Kerrang!

{{short description|British rock, punk and heavy metal music magazine}}

{{redirect|K!|the quiz platform|Kahoot!}}

{{not to be confused with|K1 (disambiguation){{!}}K1|K (disambiguation){{!}}K}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2012}}

{{Infobox magazine

| title = Kerrang!

| logo = Kerrang 2021 Logo.png

| image_file = Kerrang! April 2023 cover.jpg

| image_size =

| image_caption = Cover of 12 April 2023 digital issue of Kerrang! featuring American heavy metal band Metallica

| editor = Luke Morton

| editor_title =

| previous_editor =

| staff_writer = Nick Ruskell, David McLaughlin, Emily Carter, Tom Shepherd, Ethan Fixell, Christopher Krovatin, Cat Jones

| category =

| frequency = {{Plainlist|

  • Monthly (1981–1982)
  • Fortnightly (1982–1987)
  • Weekly (1987–2020)
  • Quarterly (2021–present)

}}

| publisher = Wasted Talent Ltd

| founder = Alan Lewis

| firstdate = {{start date|df=y|1981|6|6}}

| country = United Kingdom

| based = London

| language = English

| website = {{URL|kerrang.com}}

| issn = 0262-6624

}}

Kerrang! is a British music webzine and quarterly magazine that primarily covers rock, punk and heavy metal music. Since 2017, the magazine has been published by Wasted Talent Ltd (the same company that owns electronic music publication Mixmag).{{cite news |last=Spanier |first=Gideon |date=15 April 2017 |title=Mixmag buys Kerrang! and plans to revive The Face in double acquisition |work=Campaign |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/mixmag-buys-kerrang-plans-revive-face-double-acquisition/1431481 |url-status=live |access-date=2 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072655/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/mixmag-buys-kerrang-plans-revive-face-double-acquisition/1431481 |archive-date=3 January 2018}} The magazine was named onomatopoeically after the sound of a "guitar being struck with force".{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=14}}

Kerrang! was first published on 6 June 1981 as a one-off "Heavy Metal Special" from the now-defunct Sounds newspaper. Due to the popularity of the issue, the magazine became a monthly publication, before transitioning into a weekly in 1987. Initially devoted to the new wave of British heavy metal and the rise of hard rock acts,{{cite magazine |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=6 June 2006 |title=25 Most Important Bands of Our Lifetime |magazine=Kerrang! |issue=1110}} Kerrang!{{'s}} musical emphasis has changed several times, focusing on grunge, nu metal, post-hardcore, emo and other alternative rock and metal genres over the course of its forty-year publication history. In 2001, it became the best-selling British music weekly, overtaking NME.

After publishing a total of 1,818 issues, Kerrang! ceased publication of their weekly magazine in March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst continuing as an online publication featuring digital "cover stories". In December 2021, the print edition of Kerrang! was revived, and is now published on a quarterly basis.

History

= 1980s =

Kerrang! was founded in 1981.{{Sfn|Brown|2007|p=|loc=p. 13 (in source)}} The editor of the weekly music magazine Sounds, Alan Lewis, suggested that Geoff Barton edit a one-off special edition focusing on the new wave of British heavy metal phenomenon and on the rise of other hard rock acts.[https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/rip-alan-lewis-kerrang-founder-and-british-publishing-legend/ Phil Alexander, "RIP Alan Lewis: Kerrang! founder and British publishing legend", Kerrang!, 24 June 2021] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702233137/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/rip-alan-lewis-kerrang-founder-and-british-publishing-legend/ |date=2 July 2021}}. Retrieved 25 July 2021 Billed as a "Sounds Heavy Metal Special", Kerrang!{{'s}} first issue was published on 6 June 1981.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=14}}{{cite web|url=http://rockcriticsarchives.com/interviews/geoffbarton/geoffbarton.html|title=Geoff Barton, behind the wheel|first=Steven|last=Ward|access-date=22 November 2011|publisher=Rock Critics|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511084008/http://rockcriticsarchives.com/interviews/geoffbarton/geoffbarton.html|url-status=live}} Angus Young of AC/DC appeared on Kerrang!{{'}}s first cover. According to Alan Lewis, the first issue reportedly sold out within days of its publication, and the magazine began being published on a monthly basis.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=17}} In February 1982, after only eight issues, Kerrang!{{'s}} frequency was doubled by its publisher, Spotlight Publications (owned by United Newspapers).{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=20}} Starting with issue 148 in 1987, the publication went weekly.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=51}} During the 1980s and early 1990s the magazine placed many thrash metal and glam metal acts on the cover, including Tigertailz, Mötley Crüe, Slayer, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Poison, and Venom. The term thrash metal was first coined in the music press by Kerrang! journalist Malcolm Dome, in reference to the Anthrax song "Metal Thrashing Mad".Kerrang!, issue 62, page 8, 23 February 1984{{Cite web |title=Celebrated music journalist Malcolm Dome dies aged 66 |url=http://prod.musicweek.com/interviews/read/celebrated-music-journalist-malcolm-dome-dies-aged-66/084526 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=prod.musicweek.com |language=en}} Prior to this Metallica's James Hetfield had referred to their sound as "power metal".{{cite book |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |title=Kerrang! |date=23 February 1984 |publisher=Spotlight Publications Ltd. |volume=62 |location=London |page=8 |chapter=Anthrax 'Fistful of Metal'}}

