Pagan Records and Monomaniax will release the English-language edition of “From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story”, the unofficial but definitive biography of one of the most influential metal bands of all time. Written by renowned metal journalist José Luis Cano Barron, this comprehensive tome delves into the band’s illustrious career, offering an uncensored and carefully researched account of its groundbreaking music and enduring legacy.
“From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story” will be available from 29 May 2024, and can be pre-ordered via Pagan Records here: https://tinyurl.com/24puj3ft
Originally published in Spanish, “From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story” has been translated into English, making this essential work accessible to a wider audience. With 156 vibrant pages packed with rare photographs, illustrations, and reproductions, the book chronicles Bathory’s journey from their early black metal roots to their Viking metal mastery, painting a vivid portrait of a band that defied categorisation and shaped the very sound of black and extreme metal.
“From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story” goes beyond mere biography, offering a deep analysis of Bathory’s music and its impact on the metal scene. Cano Barron draws upon his extensive knowledge and insider access to provide insights into the creative genius of Bathory’s enigmatic leader, Quorthon.
“From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story” is an essential addition to the library of any metal fan. With its captivating narrative, wealth of historical detail, and stunning visuals, this book offers a unique and immersive exploration of one of metal’s most revered bands.
Book Details:
Title: From Hades to Valhalla… BATHORY – The Epic Story
Features brand new interviews with Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth plus extended interviews with Rotting Christ, Behemoth, Sigh, Mayhem and many more
The Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition” to consist of 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters with over 70 new interviews and improved cover art and design
The book release marks 10 years of Cult Never Dies
UK-based publishing house Cult Never Dies will mark its 10th anniversary this November with the release of Dayal Patterson’s “Black Metal:Evolution of the Cult – The Restored, Expanded &Definitive Edition”. Pre-orders are available now via Cult Never Dies (UK & ROW store / EU store). North American orders can be placed via Decibel Books.
With the original version of the book no longer available in print, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult is hailed as the most acclaimed book on the history of black metal, and the only one endorsed by those involved in creating the genre.
The book will be approximately 340,000 words long, including 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters and 48 extended and updated chapters. This will include over 150 exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre, including: Venom, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Blasphemy, Darkthrone, Behemoth, Rotting Christ, Mayhem and many more. The author also included over 70 brand new or previously unpublished interviews with the likes of Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth.
Evolution of the Cult will also have hugely improved cover art and layout by longtime Cult Never Dies artist David Thiérrée (Behemoth, Gorgoroth, Mortiis), and will include almost 600 photos, many previously unseen, including an 80-page colour/gloss section.
Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir commended the book: “You don’t have to read between the lines anymore ‘cause it’s all there, straight from the source,” while Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ called it “a valuable educational piece of dark writing.”
Vorph of Samael added: “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.”
Hvall of Windir and Vreid said: “A brilliantly written book – mandatory if you have any interest in the genre, or want to explore a new world.”
Photo credit: Ester Segarra
Dayal Patterson, book author, Cult Never Dies owner and longtime music journalist, said: “I cannot express how good it feels now that Cult Never Dies finally owns the rights to this book and are able to release it – along with Decibel in the US – in this massively improved form. The limitations placed on the original in terms of word count meant that so many chapters and parts I originally envisioned simply couldn’t be included or were not even worth completing due to a lack of space. What turned into a fairly straightforward restoration job led to about a year of 14-hour days, not only overhauling the existing chapters and layout (something we had always been unhappy with) of the book, but doing a huge number of new interviews and working with a wealth of new bands and artists. Finally, there are proper chapters celebrating bands such as Vinterland, Satyricon, Immortal, Arcturus, Mystifier and Profanatica, as well as greater explorations of black metal in Brazil, the US, the UK, Sweden, Greece, and, of course, Norway.”
For a full list of the 150 interviewees, visit Cult Never Dies.
October 15, 1965 – Rock icon Jimi Hendrix signed a recording contract with Ed Chalpin. The contract was for three years.
October 15, 1984 – An EP of previously released songs, ‘74 Jailbreak, was released by the invincible AC/DC, via Atlantic Records.
