Editing 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 music|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 (music journalist)|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 music|rock]], [[Punk 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]]'').<ref name="wasted">{{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 (magazine)|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}}</ref> The magazine was named [[onomatopoeic]]ally 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 (magazine)|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,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=6 June 2006 |title=25 Most Important Bands of Our Lifetime |magazine=Kerrang! |issue=1110}}</ref> ''Kerrang!''{{'s}} musical emphasis has changed several times, focusing on [[grunge]], [[nu metal]], [[post-hardcore]], [[emo]] and other [[alternative rock]] and [[Heavy metal music|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 (magazine)|Sounds]]'', [[Alan Lewis (music journalist)|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.<ref name="kerrang">[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</ref> Billed as a "''Sounds'' Heavy Metal Special", ''Kerrang!''{{'s}} first issue was published on 6 June 1981.{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=14}}<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[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 [[UBM plc|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 (American band)|Poison]], and [[Venom (band)|Venom]]. The term [[thrash metal]] was first coined in the music press by ''Kerrang!'' journalist [[Malcolm Dome]], in reference to the [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]] song "[[Metal Thrashing Mad]]".<ref>''Kerrang!'', issue 62, page 8, 23 February 1984</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Prior to this [[Metallica]]'s [[James Hetfield]] had referred to their sound as "[[power metal]]".<ref>{{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'}}</ref>

=== 1990s ===
In April 1991, Spotlight/United Newspapers sold ''Kerrang!'' to [[EMAP|EMAP Metro]] (now known as Ascential plc).{{sfn|Gorman|2022|p=307}}<ref name=":1">{{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 }}</ref> Although ''Kerrang!'' had an average weekly circulation of 58,685 by this point and was making profits of £1 million a year,<ref name=":1" />{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=70}} the publication had been faced with significant competition from [[Raw (music magazine)|''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 [[Profit margin|margins]]."{{sfn|Gorman|2022|p=309}} EMAP moved ''Kerrang!''{{'s}} offices to [[Carnaby Street]] in London's [[West End of London|West End]].{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=70}}<ref name=":1" />

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 rock|alternative music]] scene, following the unexpected success of [[grunge]] acts such as [[Nirvana (band)|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 (band)|Hole]], [[Nine Inch Nails]], [[Kyuss]], [[Corrosion of Conformity]] and [[Machine Head (band)|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 (band)|Slipknot]], and various other [[punk rock]], [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] and [[Hardcore punk|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{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 }}</ref> By mid-2002, the magazine had a circulation of 83,988 copies per week.<ref name=":3" /> After Rees left them to edit ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine, former ''Kerrang!'' reviews editor Ashley Bird appointed editor from 2003 to 2005.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Following his departure, Paul Brannigan took over as editor in May 2005.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>''Kerrang!'' 22 March 2003. No. 947.</ref>{{sfn|Ruskell|2023|p=151}} In 2006, the magazine's circulation stood at 80,186 copies.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2008, EMAP sold its consumer magazines to [[Bauer Media Group]]. Brannigan left ''Kerrang!'' in 2009 and Nichola Browne was appointed editor.<ref>{{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}}</ref> She later stepped down in April 2011. Former ''[[NME]]'' features editor and ''[[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]]'' deputy editor James McMahon was appointed as editor on 6 June 2011.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 (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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Bauer retained ownership of ''Kerrang!'' Radio and [[the Box Plus Network]] will continue to operate Kerrang! TV as before.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="wasted"/> An updated ''Kerrang!'' logo was debuted in mid-2017 before the magazine received a complete redesign during 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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).<ref>{{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 }}</ref>{{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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Sales of this magazine proved successful enough that a second stand-alone print magazine was published in April 2022.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The magazine continues to be published on a quarterly basis.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Website==
''Kerrang!''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s website, www.kerrang.com, was launched in summer 2001 by Dan Silver. ''Kerrang!''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s parent company [[Emap]] acquired the domain name from a Norwegian [[cybersquatter]] by the name of Steingram Stegane for a token sum of £666.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

