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Rock Sound
View on WikipediaThis article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (October 2022) |
| Categories | Music magazine |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Circulation | 14,057[1] |
| First issue | 1999 |
| Company | WhyNow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Website | www.rocksound.tv |
| ISSN | 1465-0185 |
Rock Sound is a British magazine that covers rock music. The magazine aims at being more "underground" and less commercial, while also giving coverage to better-known acts. It generally focuses on pop punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, punk, emo, hardcore, heavy metal and extreme metal genres of rock music, rarely covering indie rock music at all. The tag-line "For those who like their music loud, extreme and non-conformist" is sometimes used. Although primarily aimed at the British market, the magazine is also sold in Australia, Canada and the United States.
History
[edit]The British edition of Rock Sound was launched in March 1999 by the French publisher Editions Freeway. The magazine was bought out by its director, Patrick Napier, in December 2004. The magazines offices are in London and Paris. Separate titles with the same name have been published under the same umbrella company in France since 1993,[2][3][4] and in Spain since 1998.[5][6]
The first issue was published in April 1999. Issue 2 featured British band Reef on the front cover, and later issues 3 and 8 featured Terrorvision and Foo Fighters respectively. In July 2011 a host of "Through The Years" articles were written to celebrate the 150th issue of the magazine.[7] 2017 witnessed the first annual Rock Sound Awards where £1 from every magazine bundle sold was donated to the One More Light Fund in memory of Chester Bennington.[8]
The magazine was known for including a free CD in most issues, which had tracks from bands' new albums that have not been released as singles. These were called '100% Volume' or 'The Volumes', with other past compilations named 'Music With Attitude', 'Bugging Your Ears!', 'Sound Check' and 'Punk Rawk Explosion'.[9] Sometimes whole albums were included with the magazine, particularly from bands wanting to gain exposure, including Futures' debut album The Holiday in March 2010, and Burn The Fleet's debut album The Modern Shape in May 2012.[10]
In more recent years, exclusive artist merchandise including t-shirts have been sold alongside the magazine via the Rock Sound web store.
In 2023, Rock Sound became part of WhyNow media group and a special edition magazine was published in partnership with Slam Dunk Festival featuring headliners Enter Shikari and The Offspring on the cover. A weekly digital cover feature, The Album Story, was also launched on ROCKSOUND.TV.[11]
Rock Sound's 300th issue was published in September 2023 with Fall Out Boy, Corey Taylor and Motionless In White appearing on the cover. The magazine will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Audience
[edit]| Year | Circulation |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 16,374[12] |
| 2010 | 15,005[13] |
| 2011 | 14,227[14] |
| 2013 | 13,220[15] |
| 2015 | 13,924[16] |
| 2016 | 14,057[17] |
The magazine had a circulation figure of 15,005 from January to December 2010 auditored by ABC. This includes 10,162 sales in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 4,843 from Other Countries.[13] The same auditing body said the magazine had a slightly lower circulation figure of 14,227 from January to December 2011, with sales of 10,053 from the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 4,174 from Other Countries.[14] The majority of sales come from newstrade, with some coming from subscriptions.
The main rival to the magazine in Britain is Kerrang! because of the similar types of music both magazines cover.[citation needed]
Album of the Year
[edit]At the end of every year the magazine lists their favourite 75 albums released in the previous twelve months.