= 1990s =

In April 1991, Spotlight/United Newspapers sold Kerrang! to EMAP Metro (now known as Ascential plc).{{sfn|Gorman|2022|p=307}}{{Cite journal |last=Anon. |date=13 April 1991 |title=Emap scoops up Select in music titles sell-of |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-UK/Music/Archive-Music-Week-IDX/IDX/1991/MW-1991-04-13-IDX-3.pdf |journal=Music Week |page=3 |issn=0265-1548 |via=worldradiohistory.com |access-date=14 May 2023 |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514134126/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-UK/Music/Archive-Music-Week-IDX/IDX/1991/MW-1991-04-13-IDX-3.pdf |url-status=live }} Although Kerrang! had an average weekly circulation of 58,685 by this point and was making profits of £1 million a year,{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=70}} the publication had been faced with significant competition from RAW magazine, also owned by EMAP.{{sfn|Gorman|2022|p=309}} British journalist David Hepworth, who launched a number of titles for EMAP in the 1980s, said: "We [EMAP] had made it nearly impossible for Spotlight to publish Kerrang! profitably because we promoted RAW and they had to promote back, and that ate into their margins."{{sfn|Gorman|2022|p=309}} EMAP moved Kerrang!{{'s}} offices to Carnaby Street in London's West End.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=70}}

In April 1992, Barton left his post as the magazine's editor, and was replaced by Robyn Doreian. Although her tenure as editor was brief, Doreian would balance the magazine's focus between heavy metal and the growing alternative music scene, following the unexpected success of grunge acts such as Nirvana.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=66, 77, 80}} Phil Alexander became the new editor of Kerrang! in June 1993.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=83}} Alexander felt that the magazine was lagging behind RAW in terms of its coverage of newer bands, and Kerrang!{{'s}} emphasis began to largely eschew previously featured glam/metal acts in favour of modern acts, such as Hole, Nine Inch Nails, Kyuss, Corrosion of Conformity and Machine Head.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=83}} During the Britpop era, the magazine would largely focus on heavier "Britrock" acts such as The Wildhearts, Manic Street Preachers, Terrorvision and Therapy?.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=86}}{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=88}} Starting in 1995, Kerrang! began covering the nu metal genre after one of the magazine's journalists, Mörat, was introduced to Korn by Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=93}} During the late 1990s, the magazine would end up covering the likes of Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, Deftones and Slipknot, and various other punk rock, hip-hop and hardcore acts.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=96, 99-100, 124}}

