Despair - History of Hate - German thrash metal - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Despair's Pioneering Thrash Metal Odyssey

Despair's debut album,"History of Hate," defines German thrash metal's pinnacle. Released on a classic 12" Vinyl LP, the album from Dortmund unleashes relentless aggression and technical brilliance. Its thematic exploration of societal disillusionment adds depth, contributing to its influential status. "History of Hate" stands as a testament to Despair's pioneering impact on thrash metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's history. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

large album front cover photo of: Despair - History of Hate

"History of Hate" Album Description:

In the vibrant landscape of German thrash metal, a seminal chapter was written by the band Despair with their debut studio album, "History of Hate." Hailing from the industrial city of Dortmund, this record stands as a testament to the prowess and innovation that the German thrash metal scene brought to the forefront.

Released on the classic 12" Vinyl LP format, "History of Hate" not only marked Despair's entry into the metal arena but also left an indelible mark on the genre's history. As we delve into the world of this thrash metal masterpiece, it becomes evident that Despair's journey was characterized by a unique blend of aggression, technicality, and a thematic exploration of societal disillusionment.

The album opens with a sonic assault, setting the tone for the relentless energy that follows. The relentless drumming, intricate guitar riffs, and guttural vocals create a sonic tapestry that captures the essence of thrash metal's intensity. Despair, with "History of Hate," demonstrated a musical proficiency that showcased not only their technical skill but also their ability to craft memorable and impactful compositions.

Thematically, the album delves into the darker corners of the human experience, exploring concepts of hatred, despair, and societal discord. The lyrical content is a reflection of the band's engagement with the socio-political climate of their time, a trait shared by many influential thrash metal acts.

The iconic 12" Vinyl LP format adds a nostalgic touch to the listening experience. In an age dominated by digital formats, the analog warmth of vinyl brings an authentic and immersive quality to the music. Each track becomes more than just a collection of sounds; it becomes a journey through the grooves and spaces between, a tangible connection to the artistry of Despair.

"History of Hate" marked a significant chapter not only in the band's career but also in the broader context of German thrash metal. It paved the way for subsequent generations of thrash metal bands, influencing the evolution of the genre in Europe and beyond.

As we reflect on Despair's debut album, it's clear that "History of Hate" is more than just a collection of songs; it's a cultural artifact, a testament to the enduring power of thrash metal to channel the complexities of the human experience into a sonic landscape that resonates across generations. Despair's legacy lives on through the crackling sound of the needle on vinyl, a reminder of a time when thrash metal was not just a genre but a revolutionary force in the world of music.

Music Style: 

Techno Thrash Metal Music

Collector's information:

DESPAIR is a Speed/Thrash Metal band from Dortmund, Germany and was founded in 1986.

Album Production: 

Produced by Kampf/Sorychta and Despair

Sebastian Schönfelder - Cover Art

Stefan Lamm - Cover Art

Record Label Information:

  Century Media Records 001
Packaging: This album includes the original thick custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs "Despair" by and photo of the band. 

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

  1988 Made in Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: Despair History of Hate
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Robert Kampf - Lead Vocals

    Robert Kampf, the lead vocalist for the German Speed/Thrash Metal band "Despair" from 1986 to 1989, played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sonic identity. Beyond his contributions as a frontman, Kampf is renowned as the founder and owner of "Century Media Records." His dual roles as a musician and entrepreneur highlight his significant impact on both the band and the broader metal music industry.

  • Marek Grzeszek (1967-2013) - Guitars

    Marek Grzeszek, the guitarist for Despair, left an indelible mark on the band's sound. Tragically passing away in 2013, Grzeszek's guitar work on "History of Hate" showcased his technical prowess and creative flair, contributing to the album's intensity and musical complexity.

  • Warldemar Sorychta - Guitars

    Warldemar Sorychta, another guitarist for Despair, brought his skills to the band's dynamic. His collaboration with Grzeszek created a formidable guitar duo that played a crucial role in defining the band's signature sound during the late '80s German thrash metal scene.

  • Markus Freiwald - Drums

    Markus Freiwald, the drummer for Despair, provided the rhythmic backbone for the band's aggressive compositions. His precision and power on the drums added a relentless energy to "History of Hate," contributing to the album's overall impact.

  • Klaus Pachura - Bass

    Klaus Pachura, the bassist for Despair, held down the low end of the band's sonic spectrum. His basslines provided the foundation for the intricate guitar work and thunderous drumming, completing the band's lineup during a crucial period in their musical journey.


Track Listing of: Despair History of Hate
    Track-listing:
  • The Enigma 02:37
  • Freedom Now 03:37
  • History of Hate 04:23
  • Constructing the Apocalypse 08:09
  • Slow Death 04:11
  • Outconditioned 04:11
  • Slaves of Power 04:47
  • Joy Division 06:48
 

Despair - History of Hate High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of Despair - History of Hate
Front Cover Photo Of Despair - History of Hate

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover Despair - History of Hate
Photo of album back cover Despair - History of Hate

 

Photo of the original custom inner sleeve Despair - History of Hate
Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve  Despair - History of Hate

Five portrait photos of the Despair band-members

Close up of Side One Despair - History of Hate record's label
Close up of Side One Despair - History of Hate

Century Media Records, GEMA, 1988 Century Media Rec. 0001

Close up of Side Two Despair - History of Hate record's label
Close up of Side Two  Despair - History of Hate

A large "Eye" as artwork illustration on the record's label