Featuring a wealth of new interviews with the genre's most central figures, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult offers the most comprehensive guide yet to the most controversial form of extreme metal. From the pioneers of the early '80s to its fiery rebirth in Scandinavia through to today's diverse groups, this epic analysis captures the movement's development in unparalleled depth.

Dayal began writing professionally in 2005, having previously created a self-published music journal entitled Crypt Magazine. Since that time he has contributed regularly to the likes of Record Collector, The Quietus, Terrorizer, Decibel, Classic Rock Presents... and, most prominently, Metal Hammer magazine, whom he has written for since 2006, providing numerous lead and cover story features. He has also written liner notes for releases by high profile bands including the post-punk pioneers Killing Joke and black metal legends Marduk. As well as working with the written word he has also conducted onscreen interviews for magazines, web sites and DVD release. He has conducted interviews with hundreds of bands of various styles from Rammstein, to Public Enemy to Gorgoroth to Alice in Chains to Machine Head as well as actors, directors and visual artists.