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It did take some time to get through this primarily because its 352 pages are presented more as a treatise in textbook fashion than a general biography as is customary when the subject of Heavy Metal is written about. The subject matter is laid out scientifically and arranged so as to make a point with each chapter based on Weinstein’s observations and research of the musical sub-genre. “Heavy Metal: The Music and its Culture” will likely become one of the most sited reference materials on the subject as time goes on for two reasons. First, Heavy Metal has basically become a stagnate art form in that rebellious youth will always want to gather and raise their fists against something while loud guitars blare and singers screech in front of a bank of lights and parents despite having done the same will never understand, in short, this book is timeless. Second, the book is laid out in simplistic, not uneducated mind you, but simplistic arguments that also follow a general chronological progression. Additionally Weinstein examines the importance of all things related to Metal such as, the magazines, radio and MTV, the relationship between the sexes as concerns Heavy Metal as well as the political and religious implications of the music. You will need to understand a bit about scientific theory and presentation to “enjoy” this book but it is not so academic that it would be difficult for your average High School student to follow it. A short review is this, boring as hell if you were looking for previously untold stories of excess and debauchery by your personal Metal heroes but an astoundingly well done research and reference material if you are intent on writing about Heavy Metal for someone who doesn’t know the joys of always having it on ten.

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