
Living Death originated in Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and was formed in 1981 by brothers Reiner and Dieter Kelch. The band’s original lineup consisted of Thorsten “Toto” Bergmann on vocals, Frank Fricke on guitar, Dieter Kelch on bass, and Reiner Kelch on guitar. Drummer Andreas Oberhoff joined shortly after, establishing the first stable formation of the group. Living Death began their career performing in local clubs and quickly earned a following in the German heavy metal underground.
Their debut album, Vengeance of Hell, was released in 1984 on Earthshaker Records. Despite production limitations, the album attracted attention for its raw sound and high-energy speed/thrash metal compositions. Tracks such as “You and Me” and “Riding a Virgin” gained traction among fans of the genre and were noted for their aggressive style. Following the release of their first album, Living Death released the Watch Out! EP in 1985, which marked a transition towards a more refined sound and showcased the band’s evolution as musicians.
In 1986, Living Death released their second full-length album, Metal Revolution, on Aaarrg Records. The album featured songs like “Screaming from a Chamber” and “Deep in Hell,” further solidifying their reputation in the German and European metal scenes. The record received positive reviews within underground metal circles and helped expand their audience beyond Germany.
The band’s third studio album, Protected from Reality, was released in 1987. This album included tracks such as “Horrible Infanticide” and “Wood of Necrophiliac.” With this release, Living Death embraced a more technical approach, incorporating complex song structures while maintaining their thrash roots. During this period, the band also issued the Back to the Weapons EP in 1986, containing additional material that further enhanced their catalog.
Personnel changes followed the release of Protected from Reality, with the departure of original members and the introduction of new musicians, including guitarist Fred Dreckmann and drummer Atomic Steif. The group’s fourth album, Worlds Neuroses, came out in 1988 and included tracks like “Down” and “Bastard Saviour.” The album maintained the band’s tradition of aggressive riffing and intense themes.
Back to the Weapons, Watch Out!, and Live were among the EPs and live recordings Living Death issued throughout their career, giving fans access to non-album material and live performances. In 1989, Living Death released their fifth and final studio album, Killing in Action. This record reflected the band’s continued evolution, with new elements in their sound, and was supported by a series of live appearances.
Throughout their career, Living Death became associated with the German thrash and speed metal movement, performing alongside contemporaries in the scene. Although their releases did not generate mainstream chart success, the band maintained a loyal following in the metal underground. Living Death’s discography includes Vengeance of Hell (1984), Metal Revolution (1986), Protected from Reality (1987), Worlds Neuroses (1988), and Killing in Action (1989), as well as several EPs and live albums.
The group did not receive major industry awards but is recognized among metal fans for their contributions to the German speed and thrash metal movement. Band members have been involved in other musical projects after Living Death’s split, including Mekong Delta and Sacred Chao. The band was active from 1981 to 1992, after which they disbanded.
Living Death’s work is documented through studio albums, EPs, and live recordings, reflecting their active participation in the German and European metal scenes during the 1980s. No major details are recorded in the public domain regarding charitable work or high-profile activities outside of music.
Complete List Of Living Death Songs From A to Z
- Bastard (At The Busstop) – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Bloody Dance – Back To The Weapons – 1986
- Child Of Illusion – Back To The Weapons – 1986
- Daily Life – Killing In Action – 1991
- Deep In Hell – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Die For (For What We Lie For) – Killing In Action – 1991
- Die Young – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Dire Weak Up – Killing In Action – 1991
- Down – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) – Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) – 1987
- Grippin’ A Heart – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Hang ’em High – Killing In Action – 1991
- Hearteater – Killing In Action – 1991
- Heavy Metal Hurricane – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Heavy Metal Hurricane (Remixed Version) – Watch Out! – 1985
- Hellpike – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Horrible Infanticide (Part One) – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Horrible Infanticide (Part One) – Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) – 1987
- Intro ∙ Shadow Of The Dawn – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Intruder – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Killing In Action – Killing In Action – 1991
- Killing Machine – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Labyrinth – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Last Birthday – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Living Death – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Manila Terror – Protected From Reality – 1987
- My Victim – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Natures Death – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Night Light – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Nightlight (Remixed Version) – Watch Out! – 1985
- Nuclear Greetings – Back To The Weapons – 1986
- On The 17th Floor – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Panic & Hysteria – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Polymorphic – Killing In Action – 1991
- Riding A Virgin – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- Road Of Destiny – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Ruler Must Come – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Sacred Chao – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Screaming From A Chamber – Metal Revolution – 1985
- Shizophrenia – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Stand Up – Killing In Action – 1991
- The Galley – Protected From Reality – 1987
- The Testament Of Mr. George – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- The Way (Your Soul Must Go) – Back To The Weapons – 1986
- Tribut Of Gutter – Killing In Action – 1991
- Tuesday – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- Vengeance (Horrible Infanticide Part Two) – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Vengeance (Horrible Infanticide Part Two) – Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) – 1987
- Vengeance Of Hell – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- War Of Independence – Protected From Reality – 1987
- Watch Out! – Watch Out! – 1985
- Wood Of Necrophiliac – Protected From Reality – 1987
- World Weariness – Killing In Action – 1991
- Worlds Neuroses – Worlds Neuroses – 1989
- You And Me – Vengeance Of Hell – 1984
- You And Me (Remixed Version) – Watch Out! – 1985
Albums
Vengeance Of Hell (1984): 9 songs
Metal Revolution (1985): 8 songs
Protected From Reality (1987): 9 songs
Worlds Neuroses (1989): 10 songs
Killing In Action (1991): 10 songs
Watch Out! (1985): 4 songs
Back To The Weapons (1986): 4 songs
Eisbein (Mit Sauerkraut) (1987): 3 songs
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