Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Turritopsis nutricula/Self Titled/2011 EP Review


  Turritopsis nutricula are a band from Slovenia that plays a very atmospheric and depressive form of black metal and this is a review of their self titled and self released 2011 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized on the outro they bring a very dark and evil ambient sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding depressive black metal riffs mixed in with some dark sounding melodies as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing that uses a good amount of full chords to enhance the darkness of the music and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding black metal growls and high pitched depressive black metal screams with a brief spoken word part being used on one song, while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Turritopsis nutricula are a very great sounding raw and primitive atmospheric/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Until The Grim Master Invites Us To Dance". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.myspace.com/turritopsisnutricula

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Kolga/Demo/Lundr Records/2012 EP Review


  Kolga are a band from Michigan that plays a form of post black metal mixd with some dark and doom metal influences and this is a review of their 2012 Demo which was released by Lundr Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with only a small amount of fast playing and blast beats , while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized briefly they being a very dark, atmospheric and pagan sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast post black metal riffs that also utilize influences from shoegaze, dark and doom metal with a great amount of dark sounding melodies that gives the music a very progressive sound mixed in with some clean playing while still retaining the raw and primitive nature of the genre while the lead guitars bring an ambient/shoegaze feeling to the music with a  lot of weird distorted effects.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover dark and pagan themes, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy sound to it.

In my opinion Kolga are a very great dark and atmospheric sounding post black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Out Of The Wood". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Arch Daeva/Illuminates Of Thanateros/2012 Demo Review


  Arch Daeva are a band from Greece that plays a very raw and primitive form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2012 demo "Illuminates Of Thanateros".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music, while the sound effects which are used on the intro bring a very dark and occult sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them .

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies and a thrash feel and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark, occult and left hand path themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Arch Daeva are a very great raw and primitive sounding occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Illuminates Of Thanateros" and "Dagon Ascending". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Archdaeva/Illuminates_of_Thanateros/328624

Cara Neir/Stagnant Perceptions/2011 CD Review


 Cara Neir are a band from Dallas, Texas that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crustcore and screamo and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Stagnant Perceptions".

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while  the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some influences from crustcore and screamo to create a sound of their own as well as some dark sounding melodies mixed in with a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark and distorted sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times that are a combination of death metal and crustcore, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Cara Neir are a very great and original sounding raw and primitive black metal with a crustcore and screamo edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Imperialist Design" "Dethroned And Leprous" "Amaranthine Fingers" and "My Apology". RECOMMENDED BUY

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Welkin Dusk/Born Into A Dying World/2011 Cassette Review


  Welkin Dusk are a band I recently reviewed a demo from with a style that mixes raw and primitive sounding black metal with crustcore and this is a review of their self released 2011 cassette "Born Into A Dying World".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing is a little bit more mixed down on this recording with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and on certain songs they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs mixed in with some dark sounding melodies while still retaining some of the crustcore influences from their first demo and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording with maybe a couple of punk rock style leads being used on one song briefly.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some crustcore style growls and shouts, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great release from Welkin Dusk and if you where a fan of their previous recording you will enjoy this one as well, in addition there are some re-recorded songs from that demo. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Buried Deep In My Hate" "All That Sacred is A Lie" and "Gasping". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Welkin Dusk/Demo 2010 Review


 Welkin Dusk are a band from Chicago, Illinois that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crustcore and this a review of their 2010 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with a great amount of crustcore influences, while the lead guitars are very primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads with a slight melodic edge on the last song.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams and crustcore style growls, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Welkin Dusk are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band mixed with crustcore and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Entrapped" and "Welcome To The Penitentiary". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Ramlord/4 Song Review

This is a review of the 4 songs from a split album Ramlord did, which had their previous recording reviewed in this zine that plays a raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crust,  stenchcore and sludge.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that still retain a black metal edge but concetrate more on the sludge and crust riffing with this recording and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals on this recording are mostly crust/grind style growls with not much of the black metal screams that where on the previous recoring, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was a decent recording from Ramlord and this is a good for a crust record but I prefer the more black metal side of the band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Restrained" and "Relapse". RECOMMENDED

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Ramlord/Stench Of Fallacy/2011 Cassette Review


