Revolver (magazine)

Last updated

Revolver
Revolver Magazine logo.svg
Linkin Park Revolver.jpg
Cover for the August/September 2014 issue featuring Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park
Editor in ChiefBrandon Geist
Categories Music magazine
FrequencyBi-monthly
Circulation 100,000
Founder
  • Tom Beaujour
  • Brad Tolinksi
First issueSpring 2000
CompanyProject M Group LLC
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Website revolvermag.com
ISSN 1527-408X

Revolver is an American heavy metal music and hard rock magazine, published by Project M Group. It was originally launched under Harris Publications in the spring of 2000 by Tom Beaujour and Brad Tolinksi, who envisioned it as an American version of Mojo . After five issues, it was relaunched in late 2001 with a focus on heavy music. The magazine features both established acts and up-and-comers in heavy music.

Contents

Publication history

Revolver was originally conceived by Tom Beaujour and Brad Tolinksi, whom both had experience working for the Harris Publications magazine Guitar World . [1] Beaujour was hired by Tolinski as an intern at the magazine in 1993, later becoming its managing editor, before quitting on January 1, 1998, to pursue touring with a band he was in. [1] A year later, Beajour quit his band and was re-hired by Tolinski to do some freelancing work for Guitar World, at which point they began discussing the idea of Revolver magazine, which they envisioned it as an American version of Mojo . [1] Beaujour claimed that Harris Publications involvement in the magazine was "a legitimate reward" for Tolinski, as he had, by extension of turning Guitar World into a successful publication, "[taken] Harris from a ghetto place that did crossword puzzle books to a serious [business]." [1]

Revolver's first issue, featuring Jim Morrison on the cover, was published in the spring of 2000 with the tagline "The World's Most Wanted Music Magazine". [1] The issue "sold abominably". [1] The magazine then put Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit on the cover of the second issue, and U2 on the cover of its third. Beaujour would later described the latter as its "worst cover": "It was astonishing. [Their] record was doing great but the issue did not sell". [1] After the publication of its fifth issue (featuring Led Zeppelin on the cover) in May/June 2001, Harris Publications told Beaujour that Revolver was "done". [1] By this point, Dennis Publishing, who had considered purchasing Revolver in November 2000, had launched Blender , [2] which Idolator claimed "enacted everything Revolver wanted to [do] with much more verve." [3] Beaujour and Tolinski later attributed a lack of direction, both editorially and with its writers, and the costs of its writers as contributing factors to the publication's initial downfall. [1] [4] When asked what he learnt from the failure of the original Revolver magazine by Rockcritics In 2004, Beaujor said: [1]

[Know] what your magazine is. That's important. I mean, people didn't buy it. And I made a bunch of stupid judgments and errors. But remember this. If you can't explain in five words or less what it is, forget it. And that was the problem with the original Revolver.

Despite its failure, Harris Publications was reluctant to end Revolver's publication; according to Tolinski, "[they said] to me, 'The name of magazine is so great, I really don’t want to kill it, but I don’t want to go broke either — any ideas?". [4] The publisher suggested turning it into a quarterly classic rock magazine, whilst Tolinski suggested going in a harder direction towards heavy metal, feeling it would be cheaper and have a more focused audience. [1] [4] Beaujour stated: "We talked about it a lot. Classic rock is starting to falter in the newsstand world. We learned that at Revolver and at Guitar World. So we decided to make it metal." [1] After agreeing its new direction, Tolinski departed the magazine and Beaujour moved from its executive editor to its editor-in-chief. [1]

The relaunched, metal-focused Revolver launched with its September/October 2001 issue featuring Slipknot on the cover, now bearing the tagline "The World's Loudest Rock Magazine". [1] According to Beaujor, "It sold. It sold well." [1] From 2001 until 2016, Pantera and Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul wrote an advice column in the magazine. [5] [6] [7] Lacuna Coil vocalist Cristina Scabbia began writing an advice column for the magazine from 2005 onwards, something she credited to Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe. [8] [9]

In March 2006, Harris sold the magazine to Future US, Inc. for US$4 million. [10] [11] At the point of sale, the magazine had gross profits of $500,000 from a turnover of $3.7 million. [10] [11] In 2012, Future plc sold Revolver to NewBay Media. [12] In May 2017, Revolver was bought by Project M Group LLC. [13] In the fall of that year, the magazine underwent a brand relaunch, including a redesigned print edition and website, intended to embody the art and culture of heavy music. [13]

