We had to write, design and create our own book based on whatever we wanted. I choose to do a heavy metal book based on my first heavy metal experience.

1. CHRISTINASENGSAVANG

3. Hello!
I, dedicate this book to you. To all the lovely women who
put up with the countless metal shows and have no idea
what is going on. Fear no more! This book with help you
understand the simple and basic princepals of metal, so
next time when your man asks you to go to a metal show
you are prepared!
Welcome to the jungle.

4. GUNS N’ ROSES
I have been a metal enthusiast for as long as I can remember. It all started with listening to the vinyls and cassettes collected over the years by my father throughout his childhood and
then as I grew so did my collection of music.I have always found myself trying to cut a path perpendicular to the status quo and metal has been right there with me.It has always been
a musical genre for outsiders and misfits,square pegs in round holes and the theme music for those who wish to express themselves differently.You can see this in the physical reaction
that the majority of people have when they listen to the heavy, visceral tones that are the foundation of metal music; most people just don’t get it. While growing up my parent never
understood the allure of going into a mosh pit either. For them it was just a bunch of guys beating each other up and thrashing their heads back and forth to incomprehensible lyrics,
blisteringly fast drums and screaming guitars.What’s not seen by most is the high level of camaraderie and an unspoken bond between metal heads; egos get left at home, you look
out for one another and if someone gets hurt then you stop the music and help them out.The perceived savagery of metal music is only the surface of what makes the genre and this
book has been written to hopefully expel some of those myths that still persist today.While many are informed enough to realize that metal isn’t always about Satanic worship,there are
still many who just don’t fully understand what it means to be a metal head and what metal is about.
C.Kyle Milloy,Professional Metal Head

5. BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
historyofmetal
themoshpit
do’s&don’ts
scrapmetal
finish

6. COREYTAYLOR[SLIPKNOT]

7. WELCOME! In this chapter you will
learn about the history of metal! There is a lot
to go through,so sit tight!
Heavy metal (often referred to as metal)isa
genreof rockmusicthatdeveloped in the late
1960s and early 1970s,originally in the Unit-
ed Kingdom and later in the United States.
Withrootsinbluesrockandpsychedelic rock,
the bands that created heavy metal developed
athick,massivesound,characterized by highly
amplified distortion,extended guitar solos,
emphatic beats,and overall loudness.Heavy
metal lyrics and performance styles are often
associated with masculinity,aggression and
machismo.
The first heavy metal bands such as Led
Zeppelin,Deep Purple and Black Sabbath
attracted large audiences,though they were
often derided by critics,a status common
throughout the history of the genre.In the
mid-1970s Judas Priest helped spur the
genre’s evolution by discarding much of its
bluesinfluence;Motörheadintroducedapunk
rock sensibility and an increasing emphasis
on speed.Bands in the New Wave of British
Heavy Metal such as Iron Maiden and Saxon
followed in a similar vein.Before the end of
the decade,heavy metal fans became known
as “metalheads” or “headbangers”.
During the 1980s,glam metal became a
commercial force with groups like Mötley
Crüe and Poison.Underground scenes
produced an array of more extreme,
aggressive styles: thrash metal broke into the
mainstream with bands such as Metallica,
Megadeth,Slayer,and Anthrax,while other
styles of the most extreme subgenres of metal
like death metal and black metal remain sub-
cultural phenomena.Since the mid-1990s,
popular styles such as groove metal and nu
metal (e.g.Pantera and Slipknot,respectively),
which often incorporates elements of grunge
and hip hop; and metalcore,which blends ex-
treme metal with hardcore punk,have further
expanded the definition of the genre.
The history of metal is very extensive and
they’re are many genres of metal that also
divide into sub-genres,which can also divide
into smaller sub -genres.There is a genre
of metal that appeals to a wide range of
audiences,from grunge metal,to folk metal,
and even orchestrated metal.The possibilities
are endless! In this book,we are going to
cover the five “main” catergories of metal,
the more well known genres of metal.We
are also going to cover what makes metal
music so great,from what it makes it metal,to
who started it all.So,strap yourself in,we are
going on a journey through history and time
to learn about heavy metal !
HEADBANGERTIPS:
Common bands such as; Metallica, Guns N’ Roses
and The Rolling Stones are also considered metal
they are some of the more well known bands,
which is easier to get into if you’re just starting
to listen to metal.
THEMAJORFIVE
ALICECOOPER
SLASH [GUNS N’ ROSES]
thrash
metal
black/death
metal
power
metal
doom/gothic
metal
metalcore