= 2000s – 2020s =

In April 2000, Paul Rees became the new editor for Kerrang!.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=130}} In 2001, Kerrang! overtook NME as the biggest selling music weekly in the United Kingdom, bolstered by its coverage of nu metal.{{cite news |last=Baran |first=Pete |date=15 February 2002 |title=Kerrang topples NME as best selling music weekly |work=Freaky Trigger |url=http://freakytrigger.co.uk/nylpm/2002/02/kerrang-topples-nme-as-best-selling-music-weekly/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528151426/http://freakytrigger.co.uk/nylpm/2002/02/kerrang-topples-nme-as-best-selling-music-weekly/ |archive-date=28 May 2013}}{{cite news |date=15 February 2002 |title=Kerrang! overtakes NME |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1823270.stm |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217051059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1823270.stm |archive-date=17 February 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Cozens |first=Claire |date=2002-08-15 |title=NME loses ground to Kerrang! |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/aug/15/pressandpublishing.circulationfigures5 |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514134126/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/aug/15/pressandpublishing.circulationfigures5 |url-status=live }} By mid-2002, the magazine had a circulation of 83,988 copies per week. After Rees left them to edit Q magazine, former Kerrang! reviews editor Ashley Bird appointed editor from 2003 to 2005.{{cite web |title=MEDIA: Youngest editor ever at Kerrang! to steer revamp |url=http://www.prweek.com/article/165509/media-youngest-editor-ever-kerrang-steer-revamp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906035105/http://www.prweek.com/article/165509/media-youngest-editor-ever-kerrang-steer-revamp |archive-date=6 September 2017 |access-date=5 September 2017 |website=prweek.com}} Following his departure, Paul Brannigan took over as editor in May 2005.{{cite news |date=20 February 2004 |title=ABC report: film and music |work=Campaign |url=http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/203156/ABC-REPORT-FILM-MUSIC/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027200142/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/abc-report-film-music/203156 |archive-date=27 October 2021}} In the mid-to-late 2000s, the genre focus of Kerrang! shifted once more, with a new emphasis on emo, post-hardcore, pop-punk and metalcore music, coinciding with the decline of nu metal.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=142}}{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=145}}{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=148}} Furthermore, the magazine continued to occasionally feature more established bands such as Iron Maiden and Metallica on the cover.Kerrang! 22 March 2003. No. 947.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=151}} In 2006, the magazine's circulation stood at 80,186 copies.{{cite news |last=Tryhorn |first=Chris |date=17 August 2006 |title=Kerrang! rocks NME's world |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/aug/17/abcs.pressandpublishing7 |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517162524/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/aug/17/abcs.pressandpublishing7 |archive-date=17 May 2014}}

In 2008, EMAP sold its consumer magazines to Bauer Media Group. Brannigan left Kerrang! in 2009 and Nichola Browne was appointed editor.{{cite news |last=Brook |first=Stephen |title=Nichola Browne to edit Kerrang! |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/aug/17/kerrang-new-editor-nichola-browne |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=28 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102141406/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/aug/17/kerrang-new-editor-nichola-browne |archive-date=2 January 2015}} She later stepped down in April 2011. Former NME features editor and GamesMaster deputy editor James McMahon was appointed as editor on 6 June 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1045438&c=1|title=Kerrang! names new editor|first=Ben|last=Cardew|work=Music Week|publisher=Intent Media|date=6 June 2011|access-date=9 June 2011|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609003240/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1045438&c=1|url-status=live}}

In April 2017, Kerrang! magazine, its website, and the K! Awards were purchased by Mixmag Media, publisher of dance monthly Mixmag, along with assets related to defunct style magazine The Face. Mixmag has since formed parent company Wasted Talent, which relaunched Kerrang! as a digital-first title, while continuing to publish a weekly print edition. Former Editor-in-Chief Phil Alexander was appointed Global Creative Director on 3 August 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/wasted-talent-appoint-phil-alexander-as-global-creative-director-of-kerrang-and-rock-music-media/069346|title=Wasted Talent appoint Phil Alexander as global creative director of Kerrang! and Rock Music Media|website=musicweek.com|access-date=3 Aug 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806100614/http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/wasted-talent-appoint-phil-alexander-as-global-creative-director-of-kerrang-and-rock-music-media/069346|url-status=live}} Bauer retained ownership of Kerrang! Radio and the Box Plus Network will continue to operate Kerrang! TV as before.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/mixmag-complete-purchase-of-kerrang-and-the-face-from-bauer-media/068261|title=Mixmag complete purchase of Kerrang! and The Face from Bauer Media|website=musicweek.com|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601192558/http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/mixmag-complete-purchase-of-kerrang-and-the-face-from-bauer-media/068261|url-status=live}} An updated Kerrang! logo was debuted in mid-2017 before the magazine received a complete redesign during 2018.{{Cite web |last=Homewood |first=Ben |date=5 March 2018 |title=Kerrang! unveils magazine redesign as editorial team expands and US office opens |url=https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/kerrang-unveils-magazine-redesign-as-editorial-team-expands-and-us-office-opens/071677 |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Music Week |language=en}}

