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Necrolust (1989)
Vader's Necrolust was released in 1989. I originally discovered the band through their first full-length and wrote them off, but hearing this demo was like finding a completely different band. The sound is fairly good for a demo, and the thin guitar tone suits the material well. It’s clearer than Imperator’s Eternal Might, with every riff easily discernible. The sharp, dry tone works especially well alongside the raspy, ghastly vocals.
I can’t listen to this without thinking of A Blaze in the Northern Sky. Some of the material here was clearly influential and basically lifted for that album. This is the best thing Vader ever recorded. It’s raw, late-’80s Polish death/thrash that sometimes sounds like it was inspired by Slayer and early Morbid Angel, especially Abominations of Desolation. The songwriting is solid all the way through. The faster riffs are the best, but even the slower parts work, with lead solos that deepen the overall darkness.
It's easy to see how Necrolust was influential to the black metal bands that came later. It’s too bad Vader didn’t stick with this more raw and evil approach. They were definitely a band with potential. Seeing as how there are only four tracks and about 15 minutes of music, it's pointless to choose a favorite. This whole demo is high quality with no weaknesses. Listen to this now!
I can’t listen to this without thinking of A Blaze in the Northern Sky. Some of the material here was clearly influential and basically lifted for that album. This is the best thing Vader ever recorded. It’s raw, late-’80s Polish death/thrash that sometimes sounds like it was inspired by Slayer and early Morbid Angel, especially Abominations of Desolation. The songwriting is solid all the way through. The faster riffs are the best, but even the slower parts work, with lead solos that deepen the overall darkness.
It's easy to see how Necrolust was influential to the black metal bands that came later. It’s too bad Vader didn’t stick with this more raw and evil approach. They were definitely a band with potential. Seeing as how there are only four tracks and about 15 minutes of music, it's pointless to choose a favorite. This whole demo is high quality with no weaknesses. Listen to this now!
(11 May 2025)
Morbid Reich (1990)
Released in November 1990, Vader's Morbid Reich demo picks up right where Necrolust left off. This is a continuation of their raw and intense death/thrash style. The production is rough and thin, which suits the vicious riffs, ripping solos and relentless blastbeats. The material is fast-paced, with aggressive thrash riffs that blend naturally with darker tremolo sections. The lead solos are reminiscent of Slayer and add to the hellish atmosphere. The only complaint is the vocals, which are a little deeper this time and lack the raspier tone that gave Necrolust a more ghastly, morbid feel. They're not bad, just a step down from the previous demo. Also, the re-recorded version of “The Final Massacre” doesn’t offer anything new. It’s fine, but unnecessary.
This is the last essential recording from Vader. Their debut L.P. sessions at Studio Sunlight didn’t sound bad, but they chose to scrap everything and re-record the album. What they released instead was soulless and putrid enough to turn their name into a dirty word. Stick to Necrolust and Morbid Reich and forget these guys existed beyond this point.
This is the last essential recording from Vader. Their debut L.P. sessions at Studio Sunlight didn’t sound bad, but they chose to scrap everything and re-record the album. What they released instead was soulless and putrid enough to turn their name into a dirty word. Stick to Necrolust and Morbid Reich and forget these guys existed beyond this point.
(1 June 2025)
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