If you are familiar with Decibel magazine then it is safe to assume that you are fairly aware of their monthly “Hall of Fame” column. The book Precious Metal is for those metal heads that are fans of the magazines illustrious interview segment. For those unaware, here is how the column works. Every month the editors go out collecting interviews with questions specifically tailored for a band concerning one album in particular. Interviews must be conducted with all the members of the band on how that album came to be and how it shaped the metal world.
There in lies the problem, bands such as Metallica and Pantera that have members that have tragically died are ineligible. Some musicians do not even want to discuss their past, such as ex-Black Flag front man Henry Rollins. The book’s editor, Albert Mudrian, mentions the example of the band Helmet, where several ex-members have made a blood pact to never speak of their time in the band ever again.
The book itself is a collection of 25 of the previously mentioned interviews with acts such as Black Sabbath (w/ Dio), Celtic Frost, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Opeth. Most of the interviews have been expanded from their original print form, so that is a bit of a refresh for avid Decibel readers. If you are a metal nut, or just a music geek who loves to learn about the struggles in the recording process, then the book is an exceptional read. All of the little stories mesh perfectly, for example readers will learn how in the early 80’s future Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, was so inspired by his mail ordered copy of Lightning to the Nations, that he flew out and spent a week sleeping at the end of Diamond Head front man Sean Harris’ bed.
The book comes with 25 black and white photos and is currently available for less then twenty dollars.
The Metal Question of the Day: Who would you rather have as your 80’s front man, Axel Rose or David Lee Roth?
Comments
Diamond Dave all the way. The guy is witty, a fun interview, doesn't stiff the fans and is still relevant. Axl, on the other hand...I've got two words for you, Chinese Democracy.
Totally Diamond Dave. And I agree with everything NathaN said.
Diamond Dave! He totally knows how to put on a show.
Short and sweet article. You raised a valid point about bands not wanting to talk about their past. Oh yeah, and Diamond Dave melts faces.
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