Dark Days

1) I'm a Czech2) I'm from Prague3) I'm also active musician4) Besides many other bands, I do also listen to Lamb of God and consider myself as a big fan of the bandI was eagerly awaiting this book in my mailbox as I really have followed the news around Randy's arresting in my home city, the whole prison time, trial, and everything related back in late 2012 - early 2013. After watching the movie As the Palaces Burn, where 50% of the footage is related to this sad story, I wanted to read and know the story from the point of view of the only one, who experienced this from the start to the very end.This book is well written, you could read it pretty easy even if you're not a native speaker. The flow of the book is very good and smooth. The book is full of interesting wtf moments, funny ones as well. Sometimes even I shook my head and didn't believe what could've happened in my country. And believe me, I don't have a very good opinion on our police system, jail staff etc to say it softly.It seems like the text have gone through lot of erasing. Sometimes it seems like lot of parts have been cut out due to length of the book. I'm sure Randy had many other interesting moments prepared to share with us. And also there are some typos from time to time. Missing letters, few grammar mistakes etc. Randy is trying to use czech words here and there, but sometimes some letters are missing - sadly, once in a name of one of his attorneys also. In the second third of the book he suddenly starts to reffer of the prosecutor's surname as Musik. While at the beggining and last part he calls him correctly Muzik (it's Mužík in czech correctly - "Moo-zheek" - definitely not Musik). This could and should have been corrected during revision process. But it doesn't distrub at all. And I think no-one will complain besides few Czechs, who will read this book. But I also wonder if there's some correcting in the future.Randy doesn't consider himself as a writer, nor he should be - he's a musician after all. But again, his sense for good storytelling is excelent and one goes through all of almost 500 pages very quickly.I just wondered about some details in the trial. I read somewhere that the deceased one was taken to hospital right after the concert, where he had to wait quite some time for any medical help. I heard that hospital staff even asked his friends how many drinks he had as he looked very wobbly and baffled and then the staff just shook his head and went away. He wasn't given any sort of medical help right away. Just wondered whether this is true or not and if so, if it was discussed during the trial itself.Anyway, I'm very glad I bought this book. I have a first edition, which one day could be very precious since it became bestseller very rapidly. Well deserved

Still currently reading this book however the way Randy pulls you into his story and tells you about his experiences are masterful. The story telling is down to earth and straight forward in the best possible way. If you or anyone you know struggles with addiction or has had to spend time in and out of prison, I highly recommend this book. It talks about heavier subjects and Randy doesn't shy away from making himself vulnerable and showing a different side of him outside of his stage persona. Definitely recommended

A good way to get to know a little bit about a public person such as Randy, I really, REALLY enjoyed this book, and I have grown a new respect towards the author. I can't say much more other than that I Highly recommend this book.

Maybe Randy will read this review, maybe not :). However, I don't read many 500 page books unless they are technical manuals. I'm one year younger than Randy, however, he has lived a lot more than I have. I love lamb of god, love the music they create and (fail to try and) play their music on guitar when I get a chance. The band is immensely talented.This book was a difficult read, however. First, it is powerful. Randy is a smart man and he has no trouble in succinctly stating what he has to say. That being said, I can identify a lot with certain aspects of this book, particularly the alcohol-driven parts and especially the part of losing a child. "The longest walk you will ever take is the one you take with your dead child in your arms." I have made that walk, as he has, and it scars you forever. I had to close the book when I read that sentence. However, I picked it back up and read the last quarter...That being said, Randy proved to be a man of his word against all odds, survived foreign prison flawlessly and showed up when it mattered and actually talked to the dead man's uncle and mother after the trial. This book was gripping all the way through and I thank him for being so articulate and well spoken. The only problem I had with the book was the numerous grammar mistakes. All I have to say is that I will be a pro bono grammar editor on his next book should the need arise :).Their latest album encapsulates a lot of stuff that is mentioned in the book and even though it is an aggressive album which my wife still can't love entirely, I have played it in my car for almost a month now on my commute back and forth to work. The book and the album go hand-in-hand. Sturm und Drang is German for the Storm and Stress movement in the late 1700s, where extremes of emotion were given free expression. The book and the album are examples of that, and seeing that both Randy and the band executed flawlessly, they have a lifelong fan in me.Well done on both the book and the album. Nothing but respect here...-- All the best, guys

Been a fan of his band, and now his book.

It's a great book !!!Not only for fans but for anyone who faces day by day problems and needs inspiration!

Well written and interesting story, recommended for anyone who likes metal or biographies.

Excellent book

10/10