Column

Opinion

No diplomacy. No hedge. Just what I think. This is the bar after a show ; beer in hand, volume still ringing in your ears, saying exactly what you mean.

Past opinions

This Week in Metal: April 7-13, 1987
Opinion

This Week in Metal: April 7-13, 1987

Helloween dropped Future World, Headbangers Ball was days away, and a kid in Belgium packed his cassettes for university.

6 April 2026
7 Forgotten Metal Bands From the 1980s
Opinion

7 Forgotten Metal Bands From the 1980s

Seven 80s metal bands that had the riffs, the attitude, and the talent. They just didn't have the timing. Or the MTV budget.

17 December 2025
The Strange Case of Draugveil
Opinion

The Strange Case of Draugveil

Black metal, Reddit drama, and a band nobody can agree on. The internet did its thing again. Here's why none of it matters.

13 July 2025
10 Rock Songs That Were BRUTALLY Banned
Opinion

10 Rock Songs That Were BRUTALLY Banned

The PMRC's Filthy Fifteen. AC/DC, Judas Priest, Venom, all blacklisted in the '80s. Today's lyrics are ten times worse and nobody cares. What changed?

31 May 2025
Belgium's Metal Bands That Deserve Your Attention
Opinion

Belgium's Metal Bands That Deserve Your Attention

Belgium punches way above its weight in metal. From 80s speed metal pioneers to the H8000 hardcore scene. Here's why you should care.

6 August 2023
Heavy Metal and Aggression
Opinion

Heavy Metal and Aggression

Does heavy metal make you aggressive? Science says no. A study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience actually found the opposite.

5 July 2023
The Funny Metal Bands That Are Actually Good
Opinion

The Funny Metal Bands That Are Actually Good

Steel Panther, Mac Sabbath, Nanowar of Steel, Psychostick, Metalachi. Comedy metal gets laughed at and ignored. Here are the joke bands worth your time.

18 February 2023
Tatiana Shmayluk: The Ginger in Jinjer
Opinion

Tatiana Shmayluk: The Ginger in Jinjer

Tatiana Shmayluk is the Ukrainian lead vocalist of Jinjer. Piano kid, pillow screamer, one of the most versatile voices in modern metal. Here is her story.

16 January 2023
Germany, the Land of Metal
Opinion

Germany, the Land of Metal

From Scorpions to Rammstein, from thrash to power metal. Germany has shaped heavy metal more than most countries get credit for.

3 December 2022