Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson is a man of many talents, but his rock opera about the philandering violinist Paganini has yet to see the light of day (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

The Beatles might have boasted that they were bigger than Jesus, but the Pope’s 1982 visit to Britain posed problems for Queen (LouderSound)

If you were reading Kerrang! in December 1983, you could have had a shot at fronting Metallica (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Felix Mackenzie-Barrow, known for his role as co-vocalist and guitarist in the alt-country band Divorce, is embarking on a solo project under the name Book of Churches. His debut album, also titled ‘Book of Churches’, is set for release on 6th March via Gravity / Capitol. The album’s lead single, ‘Song By A Stranger’, is…

Big Special have unveiled their latest single ‘SLUGLIFE’, which follows their surprise second album ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’. The release of ‘SLUGLIFE’ also follows the duo’s previous singles ‘PLAINTIVE NATIVE’, ‘DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)’, and a collaboration with Sleaford Mods on ‘The Good Life’, which featured a video starring Gwendoline Christie.…

Scottish duo KuleeAngee, consisting of Duncan Grant and Keshav Kanabar, have unveiled their latest single ‘Pretty Love’. This release follows their debut EP ‘Is It Awryt’, and arrives ahead of their performance at Eurosonic Festival in the Netherlands, and their headline show at King Tut’s in Glasgow. ‘Pretty Love’ is part of a forthcoming project…

The Twilight Sad have announced their sixth album, ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’, which will be released on 27th March via Rock Action Records. This marks their first record in seven years and follows the release of the lead track ‘Waiting For The Phone Call’. Their new single ‘Designed To Lose’ also debuts today, featuring a…

Mixing metalcore, EDM and Latin dance music, Calva Louise’s influences are as diverse as its members’ backgrounds (LouderSound)

James Hetfield wasn’t sure about letting his Metallica bandmates hear Nothing Else Matters. Thank goodness he did (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Becoming a band’s new singer is never easy. But when Bruce Dickinson saw Iron Maiden play, he knew he was the singer they needed (LouderSound)

Revisited with deep attention to detail, Midge Ure and co’s imperial phase reissue is a genuine audio-visual banquet (LouderSound)

Rush, Yes and King Crimson inspired them to confound expectations and create a three-album arc of otherworldly spirituality – in an era when, they believe, there’s no way to win the music industry game (LouderSound)

A song that “exploded” out of Roger Hodgson’s head made Supertramp stars, and was loved by Princess Diana and the young princes William and Harry (LouderSound)

Prince’s Purple Rain was the epic ballad that reclaimed rock for black musicians and is now ingrained in popular culture (LouderSound)

Here at Dork, we’re no strangers to Rockaway Beach’s unique brand of New Year nonsense. 2026 tested even us though, kicking off so close to the festive period that we’d barely finished eating our turkey before checking in to Butlins and locating the arcades. Not that we’re complaining – there really is nowhere we’d rather…

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Joyce Manor have released their latest single ‘I Know Where Mark Chen Lives’. It’s the opening track from their forthcoming album ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’, due for release via Epitaph Records on 30th January. The track is accompanied by a black and white performance video directed by Jason Link and Rowan Daly.…

London-based electro-bass punk band Shelf Lives have unveiled their latest single, ‘frissoN’. It’s taken from their upcoming debut album ‘Hypernormal’, scheduled for release on 25th February 2026 via Not Sorry Mom Records. Discussing the inspiration behind the single, the band explain, “It’s the 2008 financial crash. It’s the leaning into the collapse. Thank you, TechnoDaddy666,…

Ellur has released her new single ‘Dream Of Mine’, the final preview from her upcoming debut album ‘At Home In My Mind’. The track, which premiered on BBC 6 Music with Steve Lamacq, is out now via indie label Dance To The Radio and follows previous singles ‘The World Is Not An Oyster’, ‘The Wheel’,…

The Cribs have unveiled a new single titled ‘Never The Same’, marking the final release before their upcoming album ‘Selling A Vibe’. The album, due Friday 9th January, is their first full-length record in over five years. Guitarist and singer Ryan Jarman described the track as a return to their roots. “Never The Same is…

It didn’t live up to prior singles’ chart success, it was banned when it came out, and it’s got the band booed onstage. But, The Trooper is a song that Iron Maiden have never left behind. (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Brian May is concerned about our future (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

A flashback to an era when payola ruled the US music industry (LouderSound)

Mikkey Dee remembers life with Lemmy Kilmister while watching tributes from Motörhead super-fans (LouderSound)

Cosmic proggers Gong will release their new album, Bright Spirit, in the first part of 2026 (LouderSound)

We rate the back catalogue of one of modern rock’s very best bands (LouderSound)

The second European leg of the band’s 50th-anniversary tour kicks off in the spring (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Sober, the seminal single from 1993’s Undertow, made Maynard James Keenan and co. a quick success story, but not everybody was a fan (LouderSound)

In late 2025, British heavy metal stalwarts Orange Goblin played their last ever shows, calling it a day after 30 years. Frontman Ben Ward explains why, and reflects on three decades of creating metal thunder (LouderSound)

After struggling to escape the stagnation of lockdown, the return of an old friend inspired an “anything goes” attitude for their 2023 release (LouderSound)

Expect Airborne’s usual full-on rock’n’roll as they arrive in the UK for a run of European dates (LouderSound)

With a notorious court case looming and an untested new drummer, Judas Priest retreated to Spain as they steeled themselves for the release of one of their greatest albums (LouderSound)

Diamond Dave will cross the continent from April onwards (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

Ever wondered about the physics of mosh pits and circle pits? We have answers for you (LouderSound)

Time to smash those preconceptions about playing guitar to show off to girls, lads (LouderSound)

New year. New noise. Hype is back on the hunt, digging through the chaos, the chatter and the late-night tip-offs to find the acts who aren’t just next up, but about to detonate. Dork’s Hype List is our annual spotlight on the artists who’ve started to really stand out – not because they’re destined for…

“At its core, M is about the deep connection between music, culture, and people” Dave Gahan (LouderSound)

Glastonbury festival 2009 was not ready for a national treasure getting behind Spinal Tap’s lewd ode to bum cakes and velvety cheeks (LouderSound)

UK prog rockers Haken have announced that guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green have left the band (LouderSound)

Doechii has teamed up with SZA on her latest single ‘girl, get up.’ The track marks a significant moment in Doechii’s career, described as a “necessary exhale” that encapsulates her journey and experiences in the press bumph. “With raw, unapologetic lyricism, Doechii gets it all off her chest, unpacking everything from her life, her career, and the…

BTS have revealed plans to launch their fifth full-length album, coinciding with a world tour. The album is slated for release on 20th March 2026 at midnight ET, with further details of the world tour set to be disclosed on 14th January. This new album, developed through the latter half of 2025, features 14 tracks…

One of the great British blues-rock bands of the 60s and 70s, Ten Years After are keeping the blues flag flying (LouderSound)

On his third Mammoth album, Wolfgang Van Halen raises his playing, singing and songwriting game – and channels experiences with A-listers and legends (LouderSound)

The trio have refined their approach to a project they only started for fun, admitting it’s exploded beyond any of their expectations and changed they way they look at their more usual activities (LouderSound)

