METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett recently spoke with Artist Direct about his new book, Too Much Horror Business. An excerpt is available below:

Q: Horror and heavy metal provide a similar catharsis. Dark emotions are exorcised through a story or song.

Hammett: "A good metal performance is like a good horror movie. You should walk out of that venue charged up and somewhat exhilarated. That's how I felt when I saw Insidious, and it's how I feel when I see a really great band that inspires me. The two emotions aren't that different."

Q: Would you want to write your own fictitious story?

Hammett: "Maybe… if I had the time to do it and I was motivated, sure! Those are two factors that come into play. I don't have a lot of time to do things these days so I have to prioritize, but I do have a few ideas. Perhaps one day, I'd like to try it just for the experience."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Hammett will celebrate the October 1st publication of his book, Too Much Horror Business, with a series of bi-coastal signing appearances; Kirk will be at the following bookstores and conventions:

October

11 - Barnes & Noble - Tribeca Store - NYC - 6pm
13 - New York Comic Con - Abrams Book Booth - 11:45am
13 - New York Comic Con - Tokyo Toys Booth - 1:30pm
25 - Barnes & Noble - The Grove - LA - 7pm
26 - Monsterpalooza - Burbank, CA - time TBA
27 - Chiller Theater - New York - time TBA

November

20 - Books Inc - Opera Plaza, San Francisco, CA - time TBA

Documenting Kirk’s love of all things horror, and the legendary collection of horror memorabilia he has amassed over the years, Too Much Horror Business is a stunning 228 page, hardback, large format coffee table book featuring well over 300 full color images from Kirk’s private collection and exclusive set photography by Mark Leialoha and Joe Gibbs. There are also three extensive conversations with writer Steffan Chirazi covering the importance of collecting in Hammett’s life from childhood, plus personally-written captions by Kirk for many of the items displayed in the book.

“This is my gift to all the other horror nerds out there who are just like me,” says Kirk, “it’s been made with great love for all the many characters and movies which guided me through childhood, into adulthood and which still keep me on track today.”

Want to keep the Horror excitement going after Halloween is over? Metallica guitarist Kirk Von Hammett presents a Day Of The Dead / Too Much Horror Business book release event. Wear your finest ghoulish and ghastly costumes and come to Public Works – San Francisco on Thursday November 1st at 9 PM, PT to celebrate all things horror. Come join us for Zombies, Burlesque Dancers, horror face painting, special guests JUDGEMENT DAY and a LIVE set by Bay Area favorites DEATH ANGEL.

Also featuring DJ sets by Motion Potion and guest MC Nikki Blakk.

Public Works is located at 161 Erie Street (Off Mission St. between Duboce & 14th St.) in San Francisco, CA.