The magazine commenced publication on 6 June 1981 .
The magazine was edited by Geoff Barton , initially as a one - time supplement in the Sounds newspaper , which focused on the new wave of British heavy metal phenomenon and on the rise of other hard rock acts .
The magazine commenced publication on 6 June 1981 and was edited by Geoff Barton , initially as a one - time supplement in the Sounds newspaper , which focused on the new wave of British heavy metal phenomenon and on the rise of other hard rock acts .