Old Skull

Released in 2010, Old Skull serves as a curated retrospective and tribute album by Italian blackened thrash pioneers Necrodeath. The record is bookended by two versions of their cult classic 'Mater Tenebrarum': a 2010 re-recording that showcases their contemporary power, and the original 1980s version that highlights their lo-fi roots. The core of the album consists of covers from influential acts like Slayer, Bathory, Kreator, Sodom, and Motorhead. Recorded at Quake Sound Studios and self-produced by the band, the album captures a 'live-in-studio' energy that mirrors their reputation for aggressive performances. By interpreting tracks like 'Black Magic' and 'Sodomy and Lust' through their specific blackened thrash lens, Necrodeath reinforces their position as the definitive architects of the Italian extreme metal scene. It is a significant entry in their discography for its role in bridging the gap between the first and second waves of black metal.