MUSIC

Remastered re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary American Grunge band.
“Bleach” was well received by critics, but failed to chart in the U.S. upon its original release.
The album was re-released internationally by Geffen Records in 1992 following the success of Nirvana's second album, “Nevermind” (1991). The re-release debuted at number 89 on the Billboard 200, and peaked at number 33 on the UK Albums Chart, and 34 on the Australian albums chart.
Since its release in 1989, “Bleach” has sold over 1.7 million units in the United States alone. It was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in February 1995. It has also been certified Gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association. It is Sub Pop's best-selling release to date.
This is one case where the legend really precedes the record itself. Cut for about 600 dollars in Jack Endino's studio, over just a matter of days, this captures Nirvana at a formative stage, still indebted to the murk that became known as Grunge!
Sub Pop Records/Warner Music, 1989/2002 (9878-70034-2). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Blew     2:54 
2. Floyd The Barber     2:17 
3. About A Girl     2:48 
4. School     2:42 
5. Love Buzz     3:35
6. Paper Cuts     4:05 
7. Negative Creep     2:55 
8. Scoff     4:10 
9. Swap Meet     3:02 
10. Mr. Moustache     3:23 
11. Sifting     5:22 
12. Big Cheese     3:42 
13. Downer     1:42
Total playing time: 42:37 min.

Second re-release of the third and the final full-length studio album by legendary American Grunge/Alternative Rock band.
Following the massive and unexpected commercial success of Nirvana's second album, "Nevermind", in 1991, the band had intended to "return to its roots" by recording a more abrasive and less mainstream-sounding release with polished production. To capture a more abrasive and natural sound, the band hired engineer Steve Albini to record "In Utero" during a two-week period in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The music was recorded quickly with few studio embellishments, and the song lyrics and album packaging incorporated medical imagery that conveyed frontman Kurt Cobain's outlook on his publicized personal life and his band's newfound fame. Soon after recording was completed, rumors circulated in the press that DGC might not release the album in its original state, as the record label felt that the result was not commercially viable. Although Nirvana publicly denied the statements, the band opted to remix parts of the album. Albini declined to alter the album further, and ultimately the band hired R.E.M. producer Scott Litt to make minor changes to the album's sound and remix the singles "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies".
"In Utero" turned out to be Nirvana's last record, and it's hard not to hear it as Kurt Cobain's suicide note, since Albini's stark, uncompromising sound provides the perfect setting for Cobain's bleak, even nihilistic, lyrics. Even if the album wasn't a literal suicide note, it was certainly a conscious attempt to shed their audience - an attempt that worked, by the way, since the record had lost its momentum when Cobain died in the spring of 1994. Even though the band tempered some of Albini's extreme tactics in a remix, the record remains a deliberately alienating experience, front-loaded with many of its strongest songs, then descending into a series of brief, dissonant squalls before concluding with "All Apologies", which only gets sadder with each passing year. Throughout it all, Cobain's songwriting is typically haunting, and its best moments rank among his finest work, but the over-amped dynamicism of the recording seems like a way to camouflage his dispiritedness, as does the fact that he consigned such great songs as "Verse Chorus Verse" and "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" to compilations, when they would have fit, even illuminated the themes of "In Utero". Even without those songs, "In Utero" remains a shattering listen, whether it's viewed as Cobain's farewell letter or self-styled audience alienation. Few other records are as willfully difficult as this.
Upon release, "In Utero" entered the Billboard 200 chart at number one and received critical acclaim as a drastic departure from "Nevermind". Rolling Stone has ranked it at number 435 on its list "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". The album was also included in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The record has been certified five times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and has sold 15 million copies worldwide.
DGC, A Universal Music Group/Geffen Records, 1993/2013 (0602537502950). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Serve The Servants 3:36
2. Scentless Apprentice 3:47
3. Heart-Shaped Box 4:41
4. Rape Me 2:49
5. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle 4:09
6. Dumb 2:32
7. Very Ape 1:55
8. Milk It 3:54
9. Pennyroyal Tea 3:37
10. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter 4:51
11. Tourette's 1:35
12. All Apologies 3:53
Total playing time: 41:19 min.

