Craven Idol/Towards Eschation/Dark Descent Records/2013 CD Review

   Craven  Idol  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  occult  black  metal  with  elements  of  death,  doom,  traditional,  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Towards  Eschation"  which  was  released  by  Dark  Descent  Records.

  "To  Summon  Mayrion"  begins  with  some  sound  effects  which  leads  to  some  Gregorian  chants  which  leads  to  some  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  drums  setting  up  the  mood  for  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads  before  going  into   a  darker  direction  along  with  some  melodic  elements  which  leads  to  the  song  going  into  a  more  black/thrash  direction  along  with  some  screams  and  growls  as  well  as  adding  in  some  death  metal  influences  and  primitive  elements  into  the  riffing  and  after  awhile  its  starts  slowing  down  and  mixes  in  some  melodic  solos  along  with  the  returning  Gregorian  chants  which  leads  to  the  music  getting  faster  again  along  with  more  leads.

  "Sworn  Upon  The  Styx"  begins  with  some  primitive  black  metal/thrash  riffing  along  with  some  drums  setting  up  the  mood  for  some  screams  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  solos  while  also  adding  in  some  melody  in t he  riffing  and  after  awhile  the  song  starts  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  blast  beats  and  more  solos.

  "Golgotha  Wounds"  begins  with  some  primitive  guitar  riffs  and  blast  beats  setting  up  the  mood  for  some  screams  and  growls  and  as  the  song  moves  in  it  starts  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  primitive  leads  along  with  the  music  adding  in  more  thrash,  death  and  doom  elements  which  leads  to  some  more  leads.

  "Craven  Atonement"  begins  with  some  primitive  black  metal  guitar  riffs,  blast  beats,  solos  and  high  pitched  screams  which  leads  to  the  song  going   into  a  more  black/death/thrash  sound  and after  a  minute  powerful  bass  playing  starts  kicking  in   and  takes  the  song  in  a  more  slow  and  melodic  direction  along  with  some  synths  and  melodic  leads  before  returning  to  its  more  primitive  roots  while  also  keeping  the  solos  around  for  a  few  seconds  while  focusing  more  on  the  riffing.

  "Codex  Of  Seven  Doom"  begins  with  some  melodic  doom  metal  riffs,  guitar  leads,  drums  and  whispers  which  lead  to  some  screams  as  well  as  the  music  heading  into  a  more  fast  and  primitive  direction  before  slowing  and going  more  into  an  old  school  direction  with  some  leads  coming  in  and  out  as  well  as  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  and  some  deep  growls  start  getting  mixed  in  with  the  screams,  as  the  song  moves  on  you  can  hear  some  powerful  bass  playing  in  the  background,  around  the 4  minute  mark  you  can  hear  some  chants  that  are  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix  as  well  as  the  return  of  some  whispers  which  all combine  with  the  screams.

  "Aura  Of  Undeath"  begins  with  some  melodic  black  metal  guitar  leads  which  lead  to  some  blast,  beats,  dark/heavy  guitar  riffs  setting  up  the  mood  for  some  screams  and  melody  getting  mixed  in  and  after  a   minute t here  is  a  brief  use  of  primitive  leads  which  appear  in  and  out  as  well  as  the  song  switching  back  and  forth  between  the  slow  and  fast  parts.

  "Left  To  Die"  begins  with  some  old  school  thrash  guitar  style   riffing  and  drums  setting  up  the  mood  for  some  melodic  leads  and  screams  which  leads  to  a  heavier  black/death  direction  as  well  as  switching  back  and  forth  between  slow  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  deeper  vocals  and  brutal  blast  beats  and  as  the  song  moves  on  it  starts  mixing  in  some  dark  and  melodic  guitar  leads  coming  in  and  out.

  "Orgies'  begins  with  some  slow  classic  metal  guitar  riffs  and  drums  which  lead  to  some  screams  and  the  music  going  into  a  more  first  wave  black  metal  direction  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  speeding  up  and  adds  in  blast  beats  and  melody  while  remaining  heavy  at  the  same  time  before  slowing  down  but  remaining  heavy.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Darkness  and  Occultism  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  old  school  sound  with  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Craven  Idol  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  occult  black  metal,  death  and  thrash  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  Summon  Mayrion"  "Codex  Of  Seven  Doom"  and  "Left  To  Die".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

www.facebook.com/pages/Craven-Idol/158945044134965

  

Parade/Astral Underground Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical projects for those that have never heard you before?

