Sunday, September 29, 2013

Bog Of The Infidel/To Corrupt Your Sons And Lust After Your Daughters/Eternal Death/2013 CD Review


  Bog  Of  The  Infidel are  a  band  from  Rhode  Island  that  plays  a  very  dark,  evil and  melodic form  of  satanic  black  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "To  Corrupt  Your  Sons  And  Lust  After  your  Daughters"  which  was  released  by  Eternal  Death.

  "An  Epitaph  Scribed  In Dismal  Skies"  begins  with  some  classical  guitars  which  utilize  both  finger  picking  and  full  chords  as  well  as  having  a  spoken  word  part  towards  the  end  and  serves  as  an  intro  for  the  ep.

  "Burnt  Offerings"  begins  with  heavy,  dark  and  melodic  guitar  riffs  as  well  as  some  drums  which  lead  to  some  deep  demonic  growls  and  you  can  hear  the  bass  guitars  in  the  background  as  well  as the  guitar  riffing  going  for  more  of  a  slow  black  metal  sound  and  then  the  song  gets  more  fast  and  primitive  along  with  some  blast  beats  for  a  few  seconds  before  slowing  down  again  and  adding  in  some  acoustic  guitars  while  also  remaining  heavy  which  also  leads  to  a  melodic  guitar  solo  which  come  in  and  out  along  with  a  brief  use  of  shouts  which  leads  to  some  black  metal  screams  before  returning  to a  more  primitive  approach.

  "As  Satan's  Pale  Serpent  Eye  Waxes  Full"  begins  with  some  slow  and  dark guitar  riffs  and  drums  which  also  leads  to  some  melodic  riffing  and  then  some  ritualistic  satanic  chanting  starts  coming  in  before  adding  in  a  brief  blast  beat  and  black  metal  screams  and  after  a  few  seconds  the  music  starts  speeding  up  and  goes  into  a  more  mid  paced  direction  and  towards  the  end  the  music  slows  down  and  adds  in  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  along  with  some  powerful bass  guitars  before  speeding  up  again.

  "To  The  Lurker  Sold"  begins  with  some  soft  acoustic  guitars  before adding  in  heavy and  melodic  guitar  riffs,  drums,  and  black  metal vocals  and  then  the  song  goes  into  a  faster  direction  and  adds in blast  beats  in  certain  sections  before  focusing  more  on  a  mid  paced  sound  but  still  utilizing  some of  the  faster elements  and  then  the  song  goes  into  a  slower  direction and  you  can  hear t he  bass  in  the  background.

 Song  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Nihilism,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Bog  Of  The  Infidel are  a  very  great  sounding  dark and  melodic  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Burnt  Offerings"  and  ''As  Satan's  Pale  Serpent  Eye  Waxes  Full".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

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Lamia Culta/Woman Scarred/Vox Inferni Press/2013 CD Review


  Lamia  Culta  are  a 1  man project  from  Ukraine  that  started  out  playing  occult  black  metal but  evolved  into  neoclassical dark  ambient  with  this  album while  also  sticking  to  the  satanic  and  occult  elements  of  the  early  material  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2013  album  "Woman  Scarred"  which  was  released  by  Vox  Inferni  Press.

  "Retap  Retson"  begins  with  with  some  sound  effects and  spoken  word  parts  and  serves  as an  intro  for  the  album.

  "Into  The  Night"  begins  with  some  black  and  white  horror  movie  style  synth  and  ritualistic  style  percussion  before  going  into  a  more  ambient  and  neo-classical  direction.

  "Dwelling  In  The  Dark"  begins  with  nature  sounds  and  then  starts  adding  in  some  classical  guitars  and  after  awhile  synths  and  black  metal  style  vocals  start  making  their  way  into the  song  along  with some  melodic  clean  singing  female  choirs  and  you  can  hear  experimental  sound  effects  throughout  the  song.

  "Cold  Riser"  begins  with  some  drone  style  sound  effects  and  after  a  few  seconds  ritualistic  style  synths  start  making  their  way  into  the  song  and  towards  the end  there  is  a  brief  use  of  flutes  being utilized.

  "Woman  Scarred"  begins  with  some  drum  programming,  synths  and  female  vocals  and  then  black  metal  vocals  become a  part  of  the  song  which  also  leads  to  the  synths  using  a  variety  of  many  different  keys  and  you  can  also  hear  alot  of  classical  music  elements  and  towards  the  end  there  are  some  spoken  word  ritualistic  parts.

  "To  Love  the  Devil"  begins  with  some  avant  garde  sound  effects  which  lead  to  some  spoken word  parts  and  drone  elements  being  thrown  into  the  music  and  then  the  melodic  vocals  start  kicking  in  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  awhile  drum  programming  becomes  a  part  of  the  song.

  "Force  Foulard  Fragile  (FFF)"  begins  with  some  ethnic  style  acoustic  guitars  and  flutes  and  after  a  few  seconds  synths  start  making  their  presence  known in  the  song  and  after  awhile  you  can  hear  some  people  sounds  in  the  song.

  "She-Wolf"  begins  with  some  spoken  word  parts  and  classical  music  style  synths  which  then  lead  to  some  heavy  guitars  and black  metal  screams  and  then  starts  going  for  more  of  a  dark  ambient  direction  while  also  adding  in  ritualistic  spoken  word  elements  while  alos  keeping  around  the  classical  and  black  metal  parts  and  at  the  end  there  are  some  acoustic  word  parts  and  melodic  chants  being  utilized.

  "Girlfriend"  begins  with  some  experimental  sounds  and  then  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  coming  into  the  music  along  with  some classical  and  drone  elements  and  then  the  melodic  vocals  start  kicking  in  before  going  more  into  spoken  word  parts  while  also  keeping  around  the  clean  singing.

  "Gloomy  Sunday"  begins  with  some  synths  that  combine  avant  garde  and  classical  together  which  then  leads  to  some  melodic  vocals  and  the  song  is  very  atmospheric  with  somewhat  of  an  ethereal  feeling.

  "There  I  Shall  Dwell"  begins  with  some  ethnic  style  acoustic  guitars  and  drone  style  sounds  and  then  the  black  metal  vocals  start  kicking  in  which  then  lead  to  some  melodic  vocals  and  ambient  synths  as  well  as  the  sounds  of  night  which  also  lead  to  some  ritualistic  chanting  while  also  keeping  around  the  melodic  vocals  and  black  metal  screams.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  while  the  production  has  a  very,  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound.

  In  my  opinion  Lamia  Culta  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  ritual,  dark  ambient,  neo  classical  and  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "Dwelling  In  The  Dark"  "To  Love  the  Devil"  "She-Wolf"  and  "There  I  Shall  Dwell".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Tetragrammaton/Demo MMXIII Review


  Tetragrammaton  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with   a  musical style  that  combines  occult  black  metal, doom and  sludge  together and  this  is  a  review  of their  self  released  2013  demo.

  "Deluge"  begins  with  some  heavy  distortion  which  leads  to  some  slow,  heavy  and  dark  doom  metal  guitar  riffs  along  with some  drums  and  a  few  seconds  later  black  metal  screams  start  making  their  way  into  the  song  and  after  awhile  you  can  hear  some  dark  sounding  melodies  being  utilized  before  adding  in  some  guitar  leads  and  towards  the  end  the  song  starts  utilizing  some  sludge  style  shouts.

  "Tides  In  Coalesce"  begins  with  some dark  and  heavy  doom metal  guitar  riffs  along  with  some  drums  and  a  minute  later  you  can  hear  some  powerful  bass  guitars  and  melodic  riffing  which  also  leads  to  some  clean  singing  chants  before  going  into  black  metal  screams  and  then t he  music  gets  fast  with  some  blast  beats  and  primitive  guitar  riffing  being  used  briefly  before  going  into  a   mid  paced  direction  which  then  leads  to  the  song   switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts.

  Song  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can  still h ear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on this  ep.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tetragrammaton  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  occult  black  metal  mixed  with  doom  and  sludge,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Tides  In  Coalesce".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Stellar Master Elite interview


1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Dave: We spent a lot of time finishing everything else after the recording of the album, as it was finished in the end of 2011 right after the release of “I”. Mixing, mastering and designing issues took a lot of time until we were fully satisfied. After that there was a lot to do to help our label with their promo work. At the moment we are recording guitars and drums for our next output.

2. Recently you put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it is in and also how does it differ from the album you released in 2011?
D: I think it feels more compact than our first output. The album fits together perfectly in every song. It drags you so much deeper. The concept is the same like than on our last and our next album.

3. When I look at the band logo, I noticed that there is a third eye, does Occultism or other similiar topics play a role in your music?
D: “Occult” sounds like para-science. I would rather speak about reality. Our music deals with our reality as we experience it. There are strange things going on in the world and we can´t percept with our five senses. The frequencies beyond the visible light are further than our mind can expect. The world is not what it seems to be. You are being lied to...!

4. Can you tell us a little bit more about the song lyrics on the new album what they cover and also how you feel you have progressed as songwriters over the last 2 years?
D: I don´t want to give any preoccupation to our listeners. They have to experience it in their own way. We developed as personalties rather than our technical skills. It feels like a natural development. We never practise on our own, everything just happens.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
D: As we haven´t played any gigs right now, there are no best performances.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
D: No. We are a songwriting and studio oriented band. We love to work in the studio and develop our songs. Besides the music we are full time workers. As there is not much time to work with more musicians on a concept to bring the same quality to stage. A two man band is much easier to handle than a full band and it would take a lot of time to fit more than 2 egos together. If you have such a limited amount of time, you have to set priorities. And by the way, rehearsing and playing the same songs all the time is really boring.