Inspired by a tragic modern story, Steven Wilson’s Hand. Cannot. Erase. is often hailed as his masterpiece. But is it? (LouderSound)

John Paul Jones intends for the equipment to end up in the hands of “people who will put it to good use” (LouderSound)

The cult singer and guitarist whose fingerprints are all over British music (LouderSound)

You can trace a line from the success of Faith No More to Nirvana (LouderSound)

Over 20 years in, Oslo trio deliver their first official live album – and it was worth the wait (LouderSound)

One of the all-time great album openers (LouderSound)

Scottish collective’s impressive second album demonstrates why their profile is exploding (LouderSound)

System Of A Down had yet to make their breakthrough – but guitarist Malakian was thrust onto the stage with metal royalty (LouderSound)

Billy Joel surprises tribute band and performs two songs with them in front of stunned audience (LouderSound)

The final year of Phil Lynott’s life saw him try to get his career back on track. Instead, it was 365 days of missed opportunities, lost passports and crazy deals (LouderSound)

Anomaly-chasing quartet’s challenging response to funk metal came out of their love for Rush, Phil Collins and being odd (LouderSound)

Turn It On Again would be a huge turning point for Genesis (LouderSound)

He set out to confound expectations of pedal steel with post-country band Cochise. Thanks to Captain Beefheart, Love and Hank Marvin, the session hero is pleased to reflect that he got away with it (LouderSound)

“It sounded good. And they’re a great bunch of guys. But it didn’t work out” (LouderSound)

Another day, another cross-generational collaboration for Yungblud (LouderSound)

KATSEYE have released their latest single ‘Internet Girl’ following their sold-out North American tour. The track, which they performed during the 16-date run, is available via HYBE x Geffen Records, and sees the group address themes of online chaos, irony, and digital identity. KATSEYE were nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance…

Yungblud has teamed up with The Smashing Pumpkins for a new rendition of the song ‘Zombie’. The track, produced by Matt Schwartz and Billy Corgan, arose after the artists first met in Birmingham last July during Black Sabbath’s farewell concert. Accompanied by a music video directed by Charlie Sarsfield, this new version arrives ahead of…

James Marriott has shared his latest single, ‘California Rain’. The track follows the Brighton-based artist’s Number 1 album ‘Don’t Tell The Dog’, which arrived last summer, and was written during his North American tour. The song’s live debut occurred during two sold-out performances at London’s Roundhouse. He says, “‘California Rain’ is a song written on…

Cavetown has teamed up with Chloe Moriondo for a new single titled ‘Sailboat’. Co-produced by Underscores, the track explores the themes of friendship, vulnerability, and the fear of hurting someone you care about. This release comes ahead of his upcoming album ‘Running With Scissors’, due 16th January, and follows Cavetown’s Second Annual This Is Home…

Looking for a new band t-shirt? We’ve picked out a selection of our favourites that will rock your world (LouderSound)

Billy Corgan & co. entered into a different realm with this all-time cut from Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (LouderSound)

The Prog team discuss the Critics’ Choice lists from the brand new issue of Prog, on sale now… (LouderSound)

Peter Gabriel will release new single, Been Undone, at midnight from his forthcoming album oi. (LouderSound)

A song about the madness of loving so strongly that found a different life on one of TV’s biggest shows (LouderSound)

Also in our first issue of 2026: Sammy Hagar, Alter Bridge, Steve Cropper, Black Stone Cherry, Jim Steinman, Francis Rossi, Karnivool, Marcus King, Elles Bailey, Airbourne, Heavy Pettin and more (LouderSound)

Marillion’s Steve Hogarth discusses embracing artistic tension, avoiding the well-trodden path, escaping his narcissism, and what really went wrong with the record industry (LouderSound)

Journey were a noodling jazz-rock band with a cult following – until they discovered Steve Perry and made 1978’s Infinity (LouderSound)

British rockers Massive Wagons returned to Lancaster to perform for a show for kids, advocating for anti-bullying and mental health campaigns (LouderSound)

Over the next twelve months, rock will keep rolling smoothly forward – here are 26 ways its wheels will remain lubricated (LouderSound)

French electronic composer discovered Greek genius through the Blade Runner soundtrack, and began to incorporate similar ideas in his own work – even if he didn’t have the technology to do it (LouderSound)

Stipe had writer’s block on this Automatic For The People standout until a stroll round Seattle opened the floodgates for one of his band’s biggest anthems (LouderSound)

He helped create Bush’s one and only tour show, corrupted light entertainment TV into a counterculture variant, and refused to star in Cats – mainly because of Arthur Brown and Peter Gabriel (LouderSound)

Deryck Whibley was all but dead 12 years ago – now the Sum 41 man is thriving thanks to healthy living regime (LouderSound)

‘Hurricane’ Nita Strauss is pregnant with a son, she has confirmed in a statement alongside husband Josh Villalta (LouderSound)

Nick Jonas has kicked off 2026 with the release of his new single ‘Gut Punch’. The track, out via Republic Records, provides a first taste of his forthcoming solo album ‘Sunday Best’ and was first performed live in Las Vegas in November. He says of the track, “I tend to be hyper critical of myself,…

Tenacious D had friends in high places, and they used them to bring this 2000s smash hit to life (LouderSound)

In 1966, a strung-out Janis Joplin returned to her home town in Texas, intent on leading a normal life (LouderSound)

Avril Lavigne’s first single drew cynicism from quarters of the rock world, but it didn’t stop her becoming absolutely massive (LouderSound)

The song that marked one of rock’s great reinventions (LouderSound)

Machine Head’s The Blackening is one of the greatest metal records of the 21st century (LouderSound)

A host of artists have had a crack at a 007 theme only for producers to knock them back. (LouderSound)

Eat your heart out, Bob Geldof – Hear ’n Aid saw the hard-rock community muscling in on the charity single bandwagon. Cue a heavyweight cast, guitar battles and big hair contests (LouderSound)

The rollercoaster story of REO Speedwagon, the AOR band with a rock’n’roll spirit (LouderSound)

The co-founding Styx singer and keyboardist on his prog influences, why he hired a woman to shout at his kids – and why he doesn’t care if he isn’t remembered (LouderSound)

Long-awaited cuts from Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush, Mike Oldfield and many more got the deluxe treatment over the past 12 months. Is your favourite on our list? (LouderSound)

With major A-list anniversaries, overlooked landmark works and everything in between, the past 12 months haven’t been lacking in quality nostalgia and deluxe editions (LouderSound)

The Riff Lord has spoken (LouderSound)

Michael Clifford, best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of 5 Seconds of Summer, has released a surprise solo track titled ‘Carry You Away (Demo)’. The song marks the end of a significant year for Clifford, who, in addition to his band projects, released his debut solo album ‘SIDEQUEST’ in July via Hopeless Records.…

Our lists are one thing, Dear Reader, but your opinions are another. Every year, Dork’s Readers’ Poll exists to find out not what should have defined the last twelve months, but what actually did for the people reading, listening, scrolling, and queueing for doors day to day. With quite literally hundreds of thousands of votes…

