Monday, February 29, 2016

Altarage/Nihil/Sentinent Ruin Laboratories/2016 CD Review


  Altarage  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an avant  garde  and  bestial  mixture  of  black  and death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  206  album  "Nihil"  which  was  released  by  Sentinent  Ruin  Laboratories.

  A  very  harsh  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  heavy  and  fast  musical  direction  that  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the fast  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  after  awhile  black  metal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  bring  in a   great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

   A  lot  of  war  and  bestial  black  metal  elements  can  be  heard  in  the  bands  musical  style  while  the music  is  still  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  darker  side  of  early  90's  death metal  and the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of brutality  while  some  songs  add  in  a  small  amount  of distorted drones  and  there  is  also  a  small  amount  of  melody  in  some  of  the  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  vocals  using  more  of  a  growling  approach  and  as  the  album  progresses  some  of  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  bring  in  a  touch  of  doom/death  and the  whole  album  also  remains  very  heavy  from  beginning  to ending  of  the  recording.

  Altarage  creates  an  album  that  takes  war,  black  and  death  metal  along  with  a  touch  of  doom  to  create  a  very  heavy  and  dark  sounding  recording,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Altarage  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  grade,  bestial  black/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wormborous"  "Vortex  Pyramid"  and  "Cultus".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp
   

  

 

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Diabolus Amator/Despotic Conjuring Of The Soulless/Luciferic Triumph Records/2016 CD Review


  Diabolus  Amator  are  a  band  from  Texas  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Despotic  Conjuring  Of  The  Soulless"  which  was released  by  Luciferic  Truimph  Records.

  A  very  dark soundscape  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  and  also  introducing  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  onto the  recording and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  there  are  also  some  growling  vocals  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  songs.

  A  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  in  the  faster  sections  of  the songs  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  melodies  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and they  also  bring  in a  brief  ambient  instrumental  track  before  returning  back  to  a  black  metal  direction  on  the  remaining  songs  while  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  melodic  guitar  leads  while  other  track  also  brings  in a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and thunder  and  rain  sounds  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  Inquisition's  "Desolate  Funeral  Chant".

  Diabolus Amator plays  a  style  of black  metal  that  is  very  dark,  raw  and  satanic  while  also  having  its  melodic  moments,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occult  and  Anti  Christian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Diabolus Amator  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Pregnant  Virgin  Whore"  "Invocation  Of  the  Abyssic  Dragon"  and  "Glory  Unto  Lucifer".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-rA4ZvfOkQ&feature=youtu.be

   

Aggressive Mutilator Interview


1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
A: Hello and thanks for doing this interview with us.  We are Aggressive Mutilator from Norrköping, Sweden. A two piece band started in 2012. Just right now we are planning to record 3 new songs plus a cover (the regulator by Bad Brains). If the recording goes well we will see if someone is interested in releasing this new opus, the title is gonna be "Monster decay”.

2. Your last demo came out in November, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

A: The earlier stuff are more standard primitive BM but on the latest one "Crude abomination” we have some strange elements added to the music. Some more melodic songs and not so primitive as before.


3. Since 2012 you have released a great amount of music, do you put a lot of time and effort into writing and creating music?

A: On an emotional level we put much effort in doing the songs but the songs are also very spontaneous sometimes. But always with a horror agenda and dark artwork.  I Always  has been a big fan of ghosts, goblins, dark places, horror tales, monsters and darkness. 

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

A: About sickness, alienation, racism, hate, the society that goes in the wrong direction and WILL collapse.





5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aggressive Mutilator'?

A: Actually I don’t remember, Maybe Jack the ripper? The ripper case is interesting because it is also the story of his victims. They must not be forgotten or the dreadful conditions they lived under. It is sad the he opened up the eyes to a world you would not have heard of if he did not committed his crimes. He did not inspire us to take this band name, but in a retrospective view the band name can refer to someone like him. A sick and twisted person who can’t handle the modern society.





 6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you prefer to remain a duo?

A: It is very hard to find member that are into this kind of music. But we have some friend that will fit if there will be a live performance one day.





 7. Over the years your music has been released on a decent amount of labels, can you tell us a little bit more about them?



A: They are Ljudkassett and Bifrost records in Sweden. Wm Psycho record in Poland, American line prod. in Mexico and Stygian shadows prod. in Poland. They have all done very fine pro releases. It is also fun to reach out to different parts of the world. Sweden is not the centre of the world. There are many other great bands out there too.







 8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of underground metal and punk?

A: We received a lot of feedback from many places. That is really great and fun. It also shows that people are not interested in us as persons but interested in the music. Mostly metal fans have appreciated the music, not so many punk people have written us.





