Hard & Heavy

It seems excessive...but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.The mass of black curls. The top hat. The cigarette dangling from pouty lips. These are the trademarks of one of the world's greatest and most revered guitarists, a celebrity musician known by one name: Slash.Saul "Slash" Hudson was born in Hampstead to a Jewish father and a black American mother who created David Bowie's look in The Man Who Fell to Earth. He was raised in Stoke until he was 11, when he and his mother moved to LA. Frequent visitors to the house were David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Wood and Iggy Pop.At this time Slash got into BMX bikes and would eventually turn professional, winning major awards and money, but at 15 his grandmother gave him his first guitar. Sessions with numerous local LA rock bands followed until a fateful meeting with singer W Axl Rose...and the rest was rock history. Guns N' Roses spent two years builiding their reputation before Appetite for Destruction was unleashed on an unsuspecting world.Chart success and global domination followed but with it came the inevitable fall - addicted to heroin, booze and cigarettes the band imploded in a rift between Axl and Slash that is as deep today as ever. But with a new wife, kids and new band Velvet Revolver, Slash is back on track. As raucous and edgy as his music, Slash sets the record straight and tells the real story as only Slash can.

Mit schweren Gitarrenriffs, dystopischen Texten und einem 'teuflischen' Image heben Black Sabbath den Heavy Metal aus der Taufe.Bei einem Arbeitsunfall in einem Birminghamer Stahlwerk verliert der Gitarrist Tony Iommi zwei Fingerkuppen. Um die Schmerzen beim Spielen zu verringern, stimmt er seine Gitarre tiefer und beeinflusst damit nicht nur maßgeblich den Sound seiner Band Black Sabbath, sondern erschafft auch eine neue Stilrichtung: Mit schweren Riffs, dystopischen Texten und einem 'teuflischen' Image begründen sie den Heavy Metal.Der Musikjournalist und -kritiker Frank Schäfer erzählt in seiner Bandbiographie erstmals die gesamte wechselvolle Geschichte der Band von der Gründung 1968 bis zum Tod Ozzy Osbournes im Juli 2025 und würdigt ihr einflussreiches und traditionsbildendes musikalisches Werk.

Metal music is heavy, but what does that mean? Heaviness is not just a timbre or quality of sound-it's an experience of impact that listeners help create. This book combines methodologies from musicology, music theory, cognitive science, and performance studies to define heaviness as a cross-sensory experience and aesthetic practice. Heaviness is shaped by what we do when we listen, how we think about metal music, and how we relate to the people who make and listen to it.Despite metal's historical narrative of "leaving the blues behind," many aspects of the genre perpetuate legacies of blues' musical style and highly racialized reception-including headbanging, and metal's ideologies and aesthetics of oppositional authenticity, loudness, heaviness, and extremity.Musicians and listeners navigate their own way through this landscape of legacies, re-enacting the genre's ideologies and musical structures through their own headbanging and moshing. Metal musicians perpetuate the genre's norms and practices, which in turn provide a framework for the creation and distinction of new metal styles and experiences. Heaviness in Metal concludes that longstanding restrictions about who and what count as metal have begun to loosen, expanding the scope of what heaviness can mean, and to whom.

