Mark’s Review:

The Dave Mustaine / Joe Layden book, Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir is a fantastic glimpse in to the complex and often sad life of one of the most polarizing figures in heavy metal. It’s a very quick read for any metal fan, and when you finish it, you realize many things:

1) Dave has a severe problem with illegal and legal substances:
We always hear stories of heavy drinking and drug abuse from bands on the Sunset Strip in the 80’s, but Mustaine’s nasty habits are only compounded by a circle of friends constantly filled with drug dealers and helpless junkies. This combined with his intense need for acceptance and an addictive (at times destructive) personality leads to a lifetime of abuse we follow along as he hits rock bottom multiple times. He admits that his abuse was a search for happiness, and that in the meantime many relationships were destroyed along the way because of it. Standard stuff for a rock memoir, but this type of transparency and contrition from the famous mouth of Mustaine is enlightening.

2) Dave has never lost a fight:
Mustaine has often stated that he has trained as a martial arts kick-boxer during his life, but the stories in the book portray him as a cross between Chuck Norris and Batman. He wrote the book, so I guess it’s to be expected, but it’s one of the few moments we see his boastful side win out.

3) A young Lars Ulrich was as sneaky and manipulative as the present day version:
The last decade have done a lot to destroy the once-powerful public image of Metallica. After the bouts with Napster and the “white whine” of Some Kind of Monster, we can see our once mighty metal heroes as they truly are: businessmen. Now, since the victors write the history books, we’ve always heard Metallica’s side of the most infamous split in the history of heavy metal, so it’s interesting to hear Mustaine’s side of things in such a therapeutic and honest tone. Mustaine describes a young Lars as a kid hell-bent on setting up a band with a business-minded outlook that rivaled Gene Simmons, and James as an introvert that needed to be pushed into the frontman role. While in 1988 we would’ve cried “bullshit”, both of these character portraits are very believable now. He admits often throughout the book that his ouster from the band has lead to many personal demons and feelings of inadequacy that will probably never go away. Unfortunately, his “invitation” to Metallica’s induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame as well as the ambush for the Some Kind of Monster documentary give you the feeling like they’re still fucking with him and playing with his emotions.

4) Dave admits that he truly is the arrogant prick he is portrayed as, but is quick to admit fault for causing pain to others:
This could be part of his new faith in Christianity, but Mustaine definitely comes across very candidly and legitimately apologetic for causing grief, running his mouth, and casting others aside. Those that expected the book to be filled with potshots at former band members (which there are a ton, even he admits it) will be disappointed. Mustaine takes time with almost every member of Megadeth and details why they left or were replaced. Often he blames himself for their departure, even if unreasonable circumstances lead him to no other choice.

5) Dave Mustaine is a true metal icon:
When you get down to it, Mustaine’s contribution to metal is pretty amazing. After 30 years and constant ups and downs, he’s still breaking new ground and coming out with some of the best music of his career. While many members of the “Big Four” have slowed or become shells of their former selves, he continues to deliver in his performance and attitude. The final paragraphs describe a man finding true happiness as he finally has begun to accept life’s challenges and balance his family, his music, and his legacy. Even the biggest Mustaine-hater would have to respect that.

Mark’s Rating:

King says: “This is the best book I’ve read since I cried at the end of Eat, Pray, Love!”

If you’re a metalhead and looking to do some serious cooking (or eating), you can purchase Hellbent For Cooking over at Amazon.com

PS: In case you were wondering… yes… we did make our own aprons. King of the Kitchen!