APEP - The Invocation of the Deathless One [CD]

IMAGES SHOWN ARE DIGITAL MOCKUPS, AND THE FINAL RESULTS MAY VARY.

THIS ITEM IS A PRE-ORDER WITH AN ESTIMATED SHIPMENT DATE AROUND OCTOBER 31, 2025. THE $10.99 PRICE WILL RESUME ON NOVEMBER 1.

We are excited to announce that Awakening Records will reissue APEP's acclaimed debut full-length album, "The Invocation of the Deathless One," on CD on October 31, 2025!

Named after a giant, serpent-like demon that embodies the ancient Egyptian mythos of chaos and darkness, German death metal band APEP draws its Egyptology-laden musical cues from well-respected bands such as NILE, NEPHREN-KA, RUDRA, MELECHESH, and BEHEMOTH.

Formed in 2016 out of the ashes of CARNAGE, the trio of drummer Merlin Friedrich, guitarist Oliver Pikowski, and vocalist Christopher Fleckeisen set out to create a more technical brand of death metal, combining it with an ancient aesthetic. Philip Kühn was added in 2017 as the second guitarist, while Henrik Osterloh took over his duties last year.

"The Invocation of the Deathless One" was initially independently released on January 31, 2020, and was well received by critics and fans alike, while also helping the band to establish a strong standing in their local metal scene.

There's a noticeable mystical presence throughout the eight tracks on "The Invocation of the Deathless One." APEP seamlessly integrates elements of traditional old-school death metal with a modern and technical approach, emphasizing melody, groove, and savage aggression. The band's anticipated build-up elements, melodic interludes, and Egyptian-laden lyrics add a majestic dynamic to the album's overall mystical musical journey. The reissue also includes a bonus track, an instrumental version of "Anubis' Denial," and retains the stunning original cover art by Italian artist Paolo Girardi.

Paying homage to Egyptian mythology on tracks such as "Banishing of Chaos," "Anubis' Denial," "Passing Through the Gate of Set-Hra," "The Black Pyramid of Nagash," and "Spell for Passing the Sandbank of Apophis" proves that APEP is authentically rooted in Egypt's ancient history.

Oliver Pikowski on the origins of APEP: "The basic idea of APEP was to have a more technical approach to old school death metal. Christopher and I have always had a huge interest in old Egyptian mythology, 'Lovecraftian' sagas, and archaic rites, and we want to include this in our music. We spent the next few years writing more songs until we finally finished the studio recordings for our first album in 2019. The recordings were made primarily at home (guitar and bass) and at a very good friend's studio. Thanks to the excellent work of (recording engineer) Patrick Engel, we were able to achieve the brutal, old-school sound we were looking for."

On the reissue from Awakening Records: "Li (Meng, owner of Awakening Records) approached us directly with the request to reissue "The Invocation of the Deathless One" on CD. He found the album so compelling upon listening that he wanted to make it available to a wider audience, including in China. Since the original edition was a self-release with a limited number of copies, we were naturally immediately enthusiastic about the idea. We are very happy that Li and Awakening Records have given us the opportunity to have our debut album professionally released on CD again."

APEP's "The Invocation of the Deathless One" is a hidden gem in the underground death metal scene. With this reissue from Awakening Records, the band will certainly gain more prominence.

— Kelley Simms

AWA 127 CD
APEP
The Invocation of the Deathless One

1. Whisperers in Darkness
2. Banishing of Chaos
3. Anubis' Denial
4. Passing Through the Gate of Set-Hra
5. The Black Pyramid of Nagash
6. Spell for Passing the Sandbank of Apophis
7. Parchment of Execution
8. The Invocation of the Deathless One
9. Anubis' Denial [Instrumental Version] [Bonus Track]

■ 16-PAGE BOOKLET
■ JEWEL CASE
■ LIMITED TO 1000 COPIES

Out on October 31, 2025