9. When can we expect some new music and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

A: Don’t know. We start with the Bad brains cover and then we will start play Reggae ;). Seriously speaking, we don´t like when you mix too many element in the music. It can work sometimes. But most of the times it gets strange. The most important thing is of course great songs, and then the production or the music style doesn’t matter.





10. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

A: Influences are Bathory, Nifelheim, Venom, Tribulation, Rush, Hellhammer, Master´s Hamer, Malokarpatan, Imperiet. Listening a lot to Blasphemy, Mystifier, Neil young, Chuck Berry, Grand belial´s key, Abcession (album: Grave offering)`, The Infamous Gehenna, Broken Cross and Queen these days.





 11. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

A: We are not Satanist but like to flirt with the occult aesthetic.  We don’t see a problem having a satanic aura around the music. We can also have a Nazi aura even though we are not Nazis.





 12. What are some of your non musical interests?

A: Video-Games, art, movies, books, the Swedish nature.





 13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

A: Thank for doing the interview. Please visit our bandcamp (www.aggresivemutilattorbandcamp.com) to see and listen to all our recordings, If you are in to under produced and ugly Black Metal this maybe is something for you. Feel free to email us if u have any questions. We have new output coming april 2016 "Crushed by tyranny" is the name of the recording. It will be a pro-tape on Iron county record in Hungary.  https://aggressivemutilator.bandcamp.com/album/crushed-by-tyranny

Friday, February 26, 2016

Kuoleman Galleria/Karsmys Kunnian/Inverse Records/2016 Full Length Review





   Kuoleman Galleria  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  black'n'roll  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Karsmys Kunnian"  which  was  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  Water  sounds  and  aggressive  spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  black'n'roll  direction  that  also  uses  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  a  small  amount  of  death  metal  growls  and  the  guitar  leads  are  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  fashion  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.

  Melodic  vocals  can  be  heard  in  some  of  the  songs  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  while  the  heavier  riffs  are  very  catchy  and  also  utilize  a  great  amount  of  energy   and  the  music  for  the    most  part  sticks  to  a  mid  paced  musical  direction  and  some  songs  also  bring  in a  touch  of  punk   and  thrash  as  well  a s a   brief  use  of  back  up  gang  shouts  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  Barathrum's  "Last  Day  In  Heaven".

  Kuoleman Galleria  plays  a  style  of  black'n'roll  that  is  very  catchy  with  a  lot  of  energy  in  mostly  a  mid  tempo  direction  while  other  songs  also  display  more  of  a  melodic  side,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  Sarcasm  and  Dark  Humour  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kuoleman Galleria  are  a  very  great  sounding  black'n'roll  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Karsimys  Kunnian"  "Aivokuollut  jattelija"  "Elaman  Irvikuva"  and  "Last  Day  In  heaven".  8  out  of  10.



  

Funeral Art/La Belleza Oculta/Weakie Discs/2015 Cassette Review


  Funeral  Art  are  a  solo project  from  Guatemala  that  has  been  featured  before  in this  zine  and  plays a  mixture  of  ambient  black  metal  and  funeral  doom  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "La Belleza Oculta"  which  was  released  on  cassette  by  Weakie  Discs.

  Ambient  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  they  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  and  after  the  intro  the  music  retains  its  ambient  elements  while  also  adding  in  programmed  beats  along  with  some operatic  female  vocals  and  saxophones  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  very long  and  epic  in  length.

  After  awhile  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  and  they  start  out  using  clean  playing  while  also  getting  more  distorted  in  some  parts  of  the  songs  and  bringing  in  more  of  a  raw  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  that  also  uses  a  small  amount  of  programmed  beats  and  the  first  2  main  tracks  have  intros  before  them  while  the  later  closes  with  an  outro.

   As  the  album  progresses  grim  black  metal  screams  are  added  into certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  in  a  touch  of  post  metal  while  also  being  very  melodic  at  the  same  time  to  the  songs  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  the  slower  riffs  also  add  some  funeral  doom  influences  in  the  songs  when  they  are  utilized  and  there  are  2  bonus  tracks  with  the  first  one  being  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Funeral  Art  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  dark  ambient  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  depressive  black  metal  and  funeral  doom  along  with  some  soprano  vocals  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  occult,  and  witchcraft  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Funeral  Art  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  dark  ambient  and  funeral  doom,  you  should  check  out  this  cassette.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  Belleza  Oculta"  and  "Arcano  I".  8  out  of  10.

https://weakiediscs.bandcamp.com/album/la-belleza-oculta 

Sarcalogos/Echoes Of Silence/2016 EP Review


  Sarcalogos  are  a  band  from  Oregon  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  ep  "Echoes  Of  Silence".

