Compiled from over 400 interviews conducted by respected music journalists Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman, Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History Of Metal - out via It Books today, May 14th, in hardcover is a chronological history of heavy metal, told through the words of the men and women who created it, played it, re-invented it, and continue to rock it.

In a new book excerpt, former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler recalls an incident where he and Axl Rose nearly killed each other:

"We lived there for three months; the five of us and Vicky and Jennifer. We destroyed this apartment. The last day we were there, Axl and I got into a fight and he pushed me into this fire extinguisher outside the front door. The glass broke and then I grabbed him in the living room, because he pushed me out the door. I pushed him on this coffee table; everything was destroyed."

Read more at this location.

Revolver senior editor Wiederhorn and Nights With ALICE COOPER producer Turman dug deep into their extensive list of contacts to uncover never-before-heard stories, eye-opening admissions and the truth behind metal’s most explosive legends. Candid and confessional commentary comes straight from icons of the genre, including: RONNIE JAMES DIO, OZZY OSBOURNE, BRUCE DICKINSON, EDDIE VAN HALEN, VINCE NEIL, TOMMY LEE, LITA FORD, LARS ULRICH, JAMES HETFIELD, AXL ROSE, SLASH, COREY TAYLOR, DAVE MUSTAINE, CHUCK SCHULDINER, LEMMY KILMISTER, KING DIAMOND, DAVE GROHL, TRENT REZNOR, SLAYER's Kerry King, PHIL ANSELMO, ROB ZOMBIE and more. With an introduction by Scott Ian of ANTHRAX and an afterword by Rob Halford of JUDAS PRIEST, and with two 16-page photo inserts, with some never-before seen candid shots by celebrated rock photographers Stephanie Cabral and Robert Matheu, this is the book metal fans have been waiting for.

The many musicians interviewed by these veteran journalists offer their take on their influences, touring, the music business, and songwriting, as well as their often-traumatic upbringings, battles with substance abuse, and bizarre sexual exploits. Industry insiders (including managers, record label executives, family members, friends, scenesters, groupies, journalists, and porn stars) provide additional insight.

Louder Than Hell explores the transformation of metal culture, with stories and anecdotes straight from the mouths of the most infamous and successful bands. Filled with hundreds of revealing interviews representing every type and era of heavy metal—from metal progenitors such as BLUE CHEER, LED ZEPPELIN, and THE MC5 to current day innovators including SLIPKNOT, MASTODON, and LAMB OF GOD—Louder Than Hell is the ultimate look behind the curtain at one of our most dynamic, controversial and enduring musical genres.