Eisregen/Schlangenson/Massacre Records/2010/CD Review

  Eisregen are a band that has been around since the 90's that plays an original style of atmospheric black metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Schlangson" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums are a mixture between slow to mid paced beats with some fast playing and the occasional blast beats while the keyboards have a tragic and atmospheric sound that have some progressive music influences with some piano being utilized at times as for the bass playing it follows the riffs coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are mostly black metal riffs that range from slow to fast with a lot of melody and some parts have a black'n'roll as well as doom metal feel to them, while the lead guitars have a lot of 70's influences in the solos.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams as well as the occasional death metal sounding grow with some clean singing while the lyrics are all written in German, as for the production on this album it sounds very professional and you can hear all of the instruments that are on the album.

In my opinion this is another  good album from Eisregen and it sounds a lot different than their older material, if you are a fan of Atmospheric black metal with a rock edge you should check this album out. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Blut Aus " "Kai Aus Der Kiste" and "Das Allerschlimmste". RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Bitter Frost Interview

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



Bitter Frost is basically my musical vision; it combines multiple genres with a common foundation in Black Metal. Because I love so many styles of metal it was difficult for me to stick to just one, so I ended up in the end with 21 tracks with all kinds of musical styles. To mix things up I also decided to use guest vocalists on all the tracks, to make it as varied as the music is.



2. How would you describe your musical sound?



Neo-Classical Melodic Black Metal would be the foundation; my primary focus has always been lead guitar. So the songs themselves are usually very melodic and feature tons of guitars and keyboards. It’s very difficult for me to sum up my overall sound, that’s up to the listener.



3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?



There is no real meaning; I just thought it sounded good. A friend of mine came up with the name years ago and I convinced him to let me use it.



4. On your album you used a lot of guest musicians, where did you find these musicians and what are some bands that they play in?



I found most of them at concerts, through friends or on myspace. I had a large list of artists that I was in contact with but several of them did not pan out, some of them for example where Trym from Emperor, Dan Svano, Vitalij Kupril and Stephen from Mystic Forest.



The biggest name on my album would be Sean Peck from the American Power Metal band Cage. Funny thing is that Cage is a Christian Power Metal band, yet Sean doesn’t really know that he is singing on a pretty dominant satanic album. I don’t think I’ll tell him either, that’s up to him to discover.



As for the others on my album, they are mixed musician from local bands here in Southern California that I am friends with; Anthony Pretchl (Diadem), Dorian Bell (Evighet Av Aske), Dan Morris (Gannondorf), Stacy Rugely (Oplexicon) and Joe Onweller (Con).



5. Are you happy with what you had accomplish so far?



I would not have released it if I wasn’t happy with it, however I would have liked it to be far more technical in nature but I decided along time ago to minimize the amount of guitar solos and technical riffs. I think for my next album I will not hold myself back.



I spent several years learning how to record, mix and master metal. It wasn’t until about a year or more ago that I was happy with my production level and finally decided to finish the album.



6. Do you have any other bands than Bitter Frost?



Yes, at the moment I’m working on a Avant-garde Funeral Doom album with a good friend of mine. Thick with atmosphere and melody, all depressing shit that will make you want to kill yourself.



Also I will be assisting several friends of mine with their own productions.



7. How would you describe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?



The primary reason I decided to make my album less technical was so I could teach myself how to play rhythm guitar. My sense of tempo and grove was horrible and all my guitar riffs where basically lead guitar melodies. So I decided to focus on rhythm. Now that I feel I have that under control I can really start working on my real vision for Bitter Frost



A Faster, more technical, more layers and with more solos. A more refined and focused version of my current album.



8. How have metal fans worldwide reacted to your music so far?



Better than I could ever imagine, I am such a perfectionist with my music that I thought I would have tons of critics tearing it apart. But so far it has all been positive! Im very excited about that and thoroughly enjoy all the feedback that I get. I just wish it was more negative so I could learn from any mistakes I might have made.