 Ramlord are a band from New Hampshire that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crust, power violence and stenchcore and this is a review of their self released 2011 cassette "Stench Of Fallacy".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also combine influences from crust, stenchcore, sludge and power violence to create their own style of black metal with a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars which are utilized briefly have a 70's stoner rock feeling to the leads and solos.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams and crustcore style growls with some samples being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Ramlord are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal/sludge/crustcore hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Wolves Of Isolation" "Godcrusher" "First breath/Last breath" and "Total Doom". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Irdorath/Dekonstrukteur Des Fleisches/ Massacre Records/2012 CD Review


Irdorath are a band from Austria that plays an extreme form of black metal mixed in with some death metal influences and melody and this is a review of their 2012 album "Dekonstrukteur Des Fleisches" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast playing with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the keyboards when they are utilized they bring a very dark and atmospheric feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are not raw or primitive at all with some influences from death and thrash metal mixed in with a good amount of dark melodies as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics are written in German and cover darkness, death and damnation, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Irdorath are a good band for their style of black metal and while this is not my favorite style of the genre I still feel the band does it well and if you are a fan of black metal that is more catchy with a more modern metal sound, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Dekonstrukteur Des Fleisches" "Unter Flammenden Laternan" "Das Stolze Tier" and "Taubhiet". RECOMMENDED BUY

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Nesseria/Self Titled/Throatruiner Records/2010 CD Review


Nesseria are a band from France  that played a very raw and primitive form of black metal on this recording mixed in with some crustcore and sludge and this is a review of their self titled 2010 album which was released by Throatruiner Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some influences from crustcore and sludge with some songs being hardcore influenced while the lead guitars when they are utilized briefly have a death metal feeling to the leads without turning into guitar solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with a brief spoken word passage on the last song, while the lyrics are written in French with themes that cover darkness and hatred, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nesseria play a decent form of raw and primitive black metal mixed in with some sludge and crust influenced and the only complaint I have about the recording is some of the hardcore ridding other than that, this is a good album and if you are a fan of this style, you should c heck out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "A Ceux Qui Nous Ont Lâchés" "Arkhangelsk" "Pyramide" and "Les Filles De Dieu". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Haeresiarchs of Dis Interview


1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days?
The next full release is tentatively entitled “Sermon 31: Clavicle: 1-6 the Third Trine of Satyr’s Cross”. This album is more conceptual than the previous releases, written in a linear narrative that tells the tale of a place called Satyr’s Cross where realities intersect and are erased. While this album has been demoed out for quite some time (a preview is posted on mySpace), I have held off on finishing while I addressed some recording and production considerations. The last two releases “Denuntiatus Cinis” and “In Obsecration of the Seven Darks” were both recorded at the same time and in the same manner. I wanted to step back and take more time thinking about composing and recording. To keep my forward momentum I decided to change up my recording methods and practices, thus offering something slightly different. I do not want to make the same album. So while the new album is completed, it is done with scratch tracks, and the re-recording these tracks I expect to occur throughout winter and spring. There is also a split coming out with Ophidian Forest on UW Records later this year. This split will be material from the now out of print Dis demo released on Toadstool Enterprises in 2010, though re-mixed. I try to post updates to the mySpace site regularly, and there are some feeds from that blog posted on metalunderground and other sites.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
With the new upcoming release, “Sermon 31: Clavicle: 1-6 the Third Trine of Satyr’s Cross”, I would say the sound offers something new while maintaining the Haeresiarchs of Dis format and style. While I freely experiment with Haeresiarchs of Dis, it will always have the same backbone, same flavor: underground metal wet in the occult, religion, and the sick areas of the human condition. Lyrically, the narrative that I use on “Sermon 31” will stand out as different being a continuous piece of prose, though will still maintain the darker themes and ideas I put forth on previous releases. Aside from some different equipment and software, expect the new material to contain all the hallmarks of Haeresiarchs of Dis: fast riffs, slower drones, choirs, ambient, and some acoustics. This album is also written without large breaks between tracks as it is intended as a single conceptual piece.

