Book Reviews

Thoughtful reviews of new autobiographies, graphic novels, and more. Cryptic Rock Magazine covers all music and film related book releases out there.

Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind (Graphic Novel Review)

CrypticRockCrypticRockFebruary 7, 2024

Nineteen Eighty-three was a significant year in the world of Iron Maiden. A band who had already released three albums prior, their most recent being 1982’s highly successful Number of the Beast, 1983 would come with new ambitions for the collective of musicians (Steve Harris, Adrian ... Read More

Amorphis: The Official Story of Finland's Greatest Metal Band cover

Amorphis: The Official Story of Finland’s Greatest Metal Band (Book Review)

Nicholas FrancoNicholas FrancoDecember 19, 2023

When one of our beloved bands gets a write-up in a magazine, or provides an interview, we rejoice at any glimpse into their creative processes, their successes, and even into their tribulations. When a band’s story gets presented in a top-notch, 400+ page hardcover book, ... Read More

Nothing More: Spirits Vol. I (Graphic Novel Review)

CrypticRockCrypticRockJuly 31, 2023

Working class and hands on, Nothing More has been floating around the Rock-n-Roll world for two decades now. A history full of ups, downs, what has helped Nothing More rise has been persistence, personal belief and integrity to their craft. Attributes that have served them ... Read More

Iron Maiden: The Official Coloring Book (Book Review)

CrypticRockCrypticRockSeptember 27, 2022

Perhaps the most iconic Rock band mascot of all time is Eddie of Iron Maiden. Originally created by British Artist Derek Riggs, who designs some of Iron Maiden’s most memorable album covers, Eddie has captured the imagination of fans as well as just casual observers ... Read More

Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films (Book Review)

Day HeathDay HeathSeptember 12, 2022

Horror films have been a cinematic staple since near the creation of moving films themselves. People are drawn towards the thrill of a good scary movie, whether they involve monsters, killers, ghosts, and more. Some sub-genres have gotten louder, bloodier, and more shocking, while others ... Read More

Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave (Book Review)

Day HeathDay HeathFebruary 7, 2022

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing, and nostalgia for some eras can be stronger than others. For example, it feels like 1980s nostalgia has lasted longer than the actual decade. Sure, there will be the odd bit of media that tries to capture 1960s doo-wop, ... Read More

Book Reviews

Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind (Graphic Novel Review)

Amorphis: The Official Story of Finland’s Greatest Metal Band (Book Review)

Nothing More: Spirits Vol. I (Graphic Novel Review)

Iron Maiden: The Official Coloring Book (Book Review)

Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films (Book Review)

Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave (Book Review)

Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind (Graphic Novel Review)

Amorphis: The Official Story of Finland’s Greatest Metal Band (Book Review)

Nothing More: Spirits Vol. I (Graphic Novel Review)

Iron Maiden: The Official Coloring Book (Book Review)

Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films (Book Review)

Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave (Book Review)

This Week In Horror – Happy Birthday to Me (1981)

This Week in Horror Movie History – The Horror Show (1989)

This Week In Horror Movie History – Gothic (1987)

Developing Artist Showcase – Black Smoke Trigger

Developing Artist Showcase – Black Hibiscus

Developing Artist Showcase – Return to Dust

Interview – Sen Dog of Cypress Hill & Powerflo

Interview – Rosie Bones of BONES UK

Interview – Armand Assante

MC5 – Heavy Lifting (Album Review)

Defences – Shadowlight (Album Review)

Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It (Graphic Novel Review)