Epiphone Revolver Music Awards

The Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 2009 by Revolver magazine. [14] Originally called the Revolver Golden God Awards they went on hiatus in 2015 and came back in 2016. [15]

Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock

From 2006 until 2017, Revolver annually published a feature/issue/calendar of the "Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock" (known as "Hottest Chicks in Metal" until 2011). [16] [17] Conceived by then-Revolver editor-in-chief Tom Beaujour, the first edition of the feature (titled "The 13 Sexiest Chicks in Metal"), published in March 2006, became the second best-selling issue in the magazine's history behind their March 2005 Dimebag Darrell tribute issue. [16] It would serve as the inspiration for the "Hottest Chick in Metal" award at the Golden God Awards (until it was removed in 2011), [18] [19] [20] as well the "Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock Tour", from 2011 until 2015. [20] [21] The feature was last published in Revolver's April/May 2017 issue, [22] after which it was discontinued following the magazine's acquisition by Project M Group. [23] [24]

Because Revolver did not feature many female acts in their magazine outside of the feature (at the time), several publications and commentators perceived the feature as, and frequently criticized it for being, sexist in its portrayal of women in rock and metal. [16] [17] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] Metal Edge (2006) and Decibel (2012) produced their own one-off issues covering women in metal in response to the feature. [16] [31] In February 2010, Angela Gossow, then-vocalist of Arch Enemy and a former participant in the feature, slammed Revolver for featuring an image she did not want used in the 2010 "Hottest Chicks" feature, and called it "an embarrassment for female musicians, who actually are musicians." [32] Revolver argued that the "Hottest Chicks" feature was empowering to women; [31] in 2011, editor Brandon Geist responded to criticism of the feature by claiming that because the women who appeared in the feature did so voluntarily, critics were being "extremely condescending to the women involved to act as if YOU know better than they do what is right for THEM". [17] Kim Kelly, writing for The Atlantic , criticized Geist's response as avoiding and trivialising the problem addressed by his critics. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthrax (American band)</span> American thrash metal band

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is part of the "Big Four" of the genre, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They were also one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast. The band's current lineup consists of Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais. Anthrax's lineup has changed numerous times over their career, leaving Ian as the only constant member of the band. Ian and Benante are the only two members to appear on all of Anthrax's albums, while Bello has been a member of Anthrax since 1984, replacing Lilker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slash (musician)</span> British-American guitarist

Saul Hudson, known professionally as Slash, is a British-American musician who serves as the lead guitarist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Slash has received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest guitarists in history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lacuna Coil</span> Italian gothic metal band

Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band from Milan. Since their formation in 1994, the group has had two name changes, being previously known as Sleep of Right and Ethereal, and they have recorded nine studio albums, two extended plays, two live albums, two compilation albums, one video album, and sixteen singles and music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mudvayne</span> American metal band

Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band formed in Peoria, Illinois, in 1996. Known for their sonic experimentation, face and body paint, masks and uniforms, the band has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three million in the United States. The group consists of guitarist Greg Tribbett, drummer Matthew McDonough, lead vocalist Chad Gray, and bassist Ryan Martinie. The band became popular in the late-1990s Peoria underground music scene, and they found success with the single "Dig" from their debut album L.D. 50 (2000). After releasing four more albums and touring relentlessly for nearly a decade, Mudvayne went on hiatus in 2010. They reunited in 2021 and continue to perform live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velvet Revolver</span> American hard rock supergroup

Velvet Revolver was an American hard rock supergroup consisting of Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth, and Scott Weiland formerly of Stone Temple Pilots. The band formed in 2002 and was active until 2008, when Weiland left the band abruptly to rejoin Stone Temple Pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamb of God (band)</span> American heavy metal band

Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994 as Burn the Priest, the group consists of bassist John Campbell, vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, and drummer Art Cruz. The band is considered a significant member of the new wave of American heavy metal movement.

