hard rock

Baroness’ Aptly Named ‘Stone’ Is a Rock Solid Record

Baroness’ Aptly Named ‘Stone’ Is a Rock Solid Record

Baroness’ Stone incorporates the heavy riffs, thundering grooves, and melodic hooks that have been their trademark and revisits their folkier, acoustic side.

Jim Morrison’s Spoken-Word Effect

Jim Morrison’s Spoken-Word Effect

Jim Morrison, a startlingly seductive figure, was at once impish and grandiose, the sly trickster enemy of all the straight moralists and self-righteous prigs, a confident voice ready to be summoned to your side of the argument.

Two New Tribute Albums Show Soundgarden’s Magic Can’t Be Replicated

Two New Tribute Albums Show Soundgarden’s Magic Can’t Be Replicated

For better and worse, the latest installments in Magnetic Eye’s Soundgarden tribute series only underscore the iconic Seattle quartet’s range.

The ‘Sophisticated’ Kiss Album: Ace Frehley’s Solo Debut Turns 45

The ‘Sophisticated’ Kiss Album: Ace Frehley’s Solo Debut Turns 45

Kiss’ four solo albums marked the beginning of the end of the band’s soaring popularity. But Ace Frehley’s electric 1978 solo debut has only grown in stature.

The Ultimate Lost Cause: Styx’s Orphaned ‘Serpent Is Rising’ at 50

The Ultimate Lost Cause: Styx’s Orphaned ‘Serpent Is Rising’ at 50

The “anything goes, no guardrails” mentality of Styx’s The Serpent Is Rising is precisely what early 1970s rock and roll was supposed to be all about.

Six Years Off Isn’t Enough to Derail Queens of the Stone Age

Six Years Off Isn’t Enough to Derail Queens of the Stone Age

Despite the personal turmoil for Josh Homme, In Times New Roman… is remarkably consistent with Queens of the Stone Age’s last few records.

Hair Metal Is Back in Style Like It’s Going Out Of Style

Hair Metal Is Back in Style Like It’s Going Out Of Style

New albums by Extreme, Y&T and Filter show nothing falls out of fashion anymore. Hair metal is no longer a punchline but a cultural artifact to be appraised.

‘In Times New Roman…’ Is Queens of the Stone Age’s Most Introspective Record

‘In Times New Roman…’ Is Queens of the Stone Age’s Most Introspective Record

Queens of the Stone Age’s …In Times New Roman is classic in all its grit and posture, revealing a pensive Josh Homme writing about his life and tribulations.

Living Colour’s Time’s Up Isn’t Over

Living Colour’s Time’s Up Isn’t Over

Rock-loving professor Kimberly Mack spends some time with Living Colour’s Time’s Up, giving the album and the band well-deserved attention and appreciation.

Living Colour’s ‘Vivid’ Turns 35: An Interview with Vernon Reid

Living Colour’s ‘Vivid’ Turns 35: An Interview with Vernon Reid

What better way to celebrate Living Colour’s landmark album Vivid on its 35th birthday than talking to the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, Vernon Reid.

Psych Power Trio Dommengang’s ‘Wished Eye’  Dominates Fate

Psych Power Trio Dommengang’s ‘Wished Eye’  Dominates Fate

The ooze Dommengang draw from in Wished Eye is a loose, unspun wool that’s part metallic, fuzz addiction, visionary production, power trio power, and all rock.

Metallica Go on a Healing Journey with ’72 Seasons’

Metallica Go on a Healing Journey with ’72 Seasons’

While their most musically cautious work, Metallica’s 72 Seasons still takes some huge risks. We all deserve to be happy, including our heavy metal heroes.