Shroud Of Despondency/LanzerRath/Northern Spire Productions/2024 Split EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Wisconsin's  Shroud  of  Despondency  and  Michigan's  LanzerRath  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Northern  Spire  Productions  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Shroud  Of  Despondency  who  return  with  a  very  progressive  and  cosmic  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  while  synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  progressive  sounding  at  times  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Both  of  their  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  bringing  in  more  of  an  extreme  old  school  metal  style  when  they  are  introduced  into  the  music,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  both  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  moments  of  despair,  reflections  on  death,  dying  and  living.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Shroud  of  Despondency  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  and  cosmic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Source  of  Multiversal  Degrada".

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  Next  up  is  LanzerRath  who  returns  with  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  cosmic  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  heavy  riffing  while  their  track  is  almost  20  minutes  in  length.   Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  madness,  misery  and  mystery  with  some  inspirations  from  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  LanzerRath  and  if  you a re  a f an  of  raw,  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

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

  Spotify  

 

          

Shroud Of Despondency/Air Of Abrasion/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Wisconsin's  Shroud  Of  Despondency  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  progressive  black  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  album  "Air  Of  Abrasion"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  yet  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  more  of  an  old  school  style  and  spoken  word  samples  can  also be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  introducing  clear  vocals  onto  the  album,  folk  instruments  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  bodily  decay  and  the  natural  decline  of  the  quality  of  life  that  every  human  being  faces.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Shroud  Of  Despondency  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Boy  Called  Erosion"  and  "Entropy  Divine".  8  out  of  10.

  https://shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com/album/air-of-abrasion

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2n48h1soCAvfKMIJTaUyFE

https://www.facebook.com/shroudofdespondency      

      

Shroud Of Despondency/Of Origin, Conflict, And Recurrence/2016 Full Length Review

  This  is  a review  of another  recording  from  Shroud  Of  Despondency  which  shows  the  music  going  back  to a   more  progressive  style  of  black  metal  with  some  death  metal  elements  and  the  album  was  self  released  in  2016  and  called  "Of  Origin,  Conflict,  And  Recurrence".

  A  very  heavy  yet  progressive  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  after  awhile  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  melodic  guitar  leads  are  added  into  the  music  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Death  metal  growls  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  riffing  also  gets  very  technical  at  times and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  very long  and  epic  in  length  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  acoustic  guitars  are added  briefly  on t he  last  track.

  Shroud  Of  Despondency  creates  a  recording  that  takes  a  very  progressive  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  in  with  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  influences,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  religion  and  spirituality  themes  with  a  rebellious  approach  to  those  belief  systems.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Shroud  Of  Despondency  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  black/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Adversarial  Knowledge" and  "Undergoing  the  Evolution  Of  Decay".  8  out  of  10.

https://shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com/album/of-origin-conflict-and-recurrence

Shroud Of Despondency/Moon From the Mountain/2016 Full Length Review

  Wisconsin's  Shroud  Of  Despondency  have  returned  with  a  new recording  that  shows  them  moving  away  from  black  metal  on  focusing  more  on  a  progressive  neo-folk  style  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016 album  "Moon  From  The  Mountain".

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the album and after  awhile  keyboards  are added onto  the recording  along  with some  distorted  yet  melodic  guitar  leads  and  the  music  also  brings  in  progressive  and  psychedelic  elements  at  times  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  70's  feeling  along  with  a the  tracks  being  all  instrumental.

  With  this  recording  Shroud  of  Despondency  moves  way from  their  more  black  metal  orientated  music  and  creates  an  album t hat  is  all  instrumental  and  is  in  more  of  a  progressive  neo-folk  style  and  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  for  being  a  self  released  recording.


  

  Influences  of  classical  and  folk  music  can  be  heard  on  the  recording  while  also  having  the  atmosphere  of  a movie  soundtrack and  heavy  guitar  riffing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  getting  more  symphonic  and  the  acoustic  guitars  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  finger  picking  and  full  chords.

