DARKNESS The Death Squad Chronicles

German thrash metal legends DARKNESS celebrate their 40th anniversary with the explosive new album “The Death Squad Chronicles”, out on September 26th, 2025 via Massacre Records.
 
Produced and mixed by Cornelius Rambadt (Rambado Recordings) and mastered by Dennis Köhne, the record reimagines milestones of the band’s career with a fierce and modern production. The album features re-recordings of classics from the cult debut “Death Squad” (1987) and its successor “Defenders of Justice” (1988), a track from “Conclusion & Revival” (1989), as well as long-lost demo material now unleashed for the very first time. To crown it all, “The Death Squad Chronicles” also includes two brand new songs, proving that true thrash metal knows no expiration date.
 
The current line-up — Lee (vocals), Arnd (guitar), Dominik (guitar), Ben (bass), Lacky (drums) — embodies the band’s trademark aggression while adding fresh energy and razor-sharp riffing.
 
The first single and video, “Death Squad 2025”, is more than just a re-recording: it’s a celebration of four decades of thrash under the motto “Darkness & Friends – 40 Years of Thrash”. Watch the video here.
 
The video features an all-star lineup of special guests and friends from across the metal scene, including members of Sodom, Kreator, Vader, Nifelheim, Municipal Waste, Traitor, Warrant, Messiah, and many more. A collective tribute to the roots and future of thrash, “Death Squad 2025” unites generations of fans and musicians alike.
 
“The Death Squad Chronicles” will be available as CD Mediabook, limited vinyl editions in various colors, a deluxe box set, and digital. The deluxe box set will include:

* CD Mediabook
* Flag
* Signing Card
* Bonus CD - “Death Squad Chronicles XL” with the voices of Kreator, Warrant, Toxpack, Fueled By Fire, Assassin, Teutonic Slaughter, Traitor, Smorrah, Taskforce Toxicator, Hellbutcher/Nifelheim. 

Track listing:
1. The Gates
2. Terror For Terror
3. Battle To The Last
4. Death Squad
5. Soldiers
6. Burial At Sea
7. Last Round Is On Us
8. Victims
9. Iron Force
10. Defenders Of Justice
11. Predetermined Destiny
12. Proud Pariah
 
The release will be supported by a run of special shows and festivals, including:
26.09.2025 Coast Rock Festival, Emden - Germany
27.09.2025 40th Anniversary of Darkness, Essen   Germany
03.10.2025  Keep It True Rising,  Würzburg - Germany
10.10.2025  Thrash Nightmare Festival, Pisek - Czech Rep
11.10.2025 Breaking The Silence Fest, Arnsberg - Germany
18.10.2025  Total Thrash Assault, Speyer - Germany
08.11.2025  100% Old School Thrash, Dortmund – Germany

Roman P-V - 2025-08-24 18:53:07