The definitive version of the definitive black metal book is here. Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult - Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition, the acclaimed authoritative black metal history authored by Dayal Patterson, returns as a massive 700+ page hardcover book available exclusively in North America for pre-order via Decibel Books now, here.

"I first worked with Decibel's Albert Mudrian some 20 years ago when I interviewed him for my fanzine, Crypt," says Patterson, also the founder of Cult Never Dies publishing. "We've kept in touch since then, and Cult Never Dies and Decibel have collaborated on multiple projects, with us printing editions of their books for European readers and them creating U.S. editions of their books for ours. It was therefore a no-brainer that we would work together in bringing this mammoth new title to US readers and we are extremely happy to have what is probably our most important title in safe and trusted hands."

This ultimate edition of Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult includes 120,000 words of new content (over 20 new chapters and 20 expanded chapters), over 60 new interviews (over 130 total), an eye-popping 80-page color photo section, vastly improved layout and a stunning new illustrated cover.

Includes artist interviews from Venom, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Sodom, Destruction, Sepultura, Vulcano, Holocausto, Mystifier, Blasphemy, Samael, Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Deviser, Agatus, Zemial, Tormentor, Master's Hammer, Von, Mayhem, Thorns, Darkthrone, Burzum, Immortal, Emperor, Gehenna, Gorgoroth, Trelldom, Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Les Legions Noire, Marduk, Dissection, Vinterland, The Black, Watain, Shining, Strid, Forgotten Woods, Bethlehem, Silencer, Forgotten Tomb, Lifelover, Graveland, Infernum, Behemoth, Hades, Helheim, Isengard/Storm, Kampfar, Windir, Primordial, October Falls, Enslaved, Satyricon, Ulver, Mortem, Arcturus, Fleurety, In The Woods..., Manes, Ved Buens Ende, Dodheimsgard, Sigh, Deathspell Omega, Mysticum, Aborym, Blacklodge, Black Witchery, Hecate Enthroned, Winterfylleth, Fen, Profanatica and much more.

Pre-order Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult - Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition from Decibel Books now and avoid costly overseas shipping. Books are scheduled to ship in early December. European customers can order the Cult Never Dies edition of the book directly from Cult Never Dies right here.

"So good. Lovely memoirs of those old times and interesting new stuff. Dayal's done a really great job with this book." - Nuclear Holocausto Vengeance (Beherit)

"A brilliantly written book - mandatory if you have any interest in the genre, or want to explore a new world." - Hvall (Windir / Vreid)

"A unique, insightful and fun read." - Blasphemer (Aura Noir, ex-Mayhem)

"A testament for future generations, compiled with sincerity of effort and high class aesthetics." - The Magus (Necromantia)

"This is a very insightful work: Without doubt the ultimate book on the subject, a testimony of black metal and a good introduction for neophytes." - Vorph (Samael)

"A valuable educational piece of dark writing." - Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ)

"There are quite a few books on black metal on the market these days but this one is totally different. This is not a typical disc-guide book. This is not a book that only focuses on those inner circle myths. This is an in-depth and very well researched book that overlooks the world of black metal." - Mirai Kawashima (Sigh)

"No need to write any more books about black metal after this one." - Svein Egil Hatlevik (Fleurety / Dodheimsgard)

"Dayal Patterson took what is probably the only reasonable approach to the task: he let the artists speak for themselves. If you are prepared to pick up a book this size, then you probably are enough of a fan to be glad you did." - Fabban (Aborym)

"Free from sensationalist hyperbole it contains a dizzying array or detail, anecdotes, photographs and contextualisation of the landmark artists within the genre - all delivered with Dayal's fluid prose and dry wit. A huge undertaking that oozes passion, this lengthy tome stands tall as the definitive book on the black metal genre." - The Watcher (Fen / Fellwarden)

"Without doubt the best book about black metal I've ever read. Actually I could probably say it's the only book about metal worth reading!" - Cernunnus (Manes)

"A definitive and essential piece of writing, exposing a genre that has drastically evolved since Black Sabbath and Venom left their stain on the world." - Venien (VON)

"You don't have to read between the lines anymore 'cause it's all there, straight from the source." - Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir)