Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Nordicwinter/Desolation/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2021 CD Review

 


  Nordicwinter  are  a  solo  project  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  album  "Desolation"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.


  Tragic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  while  also  using  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  which  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal s creams.


  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  The  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording   as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  when  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  style.


  Nordicwinter  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  despair,  death,  agony  and  agony  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Nordicwinter  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Forest  Of  Despair"  and  "Tomb  Of  Silence".  8  out  of  10.


Album teaser - Youtube
Stream - Bandcamp

Sertaline/The Streetlight Was All We Needed/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2021 Compilation Album Review

 


  Sertaline  has  returned  with  a  compilation  which  consists  of  their  ep's  "Shade"  "From  Both  our  hands"  and  "These  Mills  Are  Oceans"  the  last  2  which  where  reviewed  in  this  zine  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  compilation  album  "The  Streetlight  Was  All  We  Needed"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.


 Shoegaze  influenced  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  compilation  before  adding  in  some  heavy  post  metal  style  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.


  Atmospheric  elements  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  compilation  while  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  instrumental.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  Throughout  the  compilation  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  tracks  also  utilizing  clean  playing  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  synths,  acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  guilt,  regret,  addiction,  anxiety,  depression,  love  and  hope  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Sertaline  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shade"  "The  Knowledge  Of  Trees"  and  "Their  Cities".  8  out  of  10.


    Album teaser - Youtube

Stream - Bandcamp    

Spectral Dance/Standing Bloodied And Victorious/Wolfmond Production/2020 CD Review

 


  Spectral  Dance  are  a  solo  project  from  Canada  that  has  bene  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  depressive  and  raw  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Standing  Bloodied  And  Victorious"  which  was  released  by  Wolfmond  Production.


  Synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  yet  depressive  black  metal  screams  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding.


  Most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  while  the  tremolo  picking  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  it  is  utilized.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  briefly  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  grim  and  semi  melodic  tone  on  one  of  the  tracks  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  and  some of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clear  chants  are  also  utilized  briefly  on  the  closing  song.


  On  this  recording  Spectral  Dance  goes  for  more  of  a  slow  and  mid  tempo  style  of  depressive  black  metal  as  well  as  having  its  raw  and  atmospheric   moments.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  depression  themes. 


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Spectral  Dance  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  depressive  and  raw  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Standing  Bloodied  And  Victorious"  and  "Cries  From  The  Dungeon".  8  out  of  10.


https://wolfmondproduction.bandcamp.com/album/spectral-dance-standing-bloodied-and-victorious-pre-order 


  

Growth Interview

 

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


Growth was created in 2007, in France, as a one-person band. It blends extreme metal with electronic elements, and influences such as synthpop or gothic rock. To put it short, I label the music as industrial black metal, but to some people it sounds more like death metal, or even grindcore.

The band was restarted in the end of 2019, and has since released 4 EPs (2 tracks each) and a cover of a Carnival in Coal song.


2.Recently you have released a new ep, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


I like to try different things with every new release. This time, because of the theme, I wanted to create a christmassy atmosphere for the track Santa’s Claws. There are still black metal riffs and blasting electronic drums, but also a chorus in major scale, and choirs and bells rather than synths. The second track, Blood under the Christmas tree, is more in line with the usual style, using more electronic elements.


3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the anti Christmas themes, that you cover with the newer release?


Christmas seemed to be a fun way to make a political commentary. In France (and elsewhere), kids are told that Santa brings presents to everyone who deserves it. This poorly hides the fact that you actually get what your parents can afford, and equality is bullshit. But kids are not stupid. Santa’s Claws is about one of them discovering that the game is rigged.

Blood under the Christmas tree deals with the elves, exploited to provide us with cheap goods. They are pictured working in many factories all over the world, until they realize that they can unite against this oppression. There is a bit of hope in both songs.

Antichristmas seemed to be an obvious title to gather those two track. The pun with « antichrist » is totally black metal.


4.On your previous release you also covered some political themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?


I do cover political themes, but to me, all art is political, wether it is intentional or not. To sum up, I’d say that Growth’s lyrics satirize the narratives used to justify power structures in rich western societies. Christmas tales are one example. The previous release mocked the worshipping of billionnaires, often presented as benevolent job creators while they exploit workers to the point of driving them to suicide. There’s also a song about landlords, who can rightfully own your home and siphon your incomes, which seems normal to many people because that’s the way it is.

Because of these themes, I use the RABM (red & anarchist black metal) tag to describe my work, although the music might not fit precisely under the « black metal » label. It is also a way to contribute in making leftist ideas visible within the genre.


