Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a legacy that deserves respect not only in the metal world, but in the music world in general.

‘Black Sabbath’ was released 55 years ago this month, and I’m still struck by what a defining moment this was in rock.

Fred Phillips’ Best of 2024 list of metal and hard rock songs includes Alestorm, Ratt, Armored Saint, Zeal & Ardor and others.

Fred Phillips’ look back at the Best of 2024 in metal and hard rock includes albums from Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Kittie, Sebastian Bach and others.

Released 30 years ago, ‘Motley Crue’ is actually their heaviest and most mature record – mature, of course, being a relative term.

Bobaflex, Sophie Lloyd, Steel Woods, Doro and Rob Halford also find a home on Fred Phillips’ list of best 2023 songs.

Nita Strauss, Extreme, Overkill, Winger and Ad Infinitum are among the others who appear on Fred Phillips’ Best of 2023 hard rock and metal albums list.

Jethro Tull took the stage 55 years ago this month with a guitarist wearing a floppy, decidedly un-metal white hat. Turns out, that was Tony Iommi.

Issued 35 years ago today, ‘No Rest for the Wicked’ ranks with ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ and ‘Diary of a Madman’ when discussing Ozzy Osbourne’s top solo records.

I wanted to offer up some quick thoughts on my favorite records of the first half of 2023 because it has been a strong year.