7.The new album came out on Exciter Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
D: As it is a new label and we are the first release there is not much to tell. The future will show in which direction it goes and we wish Alex the best in releasing more quality music. At the moment I think he is searching for some special bands for future releases and busy regarding our upcoming release.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
D: Beside SME, nothing. SME is my second full time job and there is no time for other projects.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
D: We started to record drums and guitars just a few weeks ago. We want it to be really dark and experimental. That´s we want it to sound like. It happens on a very intuitive level and not as a conscious decision. Let´s see what future brings.

10. What are some bands or musical style that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
D: I´m really much into John Carpenter Scores at the moment and listen to a lot of experimental music like Aun. The new Ulver album is fantastic as well and i can´t get my hands off of Kraftwerk´s Trans Europa Express.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
D: I do a lot of handcraft work on building synthesizers and small sound machines. I´m collecting analogue synthesizers and strange sounding things. Besides music there isn´t much except reading books and watching 70´s and 80´s sci fi movies.

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
D: Thanks for your interest in our music and this interview. Support DIY bands in buy their stuff if you like what you hear. It is really hard financing projects like this nowadays. You can find us at www.stellarmasterelite.com.

Hrid/Behold The Lord's Barbaricvm/Khaotopia Productions/2012 Demo Review


  Hrid  are  a  band  from  Croatia  that  plays  a  very  raw and  primitive  form of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  demo  "Behold  the  Lord's  Barbaricvm"  which  was  released  by  Khaotopia  productions.

  Intro:  Locus  De  lapsu"  begins  with  thunder  sounds  and  Gregorian  chants  as  well  as  serving  as  an  introduction  for  the  demo.

  "Testimonium"  begins  with  some  heavy old  school  black  metal  guitar  riffs  and  drums  which  also  lead  up  to  some  grim  sounding  screams  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  adding  in  some  dark  sounding  melodies  and  towards  the  end  the  music  gets  alot  more  fast  and  primitive  along  with  a  brief  use  of  demonic  growls  and  the  song  closes  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads.

  "Draco  Ira:  Prophetia"  begins  with  some  fast,  raw  and  primitive  black  metal  guitar  riffs  along  with  some  drums  which  lead  to  some  grim  vocals  along  with  some  old  school  style  riffing  and  demonic  deep  vocals  and  you  can  hear  some  aggressive  shouting  being  utilized  briefly  and  then  the  song  starts  slowing  down  a  bit  and  going  into  a  more  mid  paced  direction  but  also  returns  to  the  faster  parts  in  certain sections  of  the  song  and  after  5  minutes  the  music  starts  and  goes  more  into  nature  sounds and  synths  as  well  as  some  acoustic  guitars  which  are  mixed  down  low.

  Song  lyrics  are  written  in  Croatian  and  seem  to  cover  dark  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  along  with  the  bass  guitars  being  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix  as  well  as  the  last  song  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Hrid  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  primitive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK "Draco  Ira:  Prophetia".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  
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Cowards/Hoarder/Ruins Records/Throatruiner Records/2013 EP Review


  Cowards  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  combines  black  metal, sludge  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Hoarder"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Ruins  Records and  Throatruiner  Records.

  "Old  City"  begins  with  some  drum  beats  which  lead  to  some  heavy  sludge  style  guitar  riffs  and  screams  and  you  can  also  hear  the  bass  guitars  in  the  background  and  after  awhile  amplified  distorted  effects  make  their  way  into  the  song  which  leads  to  the  bass  taking  over for  awhile  before  the  guitars  return  and  closes  with  heavy  distortion.

  "Smell  Of  An  Addict"  begins  with  some  heavy  distortion  and  bass  guitar  riffs  which  also lead  to  some  drums,  heavy  rhythm  guitar  riffs  and  screams  and  then  the  music  speeds  up  and  starts  adding  in  some  blast  beats  which  then  leads  to  the  song  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  and  the  vocals  and  guitar  riffs  adding  in  more  black  metal  elements.

  "Fork  Out"  begins  with  some  heavy  hardcore  guitar  riffs,  drums  and  high  pitched  sludge  screams  and  then  the  music  starts  speeding  up  in  some  section  and  brings  in  some  primitive  black  metal  elements  and  blast  beats  before  slowing  down  again  and  adding  in  some  distorted  bass  guitars  and  the  song  closes  with  some  distorted  noises.

  "Where  Lies  The  Anchor"  begins  with  some  slow  doom  metal  guitar  riffs,  drums  and  screams  before  adding  in  some  powerful  bass  guitars  and  hardcore  elements  while  mostly  focusing  on  sludge  and  doom  elements  and  as  the  song  moves  on  the  vocals  start  utilizing  a  small  amount  of  depressive  black  metal  elements  before  adding  in  some  bass  guitar  leads.

  "Blessed  Persistence"  which  is  also  a  16  Horsepower  cover  begins  with  some  heavy  bass  guitars  and  drums  which  then  lead  to some  depressive  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  some  distorted  amp  effects  which  then  lead  to  some  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  towards  the  end  there  are  some  black  metal  screams  being  utilized.

