Contract In Blood: A History Of UK Thrash Metal (Paperback Book)

For decades, UK thrash metal has been the most underrated and overlooked member of the metal family. Criminally ignored, and considered secondary to its American, German and Brazilian equivalents, the genre has nevertheless continued to survive and thrive, rising from the ashes on more than one occasion. There can be no denying that the UK’s thrash scene has generated a wealth of amazing music, often in the face of adversity and apathy, and Contract In Blood tells the whole story - warts 'n' all. From humble DIY beginnings in backstreet pubs to misrepresentation in the music press and being misunderstood by major labels on the world stage and beyond...

Featuring VENOM / ONSLAUGHT / SABBAT / EVILE / XENTRIX / SLAMMER / GAMA BOMB / ACID REIGN / RE- ANIMATOR / LAWNMOWER DETH / ENGLISH DOGS / MUTANT / VIRUS / D.A.M. / SACRILEGE / DEATHWISH / TORANAGA / WARFARE / PITIFUL REIGN / HYDRA VEIN / SHRAPNEL / HELLBASTARD / SYLOSIS / METAL MESSIAH / SSS / PURGATORY / SEND MORE PARAMEDICS / WARHAMMER / TORTOISE CORPSE / ANIHILATED / SUICIDE WATCH / CEREBRAL FIX / SEVENTH ANGEL / HOLOSADE / METAL DUCK / ATOMKRAFT / DECIMATOR / PENDEMIA / REIGN OF FURY / AMNESIA / OBLITERATION / DRUNKEN STATE / ADRENICIDE and over fifty more of the UK's unsung metal anti-heroes, Contract In Blood is a classic underdog story, packed with hundreds of new and exclusive interviews, unseen photography and first-hand accounts of the scene, from artists spanning over thirty-five years of fast, aggressive and inescapable music.

This is the definitive account of UK thrash.

Critically acclaimed music historian Ian Glasper’s name has become synonymous with documenting the UK’s thriving, aggressive musical underground. His previous titles, ‘The Day The Country Died’, ‘Burning Britain’, ‘Trapped In A Scene’ and ‘Armed With Anger’ have all become cult classics, and the last words on their respective genres. From punk and anarcho-punk to hardcore, and now thrash metal, Ian’s work is renowned for its minute detail, his passion and knowledge and, most importantly, his deep immersion in the scene itself, ensuring unparalleled access to those who made the music.

Contract In Blood will also be supported by a 5CD box set featuring over 80 of the artists included – we anticipate good coverage across the music media.