After being diagnosed with tinnitus, the Alter Bridge singer/guitarist shot down the chance to audition for Velvet Revolver and their lineup of then-former Guns N’ Roses members (LouderSound)

Every year is full of big, showy cultural milestones, but the things people actually carry with them are usually smaller, stranger and much more personal. We asked a bunch of ‘the talent’ to tell us – in their own words – what genuinely made their 2025: the films that stuck in their heads for weeks,…

With one big single, and a little help from an Iron Maiden tour, the Brummie underdogs found their footing across the pond (LouderSound)

A classic interview with the late singer and guitarist, who died before Christmas (LouderSound)

The script for the horror hounds’ first foray into feature filmmaking is done, and despite its title, Spencer Charnas insists it won’t annoy Christians (LouderSound)

2025 might have been the year we said goodbye to Black Sabbath, but these 10 albums prove their influence still looms large (LouderSound)

Featuring Steven Wilson, Genesis, Marillion, Yes, David Gilmour, Rush, EBB, Martin Barre, Steeleye Span and more… (LouderSound)

Musicians who travelled up to the great gig in the sky in 2025 include Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Wilson, Ace Frehley, Sly Stone, Marianne Faithfull and many more (LouderSound)

The prog genre has enjoyed an incredible year in 2025. Here are our top 50 albums of the past 12 months – did your favourite make the cut? (LouderSound)

How Dire Straits went from the pubs of London to become one of the biggest bands of the 1980s (LouderSound)

Tennessee representative Tim Burchett shared an AI-generated video of Jack White and called him “that cute little girl from the Addams Family” (LouderSound)

One year after their singer was sued by his ex-bandmates, Ghost regrouped and released a song which catapulted them to the next level (LouderSound)

Before the Runaways and the Go-Gos was Fanny – the all-female band David Bowie called “extraordinary” (LouderSound)

What will MegaDave get up to after retiring? Turns out, not even he’s sure (LouderSound)

Sharing the stage with Page, giving Hendrix a slide, being mistaken for Jagger – these were some of Jeff Beck’s most memorable friendships (LouderSound)

Inspired by a widespread blackout in the 1960s, the Yorkshire band switched from their usual “street fighting and girls” lyrics and reached new heights (LouderSound)

Steven Wilson, Dream Theater, Solstice, Cardiacs and IQ have delivered strong records this year. But what’s your number-one choice? (LouderSound)

By the mid-80s, the huge success of Back In Black was a fading memory, AC/DC were on the ropes, and there was worse to come (LouderSound)

Unimpressed by the trappings and demands of the music business, Whiskey Myers are in it for themselves and their fans (LouderSound)

Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid picks his records, artists and gigs of lasting significance, and reveals what it’s like to be in a stadium filled with people singing War Pigs (LouderSound)

2025 has been loud, chaotic, hopeful, bleak, and occasionally quite silly – which is to say, perfectly on brand. Rather than pretend there’s one neat story to tell about it all, we’ve done what we do best and followed the stuff that made our hearts beat faster, made our brains fizz, and made us text…

The highs and lows of the three decades-plus journey undertaken by the UK’s most darkly seductive art-rockers over ten albums (LouderSound)

The Nine’s co-founder and percussionist asks, “What’s the difference between me pulling out my pocket producer… or me trying to get a famous producer that might not even work with me and could potentially cost me $150,000?” (LouderSound)

Nirvana’s first love song offered the world the first real glimpse of Kurt Cobain’s songwriting genius (LouderSound)

From psychedelic Brazilian black metal to space-faring tech-death, you won’t discover these excellent albums in many other places (LouderSound)

Jack Black channels his inner Chad, and why not (LouderSound)

After falling together by accident, making use of family talents and winning festival slots the hard way, their seventh album shows they’ve really arrived (LouderSound)

Originally written by Mike Shinoda, this shining moment from 2003’s Meteora moved Chester Bennington to his core and helped Linkin Park break out of the nu metal bubble (LouderSound)

The moral of the story is that you’re never too cool to make a fool of yourself (LouderSound)

Even cut down to a third of its length, the 1977 track became their biggest hit, and one of the most successful instrumental single of all time (LouderSound)

Twelve amazing months of prog rock, pop rock, blues rock, country rock, art rock, glam rock, alt-rock, southern rock, Christian rock, proto-rock, Britrock, hard rock, vampire rock, garage rock and moon rock (LouderSound)

Two albums into his career, Lenny Kravitz was still taking the train to the studio. Then came the night that changed his life forever (LouderSound)

New data shows Oasis’ reunion tour sold more tickets than any other tour this year –including Beyonce’s (LouderSound)

Former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent lashes out at “emotionally disturbed trolls” who question his business model (LouderSound)

The Alcatrazz versus Alcatrazz debate continues to rage (LouderSound)

“I didn’t expect him to get busted in that bathroom. But his misfortune actually helped us. We couldn’t have asked for more of a buzz!”: How an unexpected arrest accidentally gave Limp Bizkit their big break (LouderSound)

How Bob Mould wrote Sugar’s classic 1992 grunge-era anthem Hoover Dam (LouderSound)

Antique dealer Matthew Upham went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton in Devon (LouderSound)

We asked some of metal’s biggest names to share which Motorhead songs mean most to them (LouderSound)

I’ve picked out a selection of albums that’ll instantly make your ever-growing vinyl collection even better (LouderSound)

The life and death of lost musical alchemist Chris Wood (LouderSound)

It was the emotional highlight of Tool’s 10,000 Days album (LouderSound)

Babymetal, Bloodywood and Sleep Token pulled influence from some esoteric places this year, and they lifted metal to new heights in the process (LouderSound)

The story of the night that these electro-pop pioneers from Essex caused such carnage they made the US national news (LouderSound)

It was only their second-ever single, but it made a massive impact – and Brock still doesn’t really know how it happened (LouderSound)

“We weren’t scared of grunge. We would see Dave Grohl wearing Sepultura t-shirts”: It was built on death metal – until three iconic bands helped turn this underground record company into the most influential metal label of the 90s (LouderSound)

‘Behold The Lamb Of God’ event in South Carolina featured picture of Randy Blythe’s metal giants on ticketing website (LouderSound)

As rising metalcore stars Heriot prepare for a sold-out show in their hometown, singer/guitarist Debbie Gough explains why local venues need to be protected (LouderSound)

From legends coming back strong to young artists pushing the genre forward, it’s been a standout year for metalcore – and here’s the proof (LouderSound)

Bill Nelson’s Orchestra Futura will release Live At Nelsonica & Clothworkers Hall in February (LouderSound)

They were the greatest party band of the 70s (LouderSound)

Drummer, composer and painter recalls his experiences with Captain Beefheart, UK and others, names the best band he’s ever been in and reveals how long it takes to set up his Big Kit (LouderSound)

Sick of being known as ‘the devil-worshipping band’, the heavy metal legends wrote a sweeping track about a Romantic poem. They had no idea it’d be 13 minutes long, though. (LouderSound)

It drew on psychedelia and Debussy (LouderSound)

Even Gene Simmons is embarrassed by it (LouderSound)

With Megadeth counting down to retirement, Mustaine reveals he’s dealing with condition called Dupuytren’s contracture (LouderSound)

