Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Ninnagesh/Absoluta/Blackhaertz Records/2010 CD Review


  Ninnagesh  are  a  band  from  Columbia  that  has  been  interviewed  before  by  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  raw, primitive,  heavy  and  brutal  satanic/occult  black  metal  with  a  melodic,  atmospheric  and  thrash  edge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2010  album  "Absoluta"  which  was  released  by  Blackhaertz  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  synths  which  are  utilized  a  good  amount  throughout  the  recording  bring  a  very  dark  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  riffs  that  dominate  throughout the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  dark  sounding  melodies  as  well  as  some  influences  from  thrash  and  traditional  while  still  having  raw,  primitive,  and  heavy  elements  in  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  mixture  of  short  and  long  songs  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  variety,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  skill  and  talent,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to give  the  music   a  progressive  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  pitched  black  metal  screams  that  utilize  a  depressive  edge  at  times  as  well  as  some  deep  growls  as  well  as  some  clean  singing  raspy  power  metal  vocals  being  used  on  the  hidden  track  which  is  a  cover  of  Queensyrche's  Walk  In  The  Shadows,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Dark,  Occult,  and  Satanic  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  where  you  can  still h ear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  without  taking  away  from  the  raw  and  primitive  nature  of  the  music.

  In  my  opinion  Ninnagesh  are  a very  great  sounding  atmospheric  satanic/occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Master  of  The  Worlds"  "Beyond  The  Threshold  And  Death"  and  "Thy  Ritual  Eternally".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Monday, May 21, 2012

AK-11/Legendary,Demonic, And Invisible /2011 Demo Review


  AK-11  are  a  1  man  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  very  melodic,  raw  and  primitive  from  of  black/war  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2011  demo  "Legendary,Demonic,  And  Invisible  ".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with primitive  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  influences  from  pagan,  war  and  black  metal  with  alot  of  melodic,  raw  and  primitive  riffing  in  addition  you  can  hear  small  amounts  of  death  and  thrash  metal  influences  on  certain  songs,  while  the  lead  guitars  are very  melodic  sounding  black  metal  guitar  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  war  metal  growls  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times  as  well  as  some  samples,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Russian  and  English  and  cover  Russian  Folklore,  War  and  Satanic  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can  still hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  AK-11  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic,  raw  and  primitive  hybrid  of  black  and  war  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Legendary,  Demonic,  And  Invisible"  and  "Sniper  Glory (Satan  Guides  My  Aim)".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Varulv Interview


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




Varulv was founded in 2006 by Inferius, Grimnyr & Hel which have played together before already in the Death/Black Metal Band Impurity.

Namely with the aim, clean right Old School Black Metal to play which was not possible with Impurity.





2. How would you describe your musical sound?



Hmm, a mixture of Taake, old Darkthrone, Behexen and what the melodies concerns, a little bit of Windir influences.

all that gives our own sound, just Varulv ;)





3.I have recently read a review of one of your albums and while it was a good review they seemed to compare you mostly to Norwegian bands but when I heard the music I felt it was more raw and primitive than most bands from that country, what is your opinion on such comparisons?



I believe which we of Norwegian Bands were already affected, because we´re listening this kind of music also privately.

Which concerns the raw, primitive, Varulv was created exactly for this reason to play evenly in order raw and origin corpses Black Metal.





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



A majority of the texts is purely satanic, whereby a part goes also into the Heidni range.

The a few old and coming texts is concerned also with the who wolf topic, Varulv means whowolf.





5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?



After we decided to base a new Band, we were searching for a suitable name for a long time.

By accident I am discovered in the Internet a HP, which called itself Varulv medal

First I wanted to call the Band in such a way, but the others did not want that that way, therefore we agreed on a compromise, Varulv.

And there us the who wolf topic always interested, was perfect the names for our Band..





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



Our best Gig up to now was without a doubt an appearance with Black Witchery and Archgoat in the port in Innsbruck. (AUT)

In addition, our appearance at the Kaltenbach Open Air 2010, with Asphyx, Dark Funeral etc., was not so badly

if our stage achievement was in the past, due to some LINE UP change, once very good, then again rather badly, as said was to the LINE UP changes, and because of the drug problems of former members…





7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?



A Tour does not line up to time, but we planned, among other things some appearances in Austria and Germany for 2012 and at the beginning of already of 2013 with the Castle invasion 2012 with Destruction & Nargaroth…





8. Recently you have had a split album released, what is your opinion on the other bands that participated?



I think the Split album is generally very successful, all three of volume fit perfectly, I think we play in for instance the same music direction and on the same level. Thus perfect a feed for the album!