3. I know that some of the lyrical topics are based on Paradise Lost and some Celtic Myths, what are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?
There is mythology in there, and there is Milton as well. While it really depends on which album we can add Dante, cosmology, occult, philosophy, and the black plague to name some.

4. Have you worked with other musicians before and so how would you compare that to being solo?
I spent many years playing with other musicians in various types of bands. Everyone always had a different idea of what should be done and how. Sometimes it really fueled creativity, but more often it caused problems. I think when I played with others they were just the wrong people and ultimately I lost interest until it became possible to do everything myself. It was a fine experience for the time, but this type of project really is a solo effort, and I do not think it could be anything else. I never set out for this to be a solo effort, it just happened, but it has also been the most rewarding. Therefore, the best means and experience for me to express this creativity is alone.

5. I noticed you use the name Cerrunos what is it that drawn you to this Celtic diety?
Really the first thing that drew me to it was some old stone reliefs I saw in a book. But beyond that my background has celtic roots, and the seemingly ageless entity of Cernos, or Cernunnos, just kept my attention and seemed appropriate. “The Horned One”… Just felt like a good match to my ideals and interests.

6. Your album had an Emperor cover, what was the decision behind that?
It just happened. I was practicing with various amps and recording tone levels. Next thing I knew I had recorded most of Ensorcelled by Khaos, so decided to finish it up and add to the release. Emperor has always inspired my music, so this felt like an appropriate addition to the album. I also had not seen this track covered before, so thought I might lend my style to it.

7. How has your music been received by black metal fans worldwide?
Some like it, some hate it. I suppose it would be that way no matter what I was doing. I do this music because it is something that I might like to listen to, and ultimately that is all that matters. I do not know if I’d call it black metal anymore, maybe just underground, I really do not know. Metal has become so cliché, and the people who listen to it are myriad. Old school die-hards to younger enthusiasts… and in both groups they either stick to older values or blindly follow trends.

8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases/
I cannot say, because this band exists in the moment. This moment can last or fade from my interest at anytime. Because I do whatever strikes me as interesting with Haeresiarchs of Dis I’d imagine future direction would not be much different than today. I have used classical instruments, droning acoustics, boys choir and piano to much extent on my releases… Maybe a future album would be just piano, or ambient noise. It is hard to say because this band exists in what I feel at the moment. And what I feel at any moment may fluctuate depending on what is happening in my life.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced the newer sound of your music and also what are you listening to nowadays/
I have so much music I have and currently listen to that it is always difficult to try and simplify this. Much of the Moribund releases have been influential on me in the last decade. At a root level, Mercyful Fate has stuck with me from my early days, and always inspires me to some extent. More recently I have been listening to more early progressive rock. I’d imagine all of this comes into play when I write and record.

10. What role does Paganism, Satanism, and Occultism play in your music and how would you describe your views on these topics?
I won’t try to describe my personal views on these topics because in the end it is all used as a vehicle for me to express an idea or feeling. This type of imagery and overtones goes hand in hand with music, and that is more apparent today than I think it ever has been. It is not any different than it was 40 years ago.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests/
Currently music is the only thing I am sharing publically, but I have done visual art and writing in the past. Music has taken a stronger foothold in my activities since the technology has made it easier to make my solo efforts.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
None at this time. Thank you for the interest.

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The Phantom Carriage/New Thing/Throatruiner Records/2011 CD Review


  The Phantom Carriage are a band from France that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with jazz and hardcore and this is a review of their 2011 album "New Thing" which was released by Throatruiner Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful, as for the saxophones which are only used on a couple of songs they bring a jazz/lounge feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a good amount of jazz and hardcore influences which combined brings a very dark and progressive feeling along with some noisy distortion to the music and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams combined with some hardcore growls, shouts and clean singing as well as a brief spoken word part, while the lyrics cover dark themes with one song being written in French, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion The Phantom Carriage are good for a raw and primitive black metal/jazz/hardcore hybrid and will this is not my favorite style and might not appeal to everybody, you might enjoy this if you are an open minded black metal fan. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Wreck Of My Mental Ship " "Black Rain Falls In Drops" and "16-04-10". RECOMMENDED.

https://thephantomcarriage1.bandcamp.com/

Monday, January 23, 2012

Hexis/Throatruiner Records/Split Songs Review

Starting of this split was As We Draw and Euglena which where hardcore bands not suitable for this zine so we will review Hexis a band from Denmark that mixes raw and primitive depressive black metal with crust and sludge core.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats, while the bass playing has a dark tone with some sludgy riffs.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also mix in influences from sludge and crustcore and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with some sludge style yells being used on occasion, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Hexis are a very good raw and primitive depressive black metal band with a crustcore and sludge edge to them and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Crux". RECOMMENDED BAND.