9 .Are you planning on getting a full line-up for shows. tours, recording sessions or do you plan on keeping Bitter Frost a 1 man band?



Not really sure how all of this will pan out, but I take caution from my past when thinking about expanding Bitter Frost to a live band. In the beginning I hired and fired about 13-14 different musicians in a span of 2 years to work on the project. I was far too critical about their performances and decided just to do it all myself. So I guess I am a control freak when it comes to Bitter Frost. IF I found a musician with a similar vision and the same technical abilities as myself I would be very open to that. Well, I did find someone like that ONCE, but he was a bigger jerk than I am.. so.. it didn’t work at all!



10. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?



Lyrics are secondary to me, I am incapable of being poetic in any form due to my rigidly logical mind. My lyrics are horrific, I think that’s the primary reason that I finally decided to go with multiple vocalists, so I could make them write the lyrics for me!



Overall I am very happy with the lyrics they created; some of it is very clever! I don’t think I will ever write lyrics for my music when I can find people of a refined poetic nature to do it for me.



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



My primary two influences are Yngwie Malmsteen and Windir. So almost all of my songs get some kind of influence from them. Other than those two I also find great inspiration from: Wintersun, 1349, Hateforest, Moonsorrow, Emperor.. I could go on forever.



Now I am not listening to anything, I have been to busy promoting my album. But before when I had time I was listening a lot to: Coldworld, Silencer, Shining, Moonsorrow, Wuthering Heights, Behemoth and others. Ive recently been very interested in suicidal black metal primarily for its thick atmospheres and overall sense of melancholy.



12. You have previously mentioned that you are an atheist, how would you describe your views on atheism, and I also noticed from your music that you have studied a little bit about occultism and paganism, how would you describe your knowledge or views on those topics?



Atheism is taking responsibility for your own life and actions, you have no higher power to turn to or to blame, only yourself. It puts life into perspective for you and can either destroy you or set you free. It takes a strong mind to be an Atheist because the primary thing you have to acknowledge is that you are alone and always will be and that your life most likely has no ultimate purpose. Atheism, while it free’s mans mind, diminishes his importance in the face of a chaotic universe. This is why I believe Atheism is ultimately hated by the unwashed masses.



I am however a soft atheist, meaning I don’t deny that a god might exist, I just find the probability of that so incredibly small its not worth considering. I don’t say “God does NOT exist”, that is an act of faith just as large as the person that says “God Exists”



Funny thing is that I consider all Atheists to be closet Satanists. When I actually took the time to read up on satanic doctrine I found that I agreed with 90% of it, as did other Atheist friends of mine. It closely reflected my own personal philosophy. I however do not call myself as a Satanist, I think Satan is just an ideal, that a free man should strive to become like, much like Nietzsche‘s ubermensch.



13. What are some of your interests outside of music?

Computers, reading, photography, cooking, philosophy. Eh, that all pales in comparison to my dedication and passion for Metal!



14. Any final words or thoughts?



Yeah, thanks for the interview and the review you did earlier, I really appreciate it. I also want to thank everyone out there that took the time to listen to my music!



Im going to listen to the new 1349 album, it better fucking good after the travesty they released earlier.. Keep it metal my friends!

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Bitter Frost/Self Titled/2010 CD Review

  Bitter Frost are a one man band from the state of California that has a lot of help from guest musicians and this is a review of their 2010 self titled album.

Drums range from slow to mid paced beats with a lot as fast playing as well as blast beats, while the keyboards are very symphonic and have an orchestra style of sound mixed in with an avant garde sounding synth as for the bass playing it is all rhythm bass with a lot of fast riffs that follow the guitars and there is the occasional bass lead at times.

