Thursday, December 31, 2015

Lugburz/Pure Misanthropy Of Death/Satanath Records/Dark East Productions/2013 CD Review


  Lugburz  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  very  raw,  melodic,  atmospheric  and  misanthropic  form  of  occult  black metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Pure  Misanthropy  Of  Death"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  Records  and  Dark  East  Productions.

  A very  fast,  and  raw  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats,  grim  screams  and  atmospheric  synths  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  and  fast  parts.

  You  can  hear  a  lot  of  melody  in  both  the  riffs  and  leads  while  the  solos  also  bring  in  an  old  school  extreme  metal  feeling  at  times  and  the  music  also  brings  back  the  90's  atmospheric  European  style  with  the  synths  and  some  of  the  riffs  also add  in  a  touch  of  death  metal  influences  as  well  as  a  touch  of  thrash  and  the  last  track  also  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  semi  melodic  vocals.

  Lugburz  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  brings  back  the  90's  synth  style  while  also  being  very  raw  and  melodic  at  the  same  time,  the  production  sounds  very powerful  while  the  lyrics  cover  Left  Hand  Path,  Satanism  and  Dark  Nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lugburz  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  melodic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blades  Of  Maelstrom" "The  Devil's  Anthem"  and  "Eternally  Lifeless".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Lugburz/15905


Astarot/As Leaves Fall/Satanath Records/2013 CD Review


  Astarot  are  a  band  from  Mexico  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013 album  "As  Leaves  Fall"  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  Nature  sounds  and  field  recordings  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  synths  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  a minute  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  they  also  have  a  very  depressive  edge  to  them  at  times  and  one  the  second  track  drum  beats  are  added  into  the  music.

  Elements  of  ambient  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  starts  getting  heavier  it  brings  in  more  of  a  fast  and  raw  black  metal  sound  that  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  At  time s the  vocals  can  get  very  deep  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  they  also  alternate  between  both  the  ambient  and  heavy  sides  of  the  music  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  keeping  around  the  nature  sounds  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of clean  playing  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful sound  to  them.

  Astarot  plays  a  style  of  ambient  black  metal  that  is  very  epic  and  atmospheric  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  heavy  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature,  nostalgia,  melancholy  and  astral  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Astarot  are  a  very  great  atmospheric  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "As  Leaves  Fall"  "Despair"  and  "The  Secret  Garden".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp
Facebook

Wasteland Of Reality/Unnamed Chaos/Satanath Records/2013 EP Review


  Wasteland  Of  Reality  are  a  band  from  Belarus  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Unnamed  Chaos"  which  was  released by  Satanath  Records.

  Distorted  yet  clean  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  ep before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  musical  direction  which  also  brings  in  a  more  modern  style  of  death  metal  and  melodies  and  after  awhile  grim  black  metal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  You  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  amount  of  death  metal  growls  in  some parts  of  the  songs  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  Swedish  black  metal  vibe  and  they  also  bring  in  a  brief  use  of  movie  samples  on  one  track.

  Wasteland  Of  Reality  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  European  black  metal  tradition  and  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  death  metal  to  create  some  very  heavy  yet  melodic  music,   the  production  sounds very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  violent  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Wasteland  of  Reality  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Pedophile  Priest"  and  "Die  For  Victory".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp
Facebook
VKontakte

Seraphic Disgust Interview


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

Seraphic Disgust is a rotten mixture of War, Death, and elements of Black Metal.

2.So far you have released a demo and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

The "demo" was recorded soon after guitarist/vocalist AC and I (NB) formed Seraphic Disgust. I'd like to think it gets the point across, however its very raw and poorly executed. I would NOT recommend listening to it. Haha...
  As far as the full length, I feel the musical sound was very true to our intentions. The embellishments added by Ed Talorda (sound engineer/producer) really tied the album together.

3.The lyrics cover Demonology and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

  Around the time of the formation of the band, I had been heavily studying these dark subjects. In creating this thoughtform (Seraphic Disgust) a sigil had been created and is featured on the cover of the CD version of the "AltarCunt" release. Of course the sigil contains personal hidden meaning...

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Seraphic Disgust'?

Our Name directly pays homage to the classic novel "Paradise Lost" which was a immense influence in the songwriting.

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

Recently we opened for Bolzer and Ritual Necromancy. The show went fairly well. I'd say our stage performance could use a little work...

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

Right now, our only plans are preforming with Venom Inc and Necrophagia at a local venue. After that we will be playing in Portland, Oregon for the third FAMINE FEST.

7.The cd version was released on 'Engulfed in Darkness Records' and the cassette was released on  by P-18 Records, can you tell us a little bit more about these labels?

