One of the most cult names in international heavy metal, Italy’s DEATH SS have influenced thousands over the past three decades in their long, twisted history, equally influencing the nascent speed metal and black metal scenes with their trademark ghoulish and theatrical presentation. SHADOW KINGDOM couldn’t be prouder and more honored to have DEATH SS amongst its roster, most of which have been shaped by the band in one way or another, and now unleash their most monumental works on CD, vinyl, and cassette formats. Formed in 1977, the initial lineup DEATH SS would feature four “characters”: The Death, The Mummy, The Werewolf, and of course The Vampire, who was frontman Steve Sylvester (and who gave the band their “SS” appellation). Guided by the hand of Sylvester, after a period of intense composition, DEATH SS would emerge in the early ’80s with a handful of demos and the Evil Metal EP in 1983. Although that EP’s title served as a perfect summation of the band’s eerie, horror-laden sound, it was the band’s debut album, …In Death of Steve Sylvester, where DEATH SS would truly begin to cement their cult status. Originally released in 1989, Black Mass was the heated follow-up to that wild ‘n’ weird debut album. Kicking off with “Kings of Evil,” almost as a statement of pride, DEATH SS here took on a more modern and juiced-up aspect. With the energy more intense and the compositions more complex, Black Mass quickly became a more epic and almost “storytelling” listen. Granted, the band’s trademark horror-laden atmosphere remained, but as a whole, Black Mass slotted well alongside the likes of King Diamond and Lizzy Borden and made DEATH SS a more contemporary band without sacrificing any ancient power. Faithfully restored to its original sound and design, as per the band’s specifications, hear DEATH SS’s Black Mass as it was meant to be heard! CD version to feature an exclusive bonus track.
