Explainers

The five members of Swallow the Sun against a deep red backdrop, singer Mikko Kotamäki at the front with his hand at his chin

Atmospheric Doom Metal

Ilse Brandt · May 26, 2026

Mayhem on stage

Corpse Paint vs KISS: Who Started It

Eirik Solvang · May 24, 2026

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard pointing out into a packed arena on the Hysteria tour in 1987

Is Def Leppard Hair Metal?

Declan Rourke with Saint Sylveszter · May 23, 2026

Archgoat on stage in red light

What Is War Metal?

Andrzej Sawicki · May 22, 2026

Gamma Ray guitarists Kai Hansen and Henjo Richter playing side by side under red and amber stage light

The Visual Language of Power Metal: Covers, Logos and Symbols

Julien Vasseur · May 21, 2026

Belzebong's bassist headbanging in teal stage light in front of a green spiral projection, a guitarist at the right

The Doom Metal Logo: Heavy, Slow and Barely Legible

Ilse Brandt · May 21, 2026

Venom in a black and white press portrait, Newcastle, 2010. Photo: Sean Wright

Is Heavy Metal Satanic?

Declan Rourke · May 20, 2026

The members of Mastodon standing in a row in front of a pale concrete wall in purple light

Is Mastodon Sludge Metal?

Ilse Brandt · May 19, 2026

Obituary on stage

Death Metal for Beginners

Rafael Quintero · May 17, 2026

Watain performing live on stage

Is Black Metal Satanic?

Eirik Solvang · May 17, 2026

Iced Earth, with founding guitarist Jon Schaffer, second from right

The Gallop Rhythm

Declan Rourke with Julien Vasseur · May 17, 2026

Imperial Triumphant performing live on stage

Dissonant Death Metal

Rafael Quintero · May 16, 2026

Cradle of Filth performing live on stage

Symphonic Black Metal

Eirik Solvang · May 16, 2026

A Fender Bassman combo with two microphones on stands set in front of it in a studio live room

Double-Tracked Guitars

Declan Rourke with Curtis Vance · May 16, 2026

Enforcer on stage at Stonedead Festival in August 2025, between two banners reading heavy and metal

Heavy Metal vs Metal

Declan Rourke · May 15, 2026

Grave Digger singer Chris Boltendahl with his fist raised and the microphone at his mouth, the guitarist beside him under red stage light

What Power Metal Sings About: Dragons, Battles, Faith and the Stars

Julien Vasseur · May 14, 2026

Darkthrone, Fenriz and Nocturno Culto, 2024. Photo: Peer Olav Kittilsen

The Metal Subgenres Tier List

Declan Rourke · May 13, 2026

Van Halen on stage in 2015, David Lee Roth at the microphone with Eddie Van Halen to his left and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass

Is Van Halen Hair Metal?

Declan Rourke with Saint Sylveszter · May 10, 2026