DEATH SS - The Story Of Death SS LP

The full story of Death SS is one that spans over forty years, but as with most bands that have had a truly revolutionary historical impact, it is the formative years of the band’s existence that are most significant.

"The First Seal,” as it is described by band founder and creative director, Stefano Silvestri, encompassed the years between the band’s conceptual genesis in 1977 and Silvestri’s temporary departure in 1982. During this time, Silvestri envisioned and created an entity that would permanently alter the trajectory of heavy rock, metal, punk, and other related genres.

Along with Paul Chain, Silvestri combined elements of horror, occultism and heavy metal to become a pioneer in horror metal and black metal; the musical style is called "horror music" by the band. Sylvester left the band in 1982 and Chain replaced him with Sanctis Ghoram before closing the project in 1984 to start his solo career. Sylvester reformed the band in 1988 (with him being the only original member). This new incarnation of the band recorded their first full-length album, ...in Death of Steve Sylvester.

There would be many line-up changes in the years to come, with Sylvester once again being the only constant. The recordings that took place during this era occurred in the band’s rehearsal room or at live shows. Two of these, “Terror” and “Murder Angels,” were released on a demo cassette entitled “The Horned God of the Witches,” which is said to be limited to two copies. This was succeeded by “Demo II,” which contained rehearsal recordings of “Horrible Eyes,” “Cursed Mama,” and “Kings of Evil,” along with a live recording of “Zombie.”

The current compilation contains all of these tracks except “Kings of Evil,” and includes six additional rehearsal and live recordings from the same period of 1977-1984.