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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Inferion Interview


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed in '96, released our first album in '98, we have released 6 albums to date plus two more under a different name. We currently play as a two piece. I (Nick Reyes) do vocals, guitar, and drums/programming and Frank Gross plays bass. We play Black/Death Metal and we have a new album out called The Desolate.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous recordings?
The sound of the new album is more refined than our previous albums. The new album was done with more time and more digital resources i.e., plugins, and amp modellers. Contrary to popular belief, there are NO drums machines on this album. I played the drums myself on my V drumset part by part. Since Im not a real drummer, I had to program the drum placement and paste parts that I couldn't do manually. The sound from our previous albums was usually done low budget, and intended to sound as "raw" as possible. Our first three albums were recorded on tape.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The album is about desolation. Most of the themes are post apocalyptic and about the deterioration of organized religion. Every album typically has a theme to it.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?
Our former bass player Juan Santiago came up with the band name. I don't think it is a real word with a real definition which is what we liked about the band name. Since we were all latin, it made us think of something having to do with fire.


5. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe the stage performance?
We have been playing live shows since 1998. Some of the more memorable shows were at the Miami Metalfest in 2002. We also played some noise shows in Norway in 2004. The crowd response at all our shows was generally positive. Since we weren't a band playing every weekend, most of the people who went to our shows gave us a good response. We haven't performed live since 2005. Hopefully in this coming year that might change.


6. I have read that one of the band members was involved in the military, how do you feel that reflects on the aggression of the music?
I am still "involved" with the military. I wouldn't say my military career impacts a great deal on the aggression aspect, more on the motivation to finish the album, but there definitely is some aggression that leaves its mark. Logically, being deployed away from your family in a place where you get mortared and shot at frequently creates tension, uneasiness and to some degree paranoia. Most soldiers know how to deal with this stress, I just put mine into the music.


7. Currently the band is unsinged are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
Generally speaking, all bands are always looking for labels. As far as the best fit, I would have to say one of the smaller ones that put out lots of black and death metal. No specific record label comes to mind at the moment though.

8. What is going on with the band members other projects these days?
Frank is writing a novel at the moment. I play in Cayos which is an experimental noise project which puts out music on the electronic music label Schematic. Last year we put out a very successful album called "Shell Beach". I also have another band called Ruin which is re-releasing a cd entitled "Aggressive Magnetism" we recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, and working on new material.


9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
It depends. Usually positive. Your more open minded Black Metal fans that have an appreciation for the genre and give all lesser know bands a listen, typically receive it positively. Your more closed minded fan that owns a handful of Black Metal albums, rips or pirates the rest, and claims to be the only true Black Metal fan left in this quadrant of the solar system usually don't take to us very well.


10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Definitely a lot darker. Maybe longer songs. Hopefully a real drummer on the next album. Eventually id like to delve into a less "traditional" set up i.e., lesser guitars bass, vocals, and drums. I would like to focus more on the atmosphere and the feel of the music than be worried about levels of a bass drum.


11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The bands that influenced us are probably your typical ones:
Burzum, Darkthrone, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Keep of Kalessin, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved, In the Woods, Arcturus, Noctuary.
As for what Im listening to nowadays it varies (this is stuff in my recent playlist):
Wu-Tang Clan, WITTR, Ween, Ulver, Toyan, Sunn o))), Satyricon, Roberta Flack, Rapoon, Q and not U, Morbid Angel, Iron and Wine, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Darkthrone, Burzum, Benny Goodman, Burning Spear, At The Gates.



12. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?
It did in a lot of the older stuff. Infinite Dying Souls was heavily influenced by the occult, and paganism. Then when bands began to use it as a checklist or prerequisite for forming a black metal band, we explored different themes.


