Any longtime Metallica fan knows that lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has an obsession with horror films. Many of his guitars are decorated with classic horror imagery, like The Mummy, Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and much more. Hammett is an avid collector of horror memorabilia, so it makes sense that the musician would put together a photo book of all of his very rare collection, which will include commentaries on each piece written by Hammett himself.

Hammett was on a recent episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show where he talked about the book, titled Too Much Horror Business, and how he’s spent the last two years so far cataloging for the book his vast collection of vintage horror movie toys and posters from the 1920s to the present.

Metallica
Master Of Puppets
UK
U.S.: CD | MP3
Recorded September – December 1985
Released March 3, 1986

Metallica pierced the ears of metalheads in with their 1983 debut album Kill “˜Em All; a shocking statement of intent with its aggressive, fast onslaught of sonic terror. They hurdled the “˜difficult second album’ phase with ease on the mighty Ride The Lightning, signaling a grander scope of songwriting. These were good albums, full of promising talent that metal listeners hoped would turn into greatness.

When it comes to bands, every so often everything falls perfectly into place. The best of them experience this perfect moment maybe once in their career. That one album where every song is perfectly written, each vocal perfectly pitched with lyrics encompassing and evoking an issue or time. Master Of Puppets was Metallica’s moment.

Released on March 3, 1986, Master of Puppets has never been a “˜grower’ demanding repeated listens nor has it ever been considered a misunderstood work of genius. It is an immediate album. Right from its release it was considered a great metal album and in the proceeding 25 years since its release its reputation has only grown. The songs still hold up as iconic metal tracks, with the title song still being one of the defining anthems of the genre.

Artist Maxim Dalton has created a new illustration called “Guitar Lessons” which features 35 rock guitar greats.

Dalton plans to offer up posters for this, and that there will be 50 hand-signed and numbered giclée prints at 19 x 25 inches. The cost will be around $40, plus $11 shipping for the U.S. and Europe. Visit the artist’s site for an up-close look at each guitarist, and to reserve a limited edition print.

Here’s a list of all the guitarists in the illustration…

Earlier this week, it was teased that The Big 4 tour — comprised of top thrash metal acts Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax — would be coming to America. When the announcement was made yesterday, it turned out to be only one U.S. concert date in Indio, California on April 23, 2011 [read: WTF? The Big 4 To Play A Small 1: Only One U.S. Show Announced], much to the dismay of metalheads across the nation.

We’ve all been left wondering WHY there’s only one U.S. concert being offered when it’s obvious there’s a demand for this bill in America. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich gave an explanation for this in a Los Angeles radio station interview.

On yesterday’s “The Kevin & Bean Show” on KROQ-FM (106.7), Ulrich said, “Let’s take baby steps here.”

If you’re a die-hard Slayer fan with some money to spare, here’s a neat collectible for you.

Guitar company ESP plans to release a limited-edition Slayer guitar which will feature the cover art from the band’s classic 1986 thrash metal album Reign In Blood.

The guitar, which is called the LTD Slayer-2011, will have a limited edition of 250 guitars worldwide and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Reign In Blood‘s release.