Essential Heavy Metal Books

A disturbing story of the Norweigan black metal scene, where churches are burned and people are murdered, Lords Of Chaos is a combination of true crime and heavy metal. Make sure to get the newer edition that updates some of the legal proceedings.

One of the best general histories of heavy metal, Sound Of The Beast covers all the different genres and is organized very well. It also features easy to digest lists and bullet points about the various subgenres of metal.

Albert Mudrian is the editor of Decibel Magazine and has the credentials to write this book. Choosing Death is a history of death metal and grindcore, featuring interviews with those that were there at the beginning. It's great way for new fans to learn more about the genre, and for veterans to discover some interesting new information.

Klosterman grew up in small town North Dakota as a heavy metal fan. This is a combination autobiography and lesson in metal history. The stories are compelling, sometimes funny and always entertaining. Coming from the same area of the world and growing up in the same era made this one really hit home for me.

It's hard to believe the members of Motley Crue are still alive, let alone making music, after you read their escapades in this book. The Dirt is packed with nonstop debauchery and amazing stories of decadence. From their early days on the Sunset Strip to their implosion in the late '90s, this is a fascinating book.

Popoff is probably the most respected metal journalist out there, and has interviewed almost all of the artists covered in the book. The Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time is a subjective list that's a great topic for debate. It's also an excellent source for newer fans to discover some of the best albums in the genre's history. Popoff has also written a book about the 500 best metal songs, along with several other books about the metal genre that are well worth finding and reading.

For a comprehensive look at the many different subgenres of metal, you can't go wrong with these books. There are volumes for Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Power Metal and Doom/Gothic/Stoner Metal.

Unauthorized biographies tend to give a more balanced picture than officially sanctioned versions. McIver interviewed dozens and dozens of musicians, friends, family members and associates to get a really detailed history of Metallica.

Hell Bent For Leather is very similar to Fargo Rock City, except it's from a British perspective. Hunter is also a musician, so he has that added perspective. It's a wry and funny tale, but also filled with tons of metal information.

If you want to know the history of Swedish death metal from those who lived it, Swedish Death Metal is a mandatory read. It was written by Daniel Ekeroth, a Swedish musician who is in Insision and Tyrant. He experienced the birth and growth of Swedish death metal, first as a fan and then as a musician. Many music books don't really say much about the music, but focus mostly on personalities. Swedish Death Metal does an excellent job with both. Ekeroth has interviewed most of those who were there at the beginning of Swedish death metal's birth, and their perspective and memories are invaluable.