''Kerrang!''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s website features news and features on both contemporary and classic rock bands, as well as previewing upcoming events. The website hosts ''Kerrang!''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s online shop, podcasts, message board, TV and radio segments ensuring more opportunities to sell associated merchandise and products.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2001, ''Kerrang!'' launched its own online forum with the "rants and raves" section taking up most of the traffic. According to [[Alexa Internet|Alexa]] www.kerrang.com is ranked 83,545th globally, and 33,532nd in the U.S.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

After a year hiatus, the Awards were relaunched in 2018, with notable guests that included [[Johnny Depp]], [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]], [[Tony Iommi]], [[Corey Taylor]], and [[Dave Grohl]], among others.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Kerrang! Radio ===
{{Main|Kerrang! Radio}}
In 2000, [[EMAP]] launched ''Kerrang!'' as a [[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]] radio station, across the United Kingdom. This was principally a 'jukebox' station, playing a back-to-back sequence of rock and [[alternative rock|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 music|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Relentless (drink)|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 (band)|The Bronx]], [[The Audition (band)|The Audition]] and [[I Am Ghost]].
*2008, featured [[Coheed and Cambria]], [[Madina Lake]], [[Fightstar]] and [[Circa Survive]].
*2009, sponsored by [[Relentless (drink)|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 (band)|The Blackout]], [[Young Guns (band)|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 (band)|The Wonder Years]].
*2012. The tour lasted from 5 to 17 February.<ref name="2012 NFG/SUM">{{cite web|title=Kerrang! Tour 2012 with New Found Glory & Sum 41 - Tickets ONSALE 9&nbsp;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}}</ref> It featured [[New Found Glory]], [[Sum 41]], [[letlive.]] and [[While She Sleeps]].<ref name="2012 NFG/SUM" /> 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 (band)|The Blackout]] who had previously played on the 2010 tour.<ref name="relentless 2012">{{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 }}</ref>
*2013, featured [[Black Veil Brides]], [[Chiodos]], [[Tonight Alive]] and [[Fearless Vampire Killers (band)|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 (band)|Beartooth]] and [[Young Guns (band)|Young Guns]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>
*2016. On 29 September the headliner for the eleventh Kerrang! tour was revealed to be Sum 41.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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!"<ref>{{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}}</ref> The tour featured [[Sum 41]], [[Roam (band)|Roam]], [[Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes]] and [[Biters (band)|Biters]].
*2017, featured [[The Amity Affliction]], Boston Manor, Vukovi, and [[Casey (band)|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 (band)|Mastodon]], [[Fever 333]], and [[Neck Deep]], the latter performance coinciding with the 2018 [[Kerrang! Awards|''Kerrang!'' Awards]] where Neck Deep would win [[Kerrang! Award for Best Single|Best Song]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The brand has since also launched the series in Brooklyn, New York, featuring artists such as [[Sum 41]], [[Baroness (band)|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.<ref>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</ref> 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 and Albums Charts|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 (band)|Scorpions]]
|''[[Blackout (Scorpions album)|Blackout]]''
| rowspan="39" |<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
|-
|1983
|[[Def Leppard]]
|''[[Pyromania (album)|Pyromania]]''
|-
