Progressive death metal luminaries Opeth have been around for over a quarter century, contributing some of the most game-changing albums to extreme metal. Their evolution has taken them through a myriad of sounds, more recently reflecting those of '70s prog sans death metal influences. To commemorate their 25th anniversary, they have put together a comprehensive book stretching back to the earliest days of the band, simply titled, Book of Opeth.

Out April 15 through Rocket88 Publishers, Book of Opeth is told from the first person perspective of band leader Mikael Akerfeldt alongside anecdotes from current and former members, including guitarist Peter Lindgren who spent 16 years with the group. In addition to the in depth oral history, "There are photos in here I’ve never seen before," commented Akerfeldt, adding, "There are pictures from pre-recording days, before we even had a contract, photos of us recording the first album, rocking out in our rehearsal room, getting our first tattoos; there’s loads of great stuff in here..."

The first 4,000 copies of the book will come with exclusive acoustic recordings of "Atonement" (from Ghost Reveries) and "Demon of the Fall" (from My Arms, Your Hearse). These pressings will only be made available with these first 4,000 copies and pre-orders can be placed at the Opeth website.

Two versions of Book of Opeth will be available: the Signature Edition and Classic Edition (both pictured below).

The Signature Edition is the Classic Edition book with a black-on-black cover, seven-inch record exclusive to the book and it's limited to 500 hand-numbered set signed and numbered by Mikael Akerfeldt. It also includes three limited edition fine art prints by Travis Smith, all of which are hand-numbered to match the book. The Signature Edition is presented in a clamshell box covered in black cloth with foil detailing.

The Classic Edition is a large format, 208-page full-color hardback book printed on heavy-weight art paper and is bound in silk cloth with foil detailing. It contains over 300 images with many being previously unseen, as well as the seven-inch record exclusive to the book.

Opeth played a small series of shows in 2015 to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Each show featured a three-hour set with Ghost Reveries being performed in full. See exclusive photos and a review of the New York City event here.

Book of Opeth, Signature Edition

Rocket88 / Essential Works
Rocket88 / Essential Works
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Book of Opeth, Classic Edition

Rocket88 / Essential Works
Rocket88 / Essential Works
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