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Death SS
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Death SS
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Key Information

Death SS (later also intended as a contraction of In Death of Steve Sylvester) is an Italian heavy metal band formed in 1977. They have sometimes been described as "horror metal".

History

[edit]

Death SS was formed in 1977 in Pesaro[2] by Steve Sylvester (born Stefano Silvestri), a future member of Ordo Templi Orientis,[3] and Paul Chain (Paolo Catena), who would later embrace an experimental form of doom metal with his solo project, Paul Chain Violet Theatre. Sylvester left the band in 1982 and Chain replaced him with Sanctis Ghoram (featured on the Evil Metal EP) before closing the project in 1984 to start his solo career. Sylvester reformed the band in 1988 (with him being the only original member). This new incarnation of the band recorded their first full-length album, ...in Death of Steve Sylvester. There would be many line-up changes in the years to come, with Sylvester once again being the only constant.

The album Panic was partially recorded in the US, with Neil Kernon as a producer, because the band liked his work for artists such as Queensrÿche, Judas Priest, Dokken, Nevermore, David Bowie, Rush and Skrew and had, according to Sylvester, "a particular touch in the dark side of Heavy Metal [...] that we were looking for". The band's management contacted Kernon, who accepted after listening to the band's demos of the new songs. The album was released in 2000 by Sylvester's own label, Lucifer Rising, and Dream Catcher.[3]

Musical style and influence

[edit]

Death SS combines elements of horror, occultism and metal to a style termed "horror metal" by AllMusic,[2] and is also considered an influence on black metal.[4] The band itself calls its music "horror music".[5] Death SS is one of the sources of inspiration for the Swedish metal band Ghost.[6]

Members

[edit]

Current members

  • Steve Sylvester – lead vocals (1977–1982, 1988–2008, 2012–present)
  • Freddy Delirio – keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals (1994–1996, 2005–2008, 2012–present)
  • Unam Talbot – drums (2022-present)
  • Demeter – bass (2022-present)
  • Ghiulz Borroni – guitars (2022-present)

Former members

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • ...in Death of Steve Sylvester (Discomagic/Metalmaster 1988)
  • Black Mass (Discomagic/Metalmaster 1989)
  • Heavy Demons (Contempo/Rosemary's Baby 1991)
  • Do What Thou Wilt (Lucifer Rising 1997)
  • Panic (Lucifer Rising 2000)
  • Humanomalies (Lucifer Rising 2002)
  • The Seventh Seal (Lucifer Rising/Black Widow Records 2006)
  • Resurrection (Lucifer Rising 2013)
  • Rock 'n' Roll Armageddon (Lucifer Rising 2018)[7]
  • X (Lucifer Rising 2021)
  • The Entity (Lucifer Rising 2025)

Live albums

[edit]
  • The Cursed Concert (Contempo 1992)
  • Il ritorno degli occulti (200 copies, Cursed Coven 1998)
  • Live 1990: The Complete Black Mass Show (200 copies, Cursed Coven 2006)
  • Live at I-Gods of Metal 2008 (CD/DVD, Live Global/Self 2009)
  • Beyond Resurrection (Lucifer Rising Records 2017)

Singles/EPs

[edit]
  • The Horned God of the Witches (Demo EP 1981)
  • Evil Metal EP (Metal Eye Records 1983)
  • "Kings of Evil" (Metalmaster 1989)
  • "Vampire" (Metalmaster 1989)
  • "In the Darkness" (Metalmaster 1989)
  • Where Have You Gone? EP (Contempo 1991)
  • Straight to Hell EP (Contempo 1993)
  • The Cursed Singles boxset (Avantgarde Music 1995)
  • "Baron Samedi" (Lucifer Rising 1998)
  • "Scarlet Woman" (Lucifer Rising 1999)
  • "Hi-Tech Jesus" (Lucifer Rising 2000)
  • Lady of Babylon EP (Lucifer Rising 2000)
  • Let The Sabbath Begin 2 CD EP (Lucifer Rising 2001)
  • Transylvania (Lucifer Rising 2001)
  • "Pain" (Lucifer Rising 2003)
  • "Sinful Dove" (Lucifer Rising 2004)
  • "Give 'Em Hell" (Lucifer Rising 2005)
  • "Der Golem" (2013)
  • The Darkest Night EP (Lucifer Rising 2013)
  • "Ogre's Lullaby" (2013)
  • "Profanation" (2013)
  • "The Night of the Witch" (2013)
  • Eaters (2013)
  • "Dyonisus" (2014)
  • "The Crimson Shrine" (2016)
  • The 7th Seal Ep (2020)

Compilations

[edit]
  • The Story of Death SS. 1977–1984 (Minotauro 1987)
  • Horror Music (Lucifer Rising 1996)
  • The Horned God of Witches (Lucifer Rising/Black Widow Records 2004)
  • Steve Sylvester – Friends of Hell (Cursed Coven 2006)
  • The Story of Death SS. 1977–1984 – Part Two (2008)
  • All the Colors of the Dark (2011)
  • Horror Music – Vol.2 – Singles, Outtakes & Rare Tracks – 1997-2007 (2014)
  • Rarities, Live & Outtakes – An Exclusive for the Cursed Coven (2019)
  • The Story of Death SS – Early Demos & Live Recordings 1977-1984 / The Horned God of the Witches (2019)
  • The Evil Singles – 1982 / 1997 (2020)
  • Special Eleventh (2022)
  • Horror Music Vol. 3 – B-Sides & Outtakes 2012-2022 (2023)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Death SS

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from Grokipedia
Death SS is an Italian heavy metal band formed in 1977 by vocalist Steve Sylvester in , renowned for pioneering horror metal through its fusion of occultism, horror imagery, erotic comics, and rock music, often performed in theatrical shows featuring members as classic monsters like vampires, mummies, and . The band emerged from the late 1970s Italian underground scene, drawing inspiration from acts like and horror films, with early lineups including guitarist Paul Chain (Paolo Catena), bassist Daniele Ugolini, and drummer Tommaso Castaldi. After initial demos and EPs such as the 1981 The of the Witches, the band effectively ended its original run in 1984 after lineup changes and the 1983 death of early bassist Daniele Ugolini, but Sylvester reformed it in 1988 in as his primary project, shifting toward a more consistent heavy metal sound with doom and industrial influences. Throughout its history, Death SS has released eleven studio albums, beginning with the debut full-length ...In Death of Steve Sylvester in 1988 and culminating in the 2025 The (released May 9, 2025), a 12-track esoteric exploration of produced by Tom Dalgety. The band's provocative themes of evil, , and perversion, combined with elaborate stage props sourced from abandoned cemeteries, have earned it cult status in Europe and influence over subsequent occult metal acts, including —whose frontman has cited Death SS as a key inspiration—and early pioneers like . Despite lineup changes and periods of inactivity (including 1984–1988 and 2009–2012), Steve Sylvester remains the sole constant member, embodying the band's enduring "Vampire" persona.

History

Formation and early years (1977–1984)

Death SS was formed in 1977 in , , by vocalist Steve Sylvester (real name Stefano Silvestri) and guitarist Paul Chain (real name Paolo Catena), who shared a passion for horror films, themes, and heavy rock influences. The band's name originated from the phrase "In Death of Steve Sylvester," later abbreviated to Death SS, reflecting Sylvester's initials and their macabre aesthetic. The initial lineup was completed with bassist Daniele Ugolini (Danny Hughes) and drummer Tommaso Castaldi (Tommy Chaste), who adopted horror-inspired personas such as and werewolves to enhance their theatrical visual identity during performances. Early live shows in the late featured provocative elements like stolen cemetery props, coffins, and Satanic imagery, blending heavy metal with punk energy and drawing opposition from audiences and authorities. The band recorded limited demos in this period, including the 1979 rehearsal track "Zombie" and the 1980 live recording "Terror," which captured their raw, occult-tinged sound, as well as the ultra-rare 1981 demo EP The Horned God of the Witches, produced in only two copies. These efforts helped establish Death SS in Italy's underground scene, where they gained a cult following as one of the country's earliest heavy metal acts despite minimal distribution. By the early 1980s, the group relocated to Florence, Tuscany, amid growing internal tensions. In 1982, Sylvester departed due to personal differences, prompting Chain to recruit vocalist Sanctis Ghoram (Piero Gori) and continue under his leadership. Under Chain's direction, the released their first official recording, the Evil Metal EP, in 1983, which showcased a gritty heavy metal style infused with horror motifs but received limited circulation. Conflicts escalated, including Chain's belief in a affecting the band—exacerbated by personal incidents like losing sight in one eye—leading to the group's disbandment in 1984. Chain then shifted to solo projects, such as Paul Chain Violet Theatre, while moved to seeking a fresh start. This cemented Death SS's foundational role in Italian horror metal, fostering a lasting underground cult status for their pioneering blend of theatrics and heaviness.