- 1999 – Filter – Title of Record[18]
- 2000 – A Perfect Circle – Mer de Noms
- 2001 – System of a Down – Toxicity
- 2002 – Isis – Oceanic
- 2003 – Hell Is for Heroes – The Neon Handshake
- 2004 – Isis – Panopticon
- 2005 – Coheed and Cambria – Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness
- 2006 – The Bronx – The Bronx[19]
- 2007 – Biffy Clyro – Puzzle[20]
- 2008 – Genghis Tron – Board Up the House[21]
- 2009 – Mastodon – Crack the Skye[22]
- 2010 – Bring Me the Horizon – There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret[23]
- 2011 – Mastodon – The Hunter[24]
- 2012 – The Menzingers – On the Impossible Past
- 2013 – letlive – The Blackest Beautiful[25]
- 2014 – Lower Than Atlantis – Lower Than Atlantis[26]
- 2015 – Bring Me the Horizon – That's the Spirit
- 2016 – Panic! at the Disco – Death of a Bachelor
- 2017 – All Time Low – Last Young Renegade
- 2018 – Twenty One Pilots – Trench[27]
- 2023 – Sleep Token – Take Me Back to Eden[28]
- 2024 – Twenty One Pilots – Clancy[29]
Hall of Fame/Throwback
[edit]Rock Sound inducted numerous albums into its Hall of Fame, as part of a long-running feature. The main criterion for inclusion was thought to be influence – even within a particular genre – and for that reason many of the albums have been commercially successful as well as critically successful because they have then gone on to influence large numbers of bands or the music scene. Thus this differs from the Yearly Top Albums lists which do not take influence into account. In each article there was normally an interview with band members, a commentary on the album's release, a look at its initial success, and reaction from other musicians or participants in the album's creation - such as producers, engineers, and music video directors. Towards the end of this section's run it was renamed to "Throwback".
| Album | Artist | Nationality | Year | Issue | Guest Writer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Shape of Punk to Come | Refused | 27 October 1998 | #136, June 2010[30] | ||
| Jupiter | Cave In | 8 August 2000 | #138, August 2010[31] | Jacob Bannon of Converge | |
| Weezer | Weezer | 10 May 1994 | #139, September 2010[32][33] | Gustav Woods of Young Guns | |
| Smash | The Offspring | 8 April 1994 | #140, October 2010[34] | Frank Turner | |
| White Pony | Deftones | 20 June 2000 | #142, December 2010[35] | ||
| Jane Doe | Converge | 4 September 2001 | #145, March 2011[36][37] | Winston McCall of Parkway Drive | |
| Queens of the Stone Age | Queens of the Stone Age | 22 September 1998 | #146, April 2011[38] | ||
| Hello Rockview | Less Than Jake | 6 October 1998 | #149, July 2011[39] | ||
| Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation | Funeral for a Friend | 20 October 2003 | #151, Summer 2011[40] | ||
| Tell All Your Friends | Taking Back Sunday | 26 March 2002 | #152, September 2011[41] | ||
| Relationship of Command | At the Drive-In | 12 September 2000 | #153, October 2011[42] | ||
| From Under the Cork Tree | Fall Out Boy | 3 May 2005 | #155, December 2011[43] | ||
| New Found Glory | New Found Glory | 26 September 2000 | #158, March 2012[44] | ||
| The Artist in the Ambulance | Thrice | 22 July 2003 | #159, April 2012[45] | ||
| Good Mourning | Alkaline Trio | 13 May 2003 | #160, May 2012[46] | ||
| Start Something | Lostprophets | 2 February 2004 | #161, June 2012[47][48] | Aled Phillips of Kids In Glass Houses | |
| Ideas Above Our Station | Hundred Reasons | 20 May 2002 | #162, July 2012[49][50] | Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari, Frank Turner | |
| Suicide Season | Bring Me the Horizon | 29 September 2008 | #164, Summer 2012[51] | Sam Carter of Architects | |
| A Fever You Can't Sweat Out | Panic! at the Disco | 27 September 2005 | #165, September 2012[52] | Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy Mike Ferri of We Are the In Crowd | |
| The Used | The Used | 25 June 2002 | #166, October 2012[53] | Chris Pennells of Deaf Havana | |
| The Young and the Hopeless | Good Charlotte | 30 September 2002 | #167, November 2012[54] | ||
| Alive or Just Breathing | Killswitch Engage | 21 May 2002 | #168, December 2012[55] | Matt Heafy of Trivium | |
| Ascendancy | Trivium | 15 March 2005 | #171, March 2013[56] | ||
| What It Is to Burn | Finch | 12 March 2002 | #172, April 2013[57] | ||
| The Bronx | The Bronx | 26 August 2003 | #173, May 2013[58] | ||
| Love Metal | HIM | 14 April 2003 | #174, June 2013[59] | ||
| Infest | Papa Roach | 25 April 2000 | #175, July 2013[60] | ||
| Tomorrow Come Today | Boysetsfire | 1 April 2003 | #176, August 2013[61] | ||
| As the Palaces Burn | Lamb of God | 6 May 2003 | #177, Summer 2013[62] | ||
