Halo: The Story Behind Depeche Mode's Classic Album Violator

Really enjoyed this book. Some great insights from people who worked on the album & were around the band at the time. Some of the other reviews complaining about lack of input from the band don't know as much about the band as they think: DM are renowned for not contributing to material written about them apart from interviews carried out at the time of a release so you shouldn't really expect otherwise. I didn't feel there was anything missing while reading this. I recommend this book to all DM fans.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, even though there are some editing issues that will probably be ironed out in later editions. Even though the band didn't participate in the book it's great to hear from those close to the action and their takes on the events surrounding everything to do regarding the album, the singles and the subsequent World Violation Tour.I have become quite interested in the record store signing riot in LA on 20 March 1990 since reading this book and have come across a few videos backing up the nutty account of what happened that night. Wow.

Knowing very little about Depeche Mode or their music, I found “Halo” both really informative and very enjoyable. I had no idea that so much technical expertise and effort were needed to produce an album like “Violator”. The story-line is well-expressed and the authors’ depth of knowledge and affection for the band comes through strongly, as does the individual fans’ enthusiasm. Overall a satisfying read. Christopher G.

As a book about Violator, without any input from Flood or the band, it's limited in what it can actually tell you, which is a shame. I'm a big Depeche Mode fan, but to be honest the documentary that came with the reissued CD tells you a bit more. Not an awful lot, but at least that has the band and Flood talking.Still, a good book with lots from some of the other people involved, notably Francois Kevorkian, though he does ramble a lot and doesn't really tell us very much- his part reads like it was a collection of replies to emails.

Brilliantly written book giving interesting insights not from the band but from those involved and touched by the production of violator- sound technicians producers back office design and fans- really clever, easy and enjoyable read with lovely moments we can all relate to as fans and insights that will surprise even the die hard devotees

Started this book and seems a good read. One of my favourite DM albums so can't wait to read the rest.

As a big Depeche Mode fan who rates Violator as their best album I found this book a fascinating read. Despite no input from the band there is plenty of input from album engineers, band promoters, tour director, studio mixer.Unfortunately there are a lot of grammatical errors in the book and at one point 'Music For The Masses' is referred to as 'Music From The Masses'. Hopefully these issues will be resolved on any further print runs.Definitely worth a read for any DM fans. Ignore the negative reviews.

The book is basically (as far as I could read so far) a collection of thoughts about the writing and realising of the record selling work "Violator", by the songwriters, producers and studio managers! A recommendable book!