'Panzerfaust', Darkthrone's fifth album was originally released in 1995 on the Norwegian label, Moonfog (the label previously owned by Satyr of Satyricon). The album was recorded similarly to their previous release, 'Transilvanian Hunger', in that it was written and recorded solely by Fenriz at his home 'Necrohell' studio, with Nocturno Culto later adding vocals. 'Panzerfaust' was largely inspired by the works of Celtic Frost, a long time favourite of the Darkthrone guys, and also includes a couple of fast songs in the Bathory style, a follow-on to the faster tempo of the tracks featured on 'Transilvanian Hunger'. 'Panzerfaust' is also notable for including some of the most raw and primal vocals in black metal - completely well suited to the music on display and the misanthropic nature of the band at the time. With its feast of Frost-fuelled riffing, 'Panzerfaust' is rightly hailed one of THE classic Darkthrone black metal albums. It also features lyrics written by Varg Vikernes of Burzum.
2 x LP, 298 half blue, half yellow vinyl (180g), Side D with silkscreen, printed innersleeves full color x 2, gatefold, full-color on 350g uncoated (matte) with 3D UV SPOT print, all assembled in a PVC overbag.
"Tuiflsrijtt" is Bavarian/Austrian for “devil's ride” and associates both the Krampus runs and the history behind the Krampus figure (myth, legend and tradition). The album functions as a bridge across the borders of this world to the devil's realm and the Rauhnächte, conjuring not only the dark Krampus figure who tortures the flesh with his rods and chains and carries off the doomed souls, but also the essence of the Drude, who torments her victims, Perchten, who take the souls away to the realm of the dead and the raging demons of the Wild Hunt.
"Tuiflsrijtt" is a consistent further development of the existing concept. Atmospheric Black Metal with an old school touch of the 2nd wave, which, however, has clearly increased in speed and aggressiveness compared to previous releases.
If there's one certainty in these uncertain times, it's that PURITY THROUGH FIRE will continue to raise the banner of nowadays German black metal: proud and pure in its expression, honoring the past whilst not being shackled to it, and evincing a professionalism that doesn't sacrifice true underground spirit. Their latest executioners are AD MORTEM, who'll be familiar to those who caught their PURITY THROUGH FIRE-released split with standard-bearers MAVORIM in that very uncertain year of 2020. While their split-mates are true titans of today's Teutonic black metal scene, AD MORTEM proved to be a poignant counterpart, evincing an undeniable physicality that remained hook-heavy and hummable.
From an era when different winds blew… The 1993 demo presented with original low-quality cover art and including a 1994 rehearsal track of “Heart Of The Ages” as bonus.