I estimate both Bands much, whereby Nightforest are neighbours of us





9. Currently you are signed to Naturmacht, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you compare it to the other labels that you have worked with in the past?



First we were under contract with Bloodred Horizon Records, but for financial reasons the Release was retarded again and again by our first album, Hellish Presence.

I had the lip full and have the contract quit, fortunately ran sometime without problems over the stage.

Afterwards we wrote various labels down, demos sent away etc.

Robert von Naturmacht was inspired of our album, after short negotiations was we then already under contract and co-operation runs there to date positively, our next album appears maybe in the middle of 2013 also over nature power records.





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



Up to now surprisingly well, I personally still no bad criticism heard or read.

Is perhaps also because of which we have all together already a longer musical past.





11. What is going on with the other band projects these days?



Our members play still in various other Black Metal Bands, like Sanguis, Hellsaw, Asmodeus, Ketelens´Brukke, I personally played 15 years in the Death - Black Metal Band Impurity before Varulv, but to time I´m concentrated 100% to on Varulv.



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



It will give none largespecies-characteristically to innovations, we try our thing through to pull to mix raw/primitive Black Metal with melody eyes guitars naturally we try not to repeat itself, what succeeded to us up to now well.





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



Old Darkthrone surely of Bands such as Burzum or Taake affected us, old School Black Metal and melody eye of Windir, so a mixture we always wanted make, and I hope it also succeeded us!? :)





14. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?



...



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



Puh, I am gladly in the nature, from which it gives plentifully at us…

Furthermore I go to other beer gladly on concerts and festivals, am not averse from that or…

In addition I am inspired gentleman of the rings on-line players.

And generally a RPG fan of the first hour… I legend only “Dungeon master” hehe





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

I thank you for the interview! And I would be pleased if the readers of this interview about us to become curious and our future Gigs would visit, which would buy or others our CD's… etc. ;)

Thanks

Grimnyr

VarulV

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Mortis Mutilati/Sombre Neurosthenie/Naturmacht Productions/2012 Cassette Review


  Mortis  Mutilati  are  a  1  man  band  from  France  that  plays  a  very  dark  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  cassette  "Sombre  Neurasthenie"  which  was  released  by  Naturmacht  Productions.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  some  fast  playing  and  semi  blast  beats  being  used  at  times,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  ambient  sound  to  the  music,  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  sound  very  powerful.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  depressive  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  dark  sounding  melodies  in  addition  the  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  a  doom  metal  feeling  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  primitive  and  melodic  sounding  depressive  black  metal  guitar  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  enhance  the  darkness  that  is  coming  out  of  the  music  with  a  progressive  rock  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  female  vocals  and  some  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  dark,  depressive  and  suicidal  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Mortis  Mutilati  are  a  very  great  sounding  depressive  black  metal  band  that  is  not  a  carbon  copy  of  other  bands  from  this  genre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Concession  Perpetuelle"  and  "Taphophilia".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Defixiones/Harmanices Inferni/Naturmacht Productions/2012 Cassette Review


  Defixiones  are  a  1  man  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  form  of  ambient  black metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  cassette  "Harmonices  Inferni"  which  was  released  by  Naturmacht  Productions.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid paced  drumming  with  only  a  small  amount  of  fast  playing  and  semi  blast  beats  being  used  on  one  song,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  atmospheric,  dark  and  depressive  ambient  sound  to  the  music  and  midway  through  the  album they  dominate  with  the  music  going  into  a  more  dark  ambient  direction  while  still  keeping  the  black  metal  elements  in  addition  the  last  song  utilizes  some  experimental  noise  elements,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

 Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  ambient  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark,  raw  and primitive  sounding  with  some  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times  in  addition  the  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  distorted  and  melodic  sounding  depressive  black  metal  leads  that  do  not  really  turn  into  solos,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  are  only  used  brief  and  use  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  darkness  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Vocals  range  from  mid  range  to  high  pitched  distorted  black  metal  screams  with  some  spoken  word  parts  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times  as  well  as  some  whispers  and  dark  demonic  growls  being  used  on  one  song,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  depressive  and  Celtic  Pagan  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Defixiones  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  dark  ambient  and  depressive  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Yeller"  and  "Triadic  Cult  Of  Morrigan".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Naturmact Productions Bandcamp