The first compilation album by legendary American Alternative Rock/Grunge band.
"Incesticide" consists of their 1990 non-album single "Sliver", B-sides, demos, out-takes, cover versions, and radio broadcast recordings. 
The record label, Geffen, decided against heavily promoting the album, possibly to avoid a "Nirvana burnout" as the band had released "Nevermind" and four singles in the preceding fifteen months. Despite this lack of promotion and being a collection of old and new material, "Incesticide" debuted at number 51 in the Billboard 200 and sold 500,000 copies in two months. The album eventually reached number 39 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 17, and peaked at number 14.
Tracks 1 and 2: taken from "Sliver" 7" (1990).
Track 3: taken from "Blew" 12" (1989).
Tracks 5 - 7: taken from "Hormoaning" EP (1992).
Track 9: taken from "Kill Rock Stars Compilation" (1991).
Track 10: taken from the 1992 Re-Issue of "Bleach".
Track 11: taken from "Teriyaki Asthma Vol. 1 Compilation" (1989).
Tracks 4, 8, 12 & 13 - 15: previously unreleased.
Tracks 4, 8 & 15: taken from "The Mark Goodier BBC-Radio Session", Maida Vale Studio 4, 9th November 1991, London, England.
Tracks: 5 - 7: taken from "The John Peel Radio-Session", Maida Vale Studio 3, 21st October 1990, London, England.
"Turnaround" is Devo cover.
"Molly's Lips" and "Son Of A Gun" are The Vaselines covers.
Sub Pop Records/The David Geffen Company, an MCA Company, 1992 (GED24504 / 424 504-2). Made in the EU.


Tracklist:
1. Dive 3:53
2. Silver 2:12
3. Stain 2:38
4. Been A Son 1:53
5. Turnaround 2:17
6. Molly's Lips 1:53
7. Son Of A Gun 2:48
8. (New Wave) Polly 1:46
9. Beeswax 2:47
10. Downer 1:42
11. Mexican Seafood 1:52
12. Hairspray Queen 4:12
13. Aero Zeppelin 4:38
14. Big Long Now 5:01
15. Aneurysm 4:35
Total playing time: 44:42 min.

First remastered re-release of the second full-length studio album by legendary American Grunge/Alternative Rock band.
Nirvana's first release on a major label and the first to feature drummer Dave Grohl, "Nevermind" features a more polished, radio-friendly sound than the band's prior work. The album became an unexpected critical and commercial success, charting highly on charts across the world.
"Nevermind" and its singles' success propelled Nirvana to being widely regarded as the biggest band in the world, with Cobain being dubbed by critics as the "voice of his generation". The album brought Grunge and Alternative Rock to a mainstream audience while ending the dominance of Hair Metal, drawing similarities to the early 1960s British Invasion of American popular music. It is also often credited with initiating a resurgence of interest in Punk culture among teenagers and young adults of Generation X. While "Nevermind" is considered a cornerstone of the Grunge genre, it is noted for its musical diversity, which includes acoustic ballads ("Polly" and "Something in the Way") and Punk-inspired Hard Rock ("Territorial Pissings" and "Stay Away").
It has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. By January 1992, the album reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and was selling approximately 300,000 copies a week. The lead single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" reached the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 and went on to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Its video was also heavily rotated on MTV. Three other successful singles were released: "Come as You Are", "Lithium", and "In Bloom". The album was voted the best album of the year in Pazz & Jop critics' poll, while "Smells Like Teen Spirit" also topped the single of the year and video of the year polls. The album also garnered the band three Grammy Award nominations in total across the 34th and 35th Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album. In March 1999, it was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Among the most acclaimed and influential albums in the history of music, it was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004 as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important", and is frequently ranked on lists of the greatest albums of all time.
Sub Pop/David Geffen Company/Geffen Records, 1991/2011 (0602527779089). Made in Germany. Repress.


Tracklist:
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit 5:00
2. In Bloom 4:13
3. Come As You Are 3:38
4. Breed 3:03
5. Lithium 4:16
6. Polly 2:56
7. Territorial Pissings 2:22
8. Drain You 3:43
9. Lounge Act 2:35
10. Stay Away 3:30
11. On A Plain 3:12
12. Something In The Way 3:43
Total playing time: 42:33 min.

Remastered re-release of the cult acoustic live album by the legendary American Grunge band.
It features a performance taped at Sony Music Studios in New York City on November 18, 1993 for the television series MTV Unplugged. The show was first aired on the cable television network MTV on December 14, 1993. As opposed to traditional practice on the television series, Nirvana played a set list composed of mainly lesser-known material and cover versions of songs by The Vaselines, David Bowie, Meat Puppets (during which they were joined by two members of the band onstage), and Lead Belly.
“MTV Unplugged In New York” was the first Nirvana album released in the wake of the death of singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and has become the band's most successful posthumous release, having been certified 5x Platinum in the United States by 1997. It also won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 1996. The performance was released on DVD in 2007.
“MTV Unplugged In New York” is a message from beyond the grave, a summation of Kurt Cobain's talents and pain so fascinating, it's hard to listen to repeatedly.
Back-To-Black 60th Vinyl Anniversary Series 180 gram hard weight vinyl, incl. MP3-Download-Voucher.
Geffen Records Inc., an MCA Company, 1994/2016 (GED24727 / 424 727-2). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. About A Girl 03:40
2. Come As You Are 04:25
3. Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam 04:16
4. The Man Who Sold The World 02:55
5. Pennyroyal Tea 04:39
6. Dumb 02:58
7. Polly 04:23
8. On A Plain 03:28
9. Something In The Way 03:47
10. Plateau 03:42
11. Oh, Me 03:40
12. Lake Of Fire 03:18
13. All Apologies 04:04
14. Where Did You Sleep Last Night? 05:05
Total playing time: 54:20 min.

30th years Anniversary remastered re-release of the first live album by legendary American Grunge band.
“MTV Unplugged In New York” was the first Nirvana album released in the wake of the death of singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. It features a performance taped at Sony Music Studios in New York City on November 18, 1993 for the television series MTV Unplugged. The show was first aired on the cable television network MTV on December 14, 1993. As opposed to traditional practice on the television series, Nirvana played a set list composed of mainly lesser-known material and cover versions of songs by The Vaselines, David Bowie, Meat Puppets (during which they were joined by two members of the band onstage), and Lead Belly.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and has become the band's most successful posthumous release, having been certified 5x Platinum in the United States by 1997. It also won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 1996. The performance was released on DVD in 2007.
“MTV Unplugged In New York” is a message from beyond the grave, a summation of Kurt Cobain's talents and pain so fascinating, it's hard to listen to repeatedly.
Geffen Records Inc., an MCA Company, 1994/2024 (0720642472712). Made in France.


Tracklist:

1
1. About A Girl 3:37
2. Come As You Are 4:14
3. Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam 4:37
4. The Man Who Sold The World 4:20
5. Pennyroyal Tea 4:40
6. Dumb 2:52
7. Polly 3:16

2
1. On A Plain 3:44
2. Something In The Way 4:01
3. Plateau 3:38
4. Oh, Me 3:26
5. Lake Of Fire 2:56
6. All Apologies 4:23
7. Where Did You Sleep Last Night? 5:07

Total playing time: 54:20 min.

Fifth full-length album by American Atmospheric Black Metal/Psychedelic Rock/Ambient band.
A bizarre and captivating entity, Illinois enigma Njiqahdda specializes in Progressive, eclectic Black Metal, which incorporates elements of Psychedeli, Folk, Ambient, Doom and Shoegaze music - all take part in this ambitious and mind-altering piece of musical art from USA.
Pagan Flames Productions, 2008 (PFCD003)


Tracklist:
1.Nortii Maatu 15:58
2.Aasklamatii Ligmett Aursag 18:05
3.Sigmaatiiolaa 17:27
4.Urmae Copistrum Xaaqa Qahdda 21:05

The debut and only full-length album by the Czech Power/Doom Metal band.
No Belief was the fresh collective, which put together a significant czech Metal musicians from bans like Dark Angels, After Rain and Agony. The result is high class Melodic Death/Doom Metal stuff with feeling of nineties, but original and interesting ideas.
The record can certainly find audience among conservative Metalheads or newcomers too. This album represents Czech Metal history and worth your attention!
IFA Records, 2012 (IFA018). Made in Czech. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Tension
2. The War That Nobody Can See
3. The Last Fight
4. The Rainy Twilight of Wounded Souls, part I 
5. The Rainy Twilight of Wounded Souls, part II 
6. The Symbols of Misty Days
7. Thief of Phantasy
8. Silent Doom


Samples: http://bandzone.cz​​​​​​​

The debut full-length album by Japanese Melodic Death Metal band.
Osaka based Extreme Melodic Death Metallers was formed in 2008.
Based on the traditional Melodic Death Metal, band's music mixes with catchy melodies, fully melodic guitar riffs and technical violence!
If you like Scandinavian Melodic Death Metal, should be check them right now!!
Northern Edge Records, 2014 (NER-0707). Made in Japan. Pressed in Taiwan. First press.


Tracklist:
1. 3445441242151125 00:40
2. Right Turning the Evil 04:35
3. Lost Chapter 04:26
4. Krieg 05:24
5. The Blackest Day 05:05
6. Surun Lumi 01:48
7. Onyx-The Distorted Instance 06:36
8. Polaris 05:13
9. System-contracted 03:10
10. My Bleeding Legacy 05:28
11. 35344344521142 00:44
Total playing time: 43:09


Samples: http://www.last.fm
http://nolimitedspiraljapan.bandcamp.com

The second full-length studio album by Italian Progressive Heavy/Power Metal band.
This is Power Metal with actual riffs, as opposed to a lot of the riff-anaemic stuff that passes for European Power Metal these days!
It's not the squeaky-clean, hyper-polished Power Metal that you might be expecting. It's also not some super-Progressive, experimental stuff, it isn't. They do have some parts that give off that erratic Proggy vibe, but that doesn't dominate the album at all. The riffs stay nicely diatonic for the most part, and most of the songs follow standard approaches to composition. It's just that the arrangement and the execution both employ an uncommon level of creativity and experimentation, and the band aren't following any cookie-cutter formula for making their songs.out.
No Man Eyes have brought forth a very decent Heavy Metal album, made to perfectly fit into what the genre has become today.
For fans of Judas Priest, Nevermore, Rhapsody, and Blind Guardian.
Diamonds Prod., 2016 (Diamonds-02). Made in Italy. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Lord 00:59
2. Dreamland 03:33
3. Huracan 04:42
4. Bound to Doom 04:29
5. Spiders 04:39
6. Blossoms of Creation 05:21
7. All the Fears 03:59
8. How Come 04:02
9. The Death You Need 03:49
10. Cosmogony 03:06
11. Children of War 03:27
Total playing time: 42:08 min.


Samples: https://nomaneyes.bandcamp.com

Fourth full-length album by the German Brutal Death Metal one man band.
This time again a solo work of Andreas "Andi" Schüssler and the brilliant special on this album are Banjo parts on every song! Slam machine No One Gets Out Alive recorded the first Slam album in the world which contains an banjo in every song!! The result is amazing sick Banjo Slam!!!
A Musthave for all Hilly Billys in the world as well as all sick motherfu***rs like you!!!!
Morbid Generation Records, 2013 (MGR 022). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. White Devil     03:17 
2. Huntin' Season     03:22 
3. Burn the Barn Down     03:22 
4. Give War a Chance     03:46 
5. Keep it Flying!     03:45 
6. Widowmaker     03:21 
7. What Happens in the Barn Stays in the Barn     03:51 
8. Trailerpark BBQ     03:15 
9. You'll Never Leave the Mountains     04:46 
10. Slammin' Outlaw     02:45 
Bonus Track:
11. Watch Ya 13th Step, I'll Break Ya Neck     03:54
Total playing time: 39:24

The debut full-length studio album by Italian Heavy Metal band.
Great pounding pure Heavy Metal in the vein of the old 80s Metal Gods!
My Graveyard Productions, 2010 (MGP-056). Made in Italy. First press. Used (cover/disc): NM/NM.


Tracklist:
1. Hymn to Birth 01:08
2. Sons of Rock 05:12
3. No More Murders in This World 03:55
4. The Sun Is Rising Its Time to Die 05:42
5. When the Night Comes 07:28
6. Start from the Bottom 04:48
7. Here's Not Hollywood 04:58
8. Escape 03:47
9. Why 06:35
10. Watch Me Burn 05:11
11. No Remorse 02:46
12. Hymn to Birth (reprise) 02:05
Total playing time: 53:37 min.

