Few fans and naysayers have dissected a band with the ferocity as has been heaped on Metallica. The world’s biggest heavy metal band has battled criticism--both unfair and valid--since 1981.
Paul Brannigan and Ian Winwood do something Metallica often struggle with: talking about the band with reason and balance. Into the Black is the second in a two-part biography about the band. Following on the heels of
Birth School Metallica Death, Into the Black is a trip through what many consider the band's wilderness years.
Following the commercial heights of 1991’s Black Album and its massive world tour, Metallica spent the next 20 years often giving the fans a reason to complain--less focused and less frequent recording, the Napster issues, and even haircuts.
Brannigan and Winwood are music journalists with years of access to the band. They dig deep into the successes and failures with a candid approach. It paints a portrait of a band that never fails to follow its conscience, even at the risk of alienating fans and friends.
Metallica fans might be able to gain some perspective when reading Brannigan and Winwood’s books. Non-fans can get a taste of what the hubbub is all about.