The Book of Metal: The Most Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Metal Music Ever Created

by Chris Ingham

This authoritative, finely researched volume is the definitive encyclopedia of metal music. It draws on acts relevant throughout the genre's history from Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin through to current innovators such as Papa Roach, Cradle of Filth, Marilyn Manson, and Limp Bizkit. Bands from the genres of goth, death metal, thrash metal, glam and punk, such as the Sex Pistols, Nirvana, and Rancid, are also included. The bands are listed from each of the major subgenres as well as side genres. Nu-metal, hardcore, grindcore, industrial, and power metal all have their own sections in the book, complete with "genre traits" section and the names of bands that typify that sound. Illustrated throughout with the best color photography from the last 30 years of metal music and featuring 200 photos from the Metal Hammer archive, this is the most comprehensive encyclopedia of metal music ever created and the ultimate reference for fans of all metal music, worldwide.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2002

Reviews

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not very accurate. Metal sub-genres are not easily defined and are still debated within the metal subculture. The writer of this seems to consider themselves an expert in a field where they obviously aren't. For starters Slipknot IS Nu-Metal (or at least partially since many bands can be grouped in different sub-genres) and In Flames pioneered Melodic Death Metal not Black Metal.

Several other huge innovators are barely mentioned while some rock bands get a full three pages (I like rock music but this is a book on metal, why even mention Nirvana?). Some simply aren't mentioned (newer folk metal bands are non-existent)