 In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Shroud  Of  Despondency  and  will  some  black  metal  fans  might not  like  the  new  style,  I  still  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  neo-folk  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bank  Full  of  Roses"  "Stray Bird  Shiver"  and  "The  Most  Poisonous  Flies".  8  out  of  10.

https://shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com/album/moon-from-the-mountain-2

Shroud Of Despondency/Family Tomb/2015 Full Length Review

  Shroud  Of  Despondency  are  a  band  from  Wisconsin  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "Family  Tomb".

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  and  after  a  few  seconds  grim  black  metal  screams  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  a  good  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  deep  growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Keyboards  have  a  very  dominating  sounding  presence  on  this  recording  and  the  solos  and  leads  the  band  uses  are  very  dark  and  melodic  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  with  the  faster  sections  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  some  of  the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples.

  A lot  of  the  songs  on  this  recording  bring  in  more  of  a  raw  black  metal  feeling  that  has  been  absent  from  previous  recordings  and  the  music  also  brings  back  the  early  symphonic  black  metal  band  at  times  before  the  genre  became  more  mainstream  and  overproduced  and  as  the  album  progresses  acoustic  guitars  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Shroud  of  Despondency  stay  away  from  the  more  progressive  and  experimental  stuff  of  previous  recordings  and  goes  back  to  their  more  atmospheric  black  metal  roots  to  close  the  chapter  of  the  band  and  this  is  suppose  to  be  there  final  album,  the  production  sounds very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Shroud  Of  Despondency  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Birthrites  Of  The  Sick"  "Where  Desolation  Is  Destiny"  and  "Blesse".  8  out  of  10.

shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com.



  

Shroud Of Despondency/Tied To A Dying Animal/2014 Double Album Review

  Shroud  of  Despondency  are  a  band  from  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  which  also  continues  their  progressive  black  metal  sound  on  this  recording  while  also  bringing  in  thrash,  death  metal,  folk  and  neo-classical  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Tied  to  A  Dying  Animal".

    The  album  starts  out  with  distorted  sounds  before  adding  in  a  darker  and  heavier  sound  which  is  brings  in  a  blackened  feeling  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  powerful  and  melodic  leads  and  then  the  music  goes  for  a  more  fast  and  old  school  black  metal  sound  along  with  high  pitched  screams  which  also  use  death  metal  growls  at  times.

  As  the  album  progresses  you  can  hear  a  great  amount  of  Morbid  Angel  and  other  death  metal  in  influences  being  added  into  the  music  while  also  bringing  in  even  more  melody  and  keeping  the black  metal  sound  which  also  leads  to  a  blackened  death  metal  direction  while  the  focus  is  more  on  the black  side  through  the  first  batch  of  songs  while  also  having  elements  of  thrash  and  progressive  rock  and  at  the  end  of  part  one  of  the  album  there  is  a  movie  sample.  

  When  the  album  goes  into  the  second  part  the  music  starts  going  into  a  more  neo  folk  direction  along  with  a  great  amount  of  classical  music  influences  with  acoustic  guitars  becoming  the  lead  instrument  while  there  are  also  folk  instruments  and  synths  being  utilized  and  the  second  side  is  mostly  instrumental  while  you  can  still hear  a  small  amount  of  vocals  being  used  on  certain  songs  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  samples  and  you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of  finger  picking  and  full  chords  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  As  we  get  more  into  the  second  part  you  can  hear  a  small  amount  of  electric  guitars  briefly  being  mixed  in  with  the  acoustic  parts  along  with  more  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  after  awhile  and  on  one  song  they  bring  in  a  modern  neo  classical  feeling  similar  to  Death  In  June  as  well  as  bringing  in  an  electronic  guitar  lead  on  a  couple  of  the  songs.