October 15, 1987 – Guitar wizard Joe Satriani released his second studio album, Surfing With The Alien, via Relativity Records. This proved to be Joe Satriani’s breakout album, with the title track receiving world-wide commercial success.
October 15, 1988 – Hall Of Fame band Bon Jovi saw their fourth studio album, New Jersey, reach #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Whoa.
October 15, 1995 – The mighty Van Halen performed at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Los Angeles California. Van Halen were touring in support of their tenth studio album: Balance.
On October 11th, 1982 – IRON MAIDEN performed at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York, USA. This was during The Beast On The Road Tour.
On October 11th, 1986 – IRON MAIDEN performed at The Apollo Theatre in Manchester, UK. This was the Somewhere On Tour; in support of the Somewhere In Time album.
On October 11th, 1990 – IRON MAIDEN played at the Assembly Rooms in Derby, UK. This was a stop on the No Prayer On The Road Tour, in support of their studio album: No Prayer For The Dying.
June 1, 2012 – The magnificent METALLICA performed at Zeppelinfeld in Nurnberg, Germany for the Rock im Park Festival. METALLICA performed thier amazingly legendary Black Album in its entirety, while on tour in Europe, back in 2012. Whoa!
June 1, 2013 – The mighty MEGADETH performed live in Barcelona, Spain, At Parc del Forum for the Sonisphere Festival. This was one of many stops on MEGADETH’s Super Collider World Tour. Hell and yeah!
On this day in KISSTORY – June 1, 2013 – KISS kicked off their European MONSTER Tour in front of a massive crowd at Friends Arena Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden! (Source: KISS Online) Dig it.
June 1, 2018 – The super-great IRON MAIDEN performs in Stockholm, SWEDEN, at Tele2 Arena. All hail IRON MAIDEN.
June 1, 2018 – The fearless FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have their newly released studio album, And Justice For None, debuting at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! Holy shit, that is killer!
June 1, 2018 – FFDP perform live in Deadwood, South Dakota at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel & Casino. Lucky Deadwood.
On July 20th, 2010 – IRON MAIDEN performed at Jiffy Lube Live, in Bristow, Virginia, USA. Jumping jellyfish that’s freaking cool!
On July 20th, 2011 – IRON MAIDEN performed in Glasgow, Scotland, at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre aka SECC.
On July 20th, 2016 – IRON MAIDEN perform at the Paleo Festival in Switzerland. Whoa!
On July 20th, 2016 – IRON MAIDEN‘s sixteenth studio album The Book Of Souls is ranked at #25, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On July 20th, 2016 – IRON MAIDEN‘s double-live album Live After Death is ranked at #79, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This live album was released back in 1985.
On July 20th, 2016 – IRON MAIDEN‘s 2008 compilation album of their classics Somewhere Back In Time – The Best Of: 1980 – 1989 is ranked at #94, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yeah!
On July 16th, 2015 – Lamb Of God have their forthcoming seventh studio album, VII: Sturm Und Drang (Deluxe Edition), ranked at #2, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On July 16th, 2015 – Lamb Of God have their third studio album, Ashes Of The Wake, ranked at #18 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa. This album was released back in 2004.
On July 16th, 2015 – Lamb Of God have their fourth studio album, Sacrament, ranked at #23, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yup.
On July 16th, 2015 – Lamb Of God have their fifth studio album, Wrath, ranked at #48, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On July 16th, 2015 – Lamb Of God have their second studio album, As The Palaces Burn, ranked at #80, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On June 10th, 1966 – The great Janis Joplin made her livedebut performance, fronting Big Brother & the Holding Company, at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco, California. Whoa!
On June 10th, 1984 – In Dallas, Texas, RUSH and Ozzy Osbourne co-headlined the Texxas Jam Festival aka Texas World Music Festival, at the Cotton Bowl. The other performers on the bill were Bryan Adams, .38 Special & Gary Moore. Holy mackerel.
On June 10th, 2015 – The newly released studio album, Cold Inferno, from Italy’s Melodic Death Metal band Disarmonia Mundi is ranked at #4, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On June 10th, 2015 –Zombie EP, from The Devil Wears Prada is ranked at #100, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This EP was originally released back in the late Summer of 2010. I really dig this album and reviewed it back on December 1st, 2010. You can read my review by clicking the link below. Whoa!