| Bleed American | Jimmy Eat World | 24 July 2001 | #178, September 2013[63] | ||
| Take to the Skies | Enter Shikari | 19 March 2007 | #179, October 2013[64] | ||
| Miss Machine | The Dillinger Escape Plan | 20 July 2004 | #180, November 2013[65] | ||
| Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness | Coheed and Cambria | 20 September 2005 | #181, December 2013[66] | ||
| Gutter Phenomenon | Every Time I Die | 23 August 2005 | #184, March 2014[67] | ||
| Perseverance | Hatebreed | 12 March 2002 | #185, April 2014[68] | ||
| Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water | Limp Bizkit | 17 October 2000 | #186, May 2014[69] | ||
| A Place in the Sun | Lit | 23 February 1999 | #187, June 2014[70] | ||
| The Trees Are Dead & Dried Out Wait for Something Wild | Sikth | 18 August 2003 | #188, July 2014[71] | ||
| Superunknown | Soundgarden | 8 March 1994 | #189, August 2014[72] | ||
| Punk in Drublic | NOFX | 19 July 1994 | #191, September 2014[73] | ||
| Hollow Crown | Architects | 26 January 2009 | #192, October 2014[74] | ||
| Slaughter of the Soul | At the Gates | 14 November 1995 | #193, November 2014[75] | ||
| Get Some | Snot | 27 May 1997 | #197, March 2015[76] | ||
| Follow the Leader | KoЯn | 18 August 1998 | #198, April 2015[77] | ||
| Crisis | Alexisonfire | 22 August 2006 | #202, August 2015[78] | ||
| Nothing Personal | All Time Low | 7 July 2009 | #203, Summer 2015 | ||
| The Gift of Game | Crazy Town | 9 November 1999 | #204, September 2015 | ||
| Menace to Sobriety | OPM | 15 August 2000 | #205, October 2015 | ||
| This War Is Ours | Escape the Fate | 21 October 2008 | #206, November 2015 | ||
| Anthology | Alien Ant Farm | 6 March 2001 | #207, December 2015 | ||
| The Best in Town | The Blackout | 25 May 2009 | #210, March 2016 | ||
| Nightmare Anatomy | Aiden | 4 October 2005 | #211, April 2016 | ||
| Saosin | Saosin | 26 September 2006 | #212, May 2016 | ||
| Ocean Avenue | Yellowcard | 22 July 2003 | #213, June 2016 | ||
| Billy Talent | Billy Talent | 16 September 2003 | #214, July 2016 |
Rock Sound Records
[edit]In 2019, Rock Sound introduced a new venture titled Rock Sound Records, a sub-brand of Rock Sound offering and distributing music in limited physical formats, such as cassette tapes and vinyl records. Generally, this involves the exclusive physical release of a record released by a band that is signed to a different (major) record label. For instance, the first Rock Sound Records release was a cassette tape version of Simple Creatures′ debut EP Strange Love, while the band is currently signed to BMG.[79]
Discography
[edit]| # | Artist | Title | Release date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Simple Creatures | Strange Love | 22 March 2019 [79] | Cassette tape |
| 2. | PUP | Morbid Stuff | 27 March 2019 [80] | Cassette tape |
| 3. | Boston Manor | Welcome to the Neighbourhood | 10 May 2019 [81] | Cassette tape |
| 4. | Real Friends | Even More Acoustic Songs | 17 May 2019 [82] | Vinyl record |
| 5. | Sum 41 | Order in Decline | 31 May 2019 [83] | Cassette tape |
| 6. | Crown the Empire | Sudden Sky | 24 June 2019 [84] | Vinyl record + magazine |
| 7. | Knocked Loose | A Different Shade Of Blue | 7 August 2019 [85] | Cassette tape |
| 8. | Issues | Beautiful Oblivion | 12 August 2019 [86] | Vinyl record |
| 9. | Waterparks | Fandom | 30 August 2019 | Vinyl record + cassette tape |
| 10. | Grayscale | Nella Vita | 3 September 2019 | Cassette tape |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- Citations
- ^ "Rock Sound Announces Fourth Consecutive ABC Increase". Rock Sound. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ^ Rock Sound France – Oasis Cover
- ^ Rock Sound France – Marilyn Manson
- ^ Rock Sound France – Choix Des Critiques
- ^ Rock Sound Spain – Foo Fighters
- ^ Rock Sound Spain – Rammstein
- ^ Rock Sound – Covers 150
- ^ "Meet The Winners Of The First Ever Rock Sound Awards! – News – Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
- ^ Discogs – Rock Sound
- ^ Rock Sound – Digital Compilation
- ^ "whynow Media acquires Rock Sound". InPublishing. 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
- ^ "Standard Certificate of Circulation: Rock Sound" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Standard Certificate of Circulation: Rock Sound" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- ^ a b "Standard Certificate of Circulation: Rock Sound" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ^ "Consumer Magazines Combined Total Circulation Certificate: January to December 2013" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). Retrieved 7 August 2014.
