Lycanthropy/A.V.R.E.I.L/Lower Silesian Stronghold/2017 CD Review

  Lycanthropy  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  very raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "A.V.R.E.I.l"  which  was  released  by  Lower  Silesian  Stronghold.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  while  also  adding  in  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  an  old  school  extreme  metal  style.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  depressive  elements  and  spoken  word  samples  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  music  always  remains  heavy.

  Lycanthropy  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  a  very  raw  and  aggressive  style  of  black  metal  while  also  adding  in  elements  of  death  metal  to  create  a  very  heavy  sounding  recording,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity,  Hate,  Darkness,  War  and  Sadism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lycanthropy  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  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  "Dark  Triad  Of  Animal  In  Me"  "Sexual  Sadism"  "Black  Lightning"  and  "In  The  Middle  of  Nowhere".  8  out  of  10.    

Eneferens/In The Hours Beneath/Nordvis Produktion/Bindrune Recordings/2017 CD Review

  Eneferens  are  a  band  originally  from  Montana  but  now  re-located  to  Minnesota  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  Cascadian  influenced  form  of  black  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "In  The  Hours  Beneath"  which  will  be  released  in  October  as  a  joint  effort  between  Bindrune  Recordings  and  Nordvis  Produktion.

   Atmospheric  synths  along  with some  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  and  after  awhile  melodic signing  is  added  onto  the  recording  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  they  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  as  well  as  most  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  more  aggressive  vocals  are  deep  yet  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  few  death  metal  growls  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  a  more  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them   along elements  of  doom  metal  being  added  into  the  slower  riffing  and  there  is  also  a  brief  piano  instrumental  before  closing  the  album  with  a  heavier  track..

  Eneferens  plays  a  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal  that  is  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  Cascadian  form  of  the  genre  while  standing  out  with  some  progressive  and  doom  metal  influences,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  personal  struggles  and  reflection  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Eneferens  are  a  very  great  sounding  Cascadian  style  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Chrysanthemum"  and  "Ascenson".  8  out  of  10.    

Pando Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
mr. f: We play this game...it's called “guess what's in my pouch.” I hide a piece of candy corn, a battery, or another small loose object in my pouch. It's mr. bombastic's task to determine what object it is.
mr. b: it's always the rock cell phone.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on  the recordings?
mr. b: We wouldn't. We just play what we believe is this most accurate interpretation of what we are feeling or trying to convey. It's more about the process rather than the end product.

3.On the full length you had released in April the lyrics dealt with the slavery and oppression oft he African American people of the last few centuries, can you tell us why you picked this topic for an album?
mr. b: It's a little complicated, but we're from western Mass and while it tends to be this “hush hush” thing, Massachusetts at one point had a lot of controversy revolving around their state schools and the mistreatment of their patients. We both work in the human services field, so human rights is something we deal with on a day to day basis and some of our clients we care for actually came from some of these places. There's a strange comparison between the way the African American slaves of the south and how the patients at these facilities were treated. It was all too coincidental that the time we released the album was the anniversary of the film “Titicut Follies,” which ultimately led to the closing of those schools, as well as the big blow-ups of U.S. Politics in regards to african american rights. The album focuses it's sound around concepts of human suffering and mental disability, which is why it sounds the way it does.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Pando'?
mr. b: Pando is the oldest and heaviest living organism on the planet located in Utah. It's a whole forest of quaking aspen trees all connected by the same root system and it just resonated with us. Our friendship is closer to brotherhood; different trees, same roots.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you chose to remain a duo?
mr. b: I think the vast majority of the writing will always be between the two of us, but one of the most interesting things to us in our name is that it's a forest connected with many trees.

6.Since 2016 you have put out 4 releases, do you spend a great amount of time creating and writing Music?
mr. b: We both have lives outside of music and we only get together when we can, so we try to spend that time wisely.
mr. f: we each, independently, spend our time observing the ins and outs of daily life. These small things can transcend and transform into bigger things.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
mr. b: I've always been interested, but skeptical. I think we both enjoy the freedom of being able to put out anything we want, whenever we want and being able to control our own stuff. If a label existed that would allow us to operate the same way we have been, but distribute physical copies, I'd be on board.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal, experimental and noise?
mr. b: We haven't had much feedback, really. Neither of us know what we are doing when it comes to promotion, nor do we really have the finances for it. But we also aren't really looking that hard. Our first album almost wasn't even a released thing and on top of all that, Massachusetts is mostly indie bands and stoner metal, it seems. There isn't much draw for our music here and for some reason, we seem more popular in Europe.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
mr. b: It's hard to say. We never plan anything, but we always have ideas. It's just a matter of which medium we decide to execute them.
mr. f: Combining various forms of art with our musical process seems like a practical next move.

