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Welcome to the era of “Artificial Renaissance”. Humanity and technology stand at a crucial and fundamental intersection. Echoing past cultural revolutions in a modern, technologically advanced world, everything is set to be redefined—our lives, our thoughts, and the way we move forward.

Dutch EBM/synth duo Staatseinde returns with “Artificial Renaissance”, an electrifying new mini-album. Fusing the urgency of classic EBM with the boldness of futuristic synth-punk, the band crafts an interstellar sonic journey fueled by pulsating rhythms and dystopian narratives.

The album blends space punk, italo-disco and electro into a dark, cinematic exploration of rebellion, euphoria, and dystopia. “Space Scream” launches with a cosmic punk battle cry, while “Tanzverbot” pulses with defiant energy against restriction. “Suicide Tuesday” captures post-club emptiness with shimmering 80s nostalgia, and “The Trip” unravels themes of environmental doom. “Freight” propels an italo-disco-infused space odyssey tackling exploitation, while “Une Mémoire Sans Fin” dives into AI’s eerie hold on human emotions. The fast-paced “Mutant Whispers” transforms the dancefloor into a space of fluid identity and resistance, closing with “The Mansion”, a hypnotic synth-driven descent into surreal miscommunication.

With “Artificial Renaissance”, Staatseinde ventures into unexplored sonic territory, expanding the boundaries of their lyrics, balancing artificial futuristic aesthetics with raw human emotions. As the lines between past and future blur, their pulsating music reminds us: the new age is already here.

Classic remasters and represses from a classic act.

Automation were one of the strongest old skool underground rave groups, producing numerous huge tunes such as Electricity, Espionage, Pacemaker, Ruffcut, and Eat The Bee, and all of their amazing EPs are being remastered and reissued for the first time in over 30 years!

Early works and first release from Bastian on legendary Acid Orange Sublabel Tanjobi Records from Berlin. Has become more increasingly hard to find the past couple of years since it's been rediscovered by a new generation of DJ's. Perfectly executed tracks in the same vein as Khan and the Cologne posse. If you know you know!!

Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from flat copies of the original U.K. and U.S. analogue master tapes Third studio album featured advanced studio recording techniques Featuring original U.S. tracklisting with bonus track "Alive And Well And Living In" from U.K. release Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings Gatefold old-style tip-on jacket by Stoughton Printing Jethro Tull's 1970 classic Benefit was their third studio album in as many years, following the successes of This Was (1968) and Stand Up (1969). For Benefit, Ian Anderson (flute, guitars, vocals), Martin Barre (guitars), Glenn Cornick (bass), and Clive Bunker (drums) were joined by John Evan on piano and organ.

Evan would go on to play on all of Jethro Tull's albums throughout the '70s. It was also the last to include Cornick, who was fired from the band upon completion of touring for the album. Recorded at Morgan Studios, where the band recorded Stand Up, the album featured more advanced studio techniques, such as a backward-recorded flute on "With You There To Help Me" and a sped-up guitar on "Play In Time." Frontman Ian Anderson said Evan had changed the band's style: "John has added a new dimension musically and I can write more freely now.

In fact anything is possible with him at the keyboard." Compared to Stand Up, although containing a similar mix of bluesy hard-rockers and melodic acoustic numbers, Benefit had, as Ian Anderson put it, a "harder, slightly darker feel" compared to previous material. The eclectic fusion of folk, rock, and progressive elements creates a sonic tapestry unlike any other. Anderson's virtuosic flute playing intertwines with Barre's electrifying guitar work, weaving intricate melodies that transport listeners to a world of introspection and imagination. From the hauntingly beautiful "With You There to Help Me" to the whimsical energy of "To Cry You a Song," each track invites exploration of both the inner self and the world beyond.

This Analogue Productions 45 RPM release, plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, gives this historic album the rich sonic presentation it deserves. The dead-quiet double-LP, with the music spread over four sides of vinyl, reduces distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. Benefit stands as a testament to Jethro Tull's pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. This reissue is clean, balanced and richly detailed, the way an Analogue Productions reissue should sound.

Jahtari label compilation full of all-new Outsider Dubs, Dancehall bangers and lots of cosmic low end, marking twenty years of Reggae oddness from Leipzig.

Vol. 5 is the first addition to the Jahtarian Dubbers series in over ten years, starting off with ‘The Loop Jerk’ by DJ and activist Dave Watts aka KingLMan (who sadly passed away in 2024).