Both are fairly new and promising labels, that have been easy to work with. Hope to work with them more in the future. Another cassette release had been made by Headsplit Records for the AltarCunt album as well.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of war, black and death metal?             
  So far I've only really heard feedback from a few like minded individuals (from varying countries) and a few publications like your own. It seems to have somewhat positive reviews. Some are eager for our next effort.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

All 3 other members are involved in various extreme bands. AC plays guitar for Antebellum666 and Impure Consecration. Guitarist IL plays in Ascended Dead, and bassist RR is also a member of Condemned. Each one of those bands is currently active.

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

With Seraphic Disgust, there will always be a mixture of extreme elements, but to the core we are a Death metal band and will remain in the realms of death.

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

Of course we are inspired by the classics; Angelcorpse, Blasphemy, etc...one major impact on our song writing was the joining of IL. He has a very distinct, blackened style of composing...

Lately I've been addicted to the Mortem discography!

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

Hails and thank you for listening to our music! Look out for a split later this year/early 2017 between us and a truly killer band. (More to be announced soon).

Facebook

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Bastarth/The Stench Of Blood Plexus/Satanath Records/2013 CD Review


  Bastarth  where  a  band  from  Russia  that  played  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "The  Stench  Of  Blood  Plexus"  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ethic  folk  instruments  and  ritualistic  chanting  being  added  into  the  music  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  some  melodic  chanting  and  on  the  second  track  they  start  adding  in  whispers along  with more heay atmospheric  sound  which  also  retains  the  folk  elements.

  Both  of  the  riffs  and leads  can  be  very  melodic  at  times  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  music  is  more  focused  on  either  a  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction.

  Later  on  during  the  recording  they  also  bring  in  a  a  couple  of  instrumental  tracsk  while  later  later  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  melodic  pagan  singing  and  the  screams  also  start  developing  more  of  a  depressive  tone  and  they also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Goatmoon's  "Kunnia  Armageddon"  before  closing  the  album  with one  of  their  own  songs.

  Bastarth  plays  a  style  of  pagan/black  metal  that  is  very  epic,  melodic  and  atmospheric  sounding  while  also  having  its  raw  moments,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Bastarth  are  a  very  great  sounding  pagan/black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cal  the  Last  Battles"  and  "Prayer Madness".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp
Facebook
Homepage
Myspace
RealMusic
VKontakte

Radogor/Enlightenment/Satanath Records/2012 CD Review


  Radogor  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Enlightenment"  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  synths  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  nature  sounds for  a  couple  of  minutes  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  a  heavier  direction  while  also  keeping  the  atmospheric  elements  as  well  as  mixing  in  more  ambient  touches  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  epic   feeling.

  When  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount of  melody  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  vocals  can  also  get  very  depressive  at  times  while  some  songs  also  being  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  all  of the  music  sticks  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction  while  the  last  track  does  close  with blast  beats.

  Radogor  plays  a  style  of  ambient  black  metal  that  is  very  slow,  atmospheric  and  epic  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy,  nature,  and  misanthropic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Radogor  are  a very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  ambient  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I  Would  Like  You  To  Fall  In  Love"  "Light Sadness"  and  "Take  With  You".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp
Facebook
VKontakte

Morodh/The Demo/Satanath Records/2012 Demo Review


  Morodh  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and plays  a  depressive  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of their  2012  demo  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  A  very  atmospheric  synth  sound  starts  off  the  demo  along  with  a  melodic  post  metal  guitar  lead  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  some  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  and  both  of  them  dominate  the  recording  and  the  guitar  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.

  Clean  playing  along  with  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  songs and  violins  are  brought  onto  the  second  track  which  is  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  music  remains  true  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction  and  you  can  also  hear  a  touch  of  ambient  at  times  and  they  close  the  ep  with  a  short  acoustic  instrumental.

  Mordh  played  a  style  of  post  black  metal  on  this  recording  that  was  very  depressive  and displayed  more  of  a  raw  sound  than  what  was  to  be  heard  on  later  recordings,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  yet  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  hopelessness,  loneliness  and  despair  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Mordh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  depressive  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Hopelessness".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp
Facebook
Homepage
VKontakte
YouTube

Svarthaueg/Ritual/Satanath Records/2012 EP Review


  Svarthaueg  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  raw  form  of  occult black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  ep  "Ritual"  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  A  very  heavy,  fast  and  raw  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  and  after  awhile  the  songs  start  bringing  in  a  great mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  vocals  also  have  their  angry  yet  grim  moments  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking.

