BLOOD STORM – pestilence from the dragonstar – GATEFOLD DOUBLE LP

400x black / doublemint green / cyan blue tri-color swirl w/ white splatter

BLOOD STORM’s second full-length stands as one of the most furious and overlooked works of American blackened thrash, a record that captures the band’s unrelenting energy and occult-driven vision with rare intensity. While many groups of that era leaned toward either technical precision or atmosphere, BLOOD STORM fused both chaos and clarity into something wholly their own.
From the opening moments, the guitars strike with savage precision, their tone sharp and abrasive yet full of character. The riffs slice through the mix like ancient weapons forged in the underworld, channeling the primitive force of early Sodom and Celtic Frost while maintaining the feral speed and aggression of Absu or Destroyer 666. Mezzadurus’ commanding vocal presence brings a ritualistic dimension to the music, his voice steeped in fury and mysticism. Each song feels like an invocation to cosmic powers, drenched in apocalyptic imagery and occult energy.

Tracks such as “The Chaos Magician,” “Death Thunder,” and “Successor to the Plague Gods” exemplify the band’s relentless consistency. Every riff ignites a storm of chaos, while the drumming drives the attack forward with unbroken momentum. The album flows like one continuous surge of energy, rewarding repeated listens as new details and rhythmic nuances emerge from the dense whirlwind of sound. The raw and unpolished production only enhances its impact, giving it a primal vitality that modern perfection could never reproduce.

Lyrically, Pestilence from the Dragonstar builds an entire mythos of its own, inspired by Lovecraftian dimensions, astral warfare, and ancient deities. This imaginative depth elevates the album far beyond standard black/thrash aggression, creating a soundscape that feels as mystical as it is violent. The result is a work that captures the spirit of true underground metal – fierce, visionary, and unapologetically extreme.

With this long-awaited vinyl edition, a crucial chapter of American blackened thrash finally receives the treatment it deserves. Pestilence from the Dragonstar remains a testament to BLOOD STORM’s singular power and creativity, a raging storm of occult energy that continues to sound as vital today as when it first struck. For those who seek music that burns with conviction and unearthly fire, this reissue is nothing short of essential.