8. BRUCEDICKONSON[IRONMAIDEN]

9. Heavy metal is traditionally characterized by
loud distorted guitars,emphatic rhythms,dense bass-
and-drum sound,and vigorous vocals.Metal subgenres
variously emphasize,alter,or omit one or more of these
attributes.New York Times critic Jon Pareles writes,“In
the taxonomy of popular music,heavy metal is a major
subspecies of hard-rock—the breed with less syncopa-
tion,less blues,more showmanship and more brute
force.”[6] The typical band lineup includes a drummer,a
bassist,a rhythm guitarist,a lead guitarist,and a singer,
who may or may not be an instrumentalist.Keyboard in-
struments are sometimes used to enhance the fullness
of the sound.[7]
The electric guitar and the sonic power that it projects
through amplification has historically been the key el-
ement in heavy metal.[8]The heavy metal guitar sound
comes from a combined use of high volumes and
heavy distortion.[9] With rhythm guitar parts,the “heavy
crunch sound in heavy metal...[is created by] palm mut-
ing” the strings with the right hand and using distortion.
[10] Palm muting creates a tighter,more precise sound
and it emphasizes the low end.[11]
The lead role of the guitar in heavy metal often collides
with the traditional “frontman” or bandleader role of the
vocalist,creating a musical tension as the two “contend
for dominance” in a spirit of “affectionate rivalry”.[7]
Heavy metal “demands the subordination of the voice”
to the overall sound of the band.Reflecting metal’s roots
in the 1960s counterculture,an “explicit display of emo-
tion” is required from the vocals as a sign of authenticity
Critic Simon Frith claims that the metal singer’s
“tone of voice” is more important than the lyrics.[13]
Metal vocals vary widely in style,from the multioctave,
theatrical approach of Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson,to the gruff style of
Motörhead’s Lemmy and Metallica’s James Hetfield,to
the growling of many death metal performers,and to
the harsh screams of black metal.
The prominent role of the bass is also key to the metal
sound,and the interplay of bass and guitar is a central
element.The bass guitar provides the low-end sound
crucial to making the music “heavy”.[14] Metal basslines
vary widely in complexity,from holding down a low
pedal point as a foundation to doubling complex riffs
and licks along with the lead and/or rhythm guitars.
Some bands feature the bass as a lead instrument,an
approach popularized by Metallica’s Cliff Burton in the
early 1980s.[15] Some bassists use a distorted bass
tone,an approach popularized by Burton and Motör-
head’s Lemmy.
The essence of metal drumming is creating a loud,
constant beat for the band using the “trifecta of speed,
power,and precision”.[16] Metal drumming “requires
an exceptional amount of endurance”,and drummers
have to develop “considerable speed,coordination,and
dexterity...to play the intricate patterns” used in metal.
[17] A characteristic metal drumming technique is the
cymbal choke,which consists of striking a cymbal and
then immediately silencing it by grabbing it with the
other hand (or,in some cases,the same striking hand),
producing a burst of sound.The metal drum setup is
generally much larger than those employed in other
forms of rock music.[14]
In live performance,loudness—an “onslaught of
sound,” in sociologist Deena Weinstein’s description—is
considered vital.[8] In his book Metalheads,psychol-
ogist Jeffrey Arnett refers to heavy metal concerts as
“the sensory equivalent of war.”[18] Following the lead
set by Jimi Hendrix,Cream and The Who,early heavy
metal acts such as Blue Cheer set new benchmarks for
volume.As Blue Cheer’s Dick Peterson put it,“All we
knew was we wanted more power.”[19] A 1977 review
of a Motörhead concert noted how “excessive volume in
particular figured into the band’s impact.”[20] Weinstein
makes the case that in the same way that melody is the
main element of pop and rhythm is the main focus of
house music,powerful sound,timbre,and volume are
the key elements of metal.She argues that the loudness
is designed to “sweep the listener into the sound” and
to provide a “shot of youthful vitality.”[8]
Robert Walser argues that,alongside blues
and R&B,the “assemblage of disparate musical
styles known...as ‘classical music’” has been
a major influence on heavy metal since the
genre’s earliest days.He claims that metal’s
“most influential musicians have been guitar
players who have also studied classical music.
Their appropriation and adaptation of classical
models sparked the development of a new kind
of guitar virtuosity [and] changes in the har-
monic and melodic language of heavy metal.”
In an article written for Grove Music Online,
Walser states that the “1980s brought on ...the
widespread adaptation of chord progressions
and virtuosic practices from 18th-century
European models,especially Bach,Wagner and
Vivaldi,by influential guitarists such as Ritchie
Blackmore,Marty Friedman,Jason Becker,Uli
Jon Roth,Eddie Van Halen,Randy Rhoads and
Yngwie Malmsteen”.Kurt Bachmann of Believer
has stated that “If done correctly,metal and
classical fit quite well together.Classical and
metal are probably the two genres that have
the most in common when it comes to feel,
texture,creativity.”Although a number of metal
musicians cite classical composers as inspira-
tion,classical and metal are rooted in different
cultural traditions and practices—classical in the
art music tradition,metal in the popular music
tradition.As musicologists Nicolas
Cook and Nicola Dibben note,“Analyses of pop-
ular music also sometimes reveal the influence
of ‘art traditions.’ An example is Walser’s linkage
of heavy metal music with the ideologties and
even some of the performance practices of
nineteenth-century Romanticism.However,it
would be clearly wrong to claim that traditions
such as blues,rock,heavy metal,rap or dance
music derive primarily from ‘art music.’
HEADBANGERTIPS:
If Bach were born in the late 20th century, he’d
be a metalhead