Friday, May 18, 2012

Turin Turambar Interview


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
AT. Salve. There's not much to tell. The band was formed in 1992 soon after I'd terminated activity of my previous band. For over two years period we existed as a regular band. Then starting from 1995 I have transformed the band into a megrim ensemble. This means no holds barred, there's no pressure of any kind, anyone can play, even only me myself and I do not seek plauditis. The band has become something like space in which I can realize any of my ideas.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
AT. Thrash Metal with accretions. It may sound weird or pretentiously, but everything is based on Thrash Metal here. When the band was formed it was intended to perform Death Metal. But eventually we were playing Thrash with a touch of Death then. After that I was playing pure Thrash. Corona Regni Satanae is based on pure Thrash riffs too. However there are more accretions. When it comes to physical sound of music on CRS, it is much more aware, regardless of the fact that I did not succeed in souring it exactly in the manner I intended to.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
AT. All the lyrics are my description of surrounding reality, a kind of few shots. They are not linked by a common story. They have one thing in common however, they speak of Poland,a country where I've been born, where I live and where I'll drop dead. A country called Poland, but you cannot find many Poles in terms of genetic belonging or ethics of living and killing. The title of my last recordings is a paraphrase of Corona Regni Poloniae, a latin name of Poland's state system from the times of the last Piast till times of my next planned recording session, which I will probably title Rzeczpospolita Czartowska. This kind of lexical trick skilfully presents basic level of human masses existence: hypocrisy. Can induce somebody to think, but I am not quite sure if it is advisable.
Before, I was writing all TT lyrics in three ways: abstract idea and its verbal presentation, description of some piece of art, which touched me, for example a movie, or finally a description of a dream. I was not shutting myself up in wider concepts. Presently I am not so lazy or naive. Nor young and dumb.

4. I know that the band name came of the writings Of Tolkien what was it that interested you about this character?
AT. I found the works of Tolkien, including Silmarillion, at the age of ten. All references to his works just make me laugh. You know which names I mean. I set it down to their age. I was 18 years old when I've formed TT too. Now I wouldn't name my most important band like this, but I am loyal to myself and I will not rename this band. I label my recordings as TT now. Fools tend to classify everything around.
Coming back to Tolkien, the story of Turin is darkest thing that author could afford. It is based on the core of tragedy as defined by cultures of Northern Europe. This story brings hopelessness.

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do any live shows if you what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
AT. The band performed last gig in January 1995. That was our second live when sober. Formula of live show does not work with me. I want too much straight away and then there is no place for performing anymore. I do not exclude finally this form. When I get into the mood, I will play live with this band. Maybe for not-accidental ten persons. For me it's awkward to bear the collision of entertaining people and my notion of them.

6. I have noticed that there was a Polish version of a Celtic Frost song, what was the decision behind doing the cover and changing the lyrics to a different langauge?
AT. I need to congratulate you sincerely. You are the first person to notice that. I can be wrong, but in the reviews of CRS nobody has brought this fact so far, regardless of being stated in black and white in the insert – paraphrase of Celtic Frost track. Lyrical paraphrase as well as musical.
I think, speak, love and hate in polish. How can I express emotions in other language? Admittedly, I have written numerous well lyrics in English, but did I perfectly convey what I meant? I had rather been born with this language and I do not fuckin' care, that most of the world speaks it. I have confronted the opinions saying that unfortunately all lyrics are not in English, otherwise I could have reached more listeners. Did anyone asked me if I want to reach them?
This cover could not have been performed in other language. It does not disturb consistency and upgrades its chic. It is neither a translation of original. I based on it, but I approve not all the words, different scenes come into my sight, than in author's. I've made the original a ground for layer of sound, but it is not like mine to follow someone's track, but so to speak, to write it afresh. To keep the atmosphere, not the score, upkeep only the core, significant sounds or few flag riffs. This is a homage for the author, a symbol saying that I consider this piece outstanding. Out of spite.

 7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal and experimental music?
AT. We need to examine a few facts in this perspective. First of all this record has never been released. I hand made about 100 CDs and handed in a dozen or so to acquaintances and then Grzegorz of Godz ov War insistently has sent out the remaining pieces around the world. Some reviews have been issued. It was similar in cases of production of the record. I recorded the music in 2008, but not earlier than 2010 kniaz Przerost Mrom forced me to finalize it. It is other people willing to introduce it to the public, not me. They've allowed themselves to be moulded like this. I do not insist that casual sequence is important for me: write songs, release them in some format, play live, copulate or instead of it with satisfaction  welcome applause of other satisfied chaps, let oneself, and more likely others, earn and finally drink oceanof alcohul or quit eating meat.

Nevertheless, it is true that I am interested in its reception. Otherwise I would have to be not a human and not willing to be valued. I read all reviews when I get to know about them. If one is favourable, it improves my mood. If not, the effect is opposite. When I am hammered, I abuse the guy or destroy something physically out of powerless anger caused by distance between me and opponent. The best review I could receive, back when demo recordings were made, was from co-worker of TT's first guitarist. He's heard the tracks by chance and acknowledged that it sounds as if written by an insane.

8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
AT. Currently I have forty minutes of music. I quit playing in other bands and I polish the sounds rehearsing. I do not know when I initiate recording because new members are not holding on mentally and rotation proceeds. Musically it is going to be Thrash Metal with accretions. Despite all wise guys of  metal-archives.com there will be a lot of punk. And stage song. In spite and to confusion.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
AT. Very quickly, in alphabetical order, not to make it as if I have favoured certain band: Venom, Sodom, Slayer, Sarcófago, Pink Floyd, Overkill, Metallica, Manowar, Led Zeppelin, Laibach, Kreator, King Crimson, Kat, Dragon, Carcass, Bathory, Anthrax. Most of the listed ones is about early recordings. I feel great about it. And I will.
But also I like to listen to the music, which I listened since childhood to. Military and patriotic songs, native popular and classical music.

10. Does Paganism or Occultism play any role in the music?
AT. None. For me these are as pitiful and wretched as religions.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
AT.


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
AT. Thank you for interview. It is always nice to talk.


LINE UP:
Ataman Tolovy – bass, guitars, vocals

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Laster Interview


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

W.D: LASTER is a collaboration between N. and I. We are two friends who
enjoy each other’s music and share similar thoughts on the genre. The
project was conceived and recorded in one day.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

N: Nothing fancy. I think ‘black metal’ would fit our sound pretty well.

3. I know that the lyrics are inspired by Goethe's Faust, what is it
that you find interesting about this classic novel?

N: Both Goethe’s Faust and Urfaust are marvelous plays who I’ve enjoyed
reading several times. The character of Faust has provided us (and many
before us) with quite the amount of inspiration.

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

W.D: Laster is the Dutch word for libel/slander. Bad-mouthery.

5. Has the band been able to do any live 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?

N: No, LASTER is incredibly young and we haven’t done anything besides
recording Wijsgeer & Narreman. Even if we wanted to perform anytime
soon we couldn’t since we’re extremely busy with our other bands/
projects, education and life in general.
Maybe someday in the future, because we do not dislike the idea.

6. I have read the album only took a day to record, where you satisfied
with the way the recording came out?

N: Yes. Fine-tuning the material would destroy the spontaneous concept.

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

N: It has all been good and kind so far. Lurker’s Path and Forever
Cursed picked up our release in no-time and after that came our deal
with Dunkelheit Produktionen. All of this was against our expectations
since we weren’t really expecting to do anything with the material what
so ever.

8. What is going on with the other band projects these days?

N: We are extremely busy with new Northward material and hope to start
recording our upcoming EP anytime soon. Besides that I hope to hit the
stage with Lux Haeretica during the summer.

W.D.: Currently performing a few shows with White Oak. Next to that, I'm
about to release the second full-length album with my solo-project
Willoos.


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

W.D.: We did not have much intentions when we started to write. So since
our writings come up spontaniously, I do not have a solid answer to that
question.


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

N: I’m crazy about bands like Klage, Nocternity, Forest and Branikald.
But you won’t really hear these influences in LASTER since those riffs
were written spontaneously. Next to the more atmospheric and lo-fi side
of black metal I mostly listen to neo-folk, classical music and some
easy-going electronic music.

W.D.: I mostly listen to atmospheric black metal bands, such as Drudkh
and The Ruins of Beverast. I also try to incorporate as much fills as I
can with the music, such as the drummers of Nyktalgia and Miserere
Luminis.


11. Does Occultism play any role in your music?

N: Haha, we’re no expert in these matters and we do not follow some
ancient occult religion. But let’s just say that we, like Faust, have a
certain curiosity towards the more ‘hidden’ things in life.


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


N: Hiking, traveling, literature and graphic design.

W.D.: Exploring nature, Japanese culture, philosophy.

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best regards,


Bernd


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