Longstanding Norwegian band Darkthrone started in 1986, originally under the name of 'Black Death', before their final infamous moniker was introduced. Although becoming known the world over as a black metal band crucial to the legacy of the genre, Darkthrone began more as an extreme metal band utilising element of thrash, death and doom metal into their early compositions. 'Cromlech' was Darkthrone's final demo release before a deal was inked with Peaceville Records. The demo was recorded in 1989 with the line-up of Gylve Nagell (drums), Ted Skjellum (guitars/vocals), Ivar Enger (guitars) and Dag Nilsen (bass); a line-up which would remain in place for the revered 'Soulside Journey' and 'A Blaze in the Northern Sky' albums. As well as the iconic 'Cromlech' demo itself - containing tracks which would go on to form part of the 'Soulside Journey' debut - this release also contains additional tracks from the Bootleg TV Oslo recordings in 1989, including a cover of Celtic Frost's 'Visual Aggression'. Finally, this edition of 'Cromlech' also includes a trio of instrumental tracks from a rehearsal tape originally made for Peaceville founder Paul 'Hammy' Halmshaw, sent to him in 1990. This edition of 'Cromlech' is presented on vinyl format with printed inner sleeve and includes the original 'Cromlech' art/logo.
Track Listing:
1. The Watchtower (Cromlech 'Demo' 1989) (Demo) - Darkthrone
2. Accumulation of Generalization (Cromlech 'Demo' 1989) (Demo) - Darkthrone
3. Sempiternal Past/Presence View Sepulchrality (Cromlech 'Demo' 1989) (Demo) - Darkthrone
4. Iconoclasm Sweeps Cappadocia (Cromlech 'Demo' 1989) (Demo) - Darkthrone
5. Soria Moria (Bootleg TV, Oslo, Norway 01-11-89) - Darkthrone
6. Eon/Thulcandra (Bootleg TV, Oslo, Norway 01-11-89) - Darkthrone
7. Visual Aggression (Bootleg TV, Oslo, Norway 01-11-89) - Darkthrone
8. Cromlech (Rehearsal Tape Tracks for Hammy, March 1990) (Demo) - Darkthrone
9. Neptune Towers (Rehearsal Tape Tracks for Hammy, March 1990) (Demo) - Darkthrone