Limitation: 500 (+500) / 1000
DVP 180 Insane – Victims (2021)
For over a decade now, Sweden’s INSANE have inconspicuously built a catalog of dark ‘n’ dirty thrash metal worth reckoning. That they’ve gone largely unnoticed by all but diehard thrashers is a crime, and attributable more to the sheer abundance of metallic options still coming out of their homeland rather than any lack of quality. In fact, across INSANE’s two EPs, three demos, one split, one compilation, and especially 2017’s Evil debut album, one will be hard pressed to find a more strident iteration of ripping ancient thrash.
And INSANE continue sticking to their (strident, ripping) guns with their second full-length, Victims. Lyrically focused on the dark world of Swedish murderers, Victims indeed evokes a darker aspect than the already-dark Evil predecessor; the harmonic dual-guitar action sends well-timed shivers down the listener’s spine. But just like that preceding LP, here do INSANE show their mastery of epic songcraft, as the majority of the tracks again top five minutes whilst exhibiting that exhilarating rush so crucial to thrash, winding along wildly and ever so slightly touching upon more “tech” textures. If anything, the band engage and challenge in equal measure here, feeding manna to musos and rivetheads alike. Likewise, their iteration of thrash is a multilingual one, varyingly nodding to classic Canadian and German tropes and especially those that have been budding in the wider Scandinavian region more recently and also more “back in the day.”
A unique aspect to INSANE that the quartet continue on Victims is the full-bodied, almost rock ‘n’ roll-ish production: warmly analog but not faked, gritty and dirty but never belabored, and thankfully, nothing ear-piercingly overdriven like so much pizza thrash. Essentially, Victims is for those who like their thrash dank and pure and, above all, well-crafted.
If thrash as a whole has its waves of popularity/oversaturation, depending on the year, INSANE remain resolute as perpendicular maverick ready to challenge the passé and played-out. If you’re ready for their bandwagon to start rolling, become one of their Victims NOW!
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on mustard yellow vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
– CD edition with sticker.
Release date: 30 April 2021
Limitation: 500 (+500) / 1000
DVP 179 Lucifuge – Infernal Power (2021)
For the past five years, LUCIFUGE have been perfecting an addicting style of blackened speed metalpunk, all guided by the iron fist of mainman Equinox. Starting in 2018, the one-man wrecking crew released a demo, an EP, and the Ride the Beast debut album. The next year was no less busy, with two EPs and the second album Der AntiChrist. And just last year, the full-length The One Great Curse was released and then the digital single “Infernal Power.”
The latter single proved to be a teaser for LUCIFUGE’s fourth album, also titled Infernal Power. Going from strength to strength and now expanded to a full quartet, here does Equinox take his signature sound – greasy ‘n’ galloping riffs, locomotive rhythmic (dis)charge, and twisted ‘n’ pissed vocals – and spit-shine them with the dirtiest motor oil known to man. It’s all righteously party-hardy stuff, headbanging and boozy to the bitter end, but Infernal Power palatably exudes a startling professionalism usually elusive to those flying the metalpunk banner, no doubt a result of the lineup expansion. Likewise, the EVIL is ramped up here, cobwebs of haunting melodicism draped delicately across LUCIFUGE’s no-less-crazed attack. And perhaps most interestingly, Equinox covers GISM’s “As Good As It Is,” from that legendary Japanese band’s cult second album, M.A.N., an idiosyncratic blend of epic metal and noise. Which is all to underline the relatively unique ground LUCIFUGE are travelling with Infernal Power; names such as Inepsy, Blood Spit Nights, and Kriegshog are as easily evoked as those of Exciter, Razor, and English Dogs – and of course, the almighty Warfare and especially equally early Running Wild and Onslaught UK.
The full moon is night, and all the witches are about to dance…prepare to feel LUCIFUGE’s Infernal Power!
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on golden vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
– CD edition with sticker.
