OccultBlackMetalZine

Obolus/Lament/Flenser Records/2012 EP Review

2012-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Obolus are a band from San Francisco, California that plays a very dark and depressive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 EP "Lament" which was released by Flenser Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark sound with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only used briefly on a couple os songs they bring a very dark and atmospheric/ambient sound to the music without being a lead instrument.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast depressive black metal riffs that also have a post black metal feeling to them as well as the modern sound that seems to appeal to the hipster crowd mixed in with a brief use of clean and soft playing while still retaining a dark, raw and primitive sound and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the classical guitars which are only used on the last song they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of music.

Vocals are all high pitched depressive black metal s creams, while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes, as for t he production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Obolus are a very good modern day sounding depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hatred" and "Grievance". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Turritopsis nutricula Interview

2012-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We are a two-piece band from Slovenia that started out in 2011 (two guitarists, also taking care of all the other instruments). We recorded the first demo in the autumn and are currently in the process of making the second recording. We are also looking for a new drummer.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
I guess the label atmospheric/depressive black metal describes us best. Our music ranges from depressive ambiental interludes to faster, more aggressive riffs. For a more specific sound, give it a listen.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music/
Main subject in the first demo is unarguably personal end. Death, suicide; emptiness and desolace that come after it and are ever-present before it. On the second demo, that is currently in the making, lyrical subjects are (apart from suicide) Darkness, magicians, chants and Fire.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Turritopsis nutricula is the latin name for a species of jellyfish, that is (theoretically) immortal. Lives eternally. As if a butterfly could revert back to caterpillar and again to butterfly and back and so on. To me it's like a true crosspoint of (black metal?) art and nature (reality?).

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities 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 your stage performance/
We haven't played any live shows yet, we are currently looking for a drummer. And for opportunities for live shows of course, we do not tend to be a studio band.

6. Currently the band is unsigned are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music/
I wouldn't say that we are looking for a label, at the moment we are quite happy with self-releasing our music. But if an offer appears, it shall be, of course, considered.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by the black metal fans that have heard it so far?
Someone said that this might be the best name for a black metal band. And someone said that a dance with the devil is always a black pleasure. We'd love to hear more opinions.

8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
We both play in another band, sort of a symphonic/female vocals thing. But I guess that band is currently on a pause, TN is definitely our primary band. At the moment, of course, one must not exclude the possibility of future projects and bands. That might evolve from occasional jams with friends (as did TN).

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
I guess more atmospheric, rather than depressive direction. Music for the next demo is much harsher, not as melancholic as (at some points) the previous one (same with lyrics). But I wouldn't dare say that this is the general direction this band will take in the future.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We listen to many styles of music, from blues rock to industrial, but above all metal. Musical style that has influenced our music the most is definitely atmospheric black metal, also depressive and 2nd wave black metal.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?
Our interests here differ. One part of the band finds occultism to be one of his greatest interests, while the other member only focuses on the music in this genre. But it's not really an important part of our band. Only a reference or two.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests/
I guess music is our greatest interest. Other than that: literature and psychological movies; sports

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Keep supporting the underground.
93 93/93

Ramlord Interview

2012-02-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

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

RAMLORD is a band that came together as a few crusty dudes sick of the hardcore scene in our area. Our music is a reflection of the music we listened to while abstaining from listening to Set Your Goals and other positive and hollow sounds. We wanted our lyrics to combine the dystopian social commentary of crust with the occult and pessimistic themes of black metal, while crafting dark, sad and aggressive songs.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

We try to combine a variety of the things we listen to, ranging from powerviolence, to sludge, black metal and crust. Our song writing process is very instinctual and primitive, shaping riffs and ideas until they create a flowing piece of music set to enhance the feeling of the lyrics.

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

"Stench of Fallacy" and our split with Condensed Flesh explored the general anguish of reality as well as the negativity brought on by shallow and modern living, where the only escape from our environment and even ourselves may be death. Our upcoming material to be released with Cara Neir explains the role of progress throughout time and how spiritually irrelevant it all is. We will never take the time to learn from our mistakes, while filling our lives with useless commodities distracting us from ever thinking about anything. Feeling completely detached from this hollow culture, watching hopelessly as it collapses blindly into the future...

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

We have always loved the symbolism of the ram as both a mockery of Jesus, as well as a pagan symbol for fertility. The occult has always interested us, as we believe there are channels of perception beyond our physical world. It is irrelevant whether a god or not exists, as we are still subjected to the same reality we cannot escape.

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

Shows in Boston have always treated us well, however, we haven't toured beyond playing shows are New England. Our initial records we quite lo-fi, so we sound much different live (heavier!!). I would say that our stage performance tries to match the energy of punk.

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

Hopefully a short tour this summer, but no serious plans yet.

7. Currently you are unsigned, 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?

We are always looking to collaborate with any labels interested in the ram. Since we draw from such a diverse range of influences, we are unsure of any label that would be a perfect fit, but as long as it is misanthropic and self-loathing, we would probably have some things in common.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of both black metal and crust?

Our music has had more success with black metal crowds, rather than crust ones, but there are definitely fans in both camps. Some people seem to understand the combination and some don't but we are really just making the music for anyone.. from people who feel for the sound or others who can relate with the lyrics. We are just stoked when anyone is into what we are doing but we personally feel the closest to the crust side.

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

Jan plays in Ultra//Negative and Felines.
Ben plays in Felines.
Brian plays in Hellhound.

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

We are always trying to make our music heavier and sadder. Our next release goes back to a more black metal sound than our split with Condensed Flesh, with better production. We don't think there will ever be an exact way to describe the band in general except for 3 dudes who have been listening to heavy shit for years putting together everything we believe in.

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

There are tons of bands throughout lots of genres that have influenced us and we are checking out new bands every day. Some of our long-time favorites include Dystopia and Discharge. The three of us were some of the only punks who after the punk bands in the area died down went to listening to sludge, PV and black metal etc.. instead of hardcore and shitty pop. We have worshiped the blast & d-beat for years now.
As far as what were listening to now:
our friends in Welkin Dusk & Lonesummer, are both great, original incarnations of black metal..

12. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in your music?

I've always been attracted to the hedonistic freedom of Satanism, however, our views are more blasphemic, rather than satanic. The occult has always been a source of fascination and there exist many ways to perceive things outside of our carnal realm.

13. How would you describe the metal or punk scene in New Hampshire?

The metal and punk scene is almost non-existent in New Hampshire, as it is riddled with hardcore bands. Vaast is a cool d-beat band and Condensed Flesh is solid, raw black metal. In Portland, Maine, where we are currently living, is Falls of Rauros, which is one of the best black metal bands currently playing.

14. outside of music what are some of your interests/

Nature, abusing drugs, abusing our bodies, producing ritualistic markings upon our flesh, going to shows and checking out any bands that come through our barren area, often enjoying as well as despising life while pondering its many questions endlessly instead of being satisfied with the simple answers religion offers.

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

Love to our Ram family.
Smoke Weed // Kill Cops

Idorath Interview

2012-02-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

Interview partner: Markus Leitner

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

Hi! First of all we want to thank you for your interest!

We are very busy planning concerts for 2012, promoting our album and producing merchandise. Beneath that we are working on our next album.

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

I think Dekonstrukteur des Fleisches is a powerful album. We describe the music as “Black / Thrash Metal”, because those are the main influences. But we are not trying to sound in a certain way; we make music that we like.
Nowadays we pay more intention to a good sound and try to find a balance between old school and modern sounds. We as musicians also developed between the last album and Dekonstrukteur des Fleisches. We are also more open minded now, concerning sound and also lyrics.

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

I think the main aspects of our lyrics are criticism according to mankind, the church and all different crimes and outrages people do to others. We present that in a provocative and some kind of brutal way, sometimes also with some sarcasm. I think that is what fits to our music.

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

We were looking a long time for a band name which we like and we did not want to use English or German words. So we were looking for a band name in a fantasy world. Everyone would first think of “Lord of the rings” but there are so many bands in nearly every metal genre so we tried to find our name in another fantasy world. “Irdorath” is an isle in the video game “Gothic” where an undead dragon lives. So there is no “higher” sense in it, in our opinion it sounds great, don`t you think?

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

Because of bend member problems, especially according to the time they wanted to spent, we did not play that much concerts in the past. But with our new line up, this will change. But I can say, that all in all we enjoyed every concert, especially the shows with our Austrian colleagues “Hellsaw” and “Dornenreich”.
I think we have a quite straight and powerful performance and are practicing a lot now for our shows.

6. What are the touring plans for the new release/

Some gigs in Austria are fixed over the year 2012, also a mini tour in February with Hellsaw, including two shows in Austria and one in Germany. At the moment we are busy planning other shows. For more and actual info check out our facebook or myspace site!

7. On a worldwide level how has your newer music been recieved by black
and extreme metal fans?

Because of the fact that we do not sound like true Black Metal real and only Black Metal listeners are sometimes confused and disappointed. In the other way, Metal listeners, which listen to other Metal styles as well, do like the fact, that we are open minded concerning to other influences. So we get a lot good feedback, and sometimes also bad. But I think that is quite normal, especially as an unknown band.

8. Are there any current side projects going on?

Our bass player also plays guitar in a Rock Band called “Sentimentalistic Bitches” and our drummer has some side projects and did also some studio work for other bands.

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

We are working very intensively on our new album, so I can give you a little outlook: We are concentrating on our two main influences, Black and Thrash Metal, and are focusing to get the best result out of combination of these music styles. And for now we think that works very well, we are very satisfied.

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

That is very hard to answer. We all love music and of course especially Heavy Metal. But we do not only listen to Black Metal, we also hear a lot thrash, death and so on. Every one of us has different preferences. To name some bands: Legion of the damned, Behemoth, Vader, Hate, Sodom, Dimmu Borgir, Kataklysm, Machine Head, Destruction, Kreator, Iced Earth, Accept, Exodus, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest … I could continue for a long time, haha!

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

I would say no. We are focusing on criticism, especially to the church and Christianity, but not in a satanic way.

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

We are all doing full time jobs beneath Irdorath. Of course we like to drink and make party. Some of us do also some sports as well.

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

Thank you too for your interesting and comprehensive questions!

Feel free to check out our music, come to our live shows… visit and like us on facebook or myspace. There will be our latest information what`s going on and we really appreciate it if you also leave a comment!

http://www.facebook.com/Irdorath
http://www.myspace.com/irdorathofficial

Hexis Interview

2012-02-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Filip: These days we're releasing a few different records - both CD's, Tapes and Vinyls of songs we recorded back in May. Re-releases of our first recordings are also on the way and we're working on booking for different tours for this year as well.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the newer material?
Filip: It's hard to say, but I think we try to play as dark, heavy and dissonance as possible. Basically we try to get more and more 'extreme'.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Filip: On our latest record it was pretty different from song to song. Everything from religion to hate and war. However, on the next record we'll try to just focus on one topic and probably make it as a concept album.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Filip: Actually it was our old guitarist Kasper that came up with the band name. It was pretty hard for us to find a name that all of us liked. We all agreed that our name should just be one word and we wanted to have an 'x' in the name as well, so he came up with Hexis and we all really liked it, so there's not really any deep meaning behind the name, we just think it sounds cool.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Filip: Four shows that I think all of us really have enjoyed has been Berlin and Bordeaux last summer and two local shows - the first in our friends from Ajunas rehearsalspace and the second one at our release party at a big libary. The last show is for sure the best we've ever played. Regarding our stage performance, we try to put as much power as possible into our shows, while the only light while we play is strobe. We think that really helps with the energy when combined with our fog machine, which we use whenever possible.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Filip: Yes, we're going on tour by the beginning of February in Germany, Eastern Europe and Italy. In April we're then touring Russia and in May we're touring Iceland. Then in September/October we're touring the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and some other countries. We're also talking about touring the US next year, we don't know exactly when, but sometime once our next record is out.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of black metal and crustcore?
Filip: Actually pretty good, it seems like there's more and more people that like this mix of genres.

