For The Sake of Heaviness

by Brian Slagel, Mark Eglinton, Lars Ulrich

The story of Metal Blade Records is the story of Brian Slagel-a metal-obsessed Southern California kid who launched a fanzine and landed a record store job before cobbling together what he assumed would be a one-off compilation of fledgling bands from the L.A. scene. Released in 1982, the Metal Massacre LP included the debut recordings of local groups such as Steeler, Malice, Ratt, and Metallica. In the wake of the album's unexpected success Slagel virtually stumbled into creating a proper record label, issuing the first releases by Bitch, Armored Saint, and Slayer the following year.

For The Sake Of Heaviness is an inside look at how Brian built Metal Blade from a one-man operation in his mom's non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today. He shares his insights into signing and working with Amon Amarth, Anvil, As I Lay Dying, Behemoth, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Cirith Ungol, Corrosion of Conformity, D.R.I., Fates Warning, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gwar, King Diamond, King's X, Lizzy Borden, Manowar, Mercyful Fate, Overkill, Raven, Sacred Reich, Six Feet Under, Trouble, Unearth, Voivod, Whitechapel, and others.

Always hard at work on a diverse range of projects, Brian reveals the early advice he gave that helped guide Mötley Crüe's career; how he helped Metallica replace their bassist-twice; his detailed work on Thin Lizzy and Alice Cooper reissues; his behind-the-scenes role in the careers of Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Goo Goo Dolls, and Lamb of God; and his unlikely ventures with kindred metal heads-from hockey star Ken Baumgartner, to celebrity chef Chris Santos, to The Howard Stern Show's Richard Christy, to comedians Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson and Jim Breuer.

Throughout For The Sake Of Heaviness, Brian steps aside to present first-person insights and extended guest interviews featuring friends, colleagues, Metal Blade staffers, and a long list of artists, including Metallica's James Hetfield, Slayer's Kerry King, King Diamond, and many more.

Brian highlights the ins and outs of his 35 year metal odyssey, from promoting small shows in California's San Fernando Valley in the early days, to forging a major partnership with Warner Bros. Records; from weathering the Parents Music Resource Center's attempts to regulate lyrical content, to squaring off with Time Warner over Gwar's envelope-pushing themes; from nearly going bankrupt after underestimating the impact of the rise of CDs, to surviving and thriving in today's rapidly changing music business environment.

Featuring a Foreword by Metallica's Lars Ulrich, For The Sake Of Heaviness pulls back the curtain to reveal the definitive look at how Metal Blade began, what they've accomplished, and where they're going. With the help of co-writer Mark Eglinton, Brian Slagel invites the reader into a personal conversation about his life's passion, and the passion that drives Metal Blade-finding, exposing, and promoting the best heavy music on the planet.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography, Pop Culture

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2017

Reviews

[Michael Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really took me back to the 80’s and the bands I rapidly grew to love. My all time favorite bands include so many who got their start at Metal Blade. If you’re a 50ish metalhead like me and want a fun behind the scenes tour of your life’s soundtrack, you need to get this one.

[Θανάσης · Rating 3 out of 5]

4,5
Ενα βιβλιο που κυλαει νερακι και μαθαινεις την ιστορια της σημαντικοτερης εταιρειας στο μεταλ. Αξιζει να διαβαστει απο ολους οσους αγαπανε αυτη την μουσικη.

*Θα ηθελα περισσοτερα κουτσομπολια 😂

[Kerem Onan · Rating 5 out of 5]

p e r f e ct guide for the history of heavy metal. do not let the book title deceive you, the book is not abıut the history of metal blade records, it also points out very well the key transition moments in the history of metal music and it's subgenres. a must read for every metalhead.

[Helle Bogdanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most recent book I actually read. Metal Blade Records is one of the most famous metal labels in the world, which was founded by just one guy — Brian Slagel, who is the author of this book. He shares his insights into signing and working with Amon Amarth, Anvil, As I Lay Dying, Behemoth, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Cirith Ungol, Corrosion of Conformity, D.R.I., Fates Warning, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gwar, King Diamond, King's X, Lizzy Borden, Manowar, Mercyful Fate, Overkill, Raven, Sacred Reich, Six Feet Under, Trouble, Unearth, Voivod, Whitechapel, and others.

