Pungent Stench |Pungent Stench |Hammerheart Records

Release Date November 28^th, 2025
Format LP/CD
Genre Death Metal
Country Austria

Pungent Stench emerged from the depths of Austria back in the late eighties, bringing a sickening mix of groove and gore to the developing death metal scene. Before they released their full-length classics, the trio of Martin Schirenc, Jacek Perkowski, and Alex Wank built their reputation on split releases and underground compilations. This self-titled collection gathers those earliest recordings into one package, documenting the band right before they gained wider notoriety. It serves as a history lesson on how twisted the underground sounded over three decades ago.

The studio side covers the material originally found on the split with Disharmonic Orchestra. These tracks are crude and abrasive. The sound remains thick and unpolished, preserving the analog production values of 1989. Tracks like "Pulsating Protoplasma" and "Dead Body Love" churn with a primal aggression. There is no digital cleanup here to sanitize the atmosphere. It sounds like a bunch of maniacs bashing out noise in a dungeon. The guitars have that distinct buzz, and the drums crash with a hollow thud that defines the era.

The second half offers a live set recorded at Rockhaus in 1989. Live recordings from this time period are often chaotic, and this session captures the erratic energy of a young band. It includes songs not found on the studio portion, giving a broader look at their early setlist. The audio quality is rough, which suits the music. It places the listener right in a sweaty club to witness the birth of something gross. The performance is loose and frantic, showing the group in their most natural state.

Hammerheart Records put together a compilation that appeals to the die-hard collectors. This is not for people who want pristine production or technical wizardry. It is for the freaks who worship the roots of the genre. The packaging includes the original artwork and liner notes, adding value for the physical collectors. "Pungent Stench" stands as a testament to the days when death metal was dangerous and disgusting. It is a raw document of a legendary act finding their footing.

Score: 7.5

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