Description

Hellhammer – Apocalyptic Raids 1990 AD – Compact Disc

Hellhammer – Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. is a compilation album that showcases the seminal work of the Swiss extreme metal band Hellhammer. Released in 1990 by Noise Records, this album compiles tracks from their earlier EP Apocalyptic Raids, which originally came out in 1984, along with additional material, offering a comprehensive look at the band’s brief yet highly influential existence.

With Warrior on vocals and guitar, Steve Warrior (no relation) on bass, and Bruce Day on drums, the trio was only active, off and on, for close to a year between 1983 and 1984. But their Apocalyptic Raids demo left a lasting impression nonetheless, doing the rounds in Europe’s underground tape-trading networks long after the band had disintegrated and given birth to the much more ambitious Celtic Frost.

Hellhammer, formed in 1982, played a crucial role in shaping the early extreme metal scene, particularly influencing the development of black metal and death metal. Their raw and aggressive sound, characterized by chaotic guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals, was groundbreaking at the time and paved the way for countless bands that followed.

Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. includes tracks like ‘The Third of the Storms (Evoked Damnation),’ ‘Massacra,’ ‘Triumph of Death,’ and ‘Horus/Aggressor.’ Each song is a testament to Hellhammer’s raw and uncompromising style. ‘The Third of the Storms (Evoked Damnation)’ opens with a blistering pace, showcasing Tom G. Warrior’s distinctive vocal delivery and primal guitar work. ‘Massacra’ continues this assault with its relentless tempo and dark, brooding atmosphere. ‘Triumph of Death’ is an epic, slower track that exudes a sense of doom and despair, highlighting the band’s versatility. The closing track, ‘Horus/Aggressor,’ melds thrash elements with a menacing tone, rounding out the compilation with an intense finale.

The production on Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. retains the lo-fi, gritty quality of the original recordings, which adds to the album’s raw and unrefined charm. This production style was a deliberate choice that distinguished Hellhammer from more polished acts of the time, emphasizing their underground and rebellious nature.

Hellhammer’s music, though not widely recognized during their active years, has gained significant acclaim posthumously. Members of Hellhammer, most notably Tom G. Warrior (also known as Thomas Gabriel Fischer), went on to form the influential band Celtic Frost, further cementing their legacy in the metal world. The impact of Hellhammer’s sound can be heard in the works of many later black and death metal bands, who have cited them as a primary influence.

Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. serves as a crucial historical document, capturing the raw energy and innovative spirit of Hellhammer. It is a must-listen for fans of extreme metal and those interested in the genre’s early evolution. The album stands as a testament to the band’s enduring influence and their role in shaping the sound and ethos of extreme metal.

Tracks 1-4 Taken From Apocalyptic Raid

Tracks 5-6 Only Previously Released On Death Metal Sampler Never Released In The US

Song List
1. Third of the Storms (Evoked Damnation)
2. Massacra
3. Triumph of Death
4. Horus/Aggressor
5. Revelations of Doom
6. Messiah