Cover Of The Month 2/12: “State Oppression” (Raw Power), Screams From The Gutter, 1985.

While discussing which songs to choose this time around, we early figured out that we really wanted to do something Italian. They have such a rich history and strong tradition of great bands, and their scene seems to stay ever so alive, active and vibrant. It can be hard to choose among all of our favorite bands, and at the same time be in agreement, but we tried to be spontaneous and go for what the gut feeling said at the moment. A band and a song that immediately felt right without analyzing and discussing it too much.

We decided to go for this all time raging opening track from a stone cold classic album. The way that they’re stylistically moving in the borderlands between punk, hardcore, crossover and thrash is something that we really feel that we can relate to. Bands with such versatility are always a huge inspiration.

With its mindless intensity and anthemic sing along chorus, this is simply the kind of song that you just can’t resist urging to play, and wish you were able to write yourself. The rest of the album is full of songs that ain’t too far behind either, and to wrap it all up it’s also graced with one of the sickest looking cover artworks you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. That twisted sewer-creature in those shrieky colors is just a perfect match with the craziness of the music itself.

Recorded by Jocke D-takt at Studio Mangel, December 2024. Mixed and mastered by Kenko at Communichaos, January 2025.

Note: the songs are only available via our YouTube channel.
Link: https://youtu.be/hl45Bqf1D7Y

Cover Of The Month 1/12, January: “Armageddon” (Bathory)

Time for another year with a monthly cover, to pay tribute to bands that have influenced us in one way or another. Overall, we will mainly make our own interpretations and versions of bangers that made us rockin’ air guitar, bang our heads and simply go wild over the years. The first time we did the ‘Cover Of The Month’ project was in 2015. Now, like then, it’s a study in other bands’ songwriting and deeper diving into the structures, arrangements and techniques behind the timeless classics that once caught our attention in the first place. Hopefully we’ll get some guests to join us this time around too.

First off is this gem from one of the most influential bands and albums of all time, Bathory shouldn’t need any further introduction.
“Armageddon” is just one pick from an abundance of immortal classics on this album, being released in a time when nothing was really labeled or carved out yet when it comes to the countless extreme metal subgenres that soon would follow. Just fast and loud unhinged madness.

Can’t ignore the total punk vibe of the whole thing either, having these guys clearly not being able to play (what most ignorant people would consider) very well, yet not giving a shit and just doing their thing anyway, and believing in it. Proving that with that attitude, you can accomplish the most sensational things and completely change what everyone thought they knew about music.

Tonight we raise our cups and toast in angels’ blood!

Recorded by Jocke D-takt at Studio Mangel, December 2024. Mixed and mastered by Kenko at Communichaos, January 2025.

We have also compiled all 12 covers as an album to those who missed out ‘COVER OF THE MONTH 2015’ or who wants to refresh their memory. Listen HERE!

Note: the songs are only available via our YouTube channel.
Link: https://youtu.be/_Lhx8wN7Wk0