Metal Maniacs


Metal Maniacs was a heavy metal music magazine founded in 1989 by Mike 'G' Greenblatt and Katherine Ludwig of Metal Shop. It was focused largely on covering extreme metal, with emphasis on the black and death metal genres. Originally a Sterling publication, it was acquired by Zenbu Media in February 2007. The magazine's editorial board was based in Manhattan, New York City, and published ten issues per year with covers on bands like Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth and Entombed.
By contrast to its predecessor Metal Edge, which tended to feature pinups of heavy-metal stars, Metal Maniacs attempted to "treat kids like human beings that might possibly have something to say," according to Ludwig. The magazine featured a letters section in which serious discussions about the metal scene and politics could take place. Ludwig stated, "I also liked to get in something about vegetarianism, hemp, feminism, and freedom of speech when I could."
In February 2009, it was announced that publisher Zenbu Media would cease publication of Metal Maniacs, along with the magazine's larger, more renowned sister publication, Metal Edge. The company did not issue a statement to its readers, or issue any refunds for subscribers.
In 2010 the website of the magazine was online again with the new management of MetalHit.com. Metal Maniacs continues to exist now as a webzine without any involvement from its founders.
In December 2011, To 11 Media, Inc. purchased Metal Maniacs and Metal Edge from Zenbu Media. To 11 Media is publishing both magazines in electronic online formats, adding increased access and functionality to them.