It’s hard not to have fun when every track here feels suitably like its own adventure, and impressively still, BABYMETAL sound like they’ve been steering the ship through these parallel universes not for the first time, but for years.

It’s testament to how thrilling Rivers Of Heresy is that by the time you reach at closing track The Looming, released, somewhat boldly, as the first single from the album, that its impact hasn’t been lessened.

Only Iron Maiden know if this is their last hurrah. But if it is, they're going out the same way they came in: fearless, adventurous, and with a record that'll still bowl you over in a decade's time. [7 Aug 2010, p.50]

It's an album that succeeds on its own terms but if it really does mark the effective end of Opeth as a metal band, that will remain our loss. [Sept 17 2011, p.50]

The popping candy melodies remain firmly in place, but this new-look outfit are edgier, gobbier and endearingly post-adolescent. [30 Jan 2016, p.51]

It's a divergence from Green Day, certainly. But a good one. [23 Nov 2013, p.52]

Priorities is chock-full off gargantuan tunes. [11 Aug 2012, p.52]

Arcane Roots have delivered one of 2013's best albums. [4 May 2013, p.53]

It packs a ferocious, formidable bite. [3 Mar 2012, p.54]

With a raw energy that engrosses even the casual listener, this Manchester quartet simply take your attention without asking. [25 Jun 2016, p.52]

Damage finds them rejuvenated. [8 Jun 2013, p.53]

Finally, this rock star has some rock worthy of the same name. [23 Jul 2011, p.50]

It's a little formulaic, but that doesn't matter when it sounds so hard-hitting. [21 Dec 2013, p.70]

In their own way The Darkness, enthusiastically blending banter and bombast in equal measure, are proving as much fun [as Queen]. [7 Oct 2017, p.51]

At some point, a little experimenting may be needed, but for now this cements their status as the behemoths of British rock. [17 Jul 2017, p.50]

At no point is it bad, and sometimes it’s rather good, but nothing here is particularly essential.

This is music with brains and bite. [12 Oct 2013, p.52]

They trash out a slew of throwaway instant classics and refresh a well-worn format for no better motive than the fact that they can. [30 Jul 2011, p.51]

The Pale Emperor doesn't repeat the in-your-face rebellion of Manson 1996. But it does share those old traits of being brave, smart and intriguing. [10 Jan 2015, p.52]

Fear Factory continue to make the future sound dark and dangerous. [1 Aug 2015, p.52]

If you like metal so underground, it stinks of the sewer, this one's for you. [2 Jun 2012, p.54]

Countless bands wish they could make music as blissfully abrasive as this. [11 Jul 2015, p.51]

A powerful, if not quite life-changing set of songs. [8 Jun 2019, p.55]

An emotional ride that's hard to tune out. [22 Feb 2020, p.55]

This is an excellent album in its own right, but ONE MORE TIME… also points to an even more exciting future for blink-182.

On this third album, his gnarly riffs and garage-level production are as unpolished and far-out as ever, but the element of surprise has turned into comforting familiarity. [5 Sep 2015, p.52]

With a demo-like production, it's not as good as the Ramones' similarly sourced Acid Eaters, but hearing him Danzig-up these tunes is still highly entertaining. [5 Dec 2015, p.52]

The characteristically classy playing and Angela's seething vocal delivery will provide plenty to satisfy existing fans but, importantly, this album also captures a band still hungry to progress both creatively and commercially. You can consider Arch Enemy's rise officially back on. [28 May 2011, p.50]