On June 6th, 1987 – Bon Jovi’s hit single Wanted Dead Or Alive is ranked at #7, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.
On June 6th, 2000 – The phenomenal IRON MAIDEN perform in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia; one of many dates on The Brave New World Tour. Long live IRON MAIDEN!
On June 6th, 1992 – Guns N’ Roses’ performed a concert at Paris’ Hippodrome de Vincennes. This Rock historic concert featured guest appearances from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Jeff Beck, Lenny Kravitz and Soundgarden. This concert was aired live on pay-per-view in North America. Holy moly and miraculous macaroni!
On June 6th, 2015 – KISS brings their 40th Anniversary Tour to the massive Rock In Vienna Festival tonight! Yes, KISS are the headliner. Whoa!
STEVE VAI
On June 6th, 1960, Steve Vai was born in New York. Happy Birthday, Stev Vai! Whoa and hell yeah! Steve Vai is a world-class guitarist and incredibly successful solo artist. Steve Vai has performed and/or recorded with the following bands: Whitesnake, David Lee Roth, Alcatrazz, 777, The Classified, The Out Band, Frank Zappa, Morning Thunder and Axis.
If you are unfamiliar with Steve Vai, please familiarize yourself with his music. This is a tried and true guitarist that has mastered his own signature sound that is unlike any other. I feel blessed to have seen Steve Vai perform live; he is just a remarkable guitarist. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Above photo: Steve Vai cover feature for Classic Rock magazine, August 2012, issue #174.
On June 3rd, 1956 – City (dumb-ass & constipated) authorities in Santa Cruz, California announced a total banon Rock And Roll at public gatherings, describing the music as: “Detrimental to both the health and morals of our youth and community.” Source link for this horrific moment in Rock history is below:
On June 3rd, 1970 – Deep Purple released their fourth studio album: Deep Purple In Rockaka In Rock. This was Deep Purple’s first album to feature the classic Mark II lineup of vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord, drummer Ian Paice and Roger Glover on bass.
On June 3rd, 2013 – White Wizzard released their third full-length studio album in Europe: The Devil’s Cut. The duo guitar wizardry of Will Wallner and Jake Dreyer are prominently featured on this album. Hell and yeah, so buy this album!
On June 3rd, 2015 – The newly released Goatsnake studio album, Black Age Blues, is ranked at #22 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Right on, Goatsnake!
On June 1st, 1985 – David Lee Roth has his (cover song) hit single, Just A Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody, was ranked at #12, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the United States. This song is featured on DLR’s 1985 studio EP: Crazy From The Heat. This EP has sold one million (plus) copies. Zowie!
On June 1st, 1991 – Queensrÿche’s hit power ballad, Silent Lucidity, was ranked at #9, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Queensrÿche’s fourth studio album from 1990: Empire.
On June 1st, 1991 – Firehouse had their hit single, Don’t Treat Me Bad, ranked at #19, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on the debut and self-titled album from Firehouse, released back in 1990. Whoa!
On June 1st, 2015 – SLIPKNOT’s fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, is #1 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This album was released in Autumn of 2014.
On June 1st, 2015 – The debut and self-titled studio album from SLIPKNOT is ranked at #25, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This album was originally released back in 1999, via Roadrunner Records.
On May 31st, 1975 – The hit single from Bad Company, Good Lovin’ Gone Bad, is ranked at #36, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the United States. Right on! This song is featured on the second studio album from Bad Company, released in 1975: Straight Shooter.
On May 31st, 1976 – The Who entered the Guinness Book of World Records for (at that time) performing the loudest concert in history. This Rock historic concert took place at England’s Charlton Athletic’s Ground. The official readings were: 76,000 watts at 120 decibels from 50 meters away. This enormous record would lasted for close to a decade. Holy moly! Holy moly again!
On May 31st, 2015 – The forthcoming studio album, Win Hands Down, from the awesome ARMORED SAINT is ranked at #54, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Win Hands Down releases on June 2nd, 2015, via Metal Blade Records. Hell, whoa and yeah!
On May 31st, 2015 – The forthcoming studio album, Disgusting, from Columbus Ohio’s Beartooth is ranked at #9, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa. This album releases on June 10th, 2015, via Red Bull Records. Long live Beartooth and Ohio!
