When Kill ’Em All roared out of speakers in 1983, it marked the birth of thrash metal. Metallica’s debut fused punk speed with metal precision, creating a sound that shattered the rules of heavy music. Recorded on a small budget and pure hunger, the album turned four young Californians into global pioneers. Its influence ignited a movement that reshaped hard rock forever and still defines the heart of metal’s raw energy.
1. Recorded in just two weeks on $15,000 Metallica entered Music America Studios in Rochester, New York, with little money and no major label support. The sessions were fast, loud, and relentless. Most of the album was recorded in first takes, capturing the band’s ferocity before they even had a hotel to sleep in.
2. The title came from Cliff Burton’s defiance The band originally wanted to call the record Metal Up Your Ass, complete with a toilet-dagger cover. When distributors refused, bassist Cliff Burton joked, “Kill ’em all!” in frustration. The phrase stuck, becoming a rallying cry for a band that refused to bow to anyone.
3. Dave Mustaine’s fingerprints remain all over it Though fired before recording, guitarist Dave Mustaine co-wrote four songs, including “The Four Horsemen” and “Jump in the Fire.” Kirk Hammett built on Mustaine’s early riffs, creating solos that pushed speed and precision to new levels. The mix of rage and skill set the tone for thrash metal.
4. “Whiplash” defined the thrash movement The album’s first single, “Whiplash,” ran at breakneck speed with crushing riffs and lyrics celebrating headbanging itself. Critics and fans saw it as the birth of thrash, a new metal form powered by sheer momentum and attitude that inspired legions of young bands.
5. It changed the sound and spirit of metal Kill ’Em All stripped metal of glam and excess, replacing it with raw power and authenticity. Songs like “Seek & Destroy” and “Motorbreath” became anthems for fans who lived for the pit. The album’s speed, honesty, and aggression reshaped rock history and opened the floodgates for generations of heavy music.
When Zen Arcade arrived in 1984, it redefined what punk could be. The double album turned chaos into storytelling and transformed hardcore from rebellion into reflection. It helped build the foundation for alternative rock, showing that speed and noise could carry depth and melody. The record’s rough energy, emotional power, and ambition made it a turning point for underground music. Zen Arcade became the sound of independence, grit, and creativity that shaped countless artists to come.
1. Recorded in 85 hours for $3,200 The entire album was made in less than four days at Total Access Studio in California. Almost every track was recorded in a single take, capturing the urgency and honesty of the band’s live energy. The result was unpolished, real, and unforgettable.
2. It told a full story from start to finish Zen Arcade follows a young man who leaves home searching for peace, only to face a harsh world. Across 23 songs, it moves through love, faith, loss, and awakening. The final track, “Reoccurring Dreams,” ends the journey in a 14-minute swirl of sound and emotion.
3. Punk met melody for the first time The band’s sound mixed speed with harmony, pairing hardcore anthems like “Something I Learned Today” with acoustic and psychedelic moments such as “Never Talking to You Again” and “Hare Krsna.” The blend opened new creative doors for punk musicians everywhere.
4. It became the blueprint for alternative rock Zen Arcade inspired future acts from Nirvana to Green Day. Its fearless mix of emotion, noise, and melody set the tone for the alt-rock explosion that followed. Critics still call it one of the most influential rock albums ever made.
5. Every note carried the band’s vision of freedom Bob Mould, Grant Hart, and Greg Norton poured every idea into this album. No singles, no polish, just art on their own terms. Zen Arcade remains a testament to what happens when musicians refuse limits and trust their own creative fire.
Janet Jackson’s Control is one of the most important albums in pop and R&B history. It defined confidence, creativity, and freedom for a new generation. The record’s sound mixed funk, R&B, and electronic beats with sharp lyrics about independence and self-respect. Its production with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped shape the future of modern R&B. Control inspired women around the world to take ownership of their art, their image, and their direction. It remains a landmark in music history and a declaration of strength.
1. She fired her father and took the reins Janet made a bold choice to lead her own career. By parting ways with her father’s management and working with John McClain, she built the foundation for a sound and vision that belonged entirely to her.
2. “Nasty” became an anthem of confidence After facing street harassment in Minneapolis, Janet turned her experience into music that celebrated power and self-respect. “Nasty” became a rallying cry for setting boundaries and owning your attitude.
3. A new sound was born in Minneapolis Working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet helped shape a new musical language that mixed funk grooves with electronic precision. The result introduced the triplet swing beat that defined the rise of new jack swing.
