In Flanders fields surrounding the quiet Belgian town of Poperinge, a gentle breeze rustles the sheer endless acres of grain. It’s right here, at the tail end of the 70s, that the new Maeke-Blyde concert hall sparks a fresh fire. Local youngsters can be found swaying their long hair like maniacs at live shows by Metallica, AC/DC, Slayer, Van Halen and countless others. This is where the early heavy metal movement first plants its foot firmly on the European mainland. An invasion that would settle itself for good: in 1983, Heavy Sound in Bruges enters history as Europe's very first metal festival. The next two legendary editions in Poperinge boast future metallic overlords Slayer and Metallica on the bill.
This book recounts the coming of age of metal in West Flanders through never-before-published stories, photos and memorabilia. Organisers, eyewitnesses and band members tell how the slumbrous province of West Flanders experienced its rude awakening — first-hand, warts and all.