“I Am the Fire”: Iron Maiden’s ‘The Number of the Beast’ at 40
Forty years ago Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast introduced 39 minutes of fury that would turn heavy metal on its ear and introduce new superstars.
Adrien Begrand
Adrien Begrand has been writing for PopMatters since 2002, and has been writing his metal column Blood & Thunder since 2005. A regular contributor to Decibel, Terrorizer, Iron Fist, NPR, and more, he resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Follow and interact with him on Twitter and Instagram.
Ghost’s ‘Impera’ Is a Morbidly Exhilarating Soundtrack to Dark Times
Twelve years after setting the underground metal scene ablaze, Ghost’s Impera establishes them as a commercial hard rock force.
On Est La!: Returning to Live Music in Northern Quebec with FME 2021
The 2021 lineup of Quebec’s Festival de Musique Emergente was simply dazzling, reflecting the breadth and quality of post-millennial Canadian music.
Metallica’s Black Album Turns 30 with a Remastered and Expanded Edition
Metallica took a huge risk on their fifth album, unsure and a little worried where it might take them, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The 15 Best Judas Priest Songs
Presenting the 15 best songs by Judas Priest, expanded from the original idea of ten choices simply because the band’s legacy is too important.
Iron Maiden Are As Exhilarating As Ever on ‘Senjutsu’
Iron Maiden’s Senjutsu is not without its share of bumps and plenty of familiar scenery, but after more than 40 years, the band are as exhilarating as ever.
10 Songs That Will Make You Love Rush
Consider this list of ten songs an attempt to coerce a newbie into the vast, rewarding, fun, and often beautiful Rush back catalog.
The 20 Best Metal Albums of 2010
In 2010, the metal world honored the memory of Ronnie James Dio in the coolest possible way: by making it the best year for new music the genre saw in a very long time.
A Hardwired Triumph for Metallica
Metallica has perfected the arena rock experience, creating as immersive and inclusive an atmosphere as possible by performing "in the round".
Ghost’s ‘Prequelle’ Subverts Metal Clichés and It Has a Strong Sense of History
Underneath the catchy melodies and snazzy artwork, Ghost have created one of the cleverest heavy metal records in recent memory.
The Musical Magic of FME
Music, food, art, beer, culture, and staggering northern scenery combine over the course of Labor Day weekend to create an experience like none other.
The Best Metal of 2016
Adrien Begrand celebrates the best heavy metal of the year in all of its thrilling diversity.
