Ritual Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
1. Not a whole lot going on right now. Looking for some new band members. Writing and experimenting with new ideas.

2.When I listened to some of the more recent albums you have a very different style from the older releases, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical progress over the years?
2. People grow and change. That's just life. We were 17, 18 when we made "The Summoning" so yeah we were just kids. The world was very different then than it is now too.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the direction the lyrics have gone through over the last few releases and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
3. The lyrics have always been a combo based in fantasy and real life. Some are about how I deal with my depression and some are just hateful, some are fantasy based. Only the first and second albums had the same members in the band. So the writing has gone through a lot of changes. I feel like I have gotten better at songwriting over the years but what do I know?

4.A lot of your earlier lyrics covered Satanism and Occultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the Left Hand Path?
4. We have always just been very anti-religion. Satanism was and is just a tool to put a middle finger in the face of this country's stupid obsession with Jesus and the bible. We never believed in any hokey pokey religious shit. We are just anti-religion. We do not believe in hell, god, satan or anything. We are basically just atheists.

5.For 12 years the band was on hiatus, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
5. We split up because we were all just at odds after the second album. Even before the second album. I got tired of arguments and beef and decided I wasn't going to pursue a third album with Robert and Mike. They went on to make "Soldiers Under Satan's Command" without me involved. To me it was basically a thrash album. I still had been writing material that was Ritual to me. In the early 00's I just thought nobody cared about Ritual anymore. Then I kept seeing interviews from the other members and somehow the internet kept the music and interest alive. A big question was always why did the the 3rd album sound so different from the first two. The answer was because I was not involved in the 3rd album at all. I was the main songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist of the first two. I felt that as the mastermind of the original sound I had to give people a proper Ian Ritual record with "The Resurrection". I asked Mike and Robert to be a part of it. Robert did actually put in a riff or two. Mike, again was not local and his material just didn't appear on "The Resurrection" although it was welcomed.

6.For a few years the band was a solo project but now has a line up, what was the decision behind working with other musicians again?
6. I like playing on stage, it's a great feeling. I just wanted to get the music out there in real life again.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
7. I think every show is great to me. It's always a wonderful feeling to play with bands you enjoy and respect and that have done it all. We have been fortunate enough to do that many times. We recently played Blackest of the Black festival with a bunch of amazing bands. We played with Marduk and Incantation a few years ago. Our stage performance is pretty raw. We come out and play our asses off and do our thing.

8.The last album was self released, are you open to working with another label in the future?
8. I am open to working with labels. I released the last album on vinyl only myself just because I love records and always wanted to have a Ritual record out. We have worked with Minotauro records out of Italy and Narcoleptica Productions out of Kazakhstan recently. It's all about the deal. What does a label really have to offer in this musical climate?

9.On a worldwide elvel how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
9. Honestly, I do not know. I have not seen or heard much in terms of reviews or anything like that so I do not know.

10.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
10. Not sure on the timing of another full length. As of this moment I am solo again, doing everything myself. Things move slowly. I am not even sure if I will ever release another album at this point.

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?
11. I don't listen to much music anymore. I make so much of it that I just don't want to be actively involving myself in music all my waking hours. I sometimes just listen to the random people posting their music on Facebook.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. Buy physical copies of albums and band merchandise if you want bands to continue their craft. Sustaining a music career is difficult if not impossible.

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Ashlands/Ashlands II/2020 EP Review

  Ashlands  are  a  duo  from  Italy  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  fantasy  orientated  form  of  atmospheric  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  ep  "Ashlands  II"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  ep  and  also  introduces  elements  of  folk  music  onto  the  recording.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  while  also  mixing  them  and  the  folk  elements  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  and  the  riffs  also  add  in a   great  amount  of  melody.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  instrumentals  and  the  closing  track  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length. 

  On  this  recording  Ashlands  remains  true  to  the  folk  influenced  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal  that  was  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  covering  the  travelers  saga  under  the  gentle  rains  of  the  Amber  Marsh  along  with  some  influence  from  the  writings  of  H.P Lovecraft.

  in  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ashlands  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  folk  influenced  atmospheric  black  metal,  you   should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mountain  Augurs"  and  "Engraved  in  Black  lava". 8 out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/ashlandsmusic

https://ashlandsmusic.bandcamp.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYMlADlwAYbCpAq2vMBd2FA

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xuCXzkjyOQ5TKTD16RGC2

  

WinterheartH Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
As of now we are looking at different approaches to livestream shows. Covid 19 has turned the entertainment industry upside down and that’s just putting it lightly. However, the industry is always changing and it changes much faster as new technology becomes available to both consumer and prosumer. Other than that and constant rehearsals I’m always writing new riffs and music to archive and have for potential future releases. Always making sure I’m ahead and there’s no “what’s next” once tasks are completed.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Well for starters with all albums the one goal I always had was a modern spin on a classic approach. It’s called classic for a reason because it never goes away. Our first album Curse the Summer was a Black Metal meets Thrash approach but adding a little technical spin. When we released Resettlement it was still the Blackened Thrash approach but I also incorporated my love for the Gothenburg and the Melodic Death Metal scene. With our latest release Riverbed Empire it still has that Blackened Thrash sound however, I’ve really began to show my love for progressive music. I love the textures of progressive bands like Yes or King Crimson but I still love the to the point punk rock sound to. The trick was how to incorporate both attributes. Honestly a great album I feel portrays what I’m saying would be Metallica’s - ...And Justice For All for example.

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

The last four years have been a lot of highs and lows for sure. Right after the release of Resettlement unfortunately Michael Small and myself parted ways and Brad Ivany came into the picture. We played a bunch of festivals opening for bands like Cauldron and Warsenal. About a year into having Brad I really began to focus on brand new music and sadly our bassist Robbie Butler decided he needed to take a new path in life and left the band. During all this I was rehearsing in a Ramones tribute act and was talking to the vocalist Lenny Carey who I barely knew at the time. I realized he was a great guitarist and bassist so one day I ask if he would like to try out. The rest became history and we spent from April 2018 to now rebuilding the band so we wouldn’t just be the typical “yeah were back with new music but it’s really just two new good tunes and filler”. The chemistry in the new lineup is great and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this happy from music.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

A lot of my lyrics from the early days to now deal with where I’m from and Newfoundland folklore. Best things to write about is what you know and your surroundings plus I love being able to share with new fans where I’m from. I’m also a history nerd so you will see a lot of songs about certain points in history. I also try and write as if I was in a time machine and went back to view what’s happening as an outsider looking in. One thing in that department that always seems to be too common is corruption from those with power and the abuse towards citizens rather it be sending them to war for their agendas or just for monetary gain. It doesn’t matter what political system is in place there is always corruption no matter what. Absolute power corrupts absolute minds. The title track Riverbed Empire is a prime example because it’s about trout in their ecosystem being taken over by salmon and the trout let them because the salmon had the silver tongue on them. The salmon told them be under their rule and you’ll never have to worry. Eventually they realize they have less freedom and their poorer than ever. Talking about this now makes me wonder if in some way shape or form I was lyrically influenced by the Rush song The Trees haha!

5.Some of your earlier lyrics cover satanic and occult themes, do you have an interest in the dark arts?

Interest. yes! Do I practice? No. I can’t stop learning. I love to learn about different cultures and religions. The dark arts is always extremely interesting to me because growing up in an environment where that’s considered taboo. It goes hand in hand with my love for watching super natural horror movies or TV series. I’m a firm believer knowledge is power and the more you learn the less ignorant of a human you will become when seeing things from different perspectives.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'WinterheartH?

First few rehearsals I’ve been lobbying to call the band something completely different. After one practise I was driving Robbie home and a snow storm was slowly coming. Robbie said man what about WinterheartH? I paused and said dude that’s an awesome name! So we use to say it means the cold atmosphere of Black Metal meets the intense fire of say Thrash or Death Metal.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork was designed by Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustration. His design and attention to detail is fantastic. I wanted to do something that would represent life's beautiful darkness. I pictured an evil looking fortress and a riverbed of dead bodies. I talked to my manager one day on the basic idea of what I had in my head and he mentionned to me Inferno by Dante as well as the Furies. Now I'm not really up on my liturature especially from that era but when he explained the concepts, it made so much sense to what I was trying to describe in my mind.

