At first mocked by rock traditionalists, Thrash breathed new life into the rock scene, providing older acts with a much needed kick. It fueled genres such as Thrashcore, Crossover, Speed Metal, Death Metal, and Black Metal—and it propelled one of its own, Metallica, to the very pinnacle of rock's elite. This encyclopedia-style book explores a panoply of bands. The "big four"—Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer—are documented in extensive detail, and scores of other bands are covered as well, including Metal Church, Testament, Exodus, Death Angel, Hirax, Sabbat, Celtic Frost, Morded, Sepultura, Pantera, Machine Head, and more. Band listings include histories, global discographies, and photos. It includes a CD with 17 tracks.