On 13 March 2020, after publishing a total of 1,818 issues, publication of the weekly print edition of Kerrang! was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=223}} The Kerrang! website continued to run articles as normal. On 29 July 2020, the magazine debuted its first weekly digital 'cover story' long-form article, announcing Corey Taylor's first solo album CMFT (2020).{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=29 July 2020 |title=Corey Taylor: "You can't experience joy unless you know what real sadness feels like" |url=https://www.kerrang.com/corey-taylor-you-cant-experience-joy-unless-you-know-what-real-sadness-feels-like/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709203925/https://www.kerrang.com/corey-taylor-you-cant-experience-joy-unless-you-know-what-real-sadness-feels-like |url-status=live }}{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|pp=226–227}} In December 2021, a one-off print edition of Kerrang! was published, celebrating the return of live music events in the UK.{{Cite web |last=Kerrang! staff |date=2 December 2021 |title=Kerrang! releases special-edition magazine celebrating the return of live music |url=https://www.kerrang.com/kerrang-releases-special-edition-magazine-celebrating-the-return-of-live-music/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330014748/https://www.kerrang.com/kerrang-releases-special-edition-magazine-celebrating-the-return-of-live-music |url-status=live }} Sales of this magazine proved successful enough that a second stand-alone print magazine was published in April 2022.{{cite web |title=The making of Bring Me the Horizon - only in the new issue of Kerrang! magazine |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-making-of-bring-me-the-horizon-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine |website=Kerrang! |date=31 March 2022 |access-date=21 April 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414235312/https://www.kerrang.com/the-making-of-bring-me-the-horizon-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine |url-status=live }} The magazine continues to be published on a quarterly basis.{{Cite web |last=Kerrang! staff |date=September 15, 2022 |title=The rise of Måneskin – only in the new issue of Kerrang! magazine |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-rise-of-maneskin-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609072636/https://www.kerrang.com/the-rise-of-maneskin-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kerrang! staff |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Nova Twins are officially the band of the year – only in the new… |url=https://www.kerrang.com/nova-twins-are-officially-the-band-of-the-year-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523175339/https://www.kerrang.com/nova-twins-are-officially-the-band-of-the-year-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kerrang! staff |date=February 23, 2023 |title=The phenomenon returns: BABYMETAL take us inside their new era – only… |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-phenomenon-returns-babymetal-take-us-inside-their-new-era-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512042132/https://www.kerrang.com/the-phenomenon-returns-babymetal-take-us-inside-their-new-era-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kerrang! staff |date=May 11, 2023 |title="My heart and soul is dedicated to Slipknot": A world-exclusive… |url=https://www.kerrang.com/my-heart-and-soul-is-dedicated-to-slipknot-a-world-exclusive-interview-with-clown-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |language=en |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515144619/https://www.kerrang.com/my-heart-and-soul-is-dedicated-to-slipknot-a-world-exclusive-interview-with-clown-only-in-the-new-issue-of-kerrang-magazine |url-status=live }}

=International editions=

Emap launched Kerrang! Australia in the late 1990s. Unlike its weekly counterpart in the UK, the Australian edition was published monthly due to stiff competition from free local music publications.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} Kerrang! is also published in Spanish and German. Kerrang announced its aim to expand into the US in March 2018.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In March 2018, following a magazine redesign, Kerrang! announced it would be expanding to the United States, with an office in New York run by Ethan Fixell. The goal would be to generate US-centric content, events, and brand partnerships.{{Cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/kerrang-unveils-magazine-redesign-as-editorial-team-expands-and-us-office-opens/071677|title=Kerrang! unveils magazine redesign as editorial team expands and US office opens|access-date=2018-07-18|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718083846/http://www.musicweek.com/media/read/kerrang-unveils-magazine-redesign-as-editorial-team-expands-and-us-office-opens/071677|url-status=live}}