I am the main composer behind the project "parade" and one of the musician of the band "astral underground". Actually Astral Underground has splitted... my mate decided to stop playing black metal for some personal reasons. 

2.How would you describe the musical sound of your projects and how they differ from each other?

Parade remains the mirror of my own views in music; it's not only black metal in essence although the demo "vieilles pierres" is clearly oriented in this way. The next demos, on which i'm currently working will focus on drone, ambient & ethnic elements.

Astral Underground was the result of my encounter with a very special guy, with a very dark and depressive mood. As a result, the music we used to play depicted our own personal problems and mental illnesses.

3.How would you describe the song lyrics you write for your different projects?

The lyrics behind parade' "vieilles pierres" were all about surrealistic poetry.. I was mostly inspired by Maya Deren' Filmography, Lautreamont' "les Chants de Maldoror", and Nerval' "Sylvie". The last track of the demo was sampled from my favorite film "Persona" from I. Bergman.

Astral Underground lyrics are all about mental illness.

All of them are in French.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the names Parade and Astral Underground?

Astral Underground sounded to me very clever in as much as we tried to level up our muddy, dirty, impure... underground minds toward purer, astral levels of sensations. The association of both term was somekind of an oxymoron.

Parade was chosen as my own band name because it sounded to me enough universal. A parade is something in which everything may occur.. just like in my music.. 

5.On both projects you worked solo but managed to make each band sound different, do you feel the music would of not been the way you wanted it if you worked with a full band?

As i've written above, astral underground is the fruit of two guys. Now that it has clearly ended, i think i could not manage to find out someone else to play this music... actually i don't want to find any, it's like the chapter of a book...

For Parade, i would be very interested to find musicians to play live, in particular a drummer. however, the way it's composed make it really unattractive for skilled musicians.. so i guess the line up will remain the same until i manage to compose death metal.

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

Not in particular.. what for? everything is possible just with the www now.

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

Unfortunately i really don't know... both demos were only published on a limited number of some black metal blogs and i never really received any feedback.

8.Do you also have any other musical projects that you are involved with?

No

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Astral Underground is dead and will remains dead

Parade will evolves toward more ambient music, but with still some influences of black metal.. the mood will explores twin peaks mythology and X-files ufo sighting stuff!

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

My music is deeply inspired by Burzum' "Filosofem" and "DSEV", Darkspace I, II and III, and bathory.

Nowadays, i'm a lot into krautrock bands, brian eno, mount eerie' Phil Elverum and in sun ra' cosmology.

11.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

No opinions.. i've a phD in physical chemistry so you can guess i'm too much cartesian for that.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Science, Astronomy (and not "logy"), Books, painting etc...

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

maximum volume yields maximum results

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Parade/3540298641

Elathan Interview

USBMS would like to thanks Elathan for this interview

Interview done by: Loki

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

After the release of our first Album “Sotnemal Led Res”, we presented our work in many places through gigs, interviews, reviews, etc..., it received a great welcome from different countries; concretely from Turkey, Russia, France... Now, we're preparing our following gigs with our promoter; after it, we'll enter to studio to release our second Album in 2014.

2. You have a new album coming out in 2014, can you tell us a little bit more about it, and what direction will the music be heading into?

Our upcoming album will follow the direction of “Sotnemal Led Res” but it will be more dynamic com-positionally. It'll be more neoclassical influenced, and will has more tracks than our last work. It'll also has a little more instrumental complexity; it's all we can tell you about our upcoming work; we don't want to make too much spoiler hahahah.

3. You describe your musical style as being epic depressive black metal, can you tell us a little bit more about that label? and how it differs from typical depressive black metal style?

To understand the rapport between these two concepts; we'll divide the two concepts as individual ideas:

What make our style “Depressive” are the compositions, of course, but especially, the lyrics.

What make our style also “Epic”, are the com-positive entrances of all the different parts of our songs. These are composed in minor tonalities, but with some harmonic arrangements that fills the atmospheres of our melodies; and makes it sounds powerful (or at least, it's what we pretend hahaha).

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

The subject matter of our songs lyric puts special stress upon the misery of human existence in the mystery of death. And the thin line that separates life, we try to reflect and explore the human psyche and their most hidden facets; sometimes pathetic, sometimes inspired in our own personal experiences.

5. You guy write and perform some songs backwards, do you feel this gives the music a lot more originality?

Perhaps this will give a touch of originality to our music, but the motivation to write and sing our songs backwards is to get that, who really wants to get our message has to make an effort to understand it, so be understood for who he really is interested in.

