In the early 80s Thrash breathed new life into the rock scene, opening the floodgates to armies of teens armed with flying Vs, bullet belts and a sense of purpose that would fuel genres such as Thrashcore, Crossover and technical Speed Metal. This book looks at the big four of Thrash Metal - Metallica, Megadeath, Anthrax and Slayer - all documented in the greatest possible detail with full, up to the minute histories, exclusive photos and global discographies, as well as tons of groundbreaking acts from the Bay Area, Pagan Thrash, European Thrash and the second wave.
Power Metal is Heavy Metal taken to the absolute limit. Following in the wake of Thrash Metal, Power Metal boasted the same aggression and volume of its forefathers, but was much more complex and sophisticated. The door was opened by British bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest - and in came a flood of American bands, including Attacker, Savatage and Queensryche, and European bands, including Helloween, Gamma Ray and Grave Digger. This book documents the full scope of the world-wide Power Metal phenomenon, with exhaustive histories and discographies. Includes a free CD.
Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - collectively known as the Big 4 - emerged during the 1980s and dominated the rock and metal scene in the USA. Chiefly inspired by the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and European metal heavyweights such as Kreator, Sodom and Accept the Big 4 went on to define an incredible era of metal and develop a genre of music known as thrash metal of which they became the most successful and influential exponents. In 2010 the Big 4 took the metal community by storm by appearing together onstage for the first time during seven massively successful Sonisphere Festival concerts around Europe. The Big 4 remain universally popular both as a collective force and as individual bands. From the author of books on Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, Big 4 Encyclopedia is an A-Z guide book that celebrates the thrash metal music of these four legendary headbanging American bands. There are also previously unseen live photographs of the Big 4 as well as contributions from various respected artists and music journalists. A scrapbook of lists, articles and reviews, Big 4 Encyclopedia is essential reading for metal fans.
Thrash Metal. At first mocked by the Rock traditionalists Thrash would swamp the hard n' heavy world propelling one of it's own - Metallica, to the very pinnacle of Rock's elite. In the early 80s Thrash breathed new life into the Rock scene providing older acts with a much needed kick. This new force opened the floodgates to armies of teens armed with flying Vs, bullet belts and a sense of purpose that would fuel genres such as Thrashcore, Crossover and technical Speed Metal. Without Thrash there would be no Death Metal, no Black Metal. That explosion of aggression has seen subsequent afterblasts, most recently Europe and South America has seen a genuine renaissance of Thrash Metal. Without doubt, Thrash Metal still continues to make its mark in the biggest possible way. The 'big four' - Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer are all documented here in the greatest possible detail with full, up to the minute histories, exclusive photographs and global discographies, which include demos, albums, singles, chart positions, track listings and catalogue numbers. Over 400,000 words leave no stone left unturned in pursuit of knowledge of ex-members, rare recordings and career milestones. The author has interviewed all these major acts. Indeed, he interviewed Metallica's late Cliff Burton just days before his passing. The early days of Megadeth are straight from the mouth of Dave Mustaine. Also covered are the legion of groundbreaking Bay Area acts such as Metal Church, Testament, Exodus, Death Angel and Hirax. The European Thrash explosion of Kreator, Rage, Destruction, Sodom, Grave Digger and Helloween is also covered in frightening detail. The Pagan Thrash of Sabbat, the avant garde eccentricity of Celtic Frost and the Funk Thrash of Morded - it's all here. The second wave of Thrash with major artists such as Sepultura, Pantera and Machine Head takes the genre right up to the new breed of Thrashers, now a truly world-wide phenomomen. All examined in depth. Having achieved its quarter of a century, Thrash Metal is not only alive, it is thriving. If you thought this rawest form of Heavy Metal was consigned to the past this book will deliver a rude awakening! Read the book, buy the records and bang that head!!
Rez Metal captures the creative energy of Indigenous youth culture in the twenty-first century. Bridging communities from disparate corners of Indian Country and across generations, heavy metal has touched a collective nerve on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona in particular. Many cultural leaders--including former Navajo president Russell Begaye--have begun to recognize heavy metal's ability to inspire Navajo communities facing chronic challenges such as poverty, depression, and addiction. Heavy metal music speaks to the frustrations, fears, trials, and hopes of living in Indian Country. Rez Metal highlights a seminal moment in Indigenous heavy metal: when Kyle Felter, lead singer of the Navajo heavy metal band I Dont Konform, sent a demo tape to Flemming Rasmussen, the Grammy Award-winning producer of several Metallica albums, including Master of Puppets. A few months later, Rasmussen, captivated by the music, flew from Denmark to Window Rock, Arizona, to meet the band. Through a series of vivid images and interviews focused on the venues, bands, and fans of the Navajo Nation metal scene, Rez Metal provides a window into this fascinating world.
Rooted in ancient instigators such as Pentagram, Atomic Rooster and the mightiest of mighty - Black Sabbath, Doom has defied all the odds to spawn a huge global fanbase. Boasting such revolutionary bands as The Obsessed, Trouble, My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Stoner, Candlemass, Fu Manchu, Ironboss and hundreds more, the impact of Doom can be felt the world over. Here, each and every band is included with an enormous wealth of historical detail and full global discography. Also includes a free 17-track Doom & Gothic Metal CD.
An encyclopaedic guide to the outrageous brand of heavy metal rock music known as Black Metal - a genre that more than any other has pushed the boundaries of aural extremity and social rebellion to the limit. Packed with biographies, line ups, and full discographies with track listings for over 2,000 bands, this is the last word on Black Metal and literally covers every known band regardless of size or geography. Also includes an examination of related genre including the Black ambient scene (!), Viking Metal, Grindcore and Noisecore. Essential reading for all metal fans.
Seb Hunter wasn't just a heavy metal fan. He was a blind devotee who threw away his education and future prospects to become a rock star. In Hell Bent for Leather, he reaches into the most embarrassing depths of the family photo album to reveal his Wayne's World-esque teen years, taking readers on a (very loud) musical journey from his first guitar to his first gig and on, through groupies, girlfriends, too many drugs, spiraling egos, musical differences, and finally, the end of the dream -- and a much-needed haircut.In this nostalgic look at heavy metal culture, Seb Hunter has given us a moving portrait of adolescence and chasing your dream, reminding us all that it's better to have lost in rock than never to have rocked at all. This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
