On tour feature with 2 of metal’s biggest and best bands! (more…)

This has got to be the most bizarre backstage area Metal Hammer has ever seen. The Ice Hall – or Tampereen jäähalli, to give it its local name – is just that. When it’s not playing host to live music, it’s home to Ilves and Tappara of the SM (Suomen mestaruus)-liiga – or “Finnish championship” – Finland’s national ice hockey league. Tonight, the tour’s flightcases have found a home among lockers, racks of hockey sticks and jerseys, medical kits, weights benches and gym equipment. (more…)

Perhaps it’s the war injuries that explain the subdued mood in the Slipknot camp tonight. Far from the madness and mayhem that’s seemingly followed them around in the past, today is a more mature Slipknot, most of the band happy keeping to themselves and maintain a dignified, mellow vibe before show time. (more…)

“We’ve got some headliners planned nearer the summer… I can’t say, it’s not confirmed yet!” Yeah yeah, we’ve heard the rumours. But it would spoil the surprise if we were to tell. We’re excited about it, and to celebrate we embark on the slippery slope into oblivion as we spy the three bottles of vodka on the table. (more…)