There is nothing I can say about this album that hasn’t been said before. But since it is one of my fave albums ever… Wait, maybe this is my favorite Death Metal album ever. Anyway, I will gladly try to describe it for those of you who haven’t been exposed to it. Originally released by the now defunct northamerican label Necropolis Records and re-issued by various labels through the years, this is DEMILICH’s one and only album. Now, in 2025, the excellent finnish label Svart Records has reissued it again on CD and vinyl formats. After four excellent demo tapes, these guys unleashed upon the world the most unique and unparalleled Death Metal recording that has seen the light of day. Countless bands have tried to sound like it and countless bands have it listed as a major influence. But the cold and hard truth is that the underground will never be lucky enough to have anything remotely similar to “Nespithe”. Mikko Virnes (drums) and Antti Boman (guitars, vocals) were the only two original members at the time of recording. Aki Hytönen (guitars) came into the fold for their second and third demos and Ville Koistinen (bass) joined the band for “Nespithe”. Original bass player Jussi Teräsvirta left after their second demo. Going back, you could already hear that DEMILICH was crafting something totally different music wise. The already bizarre song titles and lyrics came attached to a twisted and brilliant brand of Death Metal. Raw, down tuned, heavy as a ton of bricks, yet highly technical music that at first listen was not that easy to digest. The production is massive, a little mudday I dare say, but it fits the music perfectly. Both Anti and Aki churn out an excessive amount of guitar weirdness. The guitars twist and turn constantly with bizarre yet solid riffs that mix a lot of techniques, such as tremolo picking, single notes, palm muting and open chords. Dissonance is also present in certain passages. It can only be described as aural debauchery. Ville’s bass work is as distinctive as the guitars. He incessantly comes in and out of the song structures, partly following the guitars, some following the drums and even doing his own solo bits. Finally Mikko’s drums are both: solid as a ton of bricks, but also abnormally technical in a good way. He has his own thing going and yet his constant uncanny arrangements affix flawlessly to the music. Last but not least, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Anti’s vocals are something else. Totally unearthly and eerie. In my 35+ years of listening to extreme Metal, I have never encountered anything like them. The menacing vibe is perfectly translated into the mix. It has a persistent and overwhelming feeling of oppression and subjugation, with every instrument sitting cleverly in its own place. There may be a bit of rumble in the bass frequencies, but everything seems to work in favor of the music. If I remember correctly, this master was done from the original analog tape so there is a notable change in the dynamics which adjust better to the overall atmosphere of the album. So this time, the piercing and brutal sensory attack is more direct and unlatched. For me, this album was way, way ahead of its time. But also it sounds as fresh and bizarre as when it came out in 1992. DEMILICH’s absolutely unconventional approach has passed the test of time and continues to amaze me (at least) with its all out brutal yet surgical attack of pure and original Death Metal. It has not been topped yet and personally, I don’t think it will ever be. This is a must! Period. P.S.: The band has been reactivated for some years now and they have been touring and playing gigs and festivals. If you have a chance to go see them live you don’t want to miss that chance. Support the band here at www.facebook.com/demilichband and get this album right now from their label www.facebook.com/svartrecords

This masterpiece was already recorded in 1992 and in my humble opinion it’s one of most important European Death Metal albums of all times. DEMILICH played a very, very own and unique style and I can’t name any band with a similar sound. The main trademarks are the ultra deep (but still naturally sounding) voice and the very unique riffing. The voice of Mr. Antti Boman definitely is much more brutal than any of those new school frog noise or gore grind clowns. This voice is Death Metal to the bone!!! The guitar work is remarkable and there are some really weird riffs and some fine leads. The production is amazing too and fits perfectly to the dark and obscure atmosphere. Although this recording was done more than a decade ago it still sounds damned powerful. DEMILICH delivered some unholy, well structured, semi-technical and brutal anthems of bizzare Death Metal. This is a Death Metal monument and definitely a must have!!! The first and original release of “Nespithe” was in 1993 by Necropolis Records, by the way, it was the first Necropolis release ever. Then it was re-released with a different cover artwork by Repulse Records back in 1996. Also included on this re-issue was the “The Four Instructive Tales… Of Decomposition” demo from 1991. This new version is identical with the Repulse CD, including the same artwork, booklet etc. and, of course, the four bonus tracks. So if “Nespithe” is still not a part of your collection you definitely should get it now !!! Don’t miss it this time!!!