Quick Take

The definitive history of the first 30 years of heavy metal, containing over 100 interviews with members of Black Sabbath, Metallica, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Slipknot, Kiss, Megadeth, Public Enemy, Napalm Death, and more. More than 30 years after Black Sabbath released the first complete heavy metal album, its founder, Ozzy Osbourne, is the star of The Osbournes, TV's favourite new reality show. Contrary to popular belief, headbangers and the music they love are more alive than ever. Yet there has never been a comprehensive book on the history of heavy metal - until now. Featuring interviews with members of the biggest bands in the genre, Sound of the Beast gives an overview of the past 30-plus years of heavy metal, delving into the personalities of those who created it. Everything is here, from the bootlegging beginnings of fans like Lars Ulrich (future founder of Metallica) to the sold-out stadiums and personal excesses of the biggest groups. From heavy metal's roots in the work of breakthrough groups such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to MTV hair metal, courtroom controversies, black metal murderers and Ozzfest, Sound of the Beast offers the final word on this elusive, extreme, and far-reaching form of music.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal

Introduction

"Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal" by Ian Christe is a comprehensive and engaging book that delves into the first 30 years of heavy metal music. With over 100 interviews with prominent figures from the genre, including Black Sabbath, Metallica, Judas Priest, and more, this book offers a unique and in-depth perspective on the history of heavy metal. From its roots in the work of breakthrough bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to the rise of MTV hair metal, courtroom controversies, and the influence of black metal, this book provides readers with a comprehensive and captivating exploration of heavy metal's evolution.

About Ian Christe

Ian Christe, the author of "Sound of the Beast," is a well-known figure in the world of heavy metal music. As the publisher of Bazillion Points Books and the host of a weekly metal history show on Sirius XM in North America, he has established himself as an authority on powerful movements and moments in overlooked history. With his deep knowledge and passion for heavy metal, Christe brings a unique perspective to this book, providing readers with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the genre's history.

Analysis of Views

Comprehensive Coverage: Readers appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of heavy metal's history, from its roots to its present-day evolution. The inclusion of interviews with key figures from the genre adds depth and context to the narrative.
Engaging Writing Style: The casual and exuberant writing style of Ian Christe makes the book enjoyable to read. His ability to tell a compelling story without resorting to mind-numbing descriptions is highly praised by readers.
Focus on Metallica: While some readers find the extensive coverage of Metallica in the book to be excessive, others appreciate the band's importance in heavy metal's history. They believe that Metallica's global dominance represented a significant moment for the genre.
Lack of Critical Analysis: Some readers feel that the book lacks critical analysis and nuanced music critique. They would have liked to see more reflection on prevalent oral histories and a deeper exploration of sub-genres within heavy metal.
Engaging Interviews: The inclusion of interviews with prominent figures from the heavy metal scene adds value to the book. Readers appreciate the insights and stories shared by these artists, which provide a unique perspective on the genre's evolution.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Overview: "Sound of the Beast" offers readers a comprehensive overview of heavy metal's history, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in delving into the genre's origins and evolution.
Engaging Writing Style: Ian Christe's writing style is engaging and enjoyable, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon or excessive descriptions.
Interviews with Key Figures: The inclusion of interviews with key figures from the heavy metal scene adds depth and context to the narrative, providing readers with valuable insights into the genre's development.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Excessive Focus on Metallica: Some readers find that the book places too much emphasis on Metallica, which can be off-putting for those interested in exploring other aspects of heavy metal's history beyond this band's influence.
Lack of Critical Analysis: The absence of critical analysis and nuanced music critique may be a drawback for readers seeking a deeper exploration of heavy metal's sub-genres and its impact on popular culture beyond just Metallica's dominance.

Conclusion

"Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal" by Ian Christe is a comprehensive and engaging book that provides readers with a captivating exploration of heavy metal's history. While some readers find that the book places too much emphasis on Metallica and lacks critical analysis, others appreciate its comprehensive coverage and engaging writing style. Overall, "Sound of the Beast" offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in delving into the origins and evolution of this influential genre.