This is a piece of underground history few get to hear.
In early 1987 — specifically around February after John Christ officially joined Samhain on February 2nd following auditions — the band captured some intense rehearsal moments. Christ (who’d connected through London May initially) was integrating his guitar style, while May’s powerful, relentless drumming was still powering the rhythm section. This short-lived configuration (Glenn on vocals, Eerie Von on bass, Christ on guitar, May on drums) only lasted weeks before lineup changes led to the birth of Danzig proper.
The tape includes rough, live-in-the-room runs through key songs that would define the era: “Twist of Cain,” “Trouble,” “Possession,” and “When Death Had No Name.” No click tracks, no polish — just pure Samhain intensity, tension, and that unmistakable occult-tinged atmosphere Glenn was honing.
Sourced from an original recording, preserved for the faithful. Stream the full thing embedded here, or grab the download for your collection.
A must for anyone tracing the path from Samhain’s grim evolution to the Danzig sound. Enter if you dare.