VIA PRESS RELEASE | Black Metal remains a most fascinating subject, and it is therefore hardly surprising that a host of books have already been written about this harsh musical genre. One might even be justified in asking the heretical question, if the world needs another one. The answer is a resounding “yes,” because Argentinian author Matías Gallardo adds a Southern American perspective and voice to the existing canon with his book debut, Born for Burning—The History of Black Metal.
The contribution of Southern American bands spearheaded by Sarcófago among many others to the style’s evolution has all too often been overlooked. Gallardo leaves the narrow Nordic perspective behind by interviewing black metal acts, classic icons, as well as young and wild, from all over the world for a more global view. This makes Born for Burning–The History of Black Metal essential reading for everyone interested in the genre. Matías Gallardo’s Born for Burning–The History of Black Metal will be published on April 17, 2026.
Born in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires in 1988, Matías Gallardo currently works as a journalist, graphic designer, and university teacher. He has been writing for Argentina’s leading metal magazine, Jedbangers, which was founded in 1998, since 2006. He has also contributed to webzines such as Norskmetal and No Clean Singing. Gallardo is also the host and producer of the podcast Días Negros, which is dedicated to black metal—obviously the author’s favourite style of music.
Furthermore, Gallardo has translated Tony Iommi’s autobiography Iron Man: My Journey through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath into the Spanish language. Born for Burning–The History of Black Metal is his first book.