Release date: 30 April 2021
Limitation: 250
DVP 178 Evil – Possessed by Evil (2021)
As previously demonstrated on the 2017 debut, “Rites of Evil,” as well as the demo, two live recordings, and split with Siege Column that have since emerged, these twelve tracks of black/thrash metal once again capture the darkness of first wave black metal and unite it with the aggressive precision of early Teutonic thrash. Previous points of comparison between Evil and early Sodom continue to hold true, as do those that recognize similarities with the most notorious of Japanese hardcore outfits, especially insofar as the unhinged vocal delivery is concerned. Evil is anything but apologetic in its reverence to its metal heritage, which is what lends its recordings such a high degree of authenticity. “Possessed by Evil” is an unabashed conglomerate of riffs, accentuated by incisive leads and rabidly barked vocals. If there is one notable contrast with the debut album, it would be an increased cohesiveness among the instruments. Whereas “Rites of Evil” at times felt a bit loose, the performances on this album are characterized by noticeably tighter synchronicity, which one could logically assume to be the result of the band’s greater longevity. In any case, the outcome is one that represents a step forward from an already impressive debut and one that confirms Evil among the best of its black/thrash metal contemporaries.
– Picture Lp edition with insert and poster.
Release date: 26 March 2021
Limitation: 500/1000
DVP 177 Witchseeker – Scene of the Wild (2021)
Hailing from Singapore, WITCHSEEKER formed in late 2012, originally as a one-man project by Sheikh Spitfire. By the time of the band’s first EP, 2014’s Night Rituals, WITCHSEEKER had expanded to a trio but was then pared back to a duo for their debut album, 2017’s When the Clock Strikes, with Brandon Speedranger on guitars and Sheikh Spitfire on vocals, bass, and drums.
While traditional metal is not often associated with Singapore, WITCHSEEKER gained the attention of their national scene with a classics-minded style of heavy metal that’s packed with power, speed, melody, and aggression. Legions have joined their cause, and over the years, WITCHSEEKER have shared stages with such bands as Firehouse, Enforcer, Destruction, Midnight, Exciter, and many more.
Come 2019, WITCHSEEKER expanded to a quartet with the joining of Aip Sinner on drums and Nick Stormbringer on guitars. With this bolstered lineup, the band then wrote and recorded their second full-length, Scene of the Wild. Aptly titled, Scene of the Wild stylistically spans Sunset Strip hot-rockin’ and classy, cruising speed metal alike, all with the finesse and deftness of devotees of all that’s timeless and true. Each of these 10 tracks in an anthem unto itself, but each one offers something equally unique. Not here will you find one big blur of sameness: “Lust for Dust” is like a runaway train, while “Nights in Tokyo” offers space, shade, and a yearning heart; “Rock This Night Away” does exactly what it says, while the title track is a ballroom blitz; “Screaming in the Moonlight” is a steady night-time strut, while “Candle in the Dark” struts to a darker, more personal pulse; and plenty more to be experienced elsewhere. Keeping things true, WITCHSEEKER don’t let proceedings get too slick, retaining a rawness of approach and authenticity of spirit, together giving Scene of the Wild a “scrappy underdog” aspect not unlike Mötley Crüe’s Too Fast for Love.
WITCHSEEKER are a promising band from a small country, just now realizing the depth of their potential. Graced with literally awesome cover art courtesy of Mario Lopez, Scene of the Wild is a vision of heavy metal revolution!
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on kelly green vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
– CD edition with sticker.
Release date: 26 March 2021
Limitation: 200
DVP 176 Moon – On the other Side of Daylight (2021)
Once again Chilean underground strikes! Hellpossession have been around for almost 10 years, however, totally changed their sound to aggressive old school metal ov death. Not a lot left of the old black thrashing days, even though there are some thrash moments left. With a new line up (featuring Disaster, Castigo and Defeater members, the now three piece delivers 3 slabs of death metal inspired by the late 80s/early 90s masters.
MC edition with sticker, button and download code.
Release date: 22 January 2021
Limitation: 200
DVP 175 Hellpossession – Phantom Aggressor (2021)
Once again Chilean underground strikes! Hellpossession have been around for almost 10 years, however, totally changed their sound to aggressive old school metal ov death. Not a lot left of the old black thrashing days, even though there are some thrash moments left. With a new line up (featuring Disaster, Castigo and Defeater members, the now three piece delivers 3 slabs of death metal inspired by the late 80s/early 90s masters.
MC edition with sticker, button and download code.
Release date: 22 January 2021
Limitation: 500
DVP 174 Night Prowler – No Escape (2021)
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, NIGHT PROWLER was formed in 2017 by guitarist Luke D. Couto. Since the beginning, the band was influenced by the iron-clad likes of Saxon, Dokken, Iron Maiden, Running Wild, and Demon among many others: essentially, traditional heavy metal in excelsis.
