Iron Maiden, Ghost, Babymetal and more star in Metal Hammer’s blockbuster End Of Year issue, which comes with an exclusive Iron Maiden pin badge, Halestorm sticker and a 2026 heavy metal calendar

The cover of the new Metal Hammer with loads of metal icons

(Image credit: Future)

The new issue of Metal Hammer is a huge celebration of everything 2025 had to offer. And what better way to celebrate than with an Eddie pin badge for your battle jacket, and a Halestorm sticker for your laptop?

This deluxe mega package also comes with a 2026 heavy metal calendar, featuring Ghost, Sleep Token, Spiritbox, Electric Callboy, Nova Twins and more.

The biggest event of the year was Ozzy and Sabbath’s farewell show, Back To The Beginning. Sadly, we lost Ozzy two weeks later. Inside this issue, we look back on the Prince Of Darkness’ goodbye gig and the outpouring of love for him, while fellow Brummie Rob Halford pays tribute to his friend.

This was also the year that Ghost debuted Papa V Perpetua! Mastermind Tobias Forge gives us the inside story of his big reveal and that new mask.

Elsewhere, Steve Harris reflects on an incredible 50 years of Maiden, Babymetal tell us what it’s been like to break records this year, and Parkway Drive take us inside their pyro-filled 20th anniversary arena spectacular.

Deftones’ Chino Moreno examines the rise of nu metal TikTok, and mystery masked band President explain how they won the public vote this year.

We also pay tribute to Brent Hinds and Ace Frehley, remember Metallica’s tiny, chaotic backyard bar show, and meet Sleep Token’s tribute act – Bessel, anyone?

Plus! We count down the 50 best albums of 2025, as chosen by our team of esteemed critics. But who’s number one?

All this, plus Anthrax, Nova Twins, Acid Bath, Vukovi, Calva Louise, Cwfen, Agriculture, Bloodywood, John 5, Mawiza, Conjurer, Vended, Killswitch Engage, Castle Rat and much, much more.

Only in the new issue of Metal Hammer, on sale now. Order it online and have it delivered straight to your door.

The full Metal Hammer new issue bundle — (Image credit: Future)

Artists

Eleanor was promoted to the role of Editor at Metal Hammer magazine after over seven years with the company, having previously served as Deputy Editor and Features Editor. Prior to joining Metal Hammer, El spent three years as Production Editor at Kerrang! and four years as Production Editor and Deputy Editor at Bizarre. She has also written for the likes of Classic Rock, Prog, Rock Sound and Visit London amongst others, and was a regular presenter on the Metal Hammer Podcast.

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