BOOK 

• Over 400 pages of metal history
• Based on 100+ original interviews
• 94 black & white photos, plus exclusive color insert
• Dozens of special genre boxes
• The evolution of heavy metal explained
• Metal era graphic timeline 1970-2003

“The first book to chart the vector of not just metal’s origins, but the myriad mutations through which it continues to infect the planet. Your children will not be spared.”—LA Weekly, Best of 2003

“Still definitive”—Time Out New York, May 2013
Eight Must-Read Heavy Metal Books, Phoenix Sun-Times, June 2013

Published by HarperCollins, the classic chronicle of metal’s tireless crusade. Over 100,000 copies in print in thirteen languages worldwide. A primary source and inspiration for countless documentaries, metal television shows, academic studies, die-hard fans, and metal musicians. The pages of Sound of the Beast are now taught in heavy metal courses at Miami University of Ohio, University of Rochester, West Texas A&M University, and wherever metalheads gather.

“Brilliant”—Rob Halford, Judas Priest
“Required reading”—Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles
“Excellent”—Guitar World
“Fascinating”—Vice
“Damn good”—Revolver
“Hugely entertaining”—Maxim UK
“A whirlwind ride”—Austin Dispatch
“Extraordinary”—PopMatters
“Amazing”—Boston’s Weekly Dig
“Amazing”—Record Collector UK
“Rekindled my faith”—Metal Maniacs

“The first book to chart the vector of not just metal’s origins, but the myriad mutations through which it continues to infect the planet. Your children will not be spared.”—Greg Burk, LA Weekly, Best of 2003