Sam Coare

Sam Coare

Writer

Sam is a writer, editor and music industry consultant who has been covering all things loud for the better part of two decades. The former editor-in-chief of Kerrang! and managing director of Alternative Press, he’s hopped on tour with Metallica in South America, joined Black Sabbath in the studio, followed Guns N’ Roses around the world, and had Frank Iero write a song about him (well, sort of). His debut book, celebrating the first 20 years of the Download festival, arrives in 2024. 

Articles by: Sam Coare

P.O.D.

P.O.D. undoubtedly have an interesting story to tell, but Veritas just doesn't quite do it justice

By Sam Coare published

P.O.D. push forward commendably, but with decidedly mixed results

Linkin Park - Meteora

"Rather than a fascinating document of Linkin Park’s movements over the years, Papercuts is little more than a playlist set to shuffle." Linkin Park's first greatest hits album is a disappointing missed opportunity

By Sam Coare published

A minimal amount of effort leaves Papercuts severely lacking to anyone but the most casual of Linkin Park fans

Trent Reznor on stage in 1994

"It serves as a testament to doing what entertains you with no borders." How Trent Reznor created a masterpiece with Nine Inch Nails' timeless The Downward Spiral - and influenced everyone from Korn to Johnny Cash in the process

By Sam Coare published

Thirty years on, The Downward Spiral's legacy is bigger than ever. Members of Linkin Park, Code Orange, Health and more dive into Trent Reznor’s dark classic

While She Sleeps 2024

"Self Hell delivers as a record and statement of our unstable, head-spinning times." While She Sleeps' latest album doesn't always hit the mark, but it's a bold levelling-up of their blueprint all the same

By Sam Coare published

With British metalcore in a golden age and new bands Bad Omens and Spiritbox tearing up the rule book, While She Sleeps are feeling the pressure to transform their own sound on new album Self Hell