8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Some highlight shows would be Maritime Metal & Hard Rock Fest 5. It was our first time in Nova Scotia playing and we made so many new friends who I still keep in touch with today. 709 Metalfest was great when we opened for Cauldron. We also played with Nova Scotia's Dumpster Mummy on Victoria Day weekend last year. We played a show in Clarenville which is a small town two hours away from the city. Great crowd and great reaction. Early days I would be just running around and headbanging and getting the aggression out. Some shows I've chilled a little, kept my glasses on and still put off a rocking performance. Makes me feel like Burke Shelley from Budgie when I do that haha! I always try to not speak very much in between songs because I want to cram in as much music as possible in my time slot.

9.The new album was released on 'Still Heavy Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Still Heavy Productions is a shitshow of an operation where only WinterheartH can survive HAHA!! Actually, consider it as a mix between a label and a management company. Helping young and upcoming talent who got their priorities straightened out as well as being able to help them get their music on the market.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
So far so good! From what they heard from the teasers from album three the response has been past my expectations.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
You know lately I've been listening to a lot more post-rock/metal bands. Who knows maybe future music will have a more post- flare to it a long with the Blackened Thrash sound.

12.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?
I've been listening to a lot of Yes, Genesis and Camel when writing a lot of the songs from Riverbed. I listen to everything from the bands I mentionned to rap music to country to even more artsy acts like Kate Bush or Bjork. On the metal side I've been listening to a lot of Mikael Akerfelt rather it be Opeth or Storm Corrosion. Also a huge fan of Entombed and I love listening to riffs by the one and only Trey Azagthoth. That guy is insanity for riffs. Now a days like I mentionned previously I am listening to a lot more in the post-rock/metal direction. Last few days I've been on a hard Mercyful Fate/King Diamond kick. Sherman, Denner and LaRocque are all extremely talented and underated guitarists.

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

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winterhearthmetal . We also have Instagram. Keep an eye out for latest news in the WinterheartH camp. You will be able to order our album online and our store https://stillheavyproductions.bigcartel.com will be up very soon(if not now already pending when this gets published). Stay safe and we're all in this together!

Cross Bringer/The Signs Of Spiritual Delusion/Consouling Sounds/2020 CD Review

  Cross  Bringer  are  a  band  with  members  from  Belgium  and  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  crust  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "The  Signs  Of  Spiritual  Delusion"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Consouling  Sounds.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  whispered  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Elements  of  hardcore  and  crust  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid paced  and  fast  parts.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  riffing  also  adding  in  some  dissonant  structures  at  times,  a  later  track  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  recording  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  musical  direction.

  Cross  Bringer  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  crust  and  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  illusions,  delusions,  anger,  grief,  agony,  deprivation,  self-loathing  and  obsession  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cross  Bringer  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  crust  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Battle  of  The  Weak"  "Temptation  Of  Naivety  (Untamable  Black  Dog)"  and  "Self-Inflicted  Martyrdom".8out  of  10.

https://crossbringer.bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/crossbringermusic

  

Ildskaer Interview

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

Skóggangr: - We are currently in the process of setting up vocal sessions for our following release. All music and lyrics are ready, and we think it will be a great continuation of the story we tell on "Den Rædsomste Nat".

2. You have your first full length coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Garðarsson: As I am a huge sucker for Finnish Black Metal, I wanted to write an album with a more melodic and epic approach. But still keep it in the vein of the 90’s. So you can definitely hear the Scandinavian sound throughout this album.

3. The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you have covered with the music?

Skóggangr: - The story covers the fateful days of the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807, from the landing of British forces in late August, the 3 night bombardment itself between September 2nd - 5th, and the resulting subsequent theft of the Dano-Norwegian navy from Copenhagen. I've wanted to strike a good balance of historical truth and the romantic spirit of the poems of the early 1800's, and I think I've come quite close to a perfect balance in capturing the defeatism and anger of this unjust act, as well as the language of that time. Unfortunately it's all in Danish, so all my linguistic care is all lost on our international listeners, sadly. Just know that I've cared immensely for the lyrics! (laughs)

4. The band also has a lot of interest in history, can you tell us a little bit more about the historical events that have the most interest to you?

Skóggangr: - Personally I have a huge interest in the First World War and its aftermath, as well as the Roman Empire and Asia around the time of the Mongol conquests. I don't think we'll get around to cover any of that since we, for the time being, will remain focused on Danish events, which might be smaller in scope, yet they are still important and close to us.

