386 pages.

 

Born for Burning: The History of Black Metal recounts the turbulent tale of one of the most extreme and transgressive movements in heavy music. From its origins in the early '80s with raw, primitive riffs, Satanic imagery and an underground following, to its darker heights in the Norwegian scene and its multifaceted global evolution, Matías Gallardo chronicles every blistering beat, every distorted chord and every howl that defined the genre.

 

Drawing on over 100 interviews with legendary cult figures from all over the world, including Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Master's Hammer, Profanatica, Blasphemy, Tormentor, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Ulver, Watain, Agalloch, Xasthur, Leviathan, Alcest and Misþyrming, this chronicle explores the artistry and outrage, beauty and brutality of the genre. Gallardo delves into the music, influences, aesthetics and sonic innovations, while also addressing the crimes, chaos and church burnings that shocked the world.

 

Featuring a prologue by Dan Lilker (Nuclear Assault) and an introduction by Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone), Born for Burning is a powerful and unflinching exploration of terror, transgression and uncompromising passion. Essential reading for fans, scholars or anyone curious about how the underground became myth, this book burns.