In early 2017, Couto began working on new compositions for a possible solo material, due to the hiatus of his other bands. The initial idea was to release an EP with five tracks, which were composed in the first half of 2017. However, he needed musicians for the recordings and shows, so the idea of solo album was discarded, and he recruited musicians for the project.
The original lineup of NIGHT PROWLER consisted of Fernando Donasi (vocals), Luke D. Couto (guitar), Igor Senna (guitar), Gabriel Teixeira (bass), and Victor Oliveira (drums). After finishing the songs, the band signed with Kill Again Records and, in 2018, released their debut album, No Escape. Like a lost relic from 1986 or thereabouts, NIGHT PROWLER’s debut album presents 10 tracks that are all unified in their fight for metal but each one as different as the next: pumping ‘n’ virile speed one song, velvety mysticism another; sun-drenched sleaze one song, moodily melodic in another; tough as nails from beginning to end, but unafraid to show a softer side now and again, especially with the spacey synths coating climactic closer “Stranger.” And like so many killer private-press metal records from the mid ‘80s, the production’s on the right side of raw, but thankfully never sacrifices any of the inherent heaviness nor earworming hooks. In other words, just like the moniker NIGHT PROWLER itself, No Escape equally evokes the splendors of life after dark as well as its aftermath.
Since then, NIGHT PROWLER have shared stages of clubs and festivals with such bands as Sweden’s Air Raid, Murdeath, Breakout, and Flagelador. In 2019, drummer Victor Oliveira left the band and was replaced with former Leather Faces drummer Cave Hoffmann. Since then, they’ve been working together on new songs and doing several shows promoting their debut album. In the meantime, No Escape is at last unleashed on the most perfect format for classic metal: VINYL!
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on orange vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
Release date: 26 February 2021
Limitation: 500 (+500) / 1000 / 300
DVP 173 Sandstorm – Desert Warrior (2021)
It was but the spring of 2020 when DYING VICTIMS unleashed SANDSTORM’s debut album, Time to Strike, onto the worldwide metal scene. Prior to that, the Vancouver-based band had self-released the album in early 2019, and while the initial run sold out quickly, it remained a diamond in the rough. But indeed, diamonds shine regardless, and soon enough did Time to Strike’s gleam reach all corners of the globe: here was glorious (and gloriously scrappy) pre-speed/thrash HEAVY METAL in the literally ancient, sword-wielding style so favored in the early ‘80s, rendered in such authentic (and authentically over-the-top) style, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was some unearthed relic from the era. Word spread, and rightly, that SANDSTORM were the Real Deal.
And now, with the imminent release of Desert Warrior, SANDSTORM prove loudly that they are the REAL fucking DEAL! A swift-yet-generous record at 21 minutes, the four songs comprising Desert Warrior are thematically unified by classic late ‘60s / early ‘70s sci-fi tropes, and the power-trio suitably keep the focus squarely on riffs and atmosphere. Those riffs retain the same feeling as the full-length predecessor – nothing overdriven, everything moving at a hot-rockin’ pace – and where medieval magick ran riot across a strongly rock ‘n’ roll backbone, here do SANDSTORM evoke a strong sense of the epic and tragic. That Desert Warrior’s atmosphere is noticeably more moody takes nothing away from the metallic heights they reach; if anything, one could liken the mini-album to ghostly NWOBHM bordering on lonerist AOR, but still with a propensity to kick out the jams when needed. For proof, see the aptly titled “Evil Wins” and note the specter of Mercyful Fate floating nearby. Plus, the band aren’t monikered SANDSTORM for nothing: it was about damn time they did a record called Desert Warrior and made a musical mini-movie of sorts!
Still obscure and old-school as ever, SANDSTORM etch out an even more undeniable identity with Desert Warrior. Will you enter the wasteland with them?
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on white vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
– MCD edition with sticker
–MC edition with sticker, button and download code.
Release date: 26 February 2021
Limitation: 500 (+500) / 1000 (+500)
DVP 172 Significant Point – Into the Storm (2021)
Hailing from Japan, SIGNIFICANT POINT was formed by guitarists Kazuki Kuwagaki and Gou Takeuchi in March 2011. Holding high the banner of old-school speed/heavy metal, they started playing live shows in Tokyo. Through a lot of member changes, SIGNIFICANT POINT released their first demo, Attacker!, in 2014 and the Live at Tokyo CD in 2017. In 2018, the two-song EP Attacker was released on 7” vinyl by France’s Inferno Records, and it received a good reaction in the underground scene.