  When  the  album  goes  into  the  bonus  tracks  the  music  starts  going  for  more  of  a  dark  ambient  and  experimental  direction  before  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  parts  and  grim  vocals  as  well  as  some  doom  metal  in  the  guitar  riffing  which  also  leads  up  to  melodic  solos  and  leads  and  as  time  goes  on  by  death  metal  growls  are  brought  into  the  music  along  with  more  progressive  parts.

  As  we  got  more  into  the  other  bonus  tracks  they  return  to  a  more  instrumental  neo  folk  direction  as  well  as  bringing  in  shamanistic,  tribal  elements  and  nature  sounds  which  add  more  power  to  these  tracks.

  With  this  double  album  Shroud  Of  Despondency  show  off  2  sides  of  their  sound  with  part  one  being  black  metal  and  part  2  being  neo  folk  and  they  show  a  great  amount  of  skill,  talent,  variety  and  originality  with  all  of  the  songs  they  bring  onto  the  recording  and  on  the  last  track  to  make  a  return  to  black  metal.

  Song  lyrics  cover  the  despair  and  alienation  of  city  life,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal  and  neo  folk,  you  should  check  out  this  double  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Man  Can  Dream"  "Long  Hours"  "Prominent  Cross"  and  "The  Unrewarding".  8  out  of  10.

 http://shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com/album/tied-to-a-dying-animal-3

Shroud Of Despondency/Pine/2012 CD Review

  Shroud Of Despondency are a band from Wisconsin that has had their previous recordings as well as being interviewed by this zine that plays a very atmospheric and progressive form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2012 album "Pine".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark and atmospheric/ambient and progressive sounding with some folk instruments being thrown into the music at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound that has a doom metal feeling to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that use a good amount of melody and influences from doom, death metal and progressive rock, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are all progressive metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a 70's style progressive rock feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls and spoken word parts being thrown in at times as well as some clean singing being used on the last song, while the lyrics cover human suffering, discomfort, alienation, and the overcoming of the human condition, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great sounding album from Shroud of Despondency and if you are a fan of this band, you will enjoy this recording as well. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Overshadow" "The Great Sadness Descends" "Light Words, Dark Graves" and "Nameless End". RECOMMENDED BUY.

shroudofdespondency.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/shroudofdesondency

Shroud Of Desondency/Objective Isolation/2011 CD Review

  Shroud Of Despondency are band from Wisconsin that has been interviewed as well as had their current album reviewed before by this zine that plays a very progressive form of black metal and this is a reviewed of their self released album that was recorded in 2009 but was unreleased until now"Objective Isolation" which was self released by this band.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats while the keyboards are very dark and atmospheric sound with lot of weird avant garde effects, as for the bass playing it has a very dark and distorted feel to it with some weird progressive black metal riffing.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are also very progressive and melodic sounding with somewhat of a thrash edge at times, while the lead guitars are very progressive, weird and melodic sounding guitar solos, as for the classical guitars when they are used to use finger picking and full chords to bring a very dark and haunting sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times and some spoken word passages along with some clean singing female vocals being used on one song, while the lyrics cover death and depression, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark and raw sound to it.

In my opinion this is another good album from Shroud Of Despondency and if you where a fan of their previous releases, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "An Opposing Shore" "My Carrion" and "Silence After The Downfall". RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency 

Shroud Of Despondency Interview

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

"Right now we are preparing for the official release of "Dark Meditations in Monastic Seclusion." Our cd release show is scheduled for Feb 12th at the annual DIY against Domestic Abuse show here in Milwaukee. We will be performing the 4 black metal songs and possibly debuting a new one. So we've pretty much been practicing for that. Jeremiah and I have written the skeleton for the aforementioned new song and we've captured some promising jams which will end up being organized for a cassette release on Poison Infiltration records later in the year.