Website

Kerrang!'s website, www.kerrang.com, was launched in summer 2001 by Dan Silver. Kerrang!'s parent company Emap acquired the domain name from a Norwegian cybersquatter by the name of Steingram Stegane for a token sum of £666.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/aug/27/mondaymediasection12|title=New Media Diary|first=Owen|last=Gibson|date=26 August 2001|access-date=15 June 2017|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617075027/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/aug/27/mondaymediasection12|url-status=live}}

Kerrang!'s website features news and features on both contemporary and classic rock bands, as well as previewing upcoming events. The website hosts Kerrang!'s online shop, podcasts, message board, TV and radio segments ensuring more opportunities to sell associated merchandise and products.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/stuff/|title=Kerrang! Stuff|work=Kerrang!|publisher=Bauer Media Group|access-date=22 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126012415/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/stuff/|archive-date=26 November 2011|df=dmy-all}} In 2001, Kerrang! launched its own online forum with the "rants and raves" section taking up most of the traffic. According to Alexa www.kerrang.com is ranked 83,545th globally, and 33,532nd in the U.S.{{cite web|url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/kerrang.com|title=Site Overview|publisher=Alexa|access-date=15 February 2019|archive-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229114532/https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/kerrang.com|url-status=live}}

Other ventures

= Kerrang! Awards =

{{Main|Kerrang! Awards}}

Since 1993, the magazine has held an annual awards ceremony to mark the most successful bands in the interests of their readers. The awards became one of Britain's most recognised events by the now defunct Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums, often listing some of the winners in their annual round-up of the previous year. The event is presented by major music celebrities, with many others outside the industry who attend the event.{{cite news|url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/news/kerrang-awards-fuelled-by-relentless-energy-drink-nominations-announced|title=Kerrang! Awards Fuelled By Relentless Energy Drink Nominations Announced|first=Justin|last=Ng|publisher=Entertainment Focus|date=4 May 2011|access-date=22 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128181215/http://entertainment-focus.com/news/kerrang-awards-fuelled-by-relentless-energy-drink-nominations-announced|archive-date=28 November 2011|url-status=dead}}

After a year hiatus, the Awards were relaunched in 2018, with notable guests that included Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, Tony Iommi, Corey Taylor, and Dave Grohl, among others.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/dave-grohl-dedicates-kerrang-award-to-linkin-parks-chester-bennington-37036597.html|title=Dave Grohl dedicates Kerrang! Award to Linkin Park's Chester Bennington - Independent.ie|work=Independent.ie|access-date=2018-07-18|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055243/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/dave-grohl-dedicates-kerrang-award-to-linkin-parks-chester-bennington-37036597.html|url-status=live}} After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony returned in June 2022, with the reader nominations period beginning in April 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-kerrang-awards-2022-nominations-are-now-open|title=The Kerrang! Awards 2022: Nominations are now open!|website=Kerrang!|date=11 April 2022 |access-date=21 April 2022|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421191739/https://www.kerrang.com/the-kerrang-awards-2022-nominations-are-now-open|url-status=live}}

= Kerrang! Radio =

{{Main|Kerrang! Radio}}

In 2000, EMAP launched Kerrang! as a DAB radio station, across the United Kingdom. This was principally a 'jukebox' station, playing a back-to-back sequence of rock and alternative music. On 10 June 2004, Kerrang! 105.2 was launched as a regional radio station in Birmingham with an advertising campaign by London-based creative agency ODD.{{cite news|url=http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/about-kerrang-radio/|title=About Kerrang! Radio|work=Kerrang! Radio|publisher=Bauer Media Group|date=14 March 2002|access-date=22 November 2011|archive-date=17 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117221647/http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/about-kerrang-radio/|url-status=live}} The radio had a number of specialist programmes dedicated to the many subgenres of rock music. The radio output included interviews with those affecting popular culture and society as well as those involved with music. It stopped broadcasting on FM as of 14 June 2013 and once again became a digital station, with listeners able to tune in on DAB or the Kerrang! Radio app. With this broadcasting change came a move in Kerrang! Radio's offices from Birmingham to London. Absolute Radio is now broadcasting on its FM frequency.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

