For The Sake of Heaviness The History of Metal Blade Records

For The Sake Of Heaviness is an inside look at how Brian Slagel built Metal Blade Records from a one-man operation in his mom's non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today. As a metal-obsessed Southern California kid, he cobbled together what he assumed would be a one-off compilation of fledgling bands from the LA scene. Released in 1982, the Metal Massacre LP included the debut recordings of Ratt, Metallica, and others. In the wake of the album's unexpected success Slagel stumbled into creating a proper record label and issued the first releases by Bitch, Armored Saint, and Slayer the following year.In this book, Brian shares his insights into signing and working with Amon Amarth, As I Lay Dying, Behemoth, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Cirith Ungol, Corrosion of Conformity, Fates Warning, Gwar, King Diamond and Mercyful Fate, Lizzy Borden, Manowar, Sacred Reich, Six Feet Under, Trouble, Unearth, Whitechapel, and others.Featuring insights and extended guest interviews featuring friends, colleagues, Metal Blade staffers, and a long list of artists—including Metallica's James Hetfield, Slayer's Kerry King, King Diamond, and more—For The Sake Of Heaviness is, first and foremost, Brian Slagel's personal conversation about his life's passion, and the passion that drives Metal Blade: finding, exposing, and promoting the best heavy music on the planet.