Reformation and revival (1988–present)

Following the band's initial disbandment in 1984, Steve Sylvester reformed Death SS in 1988 with a new lineup drawn from musicians in the Florentine area, securing a contract with the Discomagic label. This revival marked a shift toward a more structured heavy metal sound infused with themes, culminating in the release of their debut studio , ...In Death of Steve Sylvester, later that year. The album featured re-recorded versions of early tracks alongside new material, establishing the band's signature horror-metal aesthetic and garnering attention within underground metal circles. The band maintained momentum through the early 1990s with releases such as Black Mass (1989) and Heavy Demons (1991), both issued via small Italian labels, while undergoing frequent lineup changes that saw over two dozen musicians pass through the ranks, with Sylvester as the sole constant. By 2000, Death SS achieved a production milestone with Panic, recorded partially in the United States and helmed by acclaimed producer Neil Kernon, known for his work with Judas Priest and Queensrÿche; the album paid homage to the pagan deity Pan and represented a polished evolution of their sound. However, after two decades of intermittent activity, the group entered a hiatus from 2008 to 2012, during which Sylvester pursued horror film production and solo musical projects. The revival in 2012 brought renewed energy, including the launch of the Horror Music series of compilations and initial European tours to support fresh material. Post-revival, Death SS solidified their cult status with albums like Rock 'n' Roll (2018), a high-energy collection blending rock and metal influences, followed by X (2021), their tenth studio effort, which included tracks exploring and . The band's European touring expanded significantly from 2015 onward, featuring festival appearances at events such as Beyond the Gates in 2024, the Milano Summer Festival in 2023 where they shared the bill with , and Stige Fest in 2023. Lineup stability improved around 2022, with core members including keyboardist Freddy Delirio contributing to consistent performances. Recent years have seen digital reissues of classic albums like In Death of Steve Sylvester and in 2024, alongside festival slots such as Stige Fest in 2023. In 2025, marking their 48th anniversary, Death SS released the on May 9 via Lucifer Rising Records, an esoteric-horror work centered on and entities, produced by Tom Dalgety; this coincided with anniversary live shows, including a performance in on January 11, and European tour dates in November, such as in Padova and Fontaneto d'Agogna. These developments underscore the band's enduring appeal among heavy metal enthusiasts drawn to their theatrical occultism and relentless output.

Musical style and themes

Core characteristics

Death SS is renowned for pioneering the "horror metal" genre, characterized by a distinctive fusion of heavy metal riffs infused with occult rock atmospheres, punk-infused energy, and occasional forays into doom and speed metal elements. The band's sound often incorporates keyboards to evoke a gothic, eerie ambiance, creating layered intros, outros, and atmospheric bridges that enhance the macabre tone without overshadowing the raw guitar-driven aggression. This blend results in a theatrical heaviness that distinguishes Death SS from traditional heavy metal acts, emphasizing shock value and narrative-driven compositions. Lyrically, Death SS draws heavily from B-horror cinema tropes, featuring references to , vampires, werewolves, and , as evident in tracks like "Zombie," "Vampire," and "Black Mummy." Themes of , , and anti-religious satire are recurrent, often inspired by Aleister Crowley's philosophies of sexual magic and liberation, portraying horror as a vehicle for challenging societal norms and exploring desires. These elements combine to form a provocative style that satirizes religious dogma while celebrating the and sensual undercurrents of the . The band's visual aesthetics amplify their horror metal identity through elaborate theatricality, with live performances featuring full horror costumes, elaborate makeup, and props that transform members into archetypal monsters like or demons, a practice Death SS claims to have originated in the late . Album artwork further reinforces this, employing comic-book style imagery—such as post-apocalyptic hellscapes and satanic Templar figures—to evoke comics and cinematic frights, often illustrated by artists like Alex Horley. This consistent visual motif underscores the band's commitment to immersive, shock-rock spectacle. In terms of production, Death SS's early 1980s recordings exhibit a raw, gritty sound that captures the underground punk-metal ethos, with lo-fi fidelity enhancing the primal, demented energy of demos and initial releases. By the and beyond, their output evolved toward a more polished production, incorporating cleaner mixes and electronic enhancements while retaining the core theatricality, as heard in later albums where gothic atmospheres are refined without diluting the intensity. A defining aspect of the band's lore is its name, an acronym for "In Death of Steve Sylvester," symbolizing the founder's ritualistic rebirth through the rejection of his mundane identity in favor of an persona.

Influences and evolution

Death SS drew early inspiration from 1970s horror rock acts such as , whose theatrical shock elements shaped the band's -infused performances and gritty rock 'n' roll edge. Additional influences included pioneers like , , and T. Rex, which informed their punk-attitude fusion of and metal during the late 1970s demos, blending mid-paced riffs with dissonant speed and doom. The band also incorporated atmospheric prog and horror soundtrack vibes from Italian composers like , alongside metal forebears such as and Black Widow, emphasizing eerie, ritualistic tones in their foundational sound. Following their 1988 reformation, Death SS intensified their focus, transitioning from raw demo-era punk-metal hybrids to more structured heavy metal albums that prioritized narrative depth and professional production, as seen in works like ...In Death of Steve Sylvester. This era marked a heavier emphasis on esoteric themes drawn from and , evolving the band's style toward polished horror metal while retaining theatricality. By the 2010s, they integrated industrial and electronic elements, notably synth layers in the 2021 album X (also known as Ten), which fused traditional riffs with Rammstein-like chugs and atmospheric keyboards to expand their sonic palette. The band's evolution has positioned them as precursors to modern , with frontman repeatedly citing Death SS as a primary influence on his project's music, imagery, and thematic blend of horror and metal. Within the Italian metal scene, their pioneering horror aesthetics helped bridge 1980s underground experimentation to the 21st-century revival of theatrical metal, despite limited international recognition beyond status. Recent works like the 2025 The Entity further this progression, delving into human duality through inspirations from Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and James Hogg's The Confessions of a Justified Sinner, while maintaining esoteric-horror roots tied to Crowley's .

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Death SS, as of , consists of five core members who have been instrumental in the band's recent creative and live activities, particularly surrounding the release of their 2025 album . This configuration, solidified in 2022, has provided stability and a refreshed sound blending heavy metal with horror-themed atmospherics.
  • Steve Sylvester (vocals): Founder of Death SS in 1977 and the band's primary songwriter, Sylvester has served as continuously since the group's reformation in 1988 (with a hiatus from 2008 to 2012). He embodies the band's horror through theatrical stage performances and lyrical themes drawn from and narratives, anchoring the recent The Entity album with his signature demonic delivery.
  • Ghiulz Borroni (guitars, since 2022): Joining in 2022, Borroni contributes intricate guitar work, including technical solos that enhance the band's classic heavy metal edge on tracks from The Entity, such as "Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde." His addition has bolstered the group's live energy during 2023–2025 tours.
  • (bass, since 2022): Real name Dimitri Corradini, provides a solid rhythmic foundation on bass, supporting the heavier grooves evident in The Entity's production and contributing to the band's dynamic stage presence in recent European tours.
  • Unam Talbot (drums, since 2022): Also known as Emanuele Collato, Talbot delivers powerful percussion that drives the band's intensified sound on and live sets, adding propulsion to the horror-metal fusion since his integration into the lineup.
  • Freddy Delirio (keyboards, since 2012): Federico Pedichini has handled keyboards and synthesizers since rejoining in 2012, enriching the atmospheric and gothic elements that define Death SS's sound, particularly through eerie soundscapes on .
The 2022 influx of Borroni, , and alongside the established and Delirio has stabilized the band, enabling the completion and promotion of The —a exploring esoteric horror themes—while facilitating consistent touring activity through 2025.

Former members

Paul Chain (Paolo Catena), co-founder and guitarist from 1977 to 1984, played a pivotal role in shaping Death SS's original occult-infused heavy metal sound through his riff-heavy compositions and thematic contributions to early demos and live performances. His departure in 1984 stemmed from a desire to pursue a solo career, leading to the band's initial hiatus and his subsequent work in progressive and projects. Daniele Ugolini (also known as Danny Hughes), the original bassist from 1977 to 1978, provided the foundational rhythmic base for the band's early explorations, supporting the dark, theatrical style during their formative years in , . Ugolini died in 1983. Tommaso Coniglio (credited as Tommy Chaste or Tommaso Castaldi), from 1977 to 1979, was a foundational live performer whose energetic style drove the band's horror-themed stage shows and early recordings. His contributions helped establish Death SS's reputation for intense, occult-inspired performances in the late 1970s. Sanctis Ghoram (Piero Gori), who handled vocals from 1982 to 1984 following Steve Sylvester's temporary exit, marked a transitional post-Sylvester era by fronting the band on the Evil Metal EP and maintaining the horror metal aesthetic during a period of internal flux. Ghoram died in 2004. Ghoram's involvement bridged the original lineup's end, contributing to the raw, underground energy of the 1982–1984 recordings. The band experienced significant lineup flux from 1988 to 2008, with various guitarists such as Christian Wise (1987–1989), Kurt Templar, and Rev. Arthur Jack (active in the ) joining to support reformation efforts and album productions like ...In Death of Steve Sylvester. These musicians brought diverse influences, from industrial edges to classic heavy metal, amid creative differences and Sylvester's leadership changes. Later transients included drummer Bozo Wolff (Federico Pennazzato, 2012–2022), who filled percussion roles during the 2012–2022 period before departing amid lineup adjustments. This era highlighted the band's persistent evolution through short-term contributors.

Timeline

The lineup of Death SS has evolved significantly over nearly five decades, with founder Steve serving as the sole constant presence across all active periods. The band's original from 1977 to 1984 featured a core group representing horror archetypes, disrupted by Sylvester's exit in 1982. Following a hiatus from 1984 to 1988, the group reformed with Sylvester at the helm, experiencing frequent turnover until another hiatus after 2008. Revival in 2012 brought relative stability until a complete refresh in 2022, leading to the current configuration that remains intact as of 2025, following the release of .
PeriodVocalsGuitarsBassDrumsKeyboards/Other
1977–1982Steve Sylvester (1977–1982)Paul Chain (1977–1984), Gabriele Tommasini (1978–1982), Claud Galley (rhythm, 1977–1982)Danny Hughes (1977–1978), Various (1978–1982)Tommy Chaste (1977–1979), Various-
1982–1984Sanctis Ghoram (1982–1984)Paul Chain (1977–1984)Claud Galley (1982–1984)Various session drummers-
1988–1991Steve Sylvester (1988–2008)Christian Wise (1988), Kurt Templar (1988–1991), Jason Minelli (1991)Eric Landley (1988), Marc Habbey (1988–1991)Boris Hunter (1988–1991), Ross Lukather (1991)-
1992–1996Steve Sylvester (1988–2008)Al Priest (1992–1996)Andy Barrington (1992–1996)VariousFreddy Delirio (1994–1996)
1997–2004Steve Sylvester (1988–2008)Emil Bandera (1997), Felix Moon (1997–2004), Francis Thorn (2000–2004)Kaiser Sose (1997–2004)Anton Chaney (1997–2004)Oleg Smirnoff (2000–2004)
2005–2008Steve Sylvester (1988–2008)Al De Noble (2007–2008)Glenn Strange (2005–2008)Bozo Wolff (2005–2008)Freddy Delirio (2005–2008)
2012–2021Steve Sylvester (2012–present)Al De Noble (2012–2022)Glenn Strange (2012–2022)Bozo Wolff (2012–2022)Freddy Delirio (2012–present)
2022–presentSteve Sylvester (2012–present)Ghiulz Borroni (2022–present)Demeter (Dimitri Corradini) (2022–present)Unam Talbot (2022–present)Freddy Delirio (2012–present)

Discography

Studio albums

Death SS's studio discography spans over four decades, with ten releases as of 2025, characterized by a consistent exploration of horror, , and apocalyptic themes within heavy metal frameworks. Their albums have maintained a in the underground metal scene, with sales reflecting niche appeal rather than mainstream commercial breakthroughs. The band's debut full-length, ...in Death of Steve Sylvester, released in 1988 by Discomagic Records, established their raw horror anthems style, featuring tracks centered on classic monsters like vampires, , and werewolves, delivered with gritty, proto-doom production. Black Mass, issued in 1989 by Discomagic Records, continued the occult themes with a focus on satanic rituals and heavy riffs, solidifying their horror metal foundation. Heavy Demons, released in 1991 by Contempo Records, expanded on demonic possession narratives with faster tempos and theatrical elements, becoming a fan favorite in their early catalog. Do What Thou Wilt, their 1997 album on Red Light Records, incorporated industrial and doom influences while exploring Crowley-inspired occultism, marking a transitional phase in their sound. Panic, issued in 2000 via , introduced a more polished production with influences and a edge, though it received mixed reviews for its perceived shift toward a colder, more artificial sound compared to earlier works. Resurrection, released in 2013 by , revived their classic horror style with renewed energy after a period of inactivity, featuring tracks blending heavy metal aggression and occult storytelling. Rock 'n' Roll Armageddon, released in 2018 by Lucifer Rising Records, delved into apocalyptic themes with anthemic riffs and grandiose arrangements, blending the band's roots with straightforward heavy metal aggression. The ninth studio album, X, arrived in 2021 through Lucifer Rising Records, experimenting with elements amid traditional heavy metal structures, including tracks evoking satanic and mystical narratives. The Entity, their tenth studio album released on April 26, 2025, by Lucifer Rising Records, serves as an esoteric-horror comprising 12 tracks exploring possession motifs and literary inspirations including and figures like , marking the first effort with the post-2022 lineup overhaul led by Steve Sylvester.

Live albums

Death SS has released a limited number of official live albums, capturing the band's signature theatrical horror-metal performances during key tours. These recordings emphasize the raw energy and occult-themed presence that define their concerts, often featuring elaborate costumes, props, and interaction. Unlike their studio work, the live albums highlight the improvisational aspects of their shows, including extended intros and covers that enhance the ritualistic atmosphere. The band's first official live album, The Cursed Concert, was recorded during their early 1990s Italian tour and released in 1992 by Contempo Records. Capturing performances from a period of intense domestic touring following the Heavy Demons era, it showcases the raw, unpolished energy of the lineup featuring Steve Sylvester on vocals, with tracks like "Horrible Eyes" and "Vampire" delivered in a doom-heavy style amid audience chants and feedback. The album, spanning 17 tracks over 73 minutes, includes a medley opener of "Ave Satani" into "Peace of Mind," reflecting the band's emerging fusion of heavy metal with horror soundtrack elements. Its significance lies in preserving the chaotic, underground vibe of Death SS's pre-revival phase, where live shows were as much occult theater as music. In 2017, Death SS issued Beyond Resurrection via Scarlet Records (under the Lucifer Rising imprint), a double-disc set documenting highlights from their 2015–2016 European tour. This features 10 audio tracks and additional DVD footage of full concerts, emphasizing the post-reformation sound with polished production that contrasts the earlier rawness. Notable for guest appearances by former members, including guitarist on select tracks, it includes staples like "The Crimson Shrine" and "Heavy Demons," performed with enhanced symphonic and industrial flourishes. The underscores the band's evolved theatricality, with video elements capturing and horror props, solidifying their reputation for immersive live spectacles. Clocking in at around 70 minutes for the audio portion, it highlights setlist themes drawn from rituals and horror tropes, bridging their classic catalog with newer material. Despite active touring through 2023–2025, no new official live album has emerged post-2017, though unofficial bootlegs from recent European and Italian dates have gained cult status among fans for their unfiltered energy.

EPs and singles

Death SS's early EP output began with Evil Metal, their debut standalone release issued in November 1983 by the independent Italian label Metal Eye Records as a limited-edition 7" vinyl pressing of 1,000 copies. This pre-disbandment EP captured the band's nascent heavy metal style infused with and horror imagery, featuring three original tracks: "Chains of Death" (6:19), "" (3:42), and "Schizophrenic" (3:25). Following the band's 1988 reformation, Death SS bridged their original era with later developments through the Kings of Evil EP, released in by Metalmaster Records as a 12" vinyl (catalog MET 127). The EP included an extended of the title track "Kings of Evil" (4:32), a cover of "" from (5:50), and a previously unreleased live recording of "Murder Angels" (5:34), emphasizing their evolving theatrical horror rock aesthetic. Limited production due to a factory fire contributed to its collectible status among fans. Subsequent singles in the early 1990s expanded on these motifs, including the 1989 "" single on Metalmaster, which highlighted vampiric themes central to the band's imagery. In 1991, "?" appeared as a standalone single on Rosemary's Records, while "Heavy Demons / " served as another promotional 7" release that same year, tying into their album Heavy Demons. The 1992 "Straight to Hell" on Rosemary's (catalog 076) featured the title track alongside a cover of High Tide's "Futilist's Lament" and "Screams of the Damned," further exploring damned souls and infernal narratives in a concise format. Into the mid-1990s, Death SS issued "Zombie / Terror" in 1995 via , a split single pairing horror with apocalyptic dread, and "The Night of the " as a 7" vinyl single (catalog DEATH 02) that same year, evoking and nocturnal terror. These vinyl originals, often pressed in small runs, have seen modern reissues in digital and remastered formats, preserving the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and macabre storytelling. In the and , Death SS shifted toward digital singles for promotion, releasing tracks like "Out to Get Me" and "Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde" in 2024, followed by "Justified Sinner" and "Love Until Death" in 2025, drawn from sessions related to their album . These shorter releases maintain thematic consistency with horror and elements, distributed via platforms such as , and reflect the band's adaptation to contemporary formats while honoring their vinyl roots.

Compilations and other releases

Death SS has issued several compilation albums and box sets that compile early demos, rarities, and career-spanning selections, providing fans with access to otherwise scarce material from their extensive history. The band's first major compilation, The Story of Death SS 1977–1984, was released in 1987 by Minotauro Records as a vinyl LP featuring tracks recorded between 1977 and 1984, including demos like "Terror" (1977), "Murder Angels" (1979), and live recordings such as "" (1977), which capture the raw, horror-infused heavy metal of their pre-hiatus era. This release serves as an essential archival document of the band's foundational years, emphasizing their and themes through unreleased and demo versions. Following their revival in the late , Death SS produced retrospective collections that highlight their evolution. Horror Music: The Best of Death SS, initially released in 1996 by Lucifer Rising Records, aggregates key tracks from albums like ...In Death of Steve Sylvester (1988) and (1989), alongside remixes and rarities such as the extended "Kings of Evil," offering a post-revival overview of their industrial-tinged heavy metal sound. Later volumes in the series, including Horror Music Vol. 2: Singles, Outtakes & Rare Tracks 1997–2007 (2014, Lucifer Rising Records), expand on this by compiling B-sides, single edits, and outtakes like "Scarlet Woman" and covers such as "At Nightime" (Adamo), while All the Colors of the Dark: The Very Best of Death SS (2011, Under Fire Records) provides a double-CD with hard-to-find singles, demos, an exclusive cover, and one unpublished studio track, underscoring the band's thematic consistency in horror and the . Box sets and limited editions further enhance the band's miscellaneous output, often in collectible formats like vinyl. The 666 Box (2003, Lucifer Rising Records / Self Distribuzione), limited to 666 hand-numbered copies, contains six 7-inch singles with rarities, live cuts, and edits such as "Vampire (edit) / Come to the (live)" and "Horrible Eyes / Cursed Mama (edit)," functioning as a comprehensive snapshot of material up to the early . The band has also appeared on metal samplers, contributing tracks to compilations like Beyond the Realm of Death SS (2000, various artists), where covers of their songs by other acts highlight their influence, though these are not band-led releases. These compilations hold significant archival value for fans, preserving demos and outtakes that document Death SS's progression from doom-influenced heavy metal to more experimental industrial styles, while limited vinyl and editions appeal to collectors. Recent efforts, including Shadow Kingdom Records' 2024 reissues of classics like Heavy Demons (originally 1991) in digital and physical formats, have addressed gaps in availability, making early rarities more accessible through platforms like and streaming services.