13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Frank is really into writing his book. I enjoy collecting vinyl, training for the Special Forces Qualification Course, working out, and watching the Twilight Zone.


14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

I really appreciate you listening to the album, writing a review and taking your time to post this interview. I would like to also take the time to thank everyone who reads it and listens to the music as well. We have merch available through our sites, spread the word about Inferion. Spread the word.

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Abidetherien/Paralysis Engulfed The Myth/2012 CD Review


  Abidetherien are a band from Syria that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2012 album "Paralysis Engulfed The Myth".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast playing with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music along with a brief use of tribal drumming, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark avant garde edge to the music with some Middle Eastern folk instruments being used on the last song, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some distorted noises with some clean playing, while the lead guitars are very raw and primitive sounding Middle Eastern black metal guitar solos and leads with some melodies being thrown in at times, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use some exotic sounding scales and finger picking to bring a Middle Eastern folk music feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover horror and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Abidetherien are a very great and original sounding raw and primitive Middle Eastern black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TACKS INCLUDE "Begotten" "Ninety Nine Names" and "Sin Sculptor". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Inferion/The Desolate/2012 CD Review


  Inferion are a band from Florida that plays a very raw, primitive and brutal form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2012 album "The Desolate".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very brutal, raw and primitive sounding with a good amount of death metal influences being thrown into the music as well as some dark sounding melodies, and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover dark and evil themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Inferion are a very good sounding brutal, raw and primitive sounding black metal band with a death metal and melodic edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Among The Twilight" "It Began With Blood" "Purest Evil" and "Withering Deities". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Disguise Interview


1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We are fully involved in the promotion of “Second Coming”. Thanks to the great work of our label we are receiving many review and interview. We are also planning some live shows for promoting the release the best we can

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

“Second Coming” is a mix between Black and Death Metal, with modern influences and more black’n’roll or “avant-garde” parts. I think you can easily say that it’s a Black/Death metal album but if you listen to it carefully you will identify a lot of different influences in our songs. The major difference between “Second Coming” and our previous releases is the more modern and in your face attitude. We tried to create songs that would have not lost anything about the aggression and impact we can offer during our live shows, and I think we did it.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new album?

We are continuing to explore the situation around human being. We started our concept with our first album, “Human Primordial Instinct”, we kept exploring it in “Late” and now we are here again with the last album.
The difference between “Second Coming” and our previous release is that now our Lyrics are more “positive”, there is space for humans to save themselves from their own trap. There is nothing about religion or Satanism here, just an anthropological point of view of what’s happening us every day.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Dissimulate – transform - change

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We had the honour to play with many important bands such as Keep of Kalessin, Rotting Christ, Entombed, Vader, Marduk and so on. We also participated to some festivals with bands like Dimmu Borgir or Opeth. I’d like to mention you our UK tour with Keep of Kalessin as the best experience we had. We stayed 10 days touring the UK in the tour bus, just playing and drinking, and than playing and drinking again!
About our live shows, we base our performance on aggression, especially now that we are not using face painting anymore.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We just booked some gigs all around Italy at the moment, but we are working hardly for take part to some big tour around Europe. We will have updates soon, I hope!

7.Currently you are singed to My Kingdom Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

We know Francesco’s work from years and we are happy to can collaborate with his label. When I sent him our stuff he was enthusiastic and willing to start working together. We are getting many reviews and interviews till now, so I’m more than happy about our choice.

8. On a worldwide level how has your newer material been received by fans of black and extreme metal?

We are just at the first step of the promotion, but I can say that we have two kind of general feedback: you like the modern influences we added to our sound or you do not. I must say that generally speaking who liked “Late” criticized these influences and who did not know us really liked them! I think is strange that more than one people wrote that we have an excessive use of techno parts, when we just used them in a couple of riffs on just one song! But you know, we are receiving really positive feedback in general and most important we are more than happy about our work .

