Morta Skuld / Vital Remains

Released in 1993 under the Peaceville sub-label Deaf Records, this split 7-inch EP showcases two seminal forces within the early 1990s death metal underground. Morta Skuld, hailing from Milwaukee, contributed to this release during their formative years, helping to establish the heavy, mid-paced style of death metal that defined their early output. Vital Remains, representing the burgeoning Rhode Island scene, provided a glimpse of the technical complexity and darker aesthetic that would eventually see them become icons of the genre.

The split was issued as part of a series intended to highlight emerging extreme metal talent, serving as a tactical promotional tool for both bands at a time when the death metal scene was undergoing rapid international expansion. The record reflects the raw, unpolished production sensibilities favored by labels like Peaceville during this era, aiming to capture the visceral intensity of the bands' live performances. The cover art and layout adhere to the minimalist, often lo-fi design standards typical of underground metal 7-inches of the early 90s, focusing on thematic gravity rather than ornate presentation.