The sophomore opus by this German Black Metal and Punk Rock beast sounds moodier and murkier than their debut offering, while also portending a deeper doom and gloom.
Hailing from Germany, Black Metal/Punk Rock brigade Karloff was formed in 2018 initially as a means for erstwhile Graveyard Ghoul member Tom Horrified to blow off some punk-oriented steam with a couple close comrades. Three years after the release of their 2022 debut The Appearing, the band currently formed of Tom Horrified on vocals and guitar, 733 on bass, and H. T. Steinbrecher on drums and percussion returns in full force with their sophomore installment, the incendiary Revered by Death. Following logically from The Appearing, Revered by Death sounds moodier and murkier, living up to its lofty title while its songwriting definitely feels punchier, portending a deeper doom and gloom.
The scorching, visceral riffage by Tom kicks off the trio’s beyond devilish festivities in Pessimistic Soaring, presenting a deep Punk Rock rebelliousness intertwined with the raw, obscure sounds of Black Metal, whereas the relentless bass by 733 and the pounding drums by H. T. will smash your skull in Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei, or “the return of the dark egg” (if that makes any sense). The band then blends elements from Doom and Post-Metal to their core sound in When the Flames Devour You All, with Tom once again delivering absolutely caustic vocals and riffs.
Then the atmospheric (yet a bit too lengthy) interlude On Weathered Altar sets the tone for Prince of Parasites, where we’re treated to a caustic, electrifying fusion of Black Metal and Punk Rock, in special through the rebellious riffs by Tom and the classic beats by H. T. The band then ventures through the vast realms of Death Metal in Regicide, with the song’s vicious, deep riffage matching perfectly with its bass lines and crushing beats; and it’s pedal to the metal in the slamming tune Crown Cvlt Fate, perfect for some wild action inside a hot and humid circle pit at one of those infernal metal pubs, while Elisabetha’s Revenge, their last blast of insanity and rage, will simply demolish your soul, again presenting the raspy, harsh vociferations by Tom.
Ghouls and ghosts, thugs and thieves, Karloff are back and calling upon you to be Revered by Death, and if you believe you have what it takes to face such a harsh and visceral album of Black Metal and Punk Rock you can find those talented guys on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their acid creations on Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of Revered by Death from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp or webstore as a CD, an LP or a special edition LP on oxblood vinyl including an insert, a poster, a sticker, a post card, a woven patch, and a download code. Because Revered by Death is not just Black Metal, nor only Punk Rock; it’s everything at once, offering an amalgamation of violent and obscure sounds that will certainly haunt your souls for all eternity.
Best moments of the album: A Pessimistic Soaring, Prince of Parasites and Crown Cvlt Fate.
Worst moments of the album: On Weathered Altar.
Released in 2026 Dying Victims Productions
Track listing
1. A Pessimistic Soaring 2:52
2. Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei 3:05
3. When the Flames Devour You All 5:53
4. On Weathered Altar 4:08
5. Prince of Parasites 2:47
6. Regicide 3:52
7. Crown Cvlt Fate 2:30
8. Elisabetha’s Revenge 4:52
Band members
Tom Horrified – vocals, electric rhythm & lead guitar
733 – electric bass guitar
H. T. Steinbrecher – drums & percussion
