Stigmata Announces Hymns for an Unknown God Vinyl Reissue, Streams "Save Us"

Longstanding Troy, NY metallic hardcore bruisers Stigmata have announced the forthcoming vinyl reissue of their classic third full-length, Hymns for an Unknown God—originally released by Trainwreck Records in 1995 and Too Damn Hype Records in 1997. This will be the album's first time ever on vinyl—through Stigmata bassist Buddy Armstrong's own Unbeaten Records—in a limited edition first pressing of 200 copies on transparent blue vinyl. Pre-orders begin today, and certain bundled purchases will make you eligible for a chance to win a test pressing, no less!

Pre-order Hymns for an Unknown God

Hymns for an Unknown God was my first proper exposure to Stigmata—having been floored by their contributions to the East Coast Assault II: The Second Coming compilation in '97—and remains my personal favorite amidst the group's impressive and continually flourishing discography. An absolute masterpiece of relentlessly crushing '90s metallic hardcore, everything about this seven-track, 33-minute slab is just hard as hell. Revisiting it now, I still get chills—how could you possibly refrain from losing your shit as soon as that intro to "Murder of Life" kicks in!?

From its chugging, thrash-infused mosh grooves and dark melodies to the furious, burly vocals spewing bitterly apocalyptic lyrics—all topped off by massive production (compliments of the Cro-Mags' Harley Flanagan, who also lends backing vocals to epic closer "Burning Human")—Hymns for an Unknown God really found Stigmata truly coming into their own uniquely ambitious sound... which still packs just as much punch today.

Need proof? Here's the vicious lead track, "Save Us":

Take a fucking look at this place. Living like animals lost in disgrace. Turning away I can't stand the sight. Dying children in pain in the night. This fucking world gets worse every day. The price of progression now that we pay. Alone in the dark that time now swallows. State of depression a world of sorrow. Save us all from our own hell...