Ken sits down with Dayal Patterson, founder of Cult Never Dies and author of Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult. Together, they delve into the dark and fascinating world of Black Metal — from its chaotic origins and occult undercurrents to its modern evolution as one of music’s most misunderstood yet enduring subcultures.

Dayal discusses his years documenting the scene, the complex relationship between Black Metal and spirituality, and why physical media, authenticity, and seriousness of intent remain vital in an increasingly digital and disposable age.

This week:

• The origins of Cult Never Dies and the evolution of Dayal’s landmark book


• Black Metal’s strange blend of rebellion, mysticism, and artistic purity


• How Venom, Bathory, and punk shaped the genre’s DNA


• From the 90s underground to global festivals — the scene’s surprising resilience


• Why Satanism in Black Metal is both literal and symbolic


• Ritual performance and the blurred line between theatre and devotion


• The tension between elitism, accessibility, and authenticity


• Black Metal’s apocalyptic vision and fascination with the occult


• Industrial influences, Dissection’s “grimoire,” and the rise of esoteric bands


• Why physical books and records still matter to true believers

📖 Get Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult and other titles from Cult Never Dies:

https://cultneverdies.com

🧾 Show Notes

🔗 People, bands, and concepts mentioned:

• Dayal Patterson – Author and founder of Cult Never Dies
  
  https://cultneverdies.com


• Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult – Revised 2023 edition


• Venom – The band that coined “Black Metal”
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venom_(band)


• Bathory – Pioneering Scandinavian Black Metal
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathory_(band)


• Dissection – Reinkaos as occult grimoire
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissection_(band)


• Watain – Ritual performance and theistic Satanism
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watain


• Gorgoroth – Theatrical and metaphysical extremes
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgoroth


• Mysticum – Industrial Black Metal innovators
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysticum


• Thelema – Occult system influencing many Black Metal bands
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelema

💻 Follow & Support

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https://www.facebook.com/CultNeverDies

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https://patreon.com/sittingnow

Visit SittingNow for more episodes, articles, and extras:

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