‘I want to ride out on a unicorn every night’: swords’n’sorcery heavy metal band Castle Rat

Wielding fantasy weapons and splashing fake blood, the New Yorkers have even learned how to make chainmail outfits – and they’re already aiming to conquer stadiums

Rosalía: Lux review – a demanding, distinctive clash of classical and chaos that couldn’t be by anyone else

The Catalan star’s monumental fourth LP features lyrics in 13 languages, references to female saints, the London Symphony Orchestra – and Björk on ‘divine intervention’

Post your questions for Geoff Barrow, of Portishead, Beak> and more

As he moves from music into film production with Game, a thriller starring Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson, the multifaceted creative mind answers your questions

‘I took mushrooms before my audition’: Smiths drummer Mike Joyce on wild gigs, Marr’s jim-jams and Morrissey’s genius

Breaking dancefloors, recording in the dark, crying at I Know It’s Over, winning in court, splitting over chips … the musician relives his tumultuous years in ‘the best British band ever’

Rosalía’s Berghain is a thunderous goth-pop hit – but is it opera?

The Catalan star’s epic new single is delighting and dividing classical music fans in equal measure

Sudan Archives: ‘My favourite fact? I’m 100% that bitch’

The violin-playing sonic experimentalist on gadgets, guilty pleasures, and her most controversial pop culture opinion

Girlbands Forever: this shocking history of 90s female pop is packed with gossip, scandal – and bangers

Strap in for a nostalgia-stuffed jaunt through musical classics, featuring honest interviews with stars – the details of which make the record industry look appalling

‘G’day Australia. Did you miss us?’ Oasis kicks off Australia tour with euphoric show

The bucket hats were out in force at Marvel Stadium as Liam and Noel Gallagher made a polished – and even affectionate – return to Melbourne

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers: ‘We don’t want to be the biggest band in the world. It’s just fun playing with our besties’

The Australian rock band are ‘legit now’ with their second album Glory. They talk about performing while underage, playing with Dave Grohl and the ‘girl band’ label

Add to playlist: the long-lost lo-fi pop of Australian nun Sister Irene O’Connor and the week’s best tracks

Far from being the preserve of ecclesiastical listening, the reissue of O’Connor’s 1973 album is a compelling feast of drum machine, acoustic guitar and synth organ

Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire announce separation – but band will continue

In 2022, four women accused Butler of sexual misconduct alleging sexual assault and unwanted sexual messages

Snocaps: Snocaps review – Katie and Allison Crutchfield reunite with a little help from MJ Lenderman

Waxahatchee and her twin sister are joined by Lenderman and Brad Cook for an album of headstrong, tender Americana about chasing integrity and conviction

Lily Allen’s new album shows the pain behind the ‘cool girl’ myth – that’s why women are obsessed with it

The singer’s lyrics about an open marriage gone sour resonate with many women her age. They’re sick of pretending to be fine with relationships that are not, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

‘The nuns were convinced they were possessed by demons’: goth and metal stars select the scariest music ever made

Forget the Monster Mash. For the ultimate Halloween playlist, reach for horror soundtracks, 1940s kids’ music and Russian darkwave – all chosen by Sunn O))), Creeper, Diamanda Galás and more

Florence + the Machine: Everybody Scream review – alt-rock survivor surveys her kingdom with swagger

On her self-deprecating, viscera-flecked sixth record, Florence Welch picks apart the compulsions and contradictions of fame