Since their formation in 2007, MINENWERFER have pursued a proud 'n' pure vision of black metal idiosyncratically focused on World War I - idiosyncratic, in the sense that the band hail from America but mostly sing in German. What has resulted is a startlingly accomplished canon that has quietly built itself into prolific proportions, with their first album arriving in 2010, followed by albums in 2012 and 2019, and a slew of split releases and EPs in the interim.
That first album, Volkslieder, was a throttling first introduction to MINENWERFER's unique world. Grim and violent but not short on grace, Volkslieder indeed conveyed a folkish element that was by turns tragic and triumphant. And while the duo's foot was firmly on the accelera to here, it never sacrificed strong songwriting, with those icy-hot melodies searing the soul during every successive spin.
Re-issue, 400x black 12" (180g) in a black poly-lined innerbag, download card, gatefold, full-color - black flood insideon 350g, all assembled in a PVC overbag.
Profanatica's brand of blasphemous filth remains as unwavering as ever, and their 2019 album Rotting Incarnation of God is another testament to their unholy devotion. With this full-length, Paul Ledney and company unleash a sonic assault that is both punishing and ritualistic, dragging the listener through murky depths of blackened death metal depravity.
Back in 1998 I stumbled upon the first Pest demo and was instantly captivated by it. The insane vocals, the crazy selfmade photos, the prominent bass guitar, the acoustic parts, just the songs in itself.
Red 12" (180g) in a microtenne innerbag, printed innersleeve, B/W on 220g carton coated paper, private download card, simple jacket, B/W printed on 350g carton, coated paper, all assembled in a plastic overbag.