Garðarsson: Growing up, the only thing I would read about was World War 2. So that definitely has had a huge interest for me. My historical interest is now more focused on Denmark in the 19th Century, which also was the driving force to create this band in the first place.

5. You have also mentioned an interest in poetry, which poets have had the most influence on your music and worldview?

Skóggangr: - That would be Christian Winther, who wrote "Matrosen", and N.F.S. Grundtvig who was one of the most productive poets and writers of his time. "Matrosen" is in many ways the spark of this album, the emotions which it conveys carries on in many of the other lyrics in one form or another. Grundtvig is equally fascinating due to his influence; He experienced many of the pivotal Danish events of the 19th century (The bombardment, the signing of the constitution in 1849, the Danish defeat of 1864) and wrote about them, and he was close to many of the important figures of the day.

6. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ildskær'?

Skóggangr: - The name translates into something like "Fire-glow". Considering the subject of this album, it's appropriate, and we will probably keep having at least a nod to fire and devastation on subsequent records.

7. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Skóggangr: The artwork is painted by the Danish golden age-painter Christian August Lorentzen, and it is one of his most well-known works. "Den Rædsomste Nat" is almost like a complete snapshot of the bombardment; the church is on fire, grenades are tearing through the sky and landing in the square, all the while the citizens are beside themselves in fear. A very dramatic and eye-catching scene indeed and an obvious choice for cover artwork.

Garðarsson: Fun fact about this: I randomly came across this artwork, when I saw that the Danish National Museum of Art was having an exhibition with this artwork among others from the Golden Age. I instantly saw our album cover (which was originally thought for my other band Ì Myrkri), and I contacted the museum asking for permission and they took a photo of the original painting for me. That’s how this whole project came to life.


8. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Skóggangr: - We will probably expand with a few session members for concerts, but so far it works with just the two of us making decisions.


9. The new album is coming out on 'Wolfspell Records', can you tell is a little bit more about how you came in contact with this label?

Garðarsson: I already had a deal with Wolfspell, with my other project, Ì Myrkri. So it came naturally for me to ask if he was interested in Ildskær. I am much honored to work with him and have my music alongside many of my favorite acts.

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

Garðarsson: There have been quite large interests I feel. Especially after we released the first single and we explained the whole concept of the band and album. So a good reaction I would say.

11. 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?

Skóggangr: Genfærd is currently gearing up for a few concerts in a few months (providing they will actually happen due to current circumstances), and we are starting to slowly write new material.

Garðarsson: I am not very active with my other project Ì Myrkri, as all my focus has been on Ildskær. As mentioned earlier, I have been writing and recording the next album to completion already. But I just signed a deal with Vendetta Records for a Vinyl Release of my first album with Ì Myrkri; Black Fortress of Solitude. And my second album with Ì Myrkri; Drivende I Dødens Æter, also gets a Vinyl Release with Wolfspell Records. Both will see the light of day this Fall. I am planning a single release though, which will be a part of a 7” compilation of local bands from Aalborg, where I’m based.


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

Garðarsson: I can’t really say for sure, but I will continue with the melodic, old-school and Scandinavian sound. Exactly how I like my Black Metal. The next album will probably define our whole sound musically.


13. 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?

Skóggangr: - I listen to a lot of the new black metal emerging from Iceland and Poland, and I'm always on the lookout for new interesting releases, but sometimes the Norwegian classics does it for me as well. Beyond metal I listen to a lot of jazz, ambient, new wave and post punk. I consider Agalloch, The Cure, Fields of the Nephilim, Emperor, Leviathan and Ulver some of my greatest influences

Garðarsson: Musically I’ve been inspired the most by the Finnish and early Norwegian Black Metal scene, bands like Sargeist, Behexen, Satanic Warmaster, Burzum etc. Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Black Metal/Dungeon Synth – Paysage d’ Hiver, Evilfeast and some new bands in the likes. Dungeon Synth and Dark Ambient is probably what I listen to most, when it’s not Black Metal. But like Skóggangr I also listen to a lot of other genres. Drone, Psych, Doom, Stoner and Dark Wave etc.


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

Garðarsson: We’ll see you all to the full album premiere August 29th via Black Metal Promotion. This album has been a huge effort for the both of us, we have put everything we have in it, to make it as an accomplished concept album as possible, the physical copies will especially signify this.

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Nocturnis Interview

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

We are a Black Metal band from Offenburg. For those who don’t know where Offenburg is located. Offenburg is in the south of Germany, in the middle between Karlsruhe and Freiburg directly at the beginning of the Black Forest.

We started the band in the summer of 2018 firstly just to jam around and see where riffs are going to. Pretty soon we noticed that the music shifted to Black Metal kindish riffs, so we decided that we need a second guitarist. We asked Vince, who Lukas knew through his studies at the local university, to join. Fortunately, he has a big song writing expertise, so we had been able to write songs in rather short time.

We don’t consider ourselves as the typical trve kvlt Black Metal band though. We have a bit more modern approach to the genre. You can actually hear some Technical Death Metal influences.



2. Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Vince: The Record had to be atmospheric, melancholic and cold, including fast switching riffs. My Brain is very fixated on harmonic Minor scales, so you get the obvious dramatic, classical touch, which I really love. There are some technical death metal elements you can hear in tracks like “Gaias Revenge”, “Dimness of Vision”, or “Fleshbound Incarceration”. I tried to incorporate pretty much all styles I like, without making the record sound to overkill, which worked out well.



3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?

So far we covered some highly current topics like the radicalization of humanity (Dimness Of Vision) and the ongoing destruction of our world (Gaias Revenge) but also some timeless subjects like the sense of life (Everlasting Circle).



4. I know that the bands name means 'night' in Latin, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

The band name wasn't really planned. We knew, we wanted something that describes atmospheric black metal - without cheesyness or something that sounds enforced, like we have to sound like that to be a typical evil black metal band. So one day, the idea of Nocturnis came up. That's also how the logo was influenced with the moon and the spiderwebs.



5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?

“Is there something that makes our life worth living? Or is there just a big emptiness behind our existence and our actions?” The lyricial theme of aporia seeps into the plain and cryptic design of the EP. The spider webs, which also appear in the logo of the band, enwrap the front cover. Beneath them, we can see the universe. Only a small opening is visible, in which the moon emblem of the band shines through. The idea for that composition comes from the song "Fleshbound Incarceration". "I just want to leave, leave my prison of flesh" - the figure stands for a kind of "flesh prison", from which we can't escape. The universe stands for the unknown, but also for the beauty which lies beyond our imagination. We are imprisoned, without a chance to act. This is also what the title of the EP stands for: Aporia - hopelessness/ perplexity, the impossibility to choose the right decision in a situation.



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

Actually, we haven’t been able to play a lot shows up to now, but we can highlight two shows. The first is our first show we played, because nobody knew our music but still the venue was packed and everybody liked it. This was a pretty nice start. The other mentionable show was our first show outside of our local area. We played in Paderborn (something around 500km from Offenburg) at the 10th Anniversary show of our friends Heretics. It was the first “bigger” stage for us.



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

We haven’t received any direct offers for a deal up to now but we don’t think that in our current situation (Covid and no shows because of it) it would be suitable. But we are open minded people so if a label is going to offer something to us we will think about it and decide if it fits or not.



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

Up to now the reaction has been really good! There have been some negative comments but haters are always gonna hate so there is nothing negative worth mentioning.



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

Vince: CoVid has its positive sides, when it comes to creative output. Thanks to corona, I didn’t have lots of lectures last semester and was isolated a lot, which was kind of inspiring, so I could write a whole full length. Can’t tell you the precise release date, but it will be coming out sometime next year! The next Album will be a full-length concept album! The Style will be similar, but it will sound more mature and atmospheric. The Songs themselves will be a lot faster too.



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?



Dirk: I am in the fortunate situation that I am again able to discover new music and bands for me. Some years ago I was stuck with the same bands over and over. Just some days ago I discovered ‘Amenra’ a really good Post-Metal band from Belgium, which I didn’t knew before. Besides that I have been listening a lot to Regarde Les Hommes Tomber, Thron, Uada or Rotting Christ recently.



