Released 20 years ago today, ‘Magica’ is the most underrated Dio effort – and every bit the equal of Ronnie James Dio’s best work.

Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Ordinary Man’ is extremely difficult to listen to – not because of the content, but because it sounds like utter crap.

Revisiting ‘Black Sabbath’ on the album’s 50th anniversary, it strikes me again just what a defining moment this was in rock.

Is Annihilator’s ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’ a little one-note? Sure. But it’s a very good note.

It’s not until you actually start combing through the hundreds of records you’ve listened to over a decade that you realize how daunting the task really is.

Fred Phillips’ Best of 2019 list includes Gloryhammer, Tom Keifer, Soilwork, Sturgill Simpson, Wind Rose, Parkway Drive – yes, Parkway Drive – and others.

I’ve seen concerts with skilled musicianship, but for the total package – spectacle, performance and passion – Iron Maiden can’t be beat.

I had misgivings based on my last lackluster experience with Kiss, but in the end, I was glad that I went.

Bloody Hammers strike the perfect mix of riffs, mood, melody and camp to drive a stake right through my metal heart.

I can, without a doubt, say Gloryhammer’s recent stop in Dallas was one of the favorite concert experiences of my life.