4. Every single carried a message of strength Each song on Control echoed the spirit of empowerment. “Control,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” and “When I Think of You” celebrated independence, ambition, and emotional honesty with energy and style.
5. The cover captured her transformation Photographer Tony Viramontes created the striking black-and-white image that matched the music’s authority and style. The artwork presented Janet as bold, visionary, and fully in control of her future.
ove isn’t always fast cars and factory towns. Sometimes it’s reflection, rhythm boxes, and a home studio in New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Tunnel of Love’ invited listeners into the most intimate corners of his songwriting. Here are five little-known gems from that journey.
1. Recorded in his own “Thrill Hill East” studio Springsteen built a home studio in Rumson, New Jersey, called Thrill Hill East. Much of the album was created there, with Bruce handling nearly every instrument himself. The relaxed setup shaped the record’s moody, introspective sound.
2. “Brilliant Disguise” was filmed in one continuous shot The music video for “Brilliant Disguise” broke MTV ground with its unedited single take. Shot in black and white at Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Bruce performed live vocals straight into the camera for one haunting, uninterrupted performance.
3. A touch of the fairground on the single’s sleeve The amusement park memorabilia used on the “Tunnel of Love” single came courtesy of the National Amusement Park Historical Association. It added a literal “tunnel of love” feel to the artwork, tying together the album’s themes of illusion and romance.
4. The Miami Horns joined the Tunnel of Love Express Tour When the E Street Band hit the road in 1988, the Miami Horns joined to give songs like “Tougher Than the Rest” and “Spare Parts” a brassy, soulful lift. The tour’s lush arrangements brought Springsteen’s quieter studio ideas to life in full color.
5. Patti Scialfa’s first major vocal moment with Bruce “One Step Up” featured backing vocals from Patti Scialfa, who would later become Bruce’s wife. Her delicate harmonies added warmth to the track, marking the beginning of one of rock’s most enduring creative partnerships.
Thrash metal titans Death Angel storm back into 2025 with their ferocious new single ‘Cult of the Used,’ their second new release in six years. The track hits like a sledgehammer, fueled by the band’s signature chugging rhythms, razor-sharp riffs, and breakneck precision. Accompanied by a stunning animated video created by Tamara Llenas of Aimed and Framed, the song showcases Death Angel at their most fierce and focused. Guitarist Rob Cavestany explains, “‘Cult of the Used’ is a depiction of society under hypnosis, being strategically manipulated and taken advantage of. It urges you to leave the so-called reality behind.”
Cavestany also praised the video’s creative team, adding, “Fendie Daywalker did a stellar job illustrating the Cult Leader, beckoning his blinded followers who remain in trance by his strangely charismatic facade, enchanted by the vibrant colors, mesmerized by his stare.” The band timed the release to coincide with their highly anticipated ACT III U.S. Tour, which kicks off November 26 in Denver and concludes with two nights at The Fillmore in San Francisco on December 18 and 19 for their 10th Annual ‘Another Death Angel Xmas Show(s).’ “We haven’t headlined in the States since 2019,” Cavestany says, “so we wanted to make it extra extra! Of course we’re excited to include ‘Cult of the Used’ in our setlist when we hit the road this month.”
Tour Dates: Nov 26 – Denver, CO Dec 18 – San Francisco, CA, The Fillmore Dec 19 – San Francisco, CA, The Fillmore
Toronto’s No Breaks Jake returns with “Trouble,” a tender yet powerful alt/indie rock track that explores perseverance, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going. The song marks a softer turn for the band, replacing their trademark chaos with introspection and emotional warmth. “Compared to my other work, there’s a little less rage and a little more humanity,” says frontman Jacob Kassay. “It’s not as loud or as angry – instead it gets to be more warm, more open, more willing to let you in and show what’s hurting.” The result is a track that breathes and expands, capturing the weight of struggle while holding space for hope.
“Trouble,” the second single from the band’s upcoming Amygdalan EP, unfolds with subtle guitar tones and restrained vocals that build toward a cathartic bridge. “The bridge, in particular, is my favourite part of the song,” Kassay explains. “There’s this feeling where everything inverts and the song sort of wraps its arms around you.” Through lines like I close my eyes to see you clearly / Pull you closer, keep you near me, No Breaks Jake crafts a song that feels personal and universal at once. It’s a reminder that heaviness and humanity can exist side by side, and that even amid turmoil, connection remains possible. “Trouble” cements No Breaks Jake as one of Toronto’s most thoughtful and dynamic alt-rock voices, balancing heart, honesty, and the instinct to keep pushing forward.
