New releases last four weeks: Punk/Hardcore

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Initium would serve as the debut full-length from death-rock horror-punk outfit Samhain; the brainchild of Glenn Danzig (or Evil Elvis). Opting to disband Misfits in favour of redirecting his creative juices into a project he maintained more rigid control over, with the title even translating from Latin to English as "beginning", the LP marked a simultaneous embracing of more metallic, gothic rock and malevolent balladry, distancing itself from the Misfits' breakneck hardcore chaos. Arriving less than a full year after Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, the transitional growing pains are evident with deep cut 'Archangel' being originally penned with Misfits bassist Jerry Only, while 'Horror Biz' is actually a re-worked version of the early Misfits single 'Horror Business'. Featuring Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar on several tracks, along with Reagan Youth bassist Al Pike making a singular appearance, four decades on Initium continues to resonate as a vital piece of punk rock/deathrock/horror-punk history with its laying of influential foundations.