  At  times  the  vocals  can  be  very  depressive  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  melodies  at  times  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  the  music  goes  back  to  the  mid  90's  style  of  fast  black  metal  as  well  as  bringing  back  to  the  chaos  that  was  present  in  that  era  and  the  last  track  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Svarthaueg  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  fast  and  raw  in  the  mid  90's  tradition  and  they  keep  everything  in  a  very  chaotic  musical  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  yet  powerful  at  the  same  time  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Svarthaeueg  are  a  very  great  sounding  fast  and  raw  occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Balam"  and  "Enter  Chaos".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp
Facebook
Myspace
ReverbNation
VKontakte
     

Nyx Interview


1 – For Those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
 A. Sathsiva: We ‘re from Italy and we play Black/Thrash Metal with Occult, Esoteric and Traditional Magic
Rites lyrics; we was born, as band, in 2009 ‘cause I splitted up my first band, WAR, but I wanted play again extreme music with an Occult/ Esoteric approach. Too much people pass by Nyx, for line up, in my opinion… at least G. Azelyoth (our second drummer; he has recorded all our cds) and S.Flagellyon (in two different moment) joined the band and we recorded “HAIRESIS”. Back in the day  my idea was about an hybrid style between Black, Thrash (for guitar lines) and Avant-garde Metal but after “…DEATH…” it was clear to us that a simply Black/Thrash was our own line for future. From here “Obnubilato Incesto Semen” “Fides Lucifera” and “Hairesis” go ahead on this way.
S.Flagellyon: I joined the band in October 2012 as bass guitar player, already in Schwarz Pest (as guitarist,
composer, bassist and backing vocals) and Herjan (vocals, guitarist, bassist, composer).

2 – So far you released 2 demo’s, an ep and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that
is presented on the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
 A.Sathsiva: Yes, two demos: “…Death…” total different approach; Black Metal with Thrash Metal and a little bit of Avant-garde (about some structures and the LITTLE use of keyboards). It appears as an “ casual episode” within our discography if you consider the musical style, but at same time, we had the “ANTI” attitude yet, of course… this attitude is at the basis of Our Spirit and Birth. MNMO!! “Obnubilato Incesto Semen” is the second one and here the music is Black/Thrash Metal and we have no more keyboards and we play faster…is an unripe work but I like it and it starts our tradition to use paintings for covers. The EP “Fides Lucifera” maintaining musical style and, obviously the Esoteric lyrics; it contains two new songs – at the time – “ Reverteris” and “Tulpa Strigoi”, a Marduk’s cover “Jesus Christ Sodomized” and a re-recorded version of “Ejaculating Death”. “Reverteris” in particular, revealed the melodic part of us and a little technical way in the structure that we use more times in our songs. This EP is important for me ‘cause was published by Ordo Templi Serpentis a label created on purpose to honoring a Path between me and the Magician that make It. At last we arrived to “Hairesis”, our first full album, published by Vacula/Sathanath Rec. It represent Nyx in official way, and official sound. Black/Thrash Metal & Occult and Esoteric Lyrics. It condense the best parts of the past works…
S.Flagellyon: I started to play in Nyx in October 2012 and I only recorded “Hairesis”. The kind of Black Metal proposed in it is raw and fast, but still sough without too many compromises and strongly influenced by Swedish Black Metal style and Thrash Metal. I think the composition style is the same of the previous works, change the sound that in the past was certainly influenced by Death and Doom Metal and Thrash more than now. I believe that Nyx's sounds and atmospheres are unique and not easily to found elsewhere, something new and innovative for the genre.

3 –In the beginning the band had more symphonic, doom metal and thrash elements and the new album
has more of straight forward black metal style, what was the reason behind going into this musical
direction?
 A.Sathsiva: Simply because I’m an old style Metal head, I played and listen for all my life old Metal style of
different subgenres (Tharsh and Black in particular, but also Death and Classic Heavy Metal). So when I listened  the final master of “…Death…” I said “this is not my way, is too much light for me…missing violence here …I must  come back to my roots!!”.  After “…Death…” still remains the Thrash Metal riffs played in Black Metal way… I like to listen and play it.  This is the simply reason behind!
S.Flagellyon: I joined the band and I started working at “Hairesis” when it's sound has already oriented
towards the current sound.

4 –Your lyrics cover a lot of Luciferian, Left Hand Path and Occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more
about your interest in black arts?
A.Sathsiva: I’m within Occult, Esoteric Arts.  I study and practice Occultism. All my life style is around it.  I’m arrived in this Part of Life, years ago, in natural way; I can say that I’m always here…the reason is private, obviously! The LHP is the way that I chose for the rest of my Life and for my Death. I’m practicing everyday a sequence of practice taken by different disciplines within LHP, and I’m practicing Necromantic and Occult experiment with sleuth people. At same time I’m interesting in traditional studies (Medical & Magical) ‘cause are very very very very important to practicing Magic. As musician, I’m interesting also in tradition of shamanistic chant and some disciplines of therapeutic use of music…all the results of my research go into my music for Nyx, but I like to keep ‘em all under the ashes. I believe it’s right that.
S.Flagellyon: Nyx's lyrics are written by A.Satshiva, I take care of the bass composition. I make music for
myself and I consider it my refuge, no praise for supernatural entities; I am not satanist and I am not interested in the Black Arts.