  Song  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  addiction  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can  still  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cowards  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  sludge,  and  hardcore,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Smell  Of  An  Addict"  and  "Where Lies  the  Anchor".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Otargos/Apex Terror/Listenable Records/2013 CD Review


 Otargos  are  a band  from France  that  plays  a  very  modern  form  of  black  metal with  elements  of  industrial,  death  and  thrash  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Apex  Terror"  which  was  released  by  Listenable  Records.

  "Apex  Terror"  begins  with  some  synth  sounds  and  drums  which  then  lead  to  some  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  after  awhile blast  beats,  fast  riffing  and  blackened  death  metal vocals  make  their  way  into  the  song  which  then  leads  to  a  more  mid  paced  direction  as  then  switching   back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  as  will  as  mixing  in  some  industrial  sounds.

  "Fleshless  Deathless"  begins  with  some  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  drums  and  a  few  seconds  later  melodic riffing  and  growls  make  their  way  into  the  song and  after  awhile  there is  a  brief  use  of  guitar  solos  and  leads  being  utilized  along  with  some  black  metal  elements  being  added  as  time  moves  on  by.

  "For  Terra''  begins  with  some  fast  and  heavy  thrash  metal  influenced  guitar  riffs  and  drums  which  lead  to  some  black  and  death  metal  vocals  making  their  way  into  the  song  a  few  seconds  later  as w ell  as  some  melodic  riffing  before  getting  fast  and  adding  in  some  blast  beats  as  well  as  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  mid  paced  parts.

  "Remnant  From  A  Long  Dead  Star''  begins  with  some  heavy  and  melodic  guitar  riffs  as  well  as  some  drums  which  lead  to  some  black  metal  vocals  kicking  in  and  the  song  for  the  most  part  is  mostly  in  a  mid  paced  direction.  and  towards  the  end  there  is  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads  being  utilized.

  "Fallout"  begins  with  some  sound  effects  before  going  into  fast  black  metal  guitar  riffs  and  drums  and  after  awhile  industrial  sounds  and  spoken  word  parts  make  their  way  into the  song  before  getting  faster  along  with  some  blast  beats,  growls  and  screams  and  then  the  song  starts  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  "Xeno"  begins with  some  industrial/gabber  sounds   and  the  song  is  all  instrumental and  serves  as  an  intro.

  "Drone"  begins  with  some  spoken  word  samples  and  guitars  which  lead  to  some  deep  growls  and  blast  beats  as  well  as  some  melodic  guitar  riffing  and  after  awhile  you  can  hear  the  bass  guitars  in  the  song  along  with  some  guitar  leads  shortly  after  that  as  well  as  the  song  switching  back  and  forth  between  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  "Aftermath  Hyperion"  begins  with  some  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  drums  which  leads  to  some  fast  riffing,  black  metal  screams  and  blast  beats  and  after  awhile t he  song  starts adding  in  some  slow  and  mid  paced  parts.

  "Versus"  begins  with  some  clean  guitar  playing  before  getting  heavier  and  adding in  spoken  word  parts  and  drums  and  then  the  song  starts  adding  in  thrash  influenced  guitar  riffs  and  black  metal  vocals  and  after  awhile  it  starts  adding  in  some  guitar  solos  and  leads  and  the  song  closes  with  a  power  metal  scream  and  spoken  word  shouts.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Quantum  Physics  and  Anti  Religion  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Otargos  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  modern  black  metal,  industrial,  death  and  thrash  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre, you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apex  Terror"  "Remnant  From  A  Long  Dead  Star'"  "Drone'  and  "Versus'.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Sguaguarahchristis/Anti Human Black Metal/2013 EP Review


  Squaguarahchristis  are  a  band  from  an  unknown  location  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  on  this  recording  being  a  very  hateful  and  anti  human  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  ep  "Anti  Human  Black  Metal.

  "Drako  IVX"  begins  with  some  raw and  primitive  black  metal  guitar  riffs  which  also  lead  to  some  aggressive drums  making  their  way  into  the  music  and  a  minute  later grim  black  metal  screams  start  coming  in  and  a  couple  of  minutes  later  the  music  gets  a lot  faster  and  blast  beats  become  a  part  of  the  song  for  a  short  period  before  the  song  goes  back  into  a  mid  paced  direction.

  "Anti  Human  Black  Metal"  begins  with  some  stomping  sounds  before  going into some  fast,  raw  and  primitive  guitar  riffs  along  with  some  blast  beats  which  also  lead  to  the  screaming  vocals  making  their  way  into  the  song  and  after  a  couple  of  minutes  the  song  goes  more  into  a  mid  paced  direction  before  switching  back  and  forth  between  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  

  "Freezing  Moon"  which  is  a  Mayhem  cover  begins  with  thunder  sounds  before  the  guitar  riff,  drums  and  grim s creams  start  kicking  in  and  after  awhile the  music  gets  a lot  more  fast  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  as  the  song  moves  on  it  starts  going  into  some  slow  and  dark  guitar  riffing  along  with  a  brief  guitar  solo  and  lead  a  minute  later  before  closing  with  some  fast  guitar  riffs.

