Mustaine: A Life In Metal (Book Review)
We all have a love-hate relationship with Dave Mustaine, but despite what how much you might dislike him or not, you have to admit that he’s had one hell of a tough life. No doubt some will say that reasoning of that is due to his own extreme arrogance and abrasive personality, but others would say he’s one hell of a strong-willed guy and a perfectionist. To put it bluntly, the truth is somewhere in between. However, nothing can take away from the fact this his autobiography is a remarkably open account of his many years in the music and Heavy Metal industry. He’s been through an unreal amount of drug and alcohol addictions, musical highs and lows, and an unsettling number of members in Megadeth, before sobering up, losing his ability to play guitar, finding faith in God, and returning to what he does best. Somehow, through all of that, he has definitely retained his own vision of whatever he believes Thrash Metal should be, and no what you may or may not think of some of his works, his relentless pursuit of muse makes for a very interesting read. Mustaine’s personal story that provides the foundation for his book, A Life In Metal, as he veers between addiction, rehab, relapses and constantly back again. Despite the fact that he never comes across as a nice, friendly guy, it still makes for an amazing musical tale for those of weaned on eighties Metal. Granted, some of the stories may or may not be as Mustaine remembers them, but after all, people in the throes of addiction aren’t exactly the most reliable of witnesses. However, there is a kernel of truth in every story, and the while point of an autobiography is that it’s his story; and if you’ve had a read of the book, Musatine makes damn sure that everyone knows. Each lineup of Megadeth is covered with Mustaine being brutally honest about why people were fired, and why some got more than one chance. His honesty can’t be questioned after he admits that Marty Friedman’s departure from the band may very well have been down to Friedman being the better musician. One thing that regularly comes across, through all of Mustaine’s arrogance and posturing is his intelligence which explains why you find yourself shouting at him every now and then. The story of his redemption and return to music makes for an unusual ending to a book, as it’s not something you encounter everyday in the world of Heavy Metal or in the music industry as a whole. It’s a wild story of drugs, sex, rehab, hatred, drugs, music, drugs, redemption, dedication and more drugs; and it’s a well told one at that. Anyone who grew up with Metal or heavy music will certainly find this a thoroughly enjoyable read.