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The Bottom Line

If it was metal and released in the '80s it is reviewed in this comprehensive and very readable guide.



Pros

• Comprehensive guide to '80s metal.
• Many obscure bands unearthed.
• Knowledgeable reviews.

Cons

• None

Description

• Reviews of the popular and obscure of '80s metal.
• Endorsed by Bruce Dickinson, Dee Snider, John Paul Jones and Lemmy.
  
• Includes bonus CD of '80s rarities from Metal Blade Records.

Guide Review - The Collectors Guide To Heavy Metal Volume 2: The Eighties

Several years ago Popoff wrote the Collectors Guide To Heavy Metal. He split the series into three separate books, the previously released '70s volume, this one, and the yet to be published '90s edition. He also added hundreds of new reviews and polished many of the old ones.

This book is an '80s metal fan's dream, packed with concise reviews that remind you of old favorites and open the door to discover hundreds of new ones. I really like his reviewing style, because he is a clever and entertaining writer who also tells you what the album sounds like. Sounds obvious, but so many reviewers write flowery prose that would get an A in English class but after reading it you still have no idea what the album is all about. Not so with Popoff.

When you buy the book you also get a CD of '80s metal rarities, including songs by Slayer, Fates Warning, Flotsam & Jetsam and Lizzy Borden.