10. thrash
metalThrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that
is characterized most typically by its fast tempo
and aggression.Thrash metal songs typically
use fast percussive beats and fast,low-register
guitar riffs,overlaid with shredding-style lead
work.Lyrically,thrashmetalsongsoftendealwith
socialissuesandreproachforTheEstablishment,
often using direct and denunciatory language,
an approach which partially overlaps with the
hardcore genre.
black/death
metal
power
metal
doom/gothic
metal metalcoreDeath metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy
metal music.It typically employs heavily distort-
ed guitars,tremolo picking,deep growling
vocals,double kick and/or blast beat drum-
ming,minor keys or atonality,and multiple
tempo changes.
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy
metal music.Common traits include fast
tempos,shrieked vocals,highly distorted
guitars played with tremolo picking,blast beat
drumming, raw (lo-fi) recording and unconven-
tional song structures.
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal
combining characteristics of traditional metal
with speed metal,often within symphonic
context.Generally,power metal is characterized
by a more uplifting sound,in contrast to the
heaviness and dissonance prevalent in styles
such as doom metal and death metal.Power
metal bands usually have anthem-like songs
with fantasy-based subject matter and strong
choruses,thus creating a theatrical,dramatic
and emotionally “powerful” sound.
Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal
music that typically uses slower tempos,low-
tuned guitars and a much “thicker” or “heavier”
sound than other metal genres.
Gothic metal (or goth metal) is a subgenre of
heavy metal and gothic rock that combines the
heaviness of doom metal or death-doom with
the dark atmospheres of gothic rock.
Metalcore is a broad fusion genre of extreme
metal and hardcore punk.The name is an
amalgam of the names of the two genres,dis-
tinguished by its emphasis on breakdowns,[1]
which are slow,intense passages that are
conducive to moshing.
Here, we will find the five main genres of heavy
metal.Even though metal has many genres and
sub-gernes, most genres derive from one of
these fab five.

11. SCOTTIAN[ANTHRAX]

12. Well,we’ve come to the fun
part of the book,everything you need to know
about mosh pits and more! Moshing,also known
early on as “slamdancing”,is a style of dance
whose participants push or slam into each other.It
is most associated with “aggressive” music genres,
such as hardcore punk and numerous styles of
metal.It is primarily done to live music,although it
can be done to recorded music.
Variations of moshing exist,and can be done
alone as well as in groups.Moshing usually
happens in a “pit” (sometimes called a mosh pit
or “circle pit”) and is intended to be energetic and
full of body contact.Variations include “pogoing”
(mostly jumping up and down) and the more
extreme wall of death,and are typically done in an
area in the center of the crowd,generally closer to
the stage.
While moshing is seen as a form of positive
feedback or expression of enjoyment,it has also
drawn criticism over dangerous excesses occurring
in offshoots.Injuries have been reported in mosh
pits,and a few deaths have occurred in a “Wall
of Death”,an offshoot that developed when
slamdancing was adopted at metal shows from its
origin at punk shows.Moshing is definitely fun,
but can be dangerous! Just remember to be fully
aware of your surroundings! Whoever said “no
clit in the pit” clearly didn’t know what they were
talking about!
HEADBANGERTIPS:
Remember! If you go into the pit don’t forget to
keep your elbows up!
wallofdeath
circlepit
crowdsurfing
Crowd surfing,also known as body surfing,is the process in which a person is passed overhead
from person to person (often during a concert),transferring the person from one part of the
venue to another.The “crowd surfer” is passed above everyone’s heads,with everyone’s hands
supporting the person’s weight.At most concerts and festivals the crowd surfer will be passed
towards a barrier in front of the stage by the crowd,where they will be pulled off and put on
their feet by the security stewards.Then,they will be sent back to the side or rear of the crowd
at the end of the barrier or they may be ejected from the venue (depending on the policy
enforced).
Crowd surfing generally occurs only towards the front of an audience where the crowd is dense
enough to support a person’s body.It is most popular at metal,punk,rock,rave and indie
concerts.
In order to get above everyone’s heads,a person can be given a boost,in which one person
picks up another to launch them over the people’s heads,or they can stage dive.
This has been known to happen to unwilling participants who have been boosted up by others
by surprise,in which case,those participants may also be ejected,albeit unfairly.
A form of violent,aggressive dancing or “slamming” during punk shows that stays within the
confines of an open,circular area in the middle of the floor.Any of the following may occur
within the circle pit including:
1.Dancing or skanking that looks like running in a counter clock wise fashion
2.Random thrashing motion with elbows swinging and legs kicking out in a “running” man
style fashion.
3.Usually occurring at the front of the floor is the pogo which is hopping up and down and
bumping into other participants.
4.The circle pit can also differ in different types of shows such as at a hardcore show (windmill-
ing,picking up change,kickboxing) or a metal show (the largest participants running around
and seeing how can push whom the hardest).
An event that happens at heavy metal gigs.Basicall before a particully heavy song (or even
during a song before a heavy part) the croud will be split up:
1)either into a big circle with nobody in the centre
2) or into two colums with an approximately 10 metre gap in the middle