5 – I know that the band was named after the Greek Goddess, how does this name fit in with the musical
style that you play?
A.Sathsiva: Nyx is the Night. Night bring rest and dreams or torments and nightmares. When you sleep are in deep contact with yourself and if you can’t control this level you touch your “mask” in different part and
identifications, so I wanted to see this as a V.I. T.R.I.O.L. descent, a condition where you have no escape from yourself, you must face the REAL you, and you must to fight against your parts and your condition –
paradoxically - during wakefulness. This is one of the firsts steps to change your Spirit, fight with yourself, to
start your translation into a “Warrior Monk”. Nyx is a stance, inside and outside ourself. Also our logo contains contrast and messages, someone is visible and clear, someone else is hidden and Occult… when you start with a deep  work in and on yourself, you ‘ll arrive in another dimension with your Spirit and your mind, from here, has no more boundaries…

6 –  What are some of the best shows that the band played so far and also how would you describe your
stage performance?
A.Sathsiva: There isn’t a single shows can be named “the best”…they’re all important for atmosphere around and for the bill (we played with Handful of Hate, Natassievila, Helegion for example), we learned so much from other bands and the relationships with other bands are always great…  So far our shows are great, ‘cause people are great and this is the important part for live performances, they are great for the energy exchange that’s create between us and people… I can say that differences between our shows, so far, are represented by different hour of our exhibitions: when we open the shows there are less people (but great people, believe me) and when we are late in the bill there are more people and, of course, is cool…about our attitude on stage, as I said I’m an old school Metal Head so our shows are more extreme metal old style! No scenography, no speech, no fake sacrifices on stage…only us that play our music with all the hate that live in us!! I like this way so I’m doing it.
S.Flagellyon: During these years we performed a dozen times and we had the honor to share the stage with big names like Handful of Hate , BlackFlame, Helegion, Funeral Whore, Enisum and Gotland. I remember with great pleasure my first performance with Nyx in May 2013. The best shows are the two with Handful of Hate in December and in April 2015, Release Party with Gotland in March 2014 and “Advnata Daemonica” with Schwarz Pest in October 2014. We usually perform in a direct way and without too many frills, always showing professionalism on and off the stage, the attitude towards the public is of detachment and respect as we believe it is right for the genre and in line with our personalities. The response of the public has always been positive.


7 – Do you have any touring or shows plans for the future?
A.Sathsiva: Yes, we speaking about  shows with someone in Italy and in an other country but at the moment is too early to say something in official way…we hope that this can be achieved…at this moment is confirmed only “Slaughter Fest 2016”on February 5 & 6 with Blasphomus Noise Torment, Demonomancy, Necromass, Putridity and others…
G.Azelyoth: We  have  only  a  few  gigs  scheduled  for  2016,  mainly  in  the  North  of  Italy,  while  so  far  we  haven’ ’t  planned  any  future  tour  dates.

S.Flagellyon: We are currently preparing for the next year exhibitions, at the moment there aren't tour dates but only individual in our city and in Northern Italy.

8 –A couple of years back you had done a Marduk cover, what was the decision behind doing your own
version of one of their songs?
 A.Sathsiva: “Jesus Christ Sodomized” is the song ahahahahahahahaha yes, we played a version of this one
‘cause is a real raw riffed and blasphemous song!!  I think that it’s sound well also in a more “punky” version, without a double bass and blasts…I like very much the original one, it’s clear, but I think that an “old style version” is good for it, no more tech in the execution of instrumental parts and more rehearsal atmosphere, as an old demo, make it more raw ahahaha an homage to the Spirit of first B.M.… we insert it in “Fides Lucifera” as a balance of melody and tech structure of “Reverteris” at the time…after this facts, I say Marduk of Nineties – ‘til “Panzer Division Marduk”-  is my favorite Black Metal Band, I love as Morgan play guitar riff, and I find in their ‘90’s line –up the fury and the violence of the first Slayer…the best of the two subgenres!!!!
G.Azelyoth: It  was  a  natural  consequence  rather  than  a  decision…  we  thought  i it  could  work  l like  that  because  it  reflected  our  own  style.  So  why  not  do  i it?



