Features

Who are Busted and McFly’s fans?

“It never became nostalgic because it was always there…” As Busted and McFly go head-to-head on tour, we meet their fans at London’s OVO Arena Wembley and find out why the two bands are bigger than they’ve ever been.

Fantasy, foxes and flipping the script: Inside BABYMETAL’s extraordinary lore

Stretching from the ancient earthiness of Shintoism to the unbound futurism of science fiction, BABYMETAL’s complex, often chaotic internal lore can confound even their most fierce fans. Kneeling at the altar of the Fox God, we attempt to unpick what exactly is going on in their narrative, from flaming crucifixions and coffin-shaped spaceships, to the very heart and soul of metal itself…

Biffy Clyro: “I’ve got this almost unhealthy relationship with music, because I can’t create something that isn’t absolutely everything I’ve got”

As life took the members of Biffy Clyro in different directions, they found themselves teetering on the edge of collapse. To find out how the trio hauled themselves back to deliver their brilliant new album Futique, we headed to Scotland and found a band stronger than ever…

“I like an evil vibe a lot of the time”: Harpy’s five favourite things

Comfortable heels, affectionate serpents, goats and protein shakes: these are the things that make Brit goth mommy Harpy happy.

The rise of Pierce The Veil, as told through their most important gigs

Almost 20 years ago, Pierce The Veil were struggling to break out of their local San Diego scene. Now, they’re certified arena superstars. Vic Fuentes looks at all the stops – the good, the bad and the sweaty – along the way…

“I’m getting quite existential for a 25-year-old!”: Why Altar is NewDad’s homage to Galway

Shedding some of the “teenage angst” that characterised their debut, Irish dream-rock trio NewDad are back with their second offering, Altar. Julie Dawson fills in K! on her increasing yearning for home, parallels between religion and the music industry, and how her first solo album affected where the band went next…

Listen to PRESIDENT’s 1950s-inspired playlist

Explore some of the pioneering rock’n’roll songs that made an indelible impact on PRESIDENT and the wider world in the band’s exclusive curated playlist.

PRESIDENT: “I’ve sat with these feelings for a long f*cking time… Writing these songs takes a lot out of me”

A true whirlwind success story for heavy music this year, PRESIDENT are about to firmly cement themselves with debut EP King Of Terrors. From the absolute DIY nature of the project to it becoming an important vehicle to ask deep and uncomfortable questions, we meet their masked leader to find out how he’s built a breathtaking band worth believing in…

The Paradox: “Billie Joe messaged us, ‘How would you guys like to open our show?’ I didn’t believe it!”

The Paradox are exploding right now. Having taken over TikTok after forming just over a year ago, they’ve already supported Green Day and are now best pals with Travis Barker. As the rocket strapped to their back gets even faster, the Atlanta pop-punks are proving that hustle and self-belief are sometimes all you need to realise your dreams…

Nevertel: “You appreciate the view a lot more when you’ve had to claw your way to the top”

Going viral on TikTok, joining forces with Sleep Theory and dropping one of the slickest American rock albums of 2025, Nevertel have the look of career musicians taking success in their stride. Having started their decades-long journey together back in high school, however, these old friends are taking nothing for granted and revelling in their hard-earned chance to Start Again...

“It’s unbridled and unhinged”: Inside Jake Kiszka’s new project, MIRADOR

Ahead of their debut self-titled album, Greta Van Fleet’s Jake Kiszka and Ida Mae’s Chris Turpin take us through the looking glass and into the “live and dangerous” world of MIRADOR.

Kittie: “We were the lone women in a sea of nu-metal ‘dudes’. The world is a bit more ready for us now”

Celebrating 25 years of their fiery debut, nu-metal icons Kittie have reworked and re-recorded four of their favourite tracks for the excellent Spit XXV EP. Rather than getting lost in nostalgia, though, Morgan and Mercedes Lander want to keep blazing the trail they started all those years ago…

“It’s not a lecture, it’s an emotion. It’s doom and gloom you can dance to”: How Scorpion Milk are making music for increasingly interesting times

Underground figure Mat McNerney is back with a new band, Scorpion Milk, and a scathing debut album, Slime Of The Times, featuring Creeper’s William Von Ghould. Rather than the sex of Grave Pleasures, it’s an angry mirror on a darkening world. “If it unsettles people, I’ve done my job…”

Why Arrows In Action are perfectly poised for their big breakthrough

Nashville-based trio Arrows In Action have already begun to charm with their irresistible, dazzling pop-rock. It is, they say, about keeping things light-hearted, looking for escapism, and wanting to “create a positive distraction…”

Meet Maruja, the most essential new band in Britain

Celebrating the release of remarkable debut album Pain To Power, breakout jazz punks Maruja discuss improvisation, the rejection of hatred, and why their live show needs to be seen to be believed…

How BABYMETAL broke boundaries and pioneered the kawaii metal genre

BABYMETAL are the biggest exponents of kawaii metal. It’s cute, it’s heavy, it’s massive – and it’s got more history than you think. With our heroines having kicked the door open, here we delve into its culture and hyperreal visuals…

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