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


At the very beginning, the lyrics were focused on the fact that the richest countries keep seeking economic growth at all cost, even if it fucks up the climate. I had turned this concept into a whole album, starting with a merry ode to growth, supposedly the solution to every problem. It ended with an agonizing humanity on a barren planet. Growth can also refer to a tumour, so it was the perfect name for this project.

In hindsight, it was maybe not the best choice for a french person, because I probably pronounce it very badly.


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


So far, I made all the artwork myself. Each time, I try to create a picture related with the lyrical themes of the EP. Antichristmas was probably the easiest to come up with: an evil santa with bringing blood-stained presents. It connects to the lyrics of both songs. The corpsepaint and misty forest in the back add some black-metalness.


7.From 2008 to 2019 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?


At the beginning, the music was only made with cheap midi sounds crushed with distortion and very low-fi voice recordings. I released a bunch of songs under the Myspace supremacy, but back then I didn’t have the gear or the know-how to record properly. I had gathered some more skillfull friends to help, but that went nowhere. I think I got fed up, ended the project and moved on. All the tracks released during this first period can still be heard on the Growth and decay of mankind EP.

I only began releasing music again in 2017, with my other bands Astre Noir and Playgirl Killer. Both involve other people, so I wanted to have my own project on the side, to write and record black metal by myself, more spontaneously. While reading old lyrics from Growth, I thought that there was material that I could still use. So, in 2019, instead of creating something new from scratch, I decided to revive this project. But this time, using real instruments as well as electronics.


8.Since 2019 you also have released a good amount of music, do you spend a great amount of your time writing and creating music?


Yes, especially since we spent a lot of time locked down in 2020. I have not been able to rehearse and play live with Playgirl Killer, Astre Noir is moving very slowly, and I had plenty of motivation and time for Growth.


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


Today, everyone can craft and release their own music. If you do so, even in a niche genre, you are drowned in the neverending flow of new music. If you’re not good at promoting yourself (which is my case), you can’t expect much reaction. But the feedbacks I had so far have been mostly positive. The Antichristmas EP seems to have drawn a little more attention than the previous ones, probably because of the seasonal theme. There was even one song broadcasted on a british radio show, which was a very pleasant surprise.


10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?


All the tracks released in 2020 will be gathered into an album, along with a few new ones. I will remaster everything to the best of my ability, to make it sound even. Then I’ll start a new cycle of writing and releasing songs, hopefully on a regular basis.

I will probably stick to the 2-tracks format: it is short enough not to get swamped into the recording and mixing process, yet you can showcase different sides of your music, and work on a common theme for both songs. New music should also be released in 2021 with my other bands.


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?


I think I should mention Rammstein, which was one of my first metal shocks. It rooted my taste for the blend of electronics and heavy guitars. A couple of years later, I got into Carnival in Coal, a french band that used to mix genres such as disco and death metal. It must have have shaped the way I blend genres in my music. I should add black metal in general, post-punk, gothic rock, new wave… Devo or Frank Zappa could also be mentioned.

Nowadays, I find it more difficult to get hooked by something new. I mostly listen to stuff that I already know. But the current band that I listen to the most these days is probably Tribulation.


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


Thank you for your interest! If someone wants to keep an ear on Growth’s music, check the Facebook or bandcamp page.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

White Nights/Solanaceae/Iron Bonehead Productions/2021 EP Review

 


  White  Nights  are  a  band  from  the  United  States  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  abstract  mixture  of  black  metal  and  death  rock and  this  is  a  review  of  their  ep  "Solanaceae"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Iron  Bonehead  Productions.


  Programmed  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  riffing  and  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  shows  an  influence  of  death  rock.  Clean  goth  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Elements  of  atmospheric  black  metal  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  sticks  mostly  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  A  touch  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music  and  the  closing  track  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  closing  track  shows  the  recording  going  for  more  of a  psychedelic  direction. 


  On  this  recording  White  Nights  goes  for  more  of  a  death  rock  direction  while  also  maintaining  some  touches  of  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  psychedelic  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  White  nights  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal  influenced  death  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Halluncinogenic  Black  Clouds"  and  "Solanaceae".  8  out  of  10.


https://youtu.be/oEHlibIz5P0     


    

Nathr/Beinahruga/Signal Rex/2020 EP Review

 


  Nathr  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  mixture  of  ancient  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  ep  "Beinahruga"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Signal  Rex.


  Dark  ambient  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  and  evil  voices  a  few  seconds  later,  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  One  of  the  tracks  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  One  of  the  songs  also introduces  clean  vocals  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  music  showing  some  old  school  black  metal  touches  and  all  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  a  slower   musical  direction  as  well  as  o  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.


  Nathr  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  themes.  


  In  my  opinion  Nathr  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  ancient  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beinahruga"  and  "Vado Mori".  8 out  of  10.



http://nathr.bandcamp.com/album/beinahr-ga-2 

nathrdoom.com // nathr.bandcamp.com  


  

Caedes Cruenta/Of Ritual Necrophagia And Mysterious Ghoul Cults/Helter Skelter/Regain Records/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Greece's  Caedes  Cruenta  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  old  school  style  of  occult  black  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Of  Ritual  Necrophagia  And  Mysterious  Ghoul  Cults"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  as  a  joint  effort  between  Helter  Skelter  and  Regain  Records.


  Ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  clean  chants  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  epic  feeling  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.


  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic yet  old  school  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Greek  style.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  melody  also  being  added  into  the  guitar  riffing  at  times,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  and  whispers  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Mysticism,  Ancient  Rituals  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Caedes  Cruenta  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Ritual  Necrophagia  And  Mysterious  Ghoul  Cults"  "From  The  Darkest  Paths  of  Golgotha"  and  "Under  the  Shadow  Of  Death".8/5  out  of  10.


www.facebook.com/Caedes-Cruenta-112443672198855/

https://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/of-ritual-necrophagia-and-mysterious-ghoul-cults    


          

Los Males del Mundo/Descent Towards Death/Northern Silence Productions/2021 CD Review

 


  Los  Males  del  Mundo  are  a  duo  from  Argentina  that  takes  the  modern  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  the  old  school  90's  melodic  sound  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Descent  Towards  Death"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Northern  Silence  Productions.


  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.


  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilize d it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  At  times  the  vocals  also  get  deep  sounding  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  at  times  the  music  also  captures  the  aggression  of  the  mid  90's  era  and  spoken  word  parts  also  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.


  Los  Mal3es  del  Mundo  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  modern  atmospheric  era  of  the  black  metal  genre  and  mixes  it  with  the  aggression  of  the  mid  90's  melodic  era  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  philosophical  writings  of  Fredrich  Nietzsche,  Emil  Cioran  and  Arthur  Schopenhauer.  


  In  my  opinion  Los  Males  del  Mundo  are  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  and  melodic  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Falling  Into  Nothing"  and  "The  Heavy  Burden".  8  out  of  10.


  https://losmalesdelmundo.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/LosMalesDelMundo

https://www.instagram.com/l.m.d.m.official    


    

Han/Breathing The Void/Northern Silence Productions/2021 CD Review

 


  Han  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  plays  a  very  old  school,  raw,  melodic  and  Finnish  influenced  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Breathing  the  Void"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Northern  Silence  Productions.


  An  acoustic  guitar  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  voices  being  added  in  the  background  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.


  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  both  the  Finnish  and  90's  styles.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  the  closing  track  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  blasphemy  and  hatred  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Han  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic,  old  school  and  raw  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Breathing  The  Void"  "Goatman"  and  "Salvation".  8  out  of  10.


www.hån.ch

thetruehohn.bandcamp.com  


  

Triumph Interview

 

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

1. Triumph is a one man band based out of Reno, NV that fuses a mixture of black, war, & death metal together. I create music because it is a huge part of who I am, it lives deep inside of me. It is normal for me, just like breathing air. It’s hard to picture my life without it. It’s a release of aggression from every day life for me and a creative outlet for what goes on in my head, it is a very personal thing and not intended for the masses but more for die hard extreme metal heads who are into harsh, violent music. I play music to stay sane & not go off the deep end so to speak. Of course I truly appreciate all the positive feedback I receive about the band and if you are into the music or it inspires you, that’s great. But It is certainly not my intention to be a rockstar by any means. Far too many people have that attitude in my opinion. I prefer to remain underground and cult. 


2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?


2. The musical direction I took on the first album was definitely leaning towards a more aggressive and brutal approach with a small amount of traditional black metal incorporated into it. My aim is to make the music as chaotic and intense as possible. 


3.The album had all of the songs of the demo but not not include the single you had released prior to the full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the decision behind not including the single?

3. The single I released was for promotional use only. I was simply trying to get the band name out there so more people are aware of it since I do not have a social media page and do not plan on making one. A re-recorded version of this song will be included on the second full length album which is currently in the works. I have also upgraded my recording equipment since then. I’m constantly striving to achieve the best sound possible for all of the instruments


4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new album?