Kiki Hitomi turns up the heat with ‘Red Mustang’, a raw but sweet PG 18-rated Japanese lofi Reggae gem, followed by ‘Casio HipHop’, an addictive synth & drum machine session by UK bedrock producer Kris Kemist (Reality Shock Records).

Singjay miracle El Fata brings the positive energy with ‘Boom Sound’, a synthie dancehall scorcher hot off the tape reels at Naram’s studio in the New Zealand bush, while Jura Soundsystem’s hypnotizing ‘On My Way (Dub)’ easily shifts gears into Sly & Robbie-mode.

Side B starts off with Pupajim’s prophetic ‘Tidal Wave’, produced by digi-reggae specialist Raggattack and coming in an epic extended Disco Dub version.

Melodica wizard Taka Noda (Mystica Tribe) and synth shaman Danny Wolfers (Legowelt) enter into deep magnetic communion with their Sacred Tascam tape deck on ‘Cabal of Puppeteers’, followed by DJ veteran Speng Bond chanting ‘Wha Mek’ over a spaced out depth charge by Jahtari co-founder Rootah.

Gameboy-whisperer DJ Scotch Egg (WaqWaq Kingdom, Seefeel) joins forces with disrupt and Dub trumpet black belt Pablo Volt (STA) for a mindbending journey going all the way from synth heavy Roots to Acid Jazz, on Namahage‘s ‘Voidout Dub’.

The voyage ends with a hazy and mystical Ambient Dub version of ‘Muuri’ by Finish singer Tiiu Helinä, with Tapes on keys – not to be missed!

All lovingly mixed by disrupt, coming with iconic artwork by Disko 69 (Doppeldenk).

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

EARTHGANG are a unique rap duo that have been making an impact on the Hip-Hop soundscape since their formation in 2008. Comprised of members Olu and WowGr8, the pair met as freshmen at Mays High School in Southwest Atlanta and were deeply influenced by their surroundings. Their music as EARTHGANG is a fusion of various genres, including R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Funk, which they use to create innovative albums, experimental EPs, and masterful mixtapes. With a name rooted in the idea of bringing people together, EARTHGANG have gained a massive following, with more than 3 Million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 155 Million views on YouTube. After signing with J. Cole's Dreamville Records in 2017, EARTHGANG's popularity grew even further, with their 2019 album Mirrorland debuting at #40 on the US Billboard 200 Chart and #22 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. EARTHGANG's commitment to community activism, supporting emerging artists, and dedication to pushing boundaries in their music have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Their sound continues to evolve, with each project showcasing their eclectic rhythm that cannot be placed in a box or attached to any one genre. With the latest examples of this being their new EP ROBOPHOBIA, as well as their recent Snakehips collab project SNAKEGANG, EARTHGANG are continuing to push the sonic boundaries of Hip-Hop while simultaneously delivering outside-of-the-box concepts infused with an experimental sound.

After 45 years, Trigger’s never-released second album, Second Round, invites listeners to rediscover the hard rock sound that made the band a standout act of the 1970s. In early 1979, Trigger walked out of Electric Ladyland Studios with a completed second album. Mere months had passed since their self-titled debut came out on Casablanca Records, home to KISS and Parliament. The band had toured with Cheap Trick and The Godz, met Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell, and things were looking bright. But Casablanca unexpectedly went bankrupt, and the label’s artists went into freefall. Trigger unsuccessfully sought interested parties, shelved the recordings and disbanded; a disappointing end for a band who dominated the Jersey Shore club scene on their way up with fiery, kick ass live shows. RIP Trigger: 1973-1979. Jump to 2024. Guitarist Richie House is living in Northern New Jersey with his wife, enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the community pool with neighbors. One of them, Andrew Wexler is shocked to discover his friend had a band in the ’70s. He listens to their recordings, and as an avid record collector, assumes the mission of getting that unheard second album released. He writes to Ba Da Bing, a label with Jersey roots. Much excitement ensues. Second Round’s long-awaited release will now be available. All original members—Derek Remington (vocals/drums), Jimmy Duggan (guitar/vocals), Tom Nigra (bass guitar/backing vocals), and Richie House (lead guitar/vocals)—are present on the recordings. Sadly, Duggan and Nigra have passed away, but Remington and House have overseen this reissue, with songs sourced directly from the analog masters.. The Trigger of today maintains a high level of quality, albeit with a bit less flair, and even less hair. And there’s more going on here than at first listen. While the band carries the earmarks of their era—melodic hard-rock fashioned for Saturday night parties—they override the cliché with incredibly catchy songs. How would a ripping song like “Back Talk” have been received in 1979? It’s a question we’ll never be able to answer, but the raw energy of the track spans generations. “One In A Million,” however, with its full harmonies and forceful chorus, could have easily made the soundtrack for Fast Times. Celebrate the discovery of this lost gem by giving it a listen. You’ll be Trigger happy…

Untamed Swiss dark wave metal mongers SYBREED are finally reissuing their much sought after classic albums in physical format after gathering millions of plays on Spotify. The records will be available with bonus tracks on de luxe digipacks and double gatefold coloured vinyls on May 30, 2025. First time on vinyl , Grab them now !.

