ASPHYX “The Rack” /CD/

The second full-length studio album by cult Dutch Death/Doom Metal band.
Quickly following up their bludgeoning debut, "The Rack", Asphyx wasted no time writing and recording its follow-up, "Last One On Earth", which was released in 1992.
Further refining their craft, Eric Daniels comes up with some of his best riffs, while Martin van Drunen's tortured howls sound altogether otherworldly.
Martin van Drunen recorded the vocals alone in the studio without realizing he had already been removed from the band. The vocals were intended to be recorded by Ron van Pol. However, the other members of Asphyx thought the vocal tracks were fine with van Drunen singing, so they decided to keep them. Since the lyrics to be sung by van Pol had not been written yet, van Drunen's lyrics were also kept.
This special edition features a remixed & remastered version of the album and includes bonus material from their "Crush The Cenotaph" EP (tracks 9-10), two live songs, and their entire "Promo '91" demo (tracks 14-16).
Century Media Records Ltd./Rawforce Records, 1992/2015 (RAWFORCE 100-56). Made in Chile.


Tracklist:
1. M.S. Bismark 5:03
2. The Krusher 5:51
3. Serenade In Lead 3:28
4. Last One On Earth 7:09
5. The Incarnation Of Lust 4:46
6. Streams Of Ancient Wisdom 3:35
7. Food For The Ignorant 4:49
8. Asphyx (Forgotten War) 5:26
“Crush The Cenotaph” EP 1992    
9. Crush The Cenotaph 3:55
10. Rite Of Shades 3:08
11. The Krusher 5:58
12. Evocation (Live) 5:38
13. Wasteland Of Terror (Live) 2:49
“Promo '91” Demo Tape 1991
14. The Sickening Dwell 3:59
15. Conjuration Of Choronzon (Evocation)5:10
16. Diabolical Existence 3:35
Total playing time: 74:13 min.

Track 12 and 13 recorded live in Stockholm on 30.11.1991.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/

The third full-length studio album by cult Dutch Death/Doom Metal band.
Asphyx's self-titled album is an absolute powerhouse of Death Metal mastery. Released with unrelenting fury and precision, this record stands as a testament to the band's enduring legacy in the Extreme Metal scene. Throughout its duration, the album takes the listener on a harrowing journey through dark, oppressive soundscapes, leaving no room for respite.
The musicianship displayed on "Asphyx" is nothing short of exceptional. The crushing guitar riffs form a formidable foundation for the album's sonic assault, while the bone-shaking bass lines and thunderous drums provide a relentless rhythmic drive. The band's tightness and cohesion are evident in every track, showcasing their decades of experience in crafting uncompromising Death Metal.
Martin van Drunen's guttural growls and commanding vocal delivery add an extra layer of intensity to the album. His haunting and emotive vocals seamlessly blend with the music, adding a sense of anguish and despair that complements the dark themes explored throughout the record.
What sets this album apart is its ability to maintain an unyielding heaviness without sacrificing musicality. Each song is carefully crafted, displaying a remarkable balance between aggression and musical intricacy. The production is top-notch, allowing every instrument to shine while preserving the raw, authentic essence of the band's sound.
"Asphyx" stands as a triumphant return for the band, proving that they are still at the top of their game and not afraid to push the boundaries of their genre. It is an album that demands to be experienced at maximum volume, immersing the listener in its relentless onslaught of Death Metal brilliance.
"Asphyx" is a tour de force that reaffirms Asphyx's position as a seminal force in the Death Metal landscape. This album is a must-listen for both die-hard fans of the band and anyone seeking an unadulterated dose of uncompromising Death Metal excellence. Brace yourself for an intense, unrelenting journey into the abyss with Asphyx's self-titled masterpiece!!
Century Media Records Ltd./VIC Records, 1994/2022 (VIC259CD). Made in Holland. Pressed in Poland.


Tracklist:
1. Prelude Of The Unhonoured Funeral 3:54
2. Depths Of Eternity 7:03
3. Emperors Of Salvation 4:59
4. 'til Death Do Us Apart 6:18
5. Initiation Into The Ossuary 9:50
6. Incarcerated Chimaeras 5:02
7. Abomination Echoes 2:44
8. Back Into Eternity 6:44
9. Valleys In Oblivion 7:15
10. Thoughts Of An Atheist 5:23
Total playing time: 59:12 min.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/

The fourth full-length studio album by cult Dutch Death Metal band.
Being the only album without guitarist Eric Daniels (who had just disbanded a totally different incarnation of Asphyx with Ron van Pol and Sander van Hoof), this album was written and recorded by original drummer Bob Bachus, who rejoin the band, and demo bass player-vocalist Theo Loomans, drafted by Bob as the new frontman, who also played guitar this time. Although DeadHead guitarist Ronnie Vanderwey credited as providing guitars on this album, in fact he only played live with the band, and they were actually performed by Theo Loomans. Sadly, Loomans would pass away in a vehicular accident not long after the album's release, leaving this his one and only appearance with the band.
Whereas Asphyx normally included huge amounts of Doom on their albums, this was almost totally absent on "God Cries", giving the impression this could hardly have been called a regular Asphyx album.
The album is a short, straight forward and fast piece of Death Metal with some Thrash Metal riffs thrown in. Catchy tunes with high standard riffing and one of the best drumming performances from Bob Bachus in his entire Asphyx career. And Theo Loomans turned out to be a gifted instrumentalist and composer.
Century Media Records Ltd./Vic Records, 1996/2022 (VIC285CD). Made in Netherlands. Pressed in Poland.


