Product Description

Introduction by John Peel. In 1986 it was unimaginable that death metal and grindcore would ever impact popular culture. Yet this barbaric amalgam of hardcore punk and heavy metal would define the music threshold of extremity for years to come. Initially circulated through an underground tape-trading network, death metal and grindcore spread to every corner of the globe. This book conquers the lofty task of telling the two-decade-long history of this underground art form through the eyes and ringing ears of those who propelled the movement.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83091 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

Great, but should have been longer...
I'll start by saying that Mudrian has done a fantastic job in putting this book together. He sticks to his subject matter well and has written a book that will appeal to both the hardcore grindhead and the casual listener alike, and it is extremely readable. His passion for this genre clearly shows through and he has obviously put a lot of time and effort into his research. This is, for me at least, where the book falls just a little short. I can't help but feel that the written history has gone the same way as the scene it's describing, as the depth of writing seems to go very thin around the early to mid 90's period, only to come back to strength as the scene picked up again. The essential discography (which is very good by the way) shows that the author was aware that there was still a lot going on in this period, but the main text seems to miss the bulk of it. This coupled with the unforgivable omission of a mention of Carcass' Necroticism album means it's a 4 out of 5 for me. All that said, this is by far the best book of its kind that I've read and I recommend you give it a try. Grind on!!

Engrossing history of a underrated genre
Choosing Death is a land mark publication detailing the birth, death and re-birth of death metal and grindcore.
The book has information that any death metal fan with an interest out side of listening to the music will find utterly fascinating.
The book looks at the early cross over of anarcho punk and metal, the birth of Napalm Death (an amazing story in itself) and the explosion of death metal around the world.
It tells us of the links between bands, tape traders, and the rise of the american death metal scene.
There are so many suprises in this book, like band memebers from diferent groups you'd never expect to know each other, or have helped each other out in the business, and many other twist and turns along the way.
It describes the rise of the death metal Labels, their relationships with the bands and the eventual "death" of the genre, and rebirth.
The book is packed full of B/W photos of all the major players, and some lesser legends.
Another really nice touch is the "where are they now" section included at the end, mentioning most of the big names of the 90's death metal scene who have since dissapeared.
A truly inspiring book that lets you know what was happening during the rise and fall (and rise again !!!) of the most extreme (and finest) music on the planet !

Death metal 101
If your serious bout your death metal (as am i),
Then this book is for you,have had this book 2 days and have just passed halfway already,thats how readable this is.
I've always been a afan of Entombed,so to hear how they and their countrymen got started was very refreshing.
At the end of the book is an essential discography,detailing 20 of the genres more important albums,which is very handy.(i've got half the list already).Buy this book,you wont be dissapointed.