Background of Each Album ‘Paranoid’ Released in 1970, ‘Paranoid’ was Black Sabbath’s second studio album. It played a pivotal role in defining the heavy metal genre, featuring classic tracks such as “War Pigs”, “Iron Man”, and the title track “Paranoid”. The album is noted for its dark themes and groundbreaking sound, which were revolutionary at the time. ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ A decade later, ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ marked Ozzy Osbourne’s debut as a solo artist. Released…
8 ESSENTIAL THRASH ALBUMS EVERY METALHEAD SHOULD OWN ON VINYL
2. Slayer – Reign in Blood (1986) Slayer’s Reign in Blood is a landmark album that redefined the boundaries of thrash metal. Released in 1986, its brutal speed and intensity were unprecedented, setting a new standard for aggression in metal music. The album’s opening track, “Angel of Death,” immediately grabs the listener with its visceral energy and controversial lyrics. Produced by Rick Rubin, Reign in Blood is a concise, relentless assault that clocks in at…
SAXON CANCELS 2025 SUMMER SHOWS AS VOCALIST BIFF BYFORD NEEDS AN EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
A Brief History of Saxon Formed in 1977, Saxon quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading acts in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). With a string of successful albums in the early ’80s, including Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, and Denim and Leather, Saxon cemented their place in heavy metal history. Known for their powerful sound and charismatic performances, the band has maintained a loyal fanbase over…
THE BEST HARD ROCK ALBUM FOR EACH YEAR OF THE ’90S
1990: “Painkiller” by Judas Priest Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” is often hailed as one of the defining albums of the heavy metal genre, released in 1990. The album marked a return to form for the band with its aggressive sound, characterized by Rob Halford’s soaring vocals and the dual guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing. “Painkiller” not only revitalized Judas Priest’s career but also set a new standard for heavy metal in the decade…
MIKAEL ÅKERFELDT ON NEW STORM CORROSION: “I THINK IT’S PROBABLY GONNA HAPPEN AT SOME POINT”
Background of Storm Corrosion Storm Corrosion is a musical collaboration between Mikael Åkerfeldt and Steven Wilson, the mastermind behind Porcupine Tree. The project, which culminated in a self-titled album released in 2012, was well-received for its atmospheric and experimental approach to music. The duo, known for their mutual respect and friendship, created an album that stands apart from their work with Opeth and Porcupine Tree. The project was not designed to fit into any specific…
THE 5 BEST PROG METAL COVERS OF BLACK SABBATH SONGS
2. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” by Opeth Opeth, a band that seamlessly blends progressive metal with elements of death metal and folk, offers a hauntingly beautiful cover of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” This track, from Black Sabbath’s 1973 album of the same name, is known for its complex structures and dark themes, making it a perfect canvas for Opeth’s creative interpretation. Unique Interpretation Opeth’s cover of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” highlights the band’s ability to balance heaviness with…