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Riff Culture Blog
Your go-to source for the latest in guitar news, tips, and artist spotlights!



The Forbidden Riff: Why You Can’t Play It in Music Stores
Walk into any guitar shop, grab a guitar off the wall, plug into an amp… and there it is. That feeling. The uncontrollable urge to play those first few notes. Before you even finish the phrase, you sense it, someone behind the counter looks up. A staff member appears. The air shifts. You stop playing. Congratulations. You’ve just encountered the legend of the Forbidden Riff.


Black Sabbath Release Paranoid (1971)
On January 7th 1971, Black Sabbath released Paranoid in the United States, an album that didn’t just follow their debut, but set the blueprint for heavy metal. Originally released in the UK in 1970, Paranoid crossed the Atlantic and quickly established Sabbath as one of the heaviest, most uncompromising bands in rock history.


Artist Spotlight: Justus Hajas
Justus Hajas found his escape through guitar at a young age, turning chaos into creativity. Blending metal, experimental tones, and unexpected influences like hyperpop, his sound is constantly evolving. From shaping his tone with Soldano amp sims to pushing boundaries with synth pedals, Justus is always chasing the next idea. This artist spotlight dives into his journey, mindset, and what’s fueling his music today.


Doll Fest: Inside the Femme-Powered Festival Becoming a Movement
What began as a single idea has quickly grown into something much larger. Doll Fest isn’t just a music festival, it’s a community, a statement, and a space intentionally built for those who have too often been pushed to the margins of the music world.


Why Old Rock Songs Are Going Viral on TikTok (and What Guitarists Can Learn)
Why are decades-old riffs suddenly blowing up on TikTok? In this post, we dive into the surprising rise of classic rock songs across modern social media, and what’s driving a whole new generation to rediscover the legends.


Inside the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class
Take a look inside the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class, this year’s legends, surprises, and standout moments you don’t want to miss.


Deftones return with Private Music
The wait is over, Deftones are back with their 10th studio album, Private Music, released on August 16, 2025. Known for blending heavy aggression with ethereal atmospheres, Deftones once again prove why they remain one of the most influential bands in alternative metal.


Rise Against Fires Back with Ricochet + Fall Tour with Papa Roach
Chicago punk heroes Rise Against are back with a vengeance: their tenth studio album, Ricochet, drops August 15, 2025, via Loma Vista, marking their first full-length record in four years.


Sleep Token - Even In Arcadia & Their Rising Arc
Since their 2016 debut as masked enigma-creators from London, Sleep Token have steadfastly forged their own path, one that defies genre, expectation, and convention.


Zakk Wylde: Carrying Ozzy’s Legacy Forward
With the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, Zakk Wylde, Ozzy’s longtime guitarist and close friend, has stepped into a new role: torchbearer of the legacy.


Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal’s Prince of Darkness, Passes Away at 76 Years Old
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and icon of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed on July 22 2025.


Alice Cooper: Revenge of Alice Cooper
After more than five decades, shock rock legend Alice Cooper has reunited with the surviving members of his original band for a brand-new studio album. Titled The Revenge of Alice Cooper, the album drops July 25, 2025


Gibson’s Music City Special: 50th anniversary
Gibson’s Music City Special: A Limited-Run Riff Machine


Motörhead Unleashes 'The Manticore Tapes'
Legendary rock band Motörhead releases The Manticore Tapes, an explosive archival studio album that takes fans straight back to the raw roots of heavy metal.


Ozzy’s Last Ride: Ozzy Osbourne
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for his final concert ever, with Black Sabbath, at Villa Park in Birmingham, their hometown.


Five Must-Watch Films For Guitar Enthusiasts
Five Must-Watch Films For Guitar Enthusiasts


Top 10 Campfire Riffs You Need To Know
Gathering around a campfire with friends, sharing stories, and strumming guitars under the starlit sky is a cherished tradition.


How to Amplify Your Band's Presence in 2025: Navigating Social Media, Streaming, and Modern Marketing
How to Amplify Your Band's Presence in 2025: Navigating Social Media, Streaming, and Modern Marketing


How to Build a Strong Band Identity: Branding Tips for Musicians and Bands
Building a distinct identity can help a band stand out, attract loyal followers, and even shape the kind of music they’re known for!


Top 5 Mistakes New Guitar Players Make and How to Correct Them
Learning to play the guitar is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges.
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