References

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  6. https://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=122690
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  8. https://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-death-ss
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  10. https://www.discogs.com/artist/316312-Death-SS
  11. https://www.fuelrecords.it/?wp_artists=death-ss-2
  12. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Panic/2960
  13. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/X/1118333
  14. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/death-ss
  15. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/death-ss-3d725c3.html
  16. https://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/in-death-of-steve-sylvester
  17. https://www.neeceeagency.com/death-ss-long-awaited-new-concept-album-the-entity-out-now/
  18. https://en.concerts-metal.com/g-11907__Death_SS.html
  19. https://lastdaydeaf.com/death-ss/
  20. https://rafazardly.com/2023/03/03/death-ss-in-death-of-steve-silvester/
  21. https://heavymusichq.com/death-ss-interview/
  22. http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/deathss/indeathofstevesylvester.html
  23. https://www.metalrage.com/interviews/417/death-ss-the-best-horror-band-from-italy.html
  24. https://www.metal-rules.com/2022/02/05/death-ss-steve-sylvester-2/
  25. https://thecorroseum.org/rev/death-ss-the-cursed-singles.php
  26. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/89865/Death-SS-The-Entity/
  27. https://www.ironfistzine.com/2013/06/28/death-ss-interview-i-wanted-to-break-the-world/
  28. https://defendersofthefaithmetal.com/death-ss-ten/
  29. https://www.bnrmetal.com/v5/band/band/DeSS
  30. https://metal-temple.com/review/death-ss-the-entity/
  31. https://twitter.com/deathssofficial/status/1694058757070746068
  32. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/death-ss
  33. https://metalstorm.net/bands/band.php?band_id=3500
  34. https://www.discogs.com/master/231749-Death-SS-In-Death-Of-Steve-Silvester
  35. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/...in_Death_of_Steve_Silvester/12998
  36. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Black_Mass/2955
  37. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Heavy_Demons/2957
  38. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Do_What_Thou_Wilt/707782
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/2175959-Death-SS-Panic
  40. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/death-ss/panic/
  41. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Resurrection/456456
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/12490705-Death-SS-Rock-N-Roll-Armageddon
  43. https://www.discogs.com/master/2361766-Death-SS-X
  44. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/The_Entity/1333037
  45. https://defendersofthefaithmetal.com/death-ss-the-entity/
  46. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/The_Cursed_Concert/2958
  47. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Beyond_Resurrection/699636
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/2287618-Death-SS-Evil-Metal
  49. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Evil_Metal/22320
  50. https://www.lycanthropia.net/death-ss-evil-metal.php
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/2774645-Death-SS-King-Of-Evil
  52. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G6Jj3r7Uux76wZXsykcht
  53. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/The_Story_of_Death_SS_1977-1984/10190
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/3027513-Death-SS-Horror-Music-The-Best-Of-Death-SS
  55. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/Horror_Music_Vol._2/707905
  56. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/All_the_Colors_of_the_Dark_-_The_Very_Best_of_Death_SS/312536
  57. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_SS/The_666_Box/45683
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/3140825-Various-Beyond-The-Realm-Of-Death-SS
  59. https://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-demons
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