Opinion

I spoke with Eric from Code Orange at Download this year where, amongst other things, we discussed the difference between UK and US tours and the reason why they dropped the ‘Kids’ from their band title…

I spoke to Igor Cavalera from Cavalera Conspiracy at Download this year. It quickly descended into talking about football and how FIFA are evil. Enjoy.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Toshi from Hey! Hello at Download this year. Find out how this side-project of Ginger Wildheart came together and what the man from Japan really thinks of Babymetal…

I chatted to In Hearts Wake at Download this year about all manner of things, from playing with Bury Tomorrow in the autumn of last year to their new album which was recorded at exactly the same time as the last one but released a full 12 months later…

I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Damon and Robbie from Black Star Riders at Download Festival this year, from their last minute debut at Download 2013 to the future of the band and the million dollar question – will we ever see Thin Lizzy again?  

I managed to grab Matt from Funeral for a Friend this year at Download Festival for a quick chat after the Welsh rockers played the Main Stage. Turns out, he’s not the biggest of Iron Maiden fans…

I had the chance to catch up with Jay from Hollywood Undead at Download Festival  this year and talk everything from hockey masks to the number 69…

Tonight was the official launch party of ex St Jude singer, Lynne Jackaman’s new E.P ‘No Halo’, although it is not officially released until the 10th July. As well as performing the whole E.P she also debuted new material and performed with a full band. Despite the nerves being evident, …

HMS Hammer set sail for the 13th Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards from her mooring near Tower Bridge with over 400 lucky ticket winners, guests and Vip’s on board. As we started our nearly three hour journey with a quick blast of the horn, Tower Bridge opened up to allow …

I spoke to all four members of Apocalyptica (as well as new vocalist Frankie Perez) about new album Shadowmaker, playing the first ever Download and why you should toe the line as an artist playing Donington… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzwUPNov5os&w=560&h=315]

Fresh from their Best New Band win at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards, We Are Harlot played a sold out gig at Glasgow’s Cathouse rock club on Tuesday night. There has been a huge buzz around this band, so I was more than keen to see what all the …

I spoke to the awesome Marc Hudson from Dragonforce at Download Festival this year, trying to uncover secrets about small, Japanese teenagers and why they thought covering Johnny Cash was a good idea… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAeCRk5fRjg&w=560&h=315]

Despite the doors opening an hour later than advertised, when Billy Idol finally hit the stage, all was forgiven, as he played a stunning two hour set. From the punk era of Generation X hits hit “Ready Steady Go” through to his current stuff like “Postcards From The Past” via …

I chatted to Simon and Chris from Krokodil at Download this year, finding out how the supergroup came together in the first place and why they don’t like Aqua… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX-TwO7C8w&w=560&h=315]

I had the pleasure of catching up with Josh and Alan from Sylosis at Download Festival this year. Find out why they love Pantera and why hyperactive drummers aren’t always that great…

I had the pleasure of speaking to the wonderful Jenny Deacon from The Lounge Kittens at Download Festival this year about Stephen Sondheim, Shaggy and glory holes. As you do… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1JxLsEjWLo&w=560&h=315]

After reviewing the new Tremonti album Cauterize last week I was excited to get to the O2 ABC in Glasgow last night to see how the live show compared. The venue was quite full for a Monday night, but the crowd that showed up were nothing if not enthusiastic. From the …

Monday 8th June saw around a thousand Nightwish fans descend on the Finnish port city of Turku for the first ever Nightwish cruise. After checking in at the passenger terminal (in the case of some fans, many hours before boarding), fans waited for the ship to arrive for them to …

Where to start with this incredible evening! A huge turnout of support and 6 talented unsigned bands, showing just how alive and exciting the local music scene is right now. There is such a supportive vibe here at the iconic Purple Turtle tonight for the Metal 2 The Masses London …

So after all the preliminary heats, quarter finals and semi finals, the Cheshire region of  the Metal 2 The Masses final attracted about three hundred metal heads at the Box in Crewe to watch Skeletal Damage, Headpress, Obey and Synapse battle it out for a place on the bill at …