Magazine Special

So if you are like me, then browsing through Metal/Indie magazines occupies much of your time. Unfortunately, 2 years of my life was wasted reading Revolver and Alternative Press, and hopefully with the following review of a few magazines in circulation, you won't make the same mistake as I once did.

Revolver - When I first started listening to heavy music (not necessarily metal, more screamo I suppose), I religiously read Revolver. However, once my tastes began to veer toward the underground, I realized just how commercial this fucking magazine is. Well written articles are scarce, and the records reviewed include shit like Shinedown (whose new album received 3 stars, the same amount as Nostradamus by Judas Priest!) Stay away from these fake fucks

1/5

Alternative Press - Generally, I'm not ashamed of my past musical experiences. However, I did once own work by Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, and Motion City Soundtrack, which explains why I used to read AP. When the editor stops focusing on the generic pop-punk that is currently extremely popular, and looks back at the punk/emo scene that was prominent in the 90's, the magazine is actually interesting. Also, the 100 Bands You Need To Know In .... issue is always very well done. Unfortunately, much like Revolver, AP is just too commercial for my taste.

2/5

Decibel - I immediately gave up reading Revolver after discovering Decibel, which discusses metal deep within the American underground. All of the articles are well written, and the reviews are excellent, and often quite humorous. Generally, I am introduced to 5 new bands while reading 1 issue of Decibel, which is an incredible ratio.

5/5

Metal Hammer - Basically the U.K.'s Revolver, but not as mainstream. However, their writing is often times subpar and discrimantory towards American music, which is to be expected, I suppose. The posters that come with some issues are a delightful (yes, delightful) treat, and are worth the $15 each issue costs (also, the cd that accompanies each issue contain listenable music).

3/5

Terrorizer - The U.K.'s Decibel, but more underground. I love the scene specials that are in each issue, and the cd's that come with the magazine contain some great underground metal. If it wasn't so damn expensive, I'd probably subscribe to them rather than Decibel, although the writing is not as well done.

5/5

Spin - This is the magazine that I have subscribed to in place of AP. The articles are decent, but the reveiws steal the show, with over 75 reviews of albums from a diverse number of genres, including metal, electronica, hip-hop, punk, and indie. However, all of the advertisements are of shit like Axe Deodarant, making them no better than Rolling Stone.

4/5