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

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Lauren Hart looks like a perfect fit for the Swedish metal machines!

By Metal Hammer Published
From legends like Iron Maiden and Metallica to rising stars such as Bloodywood and Spiritbox, these are the metal albums that have defined the 2020s so far

By Dave Everley Published
Dominic Garcia was Deftones' original bassist, but a misunderstanding ended his tenure long before they'd eventually blow up

By Merlin Alderslade Published
We've finally got a proper glimpse of the biggest heavy metal documentary coming in 2026!

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Inspired by Slipknot, Paleface Swiss have rapidly evolved into one of extreme metal's most boundary pushing bands

By Merlin Alderslade Published
The melodic death metal innovators have also explained how they were able to record their new album following Lindberg's cancer diagnosis

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Spiritbox were already on the way to becoming modern metal stars, but their brilliant Holy Roller video sealed the deal

By Paul Brannigan Published
Ginger has released a statement this morning following the sad news of his diagnosis yesterday

By Briony Edwards Published
In 2006, years before she became one of the biggest stars on the planet, Katy Perry found herself a gig with nu metal favourites P.O.D.

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Needing a follow-up to one of the biggest albums of the 2000s, Amy Lee wrote some brutally honest lyrics and a classic song to soundtrack them

By Merlin Alderslade Published
This is gonna be huge!

By Merlin Alderslade Published
While Lacuna Coil were already on their way to being big players in the metal scene, this classic cover helped secure their status

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Surely even in her wildest dreams, Emily wouldn't have believed she'd be singing the lyrics from that album on stage with the band herself

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe says he'd be "dead" if he hadn't quit drinking in 2010 - and the biggest band in metal helped him do it

By Merlin Alderslade Published
One of America's biggest rock and metal festivals has unveiled its full lineup for 2026

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Canadian metalcore heavyweights Spiritbox will hit arenas across the UK and Europe this autumn

By Merlin Alderslade Published
The UK's biggest rock festival just got bigger as day splits are officially announced

By Merlin Alderslade Published
From mosh-driven dust clouds and 36 degree heat to frighteningly cheap buckets of rum, here's what went down at Thailand's premier rock and metal event

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Oppenheimer and 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy didn't hold back in his praise of these Irish lads

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Watch the moving video for new At The Gates single The Fever Mask now

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Lauren Hart is officially Arch Enemy's new vocalist!

By Merlin Alderslade Published
Badass riffs, 70s funk and Iron Maiden covers – this is the soundtrack to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s life

By Merlin Alderslade Published
These Sheffield ragers will be sorely missed while they pause, recalibrate and plan to come back stronger
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