This unique, authoritative, finely researched volume is the definitive encyclopedia of metal music. It draws on acts relevant throughout the genre's history starting with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin through to current innovators such as Papa Roach, Cradle Of Filth, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit. Bands from goth, death metal, black metal, thrash metal and glam punk are all included where their legacies (eg Sex Pistols on Nirvana) or present profile (Rancid) make it appropriate to do so. Entries for each major artist feature a classic line-up list and an also-played line-up of members, plus an 'influence on' key, listing the bands, - helping readers to trace key players through the rock family tree. Illustrated throughout with the best photography from the last 30 years of rock music, this is the ultimate reference for fans of all metal music, all over the world.

Chris Ingham has been writing about metal music for ten years, and has been editor of Metal Hammer for the past two. Now he shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject in the pages of this book. He lives in London.