  Song  lyrics  cover  darkness,  anti  human, and  black  metal  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark, raw  and  primitive  sound  with  the  bass  guitars  being  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sguaguarahcristis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  primitive  anti  human  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Anti  Human  Black  Metal".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://sguaguarahchristis.bandcamp.com/album/anti-human-black-metal  

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Ancestors Blood Interview


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

-At the moment we are rehearsing and preparing new songs for the future effort and
hopefully soon we can begin to record a new song for the upcoming split with Profezia.

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

-It reminds me of somewhat similar to Satyricon’s first album and maybe even little bit of Ulver's "Nattens Madrigal". We have grown as a band to a totally new level bringing a bit of melody to the already existing core, I try to maintain true to my origins musically as much as possible yet creating something new and inspiring.

3.The song lyrics cover a lot of Pagan topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your views on Paganism?

-Paganism is a part of an important core that defines my world view. I am not a shaman but I have more or less shamanistic world view. I used to be more like agnostic but that changed pretty much after my near death accident and therefore I've become to seek knowledge, power and guidance from both the giants/titans, gods, spirits of my ancestors, surrounding world and beyond.

4. The band started out as Lost Wisdom but changed the name, what was the decision behind the name change and also what is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Ancestors  Blood?

-It was brought to my attention that there was/is already a band(s) existing by that name so I had to search for new one, I wasn't satisfied by the name anyway so no big deal. Be that as it may I had a dream of a huge ancient battle taking place somewhere unknown, blood and guts etc. everywhere until a sudden silence and darkness. Then I woke up and realized that what better way to describe a name that combines my interest towards all the things of certain aspect that I hold precious and thus Ancestors Blood came to existence.

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

- Our every performance has been an eyeopener to fully see what things work and what doesn't.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

-No plans for tour or live performances yet, hopefully something comes up in the future.

7. The new album came out on  Heidens Hart Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given yo so far?

-It was somewhere around 2004-05 when I first contacted them and sent them promo material, they replied with a great interest of releasing "Wisdom..." and so agreement was made. HHR has been the most supportive label that our band could have, we owe them gratitude for giving us the audibility that has helped to raise the knowledge of existence of Ancestors Blood.

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

-What I've talked with people and read some of the reviews it has been both positive and negative so quite normal feedback.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days/

-Kadotus is preparing a new album and plays live whenever possible.
A new project which I am involved carries the name Kuolonkorpi, we are finishing the first demo hopefully soon and have already started creating new songs.

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

-We will take a new step ahead and the next effort will possibly be much more slower paced and yet even atmospheric than our latest album.

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

- Some of the early and present influences are Bathory, Enslaved, Ulver, Kampfar, Moonsorrow, Primordial, Manowar, Manilla Road, Absu...
Also music composers like Jerry Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone, Basil Poledouris, Bill Conti, Jason Hayes, Glenn Stafford, Jonathan Dunn, Nils-Aslak Valkeapää and classical such as Sibelius, Bach etc. Then there are bands like Goblin, Irwin Goodman, Mortiis, 80's Pantera, Rainbow, Motörhead, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Saxon, OZ, Rush, Death SS, Dio, Black Sabbath, Morbid, Death, Mötley Crüe, Iron Maiden, Paradise Lost, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, W.A.S.P.etc.

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

-I meditate, read books, watch movies, go jogging, play video games etc.

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

-Thank you for this interview opportunity and all the best to your zine's future.
Let the flames of our ancestors burn forever in our hearts!

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Imperial Triumphant/Goliath/Vatican Records/2013 EP Review


  Imperial  Triumphant  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  i  would  describe  on  this  recording  as  being  modern  and  avant  garde  form  black  metal   and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Goliath"  which  was  released  by  Vatican  Records.

  "Sodom'  begins  with  some sound  effects  and  orchestra  sounds  which  leads  to some  deep  growls  and  then  some  guitar  leads,  bass  guitars  and  drums  start  kicking  in  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  which  then  starts  adding  in  heavier  guitar riffs  which  also  get  fast  in  certain  sections  of  the  song  and  after  awhile  more  guitar  leads  are  being  utilized  as  well  as  some  avant  garde  elements.

  "Gomorrah"  begins  with  some  avant  garde  black  metal  guitar  riffs,  powerful  bass  guitars  and  drums  and  then  goes  into  a  more  fast  direction  and  adds  in  some  blast  beats  and  blackened  metal  vocals  and  then  going  for  a  more  mid  paced  approach  but  returning  to  fast  and  brutal  in  certain parts  of  the  song  as  well  as  adding  in  more  avant  garde  elements  and  the  song  closes  with  some  orchestra  elements.

  Song  lyrics  cover  the  old  testament  story  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  both  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Imperial  Triumphant  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  black  metal,  you should  check out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Sodom".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.facebook.com/imperialtriumphant
http://imperialtriumphant.bandcamp.com          

Blaze Of Sorrow/Echi/Sun & Moon Records/2012 Full Length Review


  Blaze  Of  Sorrow  are  a  duo  from  Italy  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Echi"  which  was  released  by  Sun  &  Moon  Records.

