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In this issue of Metal Hammer, Slipknot’s Corey, Mick, Sid and Jim grant us a tense but entertaining audience, and we celebrate Judas Priest’s big 5-0 by counting down their 50 best songs. Needless to say, there were fisticuffs in the office trying to debate THAT one… Parkway Drive put the doubters in their place ahead of their Bloodstock headline set, Gene Simmons spills the beans on the worst Kiss merch on the market, Grand Magus’s JB reveals what’s on his playlist (spoiler alert: there’s no trance) and Bury Tomorrow’s Dani gives us some life lessons. We find out how a huge power cut inspired one of Saxon’s finest tracks, hit the studio with Steel Panther to ask them why they’ve decided to change it up and write songs about the rise of technology (OK, we lied about that second bit), and chat to Mongolian metal sensations The Hu. We get all existential with Damim, find out where it all went wrong for Xentrix (and how they’re having another crack at the whip) and explore the Syrian metal scene in the wake of a brutal civil war. We look back at the birth of grindcore, get spiritual with Perry Farrell, and investigate why the first Rock In Rio festival was so groundbreaking. Plus we bring you all the vital news and reviews, and a free Slipknot-themed CD!