Northern Colorado has become home to some hidden gems for collectors and musicians alike. In this episode of Denver Metal Things, we head to Thornton, Colorado to explore a collectible toy store, visit Cadaver Audio recording studio, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a rehearsal with the Denver metal band Participant.
Whether you’re into vintage toys, recording studios, or Colorado’s local metal scene, this episode offers a closer look at several places that deserve a visit.
Toy Hunting at Out of the Box Collectibles
The day begins at Out of the Box Collectibles, located about 20 to 30 minutes north of downtown Denver in Thornton.
The shop specializes primarily in collectibles from the 1990s through today, making it a great destination for fans of modern pop culture. While there aren’t many vintage toys from earlier decades, there’s no shortage of items to browse.
Some of the highlights include:
- Action figures from a wide variety of franchises
- Video games and gaming collectibles
- A dedicated Pokémon room featuring cards and figures
- Spawn collectibles
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles merchandise
- Vinyl records
- Garbage Pail Kids cards
- Pop culture apparel
During the visit, we also found a pair of The X-Files figures featuring Mulder and Scully at a surprisingly reasonable price, along with a Garbage Pail Kids card that made the trip even more memorable.
For collectors who enjoy hunting for unique finds, Out of the Box offers plenty to explore.
Inside Cadaver Audio Recording Studio
The next stop takes us inside Cadaver Audio, where owner Ivan gives us a look behind the scenes of his recording studio.
Instead of simply touring the space, the episode dives into the technical side of recording heavy music. From guitar tones to drum production, the discussion provides valuable insight into how modern metal recordings come together.
For musicians interested in recording or producing their own music, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the process.
Talking Guitar Tone with Participant
One of the highlights of the episode is sitting down with members of Participant to discuss their gear and approach to creating heavy guitar tones.
Topics include:
- Using amplifier distortion instead of overdrive pedals
- Balancing effects for rhythm and lead guitars
- Reverb choices and effects processing
- Guitar tunings
- Baritone guitars versus seven-string guitars
- Live performance setups
These conversations offer practical information for guitarists while also giving fans a chance to learn more about the band’s creative process.
Drum Triggers and Modern Metal Production
The discussion continues with Participant’s drummer, covering one of the most debated topics in heavy music: drum triggers.
The episode explores:
- Why drum triggers are commonly used in modern metal
- Different trigger systems and hardware
- Common misconceptions about triggered drums
- How triggers can actually expose inconsistencies rather than hide them
- Balancing natural drum sounds with modern production techniques
Rather than treating the subject as controversial, the conversation focuses on how these tools are used to create consistent live and studio performances.
An Exclusive Rehearsal Performance
No studio visit would be complete without hearing the results.
The episode concludes with an inside look at Participant rehearsing new material inside Cadaver Audio. Watching a band perform in a rehearsal environment offers a different perspective than seeing them on stage, showcasing the work that goes into preparing for live performances and future recordings.
It’s an opportunity to experience Denver’s local metal community from behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Episode 8 of Denver Metal Things combines several interests into one afternoon—collectible hunting, recording studio tours, gear discussions, and local metal.
Whether you’re searching for your next collectible, looking for a professional recording studio in the Denver area, or simply interested in how Colorado metal bands develop their sound, this episode has something to offer.
If you’re a musician, collector, or fan of Denver’s heavy music scene, be sure to watch the full episode for exclusive interviews, rehearsal footage, and a closer look inside one of Colorado’s independent recording studios.
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