Step into the loud, unapologetic world of heavy metal with best mates Sam and Luke. Each episode of Headbang Theory will dive deep into the genre we love and have grown up with, covering legendary bands, rising acts you need to know, the latest shows and the big debates around who deserves the spotlight at festivals.
From the roots of metal to its evolving future, we bring our own experiences of seeing bands, our unfiltered opinions, and the latest news straight to your ears. Whether you're a lifelong headbanger or just getting started, plug in and join the ride through everything heavy metal
Sometimes you buy a ticket to see the headline band… and the support act ends up stealing the show.
In this episode, we look back at some of the best support acts we've ever seen, from incredible live performers and future headliners to bands that deserve far more attention.
Who blew us away? Which support acts have gone on to become huge? And have we ever seen a support band that was simply better than the main event?
🎸 Expect plenty of great bands, big performances and some serious live music memories.
Who would you put on your list of the best support acts ever?
🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation.
25 Sept 2026
Slipknot's new single & Riff Association Pt3
Slipknot are back with a new single — but what do we make of it?
In this episode, we dive into the latest track from one of metal's biggest bands, discussing the sound, the riffs and what it could mean for Slipknot's next chapter.
Then it's time for Riff Association Part 3 — another round of instantly recognisable guitar riffs, unexpected connections and plenty of debate.
Two topics, one episode, and a lot of riffs to get stuck in your head.
🎙️ Listen now and let us know what you think of Slipknot's new single — and how you'd get on in Riff Association!
18 Sept 2026
The best metal cover songs
What makes a great metal cover? Is it about staying faithful to the original, completely reinventing the song, or simply delivering a performance that blows the original away?
In this episode, we dive into some of the best metal covers, from unexpected interpretations to legendary versions that have become classics in their own right.
We discuss the bands, the songs, the performances and what makes certain covers stand out — while asking the ultimate question: can a cover actually be better than the original?
🎙️ Listen now and let us know which metal cover deserves a place on the list.
11 Sept 2026
Season 2 Launch: The State of Metal in 2026 & 2027 Predictions
Season 2 of Headbang Theory is here 🤘!
After a huge summer of festivals, tours and unforgettable shows, we look back at the biggest moments from a glorious summer of heavy metal in 2026. But we're not just looking backwards... We also take aim at summer 2027 and discuss what the metal gods could have in store for us.
Join us as we talk about the bands who owned the summer, who put in the top performances people will still be talking about next year and our predictions for the bands set to break through in 2027. We also take a sideways look at whether we could see any 'robotic' performances in the next festival cycle. Listen now to find out more, and welcome back to Headband Theory
17 Jul 2026
Season 1 Finale: Nostalgia, New Music & What's Next
It's the end of Season 1, and we're turning the amps up one last time before we take a break. In this finale, we're looking back at My Chemical Romance’s recent London shows, the bands that make us nostalgic and we ask, why does nostalgia sell? And should we be buying?
We'll also dive into what we’ve been listening to, who we’re excited to see and the bands that should be on your radar. Expect plenty of nostalgia, honest opinions, and a glimpse into the surprises and what's in store for Season 2.
Whether you've been headbanging with us since Episode 1 or you've only recently joined the mosh pit, thank you for all the support. Crank it loud, raise the horns, and join us as we close out Season 1 in true metal fashion.
Stay heavy. We'll see you in Season 2. 🤘
10 Jul 2026
Metallica's no repeat London weekend with Gojira and Knocked Loose
As Metallica rolled into London for two huge nights, we were there to take it all in. In this episode, we break down the performances, the atmosphere, and whether the metal legends lived up to the hype.
From Gojira's crushing support set to Knocked Loose bringing pure chaos, we discuss the standout moments, the biggest surprises, and what made this one of the must-see metal events of the year. We also share our experience of the official Metallica pop-up shop, the exclusive merch, and whether it was worth the queues.
Whether you were in the crowd, watched from afar, or are just a die-hard Metallica fan, join us as we relive an unforgettable weekend of world-class metal, incredible performances, and everything that made Metallica's return to London hard to miss.
3 Jul 2026
Metallica in London, songs, setlist and the support
Metallica are back in London, so there's only one thing for it, our ultimate Metallica song draft! It's time to put their legendary catalogue to the test.
In this episode, we look forward to getting into the snake-pit in London and celebrating one of the biggest bands in heavy metal by going head-to-head in the first-ever Headbang Theory Metallica Song Draft. Taking turns to pick tracks from every era of the band's career, we build our ultimate Metallica playlist.