9 –On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
A.Sathsiva: It appears a really good feedback; my impression is that our style is appreciated especially  World’s East Side  and in South America, we have more contacts from Russia, Ukraine and other country of this zone and at same time from Perù, Brazil…for me is a great Honor ‘cause I like very much both people…they are so extreme, I think that if we ‘re appreciated from this people we doing well our job…from East Side – I think- Black/Thrash is a Cult and I like, anyway, the mind of people and ,instead, from South America, the Cult is violence in music so, I think, we are in the right way… as I said, this feedback is a great feedback for me. We have had a good response also from Italy, especially from other bands; so far I can say that I’m satisfied
G.Azelyoth: I  think  the  feedback  we  had  worldwide  was  not  bad,  i it  was  certainly  better  that  the  one  we  had  in  our  country.  We  make  music  mainly  for  ourselves,  i if  people  l like  i it,  so  much  the  better.

S.Flagellyon: Our latest work has received much interest from Italian and foreign webzines and the reviews
were good . The feedback has been positive also between who followed our exhibitions in our city, the band with whom we have shared the stage and who has listened to our music. We will soon see it also among people who will see us in the coming concerts away from Turin.



10 – What do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
 A.Sathsiva: Forever in Extreme Metal. I think we will never do “experiments” like Black Metal and Gospel to
be “originals & cool”…I don’t give a fuck, I don’t give a shit about this way. Of course Nyx will grown up with us and with my research in Musical & Esoteric Tradition so we’ll include sound experiments but always in a Black/Thrash Metal way and often, the big part of  these experiments, will be hidden under the ashes, as now…
S.Flagellyon: I cannot know what will be the future of the band; what we can do is to work to try to get the best results possible and to bring our music to a level as high as possible. Then you know that music is also a matter of luck, find the right contacts at the right time. Surely we will continue to make music for ourselves.

11 – What are some of the bands or musical styles that had influence on your music and also what are
you listening nowadays?
 A.Sathsiva: I like, for first, the old Bay Area Thrash Metal, I’have grown up with it…in particular the guitar
styles of James Hetfield, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Mustaine (at their Golden Age…) influenced me in my way to play guitar. So their albums ‘til 1994 are my favourites in T.M. about American area, but I like also  Coroner, Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, fist Destruction, Sodom and Kreator, and again Hallow’s Eve, Dark Angel and Sadus. I’m influenced by Bathory, as I said by Marduk, Morbid Angel, Sepultura ( ‘til “Beneath the Remains”), Sarcofago, first Dark Funeral, Dissection… Is very important in my background Italian Metal, Handful of Hate, Mortuary Drape,  Adversam, Maldoror, Aboyrm, Necromass, Death SS, Funeral Oration and something like Jacula/Antonius Rex, Malombra, Paul Chain, Goblin (“Deep Red” soundtrack is amazing) and I like also classical and ancient music as R. Wagner, Beethoven, A. Vivaldi…nowadays I added to all this Dark Ambient and Martial Folk (Mz412, DHG, Phurpa, Blood Axis, Hagalaz’Runedance, Arktau Eos …) and new Italian Black Metal Bands, Movimento d’Avanguardia Ermetico, Enisum, Comando Praetorio, Oltretomba, Natassievila…All of ‘em and all of  these different styles influenced me and someone of them showed me  parts of Extreme Metal from a different prospective…I like very much also the music from ‘60/’70 so  bands like King Crimson, Coven, Black Widow, Black Sabbath…
G.Azelyoth: Personally  I  don’ ’t  l listen  much  to  black  metal,  therefore  the  i influence  from  bands  belonging  to  this  genre  is  minimal l,  I  try  to  process  rhythmical  languages  and  musical  approaches  deriving  from  death  metal  and  develop  them  i into  Nyx’s  music.

S.Flagellyon: I listen to all Metal and in particular to Black Metal in every style and shade; the ratings are heavily dependent on periods and moods , as well as the composition. I prefer the Scandinavian scene (on all Dark Funeral, Behexen, Horna, Marduk and Gorgoroth) that is the one that inspired me much more, especially on guitar being primarily a guitarist. In Nyx I haven't particular reference band or artists for the composition; I rely a lot on my instincts and my good taste including Thrash and Death Metal influences too, in line with the band's style.


12 – Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
A.Sathsiva: Not in particular, for me. I wanna say thank You for this interview and for Your interest about us and I wanna say thank You also to our label, Vacula/Sathanath and to all people that follow and support us… MNMO!!!
G.Azelyoth: I  would  l like  to  thank  Nyx  and  all  the  supporters  of  underground  music.

S.Flagellyon: I would spend last words to thanks your webzine for interest in us and this place, as well as the
good review of our first Full-Length. Regards S.Flagellyon.

