Various Artists
The Merciless Book of Metal Lists written by Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins
Review by Gary Hill
I suppose how you feel about this book has a lot to do with how seriously you take it. The thing is, it’s an irreverent collection of lists about heavy metal that reflects the opinion of these two guys. Looking at the two blank pages entitled “The very BEST qualities of Metallica’s Load and Reload albums” should tell you that this is meant for fun and essentially tongue-in-cheek. And, it is fun. You are sure to chuckle. You are sure to agree with some of it and think “these guys are crazy” at other parts. I mean, any list of people’s opinions is not meant, nor could it ever be, to be taken too seriously. The point is, this is a fun book that will make you think about a lot of metal you might not have considered for a while. I might turn you onto some new stuff. It might get you digging out old albums you haven’t listened to in a while. Whatever the overall effect, it’s fun and worth having.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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