Zac Brown is taking the country party offshore. The Grammy-winning frontman has teamed up with Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line to design Same Boat, the first-ever artist-curated live music venue at sea. The venue, inspired by the Zac Brown Band song Jimmy Buffett sang on The Comeback (Deluxe), will debut aboard Margaritaville’s newest flagship, Beachcomber. More than a bar, Same Boat will be a destination for live performances, elevated cocktails, and front-row access to world-class artists. Brown is overseeing every creative detail, from the artwork and stage design to the venue’s sound and atmosphere, ensuring it captures the spirit of his music and the easygoing Margaritaville lifestyle.
“When we started talking about this partnership, I knew I didn’t just want to design a room — I wanted to create an experience that truly captures the spirit of Margaritaville at Sea,” Brown says. “Designing Same Boat has been about bringing that easygoing energy that’s always guided my music to life. Every detail reflects pieces of my own journey — from the stage to the sea — all coming together to create a place where people can connect, share a drink, listen to great music, and feel that incredible sense of freedom you only find at a show or out on the open water.” Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan adds, “Zac has long been a member of the Margaritaville family and had a special relationship with Jimmy over many years. This partnership celebrates that legacy and will bring to life yet another reason to cruise on the Same Boat with Margaritaville at Sea.”
To celebrate the partnership, Margaritaville at Sea and Zac Brown have launched the Fly & Float Ultimate Giveaway. Two fans will win an unforgettable trip to see Zac Brown Band perform at Sphere Las Vegas in January 2026, plus a spot on the inaugural sailing of Beachcomber in January 2027. More details about the ship and Brown’s onboard experiences will be revealed in the months ahead, promising the ultimate blend of island living, live music, and that unmistakable Zac Brown spirit.
Brandon Boyd, the Grammy-winning frontman of multi-platinum rock band Incubus, will unveil his first-ever Toronto art exhibition at Taglialatella Galleries from November 13 to 27. Known for his unmistakable voice and poetic lyrics, Boyd has spent nearly three decades captivating audiences around the world as one of rock’s most enduring talents. Beyond the stage, he has carved out a remarkable career as a visual artist, working primarily in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. His Toronto debut will feature an all-new collection of paintings that merge his musical energy with the introspective spirit of his art.
Since 2007, Boyd’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and abroad, with his abstract paintings and fine-art prints earning praise for their emotional depth and intricate storytelling. In addition to his visual art, he has published three books combining writing, photography, and illustrations, offering fans a glimpse into his creative process. The Toronto showcase marks an exciting new chapter in Boyd’s artistic journey, bringing his distinctive vision north of the border for the first time. The opening night celebration takes place November 13 from 6–8 PM at Taglialatella Galleries Toronto, 99 Yorkville Ave., with Boyd in attendance and available for interviews earlier in the day.
Gorillaz return with “The God of Lying (feat. IDLES),” the third single from their upcoming album ‘The Mountain,’ out in 2026. Written by Damon Albarn and IDLES frontman Joe Talbot and recorded in London, Devon, and Mumbai, the track merges dub-inspired rhythms with raw intensity, featuring Ajay Prasanna on bansuri and percussion by Viraj Acharya. Talbot’s commanding vocal delivery drives a list of questions and uneasy reflections that tie into the album’s themes of political tension and personal doubt. Gorillaz frontman 2D teased, “Can I tell you a secret? Doubt is very tiring but questioning things is really good for you.”
‘The Mountain’ will be Gorillaz’s ninth studio album, a sprawling 15-track odyssey blending global sounds and genres. Produced by Gorillaz, James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr., and Bizarrap, the record features an eclectic lineup of collaborators including Anoushka Shankar, Asha Bhosle, Black Thought, Johnny Marr, Gruff Rhys, Sparks, and Trueno. The album also includes contributions from late friends and collaborators such as Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Dennis Hopper, and Tony Allen. Illustrated by Jamie Hewlett, the artwork captures the band’s creative journey through India and beyond, further enriching the album’s spiritual and sonic scope.
To celebrate, Gorillaz have announced The Mountain Tour 2026, a massive run of UK and European dates including their biggest-ever UK show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, 2026, with support from Sparks and Trueno. The tour kicks off March 20 in Manchester and includes sold-out shows in Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, and Dublin, alongside festival appearances across Europe. Fans can pre-order ‘The Mountain’ and get full tour details at gorillaz.com.
