If you know me at all, you know that Metallica is my favorite band of all time, and you know that James Hetfield is one of the biggest inspirations in my life. It’s been that way ever since I first heard Master Of Puppets in the hallways of my middle school, and the love for this band is still as strong today. When I heard that Mark Eglinton was working on the first and only biography of James Hetfield, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I’ve followed Hetfield’s career more than most, and any chance I have to learn more is a welcomed opportunity. While this book did not tell me anything that I didn’t already know, because I’m as die-hard at they come, it’s still a brilliant look into one of heavy metal’s most important icons.
James Hetfield‘s life is one of the most complex stories out there, and So Let It Be Written (Lesser Gods Publishing) sums it up perfectly in just over two hundred pages. From his family’s upbringing, to meeting each guy in the band, to his struggles with alcohol and fame, to his fully centered life now, you learn about it all from those closest to him at those times. As I said before, the facts are nothing new to any Metallica fan, but what made this book most enjoyable were the personal stories from those around him. This book features quotes from Ron McGovney, Hugh Tanner, Katon De Pena, Jim Durkin, Brian Slagel, Charlie Benante, David Ellefson, Mille Petrozza, Rex Brown, Alex Skolnick, and many more. Plus, it includes excerpts from some of Hetfield’s and Metallica‘s biggest interviews over their career. Those insights help bring the stories we’ve all heard before truly come to life, and puts you right there beside the icon on his life’s journey.
For a Metallica fan like me, So Let It Be Written is must have. Not only is it filled with interesting stories and information about the legendary front man, but it’s a book that really makes him human. We see him on stage as a God, but by learning about his struggles and obstacles that he’s had to overcome in his life, the reader gets to see him as one of us, and that’s one hell of a job well done by Mark Eglinton. Long live Papa Het!
RATING: 8.0/10
So Let It Be Written is available April 11th via Lesser Gods Books.