4. The lyrical themes include elitism, pride, victory, honor, will power, war, annihilation, hatred, disgust for humanity, and supremacy.


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

5. I chose the name Triumph because it was the most fitting name musically and lyrically. I also noticed that there has never been another established extreme metal band with that name so I wanted to be the first to claim it, as it is a very powerful word to me. 


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

6. I wanted to keep the artwork Cult, simple, and strait to the point. It represents the conquering of ones self & the annihilation of weakness. The artwork was done by War-Korps and he really nailed it and brought the concept I gave him to life. He also did all the artwork for my previous band Ritual Genocide. 


7.With this project you record everything by yourself but also have plenty of experience playing in bands, how would you compare the two and what are some of the things you bring into your solo project that yuo where not able to do with current or previous bands?

7. Recording by yourself instead of with a band is definitely a lot more work, but also has a lot of really great benefits to it as well. Before in my previous bands, we had to drive 3 hours to California to record with our previous audio engineer Josh Williams. We had 2 days to get all the instruments/vocals tracked, then had to return to Reno and could not make any further changes to the recording after that. When you record by yourself, you have a lot more freedom to take your time with it and can go back and make further changes anytime you like, which is nice. 


8.The new album was released by 'Inhuman Assault Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

8. Inhuman Assault Productions is a very solid label. I have been in contact with the owner Patiwat Jackson for many years now and he has done quite a few releases for several bands I’ve been in, including Ritual Genocide & Ancient Malignity. It is a very hard working label who actually promotes the music and makes sure that the bands are well taken care of as well. I don’t know how much more you could expect from a label. They are a class act. I am honored to have them as my label. 


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

9. I have received a lot of feedback and support from many people all over the world already regarding the album. It seems to have a big following in the Philippines, Asia, & the US & Canada. Hoping it spreads like the plague after the album is officially released. Any and all support is much appreciated. 


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

10. Currently the only other project I am involved in besides Triumph is Ancient Malignity, which I do bass and backing vocals in. Ritual Genocide is on the back burner as for now. Since shows are not happening currently because of the pandemic, we have just been focused on writing for the next AM full length which is about halfway done. I also just finished tracking all the instruments for the second Triumph full length and am currently writing the lyrics. I plan to get a live lineup going for Triumph eventually as well, already have a few candidates in mind.


11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

 

11. I plan to keep releasing violent music and destroying the boundaries of extreme metal. Really the objective is just to push it and get the music out there as much as possible and hopefully get to tour/ play festivals some day. 


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?

12. I was mainly influenced by bands such as Revenge, Conqueror, Axis of Advance, Diocletian, Death Worship, Ouroboros, Rites of thy Degringolade etc... I am always looking for extreme bands that bring forth something new and exciting to the table and stand out amongst the vast majority. Being truly unique is a rare gem nowadays but there are still bands popping up all the time that are crushing boundaries of what’s been done before. If you look deep enough, you will seek out these bands. Some other honorable mentions of my musical taste would be Proclamation, Black Witchery, Angelcorpse, Kerasphorus, Order From Chaos, Sxuperion, Wargrinder, Phosphore Blanc, Blasphemy, Sadistik Execution, Bestial Warlust, Archgoat, Sarcofago, Zygoatsis, Heresiarch, Sect Pig, Abysmal Lord, Caveman Cult, Truppensturm, Teitanblood, Antichrist, Blood Division, Goatpenis, Perdition Temple, Nocturnal Blood, Lihhamon, Konflict & many more. 


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

13. Thank you for the interview. I will close by saying always stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. The world is a cruel, unforgiving place and it will lead you to oblivion if you are not prepared for it. Your mind is your most powerful weapon. Hail victory, keep metal harsh & violent.



https://triumph2.bandcamp.com/track/sigil-conflagration

Monday, December 28, 2020

Suicidal Forest/Nocturn/Tierra Ignota/Australis Records/2020 Split CD Review

  


  This  is  a  review  o0f  a  split  album  between  Chile's  Nocturn  and  Suicide  Forest  called  "Tierra  Ignota"  which  was  released  by  Australis  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Suicidal  Forest  a  band  that  plays  a  very  depressive  form  of  black  metal.


  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  acoustic  guitars  and  flutes  before  going  into  a  more  heavier  and  atmospheric  direction.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.


  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  growls  also  being utilized  briefly  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  towards  the  end  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  suicidal  and  depressive  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Suicide  Forest  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  Include  "Calbuco"  and  "Agonia  y  Decadencia".


  Next  up  is  Nocturn  a  band  that  plays  a  depressive  form  of  black  metal.


  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  heavy  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  their  side  of  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.


  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  melodic  chants  and  vocals  also being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  depressive  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Nocturn  are  a  very  great  sounding  depressive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Oscuras  Voces".


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


Bandcamp


 

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Asgard/Transzendenz/Leuchtenstadt/Schrele aus dem Winterwald/Wolfmond Production/2020 Split EP Review

 


  This   is  a  review  of a  split   ep  between   Switzerland's  Asgard  and  Germany's  Transzendenz  called  "Leuchtenstadt/Schrele aus  dem  Winterwald"  which  was  released   by  Wolfmond  Production  and  we will  start  off  the  review  with  Asgard  who  returns  with  their  raw  and  old   school  style  of  black   metal.  


 Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  song  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  track  also  adds  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.


  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  briefly.,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swiss   and  cover  war,  death,  dark  side  of  life  and  myths.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Asgard  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.


  Next  up  ids  Transzendenz  who  return  with  their  occult  style  of  black  metal.


  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Their  track  is  also  over  8  minutes  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


   The  song  also  shows  some  influences  of  the  90's  era  but  modern  at  the  same  time  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being   done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized   it  also  gives  the  music  a  raw  feeling  and  when   the  music   speeds  up  blast  beats  can  be  heard.  The  production   sounds  very   raw  and   heavy  while   the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  Occultism  and  Mysticism  themes.


  In  my  opinion   this  is  another   great  sounding   track  from Transzendenz  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  occult  black   metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should   check  out  there  side  of  the  split.


  In  conclusions   this  is  a  very  great  sounding split  and  I  would  recommend  to  all  fans  of  raw, old school  and  occult  black  metal.  8  out  of  10.


       https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Asgard/110372

      https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Transzendenz/

 

Eriphion/Thanatographia/EP Review

 


  Greece's  solo  project  Eriphon  have   returned   with  a  new  recording   which   shows   the  music   going   for  more  of  an  experimental  style  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  oh  his  2020  ep "Thanatographia".


  Dark   soundscapes  start   off  the  ep  along   with   some  drum  beats  a  few   seconds   later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction .  Keyboards   can  also  be  heard   at  times  while  the  faster   sections of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also   gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.


  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic   in  length.  At  times  the  music    also  gets   very  experimental  sounding  along   with   the  songs  also  adding   in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  vocals  getting   deeper  on  later  songs,  elements  of  post  metal   can   also be   heard   in  some   parts   of  the  music  and  clean  vocals  can  also   be  heard  on  a  few  songs.


  On  this  recording   Eriphon  takes  his   music   into    more  of  an  experimental  post  black  metal  direction   which  is  different   from  previous year  releases .  The  production  sounds   very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics   cover  darkness , death   and  anti  religion  themes.


  In  my  opinion   this  is  another   great   sounding   recording  from  Eriphon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  post  black   metal,  you  should  check   out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  ''Destined   For  Asine"  and  "EmptyGrave".  8  out  of  10.



     

Friday, December 25, 2020

Starer/18° Below The Horizon/Folkvangr Records/Snow Wolf Records/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Starer  are  a  solo  project   from   Kentucky  that  plays  a  symphonic   form   of  post  black  metal   and  this is a  review of his  album  " 18°  Below  The  Horizon''  which  will  be  released  in  2021  as  a  joint  effort  between   Folkvangr  and  Snow  Wolf  Records.


       A  very   dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album   along   with   some   symphonic   elements   a  few   seconds   later.  When  the   music  speeds   up  a  decent   amount   of  tremolo  picking  and  blast   beats  can  also   be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling   while   the  vocals   are  mostly   high  pitched   black  metal   screams  and  a  great  portion   of  the   tracks  are   very   long   and  epic   in  length.  

  

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can   also   hear  a  decent  mixture   of  slow , mid  paced   and  fast   parts  while   melodies   are  also  added   into   some   of  the  guitar   riffing .  When   guitar   solos   and  leads  are  utilized   they   are  also  done  in  a  very  post  metal  melodic   style  as  well  as  the  music also  having   its  atmospheric  moments,  all  of  the   musical   instruments  also   have  a  very   powerful   sound   to  them.


  Starer  plays  a  musical   style  that   takes   the   symphonic   and  post   forms  of  black   metal  and  mixes   them  together   to  create   a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production   sounds   very  professional   while  the  lyrics   cover  philosophical   themes.


  In  my  opinion   Starer  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic   post  black  metal  solo  project   and  if  you  are  a  fan   of  this  musical   genre,  you  should   check   out  this   album.  RECOMMENDED   TRACKS   INCLUDE   ''First  Morning  Light''  and  "Uncovering ".  8  out  of  10.

     

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Silenced Minstrel/Volume 5/2020 Full Length Review

 


  Silenced  Minstrel  are  a  solo  project  from  Malaysia  that  has  been  featured   before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released   2020  album  ''Volume  5".


  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style .  The  vocals  are  done  in  a  shouting  style  that  is  more  rooted  in  the  first  wave  era  and  when  the  music   speeds  up  a  great  amount   of  blast   beats  can  be  heard.


  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture   of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  tremolo  picking  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  an  old  school  style  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  clean   playing  onto  the  recording.


  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount   of  second  wave  influences   as  well   as  being   modern  at  the  same  time  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  whispered  vocals,  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  album  closes  with  an  orchestra   orientated   instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover   Satanism,  Occultism  and  Darkness themes.


  In  my  opinion   this   is   another   great   sounding  album  from  Silenced  Minstrel  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  satanic  black   metal ,  you should   check   out  this   recording .  RECOMMENDED TRACKS  INCLUDE  "'Enlightened  Beasts'  ''Descend  Into  Madness''  ''Canto Diablo 4 - Ballad  For  Satan''  and  ''Dirge  Of  The  Eternal  Winter''.  8  out   of  10.



Check out the video!


Grima/Rotten Garden/Naturmacht Productions/2021 CD Review

 


    Russia's  duo  Grima  have  returned   with  a  new  recording   that   continues  the  atmospheric  style   of  black   metal   from   their   previous   releases   and   this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Rotten  Garden'  which  will   be  released   in  2021  by  Naturmacht  Productions.


  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album   along  with  a  great  amount   of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric   feeling   while  the  riffs  also   add   in  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  vocals   are  mostly   high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  


  Throughout  the   recording   you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  deep  growls   can  also  be  heard  at  times.  When   guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized   they   are   done  in  a  very   melodic   style  along  with  a  brief  use  of  owls  and  clean  playing   can  also   be  heard   at  times.


  Some   of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  song   also  adding  in  touches  of  folk  music  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  water  sounds,  one  of  the  songs  is  also  an  instrumental  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  synths  also  become  more  diverse. The  production   sounds   very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Siberian   nature   and  Paganism   themes.


  In  my  opinion   this   is  another  great   sounding   recording   from  Grima  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black   metal,  you  should   check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED   TRACKS  INCLUDE  ''Morning  Comes  At  Sunset"  and  "Devotion   To  Lord".  8  out  of  10.


  

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Aberration/Self Titled/Sentient Ruin Laboratories/20201 EP Review

 


  Aberration  are  a  band  from  Minnesota  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  war,  black,  doom  and  death  metal  with  touches  of  ambient  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  ep  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Sentient  Ruin  Laboratories.


  A  very  dark  guitar  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  brutal  and  dissonant  war  metal  direction  which  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are mostly bestial  growls  while  the  tremolo  picking  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.


  At  times  the  music  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  dissonant  style  along  with  some  elements  of  ambient  and  drone  also  being  utilized  briefly and  towards  the  end  a  small  amount  of  black  metal screams  can  also be heard.


  Abberation  plays  a  musical style that takes  war,  atmospheric  black  and  doom/death  metal and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a sound  of  their  own. The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the lyrics  cover  total  darkness  and  oblivion  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Abberation a re  a  very  great  sounding dark  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  war,  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t hose  musical genres,  you should  check  out  this  band. RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "III">  8  out  of  10.


  


           

Terminarch/Anthropocene/2020 Full Length Review

 


  Terminarch  are  a  solo  project  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  modern  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  album  "Anthropocene".


  A  very  dark  sounding  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which also gives the music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.


  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow, mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  one  track also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  atmospheric  soundscapes  along  with  the  closing  track  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  Terminarch  plays  a  style  of black  metal  that  is  very  modern  yet  melodic  and  aggressive sounding  at  the  same  time.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  humanity's  struggle  to  survive.   


  In  my  opinion  Terminarch are  a  very  great  sounding  modern  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Transforming  To  Nowhere"  and  "To  Fall Once  Again".8out  of  10.


https://terminarch.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/terminarch