At Home of The Good Groove Records HQ, we are absolutely delighted to present our second release - a pair of sublime tracks making their long-awaited debut on 7-inch vinyl.
Jamaican music legend Beres Hammond has captivated audiences for over 40 years with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, earning him the title “King of Lovers Rock”, with a loyal global fan base. Influenced by the American soul and jazz records his father collected – featuring icons like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke – as well as the rich sounds of ska and rocksteady, Beres crafted a sound that remains timeless.
For this release, we return to Beres’ 1976 debut album, Soul Reggae – an exceptional record that never quite received the full recognition it deserved. A masterful blend of soulful tones and reggae rhythms, the album is a testament to Beres’ artistry and the genius of his collaborator, Willie Lindo.
Lindo, a legendary reggae guitarist and producer, played a crucial role in shaping the Soul Reggae album. Beyond his impeccable musicianship, he took on multiple roles – writer, arranger, producer, and owner of the Water Lily record label, on which the album was first released. His contribution to these two tracks cannot be overstated.
The Tracks
Side A – “Don’t Wait Too Long”
An upbeat, soulful groove that will appeal to listeners across the black music genres. The track boasts a beautifully arranged melody, with Beres’ warm, feel-good vocals and rich harmonies carrying the song effortlessly. A certainty to get the dance floor vibing.
Side B – “You Don’t Have to Lie”
Lowering the tempo slightly but delivering the same soulful quality, this track brings a heartfelt vocal performance filled with depth and emotion. A timeless piece that speaks to the complexities of love and relationships.

At Home of The Good Groove, we are incredibly honoured to bring these two remarkable tracks to 7-inch vinyl for the very first time.
A huge thank you to Beres Hammond for his incredible music and to Willie Lindo, who has worked closely with us to make this release possible.

A mix of metallic doomgaze, epic gothic soundscapes and post punk attitude. Loud and crushing, yet sharp enough to stick in your head for days. There are two kinds of heavy bands: the ones that make a lot of noise and the ones that drag you somewhere you didn't know you needed to go. Cwfen (pronounced 'Coven') are the latter, and Sorrows is a record that doesn't just crush - it haunts long after the final note. The allure of Cwfen's sound lies in contrasts: the glacial ferocity of Amenra, with the velvet-and-razor vocals of King Woman, and the rotting grandeur of Type O Negative. It's as hypnotic as it is harrowing, but somehow even better than the sum of those parts. Since emerging from Glasgow's underground just 18 months ago, Cwfen's reputation is growing, selling out shows and pulling growing audiences into their doom-laden fever dream. Released in October, the band's debut single 'Reliks' was a hit with fans and critics, landing a spot on Kerrang!'s release of the week playlist. And rightly so. Their sound devours and delights in equal measure. "Cwfen have emerged from the darkest depths of the Caledonian underground with a beguiling blend of doom metal and gothic post-punk for those who like to live deliciously." Kerrang! Sorrows lives in the space around doom where the weight of the riffs is matched by the weight in your chest, where the lyrics and the songwriting are as important as the music itself. Loud and crushing, yet sharp enough to stick in your head for days. It builds, burns, collapses, resurrects. Big on riffs, bigger on feeling. The kind of songs you carry with you. Singer and rhythm guitarist Agnes Alder bears her claws one minute, then whispers the next, as the band follows like a storm front, rising, breaking, drowning you in the weight of it. From the guttural Penance to the lush Whispers, to the feral Wolfsbane and the insurrectionist Rite. It includes a long reworking of Embers and Bodies, the two self-recorded demos that launched them into the scene with a bang and their growing legion of fans already adore. Intricate vocal arrangements, heavy and harsh guitars, a mix of atmosphere and heft, it undoubtedly punches above its weight for a debut. As Agnes says: "When we stopped trying to fit into any one space, what came out was this beautiful mix of dark and light. Something visceral and cathartic." This is a band that sits right in the boundaries between the heavy genres, pulling in everyone from the young goths and to the die-hard metalheads alike and 'Sorrows' truly does deliver in spades. Make no mistake, Cwfen are set to be one of the names to watch in 2025. FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Zetra, King Woman, Type O Negative, Alcest, Faetooth, Liturgy. Limited vinyl pressing, 500 copies in transparent red vinyl. Full colour Gatefold outer sleeve, with a full colour printed inner sleeve, Full download included as well.

