Albums

With Mike Portnoy’s help, Bigelf battled back from tragedy to make Into The Maelstrom

By Stephen Humphries published 3 March 26

Leader Damon Fox’s ambition was to turn his band into “the Radiohead of metal.” But their fourth album, released in 2014, has been their last word to date

How a psychotic reaction triggered the cult 70s album that influenced Queens Of The Stone Age, The Damned and Nirvana’s producer

By Jo Kendall published 1 March 26

Groundhogs’ 1971 album Split is a nailed-on cult classic

“It was us, tears down our cheeks, trying to be manly”: How Big Big Train survived David Longdon’s death

By Polly Glass published 1 March 26

He was the energetic hub of the band until his sudden passing in 2021. Faced with oblivion, they regrouped behind Alberto Bravin and made The Likes Of Us, a record for anyone who’s ever felt left out

“Mike got back with Dream Theater and I started praying”: Neal Morse Band return with L.I.F.T. (and Portnoy)

By James McNair published 27 February 26

Despite concerns their drummer wouldn’t find time to take part, fifth album has been compared to their 2016 virtuosic victory, and they’re planning to tour it with the complete studio line-up

The 50 metal albums you need to hear in 2026

By Metal Hammer published 26 February 26

Digging deep on announcements, rumours and pure speculation to find the 50 metal albums you should be keeping an eye out for in 2026

How a sci-fi icon inspired Pink Floyd’s engineer to make a wild concept album that predicted the AI revolution nearly 50 years ago

By Bill DeMain published 26 February 26

The Alan Parsons Projects’ I Robot is a 70s prog classic

“I wanted it to be different from what I’d done with Genesis”: How Peter Gabriel made his solo debut

By Daryl Easlea published 25 February 26

Determined to cover new ground, including barbershop and blues, the singer chose two members of the band who made 1977’s Car, with producer Bob Ezrin trusted to bring in the others

How Blondie made one of the greatest albums of the late 70s – with help from Suzi Quatro’s producer and a prog legend

By Paul Lester published 24 February 26

With their third album Parallel Lines, Blondie notched up five hit singles and became as famous as Abba or Pink Floyd

How making the follow-up to Bat Out Of Hell nearly broke Meat Loaf

By Paul Rees published 23 February 26

Meat Loaf’s Dead Ringer is no Bat Out Of Hell – but it’s still a great album