The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal

by Martin Popoff

This guide contains 3700 reviews - with many from the original volume rewritten and rejudged. Besides reviewing the vast number of new releases that have transpired over the last few years, genres including punk, alternative, thrash, metal, grindcore, hardcore, death metal, originators from the 1970s, and collectables have been examined in detail. It includes a 19 track heavy metal CD sampler.

Genres: Music, History

544 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

About the author

At approximately 7900 (with over 7000 appearing in his books), Martin has unofficially written more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. He was Editor-In-Chief of the now retired Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, Canada’s foremost metal publication for 14 years, and has also contributed to Revolver, Guitar World, Goldmine, Record Collector, bravewords.com, lollipop.com and hardradio.com, with many record label band bios and liner notes to his credit as well. Additionally, Martin has been a regular contractor to Banger Films, having worked for two years as researcher on the award-winning documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, on the writing and research team for the 11-episode Metal Evolution and on the ten-episode Rock Icons, both for VH1 Classic. Additionally, Martin is the writer of the original metal genre chart used in Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and throughout the Metal Evolution episodes. Martin currently resides in Toronto and can be reached through martinp@inforamp.net or www.martinpopoff.com.

Reviews

[Asher Locketz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I came across 'The Collector's Guide To Heavy Metal' around 1997 it became my tome. I cannot quantify the mammoth amount of time I spent perusing the reviews that make up this magnificent and informative book.

In many ways my writing was influenced by Martin Popoff, his descriptive prose and staggering knowledge of what has become one of my most adored genres has been crucial to me.

I have yet to peruse the volumes that followed this amazing book and look forward to doing so accordingly. The impact this book has had on my life cannot be overstated.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer but not as comprehensive as his later released, specialized by decade issues. Still, fun read.

[TheDenizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popoff's knowledge of Heavy Metal music is encyclopedic, and here he collects thousands of his album reviews spanning from the late 60s to the mid 90s. I've bought several albums solely based on a positive review of his, and he hasn't steered me wrong yet.