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Rating: 
Summary: Very good book, great insights from the Stars
Review: * First off, this is a very good book that I ejoyed quite a bit, and will go back to re-read several times, I'm sure. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. I say this because most of my comments below will sound a bit critical, but I don't mean to convey a negative impression, necessarily, I just state where this book might have been even better. Bill Martin did a fine job overall, IMO. This book was supposed to be entitled "Metal Pipes" from what I'd heard about beforehand, and only recently learned that it had been released under the eventual title. It's a very good read, mostly because of the interviews with star rock/metal singers. A couple of comments... 1. The first section of chapters, which is actually quite short and repeats phrases/views from the subsequent interviews with the singers, is actually sort of okay, but not that good. If you've never learned anything about singing at all (e.g., the importance of hyrdation, warmup, and sleep/rest), it will be of help, but it is of limited value and really is a rather half-hearted attempt at delivering the basics of vocal production/technique and maintenance/care. It probably would have been better to integrate more on these topics with some of the sources cited on vocal technique/production and the interview comments/opinions in a summary section at the end of the book. The section on producing 'rasp' was quite unique, however, and one I've not seen before, even in Mark Baxter's "Rock and Roll Singer's Survival Manual". 2. Most of the interviews are quite good, but they are of varying quality, not because of the questions asked, but rather because some of the singers didn't really say that much in their responses (e.g., Rik Emmett, surprisingly). My favorite interview was with Tim "Ripper" Owens, who was very forthcoming in his responses (and he's a really good guy, I e-mailed with him a few times on vocal technique). I'd heard that Michael Matijevic, of Steelheart and "Rock Star" fame, was going to participate, but apparently this didn't ultimately happen. 3. Finally, a word of caution - although most of these singers have had some lessons at some time in their careers, none of them are experts in vocal production, so I'd say to take their advice if it seems logical or workable, apply it, and if it doesn't seem to be working out for you, drop it. Just because they sing well does not mean that their advice will necessarily work for you - every voice is different. * Bottom line: Very good overall, could have been a bit better. Maybe I'll write a follow-up that addresses some of the shortcomings I saw in this book and interview some of the missing greats (e.g., Halford, Dio, Kiske).
Rating:
Summary: Very good book, great insights from the Stars
Review: * First off, this is a very good book that I ejoyed quite a bit, and will go back to re-read several times, I'm sure. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. I say this because most of my comments below will sound a bit critical, but I don't mean to convey a negative impression, necessarily, I just state where this book might have been even better. Bill Martin did a fine job overall, IMO. This book was supposed to be entitled "Metal Pipes" from what I'd heard about beforehand, and only recently learned that it had been released under the eventual title. It's a very good read, mostly because of the interviews with star rock/metal singers. A couple of comments... 1. The first section of chapters, which is actually quite short and repeats phrases/views from the subsequent interviews with the singers, is actually sort of okay, but not that good. If you've never learned anything about singing at all (e.g., the importance of hyrdation, warmup, and sleep/rest), it will be of help, but it is of limited value and really is a rather half-hearted attempt at delivering the basics of vocal production/technique and maintenance/care. It probably would have been better to integrate more on these topics with some of the sources cited on vocal technique/production and the interview comments/opinions in a summary section at the end of the book. The section on producing 'rasp' was quite unique, however, and one I've not seen before, even in Mark Baxter's "Rock and Roll Singer's Survival Manual". 2. Most of the interviews are quite good, but they are of varying quality, not because of the questions asked, but rather because some of the singers didn't really say that much in their responses (e.g., Rik Emmett, surprisingly). My favorite interview was with Tim "Ripper" Owens, who was very forthcoming in his responses (and he's a really good guy, I e-mailed with him a few times on vocal technique). I'd heard that Michael Matijevic, of Steelheart and "Rock Star" fame, was going to participate, but apparently this didn't ultimately happen. 3. Finally, a word of caution - although most of these singers have had some lessons at some time in their careers, none of them are experts in vocal production, so I'd say to take their advice if it seems logical or workable, apply it, and if it doesn't seem to be working out for you, drop it. Just because they sing well does not mean that their advice will necessarily work for you - every voice is different. * Bottom line: Very good overall, could have been a bit better. Maybe I'll write a follow-up that addresses some of the shortcomings I saw in this book and interview some of the missing greats (e.g., Halford, Dio, Kiske).