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We really don’t know. After “Late” we had no idea about our next release and now we are not using face painting anymore, we added many modern and different influences but we are still playing extreme black/death metal. We will keep doing it for sure, just we will contaminate our music in the way we will be inspired to do.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

As I told you, we have been mostly inspired from Norvegian Black Metal, U.S. Death Metal and also from some Italian acts like Aborym, Ephel Duath and Maldoror. My personal favourite band will be a mix between Darkthrone, Dodheimsgard and Vader! About my actual listening, I do not listen to many new bands by the way.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

We have never talked about Satanism or any other kind of religion in our music. We have an “anthropologic” point of view, evaluating evident facts and not metapysical doctrines when we write our lyrics and in general during our life. Talking about me, I do not follow any religion, neither Satanism. I just dedicate all my time and resources to my family, my job and my band and I try to treat people in the same way they treat me.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We have no time for interests apart from our music! We all have jobs and families to think about! Talking about me, as Behavior Analyst I’m interested in human behaviour and the application of basic principles of behaviour in the society.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We really thank you for you support, we appreciate it! We invite all of you to listen to our music, you won’t be disappointed.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Funeral In Heaven Interview


1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Currently we’re working on some final compositions and the recording the debut album as we speak and are in the lookout for potential labels to handle the release.


2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the split and how it differs from previous recordings?
I would say that the material on “Astral Mantras...” has more in common witht he previous 7” we did for Legion of Death Records and the single “JanaaniJanmabhumisca...”, as it continues further explorations into a much intoxicated world fueled with oriental occultism. It however differs from our demo tape as that, we can without a doubt say has more intricate links to the debut full length which has the more aggressive live ritual material included.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer material?
“Astral Mantras...” explores alot of the Sri Lankan occult and our fascination with Sri Lankan and Indian classical music for example on “Transmigrations...”.And whilst “Bandhana” is inspired by a tale of an old practioner of the occult and the infamous event surrounding the individual, “Buddhang Saranang” is atribute cover to the now defunct “Mantra Rock” band who collectively go by the name Thapas. Since I think it’s a known fact that Sri Lanka is known as acountry which through events over the years, adept to the art of war, the material on the full length has more focus on the ancient wars such as the infamous Rama/Ravana scriptures such as the Bhagavat Gita, and further explorations into rituals and Sri Lankan demonology.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

A proclamation of sorts to describe the death or a transcending of a culture and its traditions, contrary to popular belief of the names religious or any other minuscule connotations.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

The “In League With The Legion Of Death” gig with Manzer, Abigail and Orator in Siamese Hell definitely gets an honorable mention along with the Deccan Festival in Hyderabad India and a few other festivals in our homeland. And the stage performance? Utter fucking chaos.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Most definitely. We’re now looking into the possibilities of touring more in the European/USA regions, preferably to promote the full length.

7. The new release is coming out on Dunkelhiet Producktionens, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Bernd from Dunkelheit actually got in touch with me a few years ago, and we have been discussing the release, trading, etc since way back. I could tell much about the individual from the way he played his part and communicated with us as from the day he offered to release this LP, and his devotion and interest towards the band and the release has not decreased an ounce since. A man who knows how to deliver, devoid of bullshit and true to his word. Total support,total respect.


8. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
Leaving aside the obedience to commitments regarding certain aspects of the genre, we are not known as a project to play by much of the rules which have currently established themselves somehow onto the “scene”. So either you like it, or you don’t. We however keep getting countless messages from people who genuinely bonded with the previous ritual recordings and performances, and the support verbal and non is quite astonishing. We are humbled.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
As mentioned before, the full length will definitely have more ties with our demo tape, which displays more of the live ritual selections, which are more aggressive, experimental but plain fucking chaotic. I guess we will have to wait to find out about what will manifest itself after.


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Im not exactly sure what you mean by the “newer music” tag, but we have always been influenced by alot of Venom, Immortal, Archgoat and not forgetting theIndian/Sri Lankan classical adoration towards artists such as Premasiri Khemadasa, Jagjit Singh and Zakir Hussain. Recent listens include the new Archgoat, some Metalucifer and Barbatos, and alot of works by people such as James Read, Pete Hemlkamp and Alexander Milenwald.


11. Where does the band draw most of their views of Occultism from?
Mostly from ancient rare scriptures from Sri Lanka, which are 90% written in Sinhalese. And first hand traditions passed on from one generation to the next.


12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Sri Lankan demonology, the occult, arrack, archeology, history and again,arrack.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you for taking the time. Jaya Raavanputhra!

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

So Much For Nothing Interview


1. Can yo tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

It all started in 2007 when I wrote a couple of songs which didn’t’t fit my other band Sarkom, so instead of just throwing them away, I decided to write a whole album as a solo project. I knew that this would take a long time, but as the songs started to take shape, I also knew that it would be worth it in the end. People / bands are usually so eager to get their music out as soon as possible, but this was never my intention. When I had written all the songs I asked Uruz if he would like to play drums on the album, and we started recording it pretty soon after that. So it’s been a long ride, but finally the album is here!


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

I would probably describe it as decadent dark metal-pop/rock of it’s finest art! Or something like that… This is our first release, except from a split 7” with Angst Skvadron last year, so I can’t compare it to any previous releases except from that one… But I guess it’s sort of the same sound and feeling as that one has.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The lyrics are based on a result from several years of darkness. Instead of whining to each and everyone about how much everything sucks and seem pointless, I’m privileged to be able to express these feelings and opinions through my lyrics. So the lyrical topics and subjects is about life and death, grief, darkness and alcohol, as well as everything else which comes natural to me to write about.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

Well, it’s about all the disappointments and negativity in life. Whether it’s a small or big thing, I think most people have this feeling from time till another.. I mean, let’s say you’re an athlete and have been practising and lived for a sport like skiing your whole life. You have set a goal for the Olympic Games 6 years ahead, and finally you advance from the qualify. One week before it starts, you break your leg and you must cancel the whole championship.. So all this effort and hard work has been for nothing. And let’s say you run like hell for 10 minutes to catch a bus and you miss it anyway! So much for nothing!!! When I chose this name for the band, I expected lots of negative feedback as it didn’t “fit in” in the metal scene, but hey! That’s a part of the point as well! I don’t want this to appeal to only necro metal heads, but as many people as possible with a sense for good music! So if people find the name funny or stupid, I don’t care. I think it is the perfect name for the band! Isn’t this also a part of what black metal is; doing what you want, stand alone and don’t follow any trends?


5. Has the bands ever had any opportunities to do any live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the bands has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Not yet, but we are planning to put together a live line up, so hopefully you will be able to see SMFN at a venue nearby sooner or later.


6. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are there any plans to add other musicians in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?

The idea was that SMFN was supposed to be a solo project, so I don’t think we will bring in any others on a permanent basis, at least not for now. This makes me completely free to do whatever I want and take all decisions on my own!.


7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?

Hard to say… The album has only been out a couple of days, so I haven‘t got much feedback from black metal fans yet. But I guess that some will like it and some will hate it, as it‘s not corpsepainted “true“ black metal…However, the reviews have been overwhelming so far, so I’m excited to see/hear further reviews and feedback.


8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

I’m doing vocals, as well as song writing, in a band called Sarkom. We have released two albums and we are recording our third one these days. You can check it out at HYPERLINK "http://www.sarkomsect.com/" www.sarkomsect.com Uruz plays drums in Urgehal, as well as some other projects.


9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I’m already planning to record the second album next summer, as I‘m almost done with the material! I guess it will have an even more “pop feeling”, also with some “happy” tunes, but don’t worry, it will still be a very dark and decadent album… I’m not sure what instruments I will use, but hopefully more than just the regular ones this time as well. Either way, I think it will be a killer album, as the songs really are starting to take shape!


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I think that pop music and black metal is what have influenced me the most, but I’m not sure about any specific bands… I’ve been listening to new songs and material in progress for SMFN and Sarkom(I always do this until it’s finished…) lately. Besides that, Seigmenn, Burzum - Fallen, Shining - VII and Urfaust.


11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?

No.


12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Not much actually… I’m a “night person”, which suits me fine, as they’re sending Australian Open every night live on Eurosport these days! I hope to follow Federer and see him in the final on my big screen TV with a glass of vodka in my hand!


13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Feel free to add us on HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/somuchfornothing" www.facebook.com/somuchfornothing for the latest news, and make sure to check out Livsgnist! Hopefully it will be worth the money, but here’s a little tip for optimal effect: Listen to the album when you’re alone and under heavy infliction of alcohol.

Pantheon Of Blood Interview


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Pantheon of Blood was formed back in '09, in order to reflect those ideas and interests that felt important to get out from the system. The first demo was composed & recorded quite spontaneously soon after the formation; although the result could have been more carefully executed, I'm still safistied how it turned out - and so the seed was laid upon our Mother's Earth, may the muses of inspiration bless us 'till the end.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from the demo?

Musically, "Consociatio..." EP was certainly a step to forward (or backwards, depends on the perspective you take) when it comes to thinking about how the songs should be progress structurally - but then again, not always the spontaneous & impulsive act of writing a song is a bad thing. My personal gratitude's goes for the newly-wedded members for making it possible to evolve the form of Pantheon of Blood further.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?

A poetry subjected towards the greater beings and forces than we represent as petty humans; the lyrics also reflect our inner striving for getting to know the archetypal world, so that we can use the possibility for inspiring other people as in order to wake them up from the slumber of grey waters of 'forgetfulness'.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The name was originally chosen intuitionally, it felt that kind of a majestic and proud name that would suit perfectly to describe - even for myself - those fundamental ideas of blood mysticism present at the time. Now, it has grown to mean a lot more: it reminds me constantly from where I've truly came and where I'll go afterwards.

5. Has the band had any opportunities to do live shows and if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

No, we haven't got the opportunity to perform a live show not just yet, nor I can't promise if there will be ever be one - of course we're open to suggestions on that matter. For what I've thinked about the live situation hypothetically to be, it would be an open mass for those who would be interested of taking part of the energy between the band and audience, minus the hogwash outer ritualism which is in my opinion quite the opposite to respect the sacred current flowing in and out through us.

6. When I was looking at the Metal Archives page, it said one of the lyrical subjects was National-Romanticism, can you tell us a little bit more about what that means?

A direct quote from the other interview given earlier, I think it sums it up quite well: "National-Romanticism in this context refers to a bond between one's bloodline and geographical state: certain methods for the initiation to the transcendental knowledge & wisdom are to be found from the mystery of OUR blood and OUR cultural heritage."

7. So far all of the music that has came out has been 2 song ep's and demos, are there any plans for a full length in the future?

No idea if there will be a full-length in many, many years; the whole process usually takes more time than you've planned it to be. However, there's a mcd release on the works, so that will be our next release for what I can tell about our plans concerning the releases. It will be sort of a hermetic study of the basic elements known in different cultures by their various interpretations and modes working within our existence micro- and macro cosmically.

8. Currently you are singed to Glorious North Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

I accidentally got known mr. Sweeney through so-called social medias, and since that, we've been quite actively in contact with him. The support given by Glorious North is impeccable, even if the label is still very deeply rooted beneath the underground - but when it comes to his dedication running a label, I've nothing but praises to give.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?

We haven't received that much feedback, but so far it have been quite positive; yet it matters a little for us in the end, as our work is always done in solitude.

11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

It's hard to say about the direction where the path will lead us, but as our abilities to reflect from there to here are constantly evolving into other forms and methods, it surely does not mean staying in stagnance - otherwise it would be pointless to do this project anyway.

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

When it comes to my personal influences, the musical side of it comes from the idea of what Black Metal should be in its essence; there are no particular 'favourites' which I would raise one upon many. We all, of course, are capable of enjoying different kinds of musical genres as long it is honest to the bone.

13. What role does Occultism play in your music, and also what are the main forms of occultism that you are the most interested in and practice or study?

Also a quote suggested for the question: "When I speak of occultism here, I don't speak of what it may mean to me personally. But when this subject is looked from the perspective of Pantheon of Blood, a couple of words can be uttered: to practice the great art of occultism is to practice nature's hidden powers and those powers that are potential in Man, but not yet actualized. It's very unfortunate that many use the theme only to enhance the so-called aesthetical side of their work."

A various spectrum of occult studies are present at our present lives, but to speak about it publicly - that I cannot unfortunately do. As we may repeat the hermetic cliche in the way mr. Lévi puts it: "“When one does not know, one should will to learn. To the extent that one does not know it is foolhardy to dare, but it is always well to keep silent.”

15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank for the interview. Igne Natura Renovatur Integra.

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