The story of the West Memphis Three captured the attention of the metal world – and some of its biggest artists took action (LouderSound)

Drummer Zak Starkey holds no grudges after dramatic in-again-out-again saga with The Who (LouderSound)

Sleep Token, Ghost, Babymetal – these are the songs you picked as the finest 2025 had to offer (LouderSound)

The Cure confirm that longtime guitarist and keyboard player Perry Bamonte has passed away (LouderSound)

The Hammer team name their greatest gigs of the year, from stadium extravaganzas to sweaty basement dust-ups (LouderSound)

Virtuoso on pushing her boundaries with latest album Notan and upcoming companion Ianus, and how she acts on her belief that music training is a right, not a privilege (LouderSound)

I’ve picked out a variety of accessories for your new record player that’ll keep your vinyl in great condition and enhance your listening pleasure (LouderSound)

The dance titans embraced a whole new sound on this all-conquering Fat Of The Land anthem and they never looked back (LouderSound)

His unique voice has made him revered among music fans – while his unique attitude has made him notorious among label execs (LouderSound)

Guts and glory – these are the finest cuts to emerge from the fields of death metal in 2025 (LouderSound)

Famously discovered by David Gilmour, Kate Bush made history with her first single and hasn’t looked back (LouderSound)

Noddy Holder looks back at Slade’s noizy, hit-infested career (LouderSound)

As Iron Maiden’s driving force, Steve Harris has steered the band from pub gigs and demos to the stadiums and multi-million-selling albums (LouderSound)

He made the move from punk to prog in the early 80s, but it didn’t last (LouderSound)

The Metal God opens up on his friendship with the Prince Of Darkness and a whole lot more (LouderSound)

During the post-grunge era, the Levellers were derided as obsolete crusties, but one of their biggest hits was influenced by classic 70s rock (LouderSound)

From chart-toppers Ghost and Sleep Token to rising stars Lorna Shore and Spiritbox, 2025 has been a massive year for metal (LouderSound)

Members of Soundgarden and a fledgling Pearl Jam came together in 1990 to record a tribute to their late friend and emerged with a grunge classic (LouderSound)

Brian May teases 2026 re-issue of Queen’s second album with broadcast of unreleased song dating back to 1969 (LouderSound)

Blackbraid, Cradle Of Filth, Deafheaven – black metal continued to dominate in 2025 (LouderSound)

EPs and mixtapes tend to arrive without much fuss, which is usually a good thing. No grand positioning, no sense of being The Statement, just a handful of songs released because someone felt like now was the moment. They’re often quicker, sharper and more revealing than the bigger, shinier things that follow. You hear artists…

Poison topped the US charts in late 1988 with a power ballad that singer Bret Michaels poured his broken heart into (LouderSound)

Watch the official music video for Pink Floyd classic Wish You Were Here (LouderSound)

“What we have lost in peace and security, we have gained tenfold in spirit and camaraderie” say Bob Vylan (LouderSound)

Written in an English market town with a producer who worked them hard, their 1981 track became the third most-played single in the US that year (LouderSound)

Dan Hawcroft spent 24 hours a day with Lemmy and Motöhead for 11 months of each year – and he’s got the scars to prove it (LouderSound)

On what would’ve been his 80th birthday, we remember rock’n’roll icon and Motorhead legend Lemmy Kilmister (LouderSound)

Authentic and challenging, the quartet shaped the music of a decade with their major-label debut (LouderSound)

Folk-rock pioneer Donovan on jamming with Macca and Dylan, butting heads with John Paul Jones and meditating with David Lynch (LouderSound)

Robert Plant channelled Tolkien into his lyrics – even if his Led Zep bandmates didn’t realise it at the time (LouderSound)

At a time of tragedy, Creed used their 10 minutes on the pitch at a Denver Broncos game to represent something bigger than themselves (LouderSound)

The masked metal superstars have shipped 100,000 units or equivalent of their latest album in their home country (LouderSound)

Nik Fiend’s journey from a cover of Silver Machine that Lemmy liked to sharing a label with Hawkwind (LouderSound)

The nine-piece played a particularly destructive show at Resurrection Fest in Viveiro, Spain in June (LouderSound)

Metal fans couldn’t believe their eyes when these two amazing singers appeared on the same song (LouderSound)

IQ’s performance of Frequency at this year’s IQ weekend in Poland will be released on CD as part of the band’s Archive series (LouderSound)

The metal stars kept the French Revolutionary spirit alive with their show in Derbyshire in August (LouderSound)

The Star Trek icon gets silly and serious in turns as he discusses what the season means to him, the secret to living long and prospering, and the presents Kirk and Spock might give each other (LouderSound)

His pole vaulting days may be behind him, but even at the age of 80, Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan is still in demand (LouderSound)

Snow may not be falling all around us, but that doesn’t mean annual traditions can’t feel just as festive. Take Dork’s Christmas Night Out, returning to the iconic 100 Club: a proper feel-good celebration in the kind of room built for nights like this. There may be no band better suited to that sense of…

Swedish hardcore legends Refused say farewell in their hometown (LouderSound)

‘Mon the Biff! (LouderSound)

Danish/Swedish prog metallers VOLA turn to fans after losing all their gear after fire rips through their Copenhagen storage facility (LouderSound)

Chris Rea has passed away after a series of health battles (LouderSound)

“We were brothers. And when he passed away it had such a profound impact on me” (LouderSound)

Eight songs you need to hear right now, from Bryan Adams, Tailgunner, the Lemon Twigs and more (LouderSound)

Epic space operas, anticapitalist jazz odysseys, the return of Mike Portnoy – 2025 has been a brilliant year for progressive metal (LouderSound)

John 5 has picked up the axe for the likes of Mötley Crüe and Rob Zombie, and he’s learned a few lessons along the way (LouderSound)

Ghost’s biggest song has just achieved a major milestone (LouderSound)

Saucerful Of Secrets guitarist Lee Harris and keyboardist Dom Beken will join The Orb for the August performance of Metallic Spheres (LouderSound)

Judas Priest follow up the lukewarm Turbo and the tepid Ram It Down with the red-hot Painkiller (LouderSound)

Late co-founder always felt that collaborating was like “two people painting a picture on the same canvas.” But that didn’t stop him succeeding (LouderSound)

A decade after replacing founding frontman Dan McCafferty in Nazareth, Carl Sentance has left the band (LouderSound)

The footage shows Allen Collins wearing a hospital pyjamas, neck brace and orthopaedic fixator (LouderSound)

Power metal godfathers Helloween were on the way to huge success in the 80s –but one member wanted out (LouderSound)

A Perfect Circle’s Billy Howerdel breaks down his band’s four studio albums (LouderSound)

Goodbye sci-fi epics, hello surprise hit singles (LouderSound)

Unable to perform towards the end of his life, the singer and guitarist maintained a philosophical viewpoint, and was proud of making “good, honest music without prejudice” (LouderSound)

Ghost’s ‘Skele-Bot’ took to the streets of Inglewood to deliver food to people in need (LouderSound)

The tables appear to have turned on Sleep Token, who have previously taken a hard line on copyright issues (LouderSound)

Maiden’s seventh album is the ultimate fan favourite (LouderSound)