13. Mosh Etiquette is what separates most
metalmoshpitsfrommostpunkmoshpits.
These unwritten rules are to ensure the
safety of yourself and those around you.
Remember, mosh pits are fun, but they
can always be quite dangerous. So, follow
these simple rules and MOSH ON!
Lift that person and make sure they are not
hurt.They will probably just laugh and thank
you before joining back in or stepping out if
they are hurt.This could possibly be the most
important rule of all,you must pick up a falling
mosher at all times.
It’s wrong.Don’t do it.Every female mosher isn’t
a groupie and if she doesn’t get revenge on
you,the guy beside you will get it.Not only is it
wrong,it’s very disturbing to a girl.But,it does
happen,and if it does,call out whoever did it.
More respectful moshers will usually push him
away,or get between you and him.
It’s not a fight! If you hurt someone it is eti-
quette to maybe shake their hand or clap their
shoulder.Do a friendly gesture and apologize
(flashing the ‘horns’ and mouthing an apology
over the music works).Also bear in mind that
if you start a fight,you will be surrounded and
greatly outnumbered.
When you’re standing around an extremely
violent/large pit watching the action and you
see someone trying unsuccessfully to get out of
the pit,if you think you can handle the pit,go
and get them.It’s always appreciated.
Don’t Be The Jerk.People on the sidelines are
on the sidelines for a reason...They Don’t want
to mosh right now.Of course some will very
soon others don’t.Don’t force anyone to mosh
by grabbing them and throwing them in to the
pit if they really don’t want to.Sometimes this
is a great way to start a pit but if a pit is already
going and someones on the sideline don’t force
it.Also if they are holding a fist out in front of
them they don’t even want to be touched.
fallingthepullout hittingcoppingafeel
don’tbethejerk

14. Knowwhatyou’regettinginto.Beobjectiveandrecognizethatyoumaygethurt,andyou’redefinitely
going to get covered in sweat (and maybe even saliva or blood) of complete strangers.While
the objective of a mosh pit is to make physical contact without getting hurt,there is a good
degree of unpredictability and risk.Much of the risk comes from the type of music playing.Ska
will be more relaxed,while metal and some punk will be rougher.If you’re considering making
your debut in a mosh pit,be aware of the potential consequences and make sure that they’re
worth the thrill.
Braceyourself.Whetherinthemoshpitorout,youneedtokeepyourhandsandmorespecifically,
yourarmsprepared.Don’tlooklikeyou’rereadytostrikesomeone,butcertainlydon’tputyourself in
a position where your hands are going to be stuck to your sides,you may accidentally get your
face knocked by someone’s skull flying at you and you weren’t ready for it.
Watchandobservefromtheside.Howbrutalaretheindividualsbouncingaroundthisparticular pit?
Are people just having fun,or are they going for blood? Know the difference between those
who are “slam dancing” and the idiot high school jock who’s running around smashing people
in the face with his knuckles.There are many different types of moshing,and adapting to these
is an important step if you want to enjoy it.

