Long-standing British independent record label Earache Records has acquired the majority of back-catalogue titles from American psychedelic black metal band Nachtmystium.

Formed by notorious frontman Blake Judd in Illinois in 2000, Nachtmystium stormed onto the scene with their raw, true-to-the-roots black metal sound, releasing their debut full-length Reign Of The Malicious in 2002. Following the band's second studio album, 2004's Demise, Nachtmystium expanded their style to incorporate more psychedelic elements, drawing influence from groups such as Black Sabbath and leading to comparisons as a darker, heavier Pink Floyd.

Earache's new deal with Nachtmystium includes the rights to five of the band's studio albums, four EPs, a demos collection, and a remixes and rarities album which was previously only released on YouTube.

Earache's Al Dawson comments: "We've been fans of Blake's music for a long time now and I am excited in the fact that we are now the official home of his extensive catalog of some of the finest American black metal ever."

Nachtmystium frontman and founding member Blake Judd comments: "I am proud to announce a new cooperation in the lengthy release history of Nachtmystium. I have teamed up with the folks at the legendary, UK-based metal label, Earache Records, to reissue the majority of Nachtmystium's back catalog recordings. Earache will also be releasing a brand new compilation LP of unreleased studio tracks, covers and remixes, titled Retox. Some of the back catalog titles will also feature brand new artwork, never-before-seen photographs, and all albums will feature extensive liner notes I have written specifically for each release.

These specific reissues will stand as the final versions of these recordings to be released, so I have worked closely with each artist featured on these releases and am currently working closely with Earache's production department to ensure that these reissues will honor each record appropriately and that we have created something special for the fans who choose to purchase these new (and final) versions of these albums and EPs."

Regarding the musician's previous and widely-publicised personal issues, Judd adds: "Many people on the internet, understandably due to some issues that occurred in the past that I am very ashamed of, will be quick to jump on me personally and most likely Earache as well for announcing new releases without having directly addressed and taken action regarding the past issues mentioned above. Of course, what is being referred to here, is the issue of unfulfilled orders. When these releases have been actually scheduled and given proper release dates, another press release will go out and within this will be an e-mail address created specifically for this project and detailed instructions on how to receive records/CDs from me directly if you, at any point in time, ordered a record, t-shirt, etc. and did not receive the item(s). More information concerning this will be in the press release announcing the official release dates for these recordings.

"Thank you all for your patience and I do hope to make things right with everyone I can who fell victim to my addiction issues by not receiving orders for music or merchandise. I intend on giving away every single record and CD I receive of these reissues if that's what it takes to make things right with the fans whom I wronged and did not fulfil orders for."

The full list of Nachtmystium titles acquired by Earache is as follows:

Reign Of The Malicious

Nachtmystium (EP)

The First Attacks - Demos 2000-2001

Demise

Eulogy IV (EP)

Instinct: Decay

Worldfall (EP)

Assassins: Black Meddle, Pt. I

Doomsday Derelicts (EP)

Addicst: Black Meddle, Pt. II

Retox: Remixes and Rarities

Lookout for the Earache re-releases of these titles on digital platforms in the coming weeks.