As time marched on, many of the DJs I had been working with such as Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, Trevor Fung, Simon Dunmore and Johnny Walker got involved in the world-leading UK dance scene, raking in cash by making records. I thought ‘I’ll Have some of that!’ This led to my first foray into the studio creating the proto-acid jazz classic 12”, ‘Psychedelic Jack (That’s Where It’s At)’, which cheekily sampled Frank Zappa, Soft Machine and Gong. With me and Gilles on vocals, it got us signed to Acid Jazz Records, who released in 1988 under the name of Extasis.

That was just the start and nearly 35 years later (gulp!) I’ve had a ball, producing Galliano and Paul Weller, working with Mick Talbot, Roy Ayers, Linda Clifford and Sharon Redd, remixing Will Downing, Ce Ce Rogers and Blaze. I’ve made house tunes with Faith’s Terry Farley, run the legendary Dadhouse Records label with Dave Jarvis. I also set up my own studio and released music under a variety of names, both for my own labels and Acid Jazz Records. Recent releases include my solo albums “Firebird” (2023) and “Dream World” (2024). There was also “Back To Business” with Mick Talbot, released in 2023.

A resiny slab in the grand tradition of weed-fiend odysseys from Sleep, Weedeater and Bongzilla, ready to inebriate the riff-obsessed masses. Red-eyed at the crossroads of thunderous stoner sludge and towering doom, Hashtronaut are ready to daze and inebriate the riff-obsessed masses on this planet and beyond. No Return is a resiny slab In the grand tradition of weed-fiend odysseys from Sleep, Weedeater and Bongzilla, an intoxicating and pummeling journey through time and space infused with a lungful of potent hook-doom. Pummeling and intoxcating stoner metal for fans of Sleep, Bongzilla, Electric Wizard and Monolord LP re-pressed on weedy green vinyl w/ ripple effect!

This new anniversary edition from London's the Duke Spirit marks 20 years since their adrenaline-charged debut roared onto the UK indie scene. Originally released in 2005, it's now remastered and paired with a second LP of B-sides, demos and rarities, pressed on heavyweight yellow and red splatter vinyl. It's a suitably bold presentation for a record that remains as full-throttle and emotionally raw as ever. Built around the magnetic presence of vocalist Liela Moss and the jangling, distorted interplay between guitarists Luke Ford and Dan Higgins, this is a sound forged in post-punk grit and heavy rock swagger. Tracks like 'Lion Rip' and 'Love Is An Unfamiliar Name' still land with venom, but it's the depth and tension of songs like 'Fades The Sun' and 'Hello To The Floor' that show their full range. The bonus material only adds to the mythology i 'Boot Hill (demo)' and 'Scratching Around (demo)' offer glimpses of the band's early energy in the raw, while 'Souvenir' and 'Now Be Still' stand strong on their own. It's a beautiful document of a band at full force, and a reminder that sometimes the most exciting sounds are the ones that never tried to fit the moment.

No trend to be followed, no invention to be intended, it is the reduced gorgeousness that let's us float on Asper Clouds. This is still valid in 2025, timeless grooves that still move your heart and soul and warm the dancefloor.
Smallville is turning 20 Years, so we are starting a little musical celebration with a special re-release of this ultimate beauty, that stood the test of time - a milestone LP for Smallville by Christopher Rau.
Comes with Full Cover Artwork by Stefan Marx

Shiken Hanzo is an artist not easily forgotten. His sound splices the fractious traditions of jungle with more ambient touches and this hybridisation has us incredibly excited to bring you his first full length album - ‘Fate Worlds’. In doing so, his boundless creativity is brandished through complete artistic freedom. The result is a special blend of foreboding atmospherics and tightly-bound percussive force, an odyssey of an album which takes influences from across the jungle spectrum and twists them into a unique musical journey. Hanzo's record on label's like Samurai Music and Cylon Recordings is clearly audible, a palpable legacy that has given breadth to his current creative purpose: to make ever-evolving music with no respect for conventions or boundaries.