Lukas: I would say that a lot of bands from different genres and/or subgenres formed my recent musical taste. Of course Black Metal plays a huge role for everyone of us in the band. I am personally able to listen to some old school "Maiden", as well as some modern black metal like Der Weg Einer Freiheit. But also bands in between like Trivium, Opeth, Igorrr or Ihsahn. I also enjoy non-metal stuff like Carpenter Brut or Pertubator for example.


Chris: Der Weg Einer Freiheit



Vince: I would say, it’s a mix of Black and Tech Death Metal. I always wrote and loved tech death metal in the past, but never tried to write black metal (which I love as much). When the guys and I settled with black metal being our style, I thought, why not take the challenge.

So Nowadays we all listen to different stuff. I listen to a lot of technical death metal bands like Soreption, the new tbdm record is fantastic, Archspire. But there are lots of really great rock bands too, like Hällas, Graveyard… Geaera is a really awesome Black Metal Band I found a few days ago… Shit there are too many great Bands to name…



Raphael: I have been listening a lot to Trivium, Behemoth, Ihsahn, Dimmu Borgir and Der Weg Einer Freiheit nowadays.



11. What are some of your non musical interests?

Dirk: My mechanical engineering studies are taking the most of my free time so that can be considered as my non-musical interests. But besides that… football, I am a big fan of 1. FC Köln. So this and playing videogames.



Lukas: I am obsessed with all kind of visual work, from artworks to visual effects in movies or animations, which I am currently studying. So this one takes a big part in my life as well. I am grateful to be able to express my visual ideas in Nocturnis. Beside that and playing guitar, I am also in love with games or pen and paper rpg's. Nothing wrong about a great fantasy game!



Chris: Gaming.



Vince: Playing video games, watching movies and series. I definitely love cooking too.



Raphael: Not much to be honest. Most of my free time is covered up with playing video games, drinking whisky and reading fantasy books.



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

Thank you for your time and your interest in us. We really appreciate it.

And for everyone reading this: Please support all bands you like in these hard times. We are fortunate enough that we aren’t financially depending on this but there a lot of bands who need every bit of support to get through the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rp8IQkt2Ps&feature=youtu.be

Requiem's Sathana Interview

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

This is a relatively new project. For a long time I was looking forward to starting a project with a slightly different approach. So around 2015, when I was still playing in a traditional heavy metal band, I started working with Requiem’s Sathana. I actually had some songs ready since 2010, but I never continued with them. In 2017 I contacted Rex Inferii and Rex Gutture, to see if they were interested in participating in the project. The main idea around this project is to make black metal, but exploring all the possibilities that heavy metal offers us as music. Thus, we assume ourselves as "experimental". All in the project are experienced musicians, with over twenty years in the metal scene. In this way, we have a relatively large bag of influences. Requiem’s Sathana is the ideal project to put ideas into practice that would not fit in other bands or projects.

2. So far you have released one album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

As I said in the previous question, we are basically black metal. But that doesn't stop other people from labeling us differently, or in one of those infinite substyles. We definitely don't care about that. We play black metal! But on the other hand, I also believe that we are more than that. What is clearly stated in our music. You will notice influences mainly from death and doom metal. And when we say that we have a lot of progressive influence, it is much more about a form of feeling than a technique. This means: no Dream Theater or anything like that. Our progressive side refers to the dark and mysterious side of sounds like what Dead Can Dance or Kraftwerk does.

3. Some of your lyrics cover occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?

I believe it comes from my family heritage. I am a descendant of Germans who are strongly Catholic on the paternal side and Lutheran fanatics on the maternal side. So I grew up in a very aggressive Christian environment. Since I was little I was fascinated by that mystical aura, the “mysteries”, which was hidden behind the veil of religiosity. And I don't mean Christian dogma itself. I always felt that there was something beyond any religious denomination. I was simply fascinated when I went to burials, or just to a cemetery. I was amazed at what they taught us about hell, death, sins. I wanted to understand and subconsciously, to experience! But the most contradictory thing is that even though my family is strongly Christian, they believed (and still believe) in many things that can be characterized as pagans. That is, almost all of them believed in evil eye, witchcraft, plagues, spells, or as they say in Brazil, saravá! And when I became a teenager, I wanted to go further! That was when I became interested in the truly hidden and dark side of the mysteries. It was then that I learned that I had a great-great-grandfather who was what we might call a healer. Years later, when I joined the University in the History course, I researched it and cataloged many of its “cures”. And just as he walked on the right side, he also walked on the left. And the great legend is that he brought a magic book from Europe, with which he practiced his healings. I could write a lot of pages talking about it. It is fascinating!

