Headbangers rejoice, because this fantastically illustrated encyclopedia includes all things Metal, from influential bands such as Blue Cheer and Iron Butterfly to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, to today s extreme death metal bands. The well-researched witty text befits the raucous, boundary-pushing musicians. From obscure bands such as Armored Saint to megastars as Van Halen and Metallica, each entry contains vital statistics on the band members, a description of the band s history and sound, an essential discography, and more.