Excellent!

It's highly informative. I've been a metalhead all my life, but listening to this book made me realise that I was missing out on so many bands and genres. Whenever he mentioned a band or genre that I was unfamiliar with, I paused the book, went onto Spotify, and gave them a listen. I've discovered so many awesome bands reading this book and my music listening has been very much enriched. It's also bloody funny, so I discovered an awesome comedian too. As some of the other commenters have noted, you'll find equal parts fact and opinion. I don't agree with all of his opinions -- he loves Thrash and Black Metal, and to be honest I don't -- but his deeply negative attitude towards Glam and Nu Metal is something I very much associate with. But if you like those genres, then just don't take his opinions personally -- they're JUST his opinions. You'll still learn about these genres' histories and the influences that formed them. For example, I got the sense that he finds Progressive Metal pretentious. I love Prog and I don't agree with him, but my feelings weren't hurt -- it's JUST his opinion. Because of my love of Prog, I was delighted to discover Post Metal, which he talks about towards the end of the book. Overall, I couldn't stop listening and I was genuinely sad when it ended. Excellent book!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Informative, entertaining and very funny

Read by the author who has a personal love of the music. SIT DOWN LARS!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating and witty

I’ve never much liked heavy metal but I bloody loved this book. Buy it and enjoy

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

humour and a point of view both relatable and in the thick of it.

none, flawless book. it holds up as a comedy and a informative point of reference

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST BOOK EVER

Been a metal fan since I was 13, performed in bands and travelled playing gigs all over however I never really got involved with the side story to metal. I never read up on the politics or the reviews, making my own decision when i listened to the band.
Although I disagree with some of his thoughts (megadeth are awesome :-) I LOVED this book. It brought back memories, educated me and had me literally LOLing
I highly recommend this book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Hilarious audio book, a must for any metalheads.

Loved this audio book, so many funny things in it that any metal head will find amusing. Was also great to hear my good friends in the band Cancer get a mention at the end too. Nice one Andrew O'Neil, I look forward to more like this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Its alright.

Andrew's insight into the vast and forever widening history of heavy metal is engaging and demonstrate that heavy metal as a genre has built its self to weather any and all storms that come its way.I will admit that a don't agree with ever opinion in this book especially the ones about glam/ nu metal but other than that its alright.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sceptical at first but won me over.

To be clear, you are not going to agree with at least 50% of this work, but it's a well thought out and well positioned option, backed up with a lot of interesting fact. It's also very, very amusing, with a fair few (public transport cautionary) laugh out loud moments. Andrew is right, we are an opinionated bunch, and given that, I have to concede that I have come out of this experience, not just entertained, but also a little wiser. I still think Black Metal is shit mind, BUT I have made an internal commitment to actually listen to more than the first 30 seconds of a few tracks so I can maybe rebalance that bias a little.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining and insightful overview of Metal.

I only dabble in the shallows of the Metal genre, but I really enjoyed this concise musical history and the many decent jokes scattered throughout (sit down Lars!).

However, I feel the lack of attention on Iron Maiden is simply shocking. Especially considering their legacy, impact on popular culture and long-term influence. I feel a revised edition is required, with much more Maiden.

The author’s own bias shines through in most chapters, which is understandable, given his obvious passion for the subject matter. But it can get a bit too granular at times.

Other than that, I really enjoyed it and actually found myself disappointed when it ended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Loved it,

My favourite genre of music described by a very amusing bro. It’s open my eyes and my YouTube account to new bands and I absolutely love it I’m gonna leave listen to it again for the fourth time

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!