorite platform

The Making of Apocalyptic Dreams

Alright, here’s where I take you behind the scenes. Looking at this from a high level, it all seems fairly simple, and I like to keep things simple. But man, there was a huge learning curve that presented some challenges.

Adapting to Computer-Based Recording (Painful!)

This was my first time using a DAW—My only recording experience was back in the late-90s when I had an old school Fostex DMT-8 hardware recorder.

Now I had to learn something completely new – how to record on my laptop with a PreSonus AudioBox USB (I didn’t even know what an interface was before that). I started in Reaper, then moved to Studio One Artist (later upgraded to Pro). There were many frustrations and mistakes made, but I eventually figured it out.

The Search for Tone (and Sanity Test)

Dialing in the guitar sound drove me nuts. I started with a Line 6 POD XT Live and experimented with amp sims like LePou’s Legion and a few others (this was 2009, and amp sims were somewhat new). I upgraded to HD500 when it was released. Although the tones were much better, I was now going down a new rabbit hole of sounds. Kinda like starting from scratch.

The real breakthrough came with the HD 500 ENGL Fireball (Angel FBALL) in the HD500. That tone fit my vision for the album perfectly. Some clean and ambient parts came from HD500’s Fender clean tone with the HD500 ‘Particle Verb’ reverb (love this effect!). That’s what I used to replicate those ambient sounds you get from keyboards. Again, this is where my influences from bands like Nightwish and Evergrey came in.

No Drummer? No Problem

I didn’t want to use a basic drum machine or program—those just didn’t feel right for the vibe I was going for. But hiring a real drummer wasn’t in the cards at the time (tight budget and all that). After a ton of searching, I came across Beta Monkey’s Double Bass Mania (I used versions III and IV). These are real drum samples played by real drummers, and they sounded killer.

The challenge? Sifting through hundreds of loops to build full drum tracks that fit my riffs and progressions. It was time-consuming, but also kinda fun—it felt like piecing together a metal puzzle. In the end, I was blown away by how natural and aggressive the drums turned out. It gave the album the punch it needed without sounding overly programmed or robotic.

Mixing & Mastering

Mixing felt surprisingly smooth. I used KRK Rokit monitors and tested on headphones, laptop speakers, and in the car. I’m not one to layer guitars on top of guitars. My process is simple. I record two rhythm guitars and hard pan them. Then I have my bass and lead tracks up the middle (except the harmonizing solos you hear; this was not a pitch shift effect – I recorded both leads and hard-panned those).

In the end, I decided to send the project for mastering. Mike Olson (JMO Services LLC) did an incredible job—his ears polished the album into something I’ll always be proud of (thank you, Mike).

Gear Snapshot

• Guitars: Mainly the ESP M‑1000 Deluxe, though I used my Ibanez RG1570 on some ambient parts
• Bass: Dean 5‑string through Studio One plugins (I just built my own effects chain with EQ and compression)
• Interface: PreSonus AudioBox USB
• DAW: Studio One Pro (this was the FIRST Version!)
• Amp Sim: Line 6 POD HD500 w/ ENGL Fireball for the metal rhythms and leads, Fender for the cleans and ambient sounds
• Monitors: KRK G5 Rokits
• Drums: Beta Monkey Double Bass Mania loops
• Mastering: Mike Olson, JMO Services LLC

Crafted with minimal gear, in a small apartment-turned-studio over two years. Every note was written, recorded, and mixed by me in the living room. I’ll always be proud of this album.

Special Thanks

• Candy – Always believed and supported my dream—couldn’t have done it without your love
• Mike Olson – Mastering wizard and great friend
• Family & Mentors – My parents for supporting my musical interests from the beginning, my early mentor Ron Goodman (RIP, you were one of a kind), Ronnie Miller (you helped my dad pick out my first guitar and introduced my to Joe’s Flying in a Blue Dream, which had just come out at that time and to this day gives me chills), Uncle Fred, Will Pufall (RIP, it was so great playing music with you on stage all those years), Jon Castillo
• Close Friends/Old Bandmates (The Guys)– Eddie Gray, Tom Sherman, your feedback drove this forward

Why It Matters

This was more than an album. It was my initiation into writing, recording, and releasing music independently. I navigated technical challenges, guitar tone hunts, drum workaround, and perfectionism. Every step shaped how I teach and create today. If you’re diving into recording your own music, I hope this story inspires you to keep moving forward, no matter what.

Want More Metal Motivation?

Dive into my second instrumental album, Heavy Metal Workout — a hard-hitting 12-track record built specifically for lifting and pushing limits in the gym. Check out the story behind it and what gear I used here:
Behind the Scenes: Heavy Metal Workout (2016)

Keep it Metal,
Jason

The post Behind the Scenes: Apocalyptic Dreams (2013) appeared first on Jason Stallworth.