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.

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.

Hailing from Chico, California, Bloodsugar is an alt-rock band fueled by distortion, vulnerability, and catharsis.

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 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.

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.

Meet Multi Ultra. Nashville Indie Rock Powerhouse

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

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.

Meet Blackjacket: LA’s New Heavy-Hitting Contender. Born from the depths of LA’s rock scene, Blackjacket is a fresh band with seasoned roots. Their debut at the Schecter Party during NAMM turned heads, and had the crowd singing along like they’d known the lyrics for years. With heavy riffs, big choruses, and a fearless approach to genre, Blackjacket isn’t just starting strong, they’re coming in swinging.

Against The Sun is a melodic metal-core band out of Southern California blending emotional honesty with headbanging heaviness.

Five Must-Watch Films For Guitar Enthusiasts

NYC's King Falcon blends classic rock swagger with indie flair. Their self-titled debut album is out now.

Gathering around a campfire with friends, sharing stories, and strumming guitars under the starlit sky is a cherished tradition.

Punk rock is not just a genre; it's a cultural movement that has challenged societal norms and expressed the frustrations of generations.

"Iron Man" by Black Sabbath is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable guitar riffs in rock history.

When you think of the grunge revolution of the early '90s, one song often stands out as its defining anthem: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

In the pantheon of metal, few riffs command as much reverence as the opening riff of Metallica's "Master of Puppets."

"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin is a cornerstone of rock music, featuring one of the most recognizable and powerful guitar riffs.

"Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable guitar riffs in rock history.