4. What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

If I am not dealing with the occult, I very much like to approach what I call “black philosophy”. That is, less the desire to understand yourself or the world, but to assume who you really are and how the world works. I also like to work with nihilistic lyrics, with which I don't care at all to try to give any meaning, but simply to let all hate, frustration, resentment, repression, desires flow. I really like this type of letter approach, because it gives that minimalist and chaotic feeling. Mordgier is a good example of what I am trying to say.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Requiem's Sathana'?

When I created the project, I needed a name that reflected exactly what our songs are. Thus, requiem is an important part of the Catholic church's missal. Thus, there is nothing more natural than letting this requiem be led by the greatest opponent of this infamous institution. Some bands practice satanic masses. We practice satanic requiems! All the lyrics express what we are, nothing! Thus, our songs are purely and simply an ode to nothing, to vacuum, to self-destruction, to self-harm. All of our songs are satanic masses, satanic requiems! As I wrote in Legion: "Repentance as a vain hope, does not save those who are already dead"! We just make songs for the dead!

6. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

The art was created by Doomed Art from the city of São Paulo/Brazil. I told him that I wanted an “old school” art. Simple, but at the same time efficient in transmitting to the listener our message of death and despair. And I like this black and white aesthetic! Of course, this cover is also a little misleading, as it refers much more to those old school black metal bands. Anyway, I really liked the result. And that skeleton trying to get up sometimes reminds me of Eddie from Iron Maiden kkkkkkkkkk.

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

Requiem’s Sathana has never played live. This project was not created for live performances. However, in the future I plan to do a few live performances to promote the project.

8. Currently  the band is signed to 'Cianeto Discos', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Cianeto Discos is a Brazilian label from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. My contact with Cianeto was through our guitarist Rex Inferii, who had an album from his other band released by this label. In particular, it has been an extraordinary experience to work with Gil Dessoy, owner of Cianeto. This for several reasons, such as his honesty and openness. For his commitment to launch a quality product and, most importantly, his priority to work with bands totally underground. Another characteristic of this label is the launch of titles with low runs. Usually releases are 300 to 500 copies. This makes the job much more viable! And according to demand, it is possible to make more copies.

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

Very good! I thought that maybe there would be some resistance due to our experimentalism. But not! Quite the opposite. All the reviews have been favorable! In fact, the biggest comments refer to the fact that people expect to hear a type of music and come across something completely unexpected. I mean, we play black metal, but we give a lot more to the listeners!

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?

Well, I'm currently only involved with the Requiem’s Sathana project. Rex Gutture is the lead singer of the death/splatter band Bloodwork, which will soon be releasing new material. Rex Inferii, in turn, is the man of the thousand bands. He is a drummer for Bloodwork and In Torment, and guitarist for the death metal band Dyingbreed, whose last release was Under a Black Sun in 2018. In addition, he plays bass on Finally Doomsday and guitar on Hopeless at God. At the moment everything is stopped due to the pandemic.

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

Always evolving in every way. We will always maintain our integrity by practicing the most honest extreme music, but at the same time always allowing us to experiment with melodies, times, riffs, daring lyrical approaches.

12. 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?

I am very eclectic and curious about music. So, I listen from pop music to the most extreme bands that exist. In fact, I'm always listening to some music. I can hardly practice my perfect silence! However, in addition to the good old classics, at the moment I am listening a lot to the Satanic music of Ghost. Another band that does not leave my play is Powerwolf, which I had the pleasure of seeing playing this year at Bar Opinião in Porto Alegre. Regarding my influences, I listen to rock since I was little, because my father loves this kind of music. So, it is difficult to quote a band, because I think they all influenced me in some way. However, a band made me perceive music as a spectrum of many possibilities. This band is called Windir!

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

First of all, I would like to thank you for your interest in our project and the opportunity to participate in this interview. This type of work is very important for the bands. Secondly, I hope that the metal audience will start to go to smaller band shows more and buy their material. This is very important to keep the scene alive and active! Vexilla regis prodeunt Inferni!

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