Balaam and the angel

For five decades, his raw, instinctive guitar lines have helped Aerosmith become the kind of rock act whose songs an entire generation can sing. But as the band g rew from funk-fired upstarts into megastars, Joe Perry made sure never to lose one vital thing: curiosity. As Aerosmith call time on their stellar 50-year touring career, Joe joins us to reflect on what he’s learned about guitar along the way...

Jerry Cantrell shaped the sound of alternative rock with Alice In Chains, but on his new solo album he’s taking inspiration from the heroes of his youth: for tone, Jeff Beck and blues-rock master Robin Trower, and for guitar harmonies, Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy

Some call him the Iron Man. Others see him as the Master of Reality or the Hand of Doom. One thing everyone seems to agree on, however, is that heavy metal was first conceived in the mind of Anthony F

Josh Tillman’s latest grand orchestral apocalyptic vision is bleak but joyfully delivered. By Tom Doyle. Illustration by Bill McConkey.

Shaken and stirred – former Purson bandleader has a licence to thrill on third solo album.

Our writers ranked their favourite records, and we pooled them into one big chart. Get ready for the ultimate playlist!