Blog
-
The 31 Best Rock + Metal Songs of the 2020s (2020-2025)
The 2020s are racing by. Let's catch up on the decade with the best rock and metal songs so far. Continue reading… -
DOMINUM Present New Single “Doctor Doctor“ + Official Video!
DOMINUM, the rising stars of modern metal, unveil the second track cut from their upcoming full-length Night Is Calling, set for release on July 3, 2026, via Napalm Records. The infectious anthem, entitled “Doctor Doctor,” is driven by crushing riffs and irresistible hooks, showcasing the band’s signature blend of theatrical horror themes and massive sing-along choruses, destined to […] -
Breaking Benjamin Teasing “Something Wicked” For The Weekend
Just in time for ‘Welcome To Rockville’ by the looks of it.
The post Breaking Benjamin Teasing “Something Wicked” For The Weekend appeared first on Theprp.com.
-
Ian Watkins Prison Murder: Chilling Court Details Emerge in Trial of Accused Inmates
LISTEN: Latest Metal News on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast
WAKEFIELD, UK — Chilling new details have emerged in the trial of two inmates accused of the prison murder of disgraced ex-Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins. The prosecution has laid out a precise timeline of the October 11, 2025, stabbing at HMP Wakefield, revealing a calculated attack that allegedly saw the musician bleeding out from his neck in the prison wing less than an hour before being pronounced dead.
TL;DR: The Key Takeaways
- The Incident: Ian Watkins was fatally stabbed in his cell on October 11, 2025, while serving a 29-year sentence for child sex crimes.
- The Accused: Rashid Gedel (25) is accused of the murder, while Samuel Dodsworth (44) is charged with disposing of the weapon.
- The Evidence: CCTV footage allegedly shows Gedel entering Watkins’ cell for 20 seconds before handing an item to Dodsworth.
- The Motive: The court heard of threatening notes sent to Watkins regarding “nonce prisoners” and a dispute over a fellow inmate being kicked off the wing.
- The Quote: Upon his arrest, Gedel allegedly told staff, “If I’ve killed him, you could be talking to someone famous.”
A Calculated Strike: 20 Seconds in Cell 23
According to the BBC, the trial is currently moving through the British court system and has shed light on the final moments of one of the most reviled figures in rock history. According to the prosecution, Rashid Gedel entered Watkins’ cell just 20 minutes after the morning unlock. In a window of only 20 seconds, Gedel allegedly used an improvised shank to stab Watkins three times in the head and neck.
Shortly after the suspect exited, Watkins emerged from his cell covered in blood. Despite the efforts of prison paramedics, the singer could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead within the hour. CCTV footage presented to the jury reportedly shows Gedel passing the murder weapon to Samuel Dodsworth, who was then seen discarding an item in a bin where the bloodied shank was later recovered by police.
We Also Recommend – 13 Metal Songs That Were Banned—And The Real Reasons Still Shock Fans
“Treated Like Royalty”: The Alleged Motive
The court heard that the tension leading up to the murder had been mounting for days. Watkins had reportedly received two threatening notes the day before his death, demanding money and accusing him of having another prisoner removed from the wing.
Gedel, who had only been moved into Watkins’ wing 24 hours prior to the attack, was described by authorities as being “perky” following the incident. He allegedly told police that he took issue with “nonce prisoners” being “treated like royalty” within the HMP Wakefield system. Both Gedel and Dodsworth have denied the charges as the trial continues.
The Legacy of a Disgraced Icon
Ian Watkins was sentenced in 2013 for a series of horrific child sex offenses that shocked the global music community. His incarceration at HMP Wakefield—often referred to as “Monster Mansion”—placed him alongside some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals. While Watkins’ death marks the final chapter of a dark era in Welsh rock, the ongoing trial focuses strictly on the legality of the violence carried out within the prison walls.
Check This Out – The Black Book of Metal: 13 Heavy Metal Scandals That Shook the Music World
FAQ: The Ian Watkins Murder Trial
How did Ian Watkins die? Watkins died from three stab wounds to the head and neck inflicted by an improvised weapon in his prison cell at HMP Wakefield.
Who is on trial for the murder of Ian Watkins? Inmates Rashid Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth are currently on trial. Gedel is accused of the stabbing, while Dodsworth is accused of helping hide the weapon.
When was Ian Watkins killed? The attack took place on the morning of October 11, 2025.
Band Bio: Lostprophets (Disbanded)
Formed in 1997 in Pontypridd, Wales, Lostprophets were once leaders of the UK nu-metal and alternative rock scene, achieving multi-platinum success with albums like Start Something. The band’s legacy was permanently dismantled in 2012 following the arrest of frontman Ian Watkins. The remaining members subsequently formed No Devotion with singer Geoff Rickly, distancing themselves entirely from their former vocalist.
STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of today’s stories on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the 2026 hard rock and metal 24/7 on our digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.
The post Ian Watkins Prison Murder: Chilling Court Details Emerge in Trial of Accused Inmates appeared first on Loaded Radio.
-
Hayley Williams Announces “The Hayley Williams Show” Tour Dates With Magdalena Bay & Rico Nasty
The Hayley Williams Show is coming to a city near you. Currently, the Paramore musician is on her first-ever solo tour supporting her recent album Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party. Today, she’s announcing dates for The Hayley Williams Show, which will showcase music from across the musician’s three solo albums. The press release also hints that there will be “some exciting surprises.”
The post Hayley Williams Announces “The Hayley Williams Show” Tour Dates With Magdalena Bay & Rico Nasty appeared first on Stereogum.
-
Being As An Ocean Premiere New Single “None But One”
It seems “Dear G-d… Vol. 2” is on the horizon.
The post Being As An Ocean Premiere New Single “None But One” appeared first on Theprp.com.
-
COUCOU CHLOE – “Candyland”
COUCOU CHLOE started off the year with “Venom.” Now, the London-based artist has returned with “Candyland,” a hype-heavy and woozy nightmare of a single. The sound is terrifying, but so is the video: there’s clown masks, blurred out faces, and strobe-lighting that screams homemade slasher film than club. Self-produced and sonically unhinged, “Candyland” pushes COUCOU…
The post COUCOU CHLOE – “Candyland” appeared first on Stereogum.
-
Fans React: Alissa White-Gluz joins DragonForce | The internet weighs in
With the news of Alissa White-Gluz joining DragonForce, fans have gone wild on the internet with excitement, confusion for some, doubt for others, and generally high expectations for the new union. Here is a collection of some of our favorite reactions to the news from X.
The post Fans React: Alissa White-Gluz joins DragonForce | The internet weighs in first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.
-
Magi Merlin – “So Smart”
I wish being kinder to myself were something I could set an alarm for, something I could check off like a simple to-do list task. But it isn’t. It’s hard. It’s a process, something you work at slowly, tracking the progress the way you would work toward a personal best. Montréal-based artist Magi Merlin bottles…
The post Magi Merlin – “So Smart” appeared first on Stereogum.
-
RaiNao – “GRIS”
Puerto Rican artist RaiNao has returned with her first single of the year. The sublime new track is called “GRIS.” Last year, RaiNao released a few singles, including “sofocón” and collabs “MiuMiu” and “Suerte.” She also featured on Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS for the track “PERFuMITO NUEVO.” She hasn’t put out a larger project since…
The post RaiNao – “GRIS” appeared first on Stereogum.