On May 30th, 1975 – Alice Cooper’s first solo album Welcome to My Nightmare was certified Gold by the RIAA. This iconic album will eventually sell one million copies (plus) in the United States.
On May 30th, 1994 – For their Shit Hits The Sheds Tour, the magnificent Metallica performed at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, in Corfu, New York. Hail Metallica!
On May 30th, 2015 – I Won’t Give In, the newly released single from Asking Alexandria, is ranked #1, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Yup. Uh, huh and whoa.
On May 30th, 2015 – No Way Out, the newly released single from Bullet For My Valentine, is ranked at #2, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Long live BFMV.
On May 30th, 2015 – Black Sabbath – Greatest Hits 1970 – 1978 is ranked at #37, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Right on!
On May 30th, 2015 – The debut studio & self-titled album from Black Sabbath is ranked at #38, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This amazing album was originally released back in 1970. Whoa! Long live Black Sabbath!
On May 29th, 1983 – It was Heavy Metal Day at the US Festival in San Bernadino, California. The celebrated bands that performed were: Van Halen, Quiet Riot, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Triumph. Hail Heavy Metal!
On May 29th, 2000 – The mighty IRON MAIDEN released their twelfth studio album: Brave New World. This album also marked the return of longtime vocalist Bruce Dickinson. Brave New World also features the return of guitarist and co-songwriter Adrian Smith. This album was basically one hell-of-a nice family reunion for IRON MAIDEN. Whoa!
On May 29th, 2015 – The third studio album from QUIET RIOT, Metal Health, is ranked at #97, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This enormously popular album was originally released back in March of 1983 and reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. QUIET RIOT FOREVER.
On May 29th, 2015 – My God Given Right, the fifteenth studio album from Germany’s Power Metal pioneers HELLOWEEN, is officially released. Hail HELLOWEEN!
On May 29th, 2015 – The new album, Live+, from the super legendary guitarist Jeff Beck is ranked at #148, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This is the debut week for Live+ on the Top 200 as well. Live+ features 14 live songs, with 2 new studio tracks. Long live Jeff Beck! Yeah!
On May 28th, 1983 – The US Festival began the first of three days in San Bernardino, California; this was New Wave Day. Heavy Metal Day and Rock Day were to follow, respectively. This 3 day festival was the brainchild of Steve Wozniak.
Among the very many performers spanning the entire festival were: Van Halen, David Bowie, The Clash, Joe Walsh, The Pretenders, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Triumph, Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, U2, Missing Persons, Stray Cats, INXS, and Stevie Nicks. Amazing!! By the way, I was 17 years old in ’83. Whoa.
On May 28th, 1988 – The amazing Iron Maiden peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart with their seventh studio album: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. This album went on to achieve Gold sales status in the United States. The great Derek Riggs created the album cover art for this splendid album too. Whoa!! Long live Iron Maiden!
On May 28th, 2015 – The new studio album from Detroit’s BATTLECROSS is ranked at #47 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Rise to Power will be released worldwide via Metal Blade Records, on August 21st, 2015. Hail BATTLECROSS!
On May 28th, 2015 – Whitesnake’s new studio album of Deep Purple cover songs, The Purple Album, debuts at #87 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Long live Whitesnake and David Coverdale! Hell and yeah, man!!
On May 27th, 1989 – The Cult peaked at #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart with their fourth studio album: Sonic Temple. This great album went on to sell one million (plus) copies in the United States.
On May 27th, 1999 – RUSH became the first Rock band to be awarded a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame, in Toronto, Canada. Whoa!
On May 27th, 2014 – Legendary guitarist Marty Friedman released his studio album, Inferno, via Prosthetic Records. A few featured musical guests on Inferno are: Jason Becker, Danko Jones and Alexi Laiho.
On May 27th, 2015 – The forthcoming studio album from Australia’s Thy Art Is Murder is ranked at #20, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The title of this new album is: Holy War. A North American release date of June 30th, 2015 is scheduled for Holy War’s release. Whoa!
