James Marriott is the winner of the 2025 Rock Sound Award for 'Breakthrough Artist'

Perfecting an indie-pop sound with lyrical themes of heartbreak and mental health drove Marriott’s sophomore record, ‘Don’t Tell The Dog’, all the way to the top of the UK album charts. He talks finding new audiences, the continued success of ‘Grapes’, reactions to his Twenty One Pilots cover and being unafraid to show his humorous side as he reflects on an undoubtedly significant year.

Also inside...

• Su-Metal, Moametal and Momometal, aka BABYMETAL, reflect on another jam-packed year - which included becoming the first Japanese act to ever headline London’s O2 Arena - in an all-new interview and photoshoot.
• Waterparks’ Awsten Knight discusses songwriting, ambitions and what it means to be part of this scene and community in an all-new interview alongside an exclusive photoshoot.
• We look back on the impact and success of Sleep Token’s ‘Even In Arcadia’ alongside exclusive new photos of Vessel.
• With their epic ‘Beautiful Mind’ mini album released back in March, swiftly followed by new EP ‘LXVE To DEATH’, Xdinary Heroes talk us through their creative journey and celebrate the fan community at the heart of it all.
• As they accept their title of Rock Sound’s Best International Artist, Dany, Pau and Ale of The Warning look back on 12 months of perfecting their live show, ticking things off the bucket list and preparing for their next massive step.
• ONE OK ROCK’S Taka Moriuchi takes us through the decades, detailing the lessons learned and dreams that have come true along the way.
• The All-American Rejects reflect on how the past twelve months have given them a new lease of life as they embark on their next chapter and musical era.
• With ‘Skeletá’, Tobias Forge allowed more of his true self to poke through the shiny exterior than ever before, lifting the mask and creating some of his most deeply personal work to date; he takes us inside Ghost’s sixth album and the challenges and crucial realisations that came with the making of it.
• As they look forward to an even bigger 2026, PRESIDENT’s masked frontman reflects on Download Festival, their growing fan community and the independent spirit that led them here.
• Yungblud looks back at a career defining twelve-months, dissecting his biggest moments including a number one album, sold-out arena shows and that Black Sabbath tribute.

Note: This digital edition contains everything included in the physical issue, except additional poster, and A1 double-sided poster/calendar (both exclusive to the physical format).