Facebook
Myspace
ReverbNation

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Verrater/Sxuperion/Bloody Mountain Records/2015 Split Album Review


 This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Nebraska's  Verrater  and  California's  Sxuperion  which  was  released  by  Bloody  Mountain  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the review  with  Verrater  a band  that plays  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  drone  and  after a  few  seconds  the  music  goes  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  black  metal  direction  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  that also  have  a  very  depressive  tone  to  them  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  style.

   The  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  morbid  sounding  melodies  a  times  and  the  vocals  also get  deep  in  some  parts  of  the  tracks  and  the  last  song  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  their  side  of  the  split  closes  with  an  ambient  sound,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  mental  illness,  sex  and  violence  themes.

 In  my  opinion  Verrater  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Deny  Peace".

  Next  up  is  Sxuperion  a  solo  project  that  has  had  past  albums  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  out  with  a  very  distorted  yet  melodic  guitar  sound that  also  gives  the  songs  a  drone  feeling  and  after  a  couple  of  minutes  the  music  goes  into  a  very  fast  and  war  black  metal  direction  along  with  some  bestial  death  metal  growls and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  A  great  amount  of  morbid  sounding melodies  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  atmospheric and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  bring  in  a  more  modern  style  of  black  metal  and  after  awhile  the  music  gets  more  avant  garde  and  experimental  and  his  side  of  the  split  closes  with  spoken  word  samples,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  have  a  concept  to them  all  dealing  with  vibrations.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sxuperion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  blasphemous  bestial  black/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vibration  2"  and  "Vibration  5".  8  out  of  10.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  raw  or  bestial  black  metal.  8  out  of  10.

BANDCAMP »

Monday, December 28, 2015

Ekstasis Interview


> 1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us  little bit about the band?
We are Ekstasis, a german black metal group formed in 2010. It started with Chironex and Elias who had known each other for years and played in bands before. Thenceforth we were focused on creating unique music.

> 2.Recently you have released your first full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
It's hard for us to describe our own sound, because everyone in the band got another impression of it.
We care about a progressive and various songwriting. It's our intention to differ from other bands. Like our Artwork, we fit pieces together to create an harmonious opus...like a jigsaw.

> 3.The band has been around since 2010 but waited until 2015 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait?
We finished recording process in early 2012. Some external individuals, who were involved in this process, fiddled away.. But that's nothing new in music-business.


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

> 5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ekstasis'?
Ekstasis reffers to the ancient greek word "ἔκστασις".The translated term "ecstasy" describes the state of overwhelming enthusiasm.


> 6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
All shows were unique in their own way. So far we had two different stage concepts. Our first stage-suit was like old and dirty strait jackets. One member wore a handmade and individual mask. The second concept: We all wore black outfits, the stage-rooms were perfectly darkened and we only used blue headlights. Those shows were really nebulous and intense.


> 7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
A chinese booker asked for a show. But so far we are not able to say more about that. Other shows aren't planned.


> 8.The new album was released on 'Geisterasche Orgainisation', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
They paid very well and took all of our costs.


> 9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Some were good, and some were bad. But we are glad for everyone who can feel our music the same way we do. We like to read every review no matter if its a positive or negative one.


> 10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Since we've recorded our first full length album we had massive changes in our line-up. We will see how it will influence the music. At the moment all we can say is that it will be more sanguine and in parts
faster than our current release. Also we are focused to include more highlights in our music.

> 11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our important influence is life and all its facets. Even if we love Black metal it's not a strict impact in our music. Some of our members prefer old-school gaming soundtracks, others are  more into alternative rock.


> 12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Videogames, nature, cooking and... dreaming.


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

Thank you for your time and interest in this interview.Check our Homepage www.gedankenort.com
There you can order our album, get informed about upcoming shows and the next songs.
Give us a like: https://facebook.com/gedankenort

The Shiva Hypothesis Interview


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

TSH evolved from our previous musical activities somewhere around 2012; as a group of friends from the east of the Netherlands with an interest in the darker side of music. With the addition of our vocalist in 2014, the band truly came to fruition.
The Shiva Hypothesis strives to mix our love for experimental and obscure black metal with nineties death metal, played with the energy of blackened thrash.


2.How would you describe your musical sound?

The overall feel could be described as dark and energetic, evoking a broad spectrum of different emotions in the listener through varying vocal styles, black metal riffing as well as bigger harmonic structures,melodic basslines and some more technical parts.
As a reference point, imagine Emperor,Behemoth, Death and Ved Buens Ende put into a blender with a bit of early Sentenced, Slayer and Deathspell Omega added for further taste.


