Metal Blade Records “Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records” Paperback Book

Paperback Book: 171 Pages

“Swing of the Blade” follows Brian Slagel’s critically acclaimed 2017 book, “For the Sake of Heaviness”, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music.

Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands and more of Slagel’s musical wisdom, and with “Swing of the Blade”, he delivers. Featuring a foreword by Slayer’s Kerry King, the new book is part memoir, part music-business-primer, and all metal, delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about.

In “For the Sake of Heaviness”, Slagel shared personal stories about working with Amon Amarth, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Gwar, Corrosion of Conformity and more legendary lineups. With “Swing of the Blade”, Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and happenings, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond and other heavyweights.

“Swing of the Blade” offers clear-eyed and entertaining insights about the very beginning of the Los Angeles metal world of the 1980s, a local scene that Slagel helped shape … and break internationally. Metal would go on to explode on MTV and in arenas, the movement featuring many Metal Blade acts, along with the likes of Guns ‘N’ Roses and Tool, bands Slagel also scouted in their earliest days.

“Swing of the Blade” is told in Slagel’s humble but authoritative voice. His view for the last 40 years-from the studio, side-stage and boardroom-offers an unprecedented look into the music, business and passion that has made both Slagel and Metal Blade champions of discovering and nurturing the best heavy music on the planet.

Metal Blade Records Item #9798885893763
Code: MBR-Book-2023