HELLHAMMER Demon Entrails

Artist: HELLHAMMER
Title: Demon Entrails
Year of Release: 1983/2008
Label: Prowlin' Death Records
Format: CD

Wow, this is a magnificently presented double CD set. A5 in size (approximately DVD size) this is truly the most elaborate CD release I have ever seen. Featuring a white slip cover with spot varnish black ink, the CD component is a heavy bound digi book with a CD inset either cover and a superb booklet attached into the middle. The spine itself is a good inch thick and while there is talk of a poster, this is the least exciting part of it.

Featuring the three Hellhammer demos from 1983 'Satanic Rites', 'Death Fiend' and 'Triumph Of Death' are all collated here for the first time in any official capacity. In fact it's the first time they have been officially released beyond their original cassette format and while the sound limitations of the earlier two recordings is apparent, it is well superior to the tape traded versions that were getting around and indeed that disappointing 'Luxury' DLP from a few years back.

29 tracks in total the booklet includes lyrics, liner notes, reproduction flyers and a host of other cool things - illustrations and unseen images. Some really kick ass stuff. I can't wait to see how far they can go with the proposed coffee table book!

Musically disc 2 which features the 'Death Fiend' and 'Triumph...' demos is definitely more primitive than the December '83 'Satanic Rites' recording, but for those who have waited to hear the best possible interpretations of these tracks, it has been well worth the wait.

It cost a bit to get it to Australia - I ordered the 3LP version also, but feel that while the content is good, once again, bigger labels doing less impressive work. Where's the box for this thing? The Booklet for the LP is larger than the CD and has a few additional images and a cooler poster... though it's double sided which definitely sucks, should have been 2 separate posters I think! It is definitely let down by one gatefold cover for 3 pieces of vinyl. Yeah, there are inserts for all three pieces, but come on, how long have people waited for this? It's my third copy of 'Satanic Rites' on vinyl and I think that that sort of dedication should be rewarded ha ha. So many lesser bands have been rewarded with box sets, I think they could have gone further with this one.

Anyways, strongly recommended, I doubt this CD edition will be topped by anything any time soon.