6. Explain the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?

The name comes from Celtic mythology, Elathan is the demon king of the Formorians.

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

We think one of our best shows is one what we did in Igualada, Spain. There were a great amount of audience. Also our gig in “A Ultranza Metal Fest I”. We describe our performance as a typical and classic black metal band performance. There's not a lot of secrets about it in our case hahaha.

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

Precisely we are working in it, there will be occasion to see us at different dates that we are closing, along to the next months across the country, and hope to soon also abroad other countries!

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

As well you say, for now we are not with any record label, spite of having received certain offers, but we would be interested in joining some label that will offer favorable conditions to both sides, ahead of the publication of our next album.

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

Internationally, is being pretty good in the black metal underground circles, can 't say that's especially from the depressive crowd only, but rather of a general public in the black metal.

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

We can name bands like Windir, Burzum... but at fact; our music is more influenced by other styles out of Metal; some like Classical for example.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Outside of music? hm... it's difficult for us to give a response to this question, basically cause Music is our most important interest on our lives. But we can maybe say that to travel (concretely to forests) and video games are our second most important interests.

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

First; Thanks to USBMS for the interest to make with us this interview; and for your support.

And thanks to our fans and their support too!

For band and contact info visit

https://www.facebook.com/elathanblackmetal

http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Elathan/3540295890

Filsufatia Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days? Hello . Sure. For your information, Filsufatia have just released its 8th demo last week, and like always, it is available for free and downloadable around the internet, if you know how to look for them. Or you can always head over to my blog: www.thebulletbelt.blogspot.com. The demo is called The Grand Eulogy and it contains 4 songs including an intro, with over 24 minutes playtime. Everythings alrite down here in Malaysia. Metallica just visited, just so you know.

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new demo and how it differs from previous releases? Filsufatia’s new demo, The Grand Eulogy, is a little bit more elaborate compared to the previous demos. The sound is still Melancholic/Depressive Black Metal but this time, the songs were longer and the melodies were more focused. I took my time with this demo and it shows.

3. What are some of the images and concepts you bring out with your music? Images? None. As for the concept, I would say, sadness and depression. The feel of melancholy and gloomy. There will always be beauty in everything, even in sadness.

4.The music is all instrumental, are there any plans of using vocals in the future? This is one of the frequently asked questions that we got from our listeners. We do have plans to use vocals in the future, but time is not on our side at the moment. Adding vocal parts would certainly add a new dimension to the song. Filsufatia would love to experiment with vocals. There are indeed a couple of experimental tracks where Paul Ravenwood of Twilight Fauna provided some vocals on, but in the meantime, we have no plans to release it. Maybe later in the near future.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the projects name? Filsufatia is actually a distorted Arabic word for Filsuf, which means the philosopher.

6..Currently there is only 1 member involved with the project, how do you feel it adds to the creativity of the music? Filsufatia had always been a one man band project. At the moment, it is easier to work with only one man behind the band since my work rate kind of goes up and down. As for the creativity part, I have always challenged myself to be better, so I guess there would not be any problem in that department.

7.Recently you have put out a split with Twilight Fauna what are your thoughts on the other band that participated? Twilight Fauna is a very talented band and the main man behind the band, Paul, is extremely talented and hard working. You should all check Twilight Fauna out.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal? The feedbacks are okay and the acceptance is creeping in slowly. As you can see, Filsufatia is not really that well known in the international circuit, but I don’t mind. At least a couple of friends who have been supporting us from day one are always there.

9.What is going on with the other musical projects these days? At the moment, the one with materials is Filsufatia. It is too early to talk about other projects at this stage.

10.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases? I don’t know yet but at this point of time, I am just happy with the acceptance of The Grand Eulogy. Im was thinking about putting Filsufatia on an indefinite hiatus so that I can pursue other projects, but me being me, I am always changing my plans. So, I cant really say anything about the future right now.

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays? I would listen to anything with soothing and melancholic melodies. I am not picky with what I would listen to. Back in the day, people would call person like me as an all rounder. At the moment, I feasting my ears to some Thy Light – No Morrow Shall Dawn and Dreariness – My Mind Is Too Weak To Forget.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests? Books, English Premier League, History, Poems and watching TV.

13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Thank you again for this amazing interview. More power to you webzine. To those who are not in the know, please visit Filsufatia at www.facebook.com/filsufatia and try the excellence of melancholic sadness with Filsufatia. All Hail The Malaysian Depreshvn!

Malaysian Metal Blog

thebulletbelt.blogspot.com

A blog promoting the obscure Malaysian black metal and death metal bands and music to the rest of the world.

Neldoreth Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days? Well, there's been some major changes since the album's completion. After the US tour last year, Darrell Creel left the band due to various reasons. He was replaced and a couple months after his replacement also left the band. Since then we have formed a new line up and also a live line up (first time we've had a real drummer since 2007). Right now we are preparing for the US tour which begins on October 30th and runs through November 30th, and working on writing the next album. 2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases? The new album is our finest moment as a band thus far as far as the song structures, production, lyrics, etc. This album was also the first for me where I did not let outside musical sources influence me but more infernal influences. The next album will be 100% influenced by those forces and energies. 3.The band started out as a black metal band then went death metal for awhile before returning black metal and the new album has elements of both, out of the 2 different style which one do you prefer to play? Black Metal. 4. The song lyrics cover alot about Satanism and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your views on these subjects? Well to me, Satanism and black magick are very personal things, but I can tell you I am a Theistic Satanist and that influences my lyric writing 100%. 5. I know that the band name came out of the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, do you feel the band name fits the music perfectly? When I formed the band I was big into Tolkien, but I have never written anything lyrically based on his works. But Neldoreth is a forest, and I always think of forests as dark and secluded places, so in that aspect I'd say yes. 6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance? My personal favorite was this year when we headlined the Northern Hammerfest up in Upstate Wisconsin. There were forces at work during that ritual that I haven't been able to tap into since. As far as our stage performance, our sets are a Satanic ritual to please our master. 7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the tour you have coming out? We will be out on the road from Oct 30 - Nov 30 along with Hubris (NY) and Putrid Christ (MN). Two great black metal bands that I hand chose to join us. Our set each night will be about an hour long with a mix of material from the last two albums. 8.The new album came out on Extreminal Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far? They contacted me back in 2012 about re-issuing the Invert Christ EP mostly so it could be released in Europe. So far they have been very helpful and the relationship has been a good one. 9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of black and death metal? There are always shit talkers and fools within the scene, but for the most part the response has been positive of the new record. I haven't seen too many reviews just yet but the ones I have seen have been good. 10. What is going on with the other musical projects these days and also are you still doing your radio shows these days? I recently formed a studio side project called Infernum Occult with members of Murrum and Hubris. It will be very ritualistic black metal. We hope to record our first album next year in between all three bands busy schedules. 11.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases? I really cannot say yet. I have a brand new studio line up and they haven't handed me any songs yet, so time will tell. I am faithful in their playing though, so I think the next album will be much different, but in a good way. 12.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays? I don't let other bands influence our writing much, but as for bands I've been listening to,I listen to all kinds of stuff from metal to oldies to classical....really just depends on what mood I am in. As I do this interview I am listening to the new Watain album, which I think is a Satanic masterpiece! 13.Outside of music what are some of your interests? Magick, Occultism, Sleeping. 14.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Ave Satanas!

Facebook

Myspace

ReverbNation

In Flagrante Delicto Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Kapnobatis/b.e.a.s.t.: In Flagrante Delicto is a duo which came as an idea in the winter of 2013. We started writing stuff and recording in our home studio a few months later. We wanted to relate to the black metal scene in the personal way we perceive it, as we understand as fans and followers of the genre, its various political problems, mostly around nationalism and fascism. This idea of the white pride black metal simply disgust us, so we made an effort to put ourselves in the position of making some kind of pessimistic radical black metal.

How would you describe your musical sound?

Kapnobatis/b.e.a.s.t.: Our music is a mix of dark ambient, drone and black metal.

The song themes are inspired by antifa/anti-sexism, and diy ethics, can you tell us a little bit more about it?

Kapnobatis: Both of us are involved for years in radical, queer and LGBT movements in Greece and we find ourselves strongly against everything that is considered normal and natural by society. We believe that every identity must be considered and visible as long as it is not attacking other bodies and identities. Feminism and women rights are a major subject in our political values and we understand that oppression and violence over women are coming from the patriarchy which is based 99,9% on the privileges of males.  We wanted to bring these ideas in the black metal scene as we feel that we’re not the only ones who see this sexist, right wing theme as completely dangerous and problematic.

b.e.a.s.t.: For me individual and social liberation are very inspirational matters. I believe that if you want to change something you have to know it, so in order to see and take part when the world is changing you have to know yourself and society. Darkness is part of ourselves and we have to recognize it if we want to a change, but most people don’t care about their relationship with that, they just prefer to look away. Black is the color of liberation, and liberation means that we have to set our borders not others not the nation, not the race, not some ancient wisdom or aliens and not the oppressive elements of the society. We are responsible for ourselves and black reminds me of it. Nationalism, sexism and racism are some of the enemies of the liberation, we have to destroy them in order to be enlightened with the spirit of freedom and spread it. Also it is very nice to see people in black metal scene that don’t like neo-nazis like Attila, Blut aus nord, Salem, Panopticon,ect.

