Mastodon, Blood Mountain

In their six-year existence, Mastodon have swiftly become “exhibit A” in the case for the defence against the oft-heard accusation that heavy metal is nothing more than cock-rock misogyny and shock-and-awe teen fodder. Not only did they write a concept … Continue reading →

Slayer, Christ Illusion

Given that cod-satanism is now the preserve of tweenie Marilyn Manson fans, and the grotesque fascism of National Socialist Black Metal is fulfilling heavy metal’s need for parent-baiting taboos, it’s hard to see how Slayer can shock any more. This … Continue reading →

Slayer, Christ Illusion

For the metal survivors, progress is synonymous with compromise. Chris Campion celebrates the most stubborn band alive.

Gorgoroth, Ad Majorem Sathanas

Don't be fooled by Eurovision winners Lordi: in metal at least, insists Chris Campion, the horned one still has the best tunes.

A marriage made in metal

Is it the preening stars? The obsessive fans? Or just the sheer ridiculousness of it all? As a new film shows, heavy metal and movies were meant for each other. By Alexis Petridis.

Heavy metal folk music

Radio: The BBC will always get Miranda Sawyer's cheque, simply because it might use part of it to fund a touching project like this.

Moshpit masterminds

Since when did nu-metal groups talk about 'infinite harmonies', 'imperialist realpolitik' and 'corporate enslavement'? Adam Sweeting meets System of a Down - the band big on brains as well as album sales.

Full metal racket

Pop: Slash's new hybrid 'supergroup' prove they can deliver a barnstorming performance to pull in the younger fans - though it's the old Guns N'Roses numbers that get the biggest cheers.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

Peter Bradshaw: It's impossible to watch this entertaining study of über-metal rockers Metallica without thinking of a certain documentary-or-if-you-will-rockumentary

Motley Crue, Greatest Video Hits

Like many 1980s bands, Motley Crue took the least admirable qualities of heavy rock (macho posing, guitar bombast) and bludgeoned a career out of them. That they did so with infinitely more gusto than any of their contemporaries does little … Continue reading →

Korn: Take a Look in the Mirror

Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis reckons this is “the best stuff we’ve ever done”, though you’ll need to have had your eardrums perforated and your brains pummelled into sludge before you can pass through the glowering portals of Korn-world. The band’s … Continue reading →

Korn

Docklands Arena, London