8. Are there any side projects desides this band or is this a full time line-up?
Filip: Tobias (Guitar) and Søren (Bass) is also playing in a band called No Fealty, which is Hardcore/Crust/Grind, so if you're into bands like Skitsystem and Napalm Death, you should check them out.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Filip: It's hard to say, but I think our new stuff's going to be more heavy and intense, while we'll also work more on the smaller details. On our last recordings we just made the songs, got into the studio and then recorded. Because of that there's just so many things here and there I want to change now, as there's so many things you actually first hear and think about once you've recorded the songs. So next time we'll record all the songs as demos first and then listen to them for a few months before we actually go into the studio and record the songs for the album.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Filip: Some of our biggest inspirations have been Celeste, Deathspell Omega, Portal and Shora and still is, but we've also started to take inspiration from bands like Khanate, Thou and old Cult Of Luna. At the moment I really like to listen to an experimental/ambient artist from the UK called Blackfilm. He really makes some amazing dark music and then Celeste's Morte(s) Nee(s) album have been on repeat since it came out in 2010 - I can't get enough of this album.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?
Filip: Not that much. However, I do find it interesting and will probably take more inspiration from it in our upcoming lyrics.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Filip: Actually music is almost the only thing that has my interest at the moment. Besides playing in the band I also like putting shows up in Copenhagen and I have also started my own record label a few months ago, so my whole life's pretty much based on this, but design/artwork have also really started to interest me since last year. The only problem here is I don't know how to make it myself!

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks a lot for the interview, it's been a pleasure.

Turritopsis nutricula/Self Titled/2011 EP Review

2012-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Kolga/Demo/Lundr Records/2012 EP Review

2012-01-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

Kolga are a band from San Francisco 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 alot 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 "

Arch Daeva/Illuminates Of Thanateros/2012 Demo Review

2012-01-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Cara Neir/Stagnant Perceptions/2011 CD Review

2012-01-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

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 t he 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

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

2012-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

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 o0f 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.

Welkin Dusk/Demo 2010 Review

2012-01-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Ramlord/4 Song Review

2012-01-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

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, s tenchcore 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

Ramlord/Stench Of Fallacy/2011 Cassette Review

2012-01-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2012-01-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

Idorath 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 Idorath 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

Nesseria/Self Titled/Throatruiner Records/2010 CD Review

2012-01-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

Nesseria are a band from Frnace 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.

Haeresiarchs of Dis Interview

2012-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2012-01-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

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/harcore 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.

Hexis/Throatruiner Records/Split Songs Review

2012-01-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

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 usd on ocassion, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primive 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.

Inferion Interview

2012-01-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Abidetherien/Paralysis Engulfed The Myth/2012 CD Review

2012-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

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 primitve 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 utlized they use some exotic sounding scales and inger 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.

Inferion/The Desolate /2012 CD Review

2012-01-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

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 Dieties". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Disguise Interview

2012-01-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Funeral In Heaven Interview

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

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 aswe 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 religous 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 possiblities of touring more in the European/USA regions, prefferably 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 recieved 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 agressive, 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!

So Much For Nothing Interview

2012-01-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T17:55:00.000-08:00

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 gratitudes 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 oppurtunities 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-lenght 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 interpretions and modes working within our existence micro- and macrocosmically.

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 recieved 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 enchance 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 publically - that I cannot unfortunately do. As we may repeat the hermetic clicheé 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.

Funeral In Heaven/Plecto Aliquem Capite/Astral Mantras Of Dyslexia/Dunkelhiet Producktionen/2012 Split CD Review

2012-01-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

This is a review of a split albbum between Funeral In Heaven and Plecto Aliquem Capite both bands from Sri Lanka called "Astral Mantras Of Dyslexia" which was released by Dunkelhiet Producktionen and we will start of the review with Funeral In Heaven that plays a very ethnic form of depressive/occult black metal.

Drums range from slow, to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the folk instruments when they are utilized bring a very dark Middle Eastern and Hindu/Vedic feeling 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.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some doom metal influences while the lead guitars when they are utilized are 70's style guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched depressive black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, clean singing and mournful sounding cries, while the lyrics are written in their native tongue with themes that cover Sri Lankan History, Demonology, and Astrology, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Funeral In Heaven are a very good ethnic sounding depressive/occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK " Bandhana (Gatahaththey kathaa wasthuwa)". RECOMMENDED.

Next up is Plecto Aliquem Capite who also plays a very etnic form of depressive/occult black metal.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while the folk instruments when they are utilized bring a very Middle Eastern, Hindu and New Age Feeling 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.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast depressive black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with somewhat of a doom metal edge and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and distorted sounding depressive black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts and deep growls as well as a brief use of clean singing Middle Eastern chanting on the last sonng, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Vedic, Torture, Suffocation and Grief, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my Plecto Aliquem Capite are a very great sounding ethnic depressive/occult black metal band with the best music on this split and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Stoned Guru Ramblings" and "Crestfallen: Immolating Shakthi" which has both bands on it. RECOMMENDED

In my opinion this is a great split of ethnic depressive/occult black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check this recording out. RECOMMENDED BUY.

Munruthel Interview

2012-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

Currently my new Pagan Metal album called “CREEDamage” is on mixing stage. All instruments were already recorded and edited. Album has two versions: in Russian and English languages. It is planned to be released in Summer 2012 by Svarga Music.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

If to talk about the newest album “CREEDamage”: it is high-quality produced Pagan Metal with ambient fragments, epic symphonic arrangements, some folklore melodies and vocals. Many musicians from different bands and even countries took part in it. Guitars riffs are very strong and mighty because we’re decided to use low “C note” tuning, but beautiful orchestral melodies do the album’s sound complete, rich and less aggressive.

3. I have read that the new recording is a soundtrack to avideo game, can you tell us a little bit more about the game, I am not that familiar with the newer games myself?

In December 2011 my 4th album “The Dark Saga – Original Soundtrack” was released by Dutch Blazing Production. Yes, it is a soundtrack for a mod to computer game Gothic II. I composed and recorded music for all gameplay locations such as: Ancient Ruins, Hunters’ Camp, Pirates’ Bay and others. Every track is a recital of place and it’s inhabitants; it shows the atmosphere and character of game location. The dark places with dead inhabitants have the sombre ambient/noise sounds. The Lair with Orks has heavy orchestral brass theme, other camps have beautiful sympho-ambient music. But I can’t say anything about the game itself because I have no time for playing. I’m composer, not the gamer (.

4. I have noticed that each album has a different sound are you going to continue with this concept on future recordings as well?

My new album “CREEDamage” includes themes for both groups of Munruthel’s art fans: Metal and Ambient. I think all new Munruthel’s albums will continue this tradition since I’m not interested to play purely metal music.

5. You have recorded both black metal albums and dark ambient albums, which style do you prefer and how would you compare the 2 genres and also will there be any black metal on future recordings?

Firstly I want to point out that there’s no Black Metal in my albums. Real true Black Metal is not a kind of music, it’s a deathly and satanic ideology. Yes, I used scream vocals, but this doesn’t mean that it is a Black Metal. Munruthel always played Pagan Ambient/Folk Metal music which is surely against christianity! My music is not a weapon of Death, my music is a source of ancient triumph of Life! I like equally both pagan metal and electronic atmospheric ambient. But most of all I like symphonic music.

6. Currently you are signed to Blazing Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Svarga Management takes care of all my releases currently and they have agreed with Blazing Productions for this release. The support of this label is outstanding, I really appreciate it! But that’s all what I can say, for details you have to ask directly Svarga Management.

7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance and also are there any plans in the future to use live musicians again and do a show?

I’m interested only in studio work. I‘ve played very many gigs with other projects and bands as session drummer, but now I am totally tired of live performances. I would like to listen to forest bird singing but not the roar of crowd beneath the stage. And it’s truth (

8. You have recorded both solo and with musicians which one do you prefer?

Munruthel was always a one-man project. Invited musicians have just played the parties which I wrote for them because I cannot be good to play on all instruments. I like to work alone because nobody and nothing can’t distract me from my ideas.

9.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Munruthel?

Munruthel is something like “Moonrising”. The Moon has leading role in my life and my spirit. It’s a planet in my Zodiac sign. I dedicated to Mother-Moon some of my music and lyrics. I’ve nothing to say more…

10. On a worldwide level how has your new album been received by both fans of black metal and dark ambient?

Many of Black Metal fans like symphonic/soundtrack music. And many of them are writing to me letters for buying my new CD. For me it’s a new step in my art, the new level of my musical creativity. It’s a first CD when Munruthel is not a project, not a band, but a Composer!

11. What is going on with the other projects these days?

I have recorded drums for new albums of THUNDERKRAFT (industrial folk death metal) and TRIGLAV (medieval European folk-metal) bands. And I work at my own MoonHome Studio on the second album of my world music project KOLO.

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

General idea for Munruthel is a Mother-Nature protection! It begun in 1995 and continue at these days. And will be in the future. Now it is a great problem for me. Album “CREEDamage”, that I mix now in my studio, have lyrics about Nature.

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

Now I work in my own studio. I’m recording and mixing many different bands and listening to their music everyday. When I have pause in my work I prefer silence, not the music. When I was young and used to hear very much of a music, I liked different styles and bands such as: Jean Michel Jarre, Enigma, Pink Floyd, Tiamat, The Gathering, Metallica, Slayer, Bathory, Wagner, Stravinsky, Prokofyev etc.

14. What role does Slavic Paganism play in your music and views and also do you have any interest in any other forms of paganism or occultism?

Every note in my music is reflection of Slavic Paganism, my understanding of the World. Some bands create music and lyrics about Gods, but in a real life they are casual people, atheists. They do it because Pagan Metal is a popular music nowadays. I really know the Power of Slavonic Gods and I ready to fight with them against christian plug! I’m searching the Truth and I’m interested in other pagan religions and occultism. I found many common things between European cultures and religions. It helps me to understand Who Am I and What is The Universe!

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

The family, children, tourism, photo, video, reading.

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

Stay true to yourself!!! TV, Radio, Internet are just the phantoms of electricity… Nature and You – thats the only Reality!

Decayed/Lustanian Black Fucking Metal/War Productions/2011 CD Review

2012-01-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Decayed are a band from Portugal that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed in with some thrash influences and this is a review of their 2011 album "Lustanian Black Fucking Metal" which was released by War Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming 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 and at times they have a very powerful sound to them, as for the sound effects that are used in between songs they bring a very dark and evil sound to the music with a brief use of folk instruments being used on one song.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some thrash and punk influences as well as a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars combine black metal with thrash and traditional metal in the guitar solos and leads mixed in with some melodies and they are very raw and chaotic sounding.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are mostly written in Portuegese except for the cover tunes and cover Satanism, Occultism and Armagedden, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Decayed are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band with a thrash edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "O Fim Dos Baptizados" "Nas Trevas Ingresso" "13 Candles" which is a Bathory cover and "Ódio, Fogo, Sangue". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Mortuus Caelum/Ad Libertatem Per Mortem/War Productions/2012 CD Review

2012-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Mortuus Caelum are a band from Greece that had on of their split albums reviewed before by this zine that plays a very raw and primitive form of satanic/hellenic black metal with a melodic edge and this is a review of their 2012 album "Ad Libertatem Mortem" which was released by War Productions.

Drums range from mid paced to fast playing 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 powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times mixed in with some riffing that has a very traditional and thrash metal feeling to them as well as a brief use of clean and soft playing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of hateful, grim and high pitched black metal screams while the lyrics cover Satanism, Anti Christian, War, Occultism, Inuit and Greek Mythology, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Mortuus Caelum and if you are a fan of their previous releases, you should enjoy this one as well. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bloodshed" "Amarok(The Wolf God)" "Typhon" and "Under A Dead Sky". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Seelenmord/And We Only Find Solitude Part I/2011 EP Review

2012-01-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Seelenmord are a duo from Argentina that plays a very raw and primitive form of melodic black metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 EP "And We Only Find Solitude Part I".

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 raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some dark sounding melodies and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the classical guitars which are only utilized briefly they use finger picking to bring a very dark and depressive sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling to them at times with a brief use of clean singing being used on the first song as well as a spoken word part being utilized on the last song, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Seelenmord are a very great raw and primitive sounding melodic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The World Cries In Rain" and "Beneath The Rubble". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Munruthel/The Dark Saga/Blazing Productions/2011 CD Review

2012-01-08T11:26:00.001-08:00

Munruthel are a 1 man band from Ukraine whose member is a well known musician in the black metal scene there that has over the years with his project has recorded black metal albums and dark ambient albums under the name Munthrel and with this recording goes for more of an epic dark ambient soundtrack movies for video games and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Dark Saga" which was released by Blazing Productions.

Drum programming is all slow and militant beats, while the synths bring a very dark ambient, classical and epic sound to the music, as for the flutes they bring a very dark and medievel as well as shamanistic feeling to the music and you can hear sounds of animals anf nature.

Classical guitars use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music and there is no singing or vocals on this recording except for maybe a few chants with most of the music being instrumental.

The concept of the music revolves around the "Gothic II: Dark Saga Addon" video game, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion while the more close minded black metal fans of their previous album might not enjoy this I still feel that this is a very great epic sounding dark ambient/classical album and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Thick Wood" "The Huntsmen Camp" "The Ork's Lair" and "The Ancients Ruin". RECOMMENDED BUY.

