Despair - Decay of Humanity

PREORDER — Estimated Shipping March 2026

• Format: 12″ LP (33⅓ RPM)
• First time on vinyl since 1990!
• Limited to 300 copies
  • 200 Black Vinyl
  • 100 Dark Orange Swirl Vinyl
• New vinyl master by Svante Forsbäck (Chartmakers)
• Double-sided insert w/ polylined inner sleeve
• For fans of Forbidden, Heathen, Paradox

A landmark of German progressive thrash returns to vinyl. Originally released in 1990, Decay of Humanity marked a major turning point for Despair, not only in sound, but in identity.

Following the departure of original vocalist Robert Kampf (who left to focus entirely on running Century Media Records), the band recruited Andreas Henschel, introducing a more melodic yet commanding thrash vocal style that complemented Waldemar Sorychta’s increasingly intricate songwriting.

With this lineup shift came a bold transformation. Despair moved beyond the straight-ahead style of their debut and embraced a more mature, progressive, precision driven thrash style. Mixed at the legendary Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, Decay of Humanity is often regarded as the pinnacle of the band’s catalog.

This limited vinyl reissue marks the album’s first-ever appearance on vinyl in the United States, and its first return to the format since its original 1990 European release. With a new vinyl master by Svante Forsbäck (Chartmakers), this critical yet often overlooked chapter of thrash history is now revived for longtime fans and a new generation alike.

Preorder Shipping Notice

If your order includes multiple items with different release dates, your entire order will ship together once all items are available. To receive items sooner, please place separate orders.