Idolatry/In Nomine Mortis/2019 Full Length Review

  Alberta,  Canada's  Idolatry  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  moving  away  from  a  satanic  black  metal  and  focusing  more  of  a  death  themed  orientated  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "In  Nomine  Mortis".

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  which  also  returns  on  alter  songs  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  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 music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  melody  at  times.  The  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences  but  also  keeps  it  very  modern  at  the  same  time,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  All of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  the  last  song  also  brings  in  classical  guitars  and  Gregorian  chants. The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  revolving  around  death.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another great  sounding  recording  from  Idolatry  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  traditional  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Toward  the  Widening  Eye"  "Reborn  In  Poison"  and  "The  Serpentine  Possession".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2iEvM3NOJg

  

Idolatry/Visions From the Throne Of Eyes/Humanity's Plague Productions/2016 CD Review

 Idolatry  are  a  band  from  Alberta,  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Visions  From  the  Throne  Of  Eyes"  which  was  released  by  Humanity's  Plague  Productions.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  ritualistic  whispers  and  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  the  into the  music  goes  into  a  very  heavy  and  raw  old  school  black  metal  direction  along  with  some  high  pitched  screams  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  style.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking can  be  heard  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  use  a  small  amount  of  melody  and  spoken  words  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  parts  at  times  and  the  screams  also  mix  in  some  depressive  elements  while  also  getting  very  deep  on  some  later  tracks  and  when  guitar  solos  and leads  are  brought  into  the  music  they  stick  mostly  to  very  melodic yet raw  musical  direction  and  towards  the  end  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  melodic  singing  can  be  heard  and  the  last  track  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Idolatry  creates  another  black  metal  recording  that  is  very  raw  and  old  school  in  the  second  wave  tradition  of  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  heavy  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness,  Insanity  and  Depression  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Idolatry  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Satanas  Haxan"  "Tiamatic  Winds"  and  "Imperator  Nero  Murmurationis  Hotum".  8  out  of  10.    

https://www.facebook.com/idolatryblackmetal/?fref=ts

   

Idolatry Interview

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


--Idolatry is just about to headline a black/doom festival called Black Mourning Light on Halloween. A grand ritual is planned for this. Once complete, we enter the studio to record our full length " Visions from the Throne of Eyes" as well as booking some touring in the USA in 2016

2.So far you have released an ep and have also been a part of a split, how would you describe the musical sound that is present on both recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

--we are fortunate to have Daemonikus Abominor amongst us as he is a sound tech by trade. On both recordings we sought a fine line of raw production that isn't overtly muddy and indiscernible. Akin to the sound of early Behexen/Sargeist albums. I personally feel he achieved this quite well.


On the 7" split with Unrest, we had a slightly new line up; with Valac Nocturnum departing and Lycaon Vollmond taking over guitars. There is an evolution
of sound between them in terms of dynamics I believe...

Also I had a wretched throat infection at the time of the recordings for the split. There is a noticeable sickness in my voice that we felt suited a single song release and the depraved subject matter of the lyrics.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

--there's a wide range of scope in lyrics with us... Periods in history that define Satanic virtue, crushing depression/despair, black magic/witchcraft, elements of nature that affect us... Anything that awakens our senses , unified by the values inherent in being ones own master and opposing anything alterior to such exaltation.




4.I have seen the term 'Atheistic Satanism' which is usually more influenced by Lavey, Neitzsche, and Rand, why did you choose this approach as opposed to theistic Satanism and also do you have any interest in other types of Occultism?

--absolutely. I consider Rand and Nietzsche to be the cornerstones of my philosophy. Rand is true Satanism in practice. Living, breathing and exerting Satanic values in real life. The true question of religion isn't god or no god, it's ability versus need at the heart of the matter. The needy are empty inside themselves and fabricate deities to absolve their short comings and errors; while the able... the truly powerful... Know that they are complete in and of themselves and don't need to seek anything from outside. Purpose and drive. That is the true Satanist. 'Satan' is Latin for 'adversary' and that's what Idolatry are... The adversary of religion. Theistic Satanism requires a believe in that which the senses cannot perceive and although many of their tenets are similar, Idolatry does not deal in esoteric solutions.


I enjoy the study of occultism and have done since I was very young, but I take it at face value. Whatever your emotional output conjures, your only realistic benefit is the expulsion of energies to that effect.




5.Recently the author Lord Matzigkeitus released a book of Satanic Poetry, can you tell us a little bit more about this novel and also are there any future writings planned?


--( I am him) the book is a poetic interpretation of living as a Satanist. Although the subject matter, which ranges from Death, despair, and witchery to harsh kinky bondage sex, does not solely center itself on Satanism itself, it does give an unfiltered viewpoint from one who has chosen to walk the left hand path with passion and no reservations.


The art is lavishly done by Jan Pysander Whitney who has done album covers for Drowning the Light. It's a great presentation overall I'm pleased with it. More is always in the works. 17 new entries at the time of this writing...

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

--it is indicative of man worshiping Idols. That man must only worship himself as he is the vessel by which he experiences reality, and also as a mockery of those that would have fictions as their point of worship


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?


--in Sudbury on tour earlier this year, Ash from legendary German black metal band Nargaroth was in attendance having heard our music beforehand. During the performance a pipe burst directly above the stage.... As workers frantically tried to temporarily patch the roof, fans motioned towards the door thinking the night was undone, but I ordered them to stay. I told them a story of how as we recorded " Of Myth and Shadow" we had struggled over a section of it, as we came outside to take a breather, the sky opened up and dumped it's fury and might on us. Lightening, thunder and heavy rain. I recorded the sound of it and we went back in and crushed the song in one take. As I finished the entire venue was enraptured by the story and the repairs had been made. We played through our set to a crowd greedy for each note. Ash recorded the performance and proclaimed that we were " the best black metal show he's seen in years" openly on the Nargaroth page the next day....