Debut mini-album by Polish Death Metal band.
Band made quite a nice progress from their demo, not only with the compositions and the performance, but also the production, which is very nice. No Salvation is strongly influenced by the brutal US Death Metal and the likes of Deicide, Vital Remains, Diabolic, Brutality and Morbid Angel. It’s been played mainly in fast tempos, but not in the boring, one dimensional way, so also some slower or mid paced fragments are here and there. Especially “Niosący światło” brings attention, which is the final song and one, which differs a lot from the rest, not only with slower, more melodic, catchy and epic riffing, but also with the Polish lyrics. But this is the only such piece and the rest of the album is more oriented on brutal, straight forward Death Metal.
Nothing else to add. This is quite short recording, but it's nice to see it's all going in good direction!
Unholy Blasphemous Death Metal. No compromises… No mercy… No Salvation!!
Selfreleased, 2015. Made in Poland. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Intro 01:13 
2. You Rise in Vain 04:37 
3. Veritas Obscura 04:56 
4. Coroner's Friend 05:35 
5. Among the Mistakes of God 03:42 
6. Niosący Światło 06:09
Total playing time: 26:12

Debut full-length album from Greek Heavy Metal band.
One of the most original and unique albums. Variations between Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Stoner makes music mix like Black Sabbath meets NWoBHM meets Hard Rock. Also we can hear here influences from Lynyrd Skynyrd, even Megadeth!
Nocta have managed to create a very personal sound with multilayered compositions that not only do they stick in your mind, but they also mind travel you to dark and imposing places.
Excellent release from great musicians. Line-up features members of Nile and Nightfall!
Sleaszy Rider Records, 2005 (SR-0039)


Tracklist:
1. Wicked Woman 04:31
2. Inner Struggle 03:04
3. Santanta (The Desert Wind) 03:34
4. Come Out (Wherever You Are) 04:18
5. ...No Mistake 03:26
6. Beam of Light 04:32
7. My Precious Soul 06:03
8. Icebergs 03:40
9. The Game 05:00
10. Sometimes 04:08
11. Werewolf 02:52
12. Samuel Atan 09:01
13. Elefsis 02:03
Total playing time: 56:12

The debut full-length album by French Epic Black Metal
Noctem Cursis play a very old-fashioned form of Black Metal, along the same lines as Satyricon, Immortal and Troll. "Nocturnal Frost" is an album with melodious, atmospheric and epic elements. But the music does pull off a very cold and sharp tone. The vocals screech along support the uniform and tempered guitar riffing. The mechanical sounds of the keyboards and drum machine are what really give the music a cold, distant and inhuman sound.
This production was supported by various musicians from the French Metal scene. Thus, the clear voices were by Loic "Hollgarh" Cellier from Belenos. Mathieu Bole du Chaumont (Atro- phy, Sphères) participated on the guitars and Louz Valfreya on the cello.
Moreover, the work that they have done to the sound is very good and shows that they work seriously in every level.
Noctem Cursis have the potential to navigate themselves out of the blizzards of mediocrity. This is only the beginning for them and we will see if this winter-worn Metal has the temperament to last another year.
The fans of the bands mentioned above as also those of you who want a more melodic album, listen to it!
Mortis Humanae Productions/Le Crépuscule du Soir Productions, 2014. Made in France. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Prelude of an Era 01:13 
2. From Space 06:10 
3. Scars of the Past 05:43 
4. Le Guerrier Noir 05:01 
5. Ov Immobile Energy 04:09 
6. World to Ashes 04:30 
7. Secrets of the Elders 04:51 
8. Les Rivages de la Mort 06:51 
9. Crossing the Everlasting 05:29 
Total playing time: 43:57