2. i noticed that when I listened to your new album you went into a more progressive direction than thereabout recordings that I have heard in the past, what made you decide to go into this direction?
"The simple honest answer is I grew as a musician. I like to make the best of my time on this shit planet and that means avoiding some of the misguided social interaction alot of people seem to think necessary. A pretty regimental practice schedule as a guitarist and writer is a natural product of this and my band mates share this discipline as well, in and outside of Shroud, which is why I feel comfortable working with them. I should also say that even though we met as devoted metalheads with many similar favorites within the genre, wediscovered a pretty similar list of rock/prog bands we find inspiring, so its only natural that those influences creep in as well, but I feel safe in saying they will never dominate our music. Creating metal in its tired and true forms is very important to us."


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts the new release explores?

"Dark Meditations in Monastic Seclusion" is a concept album involving a man, grown tired and disgusted with civilization, who seeks solitude and spiritual enlightenment(if such a thing is possible). He enters a cave with the intent of meditating on life and becomes trapped within it. He soon realized the cave has mystical powers and is forcing him, through a series of hallucinations, to face his own despair concerning life. Each song, except the first which is narrative, represents a hallucination. Topics dealt with are mans animal nature, suicide, apocalypse, fear of death, and reverence of self.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?

"Its a name that represents something much different to me now than when I started the band years ago. When I came up with the name I was relatively young and dealing with he suicide of a close friend. On top of that there was alot of natural teenage angst and alienation in my mind so depression was definitely the motivating factor. Nowadays this "Shroud of Despondency" is merely a tool that I use to empower me to myself. Its more of an artistic statement concerning the beauty of sublimation and self exploration. Its both less personal and more personal than it was before.


5. Have you had any opportunities to do any shows yet, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
"So far we've had a limited amount of live perforamnaces but we've shared the stage locally with Sacrificial Massacre(locally black metal 2 piece) and Northless(local sludge/doom greatness) a couple times as well as NY's Mutilation Rites. All three bands are worth your time. A potential observer could expect the usual. 5 sweaty guys playing instruments like they have something to prove to a world they wish to violate. You know....metal."


6. The new release was self released, you have worked with labels before, what happened with the ones that you worked with in the past and do you have plans on signing another contract in the future?

"We're not interested in working with anyone based on anything other than the supposed quality of our music. If we cant earn a spot on a decent labels roster then we dont deserve one and that doesn't necessarily bother us. It wont deter us from creating. That said we definitely hope someone will be interested as we took it on the chin financially to reealse the album. Also Im insanely grateful for the labels that have released Shroud material. In fact Marty/Bindrune, besides releasing some of our favorite albums, was an integral part in this cd being heard by ears that would promote it. So, much gratitude is due to him and Clawhammer PR."


7. On a worldwide level how has your newer music been received so far by black metal fans worldwide?
"Everyones response has been most flattering thus far. We feel honored to participate in the art form that has enhanced our lives so much. But even if/when hated by everyone we will continue our mission.


8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

""I feel no limitations or restrictions as far as art is concerned. I know that statements like this are often met with animosity from metalheads, but I also would like to stress that metal in all its grimy underground forms has influenced each of us for over 10 years now and I never see that changing, no matter what outside influences may enter the fold. We will always give respect to heavy metal as an art form and Shroud of Despondency will always be primarily a metal band.


9. What is going on with the side projects these days?

"The only active metal band i Have is Shroud because I have found it to be the most fulfilling emotionally/creatively. I do, however have an active indie/folk band called The Drought and I have the material written for a solo album called "love songs about death" which has thte goal of crossing "Nebraska " by Springsteen with Simon and Garfunkle. Lyrics centering around the loss of loved ones. Also Ive been working back and forth with a friend in Upper Michigan and Phratry Records just put out our first album. Im really honored to be working with the group of people responsible for its creation. Its called The Terminal Orchestra and our cd is called "Performs The Seasons." Its all acoustic guitars, percussion, stand up bass, and some beautiful violin playing. Everyone in this band also has projects worth your time as well. Jon is pretty active with Face of Ruin. Tyler does Cholernik and plays with Never Ending Circle. I met Jeremiah and Mike because of their previous band, Owlscry, who are about to unleash their first full length. Jeremiah also has Sundown for acoustic fans and Mike has MZRX for noise fans. Music consumes us!


