Metal music has long been linked to violence, suicide, sexism, occultism and Satanism – as well as encouraging blasphemous merchandise sales and school shootings.
These journals investigate production technologies, sound engineering techniques, album artwork and band promotion strategies as well as fan communities that make up the global metal music economy and subcultural scene. Furthermore, these journals help examine how metal studies has grown as an academic discipline.
1) Metal Edge
Metal Edge was established during the height of glam metal’s popularity in 1985 and, alongside sister publication Metal Maniacs, helped define heavy metal music’s aesthetic for generations. Now back online only format, the legendary rock magazine features both original content and archive interviews from its long and distinguished history.
Gerri Miller was an enthusiastic journalist who championed rock bands such as KISS, Warrant, Nikki Sixx and Skid Row; her ‘fly-on-the-wall’ reporting style made you feel as if you were inside Vince Neil’s studio or backstage at Sebastian Bach performances.
Paul Gargano was instrumental in transitioning the publication from print to digital during its later stages, contributing to branding/marketing, store curation and merchandise of Metal Edge magazine over its nearly four decade existence. Today the website offers vintage articles, interviews and artist roundups from its long history; including those with Poison’s Bret Michaels, Alice Cooper, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe among many more! Additionally it offers subscription options so fans can stay current with Metal Edge and Hard Times publications!
2) Metal Magazine
Metal Magazine debuted on newsstands for sale in 1977 as an American version of popular European comic Metal Hurlant. As opposed to top list magazines of its day, Metal presented translated editions of contemporary French bandes dessinae in serialized anthology format; most popular stories would then be collected and resold as albums; in addition, Metal featured original content relevant to its genre – an experiment run successfully by publisher Sterling.
As its popularity rose with mature content, exotic art and nonconformist story lines, Eclipse became a hallmark of its time – the era of ground level anthologies was well underway, with every little (and not so little) publishing house offering their own titles like Eclipse, Warrior Raw 1984 among many more. Also thanks to these anthologies older French artists like Lewis Trondheim Joann Sfar and Moebius were finally able to break into the US market via these anthologies and publish both previous work as well as future works in these anthologies!
Heavy Metal was gradually losing its spark. Thanks to The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, changes within American comic industry made it less important for Heavy Metal to publish stories that were so shocking or unconventional; once considered unique features were now mainstream fare. Sex, violence and nudity had once stood out among its competition but had become less of an edge-puller.
As 2022 came to a close, it became evident that Heavy Metal magazine was on its final legs. Massive Publishing offered to cover printing costs for issue 320 of Heavy Metal magazine which would then go out in April 2023 – although no official word from them since was heard regarding whether they will either close down entirely or be taken over by another publisher.
3) Decibel Magazine
Decibel Magazine is one of the premier heavy metal music journals, covering extreme metal for over a decade. They cover everything metal-related from news and reviews to live events and interviews – as well as hosting their annual Decibel Metal & Beer Festival and Decibel Magazine Tour tours each year. Furthermore, Decibel recently established a book publishing arm so metal fans could always get their fix of the genre they love!
Chuck Billy of Testament offers this exclusive interview where they discuss reissuing their legacy albums and recently releasing War Machine with former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph as part of its lineup. Additionally, Testament discusses their growth over time and why they decided to work together with Bostaph on this album.
Black metal veterans Insvrgence have just unveiled an explicit new video, certain to get your blood boiling! Plus, they’re embarking on their inaugural European tour this summer; don’t miss this NSFW release or their live performance this summer! Watch and catch them now!
Review, Streaming & Track Premiere Minnesota grindfoce Cognizant’s new album is an unhinged assault of riffs! Equal parts Botch on an ether binge and Unsane at their most unnerved. Blast worship this record!
Texas rockers American Sharks recently unveiled an incredible self-titled debut. Listen now, and blast worship this blistering riffage!
4) Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer magazine was founded in 1983 and since has grown into an international publication with local language editions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Furthermore, the journal offers an interactive iPad app dedicated to music fans featuring interviews with legendary metal musicians as well as trailblazing bands as well as various content that spans two languages – this feature alone has earned multiple award nominations!
Metal Hammer goes beyond writing about music to explore the sociology of metal culture and society. It examines how heavy metal music relates to issues like race and class conflict, sexuality and religion – using both academic and popular terminology when exploring metal music from all possible perspectives. Alongside regular articles the journal also publishes essays, reviews and interviews; all articles must pass an editor and two anonymous referees before publication.
Heavy metal music has often been linked with violent behavior and nihilism; however, its lyrics also convey positive messages such as freedom. Despite its negative associations, metal has become part of mainstream culture and recognized as an art form; thus leading to various subgenres being developed such as thrash and death metal genres.
Metal fans have many nicknames, including metalheads, headbangers and moshers. Many of them sport tattoos and piercings; their clothing may often be inappropriate for the event they’re attending; they may drink excessively and use profanity; in some cases their music and behavior even resulted in loss of job opportunities or prison sentences for some of their songs.
5) Metal Edge Online
Metal Edge Online is an innovative digital version of Metal Edge magazine, offering exclusive artist interviews and fly-on-the-wall reporting, plus up-to-the-minute news coverage. Furthermore, there are live concert reviews, music video features and album roundups on offer within its pages – as well as research relating to metal music subculture. All submissions undergo an exhaustive peer review process prior to being considered for publication.
Heavy metal music stands apart from pop in terms of its strong musical identity and lends itself well to academic study. Metal is distinguished from pop by using extreme tempos, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking and blast beat drumming techniques, unconventional song structures, lyrics that emphasize atmosphere or unease and other distinct characteristics.
Furthermore, metal has given birth to several subgenres such as nu metal and folk metal, becoming an essential element of contemporary music.
Metal Edge Online’s editorial team seeks out original, innovative articles that explore all facets of heavy metal music and culture. Individuals as well as groups may submit contributions. Interdisciplinary papers are especially encouraged.
Journal has long been providing rock fans with high-quality content. Since 1978, its mix of exclusive artist interviews, backstage reports and onstage and backstage coverage has made it a favorite among readers. Since the early 1990s it has adapted a new format known for high quality full color photographs that has earned many readers.