 "All'  Ignoto"  begins  with  some  soft  acoustic  guitar  playing  which  utilize  mostly  finger  picking  which  then  leads  to  some  bass  guitars  and  drums  along  with  some  post  rock  style  riffs  which  lead  to the  music  getting  alot  heavier  with  the  guitar  riffs  and  bringing  in  some  atmospheric  black  metal  elements  along  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  after  awhile  the  acoustic  guitars  mix  with  the  distorted parts  which  then  leads  to  the  music  going into  a  faster  direction along  with  some  primitive  elements  and  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  but  also  keeping  around  the  melodic  elements  as  well  as  slowing  down  in certain  parts  and towards the  end  there is  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads  and solos.

  "Empatia" begins  with  some  folk music  style  acoustic  guitars  which  utilize both  finger  picking and  full  chords  as  well  as  some  synths  and  a  couple  of  minutes later  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  drums  kick  in  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  with  lead  to  some  spoken word  parts  spoken  in a  black  metal  tone  before  evolving  into  screams  while  also  keeping  around  some  of  the  spoken  word  parts  and  you can hear  the  bass  guitars  in the  background  and  towards the  end  the  acoustic  guitars  start  mixing  in with  the  distorted  leads  which  leads  to  another  guitar  solo.

  "In  Memoria"  begins with  some  acoustic  guitar  playing  which  brings  a  progressive  feeling  to  the  music  and  then  the  bass  guitars  and  drums  come  into  the  song  along  with  a post  rock  style  guitar lead  and towards  the end  of  the  song  there  is  a  brief  use  of  fast  and melodic  black  metal  guitar riffs  being  utilized  along  with  some  blast  beats.

  "Ill  Soffio  Del  Sole"  begins  with  some  melodic  chanting  which  leads  to some  spoken  word  parts  and  a  minute  later  heavy  and  melodic  guitar  riffs  and  drums  kick  into  the  song  along  with  some  black  metal  style  vocals  and  after awhile  the music  goes  into  a  softer  direction with  some  acoustic  guitars  and  powerful  bass  playing  and  staying  in  that  area  for  awhile  before  getting  heavy  again  and  adding  in  some  fast  and  primitive  guitar  riffing  which  then leads  to the  music  being  into  a  mid  paced  and  melodic  direction  but  also  mixing  in some  slow  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  bringing  the  spoken  words  back  in  briefly.

  "Alberi"  begins  with  some acoustic  guitar  playing  which  start  off  with  some  finger  picking before  adding  in some  full  chords  and  after awhile  synths  make  their  way  into  the  song  as well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later.

  "Echi" begins  with  some  fast  and  primitive  black  metal  guitar  riffs  along  with  some  drums  and  then starts  adding  melody  into the  riffing  before  the  screams  kick  in  which  leads  to  the  music  going  into  a  slower  direction  before  switching  back and  forth  between slow  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  bringing  in some  blast  beats  as  well  as  some  melodic  guitar  leads  which  then  lead  to  some  acoustic  guitars  coming  in and  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  parts.

  "Ma  Il  Vento  Ricordo  Il  Mio  Nome"  begins  with  some acoustic  guitars  and  after  awhile drum beats  start  making  their way  into the  song  as  well  as  some  powerful  bass  guitars  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction with  some guitar  riffs  and  black metal  vocals  and  a  little  later  in  the  song  there  is  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  before  returning  to  the  acoustic  sections  for  a  few seconds  before  switching  back  and forth  between heavy  and  soft parts.

  "Aspettando  Il  Tempo"  begins  with  some soft folk  music style  acoustic  guitars  and  after  awhile  the  drums kick  in  along  with  some progressive  music  elements  as  well  as  some  powerful  bass  guitars  and  synths  and  this  song  is  all  instrumental.

  Song  lyrics  are  written  in Latin and  cover  nature  and  inner self  themes,  while  the  production has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy and dark  sound  where  you can  hear  all  of the  musical  instruments  that are  present  on  this  recording as  well  as  most  of  the  songs  being  very  long and  epic  in length.

 In  my  opinion Blaze of  Sorrow  are  a  very great sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  folk  and  progressive  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS INCLUDE  "All  Ignoto"  "Ill  Soffio  Del  Sole"  and  "Ma  Il  Vento  Ricordo  Il  Mio  Nome".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Barbelith Interview


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

We are a single entity, comprising four individuals bound together in the process of filtering the ancient sounds of our souls through the material of consensus reality.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Diverse expression on a pure collaborative level. We take atmospheric black metal as a sonic basis but impose no limitations on how our songs develop from there.

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

We seek to expose the inherent darkness of the human soul while pointing to the inevitable light found when that darkness is acknowledged and accepted within the self.