Samples: https://lecrepusculedusoir.bandcamp.com

The fourth full-length album by Ukrainian Melodic Black Metal band.
The album had been recorded as early as in 2012, however it took the band some efforts to make the material available for the Black Metal community, and these efforts were not in vain!
The first thing to be noted about the album is a prominent melodicism of the material: keyboards play a major role among the other instruments in the structure of the songs rather than being a background. Nevertheless, the raw cemeterial breath of Black Metal remains distinct in the guitar and vocal lines as well as in the lyrics.
At first sight, the sound of the album seems to be too archaic or even outdated: there is no currently familiar wall of sound and compression characteristic of an endless line of Dimmu Borgir clones. But this is not a flaw – it is where charm and recognizability of the band begin, and there is nothing in excess that can distract listeners from the message hidden in this piece of pure black art!
More Hate Productions, 2015 (MHP 15-154). Made in Russia. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Пролог 01:12 
2. Мать уродов 04:24 
3. Распутницы креста 03:35 
4. Мелания 05:00 
5. Седая прядь небес 02:51 
6. Распивая глум над кончиной 03:46 
7. Портрет распятых воспоминаний 02:37 
8. В колыбели метелей 03:12 
9. Рыдала горькая вдова... 04:43 
10. Хворь 01:02 
11. На бархатном ложе дьяволицы 05:40 
12. Не плачь, Иуда 06:50
Total playing time: 44:52

The debut full-length studio album by Romanian Symphonic Metal band.
Formed in 2020 as Nocturnal, the band changed their name to Nocturnal Eternity, following the release of their debut album, "Eternity", and after presenting the same album as a Nocturnal Eternity band.
Nocturnal Eternity renowned for their powerful blend of Heavy Metal energy and grand Orchestral arrangements. With a distinctive and immersive sound, the band seamlessly fuses Metal intensity with Classical influences, creating an epic and emotionally rich musical atmosphere.
Fronted by a commanding female vocal performance, supported by electrifying guitar riffs and a carefully crafted Orchestral section, "Eternity" delivers a unique and captivating listening experience. The band’s lyrics delve into themes such as mythology, love, and inner struggle, inviting listeners to form a deep emotional connection with the music.
The band quickly gained recognition on the Metal scene, performing at numerous concerts and festivals both nationally and internationally, where they stood out through their energetic stage presence and striking visual performances. 
Selfreleased, 2024. Made in Romania. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Intro 02:23
2. Fight for the Hope 04:43
3. Live My Own Fate 05:18
4. Feelings of Confidence 06:08
5. Betrayed by His Love 04:49
6. Are You the One 06:12
7. Face the Trouble 04:24
8. Walk with Me 05:58
9. My Time Has Come 05:42
10. Eternity 01:13    
Total playing time: 46:50 min.


https://nocturnal-eternity.bandcamp.com/

Re-release of the fifth full-length album by American Thrash Metal band.
Detroit's Nocturnal Fear play aggressive 80's German-inspired Speed/Thrash Metal (in vein of Sodom, Destruction and Kreator), with guttural vocals and an overall sense of mayhem. As such this is more retro Thrash worship than anything forward-thinking, but like a lot of second-generation Thrash bands, these guys have the chops and aggression to pull it off nicely.
The old-school Thrash sound similar to bands like the aforementioned Kreator and Sodom really shines through better when the material is coming at the listener quicker, and when the bass kicks really add more to the music. The title track "Excessive Cruelty" proves this well, as the song is much faster and intense compared to "Murder for Hire", focusing more on aggression then the melody of rhythm this style can have, especially during the chorus. The power from the drums and the speed of the guitars, matched with some good bass throughout the whole song that stands out better than the previous track, really show the ruthless aggression that Nocturnal Fear has.
"Excessive Cruelty" it's a strong full-length offering from Nocturnal Fear, and even feels stronger than their last effort. There's nothing all that special or unique about the album other than some really aggressive material mingling with catchy dance-worthy sections, but overall it's an enjoyable Thrash effort. With sleek sounding music, rawer and aggressive passages, rather low bass you have to really turn the volume up to get the full effect of! If you liked the previous efforts of Nocturnal Fear, then there's no doubt that you'll enjoy "Excessive Cruelty". Even if you're not a fan, it's worth sampling for some of the more intense tracks that do appear on this effort and stand out among the rest!!
Re-edition includes a 12 page booklet and 5 bonus tracks from the "Pagan Rites" demo!
Moribund Records/Metal Command Records, 2011/2012 (MCR003). Made in Argentina.