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?
mr. b: A lot of NPR. I never listen to anything on the radio other than podcasts because United States pop music is shit and I don't have a ton of time during the week to go hunting for new music, so other than the kids wanting to play the new Lady Gaga or whatever the fuck they listen to, I'm stuck wanting to gouge my ears out while driving. Lately for me though, it's been this hip-hop artist Onra from France and with fall coming around, I'm breaking the folk-black metal out again via Agalloch and Summoning. I'm waiting patiently for the new Wolves in the Throne Room album and new Bell Witch. I've been listening to a lot of meditation music as well.
mr. f: Fletcher Tucker lately.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
mr. b: I'm really into film, writing (mostly philosophy and sciences), and particularly interested in performative art.
mr. f: algebra.
mr. b: we've been debating whether or not this woman at CVS has a lower half to her body or not.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?  
ac: get high and suck.

Howls From The Blackwood/Vol.3 /Blackwood Productions/2017 Compilation Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  compilation from  Blackwood  Productions  called  "Howls  From  The  Blackwood  Vol.3"  which  consists  of  mostly  black  metal  bands  and  we  will  review  the  songs  one  by  one.

  Forefather  brings  us  "Brunanburh"  which  starts  out  with  a  fast, r aw  and  melodic  black  metal style  along  with  some  grim  screams  as  well  as  mixing  in  clean  pagan  style  vocals  as well  as  mixing  in  the  Anglo  Saxon  Metal  style  they  are  known  for.

  Paara  brings  us  "Aikaan Hautautumut"  a  song  that  is  9  minutes  in  length  along  with  some  clean  guitars  also  being  used  briefly  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion,  when  female  vocals  are  brought  into  the  music  they  give  the  song  a  folk  music  feeling  before  going  into  a  fast  and  raw  modern  black  metal  direction  as  well  as  utilizing  grim  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  clean  male  vocals  are  also  used  briefly.

  Bloodarv  brings  us  "Korset  Paa  Baalet"  a  song  that  is  done  in  more  of  a  traditional  and  raw  style  of  old  school  black  metal that  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  while  also  having  its  melodic  moments.

  Allegiance  brings  us  "I  Wraith,  I  Death"  which  starts  out  with  some  epic  sounding  keyboards  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  as  well  as  showcasing  a  raw  style  of  black  metal  and  grim  screams  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  song.  

  Ande  brings  us  "Argwaan"  a  song  that  is  8  minutes  in  length  and  starts  out  with  a  very  fast  and  raw  style  of  black  metal  along  with  some  high  pitched  screams  while  also  having  its  melodic  and  atmospheric  moments.

  Ereskigal  brings  us  "Ascent"  a  very  fast  and  melodic  occult  black  metal  song  that  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  influences  and  aggressive  blast  beats  while  also  mixing  in  a  decent  amount  of  death  metal  elements.

  Forest  Moonlight  brings  us  "In  The  Winter  Solstice"  a  song  that  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  keyboards  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  but  also  taking  the  style  into  more  of  a  dark,  raw  and  lo-fi  style.

  Abduction  brings  us  "To  Further  Dreams  Of  Failure"  a  black  metal  song  that  is  very  dark  and  raw  in  the  mid  90's  style  while  also  mixing  in  a  decent  amount  of  synths  to  capture  an  epic  atmosphere  and  melodic  chants  are  also  used  briefly.

  Roots  Entwined  brings  us  a  self  titled  song  that  is  done  in  a  very  melodic,  raw  and  traditional  black  metal  style  which  they  also  mix  in  with t he  more  modern  atmospheric  style  of  the  genre.

  Thy  Dying  Light  brings  us  a  self  titled  song  that  is  almost  7  minutes  in  length  and  don in  a  very  fast,  raw  and  aggressive  style  of  black  metal  along  with  some  grim  high  pitched  screams  and  brutal  blast  beats.

  Atra  Mord  closes  the  compilation  with  "Fog  Of  Ruin"  a  song  that  is  done  in  a  very  dark,  raw  and  melodic  traditional  style  of  black  metal  that  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  screams.

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

  https://blackwoodproductions.bandcamp.com/album/howls-from-the-blackwood-vol-3







  

Malauriu/Semper Ad Mortem Cogitantes/War Kommand Productions/2017 CD Review

  Italy's  Malauriu  have  returned  with  a  new  recording   that  continues  the  raw  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Semper  Ad  Mortem  Cogitantes"  which  was  released  by  War  Kommand  Productions.

  A  very  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  grim  spoken  word  parts  while  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  ritualistic  sounding  synths  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  the  vocals  adding  in  more  aggression  and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in t he  90's.

  At  times  the  vocals  utilize  a  semi  melodic  tone  along  with  some  whispers  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  black  metal  feeling.

  The  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  while  synths  also  make  a  brief  return  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Malauriu  creates  another  recording that  remains  true  to  their  raw  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  while  also  having  a  vocal  approach  that  is  more  different  than  most  bands  of  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  Death,  Human  Misery  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Malauriu  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Iusta  Funebria"  and  "Occulta  Ars".  8  out  of  10.

