[Correction/change notice: The following review was made on the original version of this book, which has since been revised, re-mixed, and retitled Thrash Guitar Method. However, the content is largely the same. The price is now $19.95.]

THRASH GUITAR METHOD
By Nick Bowcott
From Guitar School magazine - January 1992

If you're an intermediate or advanced player whose been bitten by the infectious thrash/speed metal bug and wants some helpful pointers on how to tackle the idiom, this book/CD package definitely warrants your attention. Penned by Troy Stetina (whose praiseworthy Speed Mechanics For Lead Guitar picked up some deserved kudos in this column in our September 1991 issue) and Tony Burton, this well-thought-out book has sensibly divided chapters covering power chords, muting, syncopation and upbeats, the gallop and reverse gallop, harmony, shifting time signatures and more. Each section stands on its own and is well presented, "user friendly" (i.e., not overly stiff and textbookish) and superbly peppered with "hands on" examples that appear on the 43-minute-long CD that accompanies the 64-page book.

The 49 sonically sound and superply performed examples contain several cool thrash-type instrumentals with charming titles like "Bug Guts" and "All Things Repulsive." They're all written out in full tab and illustrate the many techniques taught in the book. But, above all, they're fun to play.

In my opinion, the asking price of $17.95 makes Speed And Thrash Guitar Method a bargain that shouldn't be overlooked. My conclusion? A massive. stage-diving, two-thumbs-up!