|1984
|[[Van Halen]]
|''[[1984 (Van Halen album)|1984]]''
|-
|1985
|[[Bryan Adams]]
|''[[Reckless (Bryan Adams album)|Reckless]]''
|-
|1986
|[[David Lee Roth]]
|''[[Eat 'Em and Smile]]''
|-
|1987
|[[Aerosmith]]
|''[[Permanent Vacation (Aerosmith album)|Permanent Vacation]]''
|-
|1988
|[[King's X]]
|''[[Out of the Silent Planet (album)|Out of the Silent Planet]]''
|-
|1989
|[[Faith No More]]
|''[[The Real Thing (Faith No More album)|The Real Thing]]''
|-
|1990
|[[Slayer]]
|''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]''
|-
|1991
|[[Metallica]]
|''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]''
|-
|1992
|[[Alice in Chains|Alice In Chains]]
|''[[Dirt (Alice in Chains album)|Dirt]]''
|-
|1993
|[[Pearl Jam]]
|''[[Vs. (Pearl Jam album)|Vs.]]''
|-
|1994
|[[Therapy?]]
|''[[Troublegum]]''
|-
|1995
|[[Foo Fighters]]
|''[[Foo Fighters (album)|Foo Fighters]]''
|-
|1996
|[[Screaming Trees]]
|''[[Dust (Screaming Trees album)|Dust]]''
|-
|1997
|Foo Fighters
|''[[The Colour and the Shape]]''
|-
| 1998 || [[Monster Magnet]]|| ''[[Powertrip]]''
|-
| 1999 || Foo Fighters || ''[[There Is Nothing Left to Lose|There is Nothing Left to Lose]]''
|-
| 2000 || [[Queens of the Stone Age]]|| ''[[Rated R (Queens of the Stone Age album)|Rated R]]''
|-
| 2001 || [[Tool (band)|Tool]]|| ''[[Lateralus]]''
|-
| 2002 || Queens of the Stone Age || ''[[Songs for the Deaf]]''
|-
| 2003 || [[The Darkness (band)|The Darkness]]|| ''[[Permission to Land]]''
|-
| 2004 || [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]]|| ''[[Leviathan (Mastodon album)|Leviathan]]''
|-
| 2005 || [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]]|| [[Ascendancy (album)|''Ascendancy'']]
|-
| 2006 || [[Taking Back Sunday]]|| ''[[Louder Now]]''
|-
| 2007 || [[Biffy Clyro]]|| ''[[Puzzle (Biffy Clyro album)|Puzzle]]''
|-
| 2008 || Metallica || ''[[Death Magnetic]]'' 
|-
| 2009 || [[Gallows (band)|Gallows]] || ''[[Grey Britain]]'' 
|-
| 2010 || [[Deftones]] || ''[[Diamond Eyes]]'' 
|-
| 2011 || Mastodon || ''[[The Hunter (Mastodon album)|The Hunter]]'' 
|-
| 2012 || [[Enter Shikari]] || ''[[A Flash Flood of Colour]]'' 
|-
| 2013 || [[Bring Me the Horizon]] || ''[[Sempiternal (album)|Sempiternal]]'' 
|-
| 2014 || [[Architects (British band)|Architects]] || ''[[Lost Forever // Lost Together]]'' 
|-
| 2015 || Bring Me the Horizon || ''[[That's the Spirit]]'' 
|-
| 2016 || [[Green Day]] || ''[[Revolution Radio]]'' 
|-
| 2017 || [[Employed to Serve]] || ''The Warmth of a Dying Sun'' 
|-
| 2018 || [[Turnstile (band)|Turnstile]] || ''[[Time & Space]]'' 
|-
| 2019 || [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] || ''[[We Are Not Your Kind]]'' 
|-
| 2020 || [[Code Orange (band)|Code Orange]] || ''[[Underneath (Code Orange album)|Underneath]]'' 
|-
| 2021 || [[Every Time I Die]] || ''[[Radical (Every Time I Die album)|Radical]]'' 
|<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
|-
| 2022 || [[Nova Twins]] || ''[[Supernova (Nova Twins album)|Supernova]]'' 
|<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
|-
| 2023 || [[Foo Fighters]] || ''[[But Here We Are]]'' 
|}

== Logos ==
<gallery>
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
</gallery>

== 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 (publisher)|DK]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-0-2415-8294-7 |location=UK |language=en}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.kerrang.com}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfWfdemygVrKmvlK50dvI1w Official YouTube channel]

{{Kerrang!}}
{{British contemporary music magazines}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

[[Category:Kerrang!| ]]
[[Category:1981 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:British heavy metal music]]
[[Category:Music magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Weekly magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Heavy metal publications]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1981]]
[[Category:Newspaper supplements]]
[[Category:Magazines published in London]]
[[Category:British record charts]]