Morbid Rituals / Dungeon Keeper – Demos [Split LP]

Artist: Morbid Rituals / Dungeon Keeper
Country: Germany
Label: Fucking Kill Records
Formats: Split LP
Year: 2024

Probably prompted by the idea that it would be a shame for the demos of both Dungeon Keeper and Morbid Rituals to be limited to the small edition of the original demo tapes, Fucking Kill Records is now re-releasing both demos and this time on vinyl. Not only is this a perfect opportunity to get it if you are not much into buying tapes, but it is also just a great way of giving some well-deserved attention to two of the most interesting demo tapes out of the German underground scene in recent years.

First up is Morbid Rituals whose self-titled demo tape was originally released back in 2022, but this could also have been a demo from bygone days when all extreme styles of metal did not yet have separate names. Simpler times, mostly. Without fuss. ‘Demo 2022’ is an almost nostalgic trip to those times, reminiscent of Marduk’s demo, old Necrophagia, Necromantia and of course the buzzing guitars bring us back to that beautiful Hellhammer sound. Although most of the music could well be filed under the Black Metal category, I particularly love the doomy feel of the recording. Especially because of the rumbling bass-heavy sound it might remind on the early works of the likes of Necromantia and Barathrum, add to that a vocal delivery that creeps up to Necrophagia’s Killjoy and you’ll have a very good picture of what Morbid Rituals have to offer. A pretty unique blend of all things familiar that comes down to a stunningly convincing debut demo. At the time of writing we are two years ahead and there’s no follow-up in sight yet, but I’m still patiently waiting…

The other side is reserved for Dungeon Keeper’s ‘Fortress Of Evil’ demo from 2023. This demo has received a separate review already, so for a more detailed analysis, I would like to refer to that review. But it is well worth mentioning that both demos of these two befriended bands fit together almost seamlessly. Both Morbid Rituals and Dungeon Keeper do seem to get their inspiration from the same (sort) of bands and have a similar view on authentic (Black) Metal. So, without sounding like a perfect mirror of each other, these two German Black Metal acts show that there is a new generation of bands on the rise that pay a heartfelt and honest homage to the Gods of yore.