- ^ "We Have Some Good News". Rock Sound. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ^ Rock Sound (9 February 2017). "Rock Sound Announces Fourth Consecutive ABC Increase". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
- ^ Rockmusiclists RS 1999–2006
- ^ RS MySpace Top 75 2006
- ^ Reuben Forum RS Top 75 2007
- ^ RS Top 75 2008
- ^ RS Top 75 2009
- ^ RS Top 75 2010
- ^ RS Album of the Year Countdown 2011
- ^ "The 50 Best Albums Of 2013 Part Five: 10 – 1". Rock Sound. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
- ^ Bird, ed. 2015, p. 30
- ^ "Introducing Your 2018 Rock Sound Awards Winners – News – Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
- ^ "Rock Sound's Top 50 Albums Of 2023 | The Album Story". Rock Sound. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ "Rock Sound's Top 24 Albums Of 2024". Rock Sound. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Rock Sound – June 2010
- ^ Jupiter Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
- ^ Rock Sound – September 2010
- ^ Rock Sound – Blue Album Indicted Into Hall Of Fame
- ^ Rock Sound – Smash Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
- ^ Rock Sound – December 2010
- ^ Rock Sound – March 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – Jane Doe Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
- ^ Rock Sound – April 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – July 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – Summer 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – September 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – October 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – December 2011
- ^ Rock Sound – March 2012
- ^ Rock Sound – April 2012
- ^ Rock Sound – May 2012
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 161
- ^ Rock Sound – June 2012
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 162
- ^ Rock Sound – July 2012
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 164, p.54-57
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 165, p.54-57
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 166, p.48-51
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 167, p.54-56
- ^ Rock Sound Issue 168, p.46-49
- ^ Rock Sound – March 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – April 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – May 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – June 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – July 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – August 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – Summer 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – September 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – October 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – November 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – December 2013
- ^ Rock Sound – March 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – April 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – May 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – June 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – July 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – August 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – September 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – October 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – November 2014
- ^ Rock Sound – March 2015
- ^ Rock Sound – April 2015
- ^ Rock Sound – August 2015
- ^ a b GET YOUR WORLD EXCLUSIVE CASSETTE COPY OF SIMPLE CREATURES’ DEBUT EP FROM ROCK SOUND RECORDS
- ^ There's only 500 of these PUP 'Morbid Stuff' cassettes in existence! Don't miss out – they're exclusively available from Rock Sound Records., from Twitter.
- ^ Boston Manor Welcome to the Neighbourhood exclusively from Rock Sound Records
- ^ World Exclusive Real Friends 'Even More Acoustic Songs' Variant
- ^ ROCK SOUND RECORDS WORLD EXCLUSIVE: SUM 41’S ‘ORDER IN DECLINE’ ON CASSETTE
- ^ Crown The Empire on Twitter
- ^ Knocked Loose on Twitter
- ^ Rock Sound on Twitter
- Sources
External links
[edit]Rock Sound
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Years
Rock Sound was launched in March 1999 by the French publisher Éditions Freeway as a UK-focused print magazine specializing in underground rock genres such as alternative, punk, emo, and metal.[2][12] The publication emerged during a period of growing interest in alternative rock scenes, positioning itself to cover emerging bands and subcultures often overlooked by broader media.[1] Its founding reflected Éditions Freeway's expansion from French editions of the title, which had debuted earlier in Europe, into the British market to tap into the vibrant UK rock landscape.[13] The inaugural issue hit stands in April 1999, establishing a monthly print format that quickly became a staple for rock enthusiasts.[14] Early covers highlighted key acts defining the era, including Reef on issue 2 in May 1999 and Foo Fighters on issue 8 later that year, showcasing the magazine's commitment to both established and rising stars in the alternative rock sphere.[15][16] Each issue included a free compilation CD featuring tracks from underground and alternative artists, such as the "Music With Attitude" sampler in the debut edition, which introduced readers to bands like The Presidents of the United States of America and Weezer.[14] This format not only enhanced accessibility but also served as a discovery tool for new music, with the tradition evolving into the "100% Volume" series by the early 2000s to curate exclusive content from punk, emo, and metal acts.[17] From the outset, Rock Sound's editorial vision prioritized authentic, in-depth coverage of less commercial rock music, setting it apart from mainstream competitors like NME and Kerrang! by focusing on the passion and stories behind the scenes rather than chart-topping hits.[1] The magazine championed underdogs, misfits, and outsider artists, emphasizing personal narratives and subcultural authenticity in its features, interviews, and reviews.[1] Headquartered in London during its formative period, the team built a reputation for fostering connections within the UK's alternative rock community, laying the groundwork for its influence through the early 2000s.[18]Ownership Changes and Milestones
In December 2004, Rock Sound was acquired by its director Patrick Napier, which stabilized the publication's operations and facilitated expansion into international distribution across Europe and beyond.[19][20] Significant milestones marked the magazine's evolution in subsequent years. The 150th issue, released in July 2011, featured retrospective "Through The Years" content celebrating its first decade.[21] This was followed by the 300th issue in September 2023, with dual covers spotlighting Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Fall Out Boy, reflecting on career trajectories and the magazine's enduring influence in rock coverage.[22][23] The 25th anniversary in 2024 was commemorated through a year-long "Rock Sound 25 Icons" series, featuring exclusive cover shoots and in-depth interviews with pivotal artists such as As It Is, Set It Off, Sleep Token, and others who shaped the publication's legacy.[24][25][26] This celebration included a special edition tied to Slam Dunk Festival coverage, highlighting headliners like Enter Shikari and The Offspring from recent events.[27][28] In April 2023, amid threats of closure, Rock Sound was acquired by the WhyNow media group, integrating it into a diverse digital-media portfolio that emphasizes music merchandise and content creation.[8][29][30] Under this ownership, operational expansions continued, including the launch of an exclusive web store in the 2010s offering artist merchandise like t-shirts and limited-edition items alongside print issues.[31] The magazine maintained its monthly print schedule while deepening ties with events, such as festival tie-ins. As of 2025, Rock Sound remains active under WhyNow, producing ongoing print editions and collaborating on festivals like Slam Dunk, ensuring its role in alternative music documentation.[6][7]Readership and Distribution
Circulation Figures
Rock Sound's circulation has shown a pattern of modest peaks and gradual declines over the years, as reflected in ABC audits. In 2010, the magazine achieved a total audited circulation of 15,005 copies, including 10,162 in the UK and Ireland and 4,843 international sales.[32] By 2011, this figure dropped approximately 5.2% year-on-year to 14,227 copies. The trend saw further declines, with 13,924 copies in 2015, marking a 3% year-on-year increase and demonstrating resilience in the music magazine sector.[33] In 2016, circulation saw a minor uptick to 14,057 combined print and digital copies, representing the fourth consecutive annual increase at that time and underscoring the title's steady performance amid broader industry challenges.