
Merlin Alderslade
Merlin moved into his role as Executive Editor of Louder in early 2022, following over ten years working at Metal Hammer. While there, he served as Online Editor and Deputy Editor, before being promoted to Editor in 2016. Before joining Metal Hammer, Merlin worked as Associate Editor at Terrorizer Magazine and has previously written for the likes of Classic Rock, Rock Sound, eFestivals and others. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N' Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. He has also presented and produced the Metal Hammer Podcast, presented the Metal Hammer Radio Show and is probably responsible for 90% of all nu metal-related content making it onto the site.
Latest articles by Merlin Alderslade

Spiritbox's Courtney LaPlante on the legacy of Linkin Park - and getting to play stadiums with them next year
By Merlin Alderslade published
Spiritbox might be one of the fastest-rising bands in metal today, but even they're overawed at the sheer size of Linkin Park

"Slash comes up to me and gives me a hug, and that was a moment that I will take to my grave." We asked Myles Kennedy to make us a playlist, and what he gave us is pure gold
By Liz Scarlett published
From rock icons like Guns N' Roses and Queens Of The Stone Age to metal behemoths Gojira, it's safe to say Myles Kennedy knows his way around a riff

Aphex Twin just surprise-dropped a thirty-eight track, two-and-a-half hour compilation album
By Merlin Alderslade published
The album compiles material previously only released in physical formats and sold at live shows across the last few years

Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello celebrates fellow iconic metal guitarist he was in a high school band with
By Merlin Alderslade published
Tom Morello heaped praise and love on another guitar legend yesterday

Yungblud reveals who he believes are the "best metal band under 40 years old"
By Merlin Alderslade published
Genre-hopping singer-songwriter Yungblud gives props to some British metal heavyweights and a music icon

Korn, Muse, Scorpions, Linkin Park, Judas Priest and more for Hellfest Open Air 2025
By Merlin Alderslade published
Hellfest has announced another heavyweight lineup for next year!

The 10 best metalcore albums of 2024
By Merlin Alderslade published
From UK greats Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps to young innovators like Heriot and Scene Queen, metalcore has had a hell of a year

"A name familiar to many of our fans." Iron Maiden announce new touring drummer following departure of Nicko McBrain
By Merlin Alderslade published
A day after the sad news that Nicko McBrain will be retiring as Iron Maiden's full-time drummer, his replacement has been revealed

"Today will be my final gig with Iron Maiden." Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain retires from band after 42 years
By Merlin Alderslade published
Beloved Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is officially stepping away from the band

Confidence Man are ridiculous. They're also one of the best live acts on Planet Earth right now
By Merlin Alderslade published
Confidence Man are a dazzling, ludicrous triumph in Brixton. Surely arenas beckon?

Slipknot, Ghost, Nightwish, Gojira and more star in Metal Hammer's blockbuster end of year issue
By Eleanor Goodman published
The new issue of Metal Hammer is our biggest of the year and it's on sale now!

Cyber Monday CD player deals: Save a bundle on a top CD player - even though the big sales day is over
By Scott Munro last updated
We've picked out a selection of excellent discounted CD players that are still on sale - but these discounts could end at any moment

Cyber Monday CD deals 2024: There's still time to grab a CD bargain but you're going to have to be quick
By Scott Munro last updated
The Cyber Monday CD sales are officially over, but there's still a handful of tasty price drops

Black Friday streaming deals 2024: These streaming deals are still live
By Scott Munro last updated
Black Friday brought a wide range of excellent deals on TV, film & music streaming services - and these awesome options are still alive and kicking

Cyber Monday streaming deals 2024: There's still time to find a new music, film or TV streaming service for less
By Scott Munro last updated
Here's our pick of the best streaming deals you can still get - even though Cyber Monday is over for another year

Sleep Token show London why they've become metal's biggest success story in over two decades
By Merlin Alderslade published
The mysterious masked metallers put on a dazzling second show at a packed-out London O2

Black Friday Marshall speaker and headphones deals 2024: You can still get your hands on Marshall audio gear for a discount
By Scott Munro last updated
Just because Black Friday has come to an end doesn't mean you can't still get Marshall speakers and headphones for less. Here's our pick of the best deals that are still live

Cyber Monday Marshall speaker and headphones deals 2024: Raise the roof with the best Marshall audio gear discounts that are still live
By Scott Munro last updated
Stacks of Marshall's audio gear was heavily discounted for Cyber Monday - and the good news is that some deals are still going strong

Black Friday record player deals 2024: There's still deals to be found even though Black Friday is over for another year
By Chris Barnes last updated
Black Friday is over but there's plenty of turntable discounts still going strong. Here's our pick of the best deals still available

Cyber Monday record player deals 2024: This is your last chance to grab a turntable discount
By Scott Munro last updated
Cyber Monday is over but there are still a number of discounts on turntables, but you'll need to be quick to pick up a bargain

Black Friday vinyl deals 2024: Some vinyl deals are still spinning even though the big sales day has come to an end
By Scott Munro last updated
Black Friday is officially over, but there's still time to stock up on your vinyl collection if you're fast enough

Cyber Monday vinyl deals 2024: The majority of deals are now over, but there are still price drops to be found
By Scott Munro last updated
Cyber Monday brought a huge pile of vinyl discounts to the table and while most of the deals are now over, you can still find something special... if you're quick

Cyber Monday music deals 2024: The big day of sale is over for another year - but you might still find a bargain or two
By Scott Munro last updated
Cyber Monday has closed its doors for another year and most of the deals are done. However, you might still find something if you're very, very quick
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