
Rich Hobson
Writer for Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Louder, Rich has never met a feature he didn't fancy, which is just as well when it comes to covering everything rock, punk and metal for both print and online. Passionate about seeing the spread of metal on a global scale, Rich has spent the last decade seeking out emerging acts from around the world, covering everyone from Alien Weaponry and The Hu to Kaoteon, Nine Treasures and Jinjer, whilst also re-examining rock and metal history with bands like Faith No More, Sepultura and Ozzy Osbourne, alongside legendary events like Rock in Rio and the 1991 Clash Of The Titans tour.
Latest articles by Rich Hobson

Kerry King has already started work on album two
By Rich Hobson published
The Slayer guitarist also doesn't rule out doing smaller releases around tours going forward

Mike Shinoda addresses Linkin Park reunion backlash
By Rich Hobson published
If it features Linkin Park members, sounds like Linkin Park and carries on Linkin Park's legacy, you can probably just call it Linkin Park

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: September 6 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Linkin Park, Opeth and Spiritboxare among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

The chaotic story of iconic rasta-punks Bad Brains
By Rich Hobson published
Bad Brains were radical, explosive, controversial and an influence on everyone from Slayer to Foo Fighters and Fever 333

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: August 30 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Gojira, Zeal & Ardor and Charlotte Wessels are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Meet Arka’n Asrafokor, Togo's first heavy metal band
By Rich Hobson published
Arka’n Asrafokor have had to travel 24 hours by bus just to be able to play gigs. Now, they're starting to get the recognition they deserve

Why Stranger Things' Jamie Campbell Bower started an experimental metal band called BloodMagic
By Rich Hobson published
BloodMagic might only have one single out thus far, but they've got big plans going forward

Metal Hammer's Tracks Of The Week: August 23 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Chat Pile, Oceans Of Slumber and Unto Others are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear in August 2024
By Rich Hobson published
From NWOBHM-revivalists Tailgunner to existential post-metallers Kollapse, Austrian folk-tinged black metal heroes Perchta and UK hopefuls Defects, these are the new metal bands you need to hear in August 2024

Cassyette picks the 10 records that have changed her life
By Rich Hobson published
Nu gen queen Cassyette talks us through the songs and bands that soundtracked her life so far - from Bring Me To Life to Bring Me The Horizon

Kerry King names the band who could replace Slayer in the Big Four
By Matt Mills published
Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and who?

Avant-garde metallers Zeal & Ardor have unleashed their adventurous side on the excellent Greif
By Rich Hobson published
Zeal & Ardor stop just short of totally ripping up the rulebook, but fourth album Greif is a bold step forwards all the same

How Fu Manchu spent thirty years preparing for The Return Of Tomorrow
By Rich Hobson published
Going from hardcore punks to stoner rock is a big leap, but Fu Manchu made it – with a little help from Melvins

The 15 best new metal songs you need to hear right now
By Rich Hobson published
Heriot, Fever 333 and Leprous are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Duff McKagan says Velvet Revolver were a response to "rock is dead" discourse: Metal Hammer interview
By Rich Hobson published
From Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver to his solo work, Duff McKagan is still a punk kid at heart - with big ambitions

The 10 bands that defined Bloodstock 2024
By Rich Hobson published
From Green Lung's massive midday set on Friday to Hatebreed's "Ball of Death", these are the sets that defined Bloodstock 2024.

The 50 most metal movie moments ever
By Metal Hammer published
From the sinister appearance of Count Orlok to Iron Man rocking out to AC/DC, these are the 50 most metal movie moments ever

Opeth headline Bloodstock Festival 2024: Metal Hammer review
By Rich Hobson published
Opeth's third time headlining Bloodstock shows just how they elevated extreme metal at the turn of the millennnium

The 10 best Bad Brains songs according to Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach
By Rich Hobson published
Killswitch Engage singer and Bad Brains uber-fan Jesse Leach’s ultimate 10-track Bad Brain playlist

10 bands that defined Wacken 2024
By Rich Hobson published
From Accept's triumphant trad metal to the flamethrowing folk of Feuershwanz, these were the bands that ruled Wacken Festival 2024

Amon Amarth headline Wacken: Metal Hammer review
By Rich Hobson published
25 years since they first appeared at Wacken, Amon Amarth prove the festival's ultimate conquerors

Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt declined to join an Abba tribute band at Eurovision this year
By Matt Mills published
Opeth’s leader was approached to help celebrate 50 years of Abba’s 1974 Eurovision win, but turned the chance down

"A performance worthy of their own legendary status." Scorpions rock Wacken Open Air like a hurricane
By Rich Hobson published
Scorpions show why they are one of Germany's most beloved rock icons
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