<i>Guitar World</i> Monthly music magazine

Guitar World is a monthly music magazine for guitarists – and fans of guitar-based music and trends – that has been published since July 1980. Guitar World, the best-selling guitar magazine in the United States, contains original artist interviews and profiles, plus lessons/columns, gear reviews, news and exclusive tablature of three songs per issue. The magazine is published 13 times per year by Future plc. Damian Fanelli has been Guitar World's Editor-in-Chief since June 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halestorm</span> American rock band

Halestorm is an American rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith. Siblings Lzzy and Arejay founded the band in 1997. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2009 through Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lzzy Hale</span> American rock musician (born 1983)

Elizabeth Mae "Lzzy" Hale IV is an American musician. She serves as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of hard rock band Halestorm, which she co-founded with her brother Arejay Hale in 1997. She is also the "acting front person" for heavy metal band Skid Row.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volbeat</span> Danish rock band

Volbeat are a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll and heavy metal. Their current line-up consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen, drummer Jon Larsen, and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen. The band is signed to Dutch label Mascot Records and has released eight studio albums and one DVD. Their second album Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil received platinum status, and their 2010 release Beyond Hell/Above Heaven was subject to widespread international critical acclaim, receiving triple platinum in Denmark and Austria, double platinum in Sweden, platinum in Canada, 5x Gold in Germany, and gold in both Finland and the United States. Volbeat's most recent studio album, Servant of the Mind, was released in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In This Moment</span> American rock band

In This Moment is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Jesse Landry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maria Brink</span> American singer (born 1977)

Maria Brink is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the frontwoman of the metal band In This Moment. The band has gone on to release seven studio albums and receive four nominations, two from Alternative Press Music Awards, one from Grammy Awards, and one from Loudwire Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Agonist</span> Canadian metal band

The Agonist was a Canadian metalcore band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2004. The last known lineup consisted of lead guitarist Danny Marino, bassist Chris Kells, drummer Simon Mckay, rhythm guitarist Pascal "Paco" Jobin and lead vocalist Vicky Psarakis, who joined in March 2014 following the departure of vocalist and founding member Alissa White-Gluz.

<i>obZen</i> 2008 studio album by Meshuggah

obZen is the sixth studio album by Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. It was released in Europe on 7 March 2008, and in North America on 11 March 2008 by Nuclear Blast. Tomas Haake made his return as a studio drummer for the record after the Drumkit from Hell drum software was used on Catch Thirtythree. It is also the first album on which bassist Dick Lovgren performs despite having been a member of the band since 2004; this is due to the bass having been digitally programmed on the previous album, Catch Thirtythree, and the bass having been performed by guitarist Fredrik Thordendal on the previous I EP. The release of the album was followed by their first world tour. A music video was filmed for a shorter version of the song "Bleed". A two-disc vinyl re-issue was released on 22 March 2019 through Nuclear Blast. A remastered version was released 31 March 2023 for the 15th anniversary through Atomic Fire.

Cilver is a rock band from New York City. Originally formed as MeTalkPretty in 2006, the group changed their name in 2013. The band, fronted by Romanian immigrant Uliana Preotu, has enjoyed one hit single, I'm America, which charted in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghost (Swedish band)</span> Swedish rock band

Ghost is a Swedish rock band known for its distinctive blend of theatricality, heavy metal, and arena rock. Formed in Linköping in 2006, the band first gained attention with their 2010 three-track demo, followed by the 7-inch vinyl "Elizabeth" and their debut album, Opus Eponymous. This album, nominated for a Grammis and featuring the song "Ritual"—listed by Kerrang! as one of "The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever"—catapulted them to international recognition.

Brad Tolinski was the editor-in-chief of Guitar World Magazine for 25 years (1989–2015). He also served as editorial director of NewBay Media's music division, which also includes Guitar Aficionado and Revolver magazines. He then moved to Harris Publications as the editorial director of special projects, and then became editorial director of special projects for AMG Parade in New York City. Currently he is the editor of Cannabliss, a new magazine focusing on health, wellness and cannabis published by Centennial Media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiritbox</span> Canadian heavy metal band