15. SAMDUNN

16. If you are struggling with being pushed
too much and you want to get out of the
pit, DO NOT bend down or you risk falling
over and getting injured by people around
you accidentally stepping on you. Bring
your hands up towards your face and use
your arms as stabilizers while working your
way out of the mosh pit. Don’t panic: it’s
more important to stay upright and take
longer to get out than to hurry out and risk
falling over. Also if you can, tell someone
on the wall of the pit to grab you and pull
you out.
Wear the right gear.You don;t want tiny toes getting stepped on! Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained or
even ruined.Your outfit should also be comfortable and light,since it will get hot in the pit.
Make sure your shoes fit tightly and lace them well,because if a shoe falls off,you’ll have a hard time getting it back
and your unprotected foot will suffer in the meantime.Boots or chucks are recommended.
Remove any spiked wristbands or other dangerous accessories,as they could injure a fellow mosher (or even your-
self).
Avoid anything that can be grabbed (i.e.chains,chained wallets,long necklaces and dangling earrings).Unusual and
easily injured piercings may look cool,but will be a liability in the pit.
Never take bags or backpacks into the pit as they are a liability to you and the people around you.Give any loose
articles to a trustworthy friend.Do not keep anything in your pockets in a pit! They will most likely fall out.
If you can see reasonably well without your glasses,take them off and leave them with a friend who is not moshing.
Better yet,wear contacts to the show.
Your shirt will most likely be grabbed and pulled,so it is best to get a shirt with good coverage.If you are female,it is
best to wear a sleeved shirt,not a tank top.
HEADBANGERTIPS:
Watch Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey by Sam
Dunn.Itis aninterestingfilmthatgoesthrough the
history, influences, and a plethoraof informtation
about metal music and culture!
dressappropriately
When going to a metal show,try and
dress for the situation.This doesn’t mean
going out and buying the first band shirt
you see,this just means heels are proba-
bly not a good idea.
Wear something that makes you comfort-
able! It’s gonin to be a long show,filled
with sweaty metalheads ,atons of elbows
and foot stomping!protectyourself

17. MOTLEY CRUE
If you wear a shirt or a patch of a metal band,you’d be well-advised to make
sure it’s a band you like,and know very well.A metalhead is likely to see you and
strike up a conversation about the band and if you don’t know your stuff (the
names of the members,the names of their albums,and your favorite songs,at
the very least) then your metalhead credibility goes right out the window and
will never return.
Attempting to ingrate yourself too heavily into any particular subculture tends to
narrow one’s mind to other worthwhile experiences.In addition to appreciating
metal,continue seeking out a variety of new experiences,keeping an open mind
to all forms of art,metal included.The more you know,the better!
don’tcausetrouble
I know it sounds odd,but metal kids are probably the nicest kids I know! Every-
one is super friendly and witllnig to help their fellow metal brother out when
they need a hand.
An easy way to learn about metal is to ask metalheads about it.Some of them
will talk your ear off.You’ll do that too,eventually.
You don’t have to limit yourself to metal in order to be a metalhead.Many
metalheads like other kinds of music,such as classic rock,classical music,punk
rock,powerviolence,old reggae,or grunge.
Remember in every case: Metal Brotherhood,always help other metalheads to
go to shows by giving them car passages if you can,or always help who asks you
about music etc.
makefriends
Know and appreciate metal.This is the most important and quite possibly the
biggest step because without this,you’re a poseur,plain and simple.Do your
homework!
Know the difference between heavy metal and nu-metal,hard rock,death metal,
black metal,metalcore,and such.
Study the history of metal.Where did it begin? Who were the trailblazers? How
did it change over time?
Become familiar with the variety of subgenres within metal:[2]black,death,
doom,folk,glam,gothic,neo-classical,power,progressive,industrial,and thrash,
among others.
knowandappreciatemetal

18. RANDY BLYTHE [LAMB OF GOD]
From devil horns to headbanging,everything
you need to know about some important
physical gestures of metal.
DEVILHORNS
Thesignof thehornsisahandgesturewithavarietyof meanings
andusesinvariouscultures.Itisformedbyextendingtheindex
and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers
down with the thumb.
HEADBANGING
Headbanging is violently shaking the head in time with the
music,most commonly in the rock,punk and heavy metal
music genres.
The origin of the term “headbanging” is contested.It is
possible that the term “headbanger” was coined during Led
Zeppelin’s first US tour in 1969.During a show at the Boston
Tea Party,audience members in the first row were banging
their heads against the stage in rhythm with the music.
STAGEDIVING
Stagedivingistheactof leapingfromaconcertstageontothe
crowdbelow.Itisoftentheprecursortocrowdsurfing.
Wcomecommonathardcorepunkandthrashmetalperformanc-
es.Manymusicianshavemadestagedivingapartof theirstage
act

19. THE RAMONES