Along the way, we reflect on past shows, Metallica's enduring legacy, what makes their music timeless, and why they remain one of the most influential live acts in the world. We also discuss our love of support acts Knocked Loose and Gojira.
Who built the better list? You'll have to decide in our poll below.
And this is just the beginning... If you enjoy the draft format, let us know which band you'd like to see us tackle next, because this definitely won't be the last draft on Headbang Theory.
26 Jun 2026
Riff Association: Part 2
Riff Association is back for Part 2, and things are getting even more ridiculous. This time Sam gives his answers on quick-fire riff riddles, impossible choices, and the challenge of finding the perfect riff for life's most random situations.
From awkward social encounters and festival disasters to everyday frustrations and moments of pure triumph, join us as Sam digs deep into his memory for the perfect riffs that best capture everyday chaos. Expect bigger debates, more questionable answers, and plenty of laughs as we continue to prove that every situation in life can be summed up by a great riff.
Think you can do better? Play along and see if your riff choices match ours as Riff Association rolls on. You can catch Luke's top Riff Association answers in Riff Association Part 1.
19 Jun 2026
The Download Lowdown
It was a weekend packed with riffs, pits, unforgettable performances, and plenty of controversy. Join us as we look back on Download Festival 2026 and break down everything that made this year's event one to remember.
From headline sets by Limp Bizkit, Guns N' Roses, and Linkin Park to the breakout performances that stole the show, we share our favourite moments, biggest surprises, and the bands we wish we could go back and watch all over again.
We also dive into the stories that had everyone talking — from near record-breaking attendance figures, the infamous ferris wheel incident, to the stricter-than-ever security measures that divided opinion across the festival.
And with another Download now in the history books, attention turns to 2027. Who could headline? Which bands are ready to make the leap to the top of the bill? Join us as we relive an incredible weekend and start looking ahead to the next chapter of the UK's biggest rock and metal festival
12 Jun 2026
Riff Association: Part 1
Welcome to Riff Association: Part 1.
In this new quick-fire episode, we put our knowledge of top riffs to the test by matching our favourites to riffs to everyday situations, random scenarios, and ridiculous questions.
What riff best describes getting stuck at work, or realising somebody else has eaten your lunch? Which riff captures that Friday beer feeling? And what plays in your head when you check your bank account after buying those tour tickets? No scenario is off limits.
Expect plenty of laughs, some heated debates, and a lot of great riffs as we try to prove that there's a perfect riff for literally every moment. Let us know if you agree with our quick-fire choices.
5 Jun 2026
Our dream festival headliners
What makes the perfect festival line-up?
In this episode, we build our ultimate festival bill made up of our dream headliners - alive or dead - and the opening acts we'd choose to kick off the each day of the biggest weekend in rock and metal.
From stadium-filling legends to rising stars ready for their breakthrough, we debate who deserves the top spot and which bands would set the tone from the very first note. Expect big picks, controversial choices, and plenty of discussion about what makes a truly unforgettable festival show.
Whether you're a fan of classic metal, modern heavyweights, or the next generation of bands, this episode is packed with hopes and dreams, nostalgia, and enough metal talk to get you pumped for your next live show.
29 May 2026
Guilty Pleasures
Every metalhead has them. Those bands, songs, or albums they secretly love but would never admit to it. In this episode, we reveal some of our heavy metal guilty pleasures and dive into the tracks that somehow found their way onto our playlists.
From unexpected pop influences to cheesy anthems and controversial favourites, nothing is off limits. Expect laughs, questionable music tastes, and a reminder that sometimes a great song is just a great song no matter how un-metal it might seem. Sam also gives his hot take on Australian metalers Speed's recent UK run.
22 May 2026
Our rock and roll hall of fame 2026 picks
Who deserves a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026?
We make our picks and dive into the artists we believe have earned their spot in music history.
From legendary metal pioneers to hard rock icons and overlooked favourites, we debate who should get the nod, who’s been snubbed for too long, and which bands truly changed the face of heavy music.
Expect passionate arguments, controversial takes, and plenty of love for the artists that shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
15 May 2026
Download 2026: Our must-see bands
Download Festival 2026 is going to be massive, so we decided to break it down for our first ever episode.
We've taken a look at our top five must-see bands for this year, from iconic heavyweights we know will bring the party to the breakout acts ready to make waves over the weekend, we've picked the sets you absolutely can’t miss.
Expect strong opinions, a few disagreements, and plenty of hype as we dive into who’s worth your time and who might surprise you. Whether you’ve got your ticket or you’re just watching from afar, this is our list of the essential acts of the Download weekend.
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