In an effort to help prove that the metal community is not filled with mindless, hate-filled, angry men, author/photographer Alexandra Crockett is putting together a photography book entitled Metaldudes Cats Book that showcases some of the most brutal and visionary members of the West coast metal community with their darling, adorable little balls of fur: their cats.

Crockett comments, “Metaldudes Cats Book challenges stereotypes of masculinity and the metal culture. I think we can all agree that cat photos and videos are an integral part of the Internet. Metaldudes Cats Book combines three loves that have a global reach: Kitties, Metal, and Dudes. A love of kitties binds the entire world together, even tough guys who listen to brutal, harsh music.”

Isis, Xasthur, Atriarch, Black Goat, Book of Black Earth, Harassor, Lord Time, Skeletonwitch, King Dude, Morbid Angel, Anhedonist, Thrones, Lightning Swords of Death, Municipal Waste, Holy Grail, Nausea, Exhumed, Phobia, Murder Construct, Cattle Decapitation, and Gypsyhawk are only a few of the bands that have already volunteered to be photographed with their kitties.

Read on for more information and some images from the book.

Crockett adds, “The metal scene has long been thought of as a culture of people who are into dark, depressing, even disturbing imagery and deas. I believe that in a lot of ways, these portrayals have spilled over into judgments of people’s character as well. In general, these judgments are not only negative, but also incorrect. This, of course, can also be said of the portrayal of men in our society.”

A benefit concert will take place on Mar. 1st in Portland, OR as well as one on Mar. 9th in Seattle, WA that will see proceeds go towards the publishing of the book. Then, once the book is printed, proceeds will be donated to no-kill animal shelters throughout the United States.

Some Metaldudes Cats Book merch can be found here.

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