Metal Hammer Reviews

Mastodon triumph over tragedy with Marrow Deep

By Chris Chantler Published 27 August 26

The departure of guitarist Brent Hinds in 2025 might've spelled disaster for Mastodon, but the prog metal pioneers are ambitious as ever

“A blur of Rhinestones sparkling in the spotlights”: Ghost offer a rare, stylish glimpse behind the curtain with concert film/documentary 2 Big To Rig

By Eleanor Goodman Published 26 August 26

Sweden’s hard rock devil church celebrate their fans and crew alike in this dazzling backstage look. Mild spoilers ahead…

Deftones dazzle in front of 50,000 fans at their biggest ever UK headline show at All Points East Presents Outbreak

By Paul Brannigan Published 24 August 26

Deftones light up east London with a spell-binding headline set at APE/Outbreak 2026

Castle Rat look like future headliners at Bloodstock: review

By Rich Hobson Published 10 August 26

Castle Rat have barely played a dozen gigs in the UK, but pulled a massive crowd for their early afternoon slot at Bloodstock

Judas Priest's Bloodstock set is a triumphant homecoming: review

By Rich Hobson Published 10 August 26

Rob Halford confirms Judas Priest are working on a new album as they bring some of heavy metal's greatest anthems home to Bloodstock

Nevermore make a triumphant return to the UK: Bloodstock review

By Rich Hobson Published 9 August 26

The new line-up of Nevermore proves a fitting celebration of their legacy - and a hopeful new beginning

Bleed From Within just proved why they deserve to be given a chance to headline Bloodstock

By Stephen Hill Published 9 August 26

Scotland's premier metal export absolutely smash it on Bloodstock's main stage

Slaughter To Prevail pass their big Bloodstock test with flying colours (and lots of breakdowns)

By Stephen Hill Published 9 August 26

Slaughter To Prevail prove themselves worthy headliners with a crushingly heavy, fire-powered set at Bloodstock

Metal legends Sepultura are bowing out in style as they steal the show at Bloodstock 2026

By Stephen Hill Published 8 August 26

The Brazilian metal machine is on its final lap, and their incredible showing at Bloodstock might just be the set of the day

Lamb Of God are still setting the bar for live heavy metal as they crush it at Bloodstock

By Rich Hobson Published 8 August 26

With their third headlining slot at Bloodstock Festival, Lamb Of God are basically the house band by this point

Opeth's only UK gig of 2026 is an undeniable triumph: review

By Rich Hobson Published 7 August 26

Opeth, Paradise Lost and Katatonia in God's Own Country on Yorkshire Day? It's a match made in heaven

Electric Callboy hit the apex of their dance-metal era with floor-filling new album Tanzneid

By Holly Wright Published 5 August 26

The electronicore six-piece double down on everything that’s made them festival crowd-pleasers

Mongol champions The Hu take after their hard rock heroes on long-awaited new album Hun

By Matt Mills Published 23 July 26

The folk metal horde have been endorsed by Metallica and Iron Maiden – and their third album bears those icons’ influence

Motionless In White finally find their identity on Decades

By Dannii Leivers Published 21 July 26

More than 20 years since starting, Chris Cerulli and co. escape the shadow of their influences and revel in dark humour

System Of A Down's UK return was electric, euphoric and one of the best stadium shows in recent memory

By Merlin Alderslade Published 14 July 26

"Are System Of A Down back?!" one fan on our row remarked. Yes, yes they absolutely are

Bring Me The Horizon's crushing Count Your Blessings show is a reminder of how ferocious they can be

By Cheri Faulkner Published 13 July 26

Bring Me The Horizon roll back the years with their heaviest show in well over a decade

Iron Maiden's first ever festival is a triumph and a true celebration of one of heavy metal's most storied bands

By Merlin Alderslade Published 12 July 26

Metallica are on the form of their lives at London Stadium

By Rich Hobson Published 6 July 26

Metallica return to London Stadium to show exactly how they became metal's biggest band

Metallica bring legendary songs, incredible support acts and big balls to night one of their London takeover

By Matt Mills Published 4 July 26

With Knocked Loose and Gojira opening, heavy metal’s measuring stick put on a 360-degree extravaganza featuring a joyful James Hetfield