24-bit / 44K HD audio master.

Formed anno 1994, German black metal act DARK FORTRESS have established themselves in the top ranks of the genre with fascinating full-length masterpieces that meet the standard created mostly in northern Europe’s prolific scenes with ease. For the past two decades, DARK FORTRESS have gone from strength to strength. Across seven full-lengths, the Landshut-based sextet stretched the boundaries of black metal, while remaining pure to the tenets of a genre that pivoted (and continues to do so) solely around the axis of the dark and all that resides hideously inside of it.

But right now, in 2017, it is time to look back at the very beginnings of this ambitious group by releasing restored and remastered recordings created between 1996 and 2002. Their second album, 2003’s “Profane Genocidal Creations”, recorded within a mere two weeks with iconic producer Pytten (Immortal, Enslaved, Mayhem etc.), required more work in terms of remastering. “We simply booked way too little studio time”, V. Santura admits. “We even thought that we might be able to do the mix within this time frame. With the experience that I have now I know that it is completely unrealistic to make an album like “Profane Genocidal Creations”, an epic monstrosity of 68 minutes, in such a short period.” While the possibilities of remastering have certain limitations, the whole record sounds more refined and better balanced than its original edition, which is a pleasure to V. Santura, too. “Now, I can actually enjoy listening to some of the songs for the first time.”

A visual revelation during the creation of these reissues occured when approaching the cover artwork of both albums. Painted by Kris Verwimp (Absu, Enthroned, Marduk…) and completely newly scanned in late 2016 for these reissues, label and band were quite surprised realizing the colouring of the original CD pressings was far from the actual art. “Tales…” had a severe purple touch, “Profane…” a very greenish one, thus with these reissues, fans can finally see all details of such beautiful paintings in their original colours! So, look forward to re-visit and re-experience milestones of DARK FORTRESS’ history.

This reissued edition contains two bonus tracks, with Dark Fortress paying respect to their predecessors by covering songs from both Emperor ("I Am The Black Wizards") and Unanimated ("Eye Of The Greyhound").