[34][35] Following the cessation of mandatory ABC audits after 2016, specific audited print circulation figures are unavailable, though the magazine maintains stable print distribution supplemented by growing digital subscriptions and online engagement that enhance overall reach. The magazine's distribution primarily occurs through UK newsstands, with exports to markets including Australia, Canada, and the USA via specialized retailers and online channels. In comparison to competitors like Kerrang!, which reported circulations exceeding 40,000 copies in the early 2010s, Rock Sound maintained a smaller but dedicated niche market share focused on alternative rock audiences.[36][37] Key factors influencing these figures included the bundling of free CDs with most issues during the 2000s and 2010s, a strategy that provided tangible added value and helped drive sales in a competitive landscape where such incentives were proven to increase magazine purchases. Merchandise bundles, such as exclusive posters and apparel, further supported engagement and sales during this period.[38]| Year | Audited Circulation (Total) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,005 | Includes 10,162 UK/Ireland, 4,843 international[32] |
| 2011 | 14,227 | Year-on-year decline of approximately 5.2% |
| 2015 | 13,924 | 3% year-on-year increase; stable performance[33] |
| 2016 | 14,057 | Combined print/digital; fourth consecutive increase[34] |
Audience Demographics and Reach
Rock Sound's core audience consists primarily of young adults aged 13 to 35, with approximately 70% falling within this range and a median age of 21.[6][39] The magazine targets individuals interested in alternative rock subgenres such as pop punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, emo, hardcore, punk, and heavy metal, appealing particularly to "underground" fans who prioritize non-mainstream coverage and music discovery.[1] This readership also engages with related lifestyle elements, including fashion, gaming, film, and technology, reflecting a broader youth culture tied to emerging and niche rock scenes.[39] The publication maintains a strong international presence, available for purchase and shipping worldwide through its online store, with physical distribution in key markets including the UK, Ireland, North America (notably the United States and Canada), Australia, and parts of Europe.[1] Digital platforms further extend its global accessibility, drawing traffic from users across multiple continents via the website and social media, where content is updated daily to foster worldwide engagement; as of 2016, the website had over 7.5 million visitors, with continued growth in digital audience metrics.[39][34] In the UK and Ireland, it holds the majority of its readership, bolstered by retail availability in major chains like WHSmith and Tesco.[39] Engagement among readers is notably high, particularly among festival-goers, as evidenced by Rock Sound's longstanding role as an official media partner for events like Slam Dunk Festival, where it produces exclusive mini-magazines, backstage interviews, and coverage of lineups featuring acts such as A Day to Remember.[40] This positions the magazine as more niche and authentic compared to broader competitors like Kerrang!, emphasizing deep dives into alternative scenes over mainstream appeal.[41] In the 2020s, the audience has evolved toward younger digital natives, with increased focus on emerging acts like Sleep Token and The Warning, who have graced recent covers and won 2025 Rock Sound Awards for Album of the Year and Best International Artist, respectively.[42][43]Editorial Content
Core Features and Publications
Rock Sound's core content revolves around album reviews, live show critiques, and in-depth artist interviews, providing detailed analysis and insights into both emerging and established acts within the rock spectrum.[44] Album reviews offer critical evaluations of new releases, highlighting musical innovations and production elements, while live critiques capture the energy and performance dynamics of concerts and festivals, such as the sensational metal party delivered by Electric Callboy at London's Alexandra Palace.[45] Interviews feature long reads, track-by-track breakdowns, and deep dives, covering bands from veterans like Foo Fighters—discussed in historical features on band evolution and recording processes—to modern sensations like Sleep Token, who have graced multiple covers with exclusive insights into their enigmatic sound.[44][16][46] The magazine's monthly issues typically exceed 100 pages, emphasizing high-quality photography through exclusive photoshoots and behind-the-scenes imagery that visually amplify artist spotlights and genre-specific sections on alternative, punk, and metal.[47] These sections delve into subgenres like pop punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, emo, hardcore, and heavy metal, offering tailored coverage that prioritizes underground and less commercial voices alongside mainstream appeal.[48] In its early years, issues included free compilation CDs featuring unreleased tracks from upcoming albums, a tradition that began with the magazine's founding in 1999 and continued through at least the 2010s before transitioning to digital embeds and online exclusives.[49][17][50] Complementing the print edition, Rock Sound's digital platform integrates news updates and multimedia content, with the weekly "The Album Story" series—launched in 2023—providing artist-guided narratives on album creation, such as Avenged Sevenfold's exploration of their experimental record Life Is But a Dream.[51][52] This series expands the magazine's reach beyond physical pages, occasionally spotlighting award-winning albums through interview subjects to contextualize their impact.[44]Special Columns and Series