  Drum  beats  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some clean  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  more  of  a  fast  and  raw  black  metal  direction  that  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats,  tremolo  picking  and  high  pitched  screams  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in the  90's  second  wave  tradition.

  Death  metal  growls  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  songs  along  with  the  riffs  also  using  a  small  amount  of  melody  and  you  can  also  hear  some  elements  of  thrash  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length and  clean  playing  also  makes  a  return  in  other  songs  and  the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Sarcalogos  creates  another  recording  that  is  still  very  much  rooted  in  the  raw  second  wave  tradition  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  thrash  and  death  metal  along  with  more  clean  parts  which  also  makes  the  songs  stand  out a  bit  more,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Suicide  and  Satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sarcalogos  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "Daybreak  Over  A  Sunken  Kingdom(Floods  II)"  and  "Soul  Terror".  8  out  of  10.

https://sarcalogos.bandcamp.com

 

Eldamar Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

- Eldamar is an Atmospheric Black Metal project formed around summer of 2015. It is a solo project that focuses on fantasy, inner emotions and nature. The whole intentions with Eldamar is that the listener can use the music as a kind of "escape". You can drift away in your own dreams and follow a story that is being loosely told or make up your own. You can look upon it as a journey.

2.Recently you have released your first album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

- In the first half of the album you really get the feeling of northern nature. You know, the hard rough winter spirit. You have good and bad things happening, and you can really feel it in how the songs progress, you have quiet and calm parts and some more aggressive and epic. The last part of the album has a different sound to it. It is even more epic and solemn. More Elven like than the others. That is the change and the biggest part of the story, like you entered a different realm.

3.Some of your lyrics deal with Heathenism and Nature, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those subjects?

- I wrote some kind of poem before uploading on SoundCloud to fit together with the music and my thoughts. It is simply that you should be grateful with your heritage. Take great pride inn the force that makes you alive. Have respect for everything that grows in nature. You do not harm a tree unless you have to. Honor your ancestors for what they have done. Keep with you their wisdom. Keep your soul clean and free until it gets chosen to rest, then get passed on... that is the way of things.

4.The bands name came from the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this writer and also do you have any interest in any other fantasy writers?

- Lord of the Rings is prety much the whole reason I did Eldamar. It is a very good story. It includes a lot of epic stuff on topp of the story. It was something I was fan of even before I saw the movies or read any of the books. You know when you are a little kid and are fighting with sticks in the forest. And when I finally saw it i fell in love with the whole atmosphere. What moved me the most was the music, and the Elves. I started to write in elvish and all that good stuff. I even took an elvish tattoo :P when I discovered that Heathenism had elves, it opened a big door. And I was combining it together. Alfheimr in Norse Mythology means Elvenhome witch again means Eldamar in elvish (Quenya). Another writer i like is JK Rowling.

5.With this musical project you record mostly everything by yourself, are you open to turning the project into a full time band or do you prefer to remain solo?

- Not a full time band no. The music is not much of a live thing either. And I don't think I want it in other hands than mine. Things i can't record myself, I will just sample.

6.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

- I have got a lot of request about signing Eldamar from a lot of labels. I have to go for my feeling in this matter. I asked about making a deal with Northern Silence Productions. They have a lot of followers, they sign bands that I enjoy and the idea seemed good. And they wanted to take me on. Just have to change the album art. Thats all.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

- It has been very good. You know, the fans are enthusiastic. They like and sharing the music to others. There is a lot of great people who want you to get the right contacts and really want you to succeed. And i'm very grateful for that. I didn't think it would grow as fast as it is doing.

8.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?

- I just started to work on a new project with a good mate of mine. The project is called Askheimr. The old name for Askim, the town we are living in. This will be a live thing as soon we find members and have the songs done. And i will of course continue with Eldamar.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?

- I believe it will be the same thing as now. I will se how far I can get Eldamar, at the same time I am working with Askheimr.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

- Prety much most black metal bands. But i was introduced to Lustre by my friend. I fell in love with his music and the genere. Then I started to listening to more atmospheric black metal like Elderwind, Caladan Brood and I wanted to take it further. So that's another reason for Eldamar.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

- Haha, that's not much. At the moment i am a welding apprentice. But it is mostly  stuff like art, history, filosofi and a good party ;)

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

- Well, I have to thank everyone for supporting me and help me through. I am really grateful. And I must say thanks for a nice interview.
Hi Mathias

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Nocturnal Degrade/The Dying Beuaty/Self Mutilation Services/2015 CD Review


  Nocturnal  Degrade  are  a  band  from  Italy that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  depressive  from  of   black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "The  Dying  Beauty"  which  was  released  by  Self  Mutilation  Services.

  A  very  slow,  raw,  heavy  and  depressive  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  after  a  few  seconds  the  drums  get  more  aggressive  and  high  pitched  suicidal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  while  the  guitars  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  half  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  riffs  also  mix  in  a  lot  of  depressive  sounding  melodies  while the  faster  sections  of  the  music  use  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  while  also  bringing  back  a  bit  of  the  old  school  style  and  when  clean  playing  is  added  onto  the  recording  it  gives  the  music  a  touch  of  goth  and  dark  wave.

  Whispers  can  also  be  heard in  certain  sections  of  some  of the  songs  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  add  more  melody  onto  the recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  more  atmospheric  and  ambient  elements  are  brought  into  the  music  and  there  is  also  an  instrumental  track  before  the  songs  make  a  return  back  to  vocal  tracks  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  last  song  is  an  instrumental  ambient  piece.

  Nocturnal  Degrade  creates  another  depressive  black  metal  album  that  is  a  lot  more  raw  and  less  ambient  influenced  than  the  previous  recording  while  still  keeping  around  some  atmospheric  elements,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  suicide,  life,  decay,  apathy,  death  and  anti  human  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nocturnal  Degrade  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "In  December" and  "The  Dying  Beauty".  8  out  of  10.

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Aether Interview

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

For sure. I just released two new singles, one is that Anomalia, you recently reviewed (thanks for that) and one is the collaboration with me and my friend Mäander. Anomalia also got a nice video with peices of dadaism filmlets of Hans Richter, an german dada artist from the last century.


2.Recently you have released a new single, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the song and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

The main difference is: Anomalia is dance music. Since I was working on Aether, I went through problems with shitty synthie drums. But they are great for any kind of other music than black metal. So I decided to make beats and put a pretty nice Black Metal riff over them. The next point is, that I worked on the composition of Metamorphosis II for about two years, for Metamorphosis I about a half year. Anomalia just took about a day and it was written, but the mixing, the arrangement of the percussion and so took more than a month – for one song. Composition time and producing time switched.

And the difference to Altar and Esoteric Violence is the whole concept. That's clear.

I would describe the music as simple, but in many ways touching. You can hear the spontaneity of creating it, you hear the process of how I got into that sound, how I learned making it.



3.All  of the songs are instrumental, are you open to using any vocals in the future?

Yeah, maybe. But not in the way I used vocals on the Metamorphosis works. I would make samples, something fragmentary, teared apart.


4.You express some anti racist,anti fascist, anti homophobic, atheist, and anarchistic views, can you tell us a little bit your views?

Gladly I will. As I couldn't think otherwise as the human I still am behind Aether and Ravachol, I couldn't imagine to not express my beliefs. Even if I got attacked for that via facebook after I told that the last time in an interview in the Trvefrykt Zine. Yes, I stand against discrimination, espacially discrimination of minorities and women. I stand against ideologies and religion. And I fucking hate fascists.


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aether'?

I had no special thought about that when I choose that name, but it seems to me that some possible associations appeared since then. Aether is a german name for the chemical ether that can be used as a drug that makes you sleep, but before that you get drowsy and euphoric. Äther is as well a obsolete physical conception about how light spreads. I think that meaning sounds good as something materialistic, but critical in not pointing out the width of materialism. That is something important to me: don't be perfect in concepting and creating music and art. If there is no conflict, then your stuff is boring.


6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to remain solo?

Maybe. I don't know. I don't need other peaople for the music, but perhaps someone will participate for a guestpart, a collaboration or a feature.



7.Recently you did a collaboration with 'Maander', can you tell us a little bit more about it?

Mäander is a friend of mine that started making noise music. We decided to meet up one day and jam a little with the new equipment he bought. So we recorded that jam and what came out is Esoteric Violence. I like doing noise and all that experimental stuff. It feels like action painting. And I love doing something like that with my friends. Greeting to you, Mäander!


8.Your last few releases where self released but you have worked with a record label before in the past, are you open to working with another label or do you prefer the DIY method a lot more?

Yeah, it's much better to release via a label. Both labels i signed in – Negation Records and No Sleep Till Megiddo – are doing great work. And perhaps Metamorphosis II will appear soon. For Anomalia and that new material I'd love to find a label again. But the DIY method is also great if you just want to release something now


9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

For Anomalia there is a lot of nice feedback. But it is still a little too unknown although I try bringing it to the people in various ways. Thanks to all the feedback, help and responds to my people!



10.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?

I definitely want to extend my way of Electronica Black Metal to record a full length album and to play it live. And there are two experimental splits in the queue.


11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

My influences are located in older and modern Black Metal, but also in classical works of Stockhausen and Mahler. I currently listening to Ancst, Fall of Efrafa, Norn, Naðra, Jungbluth, Ära Krâ and Kalte Tage. I like the actual german Black Metal innovations and that icelandic scene seems to be something great, too.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?

I enjoy experiencing with film and filming. I read a lot and write sometimes.


13.Before we wrap up this interview,do you have any final words or thoughts?
I just want to thank the people that are into Aether, the people got touched by my music and share it. Thanks. And fuck NSBM.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Cult Of Erinyes Interview


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

Corvus: We are working on our third full-length. This is a (way too) long process, but we are seeing the end of the tunnel as we speak.



2.In February you have a new ep coming out, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Mastema: Initially we felt that these songs were very close to our previous effort Blessed Extinction, and thus too different from what we had in mind for the future. But we also judged them too good to be just thrown away, that’s why we settled for an EP format. Now with some distance, I think the songs actually already represent an evolution from Blessed Extinction, though they were written during the same process you can feel we’re heading toward something else. They are a real ‘transition’ to what we want to do next.



3.This is the first release to come out in 3 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

Corvus: We never stop the madness but decided to stay in the shadows for a while. When you have nothing to say, just stay quiet…

Mastema: We have no agenda, this is in no way a ‘business’ for us, and thankfully we have a record label that thinks the same way. The next step will be a big one, so we don’t want to rush anything. But I can tell you we’re ready to move forward this year…



4.You label your music as 'ritualistic' black metal, can you tell us a little bit more about this term?

Corvus: That label is not that important actually. But when I'm writing/recording music, I'm really in a bizarre yet simple, pure state of mind. Space and time become pointless.



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

Mastema: As I said the next record will be very ambitious. Musically it’s a giant leap forward, as Corvus did a fantastic job. Lyrically it will be a concept album about the second Roman Emperor Tiberius. I do not wish to reveal anything more at this point.



6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Corvus: As intense and honest as possible. When possible we use videos. I think we did only  6 shows, and the best one was probably in Paris, with Aura Noir, in September 2011. I also enjoyed a gig in Genk, because I liked all the other bands (Code, Glorior Belli, Aosoth, Gorath).



7.Are there any touring or show plans for 2016?

Corvus: One release show in Brussels and one show abroad (it will be announced very soon). Touring will probably never happen. Mastema hates playing live and I don't see the point of playing the same songs every night during 10-15 days. That must be boring.

Mastema: “Hate” is probably too strong of a word. But I agree with Corvus, my main goal is recording the songs we’ve worked so hard on. The whole “behind the scenes” thing is what I enjoy the most, I don’t like moving out of the shadows.



8.The new ep is going to be released on 'Caverna Abismal Records', how would you compare working with this label to the other labels you have worked with so far?

Corvus: I met Nuno from Caverna Abismal in 2014 and I have complete trust in him. He was the very first person who helped the band, back in 2010, when he released the tape edition of the Golgotha EP. That's a thing I'll never forget of course. So I'm more than happy to collaborate again, 5 and a half years later.



9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of black metal?

Corvus: The EP is not out yet, but the first reviews came out and they are good. We can’t complain, of course, but I don’t care.



9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these day?

Corvus: Right now, I'm also playing in Monads, Wolvennest, We All Die (Laughing), but also in three other bands which rather keep the identity of its members secret. Wolvennest just released its first full-length. Musically, it's definitely bizarre. You can listen to the whole album on Bandcamp, which is better than any shitty musical description.

Mastema: I think Corvus is trying to settle a new record. He must be in 47 bands by now.



10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Corvus: Black Metal will still be the core, musically, but I think the structures will become more and more bizarre. I do not want to push too much boundaries, but I would like to have saxophone, fretless bass, bizarre guitar sounds, weird clean vocals. I am now more confident about my guitar skills, and I'm sure it will help the band becoming more interesting, musically speaking.

Mastema: This might sound arrogant, but I really feel the “musical culture” of Corvus and myself is our main quality. The next record will definitely be more adventurous than ever, we will try out lots of new things but there’s never been any doubt. We know when something sounds right, and believe me the new songs are incredible. This must be our best record so far, it’s our goal and we won’t be satisfied with anything less than that.



11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Corvus: Right now I'm only but  listening to Savatage, one of the most underrated bands of all time. Brilliant songwriting, fantastic vocalist(s), incredible guitar player (Criss Oliva).

Mastema: I listen to tons of music, constantly. Right now I listen to stuff like the latest Spektr, Borknagar and Mgla records. Prog rock/metal still does it for me: the last Steven Wilson album is nothing short of brilliant. And then there’s of course the old stuff I enjoy listening for the thousandth time: Metallica, Savatage, Mayhem, Exodus, Immortal, and so many others.