Mick Abrahams played on Tull’s first album, This Was, before launching Blodwyn Pig (LouderSound)

Whether you want to spend your last five months surrounded by family, living in denial or taking part in a shaggathon, there’s a song for you on this apocalyptic concept album (LouderSound)

“While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads-ah!” (LouderSound)

John Fogerty’s massive hit inadvertently captured the chaos and turbulence of late 60s America (LouderSound)

Singer/guitarist Kim McAuliffe reflects on recording the vaunted St Valentine’s Day Massacre EP and what it was like touring with rock’n’roll’s craziest band (LouderSound)

We’ve crowned Ghost’s Skeleta in the writer’s poll – but which metal albums from 2025 excited you most? (LouderSound)

It was a simple conversation with her future husband that helped Amy Lee write the anthem of a generation (LouderSound)

Watch Green Day’s chaotic 1998 appearance on Australian TV show Recovery (LouderSound)

Florence Road have officially released their rendition of ‘Georgia’ by Phoebe Bridgers. The song was originally recorded for triple j’s Like a Version in October while supporting Royel Otis in Australia. The Irish four-piece have had a big year, releasing their debut mixtape ‘Fall Back’ and appearing on the cover of Dork over the summer.…

At a time when they could have been left behind, Papa Roach wrote a song that set them on a completely different course (LouderSound)

It’s that time of year again! So then, Prog readers, who progged your world in 2025? (LouderSound)

Seasonal prog fun from Alberto Bravin, The Blackheart Orchestra, Robert Reed & Les Penning and The Sanctity Of Crows (LouderSound)

Jon Anderson to reissue Survival & Other Stories and Earth Mother Earth on coloured vinyl in March (LouderSound)

In 2007 The Trews were nominated as Best New Band at the Classic Rock Awards – 18 years on, they still have their eyes on the prize (LouderSound)

Bauhaus. Sisters Of Mercy. The Misfits. Specimen. We’ve got questions about all of them, and more (LouderSound)

Yngwie Malmsteen has spoken (LouderSound)

Chad Kroeger tells the story behind Nickelback’s enormo-hit How You Remind Me (LouderSound)

There’s a lot of love for ’80s British prog and new wave on the soundtrack to upcoming ping pong epic Marty Supreme (LouderSound)

With Dave Grohl lending his studio and Elton John playing piano on the album’s most emotional track, this was a truly special comeback (LouderSound)

After taking the world by storm with their debut, Panic! At The Disco looked to the greats for inspiration for their next move (LouderSound)

In a now-deleted post, metal outfit December Tenth invited Cowell and co. to “get in touch with ourselves and our legal team” (LouderSound)

An album-by-album guide to Beatle George’s greatest songs, solos, milestones and innovations (LouderSound)

1969’s Living In The Past reached the Top 10 in both the UK and US, and led to an uncomfortable experience on Top Of The Pops (LouderSound)

After seven years, cult favourite Holly Golightly resurfaces with a new album steeped in southern alt.blues flavour (LouderSound)

Six months after filing lawsuits against each other, Perry Farrell and the other members of Jane’s Addiction are ready to talk about Boston (LouderSound)

Amyl and the Sniffers have announced the release of their new concert film, ‘Live at Ally Pally 2025’. The film captures their performance at London’s Alexandra Palace, their largest headline show to date, and is available on YouTube. This announcement follows a year that has seen Amyl and the Sniffers’ first GRAMMY nomination for the…

Before Corey Taylor and before the nu metal takeover, Slipknot launched their career with a DIY release that put the Des Moines scene on notice (LouderSound)

Not everyone wants to get on board when artists take a creative left turn (LouderSound)

Some of the lyrics on this modern classic were brave, but they helped laid the foundations for what was to come (LouderSound)

Harry Roberts, the triple police killer whose 1966 murders outraged Britain, dies 11 years on from controversial release (LouderSound)

Just because you’re worthy of wielding Mjölnir doesn’t mean you’re able to keep time (LouderSound)

Greg Lake’s I Believe In Father Christmas originally reached No. 2 in the UK singles chart in 1975 (LouderSound)

After further securing their place as one of the world’s biggest bands, the man who works closest with Sleep Token has some ideas about why it’s happened (LouderSound)

His debut solo album forces the concept of music without boundaries back on itself. He believes it brought the best out of his guests too (LouderSound)

Your opportunity to get in on all this end-of-year list hysteria (LouderSound)

Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis and bassist Lou Barlow recall the tribulations of third album Bug and the classic Freak Scene (LouderSound)

She explains why prog makes her think of Barnsley, lists some of her favourite records and recalls taking her daughter to a Genesis tribute show only to hear her say: “Ah yes, Mastodon!” (LouderSound)

Prog stalwarts Solstice could have had Marillion’s success – they just didn’t want it (LouderSound)

The video shows an animated Harrison gardening at his Friar Park estate (LouderSound)

Ashley Walters had accused Manson of abuse that took place while she worked as his personal assistant from 2010 to 2011 (LouderSound)

Shame on you Trump” (LouderSound)

From Yes and Pink Floyd to Dream Theater and Queensryche, most bands have experienced personnel issues over the years. Which change was the best, and which was the worst? (LouderSound)

Adding elements of jazz digital percussion and alternative composition techniques to their already eclectic sound, they’re so convinced by their new direction that their seventh release will be the second part of their sixth (LouderSound)

Kendal Calling are set to return in 2026 with headline performances from Biffy Clyro, Two Door Cinema Club, Wolf Alice, and The Kooks. Additional acts include Scissor Sisters, The Libertines, The Vaccines, Jamie Webster, The Lathums, Groove Armada, and many more. Ben Robinson, co-founder of Kendal Calling, expressed excitement about the forthcoming lineup, stating, “I’m…

Waterparks have unveiled a video for their latest single, ‘Any Minute Now’. The clip compiles years of footage from both onstage and off, and arrives as the band conclude the US leg of The Prowler Tour with a final performance in Los Angeles on 18th December. Frontman Awsten Knight says: “ANY MINUTE NOW is about…

New album Relativity gave him flashbacks to the 70s – and though the factors that led to his split with Les Holroyd are all in the past, he can’t see how a reunion might happen (LouderSound)

Wherever the Prince Of Darkness went, anarchy wasn’t far behind (LouderSound)

Iron Maiden looked in real trouble after Bruce Dickinson left. They regrouped, brought in a new singer and produced some of their darkest material (LouderSound)

If you have a friend who loves Ozzy Osbourne or Black Sabbath, these present ideas should hit the right not this Christmas (LouderSound)

Stephen Dale Petit’s Be The Love is an album that burns with the urgency and creativity of a man on borrowed time (LouderSound)

“Of course Slow Ride is about sex,” says Foghat drummer Roger Earl. “All rock’n’roll songs are about sex, aren’t they?” (LouderSound)

Jack White has slammed US President Donald Trump for his “vile” reaction to the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele (LouderSound)

Keep your fingers crossed for new NIN music in 2026 (LouderSound)

Russian art collective Pussy Riot have been officially classified as an extremist organisation by the Ministry of Justice in Moscow (LouderSound)

“There is light at the end of the tunnel” (LouderSound)