Rock Sound's Hall of Fame, later rebranded as Throwback, is a long-running column that inducts influential rock albums into its own canon, accompanied by in-depth interviews, historical analysis, and artist commentary on the work's enduring legacy. The feature highlights albums that have shaped the genre, providing context on their creation, impact, and evolution within rock music. This series emphasizes retrospective appreciation, often revisiting records that influenced subsequent waves of alternative and punk sounds. Throwback features extend the column's scope to pivotal moments in rock history, offering essays and interviews that trace genre milestones beyond individual albums. These pieces explore cultural shifts, such as the integration of electronic elements into punk or the rise of emo in the early 2000s, with contributions from historians, critics, and surviving artists. The purpose of these columns is to educate longtime readers on rock's developmental trajectory, fostering a deeper connection to the music's roots while setting Rock Sound apart from outlets prioritizing current releases. By blending archival footage, rare photos, and contemporary reflections, the series reinforces the magazine's commitment to rock's historical narrative.[44] Special festival editions represent another key series, tying into major events like Slam Dunk Festival to deliver themed content on live music culture. The 2024 Slam Dunk mini-magazine, for example, included an exclusive interview with You Me At Six frontman Josh Franceschi alongside unpublished band photos, capturing the festival's punk and pop-punk heritage.[27] Similarly, the 2025 edition featured four cover stars—Electric Callboy, Neck Deep, New Found Glory, and A Day to Remember—with bundled merchandise to commemorate performances at the North and South events.[53] As official media partners, these editions provide on-site coverage, lineup previews, and post-event recaps, engaging fans with the communal energy of rock festivals.[40]Awards and Recognition
Album of the Year
The Album of the Year is an annual editorial feature in Rock Sound magazine that ranks the top rock and alternative albums released over the previous twelve months, serving as a key highlight of the publication's year-end coverage.[51][54] Originally presented as a Top 75 list in the early 2000s, the format evolved to a Top 50 in 2023 and further condensed to a Top 24 in 2024, reflecting adaptations to digital publishing and a focus on the most impactful releases.[55][56] This ranking underscores Rock Sound's commitment to spotlighting innovative works within the rock genre, particularly those driving underground scenes forward. The selection process involves the magazine's editorial team and contributors voting on and curating albums based on criteria such as artistic innovation, cultural impact, and resonance within emerging or niche rock subgenres like post-hardcore, pop-punk, and genre-blending metal.[51][54] For instance, the 2023 list crowned Sleep Token's Take Me Back to Eden as number one for its bold fusion of progressive metal, R&B, and electronic elements, which pushed boundaries in the underground metal scene and garnered widespread acclaim.[51] In 2024, genre-defying picks included Touché Amoré's Spiral in a Straight Line, praised for evolving post-hardcore through introspective storytelling and communal themes, and Knocked Loose's You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To, recognized for its raw hardcore intensity and innovative collaborations that elevated DIY punk's visibility.[54] These choices prioritize albums that not only excel musically but also influence broader conversations in alternative music communities. Published as part of the year-end issue and prominently featured online through Rock Sound's "The Album Story" digital series, the list includes in-depth reviews, artist interviews, and contextual features that explore each album's creation and significance.[51][54] This integration has historically amplified fan engagement, with the rankings often sparking online discussions and contributing to heightened awareness of underrepresented rock acts. The feature's digital expansion in the 2020s has allowed for more inclusive input from a wider pool of contributors, enhancing its role as a tastemaking benchmark in the rock media landscape.[57]Rock Sound Awards