12.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

Corvus: I am nothing. We are nothing. Consequently, my opinion has no value. But still I'll try to explain a part of it. To me occultism is a term that could define the people that refuse dualism as a way to understand the world and the universe we are living in. People who try to THINK and who accept that nobody has an answer, only a possible explanation. You may be right, but just don't think you are. Doubt is, and always will be the key.



 13.I have read that the band is inspired by Nietzsche, do you also have an interest in any of the other philosophers?

Mastema: Nietzsche was a big influence during the early days of the band, he’s not anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still admire his work and I feel close to a vast number of his ideas, but he’s not an influence on our music and lyrics these days. Philosophy as a whole is not much of an influence anymore, actually. History is our main interest right now.




14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Mastema: I’ve never been as confident as I am for our next album. The people who know what we do will be surprised… in a good way I hope. Brace yourselves.

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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Eldamar/The Force Of The Ancient Land/2016 Full Length Review


  Eldamar  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very epic  and  atmospheric  form  of  ambient  black  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2016  album  "The  Force  Of  The  Ancient  Land".

  Ambient  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album using  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  which  also  leads  up  to  more  of  a  heavier  and  atmospheric  musical  direction  that  also  introduces  grim  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  and  clean  singing  female  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  songs.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  music  at  times  mixes  dungeon  synth  with  black  metal  and  the  songs  also  have  a  few  minutes  where  vocals  are  not  used  to  build  up  upon  the  epic  and  atmospheric  qualities  of  the  tracks  and  there  are  also  a  couple  of  songs  that avoid  any  use  of  heavy  guitars  or  screams.

  A  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  at  times  in  some of  the  songs  while  one  of    tracks  is  all  instrumental  and  one  song  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars while  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to a  very  slow  musical  direction  from  beginning to  ending  of  the  recording  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Eldamar  creates  a  musical  style  on  this  recording  that  takes  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  and  mixes  it  in  with  an  atmospheric  and  epic  form  of  black  metal  to  create  a  style  of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  J.R.R.  Tolkien,  Heathenism,  Elven  Magick  and  Nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Eldamar  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  atmospheric  ambient/black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Winter  Night"  "Valkrjur  Ancient One"  and  "New  Beginning".  8  out  of  10.  

https://eldamar.bandcamp.com/album/the-force-of-the-ancient-land

   
   

Speirling/The Piper/Ulthar Records/2016 Cassette Re-issue Review


  Speirling  are  a  duo  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very old  school  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2008  album  "The  piper"  which  will  be  re-issued  in 2016  by  Ulthar  Records.

  An  almost  silent  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction which  also  introduces  melodic  guitar  leads  and  spoken  words  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  all  sound  very  powerful  and  after  awhile  high  pitched  black metal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording.

  Sounds  of  rain  and  thunder  can  be  heard  briefly  while  some  of  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  touch  of  thrash  and  first  wave  black  metal  while  the  solos  and  leads  also remain  true  to  an  old  school  style  of  metal  and  the  riffs  also  use  melody  at  times  and  some  parts  of  the  music bring  in  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.

  When  synths  are  utilized  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  classical  guitars  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  some  of  the  fast  tremolo  picking  brings  in  more  of  a  raw  style  of  black  metal  and  throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing.

  Speirling  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  on  here  that  is  very  raw,  old  school  and  catchy  while  also  having  its  melodic and  atmospheric  moments,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  a  piper  neglected  and  raised  by  a  community  by  people  weakened  and  corrupted  by  Christianity  and  how  he  takes  there  children  out  of  the  light  and  into  the  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  Speirling  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  old  school  and  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Filthy  And  Cold"  "The  Worlds  Breaks"  and  "Born  Again  Damned".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2o2mJ9wvlk&feature=youtu.be 

Aether/Anomalia/2016 Single Review


  Aether  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  mixes  electronica  and  black  metal  together  on  this  song  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  "Anomalia".

  Distorted  and  electronic  sounds  start  off  the  track  and  you  can  also  hear  some  depressive  black metal  riffing  in  the  music  and  after  awhile melodic guitar  leads  are  added  into  the  music  and  the  song  is  also  9  minutes in  length  and  the  whole  song  is  also  all  instrumental  with  no  vocals  used  and  also  sticks  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction.

  Aether  plays  a  musical  style on  here  that  takes  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  instrumental  black  metal  and mixes  it  in with  electronica  music  to  create  an  original  style  of  there  own  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw.

  In  my  opinion  Aether  plays  a  very  interesting  mix  of  black  metal  and electronica  on  this  song  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9C-klOYOIY

Krater Interview


1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

While we write these answers there is one week to go until we will release our new record “Urere”.
Krater gone through a lot of changes since the recordings, that took place during 2013 and 2015.

We played a lot of gigs and toured with Endezzma, Total Hate and Thornesbreed.

We have also signed a record deal with Eisenwald.

In the recent past our guitarist Lupus left the band and was already replaced by an old friend of ours.

2. You have a new album coming out in February, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

With our last record “Nocebo” (2011) we have completely changed our sounds from the ground up.
You can hear the difference through the years from release to release. Influences have changed and so has the musical taste in general.

With “Nocebo” we tried to make a honest and aggressive record, in which we have absolutely succeeded.

With a similar approach as "Urere," we took a similar attitude in making it extreme, but this time with even more intensity.

Moreover we recorded the last two records on our own. Failures were made during the recording process of “Nocebo”.
We learned from that whole process, and that’s where “Urere” shines by comparison.

3.This is the first album to be released in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

Read question number 1.

4.While the music on the new album is still very much rooted in black metal, you can also hear the influence of doom and death metal, what was the decision behind going into this musical direction?

We don’t follow a strict line. One motive always was to create something dark and aggressive. Since “Nocebo” our material became faster and more aggressive. We emphasized that on “Urere."

We try to let our intention speak. When creativity flows we capture it and keep the ideas over a certain time, expand them or let them go. But it’s always the first spark that counts. That spark still has to be there when it comes to recording stuff. Regardless if the idea exists only hours or years. The first song on our new record was written back in 2010 I think.

5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release?

We try to bring our personal thoughts to paper. Sometimes you have no influence if they are sorted or not. So its up to every listener if they understand. If he made the same experiences we did, possibly then. It is a kind of presence that you try to give a voice with the combination of the music and lyrics.

You have to exploit the meaning of the lyrics for your own. If you can connect to the lyrics on a personal level than that’s a real artistic endeavor that has been undertaken.

6.On the new album you had a song entitled 'Vexillum Luciferi', can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Luciferianism and Occultism?

When you read the lyrics of 'Vexillum Luciferi' you should recognize that this song is not only interspersed with occult motives.

Generally particular writings have no influences on us and we would never use already formulated doctrines. But you can use them to get the inspiration to form a personal path.

7.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Krater', and also are you aware of the many other bands that have used the same name?

Back in 2004 we choose the name referring to a part of a forest we frequented daily. That place looked like a crater which is Krater in german. There was a special kind of energy there. And we experienced some things we cannot clearly define.

Also Krater is a very strong word. It’s the ultimate place when it comes to destroy and purge. The Chicxulub-crater in Yucatán with a diameter of 200 km is the result of of a meteorite impact and is the monumental contemporary witness of the annihilation of the dinosaurs.

Also volcano craters can extinguish whole cities in just one moment.
Also you can see it as a place of resurrection. Something you have to go through due to all the chaos and annihilation to become strengthened yourself.

When we started the band back in 2004 we could find no other band with that name through the internet.

8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

It is kind of hard for us to put a value on concerts. The time you stand out there on the stage is fleeting and there are only a few moments you realize what you are doing.
The most of the time you put yourself into your own world and you see through the images you had when you were writing the songs. So its almost impossible to comment on your own concerts.

Maybe you get an own impression when you search to pictures of our past concerts you can find all over the internet.

9.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

There are some local concerts planed in 2016. Also we will enter the stage at Phantoms of Pilsen which will take place in October in the Czech Republic.

You can find all dates on www.facebook.com/abstrusekrater.

Since we have a new strong lineup in 2016, we want to play more show in the next years.

10. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of black metal?

Nocebo got overwhelmingly positive critiques back in 2011. Some magazines said it was the black metal record of the year for them.

We previewed two new songs of “Urere” in early 2016 that were also recognized with high interest.

11. Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Every member is involved in other projects. They don’t play any role in the context of Krater.

12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Krater has developed in a more clear direction with the last album. So the main concept will be aggressive and furious Black Metal. With our new guitarist there will also be new influences. We will see where this leads us.

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We cannot name that single musical influence from the last years because we don't concentrate that much on other bands or try to copy them.

We are all shaped by the bands that were our first contact through extreme metal.
So we also hear extreme metal nowadays, and other musical genres are also acknowledged by the band.

Every member has his own preferences. Sometimes they coincide. Our record collections exist of records from the 50s to present releases. From Archgoat to Zeppelin.

14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have nay final words or thoughts?

On 26 of February we release our third full length record „URERE“ through Eisenwald. URERE (lat.) means „burning“.
A blazing torch that starts as a smoldering ember and ends in a raging fire taking everything away. The honest fury that becomes an inner madness, burning you from inside. That’s what the lyrics and the musical directions means to us.

Organizers and promoters that want to book us can contact us through krater_blackmetal@mail.de.
Also we will release our second record “Nocebo” on tape in 2016.
Thank you for your attention.

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Mesarthim/Isolate/Avantgarde Music/2016 CD Review





  Mesarthim  are  a duo  from  Australia  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Isolate"  which  was  released  by  Avantgarde  Music.

  Ambient  and  space  music  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavy  and  atmospheric  music  direction  a  few  seconds  later  that  also  sees  high pitched  black  metal  screams  making  their  presence  known  on  the recording  and  they  also  have  a  very  depressive  tone  to  them  and  they  also  mix  in  tragic  sounding  keyboards.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  melodic  edge  and  they  also  mix  in  elements  of  synth  pop  and  electronic  music  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  songs  stick  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of spoken  word  parts  and  they close  the  album  with  a  couple  of  instrumental  songs.

  Mesarthem  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  keyboard  driven,  atmospheric  and  depressive  while  also  mixing  in elements  of  ambient  and  space  music  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics cover  cosmos  and  Existence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mesarthem  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  area  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album. RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Declaration"  and "Abyss". 8  out  of  10.  

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Monday, February 22, 2016

Angelcide/Hunting Astral Prey/Elegy Records/2016 CD Review


  Angelcide  are  a  solo  project  from  New  York  that  originally  started  out  playing  depressive  black  metal  but  has  evolved  into  more  of  a  blackened  death  metal  sound  over  the  years  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2016  album  "Hunting  Astral  prey"  which  was  released  on Elegy  Records.

  A very  fast,  raw  and  chaotic  war  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats,  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  bestial  death metal  growls  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  songs.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  you  can  also  hear  a  lot  of  tremolo  picking  in  the  faster  parts  of  the  songs  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording    and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  in  even  more  of  a  melodic  style  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  diversity  along  with  one  track  being  instrumental  while  the  main  focus  remains  more  on  songs  with  vocals  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  last  track  brings  in  ambient  style  sounds.

  Angelcide  plays  a  musical  style  on  this  recording  that  takes  a  raw  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  in  with  death  metal  and  a  touch  of  war  metal  to  create  a  style  of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  supernatural,  evil  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Angelcide  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lurker"  and  "Raped  Celestial  Body". 8  out  of  10.

https://angelciderebirth.bandcamp.com/

Wode/Self Titled/Broken Limbs/2016 CD Review


  Wode  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  an  apocalyptic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2016  album  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Broken  Limbs.

  Atmsopheric  sounds  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  once  the  music  speeds  up  it  brings  in  more  of  a  raw  style  of  black  metal  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  fast  riffs  also  utilize  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  lot  of  90's  and  Swedish  influences  while  still  also  sounding  very  modern  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Wode  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  traditional,  raw  and  melodic  while  also  being  very  modern  at  the  same  time,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover the  apocalypse,  cosmos  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Wode  are  a  very  great  sounding  apocalyptic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS INCLUDE  "Trails  Of  Smoke"  and  "Black  Belief".  8  out  of  10.  

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Palace Of Worms/The Ladder/Broken Limbs/2016 CD Review


  Palace  Of  Worms  are  a  solo  project  from  San  Francisco,  California  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and this  is  a  review  of  his  2016  album  "The  Ladder"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Broken  Limbs.

  A  very  exotic  and melodic  yet  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  and  also  introducing  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  retaining  the  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  a  good  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Death  metal  growls  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording and  they  also  mix  in  elements  of  ambient  and  clean  singing  male  and  female  vocals  at  times  and  the  fast  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  style  and  you  can  also  hear  an  influence  of  doom metal in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music.

  When  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  remain  very  true  to  a  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also bring in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  synths  when  they  are  utilized  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  style  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  some  songs  also  mix  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  plying  and  each  track  also  has  a  different  sound  to  them  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  session  work  from  members  of  Abstracter,  Pale  Chalice,  and  Lotus  Thief .

  Palace  Of  Worms  creates  an  album  that  keeps  the  raw  and  atmospheric  black  metal  roots  of  previous  recordings  while  also  getting  a  bit  more  experimental  and  adding  in  elements  of  death,  doom  metal,  dark  ambient,  goth,  progressive,  and  post  rock  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism  and  a  hatred  for  humanity.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Palace  of  Worms  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  The  Twilight  Divide"  "Nightworld"  and  "Emphemeral  Blues".  8  out  of  10.      

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