MORBID ANGEL, CARCASS, ENTOMBED, And More To Release Albums As KiT Editions

Earache Records is adopting KiT albums, a cartridge-based digital music format. These “Keep in Touch” albums, popular in South Korea with K-pop, connect to smartphones via an app, providing access to the audio. Each package will also include physical extras like liner notes and miniature memorabilia.

Tim Bailey, head of Earache Records, said: “It can be overwhelming with the world of digital music at your fingertips. The endless choice available means I rarely immerse myself in albums the way I used to. I flit between albums. I’m impatient. My attention span is broken. I rarely give new records my full attention. And it means I don’t have that same intense connection to my new favourite music the way I once did. The KiT album invites us to go deeper.

“I think KiT is already the most important physical format since the CD, and once music fans dive in and find the joy in it the way I have, I’ve no doubt it could be a major global player in the physical music world. Its unique combination of the tactility and scarcity of physical media and the portability and user-friendliness of the digital technology makes it the format for 2025 and beyond. 

“We can learn so much about music consumption and fandom from K-Pop. Nine million copies have been sold since 2017 in the genre from the likes of Seventeen, Blackpink and more. Whilst the avid collecting of exclusive photocards which has helped drive K-pop sales will be a less prevalent sales driver to rock and metal fans, rock fans similarly love the bands they follow.

“They want music that can be held in their hands, a piece of art to get lost in. A tangible, immersive experience that connects them to their favourite artist.”

You can order them at this location.

The initial batch of releases includes the following:

At The Gates – Slaughter Of The Soul
Bolt Thrower – Realm Of Chaos
Buckcherry – Road Like Thunder
Carcass – Heartwork
Entombed – Left Hand Path
Godflesh – Streetcleaner
Kris Barras Band – Halo Effect
Massive Wagons – Earth To Grace
Morbid Angel – Altars Of Madness
Municipal Waste – The Art Of Partying
Napalm Death – Scum
Skindred – Smile
Sleep – Sleep’s Holy Mountain
Wormrot – Hiss
Those Damn Crows – God Shaped Hole