Spiritbox is a Canadian heavy metal band, originally from Victoria, British Columbia, publicly established by guitarist Mike Stringer and vocalist Courtney LaPlante in October 2017. The band's full lineup comprises married couple LaPlante and Stringer alongside drummer Zev Rose, and bassist Josh Gilbert. The band's style incorporates electronic elements and draws from a variety of influences, crossing multiple metal subgenres with its roots in metalcore and progressive metal. Their music is currently released through their label, Pale Chord, via a partnership with Rise Records.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Ward, Steven (2004). "Interview with Tom Beaujour". rockcritics.com. Archived from the original on November 29, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  2. ↑ Colford, Paul (December 5, 2000). "Maxim Publisher Has Music in Mind". New York Daily News . Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ ""Revolver" Takes Aim At Metal's Devoted Fans". idolator. March 4, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 Ward, Steven (October 13, 2011). "Brad Tolinski: Interview with Guitar World's Top Gear Head". RockCritics.com. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  5. ↑ Revolver Staff (July 2, 2018). "Stage Boners and Super Powers: The Best of Vinnie Paul's Revolver Advice Column". Revolver. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  6. ↑ Blabbermouth (April 26, 2005). "VINNIE PAUL To Continue Writing REVOLVER Advice Column". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  7. ↑ Krovatin, Christopher (June 27, 2018). "Why Vinnie Paul's Fun-Loving Legacy Is So Important to Metal". Vice. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  8. ↑ Wu, Brandon (April 20, 2009). "Half an Hour With Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil". Washington City Paper. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  9. ↑ Blabbermouth (September 12, 2005). "LACUNA COIL Frontwoman Lands Advice Column In REVOLVER Magazine". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Blabbermouth (March 6, 2006). "Revolver Magazine Sold To U.K.'s Future Publishing For $4 Million". Blabbermouth.net . Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. 1 2 "Future buys US heavy metal magazine Revolver". www.campaignlive.co.uk. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  12. ↑ Staff, Publishing Executive (January 13, 2012). "NewBay Media Acquires Guitar World, Revolver, and Guitar Aficionado from Future PLC". www.adweek.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Revolver Magazine Sold to Digital Media Company Project M Group; Brand Relaunch Planned For This Fall". Blabbermouth.net . May 1, 2017. Archived from the original on May 2, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  14. ↑ Crespo, Charley (March 8, 2017). "The Epiphone Revolver Music Awards at Webster Hall's Grand Ballroom". The Aquarian Weekly . New York City. Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  15. ↑ Titus, Christa (November 3, 2016). "2016 Epiphone Revolver Music Awards Return With New Name, Venue". Billboard . Archived from the original on October 30, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Pinsonneault, Julie (March 19, 2007). "Women in Metal - Article - Stylus Magazine". Stylus Magazine . Archived from the original on March 22, 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Kelly, Kim (November 3, 2011). "The Never-Ending Debate Over Women in Metal and Hard Rock". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  18. ↑ MetalSucks (July 21, 2009). "ISIS' AARON TURNER VS. REVOLVER MAGAZINE". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  19. ↑ Islander (February 17, 2010). "REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS (AND WE THOUGHT THE GRAMMY'S WERE OVER)". NO CLEAN SINGING. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Revolver Announces "Hottest Chicks" Tour; Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness, Sexism | Metal Insider". metalinsider.net. March 3, 2011. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Revolver's 2015 Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock Tour features Flyleaf, The Agonist + more | Metal Insider". metalinsider.net. February 24, 2015. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Hottest Chicks". Revolver. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  23. ↑ Blabbermouth (December 29, 2019). "KOBRA AND THE LOTUS Frontwoman 'Wasn't Sad' To See REVOLVER's Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock' Issue Go Away". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Woman Tone: Is The Guitar Industry Sexist?". Guitar.com | All Things Guitar. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  25. ↑ Blabbermouth (March 19, 2007). "Portrayal Of Women In Metal Media: Sexy Or Sexist?". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Headbangers' Brawl 9/30: Two Metal Chicks Take On Revolver Magazine | Metal Insider". September 30, 2011. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  27. ↑ Loye, Kristy (January 12, 2016). "Sexism In Music Media: The Problem No One Wants to Address". Houston Press. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  28. ↑ Rajkhowa, Vivek (September 12, 2019). "How heavy metal got woke". Spiked . Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  29. ↑ Ford, Leyla (October 3, 2011). "Leyla Ford Weighs in on the Revolver "Hottest Chicks" Issue". MetalSucks . Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  30. ↑ Seling, Megan (February 23, 2015). "Revolver Magazine's 'Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock' Tour Bound for Exit/In; Nashville Woman Sets World on Fire". Nashville Scene . Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  31. 1 2 Pasbani, Robert (June 15, 2012). "Decibel Magazine To Release "Women In Metal" Issue". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  32. ↑ Blabbermouth (February 23, 2010). "ARCH ENEMY Singer Calls REVOLVER's 'Hottest Chicks' Movement 'An Embarrassment For Women'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.