Headbangers rejoice! An upcoming book promises to trace the entire history and development of heavy metal through first-person interviews with many of its most important performers -- including pioneering shock rocker Alice Cooper, who calls 'Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Heavy Metal' the "book every metal fan should own."

Culled from more than 300 interviews conducted over a period of 25 years by veteran rock journalists Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman, 'Louder Than Hell' features an introduction by Scott Ian of Anthrax and an afterword by Judas Priest singer Rob Halford.

The authors took advantage of their extensive contacts to score interviews with some of metal's most influential performers, including Ozzy Osbourne, Eddie Van Halen, Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson, Lita Ford, Vince Neil and Tommy Lee from Motley Crue, Metallica members Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield, and many more.

A press release says the book represents every type and era of heavy metal, from early precursors like Blue Cheer, Led Zeppelin, and the MC5 to current metal bands including Slipknnot, Mastodon and Lamb of God.

Cooper enthuses, "If you love metal, great stories, and music history told by the people who made it, then 'Louder than Hell' is a must-read.”

'Louder Than Hell' is slated for release on May 14 via It Books. It is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.

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