What makes Apocalyptic Raids by Hellhammer notable?

Apocalyptic Raids is often cited as a pivotal release in the development of black metal, helping to lay the groundwork for the genre alongside other early bands like Venom and Bathory. Its raw production and dark themes resonated with the burgeoning underground metal community, earning it a cult following despite limited commercial success. Released on March 8, 1984, Apocalyptic Raids was Hellhammer's debut EP, marking their entry into the underground metal scene. At this time, the band was still evolving from their earlier formation as Black Death, having solidified their sound and direction towards a more extreme style that would influence future genres.

How many songs are on Apocalyptic Raids?

Apocalyptic Raids has 6 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Apocalyptic Raids

Hellhammer · 1984

27 min · 6 tracks · black metal

A raw and relentless fusion of black and death metal that evokes chaos and doom through primitive instrumentation and visceral energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Massacra — This track epitomizes Hellhammer's aggressive approach, showcasing blistering riffs and chaotic drumming that defines their signature sound.
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Triumph of Death — The longest track on the EP, it features a haunting atmosphere combined with intense musicality, capturing the essence of despair and destruction.
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Revelations of Doom — With its relentless pace and dark lyrical themes, this track highlights the band's ability to blend speed with a sense of foreboding dread.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases raw energy and distinct sound, marking an important moment in black metal's evolution.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a fast-paced track that features aggressive guitar riffs and harsh vocals, setting a relentless tone.
Each song maintains a raw production quality, with minimal layering, emphasizing the primal energy of the performance.
The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contrast that highlights the chaotic themes present throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Third of the Storms (Evoked Damnation) 2:57
2 Massacra 2:51
3 Triumph of Death 9:32
4 Horus / Aggressor 4:29
5 Revelations of Doom 2:51
6 Messiah 4:33

What to play next

Listen next

Are You Morbid?

2003

Go back to

Death Metal

1984

Full Hellhammer discography Artists like Hellhammer

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata