Even though they are a highly respected band with over 25 years on the metal scene, Necrodeath also have their own forebears and figures they look up to. Alongside Italy’s Bulldozer and Schizo, Necrodeath is among the country’s biggest names, and this year they turned 25. To mark the milestone, they released a special anniversary album. In addition to 8 cover songs, the album features recordings of their masterpieces Into the Macabre and Mater Tenebrarum from both 2010 and the 1985 Shining Pentagram demo.
The album also includes some notable guest musicians. AC Wild provides vocals on the new version of Mater Tenebrarum. Andy Panigada from Bulldozer plays guitar on Ace of Spades. Former Necrodeath members John Black Magic plays bass, Andy Bonfiglio guitar on Am I Evil?, and Claudio on Raise the Dead. Alberto Penzin, who left Schizo in 2007, plays bass on Sodomy and Lust.
Tracklist:
Mater Tenebrarum (2010)
Black Magic (Slayer cover)
Raise the Dead (Bathory cover)
Pleasure to Kill (Kreator cover)
Paranoid (Black Sabbath cover)
Sodomy and Lust (Sodom cover)
Bloodlust (Venom cover)
Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover)
Am I Evil? (Diamond Head cover)
Mater Tenebrarum (1985)
The album cover is a modernized version of the 1985 The Shining Pentagram demo’s artwork — a respectful nod to their past by the Necrodeath members.
Regarding the album itself: all original songs are legendary in every sense, so it’s more fitting to evaluate Necrodeath’s performance—how much they copy and how much unique flavor they add. In this regard, the album scores about an 8/10. The songs are excellently played and distinctly Necrodeath. Frankly, if they made a new album with all original songs, it might not have been this classic (especially considering the unmet expectations of their last two albums). The only critique is that the guitars sound a bit too modern and polished; for such classic material, a rawer, more primitive tone would have been preferable.
Here’s a brief look at the tracks:
Mater Tenebrarum (2010) opens with an acoustic intro quite different and less dark than the original, followed by Bulldozer-like drum hits and screams. The guitars are faster and more necro than in the original. The raw filthiness of the first recording is gone, but that’s understandable.
The Black Magic Slayer cover is my favorite. Until the vocals come in, you’d think you’re still listening to Slayer. It’s the closest to the original on the album, just a bit faster. Marcelo Santos aka Flegias delivers much harsher, thicker vocals.
Raise the Dead by Bathory has a more modern sound and, due to the guitar tone, strays from a classic black metal feel.
Pleasure to Kill by Kreator stands out as perhaps the best cover on the album — quintessentially Necrodeath. It’s way faster and more aggressive than the original, with furious drumming, raging guitars, and savage vocals. One of the strongest covers I’ve heard.
Paranoid by Black Sabbath (alongside War Pigs, one of my favorites) is played distinctively Necrodeath-style. Flegias’s vocals add an evil edge, and the tempo is more lively and playful than the original.
Sodomy and Lust opens with a bestial howl, followed by vomitous vocals, chaotic guitars, brutal drumming — a cover worthy of both Sodom and Necrodeath’s reputation.
Bloodlust by Venom is superb. Necro riffs, uneven cross rhythms, and crazily devilish vocals in the Cronos tradition make this one of the classiest Venom covers I’ve heard — neither too detached from the original nor an imitation, but a true Venom worship.
Ace of Spades by Motörhead is a classic that’s been covered countless times. Necrodeath’s version fits well with the mix of speed, black, thrash, and rock’n’roll riffs — a nice take.
Am I Evil? by Diamond Head showcases Necrodeath’s unholy vocals and NWOBHM/thrash blend — combining classic heavy metal purity with fast thrash aggression and devilish vocals.
In summary, this is a strong album of great covers. The only flaw might be the somewhat clean riffs and polished production. Had these been original songs, that might not be an issue, but since the originals have a raw and dirty sound, the modern gloss sticks out. Still, this album is a worthy celebration of Necrodeath’s 25 years — their respect for the forebears alone is enough to commend them.