Book Review: A Vulgar Display of Power by Chris Armold - Page 2

Doctors at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune evaluated Marine Nathan Gale, who was hospitalized in their mental health ward in March of 2003. Diagnosis: paranoid schizophrenia. According to A Vulgar Display of Power, doctors prescribed medications for Gale to keep “The Beast” under control. He was given an honorable discharge. Gale often hallucinated, saying he was being watched. He complained that when he talked with the original Pantera, they had stolen his lyrics. No longer taking his medication, Nathan Gale drove to Alrosa Villa on the night of December 8.

In accurate detail, the book tells exactly what happened on that night, how "The Beast" entered Alrosa Villa, gained access to the stage, and murdered Dimebag, body guard Jeff Thompson, spectator Nathan Bray, and roadie Erin Halk. It tells how Officer James Niggemeyer bravely mounted the stage and ended the carnage with a single accurate rifle shot that killed Nathan Gale.

At first glance, the cover of A Vulgar Display of Power showing three smiling faces might be misleading until one notices the capitalized red-lettered words: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa. This book cannot be taken lightly. It is a spirited, researched attempt by the author to memorialize the lives of Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray, and Erin Halk, whose courageous efforts to halt killer Nathan Gale saved the lives of many who had attended the Damageplan concert.

This book is a well-organized, well-documented, fascinating story I found hard to put down after reading the humble Forward by Officer James Niggemeyer, whose rifle silenced "The Beast." That’s the way it is with non-fiction hero stories; we are drawn to them because we wonder if we would have the same courage to make the ultimate sacrifice as these heroes.

I highly recommend A Vulgar Display of Power to any reader looking for a fascinating, compelling book. This work, with its descriptions of courage and heroism during and after the terrifying 4 minutes and 59 seconds, only proves that true heavy metal worshippers are compassionate, spirited, and often heroic people who simply love their music.

Article Author: Regis Schilken

Regis Schilken's stories reflect his search for meaning in a very human but frightening way. Two of his books have been published: The Oculi Incident and The Island Off Stony Point. A third, You Know When will be published this year. …

Visit Regis Schilken's author page — Regis Schilken's Blog