In 2016, a 4chan user found an interesting CD at a secondhand store labeled “D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L”. Interested to hear some hardcore tunes, the user bought it and went to play it. The strangest thing is that this wasn’t a metal CD at all, it was a lo-fi album filled with hypnotic synths and dreamy drums, but the audio quality was ruined by the disc rot it had gathered for however long it festered in solidarity. After their crazy discovery they had to share the story with the world. The CD became lost media, and 4chan users searched everywhere for the creators, a band called Panchiko, as well as the original songs that they made. Eventually, in 2020, a different 4chan user found one of the members of the band and messaged him “Hello, you’ll probably never read this, but are you the lead singer of Panchiko?” Panchiko would re-release the project on streaming services soon after as D>E>L>U>X>E>M>E>T>A>L, adding unreleased songs as well as the rotted versions to keep the magic alive. 

As for the album itself, the tracks tell stories of people lost to time, distant relationships, and much more. The album opens with the title track D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, a song that lives up to the expectations that the 4chan post, with high quality production and chilling vocals. The next track Stabilisers for big boys stands out with its rock inspired soundscapes and melodies, easily a highlight on the album. Then there’s CUT, which sounds like you’re spacing out at the edge of the galaxy, it’s an easy favorite.

Between the story of D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L’s release, its unique and inspired sound, and its status in internet history, it cements itself as a classic indie album in the hearts and minds of listeners everywhere.