In the metal world there are a few magazines competing for your hard-earned money. Metal Hammer is one of those magazines that obviously don't get the recognition it deserves, it's not as famous as Kerrang or Revolver but I feel it's much better for me in some ways. For one thing the people contributing to this magazine know metal, they love metal and have the same kind of passion I have about it that it makes it impossible not to like it! Ever since their first issue in 1986 they've been dedicated to it and they still love it as much today. I like what they bring as information and how they say things, the format of over 130 pages, and the extras you get each month.
Okay, the price seems pretty high but I can assure you it has the best metal coverage of any magazine and has good humor which makes it a fun reading. I'd rather pay more like I currently do instead of reading a second rate metal magazine. Besides each month you get a CD of new songs from artists which are interesting to hear , and sometimes you get more like an Iron Maiden sticker book, a poster, it's always cool to get it gives you extra value for your money. Each time I pick up the new issue and love what's in it, I don't like everything they have in their magazine but every genre has a place in it and that's probably the best thing about it. They have excellent articles that are always interesting, the tattoo section, classic album covers, a monthly question pool result, ask Jurgen!, and I like how they have an interview section. Of course there is also an album ratings section and they rate DVD's and Books as well, just anything metal. They also have a feature which has a musician explain how a specific album changed his life, for example Kerry King of Slayer explains the impact of Iron Maiden's Killers on him. The newsletters and e-mails the magazine gets each month are great to read and come from people who love metal just as much as you do (or should since you are reading this!).
I find it quite similar to Classic Rock magazine and that's because they're sister publication so there are obviously going to be similarities. This one however focuses on a little heavier stuff and there is excellent coverage of the classic bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, KISS and Dio, as well as newer stuff like Rammstein, HIM, Five Finger Death Punch and DragonForce, plus underground and unknow bands. It's an interesting mix and never fails. If you're looking for a metal magazine worth your money you should get their latest issue right now whatever it is, read it and decide whether or not it's worth the price of admission each month. To me the only magazine that rivals it today is Classic Rock. This would make a perfect gift for the obsessed metal fan!