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

"Making a list of set in stone influences is fucking impossible for this band. Id say the bands we share in common that influence creating in Shroud are the following: Emperor, Darkthrone,Burzum, King Crimson, Agalloch, Morbid Angel, Death, Immolation, Neurosis, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Randy Rhoads, Dissection, etc etc. I know Tyler and I have been playing Immortal and Absu a bunch recently to prepare for their Chicago show. I know Jeremiah has been on an old school death metal kick lately(Gorefest, Asphyx, Death, Morbid Angel, Hail of Bullets, etc). On top of that Ive jammed the following in the last weeks
I Shalt Become-Poison, Velnias-Sovereign Nocturnal, Of the Wand and the Moon-Emptiness Emptiness Emptiness, Bonnie "Prince" Billy-I See a Darkness, Tori Amos-Boys for Pele, Atheist-Jupiter, Danzig-Deathred Sabeoth, Bethlehem-Dictius de Necare


11. Does Paganism or occultism play any role in your music?

"I cant say that any specefic brand of paganism or occultism plays a role in our lives but each of us take time away from the world in our own way. Sending time in nature is a huge part of that. We also meet with open arms any philosophy that seeks to expose mainstream organized religion as the oppressive force that it can be. As far as the lyrics are concerned, I'm a pretty avid reader and I borrow from a lot of sources. Symbolism and mythology are very important for my writing, even when not specific to any specific brand name.


12. Originally you came from Michigan but know live in Wisconsin, what was the decision behind the move, and how would you compare the metal scenes in both states?

"I moved away from Upper Michigan 8 years ago, 2 of those years were spent living in Colorado. My girlfriend and I moved for better employment/schooling opportunities than da U.P could offer us. The Upper Michigan scene has grown with there being some actual metal bands recording some awesome material. Apocalyptic Session and Sons of Northern Thorns both rule. The Milwaukee scene rules and the following bands(active or inactive, metal or non) deserve attention in our opinion(excluding our bands of course):Northless, Sacrificial Massacre, This Specific Dream, Concentric, Half Gorilla, Gate, etc. Lots of great bands in Wi.



13.Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

"Music is my interest. Its my main hobby. I try to read alot but Im also a full time worker and a full time student. I volunteer and try to see my girlfriend and our dogs. Thats been my life for years and I cant say I desire too much of a change. Forcing myself to suffer civilization is the biggest part of the creative process, next to taking the time to practice my instrument. I know Jon and Tyler spend a great deal of time practicing/learning as well. I know I can speak for everyone in saying that music is the main interest.


14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

"Thank you for providing me with a space to be longwinded and boring. Cheers!"

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Shroud Of Despondency/Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion/2011 CD Review

 Shroud Of Despondency are a band that was originally from Michigan and now reside in Wisconsin that has been around for 12 years with a style that I would describe as being raw black metal with a progressive edge and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion".

Drums alternate between slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some brutal blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark one with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and they sound very strong and powerful at times.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs that also have a progressive feel at times as well as an upbeat feel with some catchy riffing, while the lead guitars have a classic rock feel in the guitar solos, as for the acoustic guitars they use a lot of full chords and being a progressive/folk feel to the music mixed in with some slide guitar effects.

Vocals are mostly deep and high pitched black metal screams/shouts that have a hateful/depressive feel to them with some clean singing male and female vocals which some lot a combination of classic metal and modern day progressive/folk metal mixed in at times with some spoken word passages, while the lyrics touch on philosophical as well as depressive themes and the occasional witchcraft/paganism, as for the production it has a very dark and raw feel.

In my opinion this is another good album from Shroud of Despondency and while it is a lot more progressive than the album that I heard from them years ago which was more black metal sounding, I still feel this is a good album that should appeal to the more open mined fans of black metal. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Homo Homini Lupus" and "To Glisten In All Colors Of Distress'. RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency