Vorkriegsjugend (), abbreviation VKJ, was an influential cult Deutschpunk/hardcore punk band from the squatter scene in Berlin-Kreuzberg, West Berlin, Germany. The band's name translates to English as "pre-war youth". Vorkriegsjugend existed as a band for only three years (1982–85), but is considered to be one of the most notable and influential German punk bands of the period . In 1983 Vorkriegsjugend released a double 7" record and an LP Heute Spaß, morgen Tod on Weird System Records. Only 900 records were pressed . In 1983 band members Heiland, Bomber, and Fuchs formed the band Zerstörte Jugend. This band was active through 1985, and their music evolved from hardcore punk to techno. Vorkriegsjugend, with the drummer Jürgen Heiland as the only band member from the original line-up, reformed in 1998 and self-released an EP called Widerstand dem Teutonenland. The band split up for good in 1999. The self-title LP is a rarity. The front cover painting was done by Lisa Deanne Smith (aka Lisa Bat). The 7" EP is even more rare than the LP. There was an official re-release as a 12" by New Face Records from Brazil in 1988. The original 7" had no second pressing and can be sold for more than 150 dollars which makes it one of the most expensive German punk records in history. In 2003 the band released Wir sind die Ratten (Kreuzberg Hardcore Punk 1982-1985) on Weird System Records. This cd is a remastered version of both the Heute Spaß, morgen Tod EP and the self-titled LP. Discography 1983 – Heute Spaß, morgen Tod (EP, first pressing as a double EP) 1984 – Vorkriegsjugend (LP) 1998 – Widerstand dem Teutonenland (EP) 2003 – Wir sind die Ratten (Kreuzberg Hardcore Punk 1982-1985) (compilation of the LP and the double EP) External links Band history bei Bier und Hartz 4 (in German) References Deutschpunk Musical groups established in 1982 Musical groups disestablished in 1985 German hardcore punk groups 1982 establishments in Germany