Death Metal

This book explores the history and methodology of death metal, featuring exclusive interviews with key figures and charting its aims and intentions, crossovers to the mainstream, successes and failures, and how it developed from the bedrooms of Birmingham and Florida to the near-mainstream, to the murky cult status it enjoys today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Death metal, a genre that has captivated the hearts of metal enthusiasts for decades, is a complex and intriguing musical phenomenon that defies easy categorization. With its relentless aggression, discordant riffs, and guttural vocals, death metal has been both loved and hated by critics and fans alike. Despite its controversial nature, death metal has managed to maintain a loyal following and has even found success in the mainstream music industry.

The history of death metal can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when bands such as Slayer, Venom, and Possessed emerged on the scene. These bands were pioneers in the genre, combining elements of thrash metal and punk rock to create a sound that was both brutal and melodic. However, death metal was not without its controversies. From its early days, death metal was often associated with violence and hate, and it was criticized by many for its graphic lyrics and imagery.

Despite these criticisms, death metal continued to evolve and grow in popularity. In the 1990s, bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Death became household names, and the genre continued to expand and diversify. Today, death metal is a diverse and complex genre that encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, including technical death metal, melodic death metal, and deathgrind.

One of the defining characteristics of death metal is its aggressive and relentless sound. Guitarists play abrasive, discordant riffs that are often punctuated by rapid fire drumming and guttural vocals that spit out twisted lyrics. The music is often characterized by its lack of melody and its focus on brutality, making it one of the most intense and punishing forms of metal.

Another defining characteristic of death metal is its crossover appeal. While death metal has traditionally been associated with the underground music scene, it has also found success in the mainstream. Bands such as Slayer, Metallica, and Lamb of God have achieved commercial success with their death metal music, and the genre has even been featured in films and television shows.

Despite its popularity, death metal has not been without its challenges. Many critics argue that the genre is too focused on brutality and lacks artistic merit, and some musicians have even criticized the genre for promoting violence and hate. However, death metal fans argue that the genre is a form of artistic expression that allows musicians to explore their darkest emotions and thoughts.

In conclusion, death metal is a genre that has defied easy categorization and has captivated the hearts of metal enthusiasts for decades. With its aggressive and relentless sound, crossover appeal, and controversial nature, death metal has managed to maintain a loyal following and has even found success in the mainstream music industry. While it may not be for everyone, death metal is a genre that continues to evolve and grow, and its impact on the metal scene is undeniable.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501381010