On May 26th, 1966 – The Best of the Animals entered the United States album charts. This album would peak at #6 and stay on the charts for an impressive 113 weeks. Long live the legacy of The Animals!
On May 26th, 1973 – The Edgar Winter Group hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hard rockin’ instrumental: Frankenstein. Hell and yeah! This grand song is featured on the third studio album from The Edgar Winter Group, released in 1972: They Only Come Out At Night. Whoa!
On May 26th, 1973 – The super legendary Deep Purple released their iconic hit single: Smoke on the Water. This amazing song went on to peak at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on the sixth studio album from Deep Purple, released in 1972: Machine Head. Long live Deep Purple!
On May 26th, 1984 – Scorpions hit #25 on the U.S.Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their Heavy Metal classic: Rock You Like a Hurricane. This enormously popular song is featured on the ninth studio album from Scorpions, released in 1984: Love At First Sting. Long live Scorpions!
On May 26th, 2015 – Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits is ranked at #168, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This must-own compilation of Aerosmith classics has spent 47 non-consecutive weeks on this chart. Long live Aerosmith!
On May 25th, 1965 – Dave Davies, guitarist for the The Kinks, stumbled onto drummer Mick Avory’s cymbal and was subsequently knocked unconscious, during a concert in London. Whoa and WTF!? I’ve always loved The Kinks; true Hard Rock and Heavy Metal pioneers.
Above: The Who and Led Zeppelin Concert flyer. Event was held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, in Columbia, Maryland, USA, May 25th, 1969. Concert flyer artist was Tina Silverman.
On May 25th, 1969 – The Who and Led Zeppelin performed on the same bill for the only time in Rock History, at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, USA. Led Zeppelin opened for The Who, by the way. Whoa, man! Check out the ticket prices (above) for this unbelievable historic event!! OMFG!! Notice on the ticket stub (above) the misspelling of Led Zeppelin. LOL!! This is an event that I would go to in my time machine; if I had a time machine, that is. I NEED a time machine! Now!! Who is with me?!
On May 25th, 1974 – Sweet hits #27 in the United Kingdom with their second studio album: Sweet Fanny Adams.
On May 25th, 1983 – The debut studio album from the iconic DIO released: Holy Diver. This enormously grand Heavy Metal album went on to peak at #56 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Holy Diver would go on to sell one million (plus) copies in the United States alone. Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio.
KLAUS MEINE
On May 25th, 1948, Klaus Meine was born in Germany. Happy Birthday, Klaus Meine! Klaus Meine is world-famous as the vocalist, co-songwriter, lyricist and classic member of SCORPIONS. Klaus Meine has also worked with many other musicians projects over the years, including Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia.
SCORPIONS today – from L to R: James Kottak, Matthias Jabs, KlausMeine, Rudolf Schenker and Paweł Mąciwoda
Above photo credit: Scorpions Facebook – May 25, 2015 – Scorpions in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Above: Circus (magazine) pull-out poster – circa mid 80’s
Above: SCORPIONS from L to R: Klaus Meine, Francis Buchholz, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs
On May 24th, 1969 – The Who peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit: Pinball Wizard. This marked the fourth top forty single for The Who, in the United States. Whoa! The Who forever! Yeah!
On May 24th, 1978 – The Van Halen self-titled debut album was certified Gold by the RIAA. This incredible album went on to sell 10 million (plus) copies in the United States alone. Whoa, man! Long live Van Halen!
On May 24th, 1991 – Guns N’ Roses began their Use Your Illusion Tour at the Alpine Valley Music Theater, in East Troy, Wisconsin. This GNR tour went on until July of 1993. Um, who cares? I sure don’t.
On May 24th, 2005 – Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne put their Beverly Hills home up for sale. This was the same home featured on their hit reality television show: The Osbournes. Who eventually purchased this famous and very expensive house? None other than Pop star Christina Aguilera. In other words, who cares.
On May 24th, 2015 – The newly released EP from California’s INCUBUS debuts at #1, on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. Whoa, again!
On May 24th, 2015 – Metallica Master Of Puppets is ranked at #149, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This amazing album has spent 83 non-consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #29. Master Of Puppets is the third studio album from Metallica, released back in 1986. I love this Metallica album… just as much as I love to breathe. Metal be thy name! – Stone
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