Only Death Is Real: An Illustrated History of Hellhammer and Early Celtic Frost 1981-1985

by Tom Gabriel Fischer, Martin Eric Ain, Nocturno Culto (Introduction), Joel McIver (Foreword by)

Overview

This formidable oversized hardcover runs 288 pages (including a 32-page color section), and combines hundreds of unseen early Hellhammer and Celtic Frost photos with a vast treasure trove of artwork and memorabilia. A substantial written component by Fischer details his upbringing on the outskirts of Zurich, Switzerland, and the hardships and triumphs he faced bringing the visions of his groundbreaking bands Hellhammer and eventually Celtic Frost to reality. In addition, the book includes an introduction by Nocturno Culto of Norwegian black metal act Darkthrone, and a foreword by noted metal author Joel McIver.

Without question Only Death Is Real goes farther than any other source in exploring the origins of underground heavy metal. The wealth of visual information is astounding, both in terms of documenting early 1980s headbangers and exposing the still-relevant imagery of the first Hellhammer and Celtic Frost photo sessions. On top of that, the written chapters combine Tom Fischer’s often shocking stories with lengthy quotes from Martin Eric Ain and the other main Hellhammer members, explaining in intimately human terms how extreme metal was born.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780979616396
Publisher:	Bazillion Points
Publication date:	03/30/2010
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.50(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	14 Years

Editorial Reviews

“Fischer’s delving deeper into his past than ever before…very interesting reading. It’s as much a document of metalhead life in the early ’80s as the story of one band.”—MSN Music

"Not just the story of two bands who became genuine linchpins in metal history, it’s also a universal tale about the power of heavy metal to provide a shelter from alienation"—Metal Hammer

“Immaculately presented…a tale of disenfranchised youth with the dedication to follow through with their dreams, against significant odds”—PopMatters

“A proud and regal commemoration of a band that clawed its way to legendary status. Five stars.”—Austin Metal Examiner

“A must-have… authoritative, and the hard work is evident. Only Death Is Real was created by people who respect fans and know what they want.”—Invisible Oranges

“…the heartfelt and open narration from Fischer makes it a genuine asset to the understanding and appreciation of his canon, what was overcome and what was sacrificed in the name of music that has since become classic.”—Terrorizer [10/10 review]

“An astonishing book, both in its subject matter and its presentation… It’s the antithesis of the standard trade paperback rock tome.”—Hellbound[10/10 review]

“Absolutely amazing.”—Deaf Sparrow [5/5 review]

“A killer look into the mind of the band.”—BrooklynVegan

“The apex of extreme metal texts”—deathmetal.org

“Recounts the hard work, unlimited dedication, and immense confidence it took for this group of amateurs to create one of the darkest and most influential metal bands of all time: Hellhammer”—Associated Content

“Highly recommend this to anyone with even the remotest interest in the beginnings of the extreme metal scene” [4.5/5 star review]—MetalCrypt.com

“This is a book about the real Hellhammer, the essence of that group, the aura it carried, and the truly unique spirit of revolution of the times in which it existed. It is a book about a group of outcasts—about persistence, dedication, and an utterly personal vision. I have worked very hard to make sure it will do justice to the work of a number of very unique people who shared the same ideas at a very unique point in time.”—Tom Gabriel Fischer

From the Publisher