“All I tried to do was just tell my hero that I loved him” (LouderSound)

From drug-fuelled parties to in-band fighting, the story behind this classic is a full of drama as it is great songs (LouderSound)

Dying Wish are one of the hottest bands in metalcore right now – and if you disagree, take it up with Courtney LaPlante, Amy Lee and Fred Durst (LouderSound)

Another Monday, another Down With Boring — and the last one of 2025, no less. This week, Fred from Spector drops by to chat about the shows wrapping up the year, the 10th anniversary of ‘Moth Boys’, and what Christmas presents he’d buy for Nelson Mandela and CMAT. Naturally. We also get into our favourite…

Eight songs you need to hear right now, from Starbenders, DeWolff, Stanley Simmons and more (LouderSound)

Big Big Train will release their latest album, the conceptual Woodcut, on February 6 (LouderSound)

Rock for People has announced Halsey as the final headliner for its 31st edition. The event, set to take place over five days from 10th to 14th June 2026 in Park 360, Hradec Králové, Czechia, will also feature Gorillaz, Limp Bizkit, Bring Me The Horizon, and Iron Maiden as headliners, and further sets from Wolf…

Alice Costelloe has released a new single, ‘Anywhere Else’, from her debut album ‘Move On With The Year’, which is set for release via Moshi Moshi Records in February 2026. The track, which emerged just after Costelloe’s 2024 EP ‘When It’s The Time’, was produced by Mike Lindsay. She explains: “This song felt so easy…

Creeper have announced their ‘SANGUI-TOUR’ set for April. This tour will see the band perform in a series of intimate venues, performing songs from both of their ‘SANGUIVORE’ albums. William von Ghould commented, “For the first time ever, Creeper will be exclusively performing songs from Sanguivore 1 and 2, the shows will provide a rare…

Tom A. Smith is set to embark on a UK headline tour in 2026, following the release of his EP ‘Say What You Want’ on Fiction Records. The tour will commence on 26th March at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, with a series of 12 shows across the UK, including performances in Manchester, Leeds, London, and a…

Bohemian Football Club have unveiled their 2026 away jersey in collaboration with Kneecap, with proceeds supporting ACLAÍ Palestine. As Ireland’s oldest and fan-owned football club, Bohemian FC have partnered with Kneecap to release the jersey, with 30% of profits earmarked for ACLAÍ Palestine. The funds will assist in constructing a community music studio at the…

Florence Road have released the music video for their track ‘Storm Warnings’. Filmed on the coast of Dingle, Kerry, the video was directed by Willow Kenedy, and winds up a year that saw the band release their debut mixtape ‘Fall Back’, and appear on the cover of Dork. Their live performances included events like SXSW…

V-Man once worked as Brent Hinds’ guitar tech and became lifelong bros with the Mastodon man (LouderSound)

One of the gretaest metalcore songs ever written turned this band into household names (LouderSound)

Prog writer Jo Kendall reckons they did, inspiring the likes of Oceansize along the way… (LouderSound)

John Mitchell & Friends play Dingwalls this week – and it promises to be a night filled with surprises (LouderSound)

Los Angeles police are reportedly interviewing a family member in connection with the couple’s death (LouderSound)

The Purple Rain movie may have been a polished turd of soapy melodrama, but it – and the brilliant soundtrack – transformed Prince into a towering icon of the video age (LouderSound)

The masked band’s sudden ascension has raised a few eyebrows, but Mr President insists he isn’t backed by a “huge corporate machine” (LouderSound)

Tobias Forge got to speak with all four members of Sabbath at Back To The Beginning, but it was one conversation that stuck with him (LouderSound)

The full Top 50 is now online (LouderSound)

Twelve months of life-enriching, extraordinary new music (LouderSound)

Stand-up, actor, novelist and producer on how much Marillion means to him, the four lines of Jon Anderson lyrics that bring him to tears, his favourite Vangelis soundtrack and his claim that Dire Straits are a prog band (LouderSound)

Casino Royale kickstarted a new era for 007 and producers tapped up a grunge icon to ensure they had a theme tune to match (LouderSound)

The J-metal superstars and the Evanescence singer have both taken part in some big collaborations this year (LouderSound)

Who said money can’t buy you happiness? (LouderSound)

From Ghost and Sleep Token to Electric Callboy, Lorna Shore, Babymetal and beyond, 2025 has offered up plenty of great metal tunes. But which songs rule the roost? (LouderSound)

Will Iron Maiden bow out with an event as huge as this summer’s Back To The Beginning? Their founding bassist knows that people want it to happen (LouderSound)

The lyrics on the L.A. trio’s sixth album observe the ugliness of 2025, while the music urges you to wiggle your worries away (LouderSound)

They’ve shook hands with Dio, hung out in a strip club with Lemmy and helped found Britain’s stoner metal scene, but now Orange Goblin are taking their final bows (LouderSound)

Embarking on a little pop experiment, Kurt Cobain emerged with one of the most enjoyably silly songs of Nirvana’s career (LouderSound)

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

I thought by now I’d be far more settled,” says Hayley Williams with a grin. It’s September, and she’s a few days away from releasing her third solo record, ‘Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party’ as a proper album. It’s a glorious blend of uncomfortable honesty, creeping anxiety, devastating heartbreak and fury that’s both political…

It’s Chriiiiiiiiiiistmasssssss (soon) (LouderSound)

Live at Leeds – both ‘In the Park’ and ‘In the City’ – will be taking a break in 2026. This decision follows a year where the festival hosted performances from the likes of Yard Act (pictured), Jalen Ngonda, Fat Dog, Warmduscher, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Panic Shack, Westside Cowboy, Radio Free Alice, HotWax, Katy J Pearson, Divorce,…

A. G. Cook has unveiled ‘Dread’, the first track from his forthcoming album ‘The Moment (The Score)’, crafted for A24’s film, The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri. The Moment, which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026, is based on an original concept by Charli xcx, and features an ensemble cast including Charli,…

Vincent’s Last Summer have returned with their latest single ‘What You Want’. This new release follows their previous singles ‘Soapbox’ and ‘Succession’, as well as support slots for artists like Chloe Slater and festivals like Truck. The duo’s 2025 touring schedule also included shows across the UK as part of the Dork Hype List Tour.