So Much For Nothing/Livisgnist/My Kingdom Darkness/2012 CD Review

2012-01-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

So Much For Mothing are a band from Norway that plays a very depressive form of avant garde black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Livisgnist" which was released by My Kingdom Darkness.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the saxophones, trumpets, violins and flutes bring a very dark and avant garde/experimental music sound to the music mixing in influences from dark rock and pop 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 to mid paced depressive black metal riffs that also mix in some doom metal and heavy music genres, while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that also utilize influences outside the black metal spectrum, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to give the music a progressive feeling.

Vocals are mixture of hateful, grim and high pitched depressive sounding black metal screams with some mournful sounding cries mixed in with some clean singing and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover the struggles of life and the night, as for the production it has a very heavy, strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion SO Much For Nothing are a very great and original sounding avant garde depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Suicide-Syndrome" and "New Life-New Beginning". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Disguise/Second Coming/My Kingdom Music/2012 CD Review

2012-01-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

Disquise are a band from Itlay that mixes 90's style Swedish black metal with death metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Second Coming" which was released by My Kingdom Music.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths when they are utilized they bring an atmospheric and somewhat of an industrial edge 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 riffs that combine 90's style Swedish black metal with death metal mixed in with some riffing that utilizes alot of skill and melody as well as a black'n'roll and modern metal edge while the lead guitars are very distorted sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and hateful black metal screams mixed in with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover apocalyptic themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Disguise are very good sounding black metal/black'n'roll/death metal hybrid with a modern edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "I Am Alone" "Repressed Rage" and "Claustrophobic Rage". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Welter In Thy Blood/The Grim Visage Of Death/Black Goat Records/2008 EP Review

2012-01-02T23:25:00.000-08:00

Welter In thy Blood are a band from Los Angeles, California that plays a very depressive and suicidal form of black metal mixed in with some funeral doom metal and this is a review of their 2008 ep "The Grim Visage Of Death" which was released by Black Goat Records.

Drums are all slow playing with not much in the way of fast playing or 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 sound effects they bring a dark ambient feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars are slow slow riffs that combine suicidal/depressive black metal with funeral doom and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly distorted sounding high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts and deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover misanthropy and suicide, as for the production it has a very dark heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Welter In Thy Blood are a very great suicidal black metal/funeral doom hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band.
RECEMMONDED TRACK "Death As A Coffer". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Silencer/Death Pierce Me/Prophecy Productions/2001 CD Review

2012-01-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

Silencer where a band from Sweden that played a very depressive and suicidal form of black metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "Death Pierce Me" which was released by Prophecy Productions.

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, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a very dark and depressive sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very depressive, suicidal, raw and primitive sounding with some soft clean playing being thrown in at times 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 depressive/suicidal black metal screams with a brief use of deep growls and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover suicide, death, misanthropy and insanity, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Silencer where a very great sounding suicidal/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Death Pierce Me" "Sterile Nails and Thunderbowles" and "I Shall Lead, You Shall Follow". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Furze/UTD/Agonia Records/2007 CD Review

2012-01-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

Furze are a 1 man band from Norway that plays a very raw and primitive form of Norwegian satanic black metal mixed in with some doom metal influences and this is a review of their 2007 album "UTD" which was released by Agonia 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 strong and tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording as for the sound effects when they are utilized they bring a very dark and avant garde sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast Norwegian style black metal riffs that mix in alot of doom and thrash metal influences and weird style riffing along with some dark sounding melodies and a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars are very raw, chaotic, weird and distorted sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some deep growls, whispers, spoken word parts and clean singing, while the lyrics cover satanic and abstract themes with one song being written in Norwegian, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Furze are a very great weird sounding and original sounding Norwegian satanic black metal band with a doom metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "A Life About My Sabbath" "Demonic Order In The Facist's Hall" and "Goatbreath". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Gotmoor/Vlaemsche Premitieven/150666 Releases/2000 CD Compilation Review

2012-01-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Gotmoor are a band from Belgium that playa a very raw and primitive form of atmospheric black metal and this is a review of their 2000 demo compilation album "Vlaemsche Premitieven" which was released by 150666 Releases.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music and on one of the intros and outros they utilize a part that has a very avant garde/experimental feeling, as for the 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 dark, raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some dark melodies along with a brief use of clean playing and there are 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 are written in Belgian and cover Trolls and Flemish History, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Gotmoor are a very great sounding raw and primitive atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Vlaamsch Verdriet" "Ten Strijde" "Order Den Eglantier" and "De Witte Dame". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Sirius/Aeons Of Magick/Nocturnal Art Productions/2000 CD Review

2012-01-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sirius where a band from Portugal that played a very atmospheric and orchestra form of occult dark/black metal and this is a review of their 2000 album "Aeons Of Magick" which was released by Nocturnal Art Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the orchestra and keyboards bring a very atmospheric and classical music feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast dark/black metal riffs that are very melodic sounding at times with alot of skill and talent being utilized while the lead guitars are very distorted and melodic sounding metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, deep death metal growls and clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover Astronomy, Cosmic Mysticism and Occultism, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Sirius where a very great sounding atmospheric, orchestra orientated dark/black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Sidereal Mirror" "Ethereal Flames Of Chaos" and "Aeons Of Magick". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Open Grave/The Heavens Cry Black/Regimental Records/2001 CD Demo Re-Issue Review

2012-01-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

Open Grave are a band from New Jersey that plays a very raw and primitive form of anti christian/satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2001 demo "The Heavens Cry Back" which was re-issued on cd by Regimental 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, as for the sound effects they are only utilized briefly to add more evil sounds to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a brief use of clean playing being thrown into the music that utilizes some full chords as well as some dark sounding melodies that have a darker death metal feeling to them and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling at times mixed in with some mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Blasphemy and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Open Grave are a very great sounding satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Satan And Blasphemy" and "Their Sin Was Forgiven In Cinders". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Goatfire/Fiendish Ruminations/Total Holocaust Records/2004 Cd-Demo Compilation Review

2012-01-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Goatfire where a band from Itlay that played a very raw, disgusting and primitive form of satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2004 Demo Compilation album "Fiendish Ruminations" which was released by Total Holocaust 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, as for the organs which are only utilized on a few of song's mainly on the third demo they bring the feeling of a black and white horror film to the music..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a small amount of dark sounding melody as well as a brief use of clean playing being utilized on the later demos and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams as well as a brief use of clean singing being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Darkness and Anti Christian themes and on the 5th demo there are some songs written in Latin, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound and you can tell that the music that was translated in cd came from cassette tape demos.

In my opinion Goatfire where a very great sounding raw and primitive satanic band which you can hear progressed alot with each demo and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Goatfire" "Frozen Remains" "Defloration Of The Holy Land" and "where Titans Of Blasphemy Sit". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Mactatus/Suicide/Napalm Records/2002 CD Review

2012-01-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

Mactatus where a band from Norway that played a very atmospheric form of black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Suicide" which was released by Napalm Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music with some pianos being thrown in at times that give the music a classic music feeling in addition there is a brief use of violins being utilized on a very few songs, 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 utilize alot of talent and skill with some dark sounding melodies and thrash and death metal influences while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very talented and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts as well as a brief use of clean singing, deep death metal growls and whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover demented, murder and suicidal themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Mactatus where a very great sounding atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Epilogue-The Tale Of The Psychotic" "Sanity In Murder" "To Distance Death From Life" and "Broken Dreams Of Death". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dawnfall/Drei Raume/Nazgul's Eyrie Productions/2002 CD Review

2012-01-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Dawnfall where a band from Germany that played a very raw and primitive form of ambient/avant garde black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Drei Raume" which was released by Nazgul's Eyrie Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with only a small amount of blast beats, while the keyboards and harpsichord bring a very dark atmospheric, avant garde and ambient sound to the music as well as some industrial/noise being utilized on one song, as for the bass playing it 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 ambient black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a doom metal feeling being used at times and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording and the guitars are only present on this first 3 songs with the rest of the album being instrumental.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing which is only present on the first 3 songs and mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of samples and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover dark and gloomy themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Dawnfall are a very great sounding raw and primitive sounding avant garde/ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "I" "II" and "III". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dawn Of Relic/One Night In Carcosa/Wicked World/1999 CD Review

2012-01-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Dawn Of Relic are a band from Finland that plays a very atmospheric form of dark/black metal and this is a review of their 1999 album "One Night In Carcosa" which was released by Wicked World.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths bring a very dark and atmospheric 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 dark/black metal riffs that are very melodic at times with a doom metal feeling being used at times and utilize influences from traditional and thrash metal and there are little to no guitar guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the acoustic guitars they use finger picking and full chords to bring a very dark and progressive sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of growls and whispers which are only utilized briefly, while the lyrics cover the writings of H.P Lovecraft, Darkness, and Introspection, as for the production it has a very strong, heavy, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Dawn Of Relic are a very great atmospheric sounding dark/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "When Aldebaran Is Visible" "Kadath Opened" and "Just A River". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Himinbjorg/Where Ravens Fly/Red Stream Records/1998 CD Review

2012-01-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

Himinbjorg are a band from France that plays a very raw and primitive form of atmospheric pagan/viking black metal and this is a review of their 1998 album "Where Ravens Fly" which was released by Red Stream Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards and samples when they are utilized are mixed down low in the mix and bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music, as for the bass playing it 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 sounding pagan/viking/black metal riffs while the lead guitars are very distorted sounding viking/black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to bring a very dark and medievel sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing viking vocals as well as a brief use of spoken word ritualistic parts, while the lyrics cover Norse Paganism, Asataru, Runes, Nature and Battle, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Himinbjorg are a very great raw and primitive sound pagan/viking/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Lightning Of Blood" and "Nidhoggr". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Necromantia/Covering Evil(12 Years Doing The Devil's Work)/Black Lotus Records/2001 CD Compilation Review

2012-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Necromantia are a band from Greece that has been around for more than 20 years that plays a very atmospheric form of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2001 compilation album Covering Evil(12 Years Doing The Devil's Work)" which was released by Black Lotus Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music with some piano parts that bring an avant garde feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it is the main instrument on the recording with alot of skillfull sounding bass leads that are very heavy and dark sounding hellenic black metal riffs that also utilize traditional metal influences with some 8 string bass guitar being thrown in as well and at times there are some progressive style playing and on one song they borrow a riff from classical music.

There are no rhythm guitars present on this recording, while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding hellenic black metal guitar solos and leads that also mix in alot of classic metal influences, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized briefly they use finger picking to bring a medievel feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing chanting and a brief use of spoken word ritualistic passages, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Anti Christian, Hellenic Mythology, Eternal Damnation, and Sacrilege, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is a great compilation album from Necromantia and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Number Of The Beast" which is an Iron Maiden cover "Demon's Whip" which is a Manowar cover "Ancient Pride" and "Les Litanies de Satan". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Mord/Imperium Magnum Infernalis/Non Compos Mentis/2006 CD Review

2012-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

Mord not to be confused with the Norwegian/Polish black metal band I reviewed a couple of years back are a band from The United States with one member being from the Netherlands that consist of members of Satanic Funeral and Xasthur that played a very raw and depressive form of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2006 album "Imperium Magnum Infernalis" which was released by Non Compos Mentis.

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths which are mixed down low in the mix bring a very atmospheric and depressive 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 sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced raw and primitive sounding depressive black metal riffs that are very dark sounding with a brief use of clean playing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on the recording.

Vocals are all high pitched depressive black metal screams mixed in with some deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover satanic rites, occultism, death, damnation and goat worship, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Mord are a very great raw, primitive and depressive sounding satanic/occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Necrobestiality=Goatworship" and "In Nomine Sathanas". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dead To Earth/VolkeinBlucht/Idvarp/Three Way Split/Graveless Slumber Records/2004 CD Review

2012-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is a review of a Three Way Split between Michigan's Dead To Earth, Minnesota's VolkeinBlucht and New Zealand's Idvarp which was released in 2004 by Graveless Slumber Records and we will start of the review with Dead To Earth a 1 man project that played a very raw and primitive form of black metal.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive riffing that you can hear throughout their side of the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark melodies being thrown into the music and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on their side of the recording.

Vocals are all grim sounding black metal screams, while the lyrics cover sacrilege, cynicism, madness, death and destruction, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Dead To Earth where a very great sounding raw and primitive sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Infinite And Pollutive Dispersion".

Next up is VolkeinBlucht a 1 man band that plays a very raw and primitive foem of satanic black metal.

Drums range from 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 mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding and there are no guitar solos or leads present on their side of the recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep demonic growls being thrown in briefly as well as some mournful cries, while the lyrics cover Darkness, Satanism and Vampirism with one song being written in German, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion VolkienBlucht are a very great sounding raw and primitive sounding satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "For I Cannot Enter Thee" and "Living Under The Shadow Of Holiness".

Next up is Idvarp a band from New Zealand that played a very very raw and primitive sounding form of black metal.

Drums range from 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 that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding while the lead guitars are very primitive sounding black metal guitar leads with not much in the way of guitar solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover Heathenism and War, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Idvarp where a very great raw and primitive sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Emerge".

In my opinion this is a great split of 3 raw and primitive sounding black metal bands and I would advise all fans of this style to check out this split. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Obtest/Tukstantmetis/Wolf Musick/1997 CD Review

2011-12-30T23:01:00.000-08:00

Obtest are a band from Lithuania that played a very raw and primitive form of black metal with this release and this is a review of their 1997 album "Tukstantmetis" which was released by Wolf Musick.

Drums range from 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 mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding pagan black metal riffs while the lead guitars are very raw, primitive melodic and epic sounding pagan black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a dark medievel feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some spoken word parts and clean singing being thrown in at times, while the lyrics are written in Lithuanian and cover Slavic Paganism, Anti Christianity, War, Legends and Battles, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is a very great raw and primitive sounding pagan/black metal album from Obtest and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Karo Dvasia" "997-Menulio Karunos Kautynes" and "Amzians". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Lurker Of Chalice/Self Titled/Southern Lord Records/2005 CD Review

2011-12-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Lurker Of Chalice is a 1 mand project from San Francisco and another one of Adam Wrest of Leviathan's side projects that plays a very militant, dark and ambient form of black metal and this is a review of their self titled 2005 album which was released by Southern Lord Records.

Drums range from slow militant drumming to mid paced and fast playing with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark ambient/avant garde edge to the music with some noise effects being used at times, as for the bass playing it 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 ambient black metal riffs that have a very depressive sounding doom metal feel at times, while the lead guitars are very depressive ambient sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use full chords to being a very dark and militant sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly distorted and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of clean singing chanting and spoken word male and female parts, while the lyrics cover depression and misanthropy with a touch of Norse mythology, as for the production it has a very dark and powerful sound.

In my opinion Lurker Of Chalice are a very good dark sounding ambient/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Peicing Where They Might" "Spectre As Valkerie Is" "The Blood Falls As Mortal(Part III)" and "Vortex Chalice". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Secrets Of The Moon/Antithesis/Lupis Lounge/ Ajna Offensive/2007 CD Review

2011-12-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

Secrets Of The Moon are a band from Germany that started out as a more raw and primitive ritualistic occult black metal band but evolved into a more progressive occult black metal band with this release and this is a review of their 2007 album "Antithesis" which was released as a joint effort between Ajna Offensive and Lupus Lounge.

Drums range from slow to mid paced to fast drumming with some ocassional blast beats being used at times, while the sound effects bring a very dark occultic avant garde edge to the music with a small amount of synth, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that also utilize some influences from thrash metal and progressive music with some clean and soft playing being used at times as well as some dark sounding melodies while the lead guitars are very chaotic and sounding black/heavy metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of spoken word parts, Gregorian chants and whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Luciferian, Crowley and Metamorphoses themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Secrets Of The Moon are a very good sounding progressive occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Versus" "Confessions" "Seraphim Is Dead" and "Lucifer Speaks". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Enslaved/Frost/Osmose Productions/1994 CD Review

2011-12-30T16:45:00.000-08:00

Enslaved are a band from Norway that played a very raw and primitive form of atmospheric viking/black metal with this release and this is a review of their classic 1994 album "Frost" which was released by Osmose Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times as well as some percussion work, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music mixed in with some electronics and pagan sounding mouth harps, 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 at times while still utilizing alot of skill and melody as well as some influences from other forms of metal while the lead guitars which are only utilized rarely have a very raw and primitive sound to the guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to enhance the darkness and atmosphere of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of spoken word parts, clean singing and viking chants, while the lyrics are written in Norwegian and cover Asataru and Norse Paganism themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was the greatest album that Enslaved has put out and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Loke" "Yggdrasil" "Jotunblod" and "Wotan". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Lord Belial/Enter The Moonlight Gate/Death Records/House Of Kicks/No Fashion Records/1997 CD Review

2011-12-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

Lord Belial where a band from Sweden that played a very fast, melodic and atmospheric form of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 1997 album "Enter The Moonlight Gate" which was released as a joint effort between Death Records, House Of Kicks and No Fashion Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with alot of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown in at times as well as some tribal style drumming being used on the hidden track, while the flute and cellos when they are utilized bring a very dark medievel feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive at times while still utilizing alot of skill and talent with a great amount of melodic riffing being utilized at times as well as a small amount of thrash and death metal influences, while the lead guitars are very chaotic and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some clean singing female vocals being thrown in at times as well as a brief use of deep demonic growls and spoken word ritualistic parts being utilized on the least song, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism and Goetia themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this was the best album that Lord Belial put out and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Enter The Moonlight Gate" "Lamia" and "Belial-Northern Prince Of Evil". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Axis Of Advance/The List/Osmose Productions/2002 CD Review

2011-12-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

Axis of Advance where a band from Alberta, Canada that played a very heavy and brutal form of war/black/death metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "The List" which was released by Osmose Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with alot of brutal sounding 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.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine the most brutal elements of war, black and death metal together mixed in with a small amount of melodic riffing, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very chaotic and distorted sounding war metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched war metal screams with an brief use of deep growls, while the lyrics cover war and hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, brutal. raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Axis Of Advance where a very great sounding war/black/death metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Annihilation" "Sacrifice" and "Supremacy". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Absurd/Asgardsrei/Resistance Records/2002 CD Re-Issue Review

2011-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

Absurd are a band from Germany that plays a very raw and primitive form of ns pagan/black metal with punk/oi influences and this is a review of their 1999 album "Asgardsrei" which was re-issued by Resistance Records during the year of 2002.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the keyboards which are only used on the intro and the last song bring a very atmospheric and epic feeling to the music, 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, to mid paced black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixing in influences from punk and oi to create a sound of their own, while the lead guitars are very primitive, epic and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing and spoken word World War II samples, while the lyrics are written in German and cover Asataru, Germanic Paganism, Anti Christian and Aryan Pride themes, as for the production it has a very raw, under produced and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Absurd are a very great raw and primitive sounding ns pagan/black metal band with punk and oi influences, while most of you have probably heard of this band their music is not very easy to find but if you ever come across this recording buy it as quick as you can. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Fur Germanien" "Als die Alten Jung noch Waren" and "Germanien uber Alles". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Ludicra/Hollow Psalms/Life is Abuse/2002 CD Review

2011-12-29T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ludicra where a band from Oakland, California that played a very original form of black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Hollow Psalms" which was released by Life Is Abuse.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording, as for the flute when it is utilized briefly it brings a very dark and esoteric sound to music, in addition there is a brief use of noise effects being utilized on the last song that give the music a very dark avant garde feeling.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some influences from hardcore and doom metal as well as a brief use of clean playing that brings a progressive feeling to the music and dark sounding melodies to create a sound of their own and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing as well as a small use of spoken word parts being used on the last song, while the lyrics cover despair, drugs, hopelessness and city life, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Ludicra where a very great sounding progressive metal band that was very original sounding and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hollow Promise" "Damn The Night" and "Awake To Grey". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Nebron/The Message/Dark Horizon Records/2000 CD Review

2011-12-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

Nebron where a band from Hungary that played a very raw, primitive, melodic and atmospheric form of pagan black metal and this is a review of their 1997 demo "The Message" which was re-issued by Dark Horizon Records in 2000 with bonus tracks.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the guitars bring a very epic and atmospheric feeling to the music, as for 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 being thrown in at times that have a traditional metal feeling to them as well as a small amount of thrash inflouences, while the lead guitars when they are utilized have a classic metal feeling to the guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of a spoken word passages as well as a few seconds of deep death metal growls being used on one song, while the lyrics cover Hungarian Pagan Heritage, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nebron where a very great raw, primitive, melodic and atmospheric sounding pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Shadow In A Dreamworld" "Under the Dark Sky" :Lunar Revelations Of The Nocturnal Spirits" and "Eternal Solitude". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Vondur/Stridsyfirlysing/Necropolis Records/1996 CD Review

2011-12-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

Vondur where a band from Sweden that was a side project of the members of Abruptum that played a very raw, primitive and humorous form of black metal and this is a review of their classic 1996 album "Stridsyfirlysing" which was released by Necropolis 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, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a very epic sounding feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black/war metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with the guitar being out of key or tune and there are no guitar leads or solos present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams with some spoken word male and female parts being used at times, while the lyrics are written in old Icelandic and cover Satanism, Anti Christian, dark and humorous themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was probably the best album that came out from Vondur in my opinion and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Dreptu Allur" "Fjordi Rikans Uppgangur" "Sigurskrift" and "Beitir Hnifar Skera Djupur". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Atrum Inritus Interview

2011-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Atrum Inritus delivers a message of the power contained within the void between life and death. Created by Eversor, Abyssus and Vindicare in 2010 with Occipitus and Crepitus rounding out the project a few months after its inception. Atrum Inritus resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
Atrum Inritus is not concerned with impressing people with our technical abilities or providing a sound that is easy to absorb. We call out to the darkness and its answer is what comes through us.The most accurate description in summary would be Brooding, Cold Atmospheric Black Metal.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Our lyrical content is based on our insatiable desire for the knowledge that has been hidden from the human race and the disgust we feel from those that ignore it.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Atrum Inritus translates to “ Void of Light “ Simply put, it is the darkness, in meaning and inspiration.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance, also have you had any opportunities to do shows outside of Minnesota?
Our CD release show was the only time we have performed our ritual for the public. The ritual is performed in candlelight without stage lighting as braziers fill the room with incense. Vindicare’s keyboard stand serves as the altar for the wine and chalice. We have turned down several offers for other shows based on the other bands on the bill and the venues in which they are set. Atrum Inritus is not a band that will perform for the sake of performing. Our ritual is an event that is done on our time and under our circumstances.

6. Do you any touring plans for the new album?
We are planning for spring/summer 2012 US touring. More information will be announced when the preparations have been completed.

7. Currently you are signed to Altar Of The Dead Productions, how did you get in contact with label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far, in addition do you feel honored to be the first release on this label?
Altar of the Dead Productions is co-owned by Abyssus and Eversor. Therefore, it was appropriate for Atrum Inritus to be the first band to be under the Altar of the Dead banner.

8. I noticed that the hidden track was a cover of Emperor's Ancient Queen what made you decide to pick this song for the cover tune?
Emperor has been very impactful in Black Metal and a favorite of all members of
Atrum Inritus. Vindicare, a female, is front and center delivering our message. She embodies the energy of the Ancient Queen.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
The reviews and feedback we have received thus far have been positive.

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Atrum Inritus will continue to craft the sound captured on “ Prognatus in
Vorago “ but the energies channeled in and around us will always determine our sound.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Music of all genres and styles influence us.

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism or Occultism and what are your main inspirations from the black arts, I have noticed that there is the armchair people who read but practice nothing, there is also the people that have studied and practice rituals, where do you stand at in this field?
Atrum Inritus is immersed in the Occult in theory and practice.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
See answer to question 12

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We thank you for your interest. You will all be hearing more from us in the near future.

Deviator Interview

2011-12-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

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

Hails! Musical creativity is closely connected with every step of my life in this world
and songs actually reflect my own certain level of consciousness. So, every release of Deviator is logical to my own world as evolution of my mind. Now I am working on new EP and going to release it on the next year (2012). Title of new Creation will be very unusual and rather differ from previous works as in musical form and ideological position. Becouse new songs are dedicated to new generation of people - brave, noble and strong on all levels of existance united by Divine Flame...

2. How would you describe the music of the newer material and how it differs from the older releases?

Music of Deviator has been developed from minimalistic dark ambient sound on early releases to much more agressive, passionable and atmospheric sound of Black/Death metal on new albums. This process has begun since 2009 year and coninues now though as I have mentioned new songs are more epic and have another vocal.

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

Strong human feelings - anger, suffering, despair, frustration, pain; apocalyptic themes & destruction, honour and supremacy; Adversary archetype...

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

Root "Dev" has indo-european origin and means "shining". Title of Deviator and logo with runescript reveals the Will to disclose the divine potential of our true essence....

5. I have noticed that this project has been both a solo project and also at one time had other musicians involved, which one do you prefer working solo or with other band members?

It is obvious that work as studio project has much better effect and development than short period being live band. Unfortunately I have not found suitable and serious people to play with me live. However some other people have helped me to realize my ideas...

6. Recently you have released a compilation album, what are your opinions on the release and what was the decision behind the compilation?

I think releasing this CD it is quite good idea as it traces an evolution of my one-man band, different level of sound as musical and conceptual development.

7. 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?

Glorious North Productions is the best label I have ever cooperated with. I have e-mailed to him with proposition to release some new Deviator material. I really respect this label and we have many outlook signs in common with it's owner...

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal fans?

I have noticed many positive reviews on my Creativity of course not such all of them. My music is not for everyone. Some songs have really deep sinister, obscure atmosphere influenced by totally negative feelings. But Evil is part of our life and I think this kind of Art for passianable but mentally and spiritually strong people with developed feeling of intuitive perception of the world...

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

In my opinion I have partially answered on this question. I would like to create more
spiritual and epic Art.

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

Burzum(early), Blut Aus Nord, Bathory(viking era), Metallica (early), Gorgoroth( early), Amon Amarth I like very much. Well, many kinds of extreme metal I have been listen to like atmospheric, viking, pagan, satanic, anti-cosmic, depressive, symphonic black metal, melodic/brutal death metal, funeral doom etc.

11. What are some of the forms Of Satanism, Occultism and Paganism that have had the most impact on your practices and music and also which occultists, philosophers and organizations do you find the most interesting?

I think it is very important to find own way for every person that means his/her true
Will. Not every knowledge is acceptable for human being. Nowadays we live in strange period of time and overloaded information of different kind. As for me I am interested to get really useful knowledge that means self-exploration and development, follow my natural insticts and true feelings but with awareness my own place between other stars...On the other hand I perceive my own limitation and I can not be always perfect and wise. Becouse Nature is measure of all things not human being with his/her own local perception of truth.( Nature is not only visible world but subtle worlds that organically connected with each other) . Of course is hard sometimes to keep balance and justice all the time but another life is here despite people according to their selfish goals do not want to see
it...As for second part of your question I should say I have no reliable info about certain occult organizations as I am not a member in any of them.(I do not trust people much).However some writers(personalities) has or had influence on my mind of course like K.G.Jung, F.Nietzsche, V.Vikernes, E.Levi, S.Grof, VeleslaV, A.Crowley...

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

Ancient history; North,Greek,Egyptian and other mythology, chess, Runes, Moon,
psychology(transpersonal too),ancient artefacts, pentacles, amulets, Martial Arts,
football, PC games(FPS, RPG, strategies), shamanism, sorcery, healing, levitation, astral, ghosts etc.

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

To forgotten Land
To forgotten Hope
To Sacrality of Blood
Wings will grow
With knowledge
To Create New World!
(c)L.H.

Deviator/Way Of Warriors-Hyms To Immortals/Glorious North Productions/2011 CD Compilation Review

2011-12-21T17:59:00.001-08:00

Deviator are a 1 man band from Ukraine that plays a very primitive form of ambient pagan/black metal and this is a review of their 2011 compilation album "Way Of Warriors-Hymn To Immortals" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drum beats range from slow, mid paced to fast parts with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in the music, while the synths have a very dark ambient/avant garde and depressive sound to them with a funeral edge at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording except for the last song, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are mostly hateful and grim sounding black metal screams that have a depressive sounding edge at times with a brief use of spoken word parts in addition there is a small use of demonic growls being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover death, darkness, occultism, Norse Mythology and individualism, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Deviator are a very good raw and primitive sounding ambient pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Last Day Of Mankind" "Undying Darkness" "Funeral Future Bells" and "Way Of Warriors-Hymn To Immortals". RECEMMENDED BUY.

Legions Of Crows Interview

2011-12-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days? Well, apart from the Misantrof compilation album we're starting to write for the next full length. So far we have three original tunes and one cover on the go. It'll be slightly more experimental than Stab Me but still with the massive riffs! We're also gathering personnel for possible live dates and shooting a video for "Bullshit Acres"...pretty busy!

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous demo?
Its really an extension of the demo that was a statement of intent...the sound is much bigger and more ballsy so we're pretty happy with it for a first album.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new album? Lyrically this one is very angry at the Government over here - its very anti establishment in all respects, from Religion to Politics. We don't fucking like it! Easy to say, but less easy to change anything and my bleating probably won't help, but it made me feel better!

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name? It came as we already had the song "Legions of Crows" - to me, the British Parliament reminds me of a buncha cawing crows sitting in ranked tiers of self serving shit. Its also very Doooom, innit.

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do live shows or is this mainly a studio project? We've been offered numerous live shows but didn't have the necessary people. That is being sorted out, however.

6. I have read that the band members have a history that goes back to the NWOBHM days but at the same time you still sound very modern but with a more original sound, what is it that motivates you to move with the times when other musicians from that era still stick to their old sound? Hah! Glad you said that. I grew up with the NWOBHM and most of it was shit. A few bands shone through, like in a lot of genres, but many of them had a couple of decent songs and that was it. I was always more into Punk, early industrial and underground metal than I was that sound so this was natural for me to do...

7. Currently you are singed to Funeral Rain Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the suuport that they have given you so far? They were very supportive of us right from the demo and we struck up a relationship through Myspace. We'd had a couple of offers for an album, but Funeral Rain have great energy and are hungry to do stuff. They saluted me and I reciprocated! They, in tandem with Clawhammer are doing a great job now, so we are happy with the way things are going.

8. On a worldwide level how has your new album been recieved by fans of black and doom metal? Generally really good! I have some nice messages from all over the place and the reviews have been 95% very positive. We're looking forwards to reaching and meeting as many new people as possible.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases? As I said, slightly more experimental as we're exploring other older genres of music to meld with our Blackened Doom assault. There will be elements of German 20s chanson and traditional forms of art within the music, but still with the crushing riffs and massive sound.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? Very many, from early Black Sabbath through to bands such as Shining and Skitliv. I also like the rawness of Darkthrone and Burzum, so they all make an appearance in my mind when I'm constructing the tunes. Doom and Black metal are the biggest influences along with a punky nihilism that I always loved bands like the damned for.

11. What role does Satanism, Occultism and Anti Christianity play in your music and how would you describe your views on these topics? It has its place in both mine and Revelators hearts for different reasons, so it will always resonate in the music. I'm not into merely screaming "Fuck God" etc as that is too easy to do. I'd rather let my feelings be known through songs like "Fellating the Lamb" and the sarcasm of "Provident Hymn"

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests? Well mainly I like following Leeds United football club and kicking Manchester United fans. Revelator likes amphetamine. Other than that my hobbies include trying to work out what the fuck the little symbols in Pro Tools mean , motorcycles and studying comparative religions. Its good to understand the enemy.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Thank you for your support and we're gonna be around for a while. We got plans. Sort of.

Pantheon Of Blood/Consociatio Solis et Lunae/Glorious North Productions/2011 EP Review

2011-12-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

Pantheon Of Blood are a band from Finland that plays a very raw and primitive form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2011 ep "Consociatio Solis et Lunae" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drums range from slow to mid paced to fast drumming 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.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that are epic sounding at times with some clean playing being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feel at times with some clean singing, while the lyrics cover national romanticism and occultism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound.

In my opinion Pantheon Of Blood are a great sounding occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Overflowing Manifestation. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Moloch/llusionen eines verlorenen Lebens/Glorious North Productions/2011 CD Review

2011-12-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Moloch are a 1 man project from Ukraine that plays a very depressive from of ambient black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "llusionen eines verlorenen Lebens" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drum programming ranges from slow to mid paced beats with not much in the way of fast parts or blast beats, while the synths have a very dark ambient and depressive sound to them, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive ambient black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of depressive black metal screams and spoken word parts, while the lyrics are written in Ukrainian and cover nature, depression and individualism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Moloch are a very great sounding ambient/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECEMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ein düsterer Winter kommt ll" "Weg von dieser Welt voller Traurigkeit" and "Abgrund meines Wesens". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Ritual/The Resurrection/Funeral Rain Records/2011 CD Review

2011-12-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ritual are a band from California that has been interviewed by this zine a year and a half back that started out as a very atmospheric form of occult black metal but have evolved more into a melodic occult black metal band with this new release and this is a review of their long awaited return album "The Resurrection" which was released by Funeral Rain Records.

Drum beats range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats present on this recording, 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 synths when they are utilized briefly they bring a very dark avant garde occultic edge to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced black metal riffs that are very melodic sounding that is very different than the previous recordings, while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark, satanic, anti christian and occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound.

In my opinion while this album is alot less raw and primitive sounding than their earlier recordings but if you are a fan of melodic occult black metal, you should check out this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Resurrection" "Executioner Of The Elder Gods" "Nightmare" and "Temples Of Baphomets Sons". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Diablery Interview

2011-12-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

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

Diablery was founded at '07-'08 and was initially based in Chalkis,
Greece. One year later the band finds new members in Athens and moves
its base of actions there. At 2010 we released "The Catharsis" EP and
we have just released "The Eye" EP (the reproduced version of our old
release).

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the
new ep and how it differs from the previous release?

As i've said before, the musical direction is preserved as we are
talking for the same tracks of the first release ("The Catharsis" EP).
Alas the first release wasn't produced as we 'd like due to time
pressure and financial obstacles. We decided to "honor" these 4 tunes
by giving them some decent production and by enhancing them with some
ideas that came along. "The Eye" EP was the result of this effort.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new release and
what progression did you make as songwriters with the new one?

The lyrical content, except some new lines and structures, is the same
with this of the first release. Beyond this fact, now, the lyrical
inspiration comes from the awareness and apprehension of inner and
outer realities. This involves contacting the Shadow aspect of our
psychism and Cosmos.

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

"Diablery" stands for the philosophy that commands the manifestation
process to obey the unified (in terms of archetypal patterns)
Luciferian nature..

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

We perceive every stage experience valuable in its own right.
Therefore we can't point out a "best show" but we can surely mark
significant moments from which we've learned important lessons. Our
participation to the "Battle of the Bands: Wacken" and also the
road-trip to Thessaloniki, to perform at "8ball Club" are some of
these moments.

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

Touring is a very important aspect of our existence as a band. So,
yes, we plan on touring as soon as the new album (our full-length
debut) comes out.

7. I saw online that you are looking for a drummer, what kind of
drummer are you looking for?

An open-minded drummer with fuckin good skill, fresh ideas and his own
equipment is someone who meets the band's need. He must also stay or
have a residence here in Greece.

8. Currently you are unsinged, are you looking for a label and if so,
what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your
music?

Definetely signing with a label is one of the targets. A consistent
label runned by solid individuals would suffice.

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

The feedback from all over the world is very positive. But a Devotee
must not embrace either good words or ill-mannered speech in order to
act without restrain.

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

Each member has some other band or side-project so he can murder some
more time in the altar of Musick. Adyton, Exarsis, Nethescerial,
Reclaim are some of these affiliated bands/projects.

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

I can tell you for sure that the full-length will have more complex
forms and bizarre soundscapes, more speed and eerie guitars. Also
major expansion of variety in the vocal territory.

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

We think that labelizing is very bad for the evolution of art. But in
order to answer one has to use labels. Swedish black/death metal scene
is a major infuence as well as Norwegian (Ulver and Arcturus, Ihsahn,
Emperor etc.). Also we appreciate the French scene (Blut Aus Nord,
Deathspell Omega, Pensées Nocturnes etc) and also japanese black
metal. Hellenic scene has a place in our soul with bands like
Necromantia and Naer Mataron and we like discovering new or old bands
with one or two releases from all over the world. Jazz and
avantgarde/experimental music is another important factor in our
aesthetics as well as traditional music from all over the world
(Greece, Mesopotamia, Tibet, Iceland and America). From all the
questions this is the more difficult to answer - we listen stuff from
"pop" music, rock, even trance or industrial. Existence equals music.

13. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in your music and how
would you describe your views on this topic?

Our music/lyrics is related with the Occult in every sense. We think
that occult interests are essential for the evolution of a person.
Although we value Satan as an important figure we have come to reject
the solely materialistic current of modern Satanism and we tend to
focus more on the Luciferian/ Promythean archetype. Great insights are
to be found in hermetism and neoplatonism. Avoidance of mandatory
religious practices (as expressed by these large organization that
sell "spirituality") is very crucial in our way of life.

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

Our existence is infected with all shorts of different
diseases-interests. Walking forest/mountain routes, literature and
occult/philosophical texts. Science (from maths to sociology) books.
This is nothing but mere words and i can't really express how we deal
with all this experience that existence offers. Hunger is the only
word..

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

There is only one absolute Moment.

*“Show yourselves in power **and make me a strong seething **for I am of Him
** that lives forever”*

Legions Of Crows/Stab Me/Funeral Rain Records/2011 CD Review

2011-12-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

Legions Of Crows are a band from the UK that consists of veterans from the NWOBHM scene that plays a mixture of necro black metal, traditional doom metal and Northern European Hymnody and this is a review of their 2011 album "Stab Me" which was released by Funeral Rain Records.

Drum programming range from slow to mid paced beats with some ocasional fast parts and blast beats, while the keyboards bring a very dark and funeral like 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 to midpaced riffs that combine necro sounding black metal with traditional and funeral doom metal and at times they are some very raw and primitive sounding fast playing, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very classic sounding heavy metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals range from grim sounding black metal screams, clean singing and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Legions Of Crows are a very great and original sounding black/funeral doom hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Provident Hymn Malediction" "Defecate" "Dull Grey" and "Coventry Carol". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dies Irae Interview

2011-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

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

Hello, first that all thank you very much for the interview, actually im working on some improvements of our own recording studio, we plan to start working on some new songs again for ourselves so we needed a more professional platform, we already have several ideas for our next album and we want to start between January and February next year.

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

Well .. all albums in the band have been different, the music began to have a dark sound, melancholic, sad, which was transformed through time in a progressive and death metal sound; To this album, things have been different, this album is very personal, more intimate, Fernz and I were working for 2 years and the result has been most satisfying for me who has had throughout the history of dies irae. The new sound takes many elements that distinguished the band in its beginning, Music turns sad and dark again with many new elements that the time gave to me, we mixed our music with sounds from some of the new influences I had during the last 10 years and this gives a unique sound to the new album which we decided to label as PostMetal.

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

The lyrics in this album are still very personal, sometimes metaphorical allowing our fans interpret what they want to understand with their own view, the main issue is how life can change or how life has changed when one turns and looks back without have realized the time. We wrote about some scenarios that we imagine about complicated things that life throws along the way.

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

As everyone knows there have been dozens of groups in the world with the dies irae name, from what I've researched, we were the first in the metal scene in taking this name. It comes from a segment of Mozart's Requiem and the idea of naming the band with this name could be the same as Mozart title idea, making music for the dead in life.

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

During the tour "etherial" we had great presentations, I remember specially one of them supporting The Gathering in Mexico City with a great audience, I remember very well having played with Enslaved in Irapuato City many many years ago, that was a great gig also. The last gig of Dies irae was in 2002 when we presented the album "Naive", I described the performance as intense, the idea of a Dies Irae show is to connect audiences with the music, trying to interpret the main moments in the songs with the energy that people give us.

Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We are preparing a set list to play live, but now life has made things more complicated, the idea is to go out and do some presentations, maybe few, but we want to have the personal presence and reconnect with old fans.

I have noticed that you took a long hiatus, what where you doing during that time and what made you decide to reform the band after all these years?

As you say, the band went into a shadow of almost 10 years, was long distance. We had a strong situations that forced us to move away. But all the time we were not far from the music. Eduardo and I started a side project called The Ill over Death, with which we get an album called Steric.
After that Eduardo made changes in his life that led him away entirely from the music. I started to write some songs with Fernz who replaced Eduardo at The ill, and the result made me turn back because I felt he was returning to make things as Dies Irae and that's how the band has reborned

Have you recieved any backlash for your new sound?

Of course. I'm very happy to see that the Dies Irae very quickly resuming the place he had in the international scene, almost every day I go to the web and see something new about my band on google that comes from other parts far of Mexico. The album reviews has barely begun, it can be hard with the new stuff now because things move differently, and the new album offers a different style to what the metal offers today. Make changes and offer a different music sound is always risky if your idea is to have good reviews, I know that, one of them compared our Secret veils of passion with Tiamat’s A deeper kind of slumber which in turn was killed by critics and now everyone sees it as a great album .. This to me is very satisfying. I guess we will not get the best grades in the polls and the critical reaction but we are enjoying a lot the moment and we’re very very glad with the backlash.

On a worldwide level how have fans reacted to your music style, that have heard it so far?

The starting point for Dies Irae was very early, from the demo Ab imo pectore the band was exposed to the Critics in other countries like Italy, Turkey, Sweden, Norway, where the main metal scene was concentrated in the 90’s woldwide, each album gaves something new to us and we get more fans from other countries. People received Dies Irae so good, and criticism has been very good. Always positive and motivating.

What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

It is always difficult to talk about the future of music, by the time the new songs are concentrated in a dark way, guitars are now speaking by themself much more than before and are taking their own voice in the music, so the next job could be described as more acoustic, more intense, more warm, but hard when its have to be.
Dies Irae is taking a definitive way in the sound and we are trying to make it perfect.

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

The bands that gave roots to the dies irae music were definitly doom metal and true black metal bands such as My Dying Bride, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Celestial Season, Paradise Lost basically.
Things have changed and the influences which can also be seen in each album.
I'm really far from the metal, I hear very few bands in this genre.
I'm currently really into Neofolk, Dark Ambient, Synth and Martial Pop which has opened an amazing world to me.

Does Occultism play any role in your music?

Definitely not, the church is more and more away from my beliefs and my preferences now, I think the laws of the church are becoming more retrograde and keeps the people blind but I try to find my own answers to my own decisions without flail to see if this good or what I did wrong. The lyrics and the music of Dies Irae maybe offer a little of this claim, but we are not in the occultism. Not for now hahahaha.

Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Well, outside of music I personally enjoy life with my daughter who lives with me, I like swimming, I like to enjoy my friends, I have to work hard to live as I live, I'm a graphic designer, now Im starting an design agency with Daniel HG and that's what I do apart from music. Fernz rebuilt his life and is enjoying the company of his wife and kids, he is working in the footwear industry and that is the real life of Dies Irae.

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

Just thank you for the support you’re giving to us, we thank our fans with whom we've been brought together, thanks for having reopened the doors of their ears, hope you like our new album and hope to see you soon on stage.
And remember, When unexpected things ocurrs…..!

Eisregen/Rostart/Massacre Records/2011 CD Review

2011-12-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

Eisregen are a band from Germany that has had their previous recording reviewed in this zine that plays a very dark and demented form of atmospheric dark/black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Rostart" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric 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 more raw and primitive sounding than the older recordings but you can still hear alot of their older sound on this recording with some influences from other styles of music, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords they add more variety to the music .

Vocals range from grim and high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing vocals with some deep growls being thown in at times, while the lyrics are written in German and cover death, necrophilia, cannibalism, perversion and murder, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Eisregen and if you where a fan of thier previous releases, you will not be dissapointed. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Shackal-Ode An Die Streubombe" "Blutvater" "Kathi Das Kuchenschwein" and "Fahless Ross". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dies Irae/Secret Veils Of Passion/Chaos Records/2011 CD Review

2011-12-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

Dies Irae are a band from Mexico that started out a more melodic black/dark metal band but have evolved into a more experimental post rock metal band with this new release and this is a review of their album "Secret Veils Of Passion" which will be released by Chaos Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the synths have a very dark, haunting and atmospheric/avant garde sound to them, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow and heavy doomy riffs to alot of clean and sft progressive rock playing mixed in with a good amount of melody, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly clean singing with some agressive vocals that have a black metal tinge but not as much as the early roecordings, while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion while this album might dissapoint alot of older fans since this is a long way from the dark metal that they where known for I still feel this is a good depressive rock/metal album, and if you are into this style, you should at least give it a listen. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Want" "For" E7en" and "Night. RECEMNMONDED BUY.

NunFuckRitual Interview

2011-12-09T13:49:00.001-08:00

1. Can you tell us a little bit more about this new project?
The project was born out of a couple of riff I had laying around that did not fit any of my other bands. I played the riffs to Espen one drunken night and he really liked what he heard.From there we made more songs and Espen added vocals. When the pre-prod was done we contacted the other guys to ask if they wanted to take part in it.

2. How would you describe the sound that is presented on the album and what you hope to achieve with this group that you have not been able to with the other projects?
The whole project was actually created around a guitar sound from the pre-prod. As you can hear, NFR is more about atmosphere then anything else, maybe its more visual as well.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics the band explores with the music?
The theme is asexual reproduction and how that actually occurs in nature. Lyrics is not important with this project, its more about getting something out of what you are hearing and make up theme's for yourself.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
That was just a coincidence, I had a folder named NunFuckRitual on my computer and I had these riffs in it.

5. I have read that this group has not done any shows yet, but if it where to happen what could we expect from a NunFuckRitual live performance?
We want to do this live, but we must get the right offer and talk some more about it. We are not interested in going onstage with some bad lighting and a smoke machine. It has to be planned very well and it has to be visual.

6. I have noticed that Dan Lilker plays bass on the recording, we did you get in contact and what is it like working with a long time underground metal veteran?
I known Dan since I met him on tour with Celtic Frost and 1349. Dan is a very cool cat to work with, no stress what so ever whit that dude.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
Either you like it or you don't like it. The ones that doesn't like it think its boring, they probably did not understand the thing. But that's cool. If I one day make something that everyone likes, then I've done something wrong.

8. I have noticed that now your are performing with Mayhem and in the midst of a US tour, do you feel honored that you are working with one of the most legendary black metal bands in the world and what is your opinion on the American audience?
Honored, not sure. I don't feel excitement about much in life. Of course its cool to hang out with friends and drink some alcohol and doing stupid shit. Doing tours is a struggle, its to crowded and there is nowhere to hide. But all in all, I can't really complain. I know many others that would give up their arms to do guitars in Mayhem (grin).

9. Are there any plans for any future albums from this project and if so what can we expect from future releases?
Yeah I finished my work on album number 2 just before I went on the US tour with Mayhem, now its up to Espen to do his charm on it. He should have something ready when I get back home. So the new album should be out around summer next year I guess.

10. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the support and interest in NFR, go fuck a nun

--
Teloch
-------------------------------------------------
Guitarist/Bassist/Composer in Mayhem,Nidingr, Umoral,The Konsortium, NunFuckRitual.

Next up :

Nidingr Wolf-Father Vinyl, Oktober.
Umoral recording full-length, October.
NunFuckRitual, debut album will be available in a 6-panel digipack CD on October 14th (October 18th in North America) via Debemur Morti Productions.

Mayhem - Rockheim Trondheim - Norway October 18th
Mayhem - North America Tour- November - December

Diablery/The Eye/2011 EP Review

2011-12-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Diablery are a band from Greece that plays a very atmospheric form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 ep "The Eye".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths bring a very atmospheric feeling to the music without being too overdone but still being a main instrument, 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 sound very powerful.

Rhythym guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark and melodic sounding without sounding too raw or primitive 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 growls, spoken word parts and clean singing being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover dark and satanic themes, as for the production it sounds very dark without being too underproduced or overproduced.

In my opinion Diabelry are a very good atmospheric black metal band with a melodic and symphonic edge that while not pure kvlt black metal or too mainstream sounding and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Legion" and "Aeon Of The Dark Light". RECEMMONDED BUY.

The Stone Interview

2011-12-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

THE STONE interview; answers by L.G. (drummer)

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We just got back from the European tour with Inquisition and it has been a blast. We thank all those souls who felt embraced by our music, bought our merch and shared a bottle or two.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on your new album and how it differs from previous recordings?
It's still the continuation of the story we had on previous two albums, although we have inclined to some new steps music wise. Not based on a fast-paced rhythmic, we slowed it down and made it heavier, there's even some elements we've never had before and were really interested in the outcome of things.. we wanted to give it all a really big sound, massive guitars with gloomy atmosphere, raging death-invoking vocals and thunderous percussion. Thanx to Mr. Honza Kapak of Hellsound studio who put all his effort in making it possible for us.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Our singer Nefas is the main lyrical contributor to the band and is a wicked misanthropic bastard when it comes to composing verses. His themes often refer to the most gruesome endings a human soul can suffer to, invoked by utterly black and devious concept behind it. It is based on one's individual state and demented observations it's entity has towards the World and All that is.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
It symbolizes the magic of anti-flesh – the very essence of life negation! The ancient cult of death.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
I think it's for every person to make his/her own conclusion of our performance, but so far the best reaction we've got is from people in Slovenia, Czech Republic, all around Germany, Poland and some festivals in Europe: Barroselas, UTBS, Metal Mania etc.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the upcoming future?
We look forward to be back on the road again, yes. We're getting some arrangements for the Autumn '12 tour but nothing is confirmed yet. We'll also play some festivals in summer and hope to get a good tour deal before that as well.

7. I have noticed that on the new recording that music was written in both your native tongue and English, which language do you prefer to write in?
We prefer writing in Serbian, although it is very hard for those abroad to understand exactly what we're saying. So this time we figured to get some of the lyrics written in English. We did have it in the past and we'll get back to it even more with new releases.

8. Currently you are singed to Folter Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given to the band so far, and how would you compare your current label to the past labels that you have worked with?
Jorg from Folter Records had made contact with the band like 7 years ago, but has been the fan since early days. Cooperation between us has been very satisfying ever since and we have released last three albums for him. Folter Records is well-known underground label and had a big variety of bands on its rooster throughout its (more than) 15 years of existence. Working with him gave us quite an opportunity in the past and keeps revealing new things for us.

9. On a worldwide level how has your new album been received by black metal fans?
I don't think it has been completely received yet. Sure we had some feedback by now and it's mostly all fair and good criticism, but I don't think the album has completely settled down in ears yet. I'm interested in hearing the opinions some time from now, I think it just needs some time to breathe that is.

10. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
We have some ideas for new Kozeljnik album, a band run by the guitarist Kozeljnik and I. So far, we have released 2 albums and managed to play some festivals in Europe and few shows at home, in Serbia. Other than that, all other projects are currently put on hold.

11. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
I think that we've succeeded in creating our own style over the years to a certain point, by just doing our own thing and this is unlikely to change in years to come. Our style had varied from first up to the third album, being improved with every new recording, but I think last three albums are more connected to each other than anything else. These are our true image and what we tend for others to achieve from listening to it.

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We did raise ourselves as true collectors and appreciators of the music devilry, but sometimes it's hard to tell what influences us most. Origins of electric music from beginnings of 60s, sincere devil rock and metal from the 80s, as well as complete extreme metal scene from 30 years back up to the present day. A lot of it really, hard to choose favourites, there's always the influence apart from one that comes from deep within.

13. Does Paganism, Occultism or Satanism play any role in the bands music?
The Stone has a rather devilish Nihilistic concept to it, with cold misanthropic energy channeling from within.

14. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
It's learning about yourself and accepting both challenges what life and spheres beyond it force down upon you and ones you choose to add to your burden. Walk and dream and learn.

15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanx for the interview and your support. Check out our new album "Golet" and look for The Stone on stage, we will tour Europe again in 2012.

Wind Of The Black Mountains/Sing Thou Unholy Servants/Moribund Records/1998 CD Review

2011-12-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

Wind Of The Black Mountains where a band from Lansing, Michigan that played a very satanic and anti christian form of raw black metal and this is a review of their 1998 album "Sing Thou Unholy Servants" which was released by Moribund Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards when they are utilized bring a very dark, ritualistic and atmospheric feeling to the music with a brief use of satanic sounding violins, 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 a thrash feeling at times, while the lead guitars are very chaotic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and exotic sounding scales to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams with a brief use of female vocals, demonic growls and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover satanic and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Wind Of The Black Mountains where a very great sounding ritualistic raw and primitive sounding satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Forcefed Into Blasphemy" "Black Goat" "Thy Shadow(Hill Of The Horned God)". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Nergal/The Wizard Of Nerath/Unisound Records/1995 CD Review

2011-12-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Nergal are a band from Greece that plays a very atmospheric form of Greek style occult black metal and this is a review of their 1995 album "The Wizard Of Nerath" which was released by Unisound Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards have a very dark and atmospheric sound to them, 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 Greek style black metal riffs that are very melodic at times, and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are very high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling to them at times mixed in with a small amount of spoken word parts, while the lyrics touch on darkness, occultism and mythology, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nergal are a very great sounding Greek atmospheric occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "My Soul, Blood, Will Be Dripping" "The Wind Of Hate" "The Wizzard Of Nerath" and "The Dream Of The Dragon". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Arkhon Infaustus/Hell Injection/Osmose Productions/2001 CD Review

2011-12-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

Arkhon Infaustus are a band from France that mixes the most brutal elements of black/death/war metal to create their own form of satanic metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "Hell Injection" which was released by Osmose Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amounnt 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.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine the most brutal elements of black, death and war metal together to create a very heavy sound, while the lead guitars are very chaotic souding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals range from high pitched black/war metal screams to deep death metal growls with some spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover satanic, anti christian and perverted screams, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and brutal sound to it.

In my opinion Arkhon Infaustus are a very good brutal sounding black/death/war metal hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Brethen Of Flesh" "Dead Cunt Maniac" "The Whorehouse Coven" and "Hokus Demons". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Von/Satanic Blood Angel/Nuclear War Now Productions/2002 Demo Re-Issue CD Review

2011-12-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Von are a band from San Francisco, California that where one of the originators of usbm and goat metal and this is a review of their demo compilation "Satanic Blood Angel: which was released in 2002 by Nuclear War Now Productions.

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

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast, primitive and basic sounding early 90's style black metal riffs that utilize a good amount of death metal influence and some ocassional dark sounding melodies, while the lead guitars are very distorted and primitive sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly deep black/death growsl that sound very guttural with some mournful cries and spoken word parts being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover satanic and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it with some songs being recorded live.

In my opinion Von where a very great sounding influental black/death/goat metal band and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Devil Pig" "Watain" "Satanic Blood" and "Chalice Of Blood". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Lugubrum/Finsternis/Split CD/Full Moon Productions/2002 CD Review

2011-12-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is a review of a split album between Belgium's Lugubrum and Finistris which was released by Full Moon Productions during the year of 2002 and we will start of the review with Lugubrum that plays a very raw and distorted form of alcohol induced black metal.

Drums range from slow,mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in with the bass playing has a very strong, powerful and distorted tone to it, as for the synths which are only used on the last song they add a very dark sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw, primitive and distorted sounding, while the lead guitars are very distorted, raw and primitive sounding black metal guitar leads.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with some spoken word samples being thrown in at times, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Belgian and English with themes that cover alcohol, filth and totems, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Lugubrum are a very good sounding raw and primitive sounding alcohol induced black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hunted Ordure" and "Temptatie".RECEMMONDED.

Next up is Finsternis a band that played a raw, primitive and filthy alcohol induced form of black metal.

Drums range from mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with its primitive black metal riffing.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very filthy, raw and primitive sounding with a good amount of thrash influences and there are no guitar solos or leads present on their side of the recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Belgain and English with themes that cover death and darkness, as for the production it has a very filthy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Finsternis where a very good alcohol, filth induced, raw and primitive sounding black metal band with the best music on this split and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this group. RECEMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Haunting Hellfury" and "War-Witch Breeding". RECEMMONDED.

In mu opinion this is a great split of alcohol induced black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check this split out. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Satyricon/Dark Medievel Times/Moonfog Records/1994 CD Review

2011-12-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Satyricon are a band from Norway that has a long history and is one of the most well known bands of that genre that played a very epic, atmospheric, forest style of black metal with this recording and this is a review of their classic 1994 album "Dark Medievel Times" which was released by Moonfog Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards bring a very dark, atmospheric and epic feeling to the music mixed in with a brief use of pagan sounding flutes, as for the bass playing it 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 dark, raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies being utilized at times and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the classical guitars they use finger picking and full chords to add another dimension of darkness to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of whispered vocals and spoken word passages, while the lyrics cover dark, medievel and forest themes with the song writing being in a mixture of Norwegian and English, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was one of the greatest albums from Satyricon and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Walk The Path Of Sorrow" "Dark Medievel Times" and "The Dark Castle In The Deep Forest". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Vukodalk/Blackest Autumn/Realms Of Darkness Productions/2001 CD Review

2011-12-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Vukodlak where a band from Pennsylvania that played a very raw and primitive form of satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "Blackest Autumn" which was released by Realms Of Darkness Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the synths which are only utilized briefly bring a ritualistic feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark, strong and powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs that are very dark sounding with an ocassional death metal edge and there are no lead guitars or solos present on this recording.

Vocals are all grim sounding black metal screams, while the lyrics cover LaVey Satanism, Darkness, and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Vukodolk where a very good sounding raw and primitive sounding satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Burnt Horizon" "Quasb A Na" and "Cryptic Passage". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Primigenium/Art Of War/Full Moon Productions/1997 CD Review

2011-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

Primigenium are a band from Spain that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their 1997 album "Art Of War" which was released by Full Moon Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the synths which are only used on the intros and outros bring a very epic feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very raw and primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are all grim sounding black metal screams with a brief use of ritualistic sounding demonic growls, while the lyrics cover darkness, occultism and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was a great album from Primigenium and if you are a fan of raw and primitive sounding black metal, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Embrace me Darkness" "Shall The Forest Open For Us" and "Pact Of Solitude". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Argentum/Stigma Mortuorum/Sempiternal Productions/2001 CD Review

2011-11-29T19:22:00.000-08:00

Argentum are a band from mexico that plays a very dark and atmospheric form of occult black metal with doom and death metal influences and this is a review of their 2001 album "Stigma Mortuorum" which was released by Sempiteral Productions.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric 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 sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced riffing that combines atmospheric occult black metal with death and doom metal as well as some dark melodies while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams with a brief use of spoken word parts, while the lyrics have Latin titles but written in English with themes that cover Occultism, Mysticism, Darkness and Depression, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Argentum are a very good atmospheric occult black metal band with a doom metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Gardens Of The Unsane Renovation" "Mors Imperium Aetheriam" and "Acrimonia Mater Dolorosa". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Urgehal/Through Thick Fog Till Death/Southern Lord/Agonia Records/2004 CD Review

2011-11-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Urgehal are a band from Norway that plays a very raw and primitive form of satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2004 album "Through Thick Fog Till Death" which was released as a joint effort between Agonia Records and Southern Lord.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of 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 and on the live tracks they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitivwe black metal riffs that have a thrash feeling at times, while the lead guitars are very distorted, raw and primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark, satanic and anti christians themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it with the last 4 songs on the recording being recorded live.

In my opinion this was a great album from Urgehal and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Raise The Symbols of Satan" "Satanic Deathlust" "Supreme Blasphemy" and "The Eternal Eclipse". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Haemoth/In Nomine Odium/Debember Morti Productions/2011 CD Review

2011-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Haemoth are a band from France that plays a very raw and primitive foem of satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "In Nomine Odium" which will be released by Debember Morti Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown in, 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, as for the synths which are only utilized briefly they bring a very dark avant garde edge to the music with some noise effects being thrown in at times.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some clean playing being used on one song that is very avant garde sounding and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with a brief spoken word part, while the lyrics touch on dark, satanic and occult themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Haemoth and if you where a fan of their previous recordings, you will not be dissapointed. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Demonik Omniscience" "Spiritual Pestillence" and "Son Of The Black Light". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Palace Of Worms/Lifting The Veil/Flenser Records/2010 CD Review

2011-11-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Palace Of Worms are a 1 man project from San Francisco, California that plays a very dark and hateful form of black metal with a funeral doom edge and this is a review of their 2010 album "LIfting The Veil" which was released by Flenser Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming 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 and at times they sound very powerful, as for the effects when they are utilized they bring a very dark avant-garde ambient edge to the music as well as some synths being used on the last song.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark sounding with some melodic riffing and funeral doom influences as well as a brief use of clean playing being utilized on a couple of songs and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a combination of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of demonic style vocals in addition there are a few seconds of clean singing being used on one song, while the lyrics cover death, hate, paronia, and eschtatology, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Palace Of Worms are a very good sark sounding black metal band with a funeral doom edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "No Exit" "The Scroll Of Kimiris" and "Hellish Journey". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Wolfenhords/The Truth Shall Set You Free/Frozen Darkness Productions/2011 CD Review

2011-11-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Wolfenhords are a 1 man project from Croatia that sttarted out as being raw ns black metal but progressed more into a folk/thrash style of black metal with this new release and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Truth Shall Set You Free" which was released by Frozen Darkness productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very a strong and powerful tone that dominates throughout the recording, as for the folk instruments when they are utilized they bring a pagan feeling to the music with some epic sounding synths being used on ocassion.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffing that combines black metal with thrash and folk music with a good amount of melodies being thrown in as well as a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars have a very melodic and epic sound to them.

