Heavy Metal’s Big Four – Thrash, Rivalry And The Decade That Changed Metal | Book Review

Four bands, one explosive decade. Daniel Bukszpan's Heavy Metal's Big Four traces the rise of Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer, exploring the friendships, fierce rivalries and groundbreaking albums that transformed thrash metal. A richly illustrated, entertaining journey through the music, culture and competition that defined a generation.

Blue Nation Bring Big Riffs And Bigger Heart To Sold-Out London Show

Big riffs, bigger heart. Blue Nation’s sold-out show at London’s 229 The Venue combines immaculate sound, soulful songs and effortless chemistry, with an unexpected support set from guitar tech Sam Cartwright.

Boss Keloid – Float & Aperture: One Of 2026’s Most Immersive Albums

Boss Keloid return with their sixth album, Float & Aperture, an expansive and deeply personal journey through progressive rock, sludge and experimental sounds. Rich in melody, emotion and creativity, it may well be their finest work yet.

Blue Nation Bring Big Riffs And Bigger Heart To Sold-Out London Show

Big riffs, bigger heart. Blue Nation’s sold-out show at London’s 229 The Venue combines immaculate sound, soulful songs and effortless chemistry, with an unexpected support set from guitar tech Sam Cartwright.

Bobbie Dazzle / Star Power Comes Alive At KK’s Steel Mill

Bobbie Dazzle brought their retro glam rock magic to KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton on 20 October 2026. Showcasing their second album, Star Power, the band delivered a vibrant, musically flawless performance packed with infectious grooves, lush harmonies and dazzling flute solos. Sophie James reviews.

Zornheym: Zorn Reveals The Dark World Behind Descending Into Madness

Zornheym mastermind Zorn takes us inside Descending Into Madness, revealing the asylum's chilling past, the band's expanding symphonic sound and ambitions for novels, theatrical live shows and a universe beyond the music.

Arya Goggin – “Can You Introduce Me To The Drummer?” | The MetalTalk Lowdown

As Skindred hit the road, drummer Arya Goggin takes on The MetalTalk Lowdown, revealing his fear of creamy mushrooms, a disastrous gig in Helsinki, tennis with Rock stars and the fan who didn't recognise him.

Damnation Festival 2026 – Six Must-See Bands Before The Madness Begins

Damnation Festival 2026 is almost here, and with tickets running low, we pick six must-see acts from a packed weekend of extreme Metal. From Carcass and Holy Fawn to Groza and Walls Of Jericho, discover the bands we cannot afford to miss.

MetalTalk News

Big Big Train – Woodcut Comes To Life In Breathtaking London Performance

Big Big Train delivered a spellbinding night at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, combining beloved classics and deep cuts with a complete performance of Woodcut. A breathtaking celebration of progressive rock, musical mastery and emotion.

Creeper / A Night Of Gothic Grandeur At O2 Forum Kentish Town

Creeper transformed London's O2 Forum Kentish Town into a gothic wonderland of blood, coffins, guillotines and dark romance. With breathtaking theatrics, passionate fans and an emotional rendition of Misery, the Off With Their Heads Tour showcased a band at the absolute peak of their powers.

Guilt Trip Prove British Hardcore Is In Very Capable Hands At Sold-Out Electric Ballroom

Guilt Trip brought their Armour Of Angels tour to a sold-out Electric Ballroom in Camden, delivering crushing riffs, explosive mosh pits and relentless energy. A powerful reminder that British Hardcore is in very capable hands.

Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir And Dark Funeral – An Epic, Blasphemous Night At Brixton

Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir and Dark Funeral joined forces at O2 Academy Brixton for a spectacular night of Black Metal. With breathtaking stage productions, fiery performances and a crowd in full voice, the In League With Satan tour delivered an evening that was truly epic and blasphemous.

UFO – Mechanix: A Remaster That Reminds Us Just How Good They Were

UFO - Mechanix may not rank among their greatest albums, but 44 years on, its quality still shines through. With Phil Mogg in fine voice, Paul Chapman delivering outstanding guitar work and a superb 1982 Hammersmith Odeon recording, this remastered edition is a reminder of just how good UFO were.

The Amity Affliction Bring Brutality And Emotion To London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town

The Amity Affliction delivered a powerful night of Metalcore at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town, blending crushing breakdowns with emotional anthems. With support from Silent Planet, Varials and Orthodox, the House Of Cards tour brought intensity, energy and huge crowd sing-alongs.

Cirith Ungol – All The Shadows: A Beast That Refuses To Die

Like a beast that refuses to die, Cirith Ungol return with All The Shadows, their seventh studio album and another defiant statement of Heavy Metal intent. With Tim Baker's unmistakable vocals, crushing riffs, brooding epics and the band's trademark darkness, these legendary veterans prove their fire is far from extinguished. Paul Hutchings discovers an album worthy of standing alongside their finest work.

Inglorious – A Triumphant Return As Original Lineup Celebrates Ten Years Of Their Debut Album

Ten years after their debut album, Inglorious reunite the original lineup for an unforgettable night at KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton. With Nathan James in outstanding form, blistering musicianship and a set packed with fan favourites, this was a triumphant celebration of the music that started it all. Could there be more to come?

Eivør – Tungl: Haunting Beauty And The Power Of Emotion | Album Review

Eivør takes listeners on a mesmerising journey with Tungl, an album where haunting vocals, trip-hop rhythms and Nordic atmosphere replace crushing guitars and blast beats. Daryl Soar discovers a powerful, emotionally rich release that proves music doesn't need to be heavy to leave a lasting impact.

Alice Cooper – The Man Behind The Monster | Devil On My Shoulder, London

Alice Cooper brings his Devil On My Shoulder book tour to the London Palladium for an evening of outrageous rock 'n' roll stories, sharp wit and surprisingly personal revelations. From Keith Moon and Elvis Presley to the creation of his infamous stage persona, the legendary shock rocker offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Vincent Furnier, the man behind the monster.

Zorn – A Drunk Malmsteen Jerking Off To Fantasy Metal | The MetalTalk Lowdown

Zorn of Zornheym takes on The MetalTalk Lowdown, with tales of drunken ski lifts, a memorable comparison to Yngwie Malmsteen, Eurodisco, unreasonable deadlines and moving mountains with a forklift.

Guns N’ Roses Ready To Return To Indonesia For The Third Time

Guns N' Roses are returning to Jakarta on 21 November 2026 for their third Indonesian concert. Promoter Rajawali Indonesia is preparing for its biggest international rock event yet, with nine legendary Indonesian guitarists set to open the show and tickets already selling fast.

Butcher Babies / Nightbloom: Survival, Reinvention And A New Era

Butcher Babies return with Nightbloom, an album shaped by survival, heartbreak and reinvention. With Heidi Shepherd taking centre stage, the band explore a more melodic, radio-ready sound without completely abandoning their heavier roots. Rhys Tagg examines whether this bold new direction delivers.

Toby Jepson – “Somebody Who Was Useful” | The MetalTalk Lowdown

Little Angels frontman Toby Jepson takes on The MetalTalk Lowdown, recalling legendary gigs, a painful encounter in Tonypandy, his love of Madonna and why he never wanted to be a Rock star.

Iron Maiden Announce 16 North American Tour Dates For 2027

Iron Maiden add 16 North American shows to their Run For Your Lives Tour in 2027, with Bullet For My Valentine and The Raven Age joining the bill.

Forbidden / Bay Area Thrash Legends Deliver A Slow-Burning, Progressive Return

Sixteen years after Omega Wave, Bay Area Thrash veterans Forbidden return with a self-titled album packed with razor-sharp riffs, progressive twists and unexpected experimentation. Paul Hutchings finds a record that takes time to reveal its strengths but offers plenty beyond traditional Thrash Metal.

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