ABSTRACT

Metal Music Manual shows you the creative and technical processes involved in producing contemporary heavy music for maximum sonic impact. From pre-production to final mastered product, and fundamental concepts to advanced production techniques, this book contains a world of invaluable practical information. Assisted by clear discussion of critical audio principles and theory, and a comprehensive array of illustrations, photos, and screen grabs, Metal Music Manual is the essential guide to achieving professional production standards.

The extensive companion website features multi-track recordings, final mixes, processing examples, audio stems, etc., so you can download the relevant content and experiment with the techniques you read about. The website also features video interviews the author conducted with the following acclaimed producers, who share their expertise, experience, and insight into the processes involved:

  • Fredrik Nordström (Dimmu Borgir, At The Gates, In Flames)

  • Matt Hyde (Slayer, Parkway Drive, Children of Bodom)
  • Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Sepultura, Machine Head)

  • Logan Mader (Gojira, DevilDriver, Fear Factory)

  • Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Testament)

  • Jens Bogren (Opeth, Kreator, Arch Enemy)

  • Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, Soilwork, Behemoth)

  • Nick Raskulinecz (Mastodon, Death Angel, Trivium)

Quotes from these interviews are featured throughout Metal Music Manual, with additional contributions from:

  • Ross "Drum Doctor" Garfield (one of the world’s top drum sound specialists, with Metallica and Slipknot amongst his credits)
  • Andrew Scheps (Black Sabbath, Linkin Park, Metallica)
  • Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura, Faith No More, Halford)                          
 

chapter 1|5 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|2 pages

Contemporary Metal Music

chapter 3|13 pages

The Parameters of Heaviness

part I|1 pages

Preproduction

chapter 4|10 pages

Preproduction

chapter 5|27 pages

Sound at Source

part II|1 pages

Engineering

chapter 6|4 pages

Engineering Overview

chapter 7|41 pages

Drums

chapter 8|31 pages

Guitars

chapter 9|11 pages

Bass

chapter 10|14 pages

Vocals

part III|1 pages

Mixing

chapter 12|9 pages

Balance and Stereo Width

chapter 13|42 pages

Compression

chapter 14|53 pages

Eq

chapter 15|27 pages

Effects Processing and Automation

chapter 16|8 pages

Master Buss Processing

part IV|1 pages

Mastering

chapter 17|23 pages

Mastering

chapter 18|7 pages

Loudness Normalization