Our stage show is theatre, manic vicious energy and power. Using the imagery of the old ways of black metal. It can be seen on YouTube. Ash's video " Idolatry Waterfall Ritual"

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


--we are currently organizing shows and festivals in the USA and looking to Europe on the horizon.

9.Recently you where a part of a split with 'Unrest', what are your thoughts on the solo project that had participated on the recording?


--Destroyer from Unrest and I are currently working on my eponymous project Lord Matzigkeitus. I'm obviously a supporter of his work. Unrest is dirty, ugly and barbaric in an uncompromising manner. It's inaccessibility is also its appeal to me.

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


--Internationally, response has been unbelievable. We currently have distribution deals in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and Brazil. As well as serious discussions regarding the future recordings with noted U.S. Labels. Aside from North America, our biggest supporters are in Latin America. The Latin fans are rabid and die hard. Very loyal and community driven in their support circles.

11.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects?


--Daemonikus Abominor plays in Blëed, a local death/thrash band who just released their album " the Hatred Inside" as well as excellent industrial band Ivardensphere who earlier this year unleashed "Fable"


I myself have been heavily active on projects of late... With the assistance of Destroyer of Unrest  and a host of other spellcasters, I just completed the first Lord Matzigkeitus album" Isophillic Dementia Overture" which is an Xasthurian spoken word black metal record and am actively at work on its follow up " Poisonous Disengagement" which is to be in a more vicious vein. I'm also writing lyrics for and performing vocals on a black metal opera with a band called Sartoraaus out of Texas, USA. I'm also likely contributing to an upcoming Unrest album.

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

--Our full length will likely see an early 2016 release.


We shall stay the course musically with the dynamic black metal we have crafted thus far. Idolatry have discussed recording a grim, more sombre doom/dsbm EP in the fall of 2016.  Some of the newer songwriting veers into that path. I doubt we could stray from the fury we perpetrate for too long though.




13.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?

--Idolatry has varying tastes overall. As a whole, for black metal, we gravitate towards the excellent bands coming out of the Finnish scene. Horna, Behexen, Sargeist, Satanic Warmaster come to mind. DA and myself are into harsh dsbm such as Nyktalgia, Silencer, Bethlehem etc... As well as him and I both love Twisted Sister and WASP.

Nox Invictus loves more ferocious guitar attack bands such as Angel  Corpse, Belphegor and Aura Noir

Lycaon is into Swedish death metal, and black metal with folk elements like Windir, and Nokturnal Mortum.

Personally, I've been dwelling on Jim Morrison's spoken word poetry album "An American Prayer" and a murk and mire of Xasthur, Striborg and Leviathan, which are all heavy influences on my solo project.


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

--" There is no eternal reward for wasting the dawn" JDM

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Unrest/Idolatry/Infection Born Of Ending/Appalachian Noise Records/2015 Split 7 Inch Review

  This  is  a  review of  a  split  ep  between  Ohio's  Unrest  and  Alberta,  Canada's  Idolatry  called "/Infection Born Of Ending"  which  was  released  by  Appalachian Noise Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Unrest  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  hateful  form  of  black  metal.

  His  side  of the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  distorted  guitar  sound  along  with  some  drum  beats  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  more  of  a  raw  black  metal  direction  and  adding  in  grim  screams  that  also  get  very  deep  at  times  and  when  the  music  speeds up  a  great  amount  of  blast beats  are  utilized  while  melodies  can  be  heard  in  both  the  slow  and  fast  riffs,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Hateful  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Unrest  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  black  metal  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Idolatry  a  band  that  plays  a  very  raw,  melodic  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  and  a  few  seconds  alter  grim  black  metal  screams  are  added  into  the  music  and  after  awhile  the  song  starts  speeding  up  a  bit  bringing  in  more  of  a  raw  style  and  blast  beats  that  also  gives  the  track  more  of  an  old  school  feeling and  after  awhile  elements  of  DSBM  can  be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Idolatry  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  and  melodic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

   In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very great  sounding  split  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  the  raw,  melodic  and  satanic  styles  of  black  metal,  you  should  add  this  7  inch  to  your  collection.  8  out  of 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9cYXWNwTBc

Idolatry/Self Titled/2014 Demo Review

  Idolatry  are  a  band  from  Alberta,  Canada  that  plays  a  very dark,  melodic  and  raw  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self released  and  self  titled  2014  demo.

  A  very  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  demo  along  with  some  fast  riffs,  blast  beats,  dark  sounding  melodies  and  grim  screams  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  awhile  the  music starts  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  soem  of  the  riffs  bringing  in  a  Swedish  feeling  at  times.

  At  times  the  vocals  bring  in  a  very  high  pitched  tone  that  also  has  a  very  depressive  and  suicidal  feeling  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  while  the  riffs  have  a  90's  feeling  at  times  the  production  makes  the  songs  sound  more  up  to  date  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  more  melodies  onto  the  recording  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts. 

  Idolatry  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  yet  melodic  at  the  same  time  and  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  the  Swedish  sound  at  times  while  also  having  more  of  a  grim  take  on  the  musical  style,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  hateful  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Idolatry  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark,  raw  and  melodic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Stygian  Creed"  and  "Of  Myth  And  Shadow".  8  out  of  10.   

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