A great story and an insight into the work of a label. I found out a lot for myself and recommend you this reading. My main impression from this book is that earlier labels were haunting for the bands, and nowadays, it’s vice versa.

[Steve Rabideau · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Heavy Metal of just about any era(except Nu Metal), this book is essential reading. Brian Slagel is one of the cornerstones of the Metal community and to read the stories of the founding of Metal Blade Records and their history was fascinating. Lots of great stories and anecdotes from other Metal Icons.
My only 2 complaints is that it was too short. I could have used way more stories. although I don't think the length would have mattered, I still would have thought that. Also, would have loved a Label Discography.
Very highly recommend this one.

[Alexander Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesomely fun book.

I highly doubt this was intentional, but the rougher audio quality of the Audible version reminded me of old demos and mixtapes. Much like legendary demos, all the great content is easy to hear and the gritty nature of it adds something.

I was a huge fan of Metal Blade records growing up. It was super fun to finally learn the story behind the uncompromising label. Brian Slagel's passion for music, comedy, sports, and creating a bad ass independent business seeps through every page. Loved every minute of it.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metal Blade was a huge influence on me as a teen, and I used to obsess over their ads in the early metal magazines, looking at the album covers and dreaming about what the music must sound like. Reading about those early days of Armored Saint and Lizzy Borden was a great trip. At times I wanted more details...more stories...but overall, this was a fantastic read and recommended for any metalhead that gets nostalgic for those golden days of American metal.

[Jim McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive!

A labor of love like the record label this book covers, For The Sake Of Heaviness is a well earned victory lap from a kid with a hobby who became a triumphant man, sometimes I'm spite of himself.

If you're looking to learn about the history of heavy metal, this book should definitely become a reference.

Enjoy it, I did!

[Kethdredd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book about the orgin of Metal Blade records. Brian Slagel started a fanzine and record label out of his mothers garage, all fueled by the love of heavy music, inside look at the industry and several bands that pioneers in the metal scene.

[Carlton Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought back so many memories of being heavily into heavy metal and mail order record collecting while a teenager. Honest and instructive look back at an important label and music industry figure.

[Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, just a little dull and unevenly paced.

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Frederik Vanhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heel interessant om te zien waar het allemaal begonnen is! Misschien een beetje teveel nadruk op hoe "metal" Brian wel niet is maar daar kunnen we mee leven.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

For The Sake Of Heaviness is the story of Metal Blade records and what's great is just how important the label was, and still is to heavy metal. It's a fascinating story of one guy who never thought about running a record label to doing just that. It's an interesting look at the label and it's humble beginnings. Reading it took me back to my teen years and my own love of heavy metal. Even if you aren't familiar with Brian, you are familiar with some of the bands he's been involved with. Slayer. Armored Saint, and even Metallica. It's not a book about the guy at all but the music which is really all that matters anyway. Included in the book are interviews with aritists and people involved with Brian and the label just to add depth to the story and remind you just how great a guy he is and how much of a fan he is. This was his sole motivator for creating the label and thirty odd years later he's still going strong despite the fact that most people said that metal was dead. It's a decent inside look at how the label came to be and fans of metal will no doubt find something to love here. It brough back a lot of great memories and as I read I found myself on Spotidy rediscoveing bands i had totally forgotten about.

It's a love letter to metal and to the fans that made Metal Blade what it was. It was a launvhing pad for so many classic bands and the story he tells is straight forward and all about the music. At times. you hope for some dirt or even a bad experience with some of the bands he's worked with but he remains professional throughout and even gives us stuff that most fans may not Know. Even if you aren't a fan or were even alive during the labels heyday it's still a great read that show us that even with the onslaught of gurnge Metal Blade never sold out or chased trends or signed bands that didn't fit in with what Brian created. This is a book for those who waved and still wave the flag of metal.

[Severed Therapy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a metal-head for as long as I can remember. My PhD application is focused on the use of heavy metal. I live and breathe heavy metal. It is that much a part of my life. But, even with that being said, Mr. Brian Slagel out-does me in that regard. The man is a fucking workhorse who built up an empire from his mother's basement.

