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Omnibus, 2009; foreword by Tom Gabriel Fischer, ex-Celtic Frost

"Originally released in 2004, Justice For All was notable for its unbelievable attention to detail, providing Metalli-nuts with more info on the band than perhaps even James Hetfield knows... you'll still be bowled over by the colossal amount of work and detail that's gone into this" Kerrang!

“With the Four Horsemen now seemingly back on fine form and riding the crest of the Death Magnetic wave, this updated edition seems more than timely… if you're a Metallikat who hasn't purchased this must-have tome yet, what are you waiting for? A backstage pass?” Terrorizer

"Painstakingly researched, McIver has dredged interviews out of the archives to show how as their career progressed four vulnerable young men simultaneously struggled with stardom and their demons" Rave

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Jawbone, 2009; foreword by Kirk Hammett of Metallica

"Joel McIver is rapidly gaining a reputation for turning out well-heeled rock biographies... diligently researched, musically insightful, and flecked with a nice array of original interviews. Particularly good on the enormous influence Burton had on the rest of Metallica" Mick Wall, Classic Rock

"A superbly detailed account... paints a picture, not just of Burton himself, but also what it was like to be in 'Tallica back in the early days" Kerrang!

"To Live Is To Die is, to me, the very best book about a rock band,
artist or topic that I have ever read. It's better than The Dirt. It's
better than David Lee Roth's Crazy From The Heat. This book is a grand slam home run, hit with two outs in the bottom of the
ninth, to win your team's first ever World Series. It's that good... especially to any Metallica fan out there" Pitriff

“Essential… will surely bring a tear to the eye of many an old-school fan of the band, and sheds some light on their troubled early years for the whipper-snappers” Terrorizer

"It's awesome! This book is easily a decade, if not two overdue, so to finally have it available to read and absorb is something of a gift from the metal gods... this book is about the closest thing we'll ever get to
knowing or trying to understand Cliff Burton" None But My Own

"Wonderfully put together... even if you're not into rock biographies, this is one that I recommend picking up and getting to grips with. It’s a book that is meant to pay proper tribute to the man and does so in droves" Blogcritics

"No-one writing today is more capable than author Joel McIver of
interpreting and presenting this complex character... In 2004, the
Englishman wrote Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica, the
bible for Metallica-heads everywhere. Now, with this definitive
portrait of the legendary bass player, he completes the picture" Curled Up

"McIver accurately notes that Burton's influence has been the greatest in the realm of technical death metal, with bassists from Cynic, Atheist and Suffocation having all cited Burton as an influence... an immensely readable book" Chronicles Of Chaos

"This lovingly-assembled biography only adds to the legend" Record Collector

“Engaging and informative… an indispensable look at Metallica's formative years and the headbanging bassist with a penchant for bellbottom jeans who helped create an entire genre of music” Metalocalypse

"Geniunely emotional" Rock And Roll Army

"Provides real insight into the life of Cliff Burton, and the effect of his death on those he left behind" Heavy Metal About

"McIver has given us a reason to... celebrate the short life of a gifted individual who was taken away from us way too soon" Sea Of Tranquility

"A well-rounded account... detailed musical insight... an excellent read" Everlong

"A daring and much-needed tribute... McIver really shows his salt in this thing with his outstanding tech and music theory knowledge... thank God someone took a chance at telling Cliff Burton's story"
Ray Van Horn, Jr

"McIver makes a strong case that it was Burton's knowledge of composition and theory... that gave Metallica the extra dimension" Blurt

"Must read for any serious Metallica fan, as well as both aspiring and established rock bass players" Metal Underground

"All you ever need to know about an important member of the Metallica family who fell from us at an early age" Mass Movement

"McIver's book correctly credits Burton with helping elevate the band to another level" Antimusic

"The definitive Cliff Burton book. It weaves through the all too short life of this truly amazing man. Any fan of Cliff, Metallica or bass guitar should pick up a copy of this truly great biography" Ultimate Guitar

"A fine volume... Burton's profound creative input is revealed in a series of interviews with those close to him" Vintage Guitar

"If you're a Metallica fan you NEED to read this book" Colpop

“A definitive, uniquely genuine and well researched book” Altsounds

"Grade A" Campus Circle

“There are only a few times when a biography can be said to be ‘definitive', and that certainly is the case here… It is inspiring, it is exhaustive, it is informative, and most of all it is a damn good read that I found hard to put down… Undoubtedly one of the most important biographies released covering this style of music.” Amplified

“Well-researched… will leave a lasting impression… required reading” Guitar Edge

"A sensible, cognizant story... avoids wasting time and ink rehashing the mountainous 'Alcoholica'-era debauchery and typical rock star excesses that other rock authors tend to glorify. Instead, To Live Is To Die tells the story of a contradictory man, quiet, unassuming to many, but clearly a determined, focused musician who was a genuine force to be reckoned with... a wonderful tribute" Hard Rock Haven