3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The main theme of the band is the concept of destruction and creation, both in philosophical and literal sense. Besides that, we also incorporate elements of mysticism, mythology and folklore from around the world. The tarot and tree of life serve as major inspirations for the lyrical content of the tracks on the promo.


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Shiva Hypothesis' and also do any of the band members have any interest in Eastern Mysticism and Philosophy?
There is definitely an interest, but the name does not necessarily imply associations with Hinduism or Eastern philosophy. The Shiva Hypothesis is a theory that identifies patterns in mass extinctions, followed by periods of rapid evolution.This concept of destruction and creation, also embodied in Shiva the God, serves as a general theme of the band.


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

We try to approach our live shows with a lot of energy and an air of mystery, keeping out the metal macho stereotype nonsense (circle pits remain entirely optional!).
For budgetary reasons, we haven’t been able to have comets rain down from the skies, but in the future we’re hoping to integrate video imagery and maybe some toasty pyrotechnics.

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

We’ve got some shows planned, so keep a watchful eye on our Facebook page for more news!

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

Although we have enjoyed doing things on our own and have very strong opinions about just about everything surrounding our music, artwork, etc., we would definitely like to work with a label for future releases so that our music can reach a bigger audience, while we can focus more on creating new songs.

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

Nothing but rave reviews so far! There are bound to be some complaints about the blending of styles and the absence of lyrics about Satan, but we are not here to satisfy everyone. Our first objective is to make music we would like to listen to ourselves and if that would inspire others to do the same, that would be a perk.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hopefully in the first half of 2016. All of the tracks for it have been recorded and most of them have been mixed. Since our low frequency generator does most of this stuff in his home studio in his spare time, it takes quite a bit longer to finish. After the upcoming full length, we’ve already got some new songs down for a follow-up EP, which features some faster and more ferocious songs, with more blast parts and more big harmonic and dissonant guitar parts.


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

Beside black metal, all of us also listen to a lot of other music, causing us to bring different influences to the table, which often results into arguments, but mostly leads to interesting passages that sprung from concessions.

Some bands and artists that have definitely influenced us in one way or another (apart from those already mentioned earlier) are:

Mayhem, Primordial, Deathspell Omega, Darkthrone, Secrets of the Moon, Nasum and Absu, but also Fields of the Nephilim, Bersarin Quartett, 16 horsepower, Huun-Huur-Tuu and classical music.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
All of us read a lot, from mythology and philosophy to classic literature. I suppose our evenings of beer-fueled banter can not be considered to be “ non musical”, since there is always some Behemoth album blaring in the background.


12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the interview and thanks to everyone reading this for taking the time to read this through to the end. Check out our music and come see us live, you will definitely hear more from us in the near future!

Bandcamp
Facebook
Homepage
Instagram
iTunes
SoundCloud
Spotify
Twitter
YouTube

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Nocturne/Self Titled/Unlight Productions/2016 CD Review


  Nocturne  are  a  band  from  Austria  that plays  an  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2016  which  will  be  released  by  Unlight  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodies  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  black  metal  direction  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  grim  screams  and the  songs  also  bring  in  a   great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and   death  metal  growls  and  clean  singing  are  also  used  at  times.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  spoken  word  parts  are  brought  into  the  music  they  give  the  songs  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  and  clean  playing  along  with  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  they  also  bring  in  an  instrumental  track while returning  back  to  vocals  on  later  tracks  as  well  as  adding  in  more  diversity  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  De  Infernali's  "Sign  of  the  Dark".

  Nocturne  plays  a  style  of  occult  black  metal  that  is  very  epic  and  melodic  while  also  having  its  raw  moments,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Lef  Hand  Path  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nocturne  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Return  To  Chaos"  "Into  The  Great  Below"  "Ama  Lilith"  and  "Sign  Of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/-TNI5eMouII

Companions Of Hellfire/Codex Antichristus/2015 EP Review


  Companions  Of  Hellfire  are  a  solo  project  from  Singapore  that  plays  a  very  raw,  melodic  and  blasphemous  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  ep  "Codex  Antichristus".

  A  very  raw  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  old  school  metal  feeling  and you  can  also  hear  a  lot  of 80's  influences  throughout  the  recording  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  are  utilized.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  also  mixes  in  a good  mixture  of  both  first  and  second  wave  black  metal  influences and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  melodic  vocals  on  a   couple  of  the  tracks  while  the  main  focus  remains  more  on  a  raw  style  of  black  metal.

  Companions  Of  Hellfire  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  the  first  and  second  wave  styles  of  black  metal  and  also  mixes  in  some traditional  metal  elements  to  create  a  very  raw  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal,  the production goes  for  a  raw  yet  powerful  sound  while  the  lyrics  cover  blasphemous  and  anti  christian  themes.