Tracklist:
1. Murder For Hire     5:48 
2. Excessive Cruelty     5:35 
3. I Am War     7:40 
4. Absolute Annihilation     5:16 
5. Rolling Thunder     4:09 
6. World War 3     4:48 
7. Intro – Invade To Conquer Part I     1:01 
8. Frozen In Stone     6:41 
9. Human Shield     5:33
Bonus Tracks From The "Pagan Rites" Demo:
10. War Machine
11. Pagan Rites
12. Temple of the Crucified
13. Can't Undo the Damage Done
14. Grave Hill
Total playing time: 66:50

The first re-release of the debut full-length studio album by cult Swedish Power Metal band.
Nocturnal Rites was born in Umea in 1990 as a Death Metal act that were trying to find their integrity in the Underground scene. However, by the time Nocturnal Rites had released their first demo in 1991, everyone was playing this brand of Metal to protest the new direction that Thrash was going. So soon after, Fredrik Mannberg realized that instead of being a member of an over-large group of Death Metal bands, it would be a better choice to do something that no one had been doing significantly for years, play Melodic Power Metal in the NWOBHM style.
"In A Time Of Blood And Fire" is historic for many reasons. It came out in 1995 when Metal was almost dead; bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica or any other 80s band or Thrash Metal band were going through their toughest times. Since the old gods weren’t able to keep their style bands like Nocturnal Rites were inspired to give the style of Metal, that had been rejected for quite a while as old fashioned, a rebirth. The mix of Metal that Helloween did on their "Keeper..." albums, mixed with the best of the NWOBHM genre and you get that very thing that defines good Heavy Metal.
For anyone that read about this album in a fanzine and bought it back in 1995 will probably remember how breathtaking it was. The songs themselves are very straight-forward in their structure, and function as a rather indicant combination of the speed and flash of Judas Priest, the melodic lines and interludes of Iron Maiden, and take no prisoners lyrical content of Manowar, and the energetic spirit of Motörhead. There are keyboards on here, but they are used pretty much for atmospheric effects and are not overly prominent. The only flaw in this album is that the production is slightly sub-par, but the strength of the songs almost makes this a non-issue.
There are no bad songs on this album but it still went unnoticed at the time of its release and it would take another two years before Hammerfall released their first album before this kind of music was becoming popular again. Nocturnal Rites were among the first and they would continue to grow both music wise and in popularity when they hooked up with guitarist Norberg and singer Lindqvist. Now more than 10 years after its release and with a Power Metal genre that is just full of bands just copying each other it still feels that this is the album that started it all and it has what most other generic Power Metal albums lack nowadays. This is classic Metal done the right way and it still gives us goosebumps. This is a Power Metal album that will have a lot of appeal to fans of traditional 80s Metal, particularly NWOBHM.
Century Media Records/Jolly Roger Records/Blackbeard, 1995/2021 (JRR-BB008Cd). Made in Italy. Pressed in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Sword Of Steel 3:21
2. Skyline Flame 5:30
3. Black Death 4:08
4. In A Time Of Blood And Fire 5:01
5. Dawnspell 5:38
6. Lay Of Ennui 5:02
7. Winds Of Death 4:17
8. Rest In Peace 3:37
9. Dragonisle 6:53
Total playing time: 43:27 min.


https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/

 

First re-release of the second full-length studio album by cult Swedish Power Metal band.
Nocturnal Rites are something of an amazing band -- amazing in the sense that they couldn't care less that it's no longer the early '80s. "Tales Of Mystery And Imagination" recalls the tightly riffed, classically tinged twin-guitar interplay of bands like Helloween and especially Iron Maiden, in the sci-fi/fantasy lyrics as well as the music.
It's a carefully crafted effort that will appeal strongly to fans who, like Nocturnal Rites, still love this particular style of Metal regardless of trends.
Century Media Records/Jolly Roger Records/Blackbeard, 1997/2021 (JRR-BB017Cd). Made in Italy.


Tracklist:
1. Ring of Steel 06:42
2. Dark Secret 05:04
3. Test of Time 05:01
4. Lost in Time 03:01
5. The Vision 04:21
6. Warrior's Return 04:43
7. Change the World 03:46
8. Pentagram 03:48
9. Eye of the Demon 04:42
10. End of the World 03:24
11. The Curse 04:03
12. Burn in Hell 03:38
Total playing time: 52:13 min.