Metal Hammer Features

"We went to his place, had a jam, and then he asked if I’d ever played with a Ouija board."

By Dom Lawson published 15 January 26

Recording outside Germany for the first time, Warlock's swansong would also launch an international metal icon

One of the world's best and most diverse metal lineups in the heart of one of Europe's coolest cities? Here's why you need to be at Mystic Festival 2026

By Metal Hammer published 15 January 26

Sponsored by Mystic Festival

From its brilliant lineup to its very affordable tickets and amazing location, Mystic is surely the festival for you

“I said, ‘Listen, I don't think you should die!’” How Dave Grohl realised that the end was near for Kurt Cobain and Nirvana

By Paul Brannigan published 14 January 26

“Five minutes later the phone rings, and someone goes, ‘Dude, turn on CNN’”

From Slipknot to Calvin Klein, the story behind Kittie's classic nu metal anthem, Brackish

By Dannii Leivers published 14 January 26

Kittie's breakthrough single made them accidental trailblazers in a nu metal scene dominated by men

This is what happened when Metallica's Lars Ulrich interviewed one of his heroes, Iron Maiden's Steve Harris

By Paul Brannigan published 14 January 26

In 1996, the leaders of two of the biggest metal bands on the planet sat down to discuss their respective journeys in music

"I nearly died at Download Festival. When I took that mask off it was like upturning a bucket." From a panic attack in a Rolls-Royce to being metal's hottest new masked band: an interview with President

By Emily Swingle published 14 January 26

From an overpacked tent at Download Festival to selling out their first UK tour, President's first year in office has been nothing short of a success

Amorphis steered surprisingly close to pop-rock on their latest album. But they’re not selling out

By Joel McIver published 13 January 26

Borderland is more eclectic than ever as they celebrate the uplifting vibes of loud, aggressive music. But how did a band from the heaviest country in the world get so deeply into prog?

How Metallica's crazy team-up with Lady Gaga almost ended in total chaos

By Merlin Alderslade published 13 January 26

One of the most unlikely collaborations in Grammys history was also one of the most cursed, but they pulled it out of the bag

How Sepultura came back to life with Choke

By Rich Hobson published 13 January 26

After losing Max Cavalera, Sepultura found a new singer in the unlikeliest of places. This is the story of the song that brought Derrick Green to the dance.

How Trent Reznor's most brutal diss track savaged Courtney Love, Fred Durst and more

By Stephen Hill published 12 January 26

This classic 90s industrial metal banger is also one of the angriest

Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris on 50 years of heavy metal - and what comes next

By Rich Hobson published 10 January 26

Steve Harris discusses the band's amazing career, celebrating 50 years and what the future may yet hold for metal's most celebrated band

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: January 9 2026

By Rich Hobson published 10 January 26

New year, new metal tunes from Alter Bridge, Hanabie, Lord Of The Lost and more!

How cult fixtures Prong found their brief mainstream moment

By Stephen Hill published 9 January 26

1994’s Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck was a hit, but it wasn’t enough for the hardcore-turned-metal band’s big-label bosses

The best new metal bands you need to hear in January 2026

By Paul Travers, Jon Garcia, Stephen Hill, Perran Helyes last updated 9 January 26

From 'nu deathcore' pioneers Autumn Lies Buried to Finnish black metallers Svarta Havet, Black Label Society side project Dark Chapel and psychedelic sludgers Witchrot, these are the metal bands you need to hear in January 2026

Human Waste Project, the lost nu metal band who should have been huge

By Stephen Hill published 9 January 26

Fronted by the magnetic Aimee Echo, the four-piece had a major record deal and were close friends with Korn. But their career was sadly short-lived.

How Sugar started System Of A Down’s climb to dominance

By Stephen Hill published 9 January 26

1998 single Sugar brought the future nu metal superstars to the dance – and they were weird as hell

Radio stations wanted to cut Eddie Van Halen's solo from their biggest hit

By Rich Hobson published 8 January 26

Iron Maiden legend Nicko McBrain has hosted an epic interview with Alex Van Halen

"I remember us saying, ‘Well, if the band doesn’t make it, we’ll join the Marines.’" The story of the song that gave thrash metal its name

By Dave Everley published 8 January 26

Metallica, Exodus and Slayer might've been defining thrash on the West coast, but it was in New York the genre finally got its name

Danko Jones on meeting AC/DC, playing with Marty Friedman and a wild night out in London

By Rich Hobson published 8 January 26

You know what to expect with a new Danko Jones album, but 2025's Leo Rising met with positive responses across the board and things are looking good