CHINCHILLA is set to embark on an extensive European leg of ‘The Bigger Rooms Tour’ in 2026. The dates – which follow her recent Avoidance tour – will see her perform in major cities including Vienna, Munich, Prague, and Amsterdam. CHINCHILLA comments, “At the end of all my recent headline shows I’ve been promising the…

Sean Trelford has unveiled his debut EP ‘Ulcer’, out now via Adventure Recordings and Island. This five-track collection is described by Sean as a concept EP exploring the challenges of communication and the complexities of love. He explains, “Ulcer is a concept EP about the pain of speech, of the voice, resentful feelings towards conflict…

FLO have unveiled a new track, ‘Recently Deleted’, alongside three bonus tracks added to the ‘Access All Areas: Unlocked’ album version. Discussing the new track, FLO commented, “Releasing ‘Recently Deleted’ felt like the perfect gift to our fans – a way to say thank you for all the incredible love and support they’ve given us…

Gorillaz have released a new track, ‘Damascus’, featuring Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey. This marks the fourth single from their forthcoming studio album ‘The Mountain’, set for release on 27th February 2026 via their new label, KONG. ‘Damascus’ was penned by Damon Albarn, Omar Souleyman, and Yasiin Bey, and recorded across several locations including Damascus,…

Mumford & Sons have unveiled their latest track, ‘Prizefighter’, which serves as the title-track for their forthcoming album. Written in collaboration with Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, the song’s release coincides with yesterday’s (11th December) show at The O2, London. The album recording took place over ten days at Long Pond; the sessions were characterised…

KennyHoopla has unveiled a new video for ‘birthday card//’, a track from the deluxe edition of his EP ‘conditions of an orphan//’, which recently dropped via The Orchard. The video, directed by Brittany Young, was filmed in Wisconsin, highlighting Kenny’s Midwest roots. “The video represents a postcard and matches the spontaneity of the song,” explains…

“The euphoric tidal wave was overwhelming.” Jimmy Page (LouderSound)

Even if they don’t carry on (Silver) Screaming, Ice Nine Kills prove they’re ready for the big leagues with the brilliantly bonkers A Work Of Art tour (LouderSound)

Antiheroine will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (LouderSound)

To cap off their very first UK arena headline tour, horror-lovers Ice Nine Kills are hosting their own star-studded horror convention (LouderSound)

The history-making hardcore vocalist wants to break new ground (LouderSound)

FOLLOW UPSET ON SPOTIFY “Volumes was never 100 per cent decided that we were going to make this record,” says frontman Michael Barr. After 2021’s ‘Happier?’ wrapped and the pandemic years fell away, the band eased back into writing. “We slowly started chipping away – mainly chorus ideas.” Those fragments became ‘Mirror Touch’, their fifth…

Evanescence are capping off their year in style! (LouderSound)

How one of Britain’s most infamous metal bands wrote their major breakthrough hit (LouderSound)

Great new prog from Holosoil, Fire In Her Eyes and more in this week’s Tracks Of The Week (LouderSound)

Alienation, loss and a legendary live bootleg – the prog giants’ post-Dark Side masterpiece gets an impressive anniversary box set treatment. (LouderSound)

Celebrating its 40thanniversary, Freddie’s solo debut remains flawed but sporadically glorious. (LouderSound)

Satisfaction Skank is officially available now after getting approval from The Rolling Stones (LouderSound)

Prog supergroup Asia will release their new live album, Asia – Live In England, in March (LouderSound)

As part of Prog’s look at prog’s golden year of 1973 (for a 2013 cover feature), Ray Jackson discussed Geordie folk rockers Lindisfarne’s own philosophy at the time (LouderSound)

Bilbao BBK Live has revealed its first wave of artists for the 2026 festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary atop Mount Kobetamendi in Bilbao, Spain. The festival – which will take place from 9th to 11th July 2026 – features headliners Robbie Williams, David Byrne and Lily Allen, as well as IDLES, Interpol, CMAT, and Charlotte…

Hip hop legends to join hard rock giants on 2026 world tour (LouderSound)

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

“It is an incredible honour” (LouderSound)

How death metal provocateurs Cannibal Corpse wrote the song that made them infamous (LouderSound)

Ghost’s fabulous latest album is officially our album of the year – but who else made the list? (LouderSound)

The new issue of Metal Hammer is the biggest of the year, and it’s on sale now! (LouderSound)

The five decades-plus friendship between Brian May and Tony Iommi is a rare and precious thing (LouderSound)

From clothes to colouring books, these Maiden-related pressies are sure to go down a treat over the festive season (LouderSound)

“I didn’t recognize him. He looked like an 80-year-old man” (LouderSound)

An audience with the Prince of Darkness on the Ultimate Sin tour (LouderSound)

“There’s a lot of joy that we don’t see at home”: Clutch begin another run of UK Christmas shows next week (LouderSound)

Keyboard maestro has gone back to work with the English Rock Ensemble for the follow-up to his 2020 album, and he says the process feels like early 70s Yes (LouderSound)

With Brian Jones falling apart on set, the Rock And Roll Circus went so badly that the planned film wasn’t released until 28 years later (LouderSound)

Gene Simmons’ apology came shortly after a Senate hearing in which he claimed successful musicians were treated “worse than slaves” (LouderSound)

From processing grief and playing for the troops to soundtracking a zombie apocalypse, A7X and Call of Duty have a long history (LouderSound)

Whether topping charts or going viral, metal made a big impact in 2025 – here’s the proof (LouderSound)

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

FOLLOW UPSET ON SPOTIFY It’s been five years in the making, but Softcult’s debut album is finally here, here, here! As packed full of gorgeous, effervescent sonics and crushingly honest and unguarded lyrics as we’ve come to expect, ‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow’ is the result of the Canadian siblings – Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn…

Pelagic Fest will be taking over Maastricht next August for another weekend of wonders (LouderSound)

Prog rock septet Big Big Train will release their new album, the conceptual Woodcut, in February (LouderSound)

“Looks like y’all sold your souls” (LouderSound)

Sharon has been speaking about the final moments that she had with Ozzy, and what he said to her the morning of July 22 (LouderSound)

Heavy metal doesn’t come much better than this absolute classic (LouderSound)

“We weren’t four lovable mop tops anymore” (LouderSound)

Jingle bells and indie bangers at the ready, Dork’s Christmas Night Out is back, and this year, we’re getting festive with Fickle Friends and one of our favourite up-and-coming acts, samxemma. Taking place Tuesday 16th December at the iconic 100 Club in London, it’s the ultimate end-of-year bash; a chaotic, joyful tradition in the Dork calendar.…

Their 1970 debut album, deliberately featuring no guitars at all, was inspired by the Canterbury band’s approach and Frank Zappa’s public persona – and it attained iconic status (LouderSound)

After the baptism of fire that was King Crimson’s Lizard, he worked on Tangerine Dream’s Rubycon, Frank Zappa’s Joe’s Garage and dozens of Van Morrison records (LouderSound)

Robert Plant and Suzi Dian’s Roar in the Fall tour finished a US run last month – but they’ll be back next year (LouderSound)

Canadian guitar legend and founding member of Triumph Rik Emmett picks five guitar classics that inspired his own path (LouderSound)

Rainbow In The Dark a highlight of Holy Diver, an album Ronnie James Dio said was “one of the proudest things I’ve ever done” (LouderSound)

Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram grew up with the blues, but on fourth album Hard Road he’s branching out (LouderSound)

The Canadian legends will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a run of shows in the US and Canada (LouderSound)

Liam Gallagher: The Grinch who stole 2026, possibly (LouderSound)

Adrian Belew, Danny Carey, Tony Levin and Steve Vai will play their first UK show as BEAT in June (LouderSound)

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

Four years ago, The Last Dinner Party played their second-ever gig down the road at The Windmill. “We had five songs, some ballgowns and a dream,” grins Abi tonight, standing onstage at the much grander Brixton Academy for the first of two sold-out headline shows. From the moment they dropped their attention-grabbing debut single ‘Nothing…

