Deathhammer Announce New Album ‘Crimson Dawn’, Promise More Filthy Blackthrash Mayhem

The Norwegian lunatics in Deathhammer are back to ruin your summer in the best possible way. Their sixth full-length slab of blackthrash chaos, Crimson Dawn, drops August 29 via Hells Headbangers, just in time to melt what’s left of your face before fall. As always, you’ll be able to grab it on CD, vinyl, and cassette—because of course they’re still doing tapes.

Now two decades into their reign of filthy, beer-soaked riffage, Sadomancer and Sergeant Salsten remain the undisputed kings of the underground blackthrash sewer. Yeah, we know “blackthrash” gets thrown around like elbows at a third-rate Slayer tribute show, but when it comes to Deathhammer, that label doesn’t even come close to doing justice. This band bleeds the raw, unfiltered spirit of early Sodom, the manic speed of Razor, and enough hellfire to burn down a cathedral.

Since their 2010 debut Phantom Knights, Deathhammer have been consistently blasting out rippers, with Onward to the Pits (2012), Evil Power (2015), Chained to Hell (2018), and Electric Warfare (2022) cementing their status as underground legends. Now Crimson Dawn looks to be their most feral and unhinged record yet.

For the first time ever, Sadomancer and Salsten swapped guitars on each other’s songs—a minor shift with major impact. That means the whole record hits harder, faster, and even more Deathhammer than usual. Sadomancer put it best: “It sounds just as violent as we hoped for.” Mission fucking accomplished.

The record’s production is the sharpest they’ve ever had, thanks to Arild M. Torp (of Nekromantheon and Abhorration) on mixing duties. There are also face-melting guest solos from Torp on “Legacy of Pain” and Bowel Ripper of Impugner on “Stygian Lust,” a track that’s been fermenting in hell for nearly 20 years.

Bottom line: if you like your metal unhinged, barbaric, and proudly devoid of any modern polish, Crimson Dawn is going to hit like a steel-toed boot to the sternum.

Pre-orders are live now. You know what to do.