“Joel is a writer I have a lot of respect for, I really enjoyed his fine book on Slayer… McIver has done a fantastic job, talking to all the people who knew Cliff personally, covering his tenure in Metallica in great detail and with a great deal of compassion… A fine book from a talented and passionate writer and one that deserves the widest audience possible” Live4Metal

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Omnibus, 2009

"It's to Joel McIver's credit that this enlightening study is rich in primary-source material and runs rich in spot-on critique... the band's esoteric interests are astutely documented" Classic Rock

"Praise Satan, someone has decided to definitively commit Tool's tale to print... as the first complete account of the band's long and bizarre history, it's well worth a read" Kerrang!

"Reveals the band in sharp, objective focus" Metal Hammer

"Comprehensive and eye-opening... if you think you know absolutely everything about Tool, think again until you have read this book" Classic Rock Presents Prog

"McIver, a knowledgeable and prolific rock scribe, sets the heavy rock act named after genitalia in the context of the turbulent musical years of the 90s... this is a must-read" Record Collector

"Delves deep into the collective mind of a band renowned for their reluctance to explains themselves" Rhythm

"There has never been a band like them, and probably never will be. Joel McIver captures this perfectly in this book" Suite 101

"Tool has become known for their astounding live concerts, controversial videos, and an uncompromising style that defines definition. There has never been a band like them, and probably never will be. Joel McIver captures this perfectly in this book" Entertainment Books

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Jawbone, 2009; foreword by Glen Benton of Deicide

"Joel McIver, over not very many years at all, has become heavy metal’s premiere journalist... Joel’s choices are sure to cause kitchen-table knife-fights (and wait until you get into the Top 20!)" Martin Popoff, Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles

"Joel McIver's judiciously grafted tome comes packed with facts, insights and info, explaining techniques and providing a useful bluffer's guide in the process" Metal Hammer

“The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists might be the most complete overview of metal guitar on the planet” Message

“Talk about a read that will leave you not only entertained but also ready to run into the town with torches blazing… This one will surely cause some controversy” Piercing Metal

"Compelling and engaging... after reading it you'll want to make your own list, email Joel McIver to argue about his list and seek out music to revisit or discover these outstanding guitarists" Heavy Metal About

"Joel McIver's The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists will help the headbanger in your life see in the New Year with a smile" The Daily Mirror

“McIver is no-one to fuck around with –- the man certainly knows his material, and he puts on quite a display of knowledge here… if you call yourself a metal fan, McIver just wrote you something you can proudly display on your black bookcase next to your Slayer shrine” Absolutepunk.net

“McIver knows what he is talking about. This isn't just a half-hearted list thrown together to make a quick buck” Innocent Words

"The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is an interesting read, and isn't short on controversy. Let the debate rage on" Beatroute

“A hell of a fun read for anybody interested in either heavy metal or guitars… in an entertaining style that is equal parts fanboy enthusiasm and rockcrit perspective” Blurt

“An antidote to guitar lists… when I told one of my mates who made the No. 1 spot, he classed it a moral victory” Subba Cultcha

“This author knows his metal, as his books on Metallica and Slayer attest… the top 10 is bound to spark fierce debate” Guitarist

"The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is a terrific read. McIver brings impeccable credentials to the subject... the author's passion and knowledge are beyond reproach" Gibson Guitars

"Every entry is entertaining... an amusing and controversial book" Guitar (Germany)

“Well presented… this book is a good read for guitar players into metal… you will be entertained” Fretplay

"A good chance to read up on your metal history... This book is extensive and highly detailed, and should be the starting point of any guitarist who wishes to learn about the greats of metal" Altsounds

"McIver is a brave man to attempt such a task... fascinating and very hard to put down. The fact that McIver secured Glen Benton of Deicide infamy to do the introduction speaks volumes" Blogger News Network

"Respected UK music journalist Joel McIver certainly had his work cut out for him... a knowledgeable list of top guitarists for a change" Greg Prato, Guitarsite

"The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists will give you more insight than the typical metal book... you will not be disappointed" Metal-Blast.com

“A book worth a thorough read... and then riff-filled debate. This is a list that any real metal fan would agree with... this guy knows his metal!” CBC Radio

"This was a fun read, and a book that has generated lots of heated discussion around metal and guitar circles" Sea Of Tranquility

“McIver brings a depth of knowledge and detail to each of the portraits here, starting with number 100 and continuing to the top” Sun Herald

“Joel McIver does the impossible… a coffee-table book you can bring to the studio to read in between takes” Mean Street

“Well-written and factual but also rates highly on the enjoyment factor. Recommended” Powerplay

“Wickedly brilliant… smarter than any other encyclopedia of its kind” Curled Up

"McIver hits the nail on the head, even in making his controversial selection for the greatest metal guitarist of all time... for those who seek to widen their metal knowledge and vocabulary with minimal effort, The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is an excellent purchase" Lucem Fero

"The real value of this book is McIver's own passion. His pure love and appreciation for metal is apparent... the list gets especially juicy as it winds down into the top thirty" Premier Guitar

“A very strong point is McIver's knowledge of all genres, this is reflected in the book. Modern guitarists from relatively new bands are mentioned, as well as veterans” ME Metalhour

“A terrific coffee-table-sized book… one of the best books on the subject of metal” Fulvue Drive-In

"This collection's greatest achievement is that it triumphantly puts into words the terror, bombast, swarming power and clouds of terror emited from the amps of Trey Azagthoth, James Hetfield, Dimebag Darrell, Kerry King and the rest" Rocktober

"This is a complete listing, punctuated by comments from the players, most of whom comport themselves with intelligence and insight" Vintage Guitar

"Joel McIver can be seen as one of the most important
writers of books on music... this is a very cool book" Lords Of Metal

“The depth and knowledge of the subject matter is unquestionable… Required reading for all fans of the genre” Amplified

"You'll be drawn into this collection" Innocent Words

"Metal book of the year" City Of Devils

Omnibus, 2008; foreword by the members of Municipal Waste

"Thoroughly compelling... McIver's obvious passion for his subject shines through on every page, and such is the depth of detail that even the most rabid Slayer acolyte will surely stumble across a few nuggets of fresh information" Classic Rock

"Avoids hyperbole, and without tabloid dirt-digging, reveals the personalities of the band" Metal Hammer

"The ultimate (un)holy bible for Slayer fanatics... Joel McIver takes in staggering amounts of detail on their history that would put Simon Schama to shame. If you can find more info on Slayer than contained here, your name is Kerry King" Kerrang

"Provides the commentary to the 25 years since Slayer's first release" Rock Sound

"Excellent... rich in detail and anecdote... an essential read"
Record Collector

"Covers the full history of the band... a worthwhile addition to any fan's collection" Rhythm

"A fascinating, absorbing read... recommendations rarely come this heavy, or this loud" The Crack

"A killer new book... in-depth and personal... plenty of inside scoop to keep every Slayer fan interested on every page. Great job Joel!" Steppin' Out, New Jersey

"Amusing tales of guitarist Kerry King's verbal spats with other musicians" Q

"A timely piece of work, and one that could find no better author... as a biography that presents and celebrates the music of an influential act, this is the first and the last word" Thrash Hits

"The Bloody Reign Of Slayer will appeal to both hardcore fans of the band and those not as familiar with their work. McIver balances general facts with deeper and more detailed information about the band members and the music. There's a lot of material, but it's well organized and an easy read. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about one of the great bands in heavy metal." Heavy Metal About

"The Bloody Reign of Slayer puts forth a wealth of information… McIver has done fantastic research… with members of up to 50 different bands interviewed beforehand, McIver wisely peppers his texts with quotes from Lemmy, Gene Hoglan, Steve Asheim (Deicide), Jeff Becerra (Possessed), Chris Reifert (Autopsy) the members of Darkthrone, Emperor and Cannibal Corpse's Alex Webster… the book brings out all the tension and drama that occurred both on, and off the road." The Left Hand Path

"A must read" Lords Of Metal

Omnibus, 2006

"Brilliant" The Sun

"McIver is especially good on the music" The Telegraph

Plus reviews in Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, Record Collector, Drummer, Total Guitar, Kerrang!, Rhythm... oh, everywhere

MQ Publications, 2005

See the Pistols book. MQ Publications sucked massively, I wasn't surprised when they went bust...

Omnibus, 2005 (hardback), 2006 (softback); foreword by Kat Bjelland of Babes In Toyland

"Authoritative tale of pills, thrills and fistfights" Classic Rock

"Deep analysis of the long and chequered career of Homme et al"
Bass Guitar

"A rollercoaster read" Metal Hammer

“A funny exploration of the pre-Metallica early years" Mojo

“Fascinating” Uncut

"Extensive research..." Classic Rock

“A great book” Total Guitar

"McIver's your man" Guitar

"Helpful mini-biographies" Q 

"Ideal for use as a reference point" Metal Hammer

Omnibus, 2000; foreword by Jeff 'Mantas' Dunn of Venom

“A perspective on metal almost entirely missed by the popular media"
Little Rock Free Press

"The ultimate extreme metal book!" Everlong

"Written in a lively, unpretentious style, this A-Z has the answers" Mojo Collections