Track Listing:
The Mountain (feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash)
The Moon Cave (feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda and Black Thought)
The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)
The Hardest Thing (feat. Tony Allen)
Orange County (feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson and Anoushka Shankar)
The God of Lying (feat. IDLES)
The Empty Dream Machine (feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)
The Manifesto (feat. Trueno and Proof)
The Plastic Guru (feat. Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)
Delirium (feat. Mark E. Smith)
Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey)
The Shadowy Light (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash)
Casablanca (feat. Paul Simonon and Johnny Marr)
The Sweet Prince (feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar)
The Sad God (feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna and Anoushka Shankar)
20 March – MANCHESTER, Co-op Live – NEW DATE DUE TO DEMAND! 21 March – MANCHESTER, Co-op Live 22 March – BIRMINGHAM, bp pulse LIVE 24 March – GLASGOW, OVO Hydro* – SOLD OUT! 25 March – LEEDS, First Direct Arena* 27 March – CARDIFF, Utilita Arena* – SOLD OUT! 28 March – NOTTINGHAM, Motorpoint Arena* 29 March – LIVERPOOL, M&S Bank Arena* 31 March – BELFAST, SSE Arena* – SOLD OUT! 01 April – DUBLIN, 3Arena* – SOLD OUT! 02 April – DUBLIN, 3Arena* – NEW DATE DUE TO DEMAND! SOLD OUT!
*support from Trueno
20 June – LONDON, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium With support from Sparks and Trueno
European Festival Dates: 6 June – SPAIN, Barcelona – Primavera Sound Barcelona 10 June – CZECH REPUBLIC, Hradec Králové – Rock For People 11-13 June – PORTUGAL, Porto – Primavera Sound Porto 14 June – NETHERLANDS, Hilvarenbeek – Best Kept Secret 23 June – CROATIA, Zagreb – INmusic Festival 25 June – GREECE, Athens – Release Athens x SNF Nostos 2026 27 June – ITALY, Lido di Camaiore – La Prima Estate Festival 2 July – DENMARK – Roskilde Festival 4 July – BELGIUM, Rock Werchter 9 July – SLOVAKIA, Trencin – Pohoda Festival 14 July – TURKEY, Istanbul – Pozitif Vibrations* – NEW DATE DUE TO DEMAND! 16 July – TURKEY, Istanbul – Pozitif Vibrations 18 July – BULGARIA, Plovdiv – PhillGood Festival 25 July – ITALY, Trieste – Piazza Unita’ d’Italia 13 August – POLAND, Poznan – BitterSweet Festival 15 August – SWEDEN, Gothenburg – Way Out West
Black Eyed Sons have unveiled the official video for their powerful and emotional new single “Autumn Reigns,” featuring Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke. Written by guitarist and songwriter Guy Griffin, the track is deeply personal, inspired by the passing of his brother Daniel in 2021. “Written as if by the person who’s gone for the people left behind, its lyrics deal with loss, grief and the passage of time, trying to make sense of life after tragedy,” Griffin shares. “A sad subject but I hope the song’s uplifting, that’s how I’d like it to be heard.”
The video was filmed outside the historic Hammersmith Odeon and beautifully captures the song’s tone of reflection and resilience. Griffin thanked Starr for his heartfelt vocal performance and Chip Z’Nuff for his work on bass. He also expressed gratitude to Alan Clayton of The Dirty Strangers for lending him Keith Richards’ Gibson Hummingbird, the same guitar used to write and record “Wild Horses.” The connection feels fitting, as Griffin recalled his late brother’s deep love for The Rolling Stones and the memories they shared at Stones concerts. Dedicated “for you Dan,” the single stands as both a tribute and an act of healing, reminding listeners of the enduring power of music. The band also encourages support for Mind, a mental health charity that offers help to those facing grief and emotional struggles.
Tour Dates: Nov 6 – Hard Rock Hell 18 (Sold Out) Nov 7 – Hard Rock Hell (Sold Out) Nov 8 – Bridgewater, Cobblestones (with Revenant) Dec 12 – Bradford, Nightrain (with Revenant) Dec 13 – Newcastle, The Cluny Dec 17 – Bilston, The Robin (with Revenant) Dec 18 – Llandudno, Motorsport Lounge Dec 20 – London, Camden Underworld (with The Dirty Strangers)