Itormentor (drums) and Kazuhiro Watanabe (bass) joined in 2016 and 2018, respectively, and the current lineup of SIGNIFICANT POINT was at last finalized. In 2019, they started recording their first album. With great help from George Itoh (Risingfall / Military Shadow), it was completed in September 2020 after a year and a half of effort.
Fittingly bearing the title Into the Storm, SIGNIFICANT POINT’s debut album is indeed a monsoon of heavy metal mayhem, spanning traditional and epic styles to speed metal and even early power metal. The band live and breathe heavy metal in all its classicist forms, and the quintet know the intrinsic power of hooks and especially variety, both of which are found bountifully across Into the Storm. With enviable ease, SIGNIFICANT POINT marry masterful execution to high drama whilst never losing the importance of actual songs – in other words, no style over substance here. Truly, you will NOT be able to get any of these 10 anthems outta your head, and large credit is due to the poetic dual-guitar interplay of Kuwagaki and Takeuchi; dazzling to say the very least, their leads and solos are almost another singing voice. Which is to take nothing away from the rest of the band, who bring together melodic bass-work, tastefully propulsive drumming, and the high-pitched metal-warrior vocals of George Itoh to create a veritable orchestra of sound.
While the bulk of the lyrics are in English, the unique tonal qualities of Japanese lend Into the Storm comparisons to Loudness’ early, proto-epic metal albums like Devil Soldier and The Law of Devil’s Land. But casting one’s metallic gaze further across continents (and decades), SIGNIFICANT POINT significantly point to myriad elements of such legends as Grim Reaper, Metal Church, Sinner, Cloven Hoof, and Omen on to the culter likes of Shok Paris, Liege Lord, Sortilege, Agent Steel, and Savage Grace, all with a firm grounding in the classics of Scorpions, Rainbow, Judas Priest, UFO, and Iron Maiden. Any way you slice it, the katana of SIGNIFICANT POINT is deadly, so prepare to go Into the Storm!
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.
– Special edition on blue vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card, download code and patch.
– CD edition with sticker.
Release date: 26. February 2021
Limitation: 1000 (+500) / 300
DVP 171 Heavy Sentence – Bang to Rights (2021)
One of the hottest propositions in the UK’s resurgent traditional metal scene, HEAVY SENTENCE have kept the emphasis on quality over quantity since their formation in the mid-2010s. Just like the early days of the NWOBHM, HEAVY SENTENCE made their recorded debut with a two-song 7” in 2017, followed a year later by another two-song 7”. Both graced with stark, gritty, but endearingly basement-level cover art, these two singles evinced an ageless verve and vivacity in stark contrast with the band’s meager years. And yet, HEAVY SENTENCE include among their ranks scene veterans who do or have done time in labelmates AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR, Wode, Exxxekutioner, Sump, and Wóddréa Mylenstede among others, so perhaps that inherent wisdom should be no surprise…. Either way, with just four songs to their name and a clutch of raucous live gigs, anticipation has been feverish for a full-length.
At last, it arrives bearing the call-to-arms title Bang to Rights. Tight and taut at 10 songs in 37 minutes, HEAVY SENTENCE’s debut album is a well-oiled machine of absolute ANTHEMS destined for classic status. No more but certainly no less, Bang to Rights is everything HEAVY SENTENCE have been since the very beginning: deceptively energetic mid-tempo HEAVY METAL roughened up by the spectre of punk, much like (again) those early days of the NWOBHM. Of course, the band are apt to kick into a gallop from time to time, but the emphasis is always on go-for-the-throat songwriting that only street-walking cheetahs with hearts full of napalm can produce. Of course, Motörhead’s glorious works of the 1980s loom large here – from Iron Fist to Rock ‘n’ Roll, and even Another Perfect Day – but it’s HEAVY SENTENCE’s attitude and charisma which triumph over all. Equally back-alley belligerent and high-adventure fantastical, Bang to Rights is informed by early ‘80s Thin Lizzy as equally as prime Saxon, with HEAVY SENTENCE here continuing the lineal dots connecting Heavy Load, Omen, Lord Weird Slough Feg, and October 31 onward to the metalpunk revolution fostered by Midnight. In short, timeless and eternal and fucking unyielding.
A HEAVY SENTENCE is coming your way…‘Cos you are BANG TO RIGHTS!
– CD edition with sticker.
– MC edition with sticker, button, download code
Release date: 30 May 2021