Adrien Begrand

Adrien Begrand has been writing for PopMatters since 2002, and has been writing his metal column Blood & Thunder since 2005. A regular contributor to Decibel, Terrorizer, Iron Fist, NPR, and more, he resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Follow and interact with him on Twitter and Instagram.
A Hardwired Triumph for Metallica

A Hardwired Triumph for Metallica

Metallica has perfected the arena rock experience, creating as immersive and inclusive an atmosphere as possible by performing "in the round".

Ghost’s ‘Prequelle’ Subverts Metal Clichés and It Has a Strong Sense of History

Ghost’s ‘Prequelle’ Subverts Metal Clichés and It Has a Strong Sense of History

Beneath the catchy melodies and snazzy artwork, Ghost have created one of the cleverest heavy metal records in recent memory with Prequelle.

The Musical Magic of FME

The Musical Magic of FME

Music, food, art, beer, culture, and staggering northern scenery combine over the course of Labor Day weekend to create an experience like none other.

The Best Metal of 2016

The Best Metal of 2016

Adrien Begrand celebrates the best heavy metal of the year in all of its thrilling diversity.
Metallica: Hardwired… to Self Destruct

Metallica: Hardwired… to Self Destruct

The metal greats' first proper album in eight years shows a renewed commitment to discipline, craftsmanship, and best of all, fun.
The 2016 Saskatchewan Jazz Festival

The 2016 Saskatchewan Jazz Festival

Ms. Lauryn Hill, Metric, and Hiromi highlighted a diverse opening weekend of the 30th annual festival.
Opeth: Deliverance & Damnation

Opeth: Deliverance & Damnation

Thirteen years after their release, two of Opeth's most important albums have been reissued in this essential new package.
The Inimitable Lemmy Kilmister

The Inimitable Lemmy Kilmister

Lemmy lived an extraordinary life, but best of all he made some of the greatest music in rock 'n' roll history.
DARIUSTX – ‘V. The Angels of Goliad’ (album stream) (premiere)

DARIUSTX – ‘V. The Angels of Goliad’ (album stream) (premiere)

The Texas-born, LA-based composer offers a rich exploration of Americana on his new album.
Doctrin – “Give Me Love” (video) (premiere)

Doctrin – “Give Me Love” (video) (premiere)

The popular Australian artist sets her sights on America with her new video.
Violent Mae – “Birthday” (audio) (premiere)

Violent Mae – “Birthday” (audio) (premiere)

The guitar/drums duo add bass to their sound courtesy a bass guitar owned by a late legend.
Marc Almond – “Snake Charmer” (audio) (premiere)

Marc Almond – “Snake Charmer” (audio) (premiere)

The great singer-songwriter contributes a dazzling performance to the new Hannibal soundtrack.