Few forms of music elicit such strong reactions as does heavy metal. Embraced by millions of fans it has also attracted a chorus of critics who have denounced it as a corrupter of youth--even blamed it for tragedies like the murders at Columbine. Deena Weinstein argues that these fears stem from a deep misunderstanding of the energetic rebellious culture of metal which she analyzes explains and defends. She interprets all aspects of the metal world--the music and its makers its fans its dress code its lyrics--and in the process unravels the myths misconceptions and truths about an irreverent subculture that has endured and evolved for twenty years.