ACHERON “Rites Of The Black Mass” /CD/

The first remastered re-release of the debut full-length studio album by cult American Death/Black Metal band.
Acheron was founded in 1988 by vocalist/bassist/songwriter Vincent Crowley (formerly of Nocturnus). After three demos, they recorded their cult debut "Rites of the Black Mass" album in 1992 at Morrisound Studios, with Scott Burns (Death, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse etc).
"Rites Of The Black Mass" is a prime example of a true masterpiece of uncompromising American Death Metal. It was recorded in the right time (early 90s) and in the right place, and was composed with a high level of knowledge about the satanic themes which the lyrics deal with (Crowley was involved with the Church Of Satan).
The peculiarity of this album is that each song is preceded by an intro / interlude composed and played by Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of the Church Of Satan. Organs, synthesizers, chants and effected voices that help to create a pretty dark and evil atmosphere. Regarding the music, Acheron plays pure American Old-School Death Metal, mixing some fast songs and some slower ones. 
Another highlight is the guest appearance by Mike Browning from mighty Nocturnus as backing vocalist.
Acheron’s lyrics are about satanism, of course, and are written both by Crowley and Gilmore. What we have here is an accurate knowledge and literacy of Anton Szandor LaVey’s philosophy that conceptualizes Satan as a representation of self-spirituality and individualism. So, you won’t find tons of pointless curses or blasphemies like in the lyrics of the newest ultra-satanic, super-demonic and christophobic copycat band, but here is all very well studied and in full knowledge of the subject.
"Rites Of The Black Mass" was originally released in 1992 by the German rip off label Turbo Music, that didn’t send any royalties to the band. Then it was reissued a bunch of times by various labels throughout the years, becoming a sort of hard-to-find collector’s item. Fortunately, the Dutch label Vic Records has re-released "Rites Of The Black Mass" in a fully remastered by Tom Palms (Phlebotomized) edition. Artwork and booklet completely restored, including liner notes and interview of Wannes Gubbels (Pentacle, ex-Asphyx, ex-Soulburn) with bandleader Vincent Crowley. Also, the re-release includes "Promo 1990" as a bonus.
Any true Death Metal fan ought to have "Rites Of The Black Mass" in his collection!
VIC Records and Music Publishing B.V., 1992/2018 (VIC159CD). Made in Netherlands.


Tracklist:
1. Intro 1 1:56
2. To Thee We Confess 2:08
3. Intro 2 1:05
4. Thou Art Lord 4:09
5. Intro 3 1:14
6. Ave Satanas 3:40
7. Intro 4 1:06
8. Summoning The Master 2:51
9. Intro 5 0:45
10. One With Darkness 3:27
11. Intro 6 0:39
12. Prayer Of Hell 2:25
13. Intro 7 1:24
14. Unholy Praises 3:22
15. Intro 8 1:05
16. Cursed Nazarene 4:17
17. Intro 9 0:43
18. The Enochian Key 2:18
19. Intro 10 0:49
20. Let Us Depart 4:59
Bonus Tracks: "Promo 1990" demo
21. To Thee We Confess 2:02
22. Ave Satanas 3:15
Total playing time: 49:39 min.


https://vicrecords1.bandcamp.com/