  In  my  opinion Companions  Of  Hellfire  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  melodic  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Opus  I"  and  "Opus  5".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook   
 

Ande/Licht/2015 Demo Review


  Ande  are  a  solo  project  from  Belgium  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  misanthropic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2015  demo "Licht".

  A  very  dark  ambient  sound  starts  off  the  demo  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  which  also  leads  up  to  more  of  an  atmospheric  musical  direction  and  the  music  also  gets  very  melodic  at  time sand  there  are  brief  intros  before  every  track.

  When  synths are  utilized  they  add  in  more  of  an  organic  style  of  ambient  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and when  the  music  speeds  up  blast  beats  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  a  more  raw  style  of  black  metal  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Ande  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  while  also  having  more  of  a  raw  and  misanthropic  take  on  the  genre  and  also  mixes  in  ambient  intro's,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  his  native  tongue  and  cover  hateful  and  misanthropic  themes.

  In  my  opinion Ande  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  misanthropic black metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out this  demo.  RECOMMENDED TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Paniek"  and  "Den".  8  out  of 10.

https://ande-be.bandcamp.com/album/licht

Hatecrowned Interview


1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We have started on creating the concept of an upcoming album, but this will take at least a couple of years of work until it is mastered, some tracks are finished, lyrical wise, and the general idea of the full-length is already set.

2.In August you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the ep you had released in 2013?
It is definitely stronger and fits the misanthropic and adversarial message in the Newborn Serpent, the recording was with no doubt alot harder because this time we did not do it at a recording studio, instead we recorded it at Dahaaka's home studio in France (as for the guitars) and other instruments were recorded in Lebanon like the bass guitar and my vocal parts at Eddy Ferekh's home studio, and the drums were recorded by at Benjamin's home studio in the Denmark, while the EP Warpact in Black was all recorded in one local studio who's equipment were not meant to be for metal recordings and the drums obviously was VST because we could not find or afford any studio for a live drums recording.

3.Your lyrics are very diverse with the Misanthropic, Occult and Anti Cosmic Satanism topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the black arts?
Of course they are, but I would not degrade our devotion to the knowledge of the Other Side as only interest or curiosity or a bit of information and general ideas we know, instead, our lyrics are merely drawings made with words, invocations and vibrations to eternalize our true blood lineage and to feed our ever blazing black flame. Hail Azerate.

4.Currently the band is a duo while you have had session musicians on the new album and in live settings, are you open to working with a full line up again if you could find the right musicians that reflect the ideology and musical style of the band?
Hatecrowned has always been a duo and we are fine with it this way, but of course if we ever find committed musicians who share our ideologies and misanthropic blood they would be welcome if we saw it fit and needed.

5.You have done live shows in both Lebanon and Europe, what was the experience like in Europe where the religious laws have less of an influence on the government and what where some of the best shows that the band has played over the last 4 years?
We never played outside Lebanon, but of course we wish to and we are working on it, as for the local shows, I must not hide it, none was a good one because of the lack of experience for the organizers and the the shrinking of the local metal scene.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Unfortunately we dont for the mean time

7.The new album was released through both Satanath Records and Darzamadicus Records, while I know about the first one mentioned, can you tell us a little bit more about the other one you had worked with on the new release?
Actually it was a deal between these two labels, I think Darzamadicus (from Macedonia) have assisted in the production of the material, we dont know alot about what both labels have agreed on but both have done great work.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer material by fans of black and death metal?
The reviews and direct comments from other musicians, fans, magazines, reviewers and other labels were very good and even alot better than expected, even Satanath told us the same, we are very proud of it and we thank and hail each one who supported this work !

9.The band is from Lebanon, a country that is a bit more strict and violent than the American and European countries, do you feel living in this climate adds to the hateful energy that is presented throughout the recording?
Well, maybe, I would not notice, because we were born and raised in such an environment. Violence became a very ordinary and daily thing for us, on personal and social level, but at least when we speak about war and hatred we know what we are speaking about.

10.Where would you like to see the band head into musically during the future?
I would leave that to the future, Im not saying that we dont plan our moves, but we dont plan for too far.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The first wave of Black Metal, some classical music, very little of chosen heavy and thrash metal and strongly Death Metal, and nowadays I am listening mostly to bands that share our ideological affiliations, like Watain, Dissection, Acherontas, Cult of Fire, Acrimoniouss...

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for the interview, and we would like to thank all our fans and supporters ! HAIL DARKNESS, HAIL KAOS !

Arm the Pit
Bandcamp
DMMcompany
Facebook
Metalnewz
Myspace
ReverbNation
SoundCloud
Twitter
YouTube