
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

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: July 19 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Fever 333, Simone Simons and Zeal & Ardor are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse come up lame on occasionally triumphant debut
By Rich Hobson published
Former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'Anno rides again

The 100 Songs That Changed Metal
By Metal Hammer published
From founding fathers like Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Judas Priest to metal's modern leaders such as Ghost, Sleep Token and Spiritbox, these are the songs that have defined a genre

4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear this month
By Rich Hobson published
From Justin Chancellor's alt-metal side project MTVoid to Ukrainian black metallers They Came From Visions, German folk metal heroes Tvinna and hardcore mob Going Off, these are the bands you need to hear in July 2024

Metal Hammer's Tracks Of The Week: July 12 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Suicidal Tendencies, Mushroomhead and Ice Nine Kills are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

"We need to make this happen again." Cypress Hill make hip hop history with the London Symphony Orchestra (and a former member of Fear Factory) at the Royal Albert Hall
By Rich Hobson published
What started as a gag on The Simpsons becomes a part of music history as hip hop legends Cypress Hill celebrate their 1993 breakthrough Black Saunday with a full orchestra

10 Sepultura deep-cuts we need them to play before they retire
By Rich Hobson published
Sepultura might be retiring after 40 years, but we hope these 10 deep cuts make their way back into regular rotation before they go

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: July 5 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Swallow The Sun, Band-Maid and Orden Ogan are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

L.A. Edwards embrace heartland rock on Pie Town, but sometimes it's just too slick
By Rich Hobson published
Country boys L.A. Edwards go Hollywood via New Jersey on fifth album Pie Town

23 years since P.O.D. released Youth Of The Nation, the song is depressingly more relevant than ever
By Rich Hobson published
Inspired by gun violence in schools, P.O.D.'s 2001 top 40 hit Youth Of The Nation has only grown more relevant over time

Kerry King isn't worried about the state of metal in 2024, and talks Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame snubbing metal
By Rich Hobson published
Kerry King isn't worried about the state of metal in 2024, so nor should you be

Comedian Frank Skinner says seeing legendary guitarist was "a fabulous meditative experience"
By Rich Hobson published
Birmingham comedian Frank Skinner shares how seeing a legendary guitarist helped him forget life's problems - and the time he upset Eric Clapton

Watch Metallica play Ride The Lightning in the city where they recorded the album over 40 years ago
By Rich Hobson published
The M72 world tour thunders on but Metallica took Ride The Lightning back to where it began 40 years ago

Wintersun finally confirm release of Time II, the Chinese Democracy of extreme metal
By Rich Hobson published
The decade-long wait for the second part of 2012's Time is finally over

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: June 27 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Tom Morello, Tribulation and Beast In Black are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Foo Fighters deliver a rock 'n' roll masterclass in the Home Of Metal
By Rich Hobson published
Dave Grohl and co. close out their Everything Or Nothing At All UK tour in the Home Of Metal - Birmingham

“If this sounds like Tool, you’re not listening to Tool”: Wheel dismiss lazy comparisons
By Rich Hobson published
James Lascelles explains why the Anglo-Finnish band’s third album, Charismatic Leaders, takes on big issues but doesn’t try to offer world-changing solutions

P.O.D. were way ahead of the nu-metal curve, but others get the plaudits
By Rich Hobson published
P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval on growing up, the joys of collaboration and Justin Timberlake

Pearl Jam live review: Manchester Co-Op Live Arena June 25 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Eddie Vedder might be stricken with illness, but a vocal crowd help make Pearl Jam's Manchester show a success against the odds

Metal Hammer's Tracks Of The Week: June 21 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Ghost, Oceans Of Slumber and Powerwolf are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear right now
By Rich Hobson published
The Black Dahlia Murder, Charlotte Wessels and Bruce Dickinson are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Weezer and The Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK co-headline tour at Utilita Arena Birmingham - live review
By Rich Hobson published
Live debuts, surprise covers and all the alt rock hits you could ever possibly want - Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK tour in Birmingham

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: June 7 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Halestorm x I Prevail, Lamb Of God x Kublai Khan & Malevolence and Heriot are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

"I can’t believe we actually managed to pull it off!" Guitar hero Sophie Lloyd has upgraded her debut live show after selling out the original venue in five minutes
By Rich Hobson last updated
YouTube sensation turned guitar hero Sophie Lloyd will now play a bigger venue in Camden in October
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