DECIBEL HALL OF FAME FAQ
What are the criteria for induction?
The record must be at least five years old. It must be considered an “extreme music classic,” as determined by Decibel’s staff. Decibel must interview every band member who played on the recording, and present each of them questions exclusively about the writing, recording, touring and overall impact of said album.
What about inducting records like Master of Puppets, Vulgar Display of Power and Scream Bloody Gore, which include a band member who has since died?
Unfortunately, those records are not eligible for induction. Decibel recognizes them as indisputable metallic classics, but without speaking with Cliff, Dimebag and Chuck, the articles would paint incomplete portraits at best. Other magazines can half-ass it with similar, knock-off columns, but we won’t.
Are artists eligible to have multiple records inducted?
Most likely in the future, yes. But not at the moment.
Why don’t you do a Hall of Fame on “so and so” by “whatheirname?”
Maybe we are. There are thousands of albums out there. There are 12 issues a year. Didn’t your parents teach you anything about patience, or math?
Fine. Then can I formally suggest a record to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Sure, email customer.service@decibelmagazine.com and we’ll look into it. We might not get back to you, but we will consider your suggestion before secretly mocking you.
What happens when one key member refuses to be interviewed?
We make every possible attempt to change a band member’s mind beforevshelving the article indefinitely. There are at least a dozen Hall of Fames in the archives that were started but abandoned after someone refused to participate in the interview process.
Are there any Hall of Fame inductions Decibel hopes to assemble, which probably aren’t happening anytime soon?
Yes, there are many! But here are a few we’ve investigated, which are unlikely for one reason or another: Neurosis (any record), Danzig (any record), Black Flag (any record with Henry Rollins), Suicidal Tendencies (self-titled), Deicide (self-titled), Megadeth (Rust in Peace), Helmet (Meantime), Judas Priest (Stained Class) and Faith No More (Angel Dust).
Does the absence of [band/album] mean you guys think you’re better than people who love [band/album]?
No, of course not. All men are created equal. The absence of [band/album] from the Hall of Fame only indicates that we have better taste than people who like that particular band or album.
Can I read the Hall of Fame articles online?
No, Hall of Fame articles are currently only available on dead trees.
Well, is there anywhere else besides the magazine where the Hall of Fame articles are compiled?
Yes, in 2009 Da Capo Press published a book of 25 expanded HOF articles titled Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. It also features a previously unreleased bonus HOF on Darkthrone’s Transilvanian Hunger, which is unavailable anywhere else. Autographed first editions are available here: http://store.decibelmagazine.com/collections/books/products/precious-metal-autographed
Is there a complete list of the albums inducted into the Hall of Fame available?
Yup, right here.