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Kapnobatis/ b.e.a.s.t.: In Flagrante Delicto means ‘’ in the very act of committing a misdeed’’ and it also comes as an idea from the same title song of SPK, a noise/industrial band, we both love.

Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?

Kapnobatis/ b.e.a.s.t.:: We must find some self discipline and start to do rehearsals, I think. At the moment we are a studio project but we would really like to play live.

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

Kapnobatis/ b.e.a.s.t.: The project is very new and we didn’t have the chance to promote it properly –yet.  But we prefer to keep it d.i.y. because we want to support the newborn anarcho black scene in Greece. We want to cooperate with other bands and fight all against the nationalist ideas.

On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of suicidal black metal and dark ambient?

Kapnobatis/ b.e.a.s.t.: The dsbm audience was really warm with our EP and it actually made us very happy, because you know, when you publish your art you always have the stress of the feedback. On the other hand there are people that don’t seem to feel very happy about the project. A few days ago a greek fascist left a hateful comment under our video in youtube. You see the point?


Are there any other musical projects going on these days?
b.e.a.s.t.: As I ve been around underground music for several years , I play at a guitar drone/industrial band called Black Spring, a rhythmic ambient project called “to travel without any certain destination” and a power noise act called “last days of s.e.x.”

What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Kapnobatis: I have no idea about that but I would love our next release to be more aggressive.
b.e.a.s.t.: We will see, but in the future we will experiment with more aggressive black.

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

Kapnobatis: Inspiration comes from various genres which are not necessarily metal. We listen from 80’s new wave and punk to doom and black metal. There is not such a particular band that made us write music. My personal favorite albums this period is “Andacht” by Lunar Aurora and “Vancouver Missing Woman’’ by Vegas Martyrs. Burzum’s “Filosofem” is also an all time classic for me (although I hate Vikernes).

b.e.a.s.t.: I discovered black metal from Kapnobatis and I Iisten it carefully for a year or two, because I am coming from an industrial/noise background. From black scene I really love Mayhem,Sexdrome,Thy-light,Xasthur,Woods of Desolation, Alcest, Horna, Anaal Nathrakh,Dark funeral,Austere,Nortt… also from dark ambient raison’ d etre, desideri marginiis, ah cama sotz, hybryds, lustmord, sleep research facility, fetisch park, to name a few. I love many kinds of music, mostly ambient/noise/industrial/drone/indie/minimal techno/punk/wave/psy rock/contemporary classical. Some of my favourites are einsturzende neubaten, spk, yellow swans, sunn o)),the cure, angelic process,place to bury strangers,pan sonic, orphx, underground youth, velvet underground, gridlock, mono no aware, swans,ben frost,grouper,contagious orgasm,skinny puppy,white ring,basinski,phillip glass,sleeparchive,chopin,crass….

Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
b.e.a.s.t.: Thanx for supporting our ideas and sounds.

https://inflagrantedelicto.bandcamp.com/

Twilight Fauna Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?

Twilight Fauna is an atmospheric metal project from the Appalachian mountains. I am the sole musician. I do all recording, mixing, and mastering as well.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?

At first I called myself black metal but found that label came with all these rules about what I should or shouldn't do so I stopped calling it black metal and decided to call it atmospheric metal.This allows me more room to experiment which makes things more exciting. You never really know what the next release will sound like, and most of the time I don't either. I include acoustic sections and clean vocals right along with shrieking and distorted guitars. What ever fits the song.

3. Can you tell us a little bit more about the thoughts and ides that you put in your song lyrics?

My songs are predominately about the people and nature of the Appalachian mountains. There are so many regional variations of metal, I wanted to apply that sound to my homeland because there is a rich culture and ecosystem here. Something I also try to do is to paint a full picture of what life is like in the mountains. I try to show the ugly along with the beautiful. Above all, I want the music to be honest. I think a lot of extreme metal bands aren't honest in their songwriting because they try to fit into a mold, like writing satanic songs when they aren't Satanic. Music that isn't honest is the same a lying to fans. For that reason, I write about my own experiences and my homeland. Good or bad, my music is above all else genuine to who I am. Grief is a good example of that. I'm not ready to talk about it really but that album is brutally honest.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the projects name?

