
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

Listen to Wargasm's crushing new single 70% Dead, featuring Slipknot legend Corey Taylor
By Merlin Alderslade published
Wargasm have teamed up with a metal icon for this ripping new single

Maria Brink on the In This Moment album that let her explore her "eccentric" side
By Merlin Alderslade published
In This Moment frontwoman Maria Brink revealed that this album in particular helped her become more comfortable with herself

The vital advice Guns N' Roses legend Slash gave Lamb Of God's Mark Morton on kicking addiction
By Merlin Alderslade published
Lamb Of God guitarist Mark Morton reveals that the Guns N' Roses icon was one of the people that helped him on his path to sobriety

HIM legend Ville Valo reveals the iconic goth film character that inspired him
By Merlin Alderslade published
This beloved 90s cult classic is a particular favourite of the HIM frontman

Scene Queen finds the cynicism around 'bimbocore' kinda hilarious
By Merlin Alderslade published
Despite having labelled herself with the tongue-in-cheek term, Scene Queen still finds people assuming it was some strange industry tag forced on her

If Emily Eavis is looking for great young rock artists to play Glastonbury, look no further than metal
By Merlin Alderslade published
Metal has never been more exciting, boundary-pushing or diverse, and is packing plenty of great bands that could be appreciated at the world's biggest festival

Metal Hammer's new Ghost issue is back in stock - get yours while you can!
By Eleanor Goodman published
We've had extra stock added for our latest issue, starring Ghost and celebrating the brilliant Rite Here Rite Now

11 acts that defined Glastonbury 2024
By Liz Scarlett published
From a modern hip hop great to a pop punk princess, these epic Glasto performances shone brightest

Kittie reveal what led them to make their first album in 13 years
By Merlin Alderslade published
Returning metal heroes Kittie reveal that a very particular festival and a chance encounter steered them towards their triumphant comeback with Fire

Papa Roach to celebrate 25th anniversary of Infest with massive London show
By Merlin Alderslade published
Nu metal survivors Papa Roach will play a historic show at the UK’s most famous arena early next year

Watch Jinjer perform raw, intimate versions of some of their best tracks and discuss their unusual career so far
By Merlin Alderslade published
Jinjer open up on their creative process - and offer some special performances

Serj Tankian: "The option has always been there for the band to move on without me"
By Merlin Alderslade published
System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian has claimed that it's entirely possible that the band could continue without him, should they choose to do so

Watch James Hetfield and Rob Halford rocking out together while watching Turnstile
By Merlin Alderslade published
Two heavy metal icons enjoyed watching one of modern heavy music's most exciting bands together!

Order your world exclusive Ghost Rite Here Rite Now limited edition blue cassette tape with Metal Hammer
By Merlin Alderslade published
Ghost fans, you'll want to jump on this one!

The 13 most iconic Glastonbury Festival performances ever
By Stephen Hill published
As Glastonbury 2024 approaches, we run through the 13 sets that have defined the festival over its lifespan

"Help him out, he's a little nervous!" Watch Oli Sykes bring his dad on stage to sing super-sweary Bring Me The Horizon anthem, Antivist
By Merlin Alderslade published
How is it possible to be this wholesome while dropping c-bombs?

Body Count frontman and rap icon Ice T on horror movies, Slayer and who he considers the "Dr Dre of metal"
By Stephen Hill published
We catch up with the one and only Ice T

Tobias Forge: "Everything with Ghost is difficult and expensive"
By Merlin Alderslade published
Tobias Forge on the challenge of bringing Ghost to the big screen with Rite Here Rite Now

Sepultura's Andreas Kisser would be open to doing one final show with Max and Iggor Cavalera
By Merlin Alderslade published
Could we see Sepultura's farewell end with an original lineup show?

Nightwish's Tuomas Holopainen says Yesterwynde is "probably the biggest album" they've ever made
By Merlin Alderslade published
Nightwish mastermind Tuomas is setting expectations high for their new record!

Order your exclusive Louder x Pvris t-shirt designed by Lyndsey Gunnulfsen
By Merlin Alderslade published
You can't find this exclusive Pvris design anywhere else

Five minutes with Creeper keyboardist/vocalist, Hannah Greenwood
By Emily Swingle published
Hannah from Creeper talks theatre, life in the countryside and being a shy-ish rock star

Ghost's first concert movie Rite Here Rite Now is an instant classic
By Merlin Alderslade published
From its retina-singeing visuals to its stunning camerawork and heartfelt emotional punches, Rite Here Rite Now is a triumph

"This is going to be the best show of our career!" Black Veil Brides and Creeper announce spooktacular co-headline Wembley Arena show
By Merlin Alderslade published
Goth rock BFFs Black Veil Brides and Creeper will team up for a historic show at one of the UK's most legendary venues
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