This book isn't about a man tooting his own horn. What was refreshing about it, is the fact that he was open and honest throughout. There is no sense that he's trying to talk about how awesome he is and how we should worship him. He is, at the end of the day, a metal fan that is living the dream of so many of us.

This was an incredible read and I loved every second of it. It was amazing to read the ups and downs of the label that molded my youth. The early 90's, Metal Blade was what I looked for on the back of the CDs I purchased. Occasionally I was disappointed, but given the household I grew up in, I knew it was the only way I could listen to the music I wanted to hear. Needed to hear.

Highly recommended for any fan of metal. An amazing read.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

An OK book. Interesting early on when Slagel talks about how he started off living in his mother's basement, being a metal fan and ended up owning and running a influential metal record label. After he starts hiring employees, the book is just a corporate history - listing bands he's signed, celebrities he's met, and successes they've had while taking time out to interview musicians and other celebrities so they can talk about what a great guy he is. I wasn't sure why I got this book - mostly my interest in anything metal - and it's really only of marginal interest. It's the kind of a book a company would self-publish to commemorate an anniversary. Interesting start-up insight, bland corporate history that follows.

[Don de Leaumont · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really fun read about one of the most legendary metal record labels. Slagel's stories are really fun but honestly, there was way too much Metallica worship in this book. I don't know why people, especially industry folks, are afraid to talk about just lame Metallica has gotten over the years. They have completely lost their way and have strayed so far from the band they once were that they will never get back. May Slagle is afraid to say anything since Metallica is "friends" and it's a lucrative friendship. Either way, it's a fun read.

[Matt Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Slagel really has a good stance on what metal as a metal as a whole and is not only into one
subgenre. He like NWOBHM to death metal and will sign any band he thinks has potential. Think of Lars. Every Cannibal Corpse album is on his label. This book captures Brian's life and each band and his encounter the story behind each signing. I highly recommend the book to any metal fan who just wants to understand the label's point of view and see a slight buisness side to metal.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome! A must read if you have listened to ANY metal of the last 30+ years. I just wish there was a bit more detail on the bands Metal Blade has signed in the last 10 years but the early 80s-90s stuff is very entertaining. Now I would just love to meet Brian and have a very long metal discussion!!!

[Ridge Briel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but oh so sweet. It was thrilling to read just how far Metal Blade’s reach went into the music world as a whole, and how they survived the 1990s without signing any of the nu-metal bands. I hope there will eventually be a second book on stories Brian has collected through his personal experiences over the years, I could read hundreds of pages of that kind of material.

[Jacques S · Rating 5 out of 5]

All things metal

As a metal fan, it is a pleasure to read an inside story of SO MANY of my favourite metal bands in one place. Brian is very articulate. I reaaly liked the testimonial content of the book's players. This is a rare occasion where you get quantity and quality in one place.

[John Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent little dip into the history of one of the biggest independent music label in heavy metal history. I'm deducting half a point for an issue with a layout design in the physical book. The choice to have the interviews printed with italic black letters on a dark gray background make these parts difficult to read.

[Jeffrey Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short read on the thrash metal scene of the 80s that spawned the influence of the underground music scene into the public eye. Being a guy that was there from its inception, I felt all the things he writes about in finding the music we were hungry for at that time in history. Thank you Brian Slagle! This hit me at the core where I was at the same time.

[Scott Waldie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the genre since I was just a kid, and the Metal Blade label throughout the 80s and beyond, I found this a great, fast read, though I wouldn't have minded if it were longer and contained more stories about some of the label's more obscure signings in its first two decades.

[Yves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a long time metal fan and musician.. I really enjoyed reading this history and the evolution of the company with the ups and downs of the industry.

Mr Slagel has played a huge part in much of the music I've loved!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for all fans of heavy metal. By a true fan, for true fans. Even if you are not a fan of Metal Blade records this book gives great insight and an honest look at how a fan can grow a business and follow their passion to become one fo the most influential people in the genre.

[Nick Wernicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! About Metal History

Amazing story about the history of Metal. And insight into the importance of the role Metal Blade Racords played in where metal is today.

[Christophe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read. Very anecdotal yet full of memorable moments.

[Alejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farily straightforward and fun! Good to read if you want a relaxing read, and still learn about Heavy Metal history.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more.