Merlin Alderslade

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Executive Editor, Louder

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

Every Alien film ranked from worst to best

By Matt Mills published 21 August 24

From Ridley Scott's original masterpiece to newest offering Alien: Romulus, we rate the entire franchise so far

Films & TV Shows

Listen to lairy new Pendulum single Napalm, featuring Joey Valance & Brae

By Merlin Alderslade published 21 August 24

The drum 'n' bass icons have teamed up with rising hip hop duo Joey Valance & Brae for a grubby new banger

Tracks & Singles

The biggest rock tour of all time has officially been confirmed - and it's Coldplay

By Merlin Alderslade published 20 August 24

According to new data, Coldplay's latest tour has officially surpassed the likes of U2, The Rolling Stones and Elton John

Concerts & Shows

Babymetal with Electric Callboy and Gunther staring at Randy Orton in a WWE ring

Babymetal and Electric Callboy team up with WWE for Bash In Berlin with Ratatata

By Merlin Alderslade published 19 August 24

One of the year's most ludicrously fun metal anthems will officially soundtrack this month's huge WWE show in Berlin, Germany

Interviews

Every Eminem album ranked from worst to best

By Stephen Hill published 19 August 24

We rank Eminem's catalogue, from overlooked debut Infinite to most recent opus, The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)

Albums

Floor Jansen explains why making new Nightwish album Yesterwynde was a unique experience

By Merlin Alderslade published 19 August 24

Between her cancer battle and pregnancy, recording Nightwish's latest album offered some different challenges

Albums

Bring Me The Horizon's Oli Sykes reveals that he "fell back into drugs" during the pandemic

By Merlin Alderslade published 7 August 24

Oli Sykes explains how his relentless work ethic and the sudden lockdowns that brought the world to a halt left him returning to bad habits

Biographies

Watch Slipknot kick off their 25th anniversary tour by playing nothing but old school cuts

By Merlin Alderslade published 7 August 24

Old school boiler suits and songs from the debut album era only?! This was a very special Slipknot show

Concerts & Shows

Metallica Ride The Lightning shirt with exclusive illustration

Order your world exclusive Metallica Ride The Lightning t-shirt with Metal Hammer

By Merlin Alderslade published 6 August 24

The bundle includes an exclusive t-shirt design you can't get anywhere else, alongside a special 'clean' cover version of our latest magazine

Merchandise

Bruce Dickinson now and Iron Maiden in 1980

Bruce Dickinson on the first time he saw Iron Maiden live - years before he joined the band as singer

By Merlin Alderslade published 5 August 24

Bruce Dickinson was very impressed by what he saw in Camden Town that night

Interviews

Marilyn Manson is back. His return highlights how little the music industry cares about protecting women

By Merlin Alderslade published 2 August 24

New Marilyn Manson single As Sick As The Secrets Within has been released, officially marking his comeback following the wave of abuse allegations that arrived in 2021. It all sets a grim precedent

Culture