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, Useful and Insightful
Review: As a long time fan of heavy rock, I found this book to be original, providing very useful tips from the legends themselves. I've not found anything else like it. It was exciting to hear about the pros' secrets to success. Heavy metal singing is a difficult genre. It takes a special style and hard work. This book breaks down the steps. It's easy to digest, motivating and enjoyable to read. You'll be off and singing before you know it. I highly recommend you check it out!!! Rock on.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing will top this!! Unless Bill writes another...
Review: Just flipping through the first few pages it reads like just another vocal coaching book. But wait - get your form and posture correct because what you are about to read will change your vocals forever. Bill asks the best vocal singers the questions we all long to ask. This book delivers. Page after page I thought, "this is unbelievable!". These Metal Heroes really tell all their secrets. They share tips, tricks, techniques...everything!! I felt just by reading a couple of the singers interviews I could sing easier. This is the closest thing to a weight loss pill that requires no exercise. I just kept reading and thinking "I can do this now!". This book motivates as well as it removes mental barriers. It removed all the blocks I had. I can sing all the way to the limits of my range and 5 notes beyond what I thought was possible. There is no other book like this in any style of music. My only dissapointment was the fact that Halford and Steven Tyler weren't included. But then who would be left for the sequel? The quality of these singers interviewed in this book is literally the best in the world. I think heavy metal singing is the most difficult style in the first place. In this book you get all the masters of metal to tell you exactly how they do it. Does anyone agree that heavy metal singing is the hardest stlye? Ask Brittney Spears to sing Eyes of a Stranger- Queensryche. Ask Jennifer Lopez to sing Screaming for Vengence-Judas Priest. How about the Back Street Boys singing Time Bomb-Annihilator. How do you think they would sound? Only a few people can sing these songs and most, if not all, will own this book or they're in this book. Band together all heavy metal fans of the world. Buy this book and let these Metal Heroes show us the way.
Rating:
Summary: True Metal vocal techniques to the max!
Review: This book is overall a great read. I am not a lead vocalist, I am a guitarist, but I know a lot about singing and other instruments. A few things I suggest you skip over are anything said by Chuck Billy(although I'm a huge fan of Testament, his vocal techniques are very harsh and damaging on your vocal chords)and the guy from Disturbed(he apparently damaged his voice so bad that he needed surgery). Other than that, this is a great book. Winger-haters, don't skip over the Kip Winger interview...Although Winger had horribly cheesy music, Kip is a very knowledgable musician and gives great advice. Bruce gives awesome but common warm-up tips, and James Labree obviously knows what he is talking aboot, eh? Geoff Tate's advice did not impress me. I expected more out of such a vocal god. I do recomend this book for any lead or backup vocalist. It gives great insight to whatever style you are playing, especially Metal. Well, I hope this review helped you. My Metal Hails hgo out to all of you!
Rating:
Summary: True Metal vocal techniques to the max!
Review: This book is overall a great read. I am not a lead vocalist, I am a guitarist, but I know a lot about singing and other instruments. A few things I suggest you skip over are anything said by Chuck Billy(although I'm a huge fan of Testament, his vocal techniques are very harsh and damaging on your vocal chords)and the guy from Disturbed(he apparently damaged his voice so bad that he needed surgery). Other than that, this is a great book. Winger-haters, don't skip over the Kip Winger interview...Although Winger had horribly cheesy music, Kip is a very knowledgable musician and gives great advice. Bruce gives awesome but common warm-up tips, and James Labree obviously knows what he is talking aboot, eh? Geoff Tate's advice did not impress me. I expected more out of such a vocal god. I do recomend this book for any lead or backup vocalist. It gives great insight to whatever style you are playing, especially Metal. Well, I hope this review helped you. My Metal Hails hgo out to all of you!
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