![Skellum - Groping in the Dark [Full Demo - 1990] @RareMetalRarities](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m4OPuRq7RwY/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Skellum were an American thrash metal band. They only released 2 demos, "Groping in the Dark" being their first.
Been a while since I uploaded a thrash metal demo. Skellum mix the classic early 80's Metallica/Megadeth sound with more mid-tempo influences that defined the style for 90's thrash, such as Overkill and Slayer's "Seasons in the Abyss". This demo is already 2 layers of influence ahead of the great hits of the early/mid 80's and a perfect example of what thrash would become during the next decade. (also there is a lot of tape feedback which could be annoying for some, I would fix it if I knew how)
Tracklist:
00:00 - Empty Minds
04:02 - Existing to Perish
09:23 - Groping in the Dark
12:59 - The Abused
16:46 - Genetic Experiment Gone Mad
Discogs: discogs.com/release/2696812-Skellum-Groping-In-The-Dark-Demo-1990
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Skellum were an American thrash metal band. They only released 2 demos, "Groping in the Dark" being their first.
Been a while since I uploaded a thrash metal demo. Skellum mix the classic early 80's Metallica/Megadeth sound with more mid-tempo influences that defined the style for 90's thrash, such as Overkill and Slayer's "Seasons in the Abyss". This demo is already 2 layers of influence ahead of the great hits of the early/mid 80's and a perfect example of what thrash would become during the next decade. (also there is a lot of tape feedback which could be annoying for some, I would fix it if I knew how)
Tracklist:
00:00 - Empty Minds
04:02 - Existing to Perish
09:23 - Groping in the Dark
12:59 - The Abused
16:46 - Genetic Experiment Gone Mad
Discogs: discogs.com/release/2696812-Skellum-Groping-In-The-Dark-Demo-1990
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
![Skellum - Groping in the Dark [Full Demo - 1990]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m4OPuRq7RwY/mqdefault.jpg "Skellum - Groping in the Dark [Full Demo - 1990]
Skellum were an American thrash metal band. They only released 2 demos, Groping in the Dark being their first.
Been a while since I uploaded a thrash metal demo. Skellum mix the classic early 80s Metallica/Megadeth sound with more mid-tempo influences that defined the style for 90s thrash, such as Overkill and Slayers Seasons in the Abyss. This demo is already 2 layers of influence ahead of the great hits of the early/mid 80s and a perfect example of what thrash would become during the next decade. (also there is a lot of tape feedback which could be annoying for some, I would fix it if I knew how)
Tracklist:
00:00 - Empty Minds
04:02 - Existing to Perish
09:23 - Groping in the Dark
12:59 - The Abused
16:46 - Genetic Experiment Gone Mad
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/release/2696812-Skellum-Groping-In-The-Dark-Demo-1990
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Infernal Curse - And Then the Heavens Opened [Full Demo - 1994]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mCZ_a-qwZoU/mqdefault.jpg "Infernal Curse - And Then the Heavens Opened [Full Demo - 1994]
Infernal Curse were a German death metal band. They were active from 1991 to 1999, having released 2 demos in that timespan - this one and their debut in 1993.
This was probably my personal favourite find for this week at least. If you are a fan of bands such as House of Atreus, early Ares Kingdom, Sacriphyx or Arghoslent, this will be right up your alley. The band has a huge sense of melody and pace, only breaking it with an extremely out of place riff on the 2nd track, but thats so minor that you wont even notice it.
I think the bands i mentioned are self-explanatory, you know what you are getting into if you like any of those.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Bleeding Hunger
05:57 - Are You Cold
11:17 - Drowning in Tears
17:13 - Beside God
Couldnt find anything, friends....
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Eternal Frost - ...Vita Est Quasi Mortis Imago [Full Demo - 1993]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mShrozFzSPM/mqdefault.jpg "Eternal Frost - ...Vita Est Quasi Mortis Imago [Full Demo - 1993]
Theres little to no information about Eternal Frost out there other than theyre Polish, they released
two demos and were active between 92 and 94.
...Vita Est... is really cool! The echo-y production (or lack thereof) really helps selling those riffs,
sometimes reminds me of what modern band Ossuary from Wisconsin was doing in their demos.
Mega dirty and mega slow!.... Except whey they shred! The closing riffs to the final track are insane!
Tracklist:
00:00 - The Thing
06:48 - Solitude
11:44 - The End
Got this from What I believe is the soundcloud account of one of the bands members: https://soundcloud.com/yareckk/sets/eternal-frost-vita-est-quasi-mortis-imago-rehearsal-tape-1993
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Curse Ritual - Próba [Full Demo - 1989]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/moic0gIJ-sM/mqdefault.jpg "Curse Ritual - Próba [Full Demo - 1989]
Curse Ritual were a Polish thrash metal band, formed in 1989. They were only active for 3 years and released 3 demos, Próba and Easy Madness in 1990.