Tracklist:
1. God Cries 3:57
2. It Awaits 3:22
3. My Beloved Enemy 5:19
4. Died Yesterday 3:46    
5. Cut-Throat Urges 2:12
6. Slaughtered In Sodom 2:50
7. Frozen Soul 4:25
8. Fear My Greed 2:44
9. The Blood I Spilled 2:55
Total playing time: 31:30 min.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/

The fifth full-length studio album by cult Dutch Death/Doom Metal band.
Intended as a first Asphyx album, recorded in 1990, it was never released until 1996. "Embrace The Death" should have been released on CMFT Productions, but the label went bankrupt and this wasn't released. In 1996, Century Media Records eventually released this album, including the "Mutilating Process" EP, after they're acquired the rights for the album (Asphyx had already split up at that time).
This album is an early testament to the brutal, raw sound the band is known for. The album shows the essence of Death Metal in its purest and unfiltered form. The production, although crude, perfectly captures the oppressive and sombre atmosphere. Characterized by heavy, gut-wrenching riffs, deep guttural vocals, and a crushing rhythm section, "Embrace The Death" is a journey into the darker, heavier side of Metal.
This album is essential for any Extreme Metal fan looking to understand the roots and evolution of Death Metal. The cult around this band is remarkable. Being disbanded two times, changed name and not to mention having several line-up changes, but… All falls back on its place like it did twenty years ago, sticking to their guns and as always with much class. The spell just can’t be broken!
Century Media Records Ltd./Vic Records, 1996/2022 (VIC266CD). Made in Netherlands. Pressed in Poland.


Tracklist:
1. Intro 1:21
2. Embrace The Death 4:0    
3. The Sickened Dwell 3:58
4. Streams Of Ancient Wisdom 3:25
5. Thoughts Of An Atheist 4:59
6. Crush The Cenotaph 4:25
7. Denying The Goat 3:48
8. Vault Of The Vailing Souls 5:03
9. Circle Of The Secluded 5:35
10. To Succubus A Whore 1:57
11. Eternity's Depths 3:40
12. Outro (The Blood I Spilled) 0:50
Total playing time: 43:02 min.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/

The sixth full-length studio album by cult Dutch Death/Doom Metal band.
Formed back in 1987 while gaining inspiration from bands such as Venom, Possessed, Hellhammer, Messiah and Death, Asphyx quickly achieved universal renowned. Not even their unofficial split in 1996, which was preceded by a reincarnation under the name of Soulburn in 1998, diminished the proud following of Underground maniacs that Asphyx had.
"On The Wings Of Inferno" is a no-fillers masterpiece, which features nine new infernal hymns of the band’s well-known pulverizing midtempo riffs, a crushing Doom edge to it, as well as demonic speed-ups, which never lack in neither catchiness nor brutality.
The band regained some focus on this album, the old dark, Doom-infused sound, and added a major new player in Wannes Gubbels, who also sings for Pentacle and contributed greatly to the success of their excellent "Under The Black Cross" album. His voice is as exceptional here as it is for Pentacle, a growling crossbreed of John Tardy and previous Asphyx singer Martin van Drunen.
Add some terrific cover art, and this is a release you shouldn't miss - even if you did when it first came out.
Short after its release, Asphyx disbanded again, and "On The Wings Of Inferno" would be their final studio album until they reunited in 2007 and released the seventh album, "Death… The Brutal Way", in 2009.
Real, true, uncompromising old school Death/Doom Metal and everlasting praise of the first generation of Death Metal spirit!
Re-issue with 16-page booklet with new design & rare and never published before pictures.
Century Media Records Ltd./Vic Records, 2000/2022 (VIC286CD). Made in Netherlands. Pressed in Poland.


Tracklist:
1. Summoning The Storm 5:18
2. The Scent Of Obscurity 2:56
3. For They Ascend… 2:50
4. On The Wings Of Inferno 4:26
5. 06/06/2006 2:26
6. Waves Of Fire 2:05
7. Indulge In Frenzy 2:56
8. Chaos In The Flesh 3:12
9. Marching Towards The Styx 3:02
Total playing time: 29:11 min.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/