The Rock Sound Awards were launched in 2017 as an annual multi-category event recognizing achievements in rock music, with initial categories including Best International Band, exemplified by ONE OK ROCK's win that year.[58] The awards expanded over time, reaching 11 categories by 2025 to honor both emerging and established artists across various aspects of the scene.[59] In 2025, the categories encompassed Best Live Act (won by BABYMETAL), Spirit Of The Scene (Waterparks), Album Of The Year (Sleep Token for Even In Arcadia), Fan Power Award (Xdinary Heroes), Breakthrough Artist (James Marriott), Best International Artist (The Warning), Hall Of Fame (ONE OK ROCK), The DIY Award (The All-American Rejects), Visionary Award (Ghost), Best New Artist (PRESIDENT), and Best British Artist (Yungblud).[59][42] These selections highlight the awards' blend of editorial picks and fan influence, building on Rock Sound's tradition of annual album rankings while extending recognition to live performances, innovation, and career milestones.[60] The awards are presented through collectible magazine issues featuring custom covers of each winner, often bundled with exclusive merchandise such as t-shirts, patches, or posters available via the Rock Sound shop.[61] Since their inception, £1 from every magazine bundle sold has been donated to the One More Light Fund, a mental health charity established in memory of Chester Bennington.[62] Winners and covers are revealed progressively via the Rock Sound website and social media channels, amplifying editorial reach and engaging a global audience of rock enthusiasts.[63]Rock Sound Records
Establishment and Operations
Rock Sound Records was established in 2019 as an in-house record label under the Rock Sound brand, with its inaugural release being a limited-edition cassette of Simple Creatures' debut EP Strange Love, produced in a run of 500 units.[64] This launch marked the label's focus on providing physical media formats for emerging and established artists in the rock and alternative genres, capitalizing on renewed interest in collectible formats among the magazine's readership. The initiative stemmed from the magazine's editorial emphasis on supporting underground and alternative acts through tangible, exclusive products that complemented its coverage. The label's operations center on producing and distributing limited-edition cassettes and vinyl records, primarily for rock and alternative music acts such as Twenty One Pilots, Stand Atlantic, and L.S. Dunes. These releases are handled through Rock Sound's official web store at shop.rocksound.tv, where variants like colored vinyl and alternate artwork are offered as exclusives, often in runs of 500 to 1,000 units to preserve scarcity and appeal. Distribution also includes bundling select releases with magazine issues or subscriptions, enhancing accessibility for subscribers while tying physical products directly to print content. The business model of Rock Sound Records integrates closely with the parent magazine's ecosystem, using exclusive releases to bolster editorial features by providing unique content like signed inserts or variant editions that are promoted in issues. This approach not only generates revenue through direct sales but also fosters artist-magazines synergies, offering bands promotional tie-ins without requiring full label signings, as seen in collaborations where artists remain with major labels. Limited production scales ensure collectible value, appealing to fans' interest in physical media amid a digital-dominated industry. Following the 2023 acquisition of Rock Sound by the WhyNow media group,[8] the label's operations have been positioned as part of broader media diversification efforts, expanding the brand's portfolio beyond publishing into merchandise and music distribution while maintaining its core focus on alternative rock exclusives.Discography
Rock Sound Records specializes in limited-edition physical releases, primarily cassettes and vinyl variants, often created in collaboration with artists featured on the magazine's covers to promote the revival of analog formats in alternative rock, punk, and emo scenes. These exclusives are typically available only through the official Rock Sound store and highlight the label's focus on collectible items for dedicated fans. The following table presents representative releases from 2019 to 2025, showcasing alt-rock acts aligned with the publication's editorial emphasis.| Artist | Title | Release Date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Creatures | Strange Love (EP) | April 2019 | Limited Edition Red Cassette |
| PUP | Morbid Stuff | April 2019 | Limited Edition Lime Cassette (500 copies) |
| Sum 41 | Order in Decline | July 2019 | Limited Edition Red Cassette (500 copies) |
| Four Year Strong | Brain Pain | February 2020 | Limited Edition Fluorescent Green Cassette |
| Dance Gavin Dance | Afterburner | April 2020 | Limited Edition Mint Green Splatter Cassette (300 copies) |
| PUP | The Unraveling of PUPTHEBAND | April 2022 | Limited Edition Green Cassette |
| Taking Back Sunday | 152 | October 2023 | Limited Edition Clear Cassette with Signed Postcard |
| L.S. Dunes | Violet | January 2025 | Limited Edition Violet Cassette |
| Stand Atlantic | WAS HERE | August 2024 | Limited Edition Red Cassette |
| The Home Team | The Crucible of Life | July 2024 | Limited Edition Gold Cassette |
| The Offspring | Supercharged | October 2024 | Limited Edition Sky Blue Cassette |
| Michael Clifford | SIDEQUEST | July 2025 | Exclusive Clear Shell Cassette (300 copies) |
| I Prevail | Violent Nature | September 2025 | Limited Red Tint Cassette (150 copies) |






