Mind Over Metal

Mind Over Metal is a philosophical and spiritual approach that will enable musicians of all styles to discover the inner music that’s true to themselves. Scott Von Heldt is a guitar master who has opened for Quiet Riot, Slaughter, LA Guns, Suffocation, Anthrax, and Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. He is now studying to be a minister.

Just as the voices of creatures of the forest blend harmoniously together to create a symphony of sounds every night, despite their daily predatory natures, could not we humans live in harmony by banding together to make a loud and powerful noise of joy and exaltation? As more and more musicians embrace the expressive nature of their art, the more this notion of a worldwide connection through music will come to light!
– Scott Von Heldt, Mind Over Metal

Scott developed his Mind Over Metal approach when he discovered the “The Force” after seeing Star Wars. Although the book is written from the perspective of a heavy metal musician, the concepts and truths that lie within can be applied to ANY style of music or instrument. It is a guide to developing the spirit’s highest level of expression through inner cultivation. The philosophical and spiritual references drawn from different religions and cultures will show the significance of music’s effects on the mind, body and spirit, and further the musician’s creativity. Wisdom can be drawn from each of the traditions and applied to the musician’s artistry without interfering with personal views or beliefs.

An earlier version was published by Lulu. The book has been substantially revised and new illustrations added.

Preface
Introduction
Chapter I. Shining Light on the Dark Ages - The History and Evolution of Metal
Chapter II. Mind Control - Unlocking the Power of the Mind
Chapter III. Conjuring the Spirit - Awakening the Spirit Within
Chapter IV. The Warrior Within - Embracing Individuality
Chapter V. The Alchemy of Artistry - Transforming Your Rock Into Metal
Chapter VI. Exploring the Dungeons - The Art of Drop Tunings
Chapter VII. The Primal Scream - Hearing Your Inner Voice
Chapter VIII. Voices in the Dark - Illuminating the Color of Sound
Chapter IX. The Speed Demon - The Science of Shredding
Chapter X. TNT - Unleashing the Explosive Technicality of Technique
Chapter XI. The Army of Darkness –Aligning the Creative Forces
Chapter XII. Creating a Monster - Strengthening Mind, Body and Spirit
Chapter XIII. The Wise Speak - Affirmations and Words to Live By

http://www.scottvonheldt.com/

Scott Von Heldt is the author of Mind Over Metal, a spiritual guide to musical mastery for musicians. Scott writes a weekly Guitar Zen column for the popular guitarist social network ShareMyGuitar.com and is a journalist for the new tattoo and music culture magazine Tattooed Music. He broke onto the metal scene in Northern Ohio at the age of with a solo record and soon became an opening act for Quiet Riot, Slaughter, LA Guns, Suffocation, Anthrax, and Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, among others. In he moved to Los Angeles and collaborated with members of Korn, White Zombie, Whitesnake, Cirque du Soliel and many others while touring and maintaining a solid solo career as well. He is studying to be a Universal Worship minister within his Sufi order, and has served as an accompanist for local gatherings of the Dances of Universal Peace. He remains dedicated to spreading truth and illumination through the sacred art of music.
Follow @thesvh on Twitter.

Author Website: www.scottvonheldt.com/, www.lulu.com/spotlight/scottvonheldt

"Premier Guitar Magazine calls Mind Over Metal "A tool of provocation for musicians"
As Any metal fan will tell you, metal is about more than just black shirts and angst. There is a recondite complexity behind this genre that is hell-bent on destruction and power. Singer and guitarist Scott "SVH" Von Heldt explores the philosophical side of metal's mayhem and monster tones in his first book, Mind Over metal - The Musician's Guide to Mental Mastery. The book is the first in the Mystic Art of Self-Discovery series. Von Heldt, who has worked with members of White Zombie, Cirque du Soliel and Bad Company, taps a wide range of disciplines and doctrines to explore the erudite and existential side of heavy metal, martial arts, the study of internal energy, the mind's thought patterns and ESP (Extended Sense Perception) to name a few.

SVH's approach is more Buddah than Blackmore. The prerequisite breakdown of alternative tuning science is there, as expected, but the book flourishes with thought-provoking insight into creativity in general, not just the dark art it can produce. Mind Over Metal is a quirkily effective read that makes a strong argument for the appreciation of the metal aesthetic and it's ability to connect the idea of a primal voice with one's individual voice. The title suggests a one-sided attack, but SVH's message transcends genre as it unpacks the common mission of any musician: to create art without apprehension.

Furthermore, the text challenges the reader to not only practice regularly, but to do it in an "honest, self-expressive" way, where the player and guitar become one. Only by reaching this point, SVH explains, can a musician fully grasp the far-reaching possibilities of the instrument - a state of metal nirvana (the mental state, not the grunge act) where a guitarist can reach the kind of "self-realization" that produces truly metal-riffic licks!

The Books narrative is augmented by quotes from musicians, martial artists, ancient philosophers - even Yoda. This cerebral yet grounded exploration of the ear crushing, diabolically poetic force known as metal is indeed a tool of mental provocation for the guitarist who is seeking to master the genre.

CK - Premier Guitar Magazine - January