= Kerrang! TV =

{{Main|Kerrang! TV}}

In 2001, EMAP launched Kerrang! TV. As with the radio station, the television channel covers the more mainstream side of the rock music as well as classic rock bands including Aerosmith, AC/DC and Guns N' Roses and classic heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Metallica. Kerrang! TV, along with its The Box Plus Network sister channels, was fully owned by Channel Four Television Corporation and subsequently closed due to budget cuts made by Channel 4, along with its sister channels, on 30th June 2024.{{cite news|last=Plunkett|first=Joe|title=Bauer Radio mulls rebrand of Kerrang! station in West Midlands|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/21/bauer-commercialradio|access-date=7 September 2010|work=The Guardian|date=21 November 2008|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517203225/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/21/bauer-commercialradio|url-status=live}}

= Kerrang! compilation albums =

{{Main|Kerrang! Compilation Albums}}

From 1982 the Kerrang! Magazine would occasionally be bundled with compilations, originally on 7" vinyl then moving to cassettes in 1994 and CDs in 1995.{{Cite web |title=Kerrang! |url=https://www.discogs.com/label/3190802-Kerrang! |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=Discogs |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106171526/https://www.discogs.com/label/3190802-Kerrang! |url-status=live }} The compilations featured new and popular music, music themed around a particular genre, band or theme and best-of lists. In 2001, Kerrang began releasing Kerrang! the Album under Universal Music.{{Cite web |title=Kerrang! The Album

|access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Allmusic |language=en|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/kerrang-life-is-loud-mw0000454089 }} From 2016, the albums were released via Rhino Records.

= Kerrang! Tour =

The Kerrang! Tour ran from 2006 to 2017. The line-up for each year was usually announced in October of the previous year and was held throughout January and February of the following year.{{cite news|last=Gregory|first=Jason|title=New Found Glory, Sum 41, letlive For 2012 UK And Ireland Tour – Tickets|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/67368/New-Found-Glory-Sum-41-letlive-For-2012-UK-And-Ireland-Tour---Tickets|access-date=23 November 2011|work=Gigwise.com|publisher=Giant Digital|date=28 September 2011|archive-date=4 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204155803/http://www.gigwise.com/news/67368/New-Found-Glory-Sum-41-letlive-For-2012-UK-And-Ireland-Tour---Tickets|url-status=live}} Relentless Energy Drink sponsored the Kerrang! Tour for several years. It is currently unknown if the tour will ever be revived.