Funny You Should Ask meets Almost Famousin this second chance, fake NOT dating, spicy, rockstar rom-com, from the author of the celebrated Unromance!'When I tell you this man YEARNS. He's giving Conrad Fisher a run for his money' ¿¿¿¿¿'Sloane and Dax are the perfect harmony of playful, heartfelt and always so, so hot' ¿¿¿¿¿'What a freaking masterpiece' ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿When elusive metal frontman Dax Nakamura agrees to give his first interview in years, he has one condition: his ex, Sloane Donavan, has to write it.Punk rock's most notorious and elusive frontman, Dax Nakamura, is ready to set the record straight - about his band, his life, and what happened that summer. But the only person he trusts to tell his story is the ex he hasn't spoken to in years, Sloane Donavan.Sloane has been writing about music since she posted her first MySpace blog. A journalism degree, a failed internship, and countless backstage passes later, Sloane still hasn't secured the dream job she left her dream man behind for. So when he reappears with a career-making opportunity, Sloane agrees with one stipulation: their past must stay in the past.As Dax opens up, old feelings resurface, and Sloane's journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. The article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane's editor expects are two completely different stories. This is the big break she's been waiting for, but it comes with a price - the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love.¿¿¿Still Into You is hitting all the right notes for early readers:'What a gorgeous book ... the vibes were immaculate' ¿¿¿¿¿'Still Into You will now be the standard upon which I will view any future rockstar romances. I haven't enjoyed a music related book this much since reading Daisy Jones & The Six' ¿¿¿¿¿'An incredible read with a sizzling romance, emotional depth, and a captivating musical atmosphere' ¿¿¿¿¿'The YEARNING!! Please. I was swooning so hard at Dax' ¿¿¿¿¿'Wow, there are so many sparkscoming off Sloane and Dax when they meet for the second first time at Battle of the Bands I'm only surprised it didn't short circuit the electrics' ¿¿¿¿¿Perfect for fans of:¿ Second Chance¿ Fake NOT dating¿¿Spicy romances¿ He-Hates-Everyone-But-Her¿ Rockstar romanceErin Connor is your favourite rom-com writer's favourite rom-com writer:'Sparkles with classic Hollywood romcom magic' ANDIE BURKE'Erin Connor is my favourite new voice in romance' ALISON COCHRUN'Properly funny and deeply charming. A real love letter to romance fans' LAURA WOOD'Filled with razor-sharp banter and a happily-ever-after that will make every reader swoon in the most epic way' CHIP PONS'Sharp wit, deliciously steamy moments, and so much charm that I was kicking my feet from the first page to the very last' JESSICA JOYCE'A love letter to romance and its readers, Unromanceis an impossibly charming love story ... a sexy, delightful read!' ANITA KELLY

Take a lively look back at the most significant 12-month span in Kiss’s career, 50 years on, joining Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter as they conquer the world.  <BR><BR>1976 suffered no shortage of notable events…Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big screen. And some guy named Bruce Jenner lit up the Summer Olympics. And it was all set against the backdrop of the United States Bicentennial.<BR><BR>Kiss stomped into the fray with their platform boots, barnstorming the world and still finding time to record and release two of their all-time bestselling albums. Formed in 1973, Kiss had already grabbed attention with their outrageous makeup, stage show, and (of course) music. But in 1976 the band truly took off, unleashing Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over in a span of just eight months and logging more than 100 performances in North America and Europe. <BR><BR>In Kiss ’76, Martin Popoff presents month-by-month narratives following the band around the world, across stages and through studios. The book features:<BR><BR>- Detailed analyses of both albums, including the recording sessions, sleeve art, and more- Info panels detailing the albums’ personnel, key dates, and track listings- Listings of tour dates and venues- Exclusive author interview material from figures like guitarist Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and collaborator Kim Fowley- Month-by-month sidebars offering concurrent world, entertainment, and music news, putting the band’s impressive achievements in the context of that momentous year- Stunningly illustrated pages featuring performance and offstage photography, as well as period memorabilia and flat art<BR>This nostalgic and handsomely produced book offers a unique look at a critical chapter in the band’s career, sure to appeal to the legions of Kiss fans.

Saltatio Mortis "Spielmannsschwur (live) exclusive<BR>2.

A deep dive into the music and songwriting of the world's greatest heavy metal band: Metallica.<BR><BR>A must-read for any metalhead, Metallica: The Stories Behind the Songs breaks down the writing and recording of every track from each of the band's studio albums, including classic records such as Master of Puppets (1986) and Metallica ('The Black Album') (1991), right through to 2023's 72 Seasons.<BR><BR>Written by former Metal Hammer publisher Chris Ingham and Illustrated with hundreds of stunning photos spanning more than 40 years, this updated entry in the bestselling Stories Behind the Songs series explores the influences behind more than 100 of the band's most celebrated tracks, offering fans a unique perspective into the creation, evolution and performance of their favourite songs.<BR><BR>Packed with insight and analysis, this is a revealing guide to Metallica's discography from a true authority on the band, and an essential read for any fan.