Vocals are mostly black/thrash growls and screams, while the lyrics cover Anti- Christianity, Paganism, Croatian Nationality and Occultism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion while this album might take time to grow on some fans of this project and if you are looking for something original that combines folk, black metal and thrash, you should check out this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bastard Religion" "Saturn Rising" "They Live' and "Vampire Hunters". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Forteresse/Crepuscale d' Octobre/Sepulchral productions/2011 CD Review

2011-11-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Forteresse are a band from Quebec that has had their previous album reviewed a year ago by this zine that played a more ambient style of black metl on that one but go for a more agressive sound with the new one and this is a review of their 2011 album "Crepsucle d, Octobre' which was released by Spulcharal Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used on ocassion, while the synths have a very dark atmospheric, ambient feeling to them when they are utilized in addition there is a brief use of folk instruments being used before a couple of songs that give the music a pagan feeling, as for the bass playing it 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 raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs that utilize some melodies at times, while the lead guitars are very raw, primitive, melodic and epic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, while the lyrics are written in French and cover Quebec Nationalism, History and Separation, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Forteresse and if you where a fan of their previous recording, you should enjoy this one as well. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Le Triomphe Des Douze' and "Spectres Du Solstice". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Cosmic Ekpyrosis Interview

2011-11-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Our split CD is released , so we are doing our best to promote it, and we are preparing for festival that we participate support Acherontas.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the split album?

How would you describe the sound of a black metal release?

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Chaos and anything what lies within..

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Our name has its roots from Greek ancient philosophy and the meaning
is the periodic destruction of the universe by fire and its subsequent recreation.

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 your stage performance?
Our first live show is going to be at January 14th.Until then I can't give you the information you want.

6. I have read somewhere that the band was formed in January, 2011 and you already have material out after less than a year, does the band rehearse constantly?

I don't think that this has to do with how often the band rehearse.It has to do with inspiration and ability/

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal fans?
We just had our first release out...

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Honestly ? I don't know time will tell...At the same motive with some changes on the melodies.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Marduk, Deathspell Omega , Dissection , Mayhem , Watain , Arkhon Infaustus and the list goes on...

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Regards
Cosmic Ekpyrosis

Impaled Nazarene/Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz/Osmose Productions/JL America/1993 CD Review

2011-11-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Impaled Nazarene are a band from Finland that is very well known in the black metal scene and with this recoring they helped influence the goat metal sound and this is a review of their 1993 album "TolCormpt Norz Norz Norze" which was rleased as a joint effort between Osmose Productions and JL AMerica.

Drums range from mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the synths which are only used briefly enhance the darkness of the music, as for the bas guitar it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs that have somewhat of a death metal feeling to them and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some evil sounding growls, and goat/perverted samples, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Finish and English with themes that cover Satanism, Mythology, Goats, Anti Christian and perverted themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was a great album from Impaled Nazarene and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "My Blessing (The Beginning Of The End)" "Goat Perversion" "Condemned To Hell" and "Damnation (Raping The Angels". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Abigor/Satanized (A Journey Through Cosmic Infinity)/Naplam Records 2001 CD Review

2011-11-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Abigor are a band from Austria that plays a very atmospheric from of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "Satanized (A Journey Through Cosmic Infinity)" which was released by Napalm Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths and samples bring a very dark atmospheric feeling 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 sound very strong and powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that utilize a great amount of melody and some thrash style riffing in addition there is a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing in addition there is a brief use of spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Science, Occultism and the Chtulu Mythos, as fro the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this was a great album from Abigor and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE ""The" and "Satan's Galaxy". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Bestial Warlust/Blood And Valour/Modern Invasion Records/1995 CD Review

2011-11-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Bestial Warlust where a band from Australia that played a very fast and brutal form of black/war metal and this is a review of their classic album "Blood And Valour" which was released by Modern Invasion Records during the year of 1995.

Drums range from mid paced to fast playing with alot of brutal sounding 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 mid paced to fast raw, primitive and brutal sounding black/war metal riffs that also utilize some death metal influences in addition there is a small amount of vlean playing being utilized on one song, while the lead guitars are very chaotic, raw and primitive black/war metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black/war metal screams mixed in with some deep black/death growls, while the lyrics cover Satanism and war, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive feeling to it.

In my opinion Bestial Warlust where a very great sounding black/war metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Blood And Valour" "Barbaric Horde" "Legion Of Death" and "I Am The Warrior". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Corvus Corax/The Atavistic Trade/Dark Symphonies/2000 CD Review

2011-11-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

Corvus Corax where a band from Seattle, Washington that played a very dark, melodic and atmospheric form of pagan/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2000 album "The Atavistic Triad" which was released by Dark Symphonies.

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats with some tribal sounding percussion being thrown in at times, while the keyboards, sampling and sequencing bring a very dark, epic, atmospheric and orchestra sounding feel to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark and deep tone that is very easy to hear at times.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark and melodic sounding mixed in with some influences from doom metal, and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the acoustic guitars they use finger picking and full chords to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Caballa,and The Dark Side Of Nature, as for the production it has a very dark, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opion Corvus Corax where a great sounding atmospheric, occult dark/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check this band out. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Son Of The Earth" and "Mystagiogue". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Absent Silence/Dawn Of A New Mourning/NoColours Records/19999 CD Review

2011-11-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Absent Silence wher a band from Finland that played a ver dark oand depressive, melodic form of raw and primitive black metal and this is a review of their 1999 album "Dawn Og A New Mourning" which was released by No Colours Records.

Drums range from slow, mid apced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used on ocassion, while the keyboards have a very dark and atmospheric feeling to them, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mi paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, depressive and melodic sounding at times with a brief use of soft and clean playing and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing and whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover solitude, suicide and hopelessness, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Absent Silence where a very good atmospheric, dark sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Heavens To Discover" "Scarlet Throrns;' and "Code To My Seasons". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Aboriorth/Far Away From Hateful Mankind Plague/Abtichristian Front Records/2007 CD Review.

2011-11-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Aboriorth are a 1 man band from Spain that plays a very heavy, raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2007 album "Far Away From Hateful Mankind Plague" which was released by Antichristian Front Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, 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 heavy, raw and primitive sounding and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

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

In my opinion Aborioth are a very great sounding heavy, raw and primitive sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bullets Of Hate" "Sons Of Nihilism, Bastards Of Destruction" "Mankind Failure" and "Aboriortholoaust". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Tsatthoggua/Hosana Bizarre/Osmose Productions/1996 CD Review

2011-11-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tsatthoggua where a band from Germany that played a hyper speed form of black metal mixed in with some keyboards and this is a review of their classic 1996 album "Hosana Bizarre" which was released by Osmose productions during the year of 1996.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast fast playing with alot of brutal brutal sounding blast beats that are used on a regular basis, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric feeling 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 heavy, brutal raw and primitive sounding hyperspeed black metal riffs that also utilize some thrash and death metal influences as well as some dark sounding melodies and there are no lead guitars or solos present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing female vocals, deep sounding black/death metal growls, samples and spoken word passages, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Englisg and German with themes that cover Satanism, Anti Christianity, Thule, Luciferian, Sado Masochism, Bondageand Crowleyism in addition the band name came from the writings of H.P Lovecraft, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy, brutal, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Tsattoggua where a very great heavy, brutal, raw and primitive band and this album still sounds more brutal than most modern black metal, and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Heirs Of Fire" "The Belief - The Lie" "Worm Of Sin" and "Dionysos Ectasy". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Manes/Maanens Natt/Hammerheart Records/1998 Re-Issue Review

2011-11-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Manes where a band from Norway that played a very dark and atmospheric form of black metal on this recording and later evolved in an experimental band and this is a review of their 1993 demo "Maanens Natt" which was re-issued by Mammerheart Records douring 1998.

Drum programming from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while the synths when they are utilized bring a dark atmospheric, epic feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound 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 and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of spoken word passages, while the lyrics are written in Norwegian and cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark, evil, raw and primitive sound to it.1

In my opinion Manes where a very great sounding atmospheric raw and primitive sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out tihs band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Maanens Natt" and "Under Den Blodraude Maanen". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Baltak/Kral Na Dva Svetoj/Battlegod Productions/2000 CD Review

2011-11-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Baltak are a band from Australia that plays a Macedonian form of black/war metal and this is a review of their classic 2000 album "Kral Na Dva Svetoj" which was released by Battlegod Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with alot of brutal blast beats being thrown in in addition to some tribal style percussion being used on the intro, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful sound that dominates throughout the recording, as for the keyboards which are only utilized briefly they add a very dark atmospheric feeling to the music, in addition there is a brief use on one song with some pagan sounding flutes .

Rhythm guitars from from slow, mid paced to fast raw, primitive, heavy and brutal war/black metal riffs and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling at times with a brief use of spoken word parts and a small amount of deep black/death growls, while the lyrics cover Macedonian and Egyptian paganism,,history and heritage and are written in a mixture of English and Macedonian languages, as for the production it has a very heavy, powerful, raw and primitive sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Baltak are a very great sounding, heavy, brutal, powerful, raw and primitive black/war metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Makeadohnija Ke Se Vrati (Macedonia Will Retrn)" "Son Of Zeus Ammon" "A King Is Born" and "Stench Of Death/Reeking The Heavens". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Legion/Evocacion Del Mar/2011 Promo Review

2011-11-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Legion are a band from Ecuador that has a history that goes back to the 90's and plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2011 promo "Evocacion Del Mar".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming 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 and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also utilize some dark sounding melodies, while the lead guitars are very raw and primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads , as for the classical guitars which are only utilized briefly they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in Spanish and cover evil, darkness, anti religion and Satanism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Legion are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band that I am looking forward to hearing more music from, and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Infernales Marchas de triunfo". RECEMMONDED BAND>

The G.B.S/ 2010 Promo Review

2011-11-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

The G.B.S are a band from Finland whose name stands for Grand Beast Sodomy that plays a very raw and primitive form mixed in with some death metal influences and this is a review of their 2010 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with alot of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown in , 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 raw and primitive black metal riffs that also combine a heavy death metal influence and some dark sounding melodies, while the lead guitars are very raw, primitive and melodic sounding guitar leads and solos.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with some deep black/death growls, while the lyrics cover anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion The G.B.S create a great form of raw black metal and heavy black/death metal to create an original sound and if you are looking for some black/death that has an original sound, you should check this band out. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Fuck The Holy Trinity". RECEMMONDED BAND.

The Stone/Golet/Folter Records/2011 CD Review

2011-11-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Stone are a band from Serbia that has a history that goes back to the 90's with a musical style that I would describe as being raw and primitive sounding black metal mixed in with some thrash and death metal influences and this is a review of their 2011 album "Golet" which was released by Folter Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone that is very easy to hear throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs that also utilize some dark sounding melodies and influences from thrash and death metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding black metal guitar leads and solos, as for the classical guitars which are only utilized briefly on the last song they use finger picking to add another dimension of darkness to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some deep growls that are a mixture of death/thrash metal, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Serbian and English with themes that cover death, nihilism and Misanthropy, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy and powerful sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are presented on the recording.

In my opinion The Stone are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal that utilizes some ancient sounding death/thrash influences that makes them stand out from the average sounding black metal band and if you are looking for something that is different, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "All Graves Gaping Wide" "Golet" and "Barren Earth In Cold Death's Hand". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Purgator Interview

2011-10-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
SS: Best way to describe Purgatör... Fucking Bad

2. How would you describe the musical sound of your 7 inch and how it differs from the previos recording?
SS: It's a lot of improvement from the first demo that was more like simple punk rock black heavy metal... Our present sound is more into Heavy Metal than before, and it's going to that direction more and more, but we'll keep the trace of the Darkness with it. The song structures are more interesting and the riffs even more slaying. My personal main influence is the DARKTHRONE of nowadays. Then there's the Metal, that all who are true, Worship.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
SS: There are real messages that people might understand or not! But yeah at least half of it is just being Fucking Bad and Metal... Lightning and fire!

4. What is tehe meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
SS: It's the word Purgatory, but in a nonsense way meaning actually nothing. Same thing with Sadokist (that stand's for sadomasochism). Band name that means nothing and is still defining the musick is REALLY DEFINING the musick!

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do live shows and if so how would you describe your stage performance?
SS: Unfortunately not, we always have problems with line-ups and such. It will be just awesome!

6. Are there any plans for a full length album in the futre?
SS: Yes we have planned full-length and we have tons of stuff unfinished and things are often on-hold for many reasons but it will blast the shit out of your ears someday!

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of black/thrash metal?
SS: I don't know

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

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on futre releases?
SS: Radio sucks. Our stuff is getting better

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
SS: Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden

11. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in your music?
SS: None.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
SS: Cult films, Philosophy, Metal, Velvet, Leather...

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
SS: Thank you very much & I hope you joy for life!