Episode 449 - From Dillinger Escape Plan to Shock Narcotic – Jeff Tuttle’s Journey Through Heavy Music

Welcome back to When Words Fail, the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time. James Cox—a self‑styled “handicapped” guide on a mission to prove that music can be the therapy we all need.

In today’s episode we sit down with the ever‑mysterious Jeff Tuttle—known for his work with The Dillinger Escape Plan, the post‑hardcore outfit Old Gods, and the lightning‑fast super‑group Shock Narcotic. Jeff walks us through his winding road from a small‑town Michigan kid who grew up with the eclectic bassist and became a songwriter behind some of the most relentless, under‑a‑minute tracks in modern metal.

We’ll unpack:

• The “Super‑Group” Myth – Jeff’s take on why labels like “supergroup” can feel limiting, and why the chemistry of a true unit matters more than star power.
• Songwriting in the Abyss – How he wrestles with riffs that won’t fit, splits them into new songs, and finally lets the creative flow take over.
• From Old Gods to Shock Narcotic – The evolution of his sound, the freedom he finally found writing his own heavy material, and the collaborative dance with vocalist Sean.
• A Time‑Travel Tour Fantasy – If Shock Narcotic could crash any era, which one would it be and why?
• Personal Passions Outside the Stage – Jeff’s love of classic horror (the Evil Dead forever), his admiration for John McLaughlin’s jazz‑fusion vision, and his secret devotion to Sleep Token.

Whether you’re a metalhead craving ferocious riffs, a fan of genre‑blending experiments, or simply looking for a reminder that angry music can still be a soundtrack for happy souls, this conversation will hit all the right notes.

So crank the volume up, tighten those headphones, and get ready for a raw, honest, and unapologetically heavy dive into the mind of Jeff Tuttle—only on When Words Fail. Let the healing begin.