Metal Music Manual : Producing, Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering Contemporary Heavy Music

Metal Music Manual addresses concepts and production techniques specific to metal music. By first establishing "heaviness," and defining qualities that enable a high standard of production, the book focuses on sonic weight, intelligibility, and performance precision. Methodologies are directly informed by the music’s performance characteristics, sound and timbral attributes, and predominant musical practices. Author Mark Mynett presents these processes and approaches within the stages of pre-production, recording, mixing, and mastering. An extensive companion website features multi-track metal recordings, audio stems, final mixes, and interviews with metal producers and musicians.

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)