The ghosts of the 1990s are getting a serious upgrade. Iconic band Primal Scream has announced the forthcoming expanded reissues of three foundational albums—‘Vanishing Point’, ‘XTRMNTR’, and ‘Evil Heat’—bringing the deeply experimental and raw sound of ‘The Bunker Trilogy’ back to life in spectacular new formats.
This collection isn’t just a reissue; it’s a deep dive into a period when the band forged some of its most uncompromising artistic statements. As frontman Bobby Gillespie reflected on their work, these albums stood as a complete antithesis to the self-absorbed and narcissistic landscape of UK music during the decade. They were documenting psychic dislocation, addiction, alienation, and a profound disgust with the world around them.
“We were making uncompromising aggressive experimental pop and rock music,” Gillespie noted. “We weren’t ‘Britpop’; we wanted to burn the flag, not wave it.” This sentiment sets the stage for why these albums—recorded at their North London studio, The Bunker—hold such a powerful place in the musical canon.
Now, Primal Scream is quietly ecstatic that this body of work can be released again. The new editions will feature not only remastered audio but also fresh material, including previously unheard mixes, rare B-sides, and illuminating new liner notes. This effort ensures that the entire legacy of ‘The Bunker Trilogy’ is available on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms.
The reissues will begin in August 1997 with the debut, ‘Vanishing Point’, followed by the follow-up, ‘Evil Heat’, in October 2002. These releases are timed to coincide with their full 2026 ‘XTRMNTR’ UK anniversary tour, creating a perfect convergence of history and celebration.
The content packed into these expanded collections is rich and rewarding. For instance, the ‘Vanishing Point’ reissues feature tracks like ‘Burning Wheel’ and ‘Get Duffy’, alongside bonus material such as the rarely heard ‘96 Tears’ B-side and exclusive mixes.
The ‘XTRMNTR’ collection continues this theme of raw energy, featuring tracks like ‘Kill All Hippies’ and ‘Exterminator’. The band even includes exciting bonus cuts, including remixes and previously unreleased material, such as the ‘MBV Arkestra (If They Move Kill ‘Em)’ and various remixes of classic tracks.
The ‘Evil Heat’ set brings a different kind of visceral intensity, showcasing powerful tracks like ‘Deep Hit Of Morning Sun’ and ‘Detroit’. Fans can also explore bonus content here, including rare mixes and B-sides that offer an even deeper look into the band’s creative process.
Beyond the albums, Primal Scream is turning the focus to live performance. They will kick off their ‘XTRMNTR’ UK anniversary tour with a two-night homecoming at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland on September 3 and 4, before heading to London for an event at HERE Outernet on September 15.
At each show, the band will deliver the complete ‘XTRMNTR’ album live, following their recent 25th-anniversary performance of the record at London’s Roundhouse in December. It promises to be a powerful return for fans ready to relive the energy and attitude of the era.
For those looking to explore the full scope of this historic body of work, all details regarding the expanded reissues and tour dates are available now.
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Credit: NME
