The Waterboys’ Mike Scott on why he’s made a 25-song concept record all about Dennis Hopper
The band’s leader tells us about the making of Life, Death And Dennis Hopper – and why one period of Hopper’s life feels like a reflection of his own
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Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: April 4 2025
Babymetal, Sleep Token and Machine Head are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!
I asked a death metal supergroup to name the most brutal death metal albums of all time
Lik guitarist (and Katatonia bassist) Niklas Sandin picks the five most gut-churning, face-scrunching and ball-kicking albums to ever crawl out of death metal
How Dave and Paula Lombardo traded thrash for sultry alternative in Venamoris
Venamoris allowed Paula Lombardo to reconnect with her musical past and indulge her creative spirit
Every Bleed From Within album ranked from worst to best
From deathcore debut Humanity to anthemic new album Zenith, we rank the back-catalogue of Scottish metal’s favourite sons
These 9 metal bands paved the way for Sleep Token
Get to know the pioneers who walked so Sleep Token could run
Best headphones for music 2025: Elevate your listening with our top picks
Want more from your music? Get lost in the mix with these clever headphones from Sony, Sennheiser and more
"Our manager gave us each $1000 and put us on the plane, economy class." The story behind Black Sabbath's biggest show ever, the 1974 California Jam
On April 6, 1974, Black Sabbath performed for 250,000 rock fans at the first California Jam festival. It was a gig that would live long in the memory for all involved, for reasons both good and bad
Bob Mould on addiction, reconnecting with his audience and social media confusion
The former Hüsker Dü/Sugar man with many hats on is getting back to basics on his new album
Richard Thompson’s battle with barking dogs, planes and leaf blowers to make Acoustic Classics
Richard Thompson thought 2014 solo album Acoustic Classics would just be a nice product for his merch stall – until he’d got over his reluctance to make it
Every member of Ghost's Clergy
From Papa Emeritus I to IV to Papa V Perpetua, Papa Nihil, Sister Imperator and beyond, here's everything you need to know about Ghost's colourful cast of characters
More than a shredbot: The Joe Satriani albums you should definitely listen to
Joe Satriani’s spectacular albums have dazzled and inspired for the best part of four decades, and these are the best of the bunch
Marko Hietala found a new normal after leaving Nightwish. The result is Roses From The Deep
Marko Hietala explains why he had to leave Nightwish, and believes there’s no hate involved in the split, as he focuses on second solo album Roses From The Deep
"It’s getting ridiculous now, isn’t it? We’re the last men standing."
As their new album Dreams On Toast proves, The Darkness are everything rock’n’roll should be in 2025
The best new metal bands you need to hear in April 2025
From Siberian black metallers Grima to Texan metalcore heroes Catch Your Breath, loving hardcore heroes Church Tongue and Melbourne deathcore champs Mélancolia, these are the bands you need to hear in April 2025
Best Bluetooth turntables 2025: Wireless record-playing wonders from the best in the biz
Analogue meets digital with these full-featured Bluetooth turntables from the likes of Sony, Audio-Technica, Pro-Ject and more
The greatest year in heavy metal history, revisited
A look back at 12 memorable months for loud music
A beginner's guide to Sweet in 10 brilliant songs, from chart hits to deep cuts
The Sweet are best known for their pop hits, but their back catalogue is a varied treasure trove of glam and hard rock. Here are their 10 finest moments
Why Bill Bruford demoted himself from the King Crimson, Yes and Genesis league
Bill Bruford retired in 2009 and later sold most of his equipment to Tool’s Danny Carey. Then he found he wasn’t finished on stage – and he’s come back re-energised