Advanced and affordable, these True Wireless earbuds are a great buy – and they come with a brilliant Easter egg… (LouderSound)

Primal Scream deliver storming run through 2000’s XTRMNTR at special Roundhouse show (LouderSound)

Pinching a riff from Kirk Hammett’s former band and inspired by a Charlton Heston film, Metallica reached a new level with their 1984 single (LouderSound)

1972 album, which saw them edging away from psychedelia back to standard rock, returns with live treats that hint at what was to come (LouderSound)

How Skindred hit on the ragga-metal classic that would save frontman Benji Webbe’s career (LouderSound)

Be Prog! My Friend takes place on September 27 and 28 and will also feature The Dear Hunter, Einar Solberg, Green Carnation, Agent Fresco, Rendezvous Point and more… (LouderSound)

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea shares his memories of getting “crazy” in ’70s Hollywood with his best friend Anthony Kiedis (LouderSound)

Sweet news for the world-beating pop-metal outfit (LouderSound)

Dot To Dot Festival has announced its return to Bristol and Nottingham over the late May bank holiday in 2026, revealing the first 30 acts set to perform. Leading the line-up are Lambrini Girls, Fcukers (pictured) and NewDad, with further confirmations for Adult DVD, Alice Costelloe, Bleech 9:3, Blossom Caldarone, Eaves Wilder, Grandmas House, green…

5-disc collection marks eighth album’s 50th anniversary, complete with two entire concert recordings and bonus Steven Wilson mixes (LouderSound)

They blended prog, art-rock, visual theatre, Dadaism and music hall – and never pretended to do any of it well (LouderSound)

Die Spitz: They love rock (LouderSound)

It turns out Bryan Adams’ hit single Summer Of ’69 wasn’t all about childhood, longing and loss (LouderSound)

Alan Parsons is merely the latest victim of an artist impersonation scam (LouderSound)

Your opportunity to ride like the wind while blessing the rains down in Africa (LouderSound)

The Oakland thrashers aren’t bowing out yet, but when they do, their frontman wants it to put a bold exclamation point on their career (LouderSound)

I t’s been a decade since Antony Szmierek released his debut album. Well, ‘Service Station at the End of the World’ was actually released back in February, but to Antony it feels that long. “It honestly feels like ten years old to me. It’s so strange how quickly your brain moves on from it,” he…

It’s been a year!” exclaims Rose Gray as she reflects on the year in which she became one of the breakout pop stars of 2025 with her outstanding debut album ‘Louder, Please’. For Rose, this has been the year she has finally received all the acclaim she’s been looking for since she first started making…

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

The 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall has been announced, curated by Robert Smith of The Cure. Taking place from 23rd to 29th March, the series aims to raise funds for young people with cancer through a week of music and comedy performances. Headline acts for the event include Elbow,…

Thanks, but no tanks: history-loving Swedes Sabaton reinvent their stage show for the Legendary tour (LouderSound)

David Byrne has revealed plans to extend his ‘Who Is the Sky?’ tour with additional North American and European dates in 2026. Byrne’s North American tour leg will begin in Vancouver on 4th April and conclude in Baltimore on 17th May. Notable stops include performances at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville and the Coachella…

In 2004, there was some Shady business backstage at America’s most iconic TV show (LouderSound)

Some years glide by. 2025 absolutely did not. It lurched, snapped, fizzed, spiralled, and yet spat out moments of such clarity, chaos and brilliance that they somehow made the whole thing feel worth it. As always, we’ve argued, sulked, shifted things up and down spreadsheets at 1am, changed our minds, changed them back, and eventually…

Eight songs you need to hear right now, from Alter Bridge, The Darkness, Tax The Heat and more (LouderSound)

The hard rockers took home the Grammy Award For Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance with their single Love Bites (So Do I) in 2013 (LouderSound)

How drugs, guitars, and a life-changing act of charity brought two of alternative rock’s greatest musicians together (LouderSound)

No one was expecting Ozzy at this show – and what a moment it was when he arrived (LouderSound)

The opening track of 2004’s Ashes Of The Wake helped lift the band from heavy metal underdogs to generation-defining superstars (LouderSound)

The 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust shows will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March (LouderSound)

Freed from Cold Chisel, Australian national treasure Jimmy Barnes called in the big guns for his attempted US breakthrough (LouderSound)

After releasing The World Under Unsun, he’s defiantly making himself listen to more records and read more books. He ponders how much change is to come, and how much time he has left for it (LouderSound)

Aussie legend and Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes talks about the six tracks that shaped his life as a musician (LouderSound)

Tetsu Yamauchi replaced Andy Fraser in Free and Ronnie Lane in the Faces (LouderSound)

I Get Off didn’t pull its punches on its subject matter – even if the song had to “devolve” to get there (LouderSound)

Dave Grohl’s eldest daughter Violet shares debut single Thum (LouderSound)

People misinterpreted this song’s meaning for years, but it made it no less poignant (LouderSound)

Even though the original album arrived earlier in 2025, this is a strong offering for diehard fans (LouderSound)

Hailing from Santiago, Chile, the four-piece are flying the flag for South America’s Indigenous Mapuche people (LouderSound)

Ever thought about climbing on part of the stage or sound setup at a gig? Two Metallica fans can tell you why you really shouldn’t (LouderSound)

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine rules out bringing former members back as guests on farewell tour (LouderSound)

There’s a time and a place for beach balls. It has now been firmly established that a Garbage gig is never the place (LouderSound)

A present given to The Cribs’ Ryan Jarmen at the height of his debauchery showed him what happens when you fly too close to the sun (LouderSound)

Finnish prog-doomers’ Swallow The Sun’s self-titled 2024 biography will be available in two special editions (LouderSound)

Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes’ contributions add futurism to the band’s classic mysticism, as heard better than ever in souped-up mixes (LouderSound)

“Everyone was talking about the effect that YouTube has had on their life. They were all really fascinated with each other.” How a song born out of frustration helped Weezer create a GRAMMY-winning portrait of a pivotal moment in Internet history (LouderSound)

Former colleagues recall the life and times of a driven but introverted musician who endured tough challenges to see his lifelong vision achieved – and updated his joke book while he did it (LouderSound)

Canadian star Alanis Morissette will play outdoor summer shows in Cork, Exeter, Woodstock, Lytham, London and Glasgow (LouderSound)

Aerosmith have been the stars of Disney’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster since 1999 (LouderSound)

The masked metal band have teamed up with Rock N’ Roll Colouring, who’ve previously made colouring books for Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Cannibal Corpse and others (LouderSound)

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler shares his love for one of the most raw, brutal and essential rock bands of the 1990s (LouderSound)

Gretel has returned with a new single, ‘Darkness Be My Friend’, available now via Breadcrumb Records/AWAL. “I wrote ‘Darkness Be My Friend’ the day before we went in to start re-recording my next project the new unfamiliar way – I was scared and didn’t know if I had what it takes. It was dark but…

Dead Dads Club, led by Chilli Jesson, have released ‘Volatile Child’, the latest track from their forthcoming self-titled debut album set for release on 23rd January via Fiction Records. The track depicts a young man at a breaking point in a Paris YMCA room, Chilli explains. “Lost in the noise of grief and isolation, he’s…