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Metal Anniversary – 37 Years Ago Metallica Release Greatest Thrash Album of All Time With ‘Master of Puppets’

In 1986 Metallica were not yet the commercial juggernaught they would become. Their fist two albums gained a lot of buzz within the metal community. And the band were constantly playing big opening slots and day time slots at festivals. People knew the band was changing the heavy metal genre. But the thrash scene had yet to morph into the dominant form of heavy music. But that all began to change with the release of Metallica’s third album, ‘Master of Puppets.’

Metal Anniversary – 30 Years Ago Living Colour Discover Their Dark Side With ‘Stain’

By 1993 Living Colour had gone through a few changes. Original bassist Muzz Skillings stepped out. Only for the incredible Doug Wimbish to come into the fold. Their sound had become progressively darker. And with the musical changes happening in the early 90’s, Living Colour decided it was time to strike with their magnum opus ‘Stain.’

Metal Anniversary – 42 Years Ago Judas Priest Follow Up ‘British Steel’ With ‘Point of Entry’

1980 had been a huge year for Judas Priest. After years and six albums, Priest were finally a headlining commercial act. ‘British Steel’ had been a bigger success than expected. And the world seemed ready to take on the future of heavy metal with Judas Priest. So the band decided to produce an even more commercially appealing album with 1981’s ‘Point of Entry.’

Hard Rock Anniversary – 44 Years Ago, Scorpions Begin Their Commercial Success With ‘Lovedrive’

By 1979, the Scorpions were in a weird place. Their original lead guitarist Uli Jon Roth had just left the band due to creative differences. And the group needed a new guitar slinger. Enter the writing a recording sessions of ‘Lovedrive.’ The first album that would set the Scorpions on an upward commercial pattern. Eventually peaking with massive commercial success.

Hard Rock Anniversary – 37 Years Ago, Ozzy Osbourne Goes Glam With ‘The Ultimate Sin’

Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career is littered with consistent, high quality material. From ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ to ‘Patient No. 9,’ the man has solidified himself as the true ‘Prince of Darkness.’ Every era has something to offer. And one of Ozzy’s most underrated periods remains ‘The Ultimate Sin.’

Metal Anniversary – 27 Years Ago, Sepultura Unleash Their Masterpiece ‘Roots’

By 1996, heavy metal had gone through many changes. The rise of nu metal was on the horizon. The genre had become considerably more aggressive and alternative since the previous decade. And the ‘teen pop’ craze, a result of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, was just about to take over. And in between all of those changes, Sepultura released their masterpiece. A gamut of slaughtering heavy metal. Combining the seven string heavyness of nu metal with their brand of groove death metal intensity.

Hard Rock Anniversary – 49 Years of KISS’ Self Titled Debut

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 50 years since KISS unleashed their debut album on the masses. So much has changed. Countless scenes have come and go. And while KISS did have ups and downs along the way. They’ve always been a consistent presence throughout the decades. Uncompromising (with one or two exceptions) about who they are. Never throwing the towel in. And it all started on Feb 18th, 1974.

Best Albums Of 2022 – A Year In Metal Pt. Deux

Another year has gone by and things are getting back into swing. 2022 saw a considerable amount of new music material from the hard rock and metal worlds. From Dream Theater’s ‘Lost Not Forgotten’ series seeing many additions. To Ghost’s amazing ‘IMPERA.’ 2022 has been a solid year of quality material. Here’s a look at a few notable mentions.

Best Albums of 2022 – A Year In Metal

Another year has gone by. And 2022 saw the return of many bands after the pandemic has lessened. Many excellent groups have released new material this year. Including: Ghost, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Ozzy Osbourne, King’s X, Def Leppard and others. Many albums charting well. However, not making the Billboards Top 100 sales of 2022. Either way, it’s been a fruitful year for many metal and hard rock veterans/acts. Here’s a look at some of the years best.

Hard Rock Anniversary – 36 Years of G’NR’s ‘Live…Like A Suicide’

In 1986, Guns ‘N Roses were just getting their feet wet. Axl Rose had replaced original guitarist Tracii Guns with Slash. And the band quickly gained a local reputation for their more raw, less glam take on the Sunset Strip scene. Not to mention their over the top behavior and stage show. As the band struggled to get noticed by major labels, they decided to release an independent live EP entitled ‘Live…Like A Suicide.’ Documenting the bands local domination.