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

"Barbelith" is derived from the comic book series "The Invisibles." The eponymous protagonists live outside the illusion of controlled society, fighting the forces that chain humankind. Barbelith is a sentient satellite object that appears to each of the main characters, helping them awaken from the dream and comprehend their innermost selves.

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

We see our live performances as primal rituals that allow us to extend the energy of our personal practice to an audience. Each performance is special in different ways, but a recent highlight was our performance at this year's Ratscape festival in Baltimore.

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

We're currently taking a short break from live performance to focus on new material.

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

We are in the process of mixing two new songs for a 7-inch release. We hope to find a like-minded label to release them once they're ready. 8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

Though our international audience is limited as of yet, those who have seen us perform or listened to our existing recordings have been very receptive to what we're doing, black metal fans included.

9.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects?

Though we approach Barbelith as a singular entity, we have very diverse interests as individuals. Our other projects include ¥awn, Nostalgique, Gutterhooks, Red Supergiant, Soul Glimpse, Eternity Eyes, Mark Plasma, and Pallid.

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

More dense atmospherics and hypnotic melodies

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

We take influence from our individual life situations and emotional struggles, incorporating those passions into our music. We each have individual influences, but it's not what we rely on for musical inspiration.

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

We are all active participants in Baltimore's arts culture. Our interests lie in any and all forms of higher expression.

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

Your journey is always in bloom


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Cvinger Interview


1.Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Bagot:
Blasphemy, rituals, misanthropy, hatred and dark fucking medieval darkness. We never chose to play black metal or were seeking the genre that will please us! It was already there waiting for us to conquer, or as Lucerus would say: "Slay the wolves so the goats could rise and enter the MONASTERY OF FALLEN"


2.How would you describe the musical sound that is present on both recordings?
Bagot:
Sound is more or less raw. We are not the biggest fans of new age sound productions and triggering.  Unfortunately we had to use drum replacement for kick and toms on Monastery of fallen. We tried to avoid it but we were recording guitars and drums together to maintain live feeling which affected sound kick and toms.

3.How would you describe your songwriting approach to the lyrics?
Bagot:
Lyrics are Lucesruses presentations or reflections we could say on his current state of mind. They all have deeper meanings, mostly summoned from stench of every day life. Lyrics are NOT political but you can find some similarities, since politics pretty much influence our life. As a reader you can interpret them as you want you can seek you own under lines and meanings or judge them. We don't give a shit about what black metal lyrics should be and how to write deep lyrics or just using heavy words to sound deep. I can say that Luceruses lyrics, my guitars and Krieg maschines drums are all the hatred, wrath and burden we carry, summoned together. The fucking spawn of Cvinger.

4.I know that the band is an old Slovenian word for cemetery walls for where people who committed
suicide where buried, why did you decide the use it as a band name and also how does it fit in with the
musical concept's?
Bagot:
Suicide was something unacceptable in past, people believe (and still are) that  you will go to hell if you committed suicide. It was total dishonor and it was blasphemous act. That says it all.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your
stage performance?
Bagot:
We didn't have any gigs yet.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Bagot:
After we record full length album we will definitely do some touring.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or received any interest?
Bagot:
Yes we are looking for label. We received some interest from few small net labels but  it doesn't really help. I mean if you have a small net label and you can't provide a band with gigs, and cover at least 50% of CD press costs then what is your purposes in this business?

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Bagot:
I really don't know. But I read some reviews from webzines and blog spots and I got this feeling that if are not every day listener of black metal you probably won't like us.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Bagot:
We have some new material already but I can't tell you this because even I don't know. We will see where the music will take us.

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

11.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
Bagot:
Satanism:
I think there is no real Satanism here or worldwide. I don't see burning churches and frogs falling from sky. Also LaVeyan  followers have nothing to do with satanism. I tired to read the book but never finished. If we are talking about satanism we are talking about: war on god, lust, selfishness, sacrifice, murder, hatred, eternal fire, death, rituals evolving sacrifice, black mass, blasphemy. Not some gnostic worshiping and narcissism. Satanism is everything opposite of christianity. Satanism is living the seven fucking deadly sins.
Occultism:
Occultism is very wide  subject and it is all around us: christianity, buddhism , hindu, jehovah witnesses, rosary, the star brothers (evolving suicides, which is cool) …
I thing: one step deeper in cult is one step further from thy self. Being a part of a cult is just following someones orders, very close to dictatorship. People in cult are mostly people who are disappointed in thy self or not happy with current situation, seeking for fortune and greater wisdom and meaning of life. It is nothing wrong with occultism some pope need is some despise it.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Bagot:
I am working on metal CD store and online metal radio with reviews and interviews.

