- advertisement -

JON ZAZULA
Heavy Tales: The Metal. The Music. The Madness. As Lived By Jon Zazula
2019 Crazed Management LLC

When we think of ‘Rockstars’, we tend to envision band members belonging to a larger than life band, or an artist that defies mortality. Rarely, are people ‘behind the scenes’ viewed with this scope of perception, especially on the management end of the equation. In the upcoming release: Heavy Tales: The Metal. The Music. The Madness. As Lived By Jon Zazula, we meet an exception to the rule.

What would more aptly describe the man responsible for discovering, and more importantly, believing in/championing a group of young ruffians/underdogs, whom the world would come to know as METALLICA? I digress, as this is just one layer to this prolific individual.

Shockingly, the same man who is credited with spearheading the Thrash genre/movement was also at one time part of the Wall Street machine. For some, this is a relatively difficult concept to digest. Perhaps, a record storeowner, record label executive/producer, or band/artist manager would be more palatable? What about a Flea Market jockey? Jon Zazula, checked all those boxes as well. On the flipside, he also can check the box of debilitating mental illness, as he suffers from Manic Depressive Bipolar Disorder. Jon’s candor is surprising but admirable and brave.

How did someone with such an affliction, bring to fruition some amazing feats in the music industry? – Created the infamous MegaForce Records? - Introduced such bands as: METALLICA, ANTHRAX, and OVERKILL? With great effort and a fair share of tribulations, that’s how.

There is no point grazing through the chronological timeline of events, as this book is essentially just that. A briefing of assured tales, accounts, and retellings that beg for daylight, but I feel they may be just a smattering. Now, this is not a dig nor mar against the book, just the opposite. Yes, the book leaves you somewhat discontented, but this is a result of the reader wanting more, more detail, more depth, more personal iterations, more rockstar lifestyle exposures, more juicy bits, more, more, MORE! There is enough substance in this book for a casual music fan, but for anyone who is avid to any degree, Heavy Tales will leave you begging for more.

Heavy Tales, can only be a skim of the surface. Maybe Heavy Tales – Part II, III etc., is in the realm of possibilities. How can such a legendary life be summed up in 176 pages? It can’t.

This is a must read for any music fan, but merely a snack for your average MetalHead.

3.5 Out Of 5.0