Twilight has always been considered a magical time. A time when old spirits roam, when animals come out before dusk. It's also my favorite time to be in the mountains. Fauna means the animals of a specific time or place. The literal meaning of the band name is animal of Twilight.

5.Currently there is only 1 member involved with the project and also you have put out alot of releases in the last year, do you feel being solos gives you more time to create and write music?

I'm not the most talented musician out there, but I am a constant worker.The reason I'm able to record so much is because I don't play live. After I record a song, I never have to play it again if I don't want to so when a lot of other bands are spending their time replaying the same songs in preparation for a live performance, I can spend that time creating new music which is what I really enjoy. I don't think I could go up on stage and play the same song a hundred times. After awhile it would become monotonous to me so I focus all my energy on bringing new sounds into the world. Being a one man project means there are no compromises in my music. It is 100% me which makes for a more personal musical experience.

6.Recently you have put out splits with Filsufatia and Crown Of Asteria, what are your thoughts on the other groups that participated?

I only work with people I respect. Filsufatia has been doing his thing for years. He creates some of the most beautiful atmospheric metal I've ever heard so I knew I had to work with him. Lucky for me, he was also a fan of Twilight Fauna so it worked out.The cassette for that split should be out on Spectrelight Recordings by the end of the year.

Crown of Asteria impressed the hell out of me with their first demo. It's raw sounding in places (which is a good thing) and I realized there is a huge amount of potential with the project so I asked Meghan if she would like to work together and she agreed. This is definitely a project to keep your eye on. I love the artists behind both groups. They're part of my musical family.

7.You have released some music on cassette, do you prefer the old analog sound over digital?

It really depends on the release. I just heard Sylvan Screams Analog's cassette release of my first album The Silence of a Blackening Abyss and it was the best I've heard that album sound. I felt the same way about Grief. The slight distortion in the analog sound adds another texture to the sound which I appreciate. Although, I record in as high quality as possible so for those looking for clarity, I always provide a digital download as well. I try to give people as many choices as possible because these days every has a preferred format.

8.The project is located in The Appalachian Mountains, how much does the nature and climate in that area contribute to your music?

If not for Appalachia, Twilight Fauna would not exist. It is a musical extension of me being a child of Appalachia.

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

The feedback I get from fans all over the world has been stunning especially since I write about regional themes. I think I have more interest on a worldwide level than I do in my own area. There have been some detractors as well.I've gotten my share of hate mail, but overall the sheer magnitude of support has been overwhelming. Those fans are the only reason Twilight Fauna continues to grow today.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I want the distorted sections to be more brutal and the acoustic sections to be more beautiful. The dichotomy between those two sounds I really where I thrive. I already have an album finished called Hymns of a Forgotten Homeland that is the best thing I've ever done. It is 100% Appalachia which will be out early next year.

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

I absorb a little of everything I listen to but the main two inspirations for the project are Drudkh and the Ruins of Beverast. I wanted to take the idea that Drudkh did with having a cultural/regional sound and apply it to the Appalachian region because that story needs to be told. The Ruins of Beverast has an experimental aspect where there are no limitations to the sound that I really respect.

Personally I listen to a lot of different artists from all over the world. As long as the music contains honesty and emotion, I can respect it. A few of the bands I've been listening to a lot recently are Wild's Reprisal, When Woods make Graves, Panopticon, Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots, Deafest, and Townes Van Zandt.

12.Does Paganism play any role in the music?

It doesn't. Personally I'm an atheist but you will hear some nature themes in my music that might embody the spirit of some Pagan beliefs. The religious references you hear in Twilight Fauna are because the people of Appalachia are very religious and some of the lyrics reflect their perspective of the world.

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

Anything that gets me into the mountains. I do a lot of camping and hiking. I've been know to drop all other obligations and disappear into the mountains at times. I'm also an avid movie watcher and I read a lot as well.

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

Thank you for taking time to do this interview and thank you to all the fans that have helped Twilight Fauna along the way. The project continues to grown because people like you continue to support independent music. Stay in touch because big things are coming. No Regrets, No Remorse -Ravenwood

Bandcamp

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube