10/08/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BLACK MASS RETURNS ā ACHERONāS āRITES OF THE BLACK MASS: THE DEFINITIVE EDITIONā ARRIVES DECEMBER 5, 2025
Kenyon Records and High Roller Records announce exclusive European distribution partnership
USA / Germany ā The unholy flame of 1990s Satanic death metal burns anew this winter as Kenyon Records unleashes Acheron ā Rites of the Black Mass: The Definitive Edition on December 5, 2025. This monumental reissue marks the ultimate resurrection of one of underground metalās most blasphemous and influential recordings ā now completely remastered, expanded, and presented in a host of deluxe physical formats for true devotees.
In conjunction with this landmark release, Kenyon Records is proud to announce a new exclusive European distribution partnership with High Roller Records (Germany). This collaboration ensures that collectors and fans across Europe will have direct access to the labelās elite pressings, crafted with the precision and passion both labels are known for.
THE DEFINITIVE EDITION: AN IMMERSIVE CELEBRATION OF BLASPHEMY AND LEGACY
Painstakingly remastered in 2025 by Joe Viers (Sonic Lounge Studios), Rites of the Black Mass: The Definitive Editionhonors Acheronās unholy legacy with reverence and fire. Every format has been meticulously designed to uphold the original essence while elevating the sonic and visual experience for the modern collector.
THREE EXCLUSIVE VINYL VARIANTS ā DESIGNED BY EACH ORIGINAL MEMBER
1. Vincent Crowley Variant (Double LP Edition)
An infernal collectorās centerpiece personally designed by Acheron founder Vincent Crowley. Includes:
⢠2025 Remaster by Joe Viers (Sonic Lounge Studios)
⢠Both the 1992 album and the legendary 1991 Rites of the Black Mass demo
⢠180g heavyweight vinyl
⢠350gsm deluxe gatefold jacket
⢠24" x 24" poster of the iconic album cover
⢠Extensive liner notes by David E. Gehlke, based on interviews with all three original members
⢠8-page 12" x 12" booklet
⢠LP1 pressed on Deluxe Bloodshot Marble Vinyl
⢠LP2 pressed on Grimace Purple with Blood Red & Bone White Splatter
⢠Limited to 250 hand-numbered copies
2. Pete Slate Variant (Single LP Edition)
A visually striking edition featuring a color design conceived by original guitarist Pete Slate. Includes:
⢠2025 Remaster by Joe Viers (Sonic Lounge Studios)
⢠180g heavyweight vinyl
⢠350gsm high-quality jacket
⢠24" x 24" poster of the iconic album cover
⢠Extensive liner notes by David E. Gehlke, based on interviews with all three original members
⢠4-page 12" x 12" insert
⢠Pressed on Ultra Clear & Blue Vinyl with Gray, Brown, White, and Sea Blue Splatter
⢠Limited to 125 hand-numbered copies
3. Jim Strauss Variant (Single LP Edition)
A puristās dream forged by original drummer Jim Strauss, paying homage to the traditional black wax aesthetic. Includes:
⢠2025 Remaster by Joe Viers (Sonic Lounge Studios)
⢠180g heavyweight vinyl
⢠350gsm high-quality jacket
⢠24" x 24" poster of the iconic album cover
⢠Extensive liner notes by David E. Gehlke, based on interviews with all three original members
⢠4-page 12" x 12" insert
⢠Pressed on traditional Diehard Black Vinyl
⢠Limited to 125 hand-numbered copies
Picture Disc ā 2nd Pressing Edition
For those who crave visual decadence ā this reimagined picture disc captures the albumās unholy aura in full color. Includes:
⢠2025 Remaster by Joe Viers (Sonic Lounge Studios)
⢠The front features the iconic pentagram art
⢠Housed in a thick plastic protective sleeve with a folding flap
⢠Newly designed insert and back layout
⢠Limited to 200 hand-numbered copies
CD & CASSETTE EDITIONS
Double CD Edition:
⢠Features the 2025 remasters of both the 1992 album and 1991 demo
⢠Includes liner notes and rare photos
⢠20-page booklet housed in a spot UV gloss slipcase
⢠Limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies
Double Cassette Edition:
⢠Features the 2025 remasters of both the 1992 album and 1991 demo
⢠Includes liner notes and rare photos
⢠Presented in a butterfly double cassette case
⢠Each cassette includes its own 6-panel J-card and individual layout
⢠Encased in a slipcover, limited to 100 hand-numbered copies
NEW OFFICIAL MERCH LINE
To commemorate this definitive reissue, Kenyon Records has launched an all-new apparel and collectible line including:
⢠Hoodies, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts
⢠Trucker hats
⢠Embroidered beanies
⢠Full-size woven backpatch (14" x 11")
⢠Small woven patches (red or black trim)
⢠Die-cast enamel pin (2.25ā)
⢠4ft x 4ft tapestry/banner
⢠Collectorās sticker pack
All designs honor the original Rites of the Black Mass artwork and symbology, crafted with the highest-quality materials for true metal purists.
Originally released in 1992, Rites of the Black Mass remains a cornerstone of Satanic death metal ā an unholy alliance of blasphemous doctrine, dark atmosphere, and commanding musicianship. Over three decades later, Kenyon Records and Acheron have joined forces to give this classic the definitive treatment it has long deserved.