I think this demo was recorded from a live show, especially because the vocalist always names the songs before they play them and, in between the last 2 songs, there are complains about the microphone and things like that. Either way, Curse Ritual are a product of their time. The instrumentals are simple but they do their job, but the vocals... well they are definitely vocals.... cant ask much from a Polish band though. Some flirts with early styles of death metal definitely can be heard here, but not enough for me to call this proto-death.
Last track is definitely the best one - but this demo is surely only worth it for die hard fans of the genre if you ask me.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Easy Madness
01:57 - Respite
06:05 - Theater (Curse Ritual)
11:00 - The Toy of Almightys
14:40 - Hangman
Didnt find any link, friends...
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Abhorrence - Ascension… [Full Demo - 1997]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mtqYUelvr_Q/mqdefault.jpg "Abhorrence - Ascension… [Full Demo - 1997]
Abhorrence were a death metal band from Brazil. Formed in 1997, they released 3 demos and their debut LP in 2000, as well as 3 splits afterwards. Although their discography isnt very extensive, they definitely left a mark in the countrys death metal scene.
I was surprised when I found out that this demo wasnt on youtube already, especially because its one of my favourite demos of all time! This one is pure aggression and vitriol with some of the sickest leads Ive ever heard. Taking a shit ton of influence from Deicide and a tinge of Immolation, I firmly believe Abhorrence to be better than the sum of its parts.
Am I overhyping this demo a little bit because its one of my favs of alltime? Yeah, possibly, but I think Im right when I say this is a must hear for any OSDM fan.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Reborn to Vengeance
02:54 - Communication with the Deads
06:13 - Horde of the Demons
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/master/540120-Abhorrence-Ascension
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Doomsayer - Ominous Demise [Full Demo - 1991]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mv2strn3Rpw/mqdefault.jpg "Doomsayer - Ominous Demise [Full Demo - 1991]
Doomsayer were a thrash/death metal band from the USA. Not much is known about them other than the fact they release this tape in 1991.
This is more akin to deathened thrash than anything else, think late 80s proto-death or super early death metal, like Pestilence, Incubus, Merciless or Prime Evil. Its nothing to write home about, but if youre a fan of that style you know whats in store!
Tracklist:
00:00 - Curse From Afar
03:54 - Dual Soul
06:33 - Hellion
09:20 - Prophet of Doom
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/release/8829148-Doomsayer-Ominous-Demise
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Dislocated Cerebrum - The State of... ...Pathological Depressed [Full EP - 2006]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n4osabj5KwE/mqdefault.jpg "Dislocated Cerebrum - The State of... ...Pathological Depressed [Full EP - 2006]
Dislocated Cerebrum were a (melodic) goregrind/death metal band from Malasya. The band formed in 2003 as False Theori, changed name to General Surgeri in the same year, having released 1 demo under that name, and kept it until 2005, after learning about General Surgery from Sweden. As Dislocated Cerebrum, the band released 1 demo in 2005 and this EP. They disbanded in 2007.
Yeah, you read that right, I wrote melodic right there on the first line. These dudes picked up on every spectrum of the Carcass influence and kinda mixed it all in a bag with some Swedish tinges. Gore vocals are everywhere, the groovy goregrind riffs are super present, and higher string melodies straight out of something like Heartwork or Like an Everflowing Stream are the base of every song on this EP. Kinda insane how they mixed that all up but damn it works perfectly.
Im still looking for their 2005 demo and their demo under General Surgeri, so if you have it and want to be a kind soul, hit me up, Id love to hear them.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Back to the Morgue
05:45 - Retro-Active Abortion
09:26 - Libido Nerve Impact
14:49 - Lynch Cord Tortuos
18:46 - Impaled Cadaver
24:43 - Debauch Abroption
28:10 - Manus Undulation
Surprisingly on bandcamp: https://deathtonesrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dislocated-cerebrum-the-state-of-pathological-depressed-ep-2006
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/release/10182232-Dislocated-Cerebrum-State-of-Pathological-Depressed
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Embodyment - Corrosion of the Flesh [Full Demo - 1994]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oD-Avo0b6EA/mqdefault.jpg "Embodyment - Corrosion of the Flesh [Full Demo - 1994]
Embodyment were an American brutal death metal band. Formed in 1991 as Suplication and with members with ages around 14yo, they started playing shows right away. Then, in 1994, the band changed names and dropped their second demo, the same one you are listening to right now. Around 98, when the band released their debut, Embodyment started introducing some hardcore punk elements in their music, Embrace the Eternal having an extremely punky approach to death metal. Afterwards and without any warning, Embodyment changed their sound to christian alt rock - aint that drastic.
Corrosion of the Flesh is noisy, gross, aggressive, brutal and will turn your insides inside-out. I would never say that 17 year olds wrote this music, let alone produce it and share it. Their style is reminiscent of early Broken Hope, Suffocation or Pyrexia.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Cryptic Descension
00:36 - Dismembering Death
03:37 - Stillborn Natality
08:01 - Entropy
11:12 - Shroud of Darkness
15:35 - Legion of Damnation
Discogs:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Sanctifier - Pact with the Evil [Full Demo - 1992]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oJ2sQhS1aJ4/mqdefault.jpg "Sanctifier - Pact with the Evil [Full Demo - 1992]
From Brazil comes Sanctifier, a death metal band that has been active since 1989 (!!!) and never stopped releasing music between line-up and name changes. Pact with the Evil was their second demo as Sanctifier.
The first track is specially noisy, seriously, it might really hurt your ears. It softens afterwards but oof thats an easy way of turning people away from this demo. If youre able to sit through that (or if you skip it, its up to you) youll find that traditional brazilian sound - some Sarcófago, some Holocausto, some Krisiun.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Historical Insight
04:10 - Submission at Criators Will
07:11 - Laudation
07:51 - Envoy for God to Pushiment of the Men
11:00 - The Opposers Account
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/release/9006988-Sanctifier-Pact-With-The-Evil
Bandcamp: https://sanctifierdeathmetal.bandcamp.com/music
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Scorcht Earth - Demo 1990 [Full Demo - 1990]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oPaVw1WBmOM/mqdefault.jpg "Scorcht Earth - Demo 1990 [Full Demo - 1990]
Scorcht Earth were an American thrash metal band. Not much is known about the band, they released at least 4 demos, only one of which is registred to Metal Archives.
2 of the tracks in this demo can be found in their self-titled one. As for the other 2 untitled tracks, I didnt recognize them from anything else ive heard from them, but I also dont have all of their material, so if anyone knows drop their names in the comments!
Super straighfoward and downtuned thrash metal, more aggressive than your average 90s thrash if you ask me. Must have been some kind of Demolition Hammer or Overthrow influence that lead them to this vein. The vocals remind me of Exhorder perhaps. Overall a really good thrash demo, even if more for completionists or thrash affictionados.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Untitled Track 1
03:33 - Untitled Track 2
06:49 - Operation Barbarossa
09:42 - Gimme Some Skull
Got no links, friends
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Slesk - Moulding Horror [Full Demo - 1990]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/odYvP2AllLY/mqdefault.jpg "Slesk - Moulding Horror [Full Demo - 1990]
Slesk were a death/grind band from Norway. The band formed in 1988 and only released 2 demos, this one being their debut.
Moulding Horror is stupidly straight to the point. No down time, no pauses, not gimmicks - just riff, riff and more riff. There might be a slight gore tinge to their music too? Im insure since it was still fermenting in the crypts of Britain with Carcass. Either way: it fast, it gross, it nasty, it grind, it good. Small brain shit, make your head split.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Piercing Gastric Juice
00:55 - Overwhelming Scobber
02:18 - Shudder Dread
03:50 - Corroding Nephrite
Couldnt find any links for this release, but heres Slesks discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/4727792-Slesk
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
![Wotan - Inner Monstrosity [Full Demo - 1993]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oy3So-IQshE/mqdefault.jpg "Wotan - Inner Monstrosity [Full Demo - 1993]
Wotan were an Italian death metal band. When they formed in 1987, the band played something closer to speed metal (even labeled Epic Speed Metal in Metal Archives), but as band members and years went by, they ended up with this sick death metal style. In 6 years, the band released 6 demos, their last one being in 1993.
Inner Monstrosity gives it all on the title - this demo is a fucking beast. Intro and outro aside, they never go slower than a mid-pace (and mid-pace for this demos standards is still on the speedy side). Pure aggression and a lot of shredding, drums that feel like a punch to the gut and a devastating whirlwind of riffs.
Tracklist:
00:00 - Intro
01:52 - Drowned into Temptations
05:38 - Spiral of Suffering
09:51 - Perpetual Sense of Doom
15:44 - Inner Monstrosity
19:50 - Outro
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Wotan-Inner-Monstrosity/release/12137455
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.")
