Hooded Menace has always been one of those bands that dooms harder and deader than anyone else, with a sound forged in horror, distortion, and slow-motion decay. With Gloom Immemorial, they’ve dug deep into their crypt of demos, 7”s, and splits to unearth a collection that’s as essential as it is obscure. Released in 2022 by Hammerheart Records, this 2xLP black vinyl edition isn’t just a rehash — it’s a celebration of the band’s legacy and loyalty to their fans.

This compilation spans eight years of releases, including rare tracks from splits with underground legends like Coffins, Anima Morte, Asphyx, and Ilsa, alongside early versions of songs that would later end up on their crushing debut Fulfill the Curse. The tracks are presented chronologically, giving you a front-row seat to how Hooded Menace evolved — from their raw demo origins to the funeral march behemoths we now know and love.

Musically, you get everything you’d want from the Menace: massive, crushing doom riffs, buzzsaw death metal tone, eerie melodic undercurrents, and that gloom-soaked horror aesthetic pulled straight from the grave. There’s no filler here — every track is a deliberate part of the band’s history, and every minute drips with funeral rot and thick atmosphere. The sound is unmistakably old school, but the remastering keeps things punchy and listenable without losing the murk.

The packaging? Top-tier. This release comes with a detailed insert featuring the original artwork from each release, lyrics, and rare photos from the band’s early days — a collector’s dream if you’re into physical formats and total immersion. It’s the kind of record you spin during rainstorms, reading obscure zines by candlelight, while the scent of damp earth creeps through the walls.

If you’ve followed Hooded Menace from the start, or if you’re just now crawling into their world of doom-laden death, Gloom Immemorial is an absolute must. It’s not just a release — it’s a portal into the band’s formative years, preserved like a cursed grimoire pressed on wax.