'Something genuinely new for fans ... essential reading.' - MetalTalk Podcast<BR><BR>'The fervour of a fan and the analysis of an expert critic ... digs deep into the music and its making with refreshing energy' - Record Collector<BR><BR>Beware the Beast: hard rock pioneers Iron Maiden boast numerous awards, countless No. 1 albums and singles worldwide, and over 130 million sales. And with 2025 marking fifty years since their founding, there is simply nobody like them.<BR><BR>With three generations of fans oiling the jaws of the war machine, Iron Maiden have roved across continents for fifty years, uniting fans worldwide under the twin banners of great music and unforgettable visuals. Between the talismanic talent of Bruce Dickinson, the genius songwriting of Steve Harris and the demonic undead gaze of Eddie, there is nowhere to hide from one of heavy metal's last true behemoths.<BR><BR>This beautifully illustrated keepsake celebrates the epic, all-conquering albums and gets under the skin of a group of characters unlike any other. Using unseen photographs and new stories from over 80 original interviews, including with virtually all ex-band members, renowned music writer Joe Shooman has painted a truly kaleidoscopic, 360-degree portrait of Iron Maiden and their immortal music. Own it, read it and get ready to run for your lives.

Step into the dark universe of Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, with the only official seek-and-find book. <BR><BR>We dare you to find Ozzy Osbourne as he rises from the depths of darkness, transforms and eats some bat-snacks through pages filled with evil inks found under heavy black rain. <BR> <BR>Every double page is brought to life in awesome illustrations by the award-winning Fantoons animation studio! Inspired by songs and albums from his iconic solo career and filled with easter eggs for hard core and casual fans alike. From Blizzard of Ozz to No More Tears, the heavy metal madness crank up each page, packed with hidden messages that celebrate one of the greatest rock singers of all-time.<BR> <BR>This book blends fun with the deep legacy of one of rock’s most iconic figures. <BR> Get ready to immerse yourself in the darkness<BR> <BR>Disclamer: Bat heads are not recommended as a snack… just ask Ozzy.

Authoritatively written and featuring rare photography and memorabilia, this beautiful slipcased hardcover is the only illustrated gift book to examine Queen’s most iconic album, A Night at the Opera.<BR><BR>In 1975, Queen released what would become their best-selling album, which also happened to introduce their most enduring song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” A Night at the Opera has gone on the sell over 11 million copies worldwide and counting. In Queen and a Night at the Opera, rock historian Gillian Gaar takes a deep dive into the legendary English band’s most famous album on its 50th anniversary. Chapters cover:<BR>  - Queen’s formation and history up to A Night at the Opera, including the three albums that preceded it- The recording sessions that resulted in the album- Track-by-track analyses of each side- The tour to support the album, and awards and accolades- The band’s career after the album—and after the death of Freddie Mercury<BR>In addition, numerous sidebars cover topics such as the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video, producer Roy Thomas Baker, Brian May’s “Red Special” guitar, and more. There are even capsule bios of Mercury and May, as well as bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. <BR><BR>IIlustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as images of rare memorabilia, Queen and A Night at the Opera is a definitive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.<BR><BR>The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, and Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, with more to come.

From prolific metal guitarist and songwriter for Exodus (and formerly Slayer) Gary Holt comes a deeply personal memoir of his "destruction-laden" life, along with a firsthand account of the genesis of the Thrash Metal scene, from its origins in the Bay Area to its world domination.<BR><BR> As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus and one of the originators of heavy metal, Gary Holt watched as his peers—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax—soared to superstardom. As his fellow artists amassed millions of fans and record sales, Exodus' albums received critical recognition and inspired generations of listeners—but struggled to reach the same heights of success, as the band was plagued by years of bad management, bad luck, and bad decisions. <BR><BR> A Fabulous Disaster follows our narrator through the highest of highs and lowest of lows as he and his bandmates juggle major label contracts, MTV-sponsored tours and festivals, growing addictions to alcohol and meth, and the loss of key founding members. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt decides to save himself. Newly sober and determined to resurrect his career, he commits himself to Exodus, pushing the band to new heights. <BR><BR> An "unadulterated odyssey through decades of insanity," punctuated by Holt's unique insight and knack for storytelling, A Fabulous Disaster is a thrill ride from start to finish. His story proves that redemption—even from the pits of rock 'n' roll excess—is always possible.<BR><BR>  

