The first "extreme" album I ever owned was a vinyl copy of Hellhammer’s legendary Apocalyptic Raids. I was only 7 or 8 years old, and when I first listened to it it scared the shit out of me but as I grew older and my interest in metal grew I came back to that album and it blew me away. It’s because of Apocalyptic Raids that I became the metalhead I am today. Since that time I’ve purchased the re-issued CD version of the album, Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. and bootleg copies of the band’s demo material.

To my shock and surprise, 2008 finally sees an official release of Hellhammer’s three demo recordings, completely digitally remastered available in three different formats; a 2 CD set, a 3 LP set and a deluxe 2 CD set with killer packaging, booklet and poster! The version I bought was the only one I knew of, and could find, the standard 2 CD set. The first disc is the full Satanic Rites demo while disc two features both the Death Fiend and Triumph of Death demos!

If you’re a younger metal fan who wasn’t around during the "golden" era of extreme metal, namely the 80s and early 90s, chances are the music of Hellhammer will be lost on you. If, however, you are like me and in your 30s this album will hit you in the face like a giant brick of nostalgia. The material is dark and evil, listening to it now I’m surprised I wasn’t traumatized when I was a kid listening to Apocalyptic Raids.

The 29 tracks contain the heaviest, darkest music Hellhammer recorded and is an excellent prelude to both Apocalyptic Raids as well as Celtic Frost’s Morbid Tales. Apocalyptic Raids and Satanic Rites are recordings that had an enormous impact on the early black metal scene and inspired countless other death metal acts as well. If you’ve ever wondered where all of the great bands of the early 90s drew their inspiration from, you have to look no further than Hellhammer, Celtic Frost and Venom.

I could go on ad nauseum as to how important and influential this material was, but, honestly, this is just one of those things you need to listen to for yourself. The music is raw, angry, fueled by hate and heavily inspired by Venom. The music is simple and catchy, but raw and evil. By today’s standards the music sounds corny, but back in the day this was the shit.

If you’re a fan of Hellhammer and Celtic Frost you have to buy this album, there isn’t even a question of "if" you should buy it, you must, it’s that good. If you’re a younger fan or someone who isn’t into the early 80s extreme metal sound then you’ll probably fucking hate this, but if you’ve had hair on your nuts since Twisted Sister wanted to rock you’re gonna go apeshit when you hear this. Unnecessary for some, mandatory for others, it all depends on whether you’re fucking metal enough to handle it!

Review byTeufel