Nesseria/Cette Erosion De Nous Memes/Deadlight Entertainment/2017 CD Review

  France's  Nesseria  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  that  continues  their  mixture  of  black,    grind,  sludge,  crust  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Cette  Erosion  De  Nous  Memes"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Deadlight  Entertainment.

  A  very  fast  post  hardcore  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  slower  sections  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  sludge  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  presented  on  the  recording.

  When  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  rock  fashion  along  with  some  touches  of  shoegaze  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  are  utilized  they  give  the  songs  a  more  raw  feeling.

  Some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  when  acoustic  guitars  are  utilized  they  add  elements  of  folk  and  screamo  onto  the  recording  while  some  influences  of  grind  and  crust  can  also  be  heard  as  the  album  progresses  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  atmospheric  sounding  synths  and  the  closing  track  is  an  instrumental.  

  Nesseria  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  mixture  of  black  metal,  sludge,  grind,  crust  and  hardcore,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  social  disgust  and  hatred  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great sounding  recording  from  Nesseria  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  grind,  crust,  sludge  and  post  hardcore,  you  should  check  out this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "On Prenda  L  Habitude"  "St  Petersburg"  and  "Dans  L  Ombre  Et  Sans  Vesige".  8  out  of  10.     

Prostitution Interview

1.Can you give s an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new ep?

Heyo. Since recording this upcoming EP, which was so fun to do, we’ve been working on a lot of new material. We are constantly writing and getting ready for a return to the studio. Putting out quality material is what we do. Also, playing some real awesome shows in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and NYC. We’re out there working hard man!

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

This is going to be our third release, the first recording we have with Jason, the fellow who replaced Ben on drums.  We feel this is a more mature recording compared to the previous EP’s. Those records are solid as well, but something about this one is special. The others are more conventional black metal. The sounds is us; there is a psychedelic bend.  This new one is straight fire. It’s our best effort to date for sure. The songs are masterpieces! We think at least, haha.

3.This is your first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

Writing, playing shows, making friends, going thru a line up change. We took a year off in 2014 and took us a minute to get back up to speed. With that being said, we are right back on track, much further along that we’ve ever been. We are a strong unit of musicians, not to mention best friends. Nothing better that that.

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

We mostly talk about the idea of deep space and human emotion or the lack there of. Space is cool as shit and since we know little to nothing about it, our imagination can take us anywhere.

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

First of all, in no way do we condone the act of Prostitution, sex trafficking, sex workers, or anything related to that. It’s important to us that people know that. We look at this band as more of an art project. In art there are no rules except the ones you make yourself. We came up with the name over 7 years ago and are committed to it. We, are Prostitution.

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

Oh girl, do we have fun. Like, all the fun. We are there to preform for you, the audience. We tend to get weird, but still maintain our musicianship like real pros. We keep the show moving and usually leave the audience smiling, wanting more. Come see for yourself at our record release show on October 15th at Union Pool. That’s gonna be a doozy.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new ep is released?

We are looking into that as we speak. We have some regional shows set up, but are looking to branch out and make it out west. Got any contacts? Hit us up and let us show you what’s up.

8.According to the metal archives page the band is signed to 'PartyOwlProductions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Each EP we have release has been a self release.  Party Owl is an alias Jesse uses to independently put out all kids of music.   Prostitution has more material to record which is definitely distribution worthy. What up record label people?!  We’re willing to put in the work and dominate.

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

Most people really dig it. We just want our music to be heard. If people like it, great. We are honored. If they don’t that’s ok too (not really, haha) But yeah, on a whole we get a lot of praise and love.

10.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?

We all push each other to explore our talents as long as there is time and it doesn’t get in the way of what we are doing. Jesse plays in a mathy metal project called Beast Modulus and a skate punk band called Slashers. Russ has been jamming with a riff heavy bluesy metal project, and Jason loves grind and has been working with some rippers. We are all super supportive of each other and our musical endeavors. That being said, Prostitution comes first.

11.Are there any plans for a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

One day we will definitely do a full length, we have the material. We keep on exploring music in general trying to push the limits of what we can get away with. The newest song we’ve writing, called Magic Nunbers is about when you die. We all have a magic number, Feel me? I know you do.

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

We listen to wide variety of music. Our biggest influences are Pink Floyd, Queen, and The Beatles. None of these are metal, but good music is good music. It’s all related. As far as metal goes, Megadeth, Anthrax, Gwar (which Jesse does not like, haha) and anything Hair Metal related. Oh yeah!

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Russ is like the worlds best chef and likes to read a lot. Jason loves hockey, and Jesse can’t stop skateboarding although his aging body says otherwise. We all like to be really active and take long bike rides. We’ve been known to have a few drinks as well, but most people enjoy that. We keep it cool tho.

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


If you don’t go to L&B pizzeria in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn before you die, you are really messing up. Order two square middle. Do it.

https://www.facebook.com/Prostitution666/

https://prostitution.bandcamp.com/