It’s quite strange to think that Hellhammer’s (no, not the drummer) rather mediocre album “Apocalyptic Raids” would, along with Venom, help spawn the black/death metal movement. When the Swiss group set out to create music, they simply wanted to play something no-one had ever heard before, and managed to do so by borrowing from 80s metal acts, the punk movement as well as throwing in some pretty lousy recording equipment (by that time’s standards - of course, Darkthrone had not yet come into existence) and their personal signature of droning fuzz-guitar riffs and quickly shifting atmospheres.

In retrospect the music is less-than average, even quite horrible at times, but it has to be seen in the historical perspective of the time and what importance it has had in later years. Think of the re-released “Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D.” as a relic to the past and an important part of your collection if you’re interested in exploring the roots of darker metal.

Year Released: 1997
Label: Noise Records
Related Link: Hellhammer Fan Site
Date Reviewed: 2004-01-18
Author: Andreas