13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this
Bagot:
I have 2 thinks to say:
1. If you want our CD and don't have the money to buy it, DON'T send us email that we send you signed (or unsigned) CD to review it. And later do nothing except having our free copy of CD. You know who you are and fuck you in name of this band, fuck you again. If you want to buy and don't have money to buy our CD or shirt send us mail we will work something out, we are musicians not fucking corporate, business, merchants of death.
2. For all those who support us and find in our music something for themselves special thanks. You can buy our stuff on our official web page and bandcamp.
On Ebay seller: Metal Monastery has our work and is also direct support. Go check our music video Monastery of fallen on youtube or on our official website: www.cvinger.com. And special tanks to Mike from Abyss records and The metal detector music promotions.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Lonesummer Interview


1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days?
These days I have really been taking it slow with Lonesummer. I’ve been playing a show here and there and have some song ideas hashed out, but really it’s coming along at a snail’s pace. Lonesummer started because I was going through severe depression and agoraphobia, not leaving my apartment for weeks. So I decided to start recording simple, raw, short tracks in my room as a way to keep my mind busy. These days, I’m a lot happier with my life and I feel that this impacts my ability to focus on Lonesummer. I would never want to force myself to write and record, as I feel that’s not genuine to the original purpose of Lonesummer.
2. Recently you have put out a split with Planning For Burial, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction you took on the new recording ans also wow it differs from previous releases?
I think that of all the Lonesummer recordings that were just myself, these were the most focused. I thinked I worked a little longer on the structuring and writing process of each song, especially the Mount Eerie cover. It’s also the first time I’ve recorded a cover, which oddly enough, I’ve never put that much time into a song before. These were the first recordings I did that actually used bass on, so I think it added a little something extra.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the newer music explores?
The lyrical concepts usually have dealt with concepts of heartbreak, loneliness and longing. I suppose it comes off as melodramatic at times, which I have no qualms with. It was always supposed to be about honesty and as a cry for help in ways.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Lonesummer?
Besides the fact that I began Lonesummer in a particularly lonely summer, there isn’t too much meaning behind the name itself.
5. In the studio you record everything by yourself but you session members to do live shows, have you ever thought about using a full band on one of your recordings?
Well the material from the Trist split was recorded with Thom from Planning for Burial, who is our constant drummer, and the leads were from our occasional guitarist James. I really loved the way those tracks came out and would love to keep recording with those guys, but we are all far away from each other and lead busy lives. Live, we are usually joined by my friends Tyler and Dylan, who I play with in my other band Angelcrust. We’ve talked about recording some tracks together, but it just never came to fruition
6. What are some of the best shows that you have played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Our lives shows are interesting I suppose, and run the gamut between terrible and chaotic. I suppose you could expect strings breaking, numerous injuries, gear smashed and me unable to talk for days after. We used to play as just a two piece, and I was surprised people kept booking us because we were awful. I suppose it was chaotic as fuck, but me and Thom would never practice and basically just go up there and scream and play terribly and clear out the room. Nowadays I think we’re a lot better, as long as I don’t drink too much before we play. We’ve played with some really great friends and bands like Deafheaven, Ramlord, Wreck and Reference and Bastard Thieves. But personally I think our best show was a very small show with Yellow Eyes last summer in Brooklyn. Everything just clicked that night.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Our shows seem to be a little more rare due to busy schedules these days. We played with our good friends in Ramlord last month, which was a blast. I’d love to do a tour, but as I said before, our schedules are so busy with work and school, I don’t know if it would work. Plus I have been putting most of my focus on Angelcrust, so if we did have the time, it would go to an Angelcrust tour. But a weekend tour is definitely plausible. I just don’t know if my voice could hold up more than three shows.
8.Over the years you have put out splits with other bands, out of all the bands you worked with on these albums, which one did you enjoy the most?
Well the Planning for Burial splits have been great, simply because Thom’s music is consistently great. But I was beyond stoked to do a split with Trist, a musician I’ve admired for years before I even started Lonesummer. So that was a bit of a dream come true.
9.Currently the project is signed to Music Ruin's Lives, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Music Ruins Lives is Thom’s label. It specializes in generally sadder music, and has a great roster. I think he’s planning on ending the label though. It’s hard work.
10. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your recordings by fans of underground music?
I’ve always been so surprised and gracious that strangers from around the world would listen to sloppy recordings I did in my bedroom. Of course, I’ve read some negative reviews, and I don’t blame them. I’m still in the stage of denial where I refuse to believe anyone actually likes my music; they’re just being nice. Although whoever that girl in Russia who got a Lonesummer is, you rule.
11.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
I honestly have no clue. Lonesummer songs are written very amateurishly, as I can barely play the guitar. I sit down, fiddle around, discover a riff, and immediately turn it into a song. So whatever happens the next time I sit down with the guitar, we’ll see.
12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I realized I made a mistake by ignoring a lot of amazing black metal in the past because it was NS. So I’ve been rediscovering a lot of Graveland, Absurd and Der Sturmer. Amazing stuff, politics aside. Besides that and the new Peste Noire, I haven’t been listening to much black metal. Mostly just been listening to a lot of Tragedy, Gattaca, Discharge, Aus Rotten, Das Oath, Fall of Efrafa, and Morrissey of course
13.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I honestly don't really have too many interests outside of music and music related activities
14.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for listening!

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