All Demilich demo material plus recordings from 2006 in a snappy double LP package. Compiled together with the band, this is the ultimate Demilich demo compilation. In the late days of the early life of death metal in the early nineties, the death metal "community" had strayed from an appreciation of the majestic possibilities of sound, and were making a mundane product instead. They wanted the most "brutal" sound so the largest crowd could hear it, consider themselves "extreme," and go back to work with a hangover. This made the music escape its tiny audience, but killed off exploration as well. In addition, it was defensive and under-confident, feeling its chops lagged behind the rock, blues and jazz genres. Stagnation struck even as the genre accelerated. Enter the dark horse, Demilich. These inventive Finns reintroduced amazement at the possibilities of music. Where most people look at a forest and see wood for sale, a death metal fan after Demilich sees an intricate organism in itself, with the smallest details corresponding to the broadest concepts. The labyrinthine riffs of Demilich corresponded to a worldview that saw the connection between details as a design, and a design as conferring a purpose to life, cycling between birth and death as it spelled out the cryptic intricacies of ancient mysteries.

All Demilich demo material plus recordings from 2006 in a snappy double LP package. Compiled together with the band, this is the ultimate Demilich demo compilation. In the late days of the early life of death metal in the early nineties, the death metal "community" had strayed from an appreciation of the majestic possibilities of sound, and were making a mundane product instead. They wanted the most "brutal" sound so the largest crowd could hear it, consider themselves "extreme," and go back to work with a hangover. This made the music escape its tiny audience, but killed off exploration as well. In addition, it was defensive and under-confident, feeling its chops lagged behind the rock, blues and jazz genres. Stagnation struck even as the genre accelerated. Enter the dark horse, Demilich. These inventive Finns reintroduced amazement at the possibilities of music. Where most people look at a forest and see wood for sale, a death metal fan after Demilich sees an intricate organism in itself, with the smallest details corresponding to the broadest concepts. The labyrinthine riffs of Demilich corresponded to a worldview that saw the connection between details as a design, and a design as conferring a purpose to life, cycling between birth and death as it spelled out the cryptic intricacies of ancient mysteries.

This authorised vinyl reissue of the ultimate Finnish death metal cult LP comes with the original cover art and all the lyrics. In the late days of the early life of death metal in the early nineties, the death metal "community" had strayed from an appreciation of the majestic possibilities of sound, and were making a mundane product instead. They wanted the most "brutal" sound so the largest crowd could hear it, consider themselves "extreme," and go back to work with a hangover. This made the music escape its tiny audience, but killed off exploration as well. In addition, it was defensive and under-confident, feeling its chops lagged behind the rock, blues and jazz genres. Stagnation struck even as the genre accelerated. Enter the dark horse, Demilich. These inventive Finns reintroduced amazement at the possibilities of music. Where most people look at a forest and see wood for sale, a death metal fan after Demilich sees an intricate organism in itself, with the smallest details corresponding to the broadest concepts. The labyrinthine riffs of Demilich corresponded to a worldview that saw the connection between details as a design, and a design as conferring a purpose to life, cycling between birth and death as it spelled out the cryptic intricacies of ancient mysteries. Demilich was like finding a submerged city, or discovering a new path through the mountains, or even confronting a glowering enemy on the open plain. It brought risk, uncertainty, ambiguity and a sense of sublime beauty back to death metal, pulling it away from the slump in which it treated itself as a hammer and every listener as a nail.

This authorised vinyl reissue of the ultimate Finnish death metal cult LP comes with the original cover art and all the lyrics. In the late days of the early life of death metal in the early nineties, the death metal "community" had strayed from an appreciation of the majestic possibilities of sound, and were making a mundane product instead. They wanted the most "brutal" sound so the largest crowd could hear it, consider themselves "extreme," and go back to work with a hangover. This made the music escape its tiny audience, but killed off exploration as well. In addition, it was defensive and under-confident, feeling its chops lagged behind the rock, blues and jazz genres. Stagnation struck even as the genre accelerated. Enter the dark horse, Demilich. These inventive Finns reintroduced amazement at the possibilities of music. Where most people look at a forest and see wood for sale, a death metal fan after Demilich sees an intricate organism in itself, with the smallest details corresponding to the broadest concepts. The labyrinthine riffs of Demilich corresponded to a worldview that saw the connection between details as a design, and a design as conferring a purpose to life, cycling between birth and death as it spelled out the cryptic intricacies of ancient mysteries. Demilich was like finding a submerged city, or discovering a new path through the mountains, or even confronting a glowering enemy on the open plain. It brought risk, uncertainty, ambiguity and a sense of sublime beauty back to death metal, pulling it away from the slump in which it treated itself as a hammer and every listener as a nail.