'James Hetfield is a guitarist of otherworldly ability... this book tries to understand, de-mystify and even humanise a rock legend who, for most of his career, has remained impenetrable.' Metallica's ascension from thrash metal obscurity to becoming arguably one of the greatest rock bands the world has ever known, can be directly attributed to its lead singer and guitarist, James Hetfield. Having sold 110 million records worldwide and with an impressive eight Grammy Awards to their name, Metalliis undoubtedly a commercial triumph, but what of the man behind the music? Of Metal and Man is the newly revised biography of this rock legend, offering an exclusive insight into the life and career of one of Metallica's founding members. Author Mark Eglinton charts the hidden complexities of the relationships within the band, exploring the effects that global fame has had on Hetfield and his cohorts. Eglinton sheds light on both the highs of worldwide success and the lows of addiction and alcohol abuse, giving details of exclusive first-hand interviews with key figures from the band's inner circle. Dramatic and compelling, and now with newly updated material, this is the definitive biography of James Hetfield - singer-songwriter, guitarist and co-founder of a band which has changed the face of rock, the world over.

Since its beginnings over fifty years ago, metal music has grown in popularity worldwide, not only as a musical culture but as a recognised field of study. This Companion, grounded in recent research, explores the various musical styles and cultures of metal, providing a reliable resource for students and researchers.

The first biography of singer and guitarist James Hetfield of Metallica, the biggest rock band of the modern era!

Their roots lie in the heavy rock of 70s groups like Deep Purple. The music they played—heavy metal mixed with punk attitude—became its own genre: thrash. Their bassist died and they survived to became the biggest-selling band in the world. As grunge threatened to overtake them, they reinvented themselves. Then their singer went into rehab and they almost fell apart. They are Metallica, the most influential heavy metal band of the last thirty years. As Led Zeppelin was for hard rock and the Sex Pistols were for punk, Metallica became the band that defined the look and sound of 1980s heavy metal. Inventors of thrash metal—Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth followed—it was always Metallica who led the way, who pushed to another level, who became the last of the superstar rockers. Metallica is the fifth-largest selling artist of all time, with 100 million records sold worldwide. Their music has extended its reach beyond rock and metal, and into the pop mainstream, as they went from speed metal to MTV with their hit single "Enter Sandman". Until now there hasn't been a critical, authoritative, in-depth portrait of the band. Mick Wall's thoroughly researched, insightful work is enriched by his interviews with band members, record company execs, roadies, and fellow musicians. He tells the story of how a tennis-playing, music-loving Danish immigrant named Lars Ulrich created a band with singer James Hetfield and made his dreams a reality. Enter Night follows the band through tragedy and triumph, from the bus crash that killed their bassist Cliff Burton in 1986 to the 2004 documentary Some Kind of Monster, and on to their current status as the leaders of the Big Four festival that played to a million fans in Britain and Europe and continues in the U.S. in 2011. Enter Night delves into the various incarnations of the band, and the personalities of all key members, past and present—especially Ulrich and Hetfield—to produce the definitive word on the biggest metal band on the planet.

James Hetfield's life is a saga of triumph over adversity, an electrifying journey through the world of heavy metal, and an inspiring tale of resilience and reinvention. "Birth, School, Metallica, Death" delves deep into the life of Metallica's iconic frontman, tracing his path from a tumultuous childhood to global superstardom. Acclaimed music journalist Rick Wilder brings to light the raw and riveting story of Hetfield's ascent. This biography covers: The Early Years: Explore Hetfield's upbringing, his formative influences, and the events that sparked his passion for music. The Rise of Metallica: Discover the meteoric ascent of Metallica, the creation of groundbreaking albums, and the band's impact on the heavy metal genre. Personal Struggles: Gain insight into Hetfield's battles with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and the personal growth that shaped his music. The Legacy: Reflect on the lasting influence of Hetfield and Metallica on contemporary and future musicians. Rich with personal anecdotes, reflections from peers, and Hetfield's own words, "Birth, School, Metallica, Death" is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike. Wilder's compelling narrative captures the essence of a man who has become a true legend in the world of rock.

Metallica's seat at the top-table of rock is already assured. A huge part of their stunningtransition from obscure thrash metal pioneers into globe-crushing rock megastars issinger, guitarist and co-songwriter James Hetfield, whose instantly recognisable andoverwhelming presence has guided their every dramatic step.Brought up in a household aligned to Christian Science, his early life was inevitablyovertly religious, yet by his early teens he was a keen fan of rock acts such as BlackSabbath and Motorhead.Working through the visceral thrash metal underground scene with Metallica, Hetfieldexploded onto the global scene with their seminal eponymous album and his place inthe rock pantheon was assured. However, behind the scenes was a complex bandfronted by a genius who had his own personal battles to fight - internal friction, tragedyand the demands of global fame lacerated the band and in 2001 Hetfield headed intorehab to address 'undisclosed dependencies', throwing the future of Metallica intoconsiderable doubt.His subsequent blistering re-emergence as a re-invented rock legend is a personal andprofessional triumph; Hetfield's often misunderstood intellectual and warm personalityallied to his stunning ability certainly deserves honest recognition - The Wolf AtMetallica's Door is the first book to chronicle this remarkable man's life.

"For The Sake Of Heaviness is an inside look at how Slagel built Metal Blade from a one-man operation in his mom's non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today."--Provided by publisher.

Alongside contemporaries Slayer, Megadeath and Anthrax, Metallica came to prominence in the eighties as one of the 'big four' of thrash metal. Metallica were to thrash, though, what the Sex Pistols were to punk. Nearly thirty years on, their tale is one of alcohol, rule breaking and tragically early death. But allied to that are colossal sales figures for their records -- they are the fifth-highest selling recording artists of all time -- and members with backgrounds that touch on jazz and classical music. Metallica, in fact, have garnered more critical acclaim than any heavy rock band since Led Zeppelin. Fresh from the critical and commercial success of When Giants Walked the Earth, Mick Wall takes a similar informed look at the band, a group he has known on and off since their formation in 1981.

The first part of the definitive, two-volume biography of Metallica, the biggest hard rock band in the world.