  • 2006, featured Bullet for My Valentine, Hawthorne Heights, Still Remains and Aiden.
  • 2007, featured Biffy Clyro, The Bronx, The Audition and I Am Ghost.
  • 2008, featured Coheed and Cambria, Madina Lake, Fightstar and Circa Survive.
  • 2009, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink from this year; featured Mindless Self Indulgence, Dir En Grey, Bring Me the Horizon, Black Tide and In Case of Fire.
  • 2010, featured All Time Low, The Blackout, Young Guns and My Passion. Jettblack were added for two dates at the London Roundhouse at the end of the tour.
  • 2011, featured Good Charlotte, Four Year Strong, Framing Hanley and The Wonder Years.
  • 2012. The tour lasted from 5 to 17 February.{{cite web|title=Kerrang! Tour 2012 with New Found Glory & Sum 41 - Tickets ONSALE 9 am|url=http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/168053/9|date=30 September 2011|access-date=10 January 2012|author=Jon Stickler|publisher=stereoboard|archive-date=30 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830152820/http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/168053/9|url-status=live}} It featured New Found Glory, Sum 41, letlive. and While She Sleeps. On 20 January 2012 it was revealed that Sum 41 had been forced to pull out due to frontman Deryck Whibley who had suffered a back injury and was not well enough to perform for the duration of the tour, they were replaced by The Blackout who had previously played on the 2010 tour.{{cite web | url = http://www.relentlessenergy.com/events/kerrang-tour-2012-relentless-energy-drink-new-found-glory-sum-41.html | title = The Kerrang! Tour 2012 sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink featuring New Found Glory and The Blackout | publisher = Relentless Energy | date = 20 January 2012 | access-date = 11 May 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120328130439/http://www.relentlessenergy.com/events/kerrang-tour-2012-relentless-energy-drink-new-found-glory-sum-41.html | archive-date = 28 March 2012 | url-status = dead }}
  • 2013, featured Black Veil Brides, Chiodos, Tonight Alive and Fearless Vampire Killers. It was an 11-date tour which ran from 3–15 February, with the 6th and 11th being days off. William Control was a guest DJ and also appeared alongside Black Veil Brides on 2 songs; Shadows Die and In the End.
  • 2014, featured Limp Bizkit, Crossfaith, Nekrogoblikon and Baby Godzilla.
  • 2015, featured Don Broco, We Are the in Crowd, Bury Tomorrow, Beartooth and Young Guns.{{Cite web|title = Kerrang! Tour 2015 Line-Up Completed - Kerrang!|url = http://www.kerrang.com/24493/kerrang-tour-2015-line-completed-two-bands-announced/|website = Kerrang!|access-date = 28 January 2016|language = en-US|archive-date = 25 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125052831/http://www.kerrang.com/24493/kerrang-tour-2015-line-completed-two-bands-announced/|url-status = live}}
  • 2016. On 29 September the headliner for the eleventh Kerrang! tour was revealed to be Sum 41.{{Cite web|title = Kerrang! Tour 2016 Headliner and Dates Announced - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!|url = http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/music/news/kerrang-tour-2016-headliner-and-dates-announced-tickets-on-sale-friday/|website = Kerrang! Radio|access-date = 28 January 2016|language = en-GB|date = 2015-09-29|archive-date = 5 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205105937/http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/music/news/kerrang-tour-2016-headliner-and-dates-announced-tickets-on-sale-friday/|url-status = live}} In an interview with Kerrang, frontman Deryck Whibley stated that "After a three-year break, we're honoured that our first tour back is the Kerrang!"{{Cite news|title = Kerrang! Tour 2016! - Kerrang!|url = http://www.kerrang.com/35958/kerrang-tour-2016-headliners-announced/|website = Kerrang!| date=30 September 2015 |access-date = 28 January 2016|language = en-US|archive-date = 23 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160123124617/http://www.kerrang.com/35958/kerrang-tour-2016-headliners-announced/|url-status = live}} The tour featured Sum 41, Roam, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Biters.
  • 2017, featured The Amity Affliction, Boston Manor, Vukovi, and Casey.

= The K! Pit =

The year after the final Kerrang! Tour, Kerrang! launched a new gig concept known as "The K! Pit", where the magazine promotes a free gig for a popular band in a tiny London venue. Fans gain access by applying for tickets online and being randomly selected in a competition-style draw. Artists featured so far include Parkway Drive, Mastodon, Fever 333, and Neck Deep, the latter performance coinciding with the 2018 Kerrang! Awards where Neck Deep would win Best Song.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/neck-deep-are-playing-the-k-pit-for-the-kerrang-awards-week-of-rock/|title=Neck Deep Are Playing The K! Pit For The Kerrang! Awards Week Of Rock — Kerrang!|website=Kerrang!|date=13 June 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235346/http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/neck-deep-are-playing-the-k-pit-for-the-kerrang-awards-week-of-rock/|url-status=live}} The brand has since also launched the series in Brooklyn, New York, featuring artists such as Sum 41, Baroness, Knocked Loose, Daughters, and Fit For An Autopsy. Performances are streamed on the Kerrang! Facebook page before being uploaded to YouTube.

The Official Kerrang!rock chart

During the 1980s, Kerrang! published weekly heavy metal charts for singles, albums and import albums. Each was compiled from sales data from fifty specialist stores across the United Kingdom.

In March 2012, Kerrang! announced a new weekly rock singles chart for the UK based on upon airplay across Kerrang Radio, Kerrang TV, and specialist rock radio stations, as well as sales figures from the Official Charts Company. As of 2020, the chart continues to be printed in the magazine every week, contains 20 tracks, and often features accompanying facts or artist quotes. The official Kerrang Spotify profile also features a playlist of the tracks on the chart and is updated every Wednesday.https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/the-kerrang-rock-chart-1/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408095937/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/the-kerrang-rock-chart-1/ |date=8 April 2019 }} Kerrang! Rock Chart, 28 November 2018 The chart was announced on Saturday mornings on Kerrang! Radio and could be viewed online every Saturday at midday. The chart would also be shown on Kerrang! TV on Thursdays at 4 pm.

