The Dead Shall Rise! Germany's Death Metal outfit CASKET is not only one of the eldest exponents of the extreme metal underground, they are doubtlessly also one of the best kept secrets of their native scene. Already formed back in 1990, four young kids started to torment their instruments with savagery, fury and relentless brutality, but also with an overdose of enthusiasm and nonchalance. Soon this resulted in two early demo tapes entitled "'Ne Vollkanne" (1991) and "Demo '93", with which these boys'n'ghouls not only attracted the attention of their local scene, but also started to play several shows and local gigs.
But it was their highly acclaimed and meanwhile classic third demo tape, recorded in 1994 and entitled "Endtime", which earned CASKET a good reputation also within the international underground scene of the mid 90s. The mentioned six-track demo tape got raving reviews in the most important European underground magazines and cult fanzines such as VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE (Ger), ISTEN MAG (Fin), MORTICIANUMSKULL (Hol), CHAOS MAGAZINE (Ger), FEAR OF LIFE (Hol), DECIBELS STORM (Fra), MASTER OF BRUTALITY (Hol), EMANZIPATION MAG (Dan) or IMHOTEP (Nor), just to name a few.
Followed by the strong five-track demo tape "Meant To Be Dead" in 1996, which also got great attention in the international extreme metal press, it was finally time for the first full-length album of CASKET entitled "Under The Surface". Professionally recorded and unleashed upon mankind in 1998, their first CD included five brand new tracks as well as the old demo tunes "Decomposed Recollection" (taken from the "Endtime" tape) and "Dismal Philosophy" (taken from the "Meant To Be Dead" demo).
1. Intro
2. Hunting Time
3. Consultant Of Death
4. Riding To Gore
5. The Rising
6. The Beauty Of Darkness
7. Faces Of The Dead
8. Warhammer
9. Upright Decay
10. The Life I Die
11. Still Warm
12. Piece Of Loin