'It's been an honour to have been associated with Jill for 30 years' Noel Gallagher 'If you look at Jill's Oasis photographs they form one of the great essays in the history of photography' Gail Buckland, author, curator, photo-historian Dramatic, iconic, tumultuous: this is the story of Oasis, as seen through the lens of legendary photographer Jill Furmanovsky and edited by Noel Gallagher. Jill has been documenting the phenomenon that is Oasis since 1994 and the Definitely Maybe tour, through the tense and difficult shows for Dig Out Your Soul in 2009 and, following a hiatus, to a new beginning in 2025. Featuring more than 500 exceptional photographs from her archive, this book includes acclaimed and classic shots alongside swathes of candid, behind-the-scenes images, many of which are published here for the very first time. With unprecedented access, Jill was able to capture strikingly emotive images, recording the band's raw energy, humour and - at times - their vulnerability. 'Oasis permitted closeness,' she commented, 'and that was a great gift to me as a photographer.' Weaving sequences together to craft stories and stitch montages, the book brings you right into the room with the musicians. Noel's foreword is followed by an introduction by Jill, while three expansive pieces by acclaimed author Simon Spence, publicist and writer Johnny Hopkins and music columnist and novelist Laura Barton chart Oasis's early, mid and late eras. Jill and Noel's reflections, alongside the photos, give the inside track on key moments, revealing the intimate friendship between band and photographer and reminding us of a remarkable era in music history, right to the edge of their 2025 reunion tour. This is a book to treasure long after the final encore.

Orkus!-Edition Dezember 2025 /Januar 2026 mit Kalender 2026Mit: Johanna Krins - InterviewZanias - InterviewWhite Lies - InterviewHealth - InterviewDiary of Dreams - InterviewROME - InterviewTarja - InterviewBianca Stücker & Mark Benecke - InterviewMerciful Nuns - InterviewSagenbringer - InterviewMantus - InterviewDie Krupps - InterviewMotel Transylvania - InterviewFictional - InterviewNachtmahr - Interview Ultravox - RückblickDevil-M - InterviewThe Other - InterviewSoman - InterviewNattradio - InterviewAbsurd Minds - InterviewDas Ich - InterviewEdenbridge - InterviewSword Tongue- InterviewThe Brides of the Black Room - InterviewLUCKYANDLOVE- InterviewZoodrake - In eigenen Worten Super Schwarzes Mannheim - On Stageu.v.m.

Micha ist zehn, und sein Leben steht Kopf. Seit dem Tod seiner Mama ist nichts mehr, wie es war. Jetzt muss er mit seinem Papa in eine neue Stadt ziehen - zu dessen neuer Freundin und ihren Kindern. Neue Schule, neue Familie, neue Probleme: Selbst der Übergang aufs Gymnasium wackelt.Doch inmitten all des Chaos trifft Micha Ritchie, seinen rätselhaften Nachbarn mit dem schwarzen Hund Lemmy - und einer großen Leidenschaft: Heavy Metal!Zuerst ist Micha skeptisch. Aber je mehr er über die wilde Musik erfährt, desto mehr fühlt er sich verstanden. Ritchie und Micha freunden sich an, und die beiden merken bald, dass sie viel gemeinsam haben. Beide fühlen sich oft verloren, doch gemeinsam finden sie Halt in der Musik. Ritchie wird zu einem schwermetallischen Ersatzvater, und Micha lockt ihn nach und nach aus seiner mürrischen Komfortzone.Was ist Spaß-Angst? Wie fühlt es sich an, von Wacken zu träumen? Und am wichtigsten: Können sie am Ende wieder glücklich sein?Eine Geschichte über Freundschaft, Kummer und die heilende Kraft der Musik. Es wird LAUT!

Dreh Dein Leben auf 11!Amplify Your Life ist dein zuverlässiger Tourbegleiter für ein selbstbestimmtes Leben. Hier verschmelzen bewährte Achtsamkeitstechniken, smarte Life-Hacks und kraftvolle Rockstar-Routinen mit der puren Energie des Rock'n'Roll. <BR>Jana Solvejg und Uwe Lerch zeigen dir, wie du deine Lebensfreude dauerhaft auf 11 drehst. Mit der exklusiv entwickelten Rockstar-Roadmap kommst du direkt in die Umsetzung - für dein Leben auf voller Lautstärke!<BR>Mit einem Vorwort von Holger Hübner, dem Co-Gründer des Wacken Open Air, und ultimativen Praxistipps von Stars der Rock- und Metalszene: <BR>>Ausstattung: ca. 24 Fotos