![phobia – slaughterhouse tapes [compilation]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Phobia-Slaughterhouse-Tapes-Compilation-cover.jpg "Phobia – Slaughterhouse Tapes [Compilation]")
Info
- Band(s): Phobia
- Label(s): Nuclear War Now! Productions
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD, Compilation
- Release Year: 2021
- Review Date: March 5, 2025
- Author(s): Ricardo
Once upon a time, long ago, in the era when Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci rose to prominence during the Italia 1990 World Cup Football, there were young teenagers in Norway who were not yet focused on Black Metal, but on Death Metal. Among them were Grutle Kjellson and Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved, who, along with Hein Frode Hansen (Theatre of Tragedy), had formed Phobia. This was a 5-member band with members aged between 12 and 18, with Ivar being the 12 year old self-taught guitarist in this historical story.
The band lasted no more than two years, after which the aforementioned individuals founded the bands they’ve become known for. During those two years, they released two demos, ‘The Last Settlement of Ragnarok’ and ‘Feverish Convulsions’. This compilation also include three rehearsal tracks and three previously unreleased songs on cassette or similar format.
The ‘Slaughterhouse’ referenced in this collection is Gamle Slaktehuset, a youth centre in Haugesund. More than just an ‘old slaughterhouse’, it was a crucible for young and up-and-coming bands, with its rehearsal rooms, studio, bustling bar, and raw performance space.
In terms of Old School Death Metal, Phobia leans towards Autopsy, Death Metal-era Darkthrone and the Paradise Lost demos as well as ‘Lost Paradise’, in other words, with quite a few Doom influences. Quality-wise, they are simply good demo tracks, keeping the spirit of the time in mind. The sound of the official demo is more than decent, with Ivar Bjørnson’s keys adding extra atmosphere. The sound of the rehearsals is somewhat less, which is to be expected, but still of a very respectable level, with the various instruments clearly audible. So, far from a muddled mess.
The latter part of 1991 saw Grutle and Ivar dramatically alter their direction, following a key discussion with Immortal’s Demonaz. Grutle and Ivar sensed Phobia’s impending end, and this paved the way for the formation of the three-piece Enslaved, named after the Immortal demo song ‘Enslaved in Rot’. Hein Frode Hansen left Norway and went to USA for work and after returning he founded Theatre of Tragedy.
For those who enjoy Old School Death Metal combined with an interest in historical background, like myself, this compilation is well worth it.
Nuclear War Now! Productions
- Country: USA
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp
