The career of Joy Division has been surrounded by many myths over the years, yet the truth is remarkably simple: within a few months, Joy Division transformed from a run-of-the-mill punk band into the creators of one of the most atmospheric, sharp, and influential debut albums ever recorded.

Chris Ott carefully sifts through the truth from the myth to show us how Unknown Pleasures took its final form and why it continues to captivate us so intensely to this day.

Chris Ott is a former editor of the online music magazine Pitchfork. He has released one album and two singles under the name The Grace Period. He lives in New York City.