We are a small underground black metal label. The 90s and the cassette format fascinated us, then as now. Many tapes from this decade are already lost. And so we have made it our mission to bring this era back to life. The 1990s were a crucial decade for the development of black metal, a genre characterized by its dark aesthetics, aggressive music and often provocative themes. During this time, the scene experienced a creative boom that not only shaped the musical landscape, but also the way music was consumed and disseminated. Cassettes and tapes played a central role in the dissemination of black metal, especially in an era before the digital age where physical media was the main source of music.
The use of cassettes allowed bands to release their music independently and often in a DIY fashion. Many underground bands used this form of medium to record and distribute their albums and demos, resulting in a variety of releases that were often only available in small runs. These cassettes were often sold at concerts or distributed through bartering between fans and musicians, fostering a close-knit community within the black metal scene.
The aesthetics of the cassette covers, often featuring hand-drawn illustrations and sinister symbols, contributed to the mystical and mysterious atmosphere of the genre. The feel and sound of the tapes themselves, with their characteristic hiss and the ability to copy and share them, created a special connection between the artists and their listeners.
In this context, the influence of cassettes and tapes on the black metal scene of the 90s becomes clear. They were not only a medium for distributing music, but also a symbol of the independence and rebellious spirit that characterized the genre. In this report, we will explore the importance of these physical formats to the development of black metal and highlight some of the most influential cassettes and bands of the time.
But of course, we’re also open to the new and young generation of black metal. Because back then, we were young and impetuous, too.
Founded in 1995 / Relaunched in 2025
