The 10 most perfect final albums in heavy metal history By Matt Mills published 3 October 23 These masterpieces by Black Sabbath, Motörhead and White Zombie made sure their careers ended on flawless form
The most played live songs by 25 iconic rock bands By Dave Everley published 30 September 23 Which songs have Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Queen and others played live the most? Spoiler: contains surprises
The Black Sabbath ballet shows Sabbath are still pushing heavy metal into unchartered territories after half a century By Rich Hobson published 29 September 23 Black Sabbath - The Ballet isn't just a meeting of worlds, it's a celebration of one of metal's most iconic groups
Watch Tony Iommi make a surprise appearance to play Paranoid at the opening night of the Black Sabbath ballet in Birmingham, which also had Geezer Butler, Sharon Osbourne, Robert Plant and Bev Bevan in attendance By Merlin Alderslade published 25 September 23 Some rock star royalty were present for the premiere of the Black Sabbath ballet, and the man who inspired the whole thing even appeared on stage
“I woke up and there was this black shape at the bottom of my bed”: Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath – how paranormal activity, horror films and classical music inspired the first heavy metal song By Matt Mills published 21 September 23 Black Sabbath were blues rock also-rans in 1968. One year later, they wrote their insidious self-titled song and plotted the entire future of the heavy metal genre.
"When we started, there was no template for heavy metal. Nobody understood what we were doing, because it was so different": Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi on the birth of heavy metal By Paul Brannigan published 15 September 23 As Birmingham gets set to welcome Black Sabbath: The Ballet, guitarist Tony Iommi reflects on Sabbath's earliest days
10 classic metal albums where the first song is the best By Matt Mills published 2 September 23 These masterpieces by Megadeth, Judas Priest and Lamb Of God all put their greatest moments at the very start
10 classic metal albums where the last song is the best By Matt Mills published 28 August 23 Masterpieces by Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest have all saved the best for last
From 'The Pale Ones' to, erm, 'Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh': 10 legendary metal bands that used to have incredibly goofy names By Matt Mills published 26 August 23 Before Slipknot, Black Sabbath and Linkin Park became stars, they had names that no one would have ever taken seriously
10 metal bands who thankfully retired before they turned rubbish By Merlin Alderslade published 23 August 23 While some bands may choose to push on years past their sell-by date, these metal icons called it quits at just the right time
“People thought, ‘Not another actor who thinks he can sing!’, but I proved I could carry it off.” How Dracula, Star Wars and Lord Of The Rings legend Christopher Lee became a heavy metal star in his 80s By Matt Mills published 23 August 23 From inspiring Black Sabbath to golfing with Alice Cooper, Sir Christopher Lee was an icon in metal circles. Then, aged 87, he finally released a heavy album of his own.
10 bands who peaked with the first song on their first album By Fraser Lewry published 22 August 23 Some bands just get it right first time
10 classic metal albums with horribly ugly cover art By Matt Mills published 16 August 23 These masterpieces by Metallica, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath are much easier on the ears than they are on the eyes
10 classic metal songs we can't believe don't get played live By Rich Hobson published 12 August 23 Iron Maiden's only number 1 single, an AC/DC classic and title-tracks aplenty - we're amazed these songs haven't been played more
10 classic metal albums almost ruined by one terrible song By Matt Mills published 4 August 23 Metallica, Korn and Machine Head have all got so close to perfection – just for one song to mess it up
“You distract the driver and I’ll hit him over the head”: Bruce Dickinson and Ozzy Osbourne once tried to steal a taxi together By Matt Mills published 4 August 23 Watch Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson reflect on a drunken night where he ordered 50 beers then plotted grand theft auto with the Prince Of Darkness
"I can't work a bloody digital watch, never mind a phone": Ozzy once accidentally texted Robert Plant looking for his missing cat By Stef Lach published 3 August 23 Ozzy Osbourne's lack of technical know-how was confirmed by his son Jack
“They pelted the s**t out of them!”: The night Iron Maiden were egged by Sharon Osbourne and friends live on stage By Stephen Hill published 1 August 23 In 2005, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath co-headlined Ozzfest for what should have been a dream festival tour. It became infamous for one of the most public spats in metal history
“If it hadn’t been for music, I’d have ended up killing myself”: the epic life and turbulent times of Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler By Paul Rees published 28 July 23 An epic career-spanning interview with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler
“Doctors put something down my neck and straight to my groin”: Ozzy Osbourne offers first health update since cancelling Power Trip festival show By Matt Mills published 25 July 23 Ozzy Osbourne has broken his silence in the wake of the cancellation of his planned comeback show at heavyweight Californian festival Power Trip