Unlike the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart produced by the Official Charts Company, which is typically dominated by classic rock artists, the Kerrang! Rock Chart focuses primarily on new releases by contemporary rock artists.

''Kerrang!'' year-end lists

=Album of the Year=

class="wikitable" style="font-size:0.95em;line-height:1.5em;"
Year

! Artist

! Album

! Source

1982

|Scorpions

|Blackout

| rowspan="39" |{{Cite web |title=Rocklist.net...Kerrang! Lists Page 1... |url=https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/kerrang.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=www.rocklistmusic.co.uk |archive-date=9 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209152609/https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/kerrang.html |url-status=usurped }}

1983

|Def Leppard

|Pyromania

1984

|Van Halen

|1984

1985

|Bryan Adams

|Reckless

1986

|David Lee Roth

|Eat 'Em and Smile

1987

|Aerosmith

|Permanent Vacation

1988

|King's X

|Out of the Silent Planet

1989

|Faith No More

|The Real Thing

1990

|Slayer

|Seasons in the Abyss

1991

|Metallica

|Metallica

1992

|Alice In Chains

|Dirt

1993

|Pearl Jam

|Vs.

1994

|Therapy?

|Troublegum

1995

|Foo Fighters

|Foo Fighters

1996

|Screaming Trees

|Dust

1997

|Foo Fighters

|The Colour and the Shape

1998Monster MagnetPowertrip
1999Foo FightersThere is Nothing Left to Lose
2000Queens of the Stone AgeRated R
2001ToolLateralus
2002Queens of the Stone AgeSongs for the Deaf
2003The DarknessPermission to Land
2004MastodonLeviathan
2005TriviumAscendancy
2006Taking Back SundayLouder Now
2007Biffy ClyroPuzzle
2008MetallicaDeath Magnetic
2009GallowsGrey Britain
2010DeftonesDiamond Eyes
2011MastodonThe Hunter
2012Enter ShikariA Flash Flood of Colour
2013Bring Me the HorizonSempiternal
2014ArchitectsLost Forever // Lost Together
2015Bring Me the HorizonThat's the Spirit
2016Green DayRevolution Radio
2017Employed to ServeThe Warmth of a Dying Sun
2018TurnstileTime & Space
2019SlipknotWe Are Not Your Kind
2020Code OrangeUnderneath
2021Every Time I DieRadical

|{{Cite web |title=The 50 best albums of 2021 |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-best-albums-of-2021/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |date=10 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705105321/https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-best-albums-of-2021 |url-status=live }}

2022Nova TwinsSupernova

|{{Cite web |title=The 50 best albums of 2022 |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-best-albums-of-2022-nova-twins-ithaca-bob-vylan-ghost-slipknot-rammstein-denzel-curry-architects-lorna-shore/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Kerrang! |date=19 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523175055/https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-best-albums-of-2022-nova-twins-ithaca-bob-vylan-ghost-slipknot-rammstein-denzel-curry-architects-lorna-shore |url-status=live }}

2023Foo FightersBut Here We Are

Logos

File:Original kerrang logo.png|Original Kerrang! logo, used from 1981 to 1982

File:Kerrang Logo 1996.jpg|Logo used from 1996 through 2000

File:Kerrang logo.png|Modified 2000 logo, used from 2004 through 2017

File:Kerrang2017logo.png|Logo used from 2017 through 2021

File:Kerrang 2021 Logo.png|Current Kerrang! logo. Originally used from 1983 through 1996, again since 2021

References

Citations

{{Reflist|30em}}

Bibliography

  • {{cite journal |last=Brown |first=Andy R. |date=2007 |title=Everything Louder than Everything Else |url=http://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/13538/1/13538.pdf |journal=Journalism Studies |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=642–655 |doi=10.1080/14616700701412209 |s2cid=142637249}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Gorman |first=Paul |title=Totally Wired: The Rise and Fall of the Music Press |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-500-29746-9 |edition=2023 paperback |location=UK |pages=307, 309 |author-link=Paul Gorman}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Ruskell |first=Nick |title=Kerrang! Living Loud |publisher=DK |year=2023 |isbn=978-0-2415-8294-7 |location=UK |language=en}}