Rhythm guitars contain a lot of variety with a lot of fast black metal riffing with some riffs utilizing a heavy death metal influence, and there is a lot of thrash style riffing as well as some slow and melodic parts, as for the lead guitars they are very melodic and fast with influences from power and traditional metal as well as neo classical and the guitar player in the band can compete with the guitar legends any time of the day, and at times there is a classical guitar being utilized with a lot of open chords.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that take influences from both underground and mainstream black metal with some lower pitched death metal growls mixed in with some clean singing that is heavily influenced by power metal and there are also a lot of spoken word samples as well.

Production on this album sounds very professional and you can hear all of the instruments very well while the lyrics cover mythology, Illuminati, a small amount of satanic/anti Christian themes and some pagan and political topics.

In my opinion Bitter Frost are a very talented band and this album shows a lot of potential and I feel within a few years they are going to be well known in the metal scene.
STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE "Astral" "Pagan Wheel" "Sins That Point To Nowhere" "Nemesis" "Oplexicon II Speed Of Hate" and "Oplexicon IV-Arrogance". RECOMMENDED BUY

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De Profundis Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that are not familiar with your band?
Zoltan: We formed the band with my best friend Yzokras in 2000 in our hometown Szombathely, Hungary. Yzokras came up with the idea to name the band de profundis. Our musical style was the same as now, but it was quite primitive back then. We decided at the very beginning that the band would be formed only by two of us and we would invite guest musicians to play the rest of the instrumental parts.
After composing couple of songs and giving a few live shows, we entered the studio to record our first demo, but we never finished the recording, because I left Hungary and we put the project aside.
We reunited in 2008 and started working on the band again. We were full of ideas and put together a whole album in couple of months. Out of these songs we chose 4 songs and released on our first demo, which came out in February 2010, entitled Haunted By Ill Angels Only.

2. What is the meaning behind the band's name?
Yzokras: ‘de profundis’ is the beginning of Psalm 129. and it means ‘out of the depths’.
The name refers to the gloominess and personality of our music and lyrics. The contexts of the gloomy mood and the depth apparently unambiguous, on the other hand these songs broke out of our deepest inner selves, indeed, so our cry doubly comes out of the depths.

3. How would you describe your sound?
Zoltan:We define our sound as raw, melodic black metal. It means that we are willing to keep the rawness of early 90’s, mostly Norwegian black metal, but we are also try to create some tones that get stuck in your ear and you cannot get rid of them..

4. According to your page you took a hiatus for 7 years, what was the cause of the hiatus and what made you decide to reform the band?
Zoltan: The main reason was that I finished a long relationship and I wanted to change my life. I got a job opportunity in London, so I made the move and left Hungary. I was going to stay for a year, maximum, but at the end it turned out to be 7 long years.
Yzokras: During this 7 years I always knew that the band would resurrect from its dead, because from the beginning we could perfectly work together. The musical connection we had before stayed the same, what is more it even worked better, because we matured a lot over those years.

5. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
Yzokras: While writing my lyrics I try to set high standards for the exterior formation and also for the inner content. How successfully they turn out, it’s not my thing to judge.
On the other hand – according to my hopes – my lyrics can be interpreted on different levels, since the lyrics of the EP can be read separately, but also they are part of a bigger concept, which will be entirely exposed on our first full-length album.
The lyrics on the EP:
I Will Stand – On the first level it is a battle song. Meanwhile it can be interpreted as a hymn of an individual who keeps fighting with the undefeatable fate, though he knows he cannot win.

This Winter In My Heart – In this song a negative attitude towards life appears in the allegorical shape of a woman. You cannot hide from her and once she finds you there is no more escape from her.

Crimson Waters – It is the mood counterpart of I Will Stand. The song of complete loneliness and fall.

6. Have you had any opportunities to do live shows yet, and if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Zoltan: We had only couple of live shows back in 2000, but, to be honest, I didn’t really enjoy being on stage exposing myself to people. I’m just not that kind of a person. I like being in the background and express myself via my music.
Since the reunion we didn’t play live and we don’t intend to. We are ‘too old, too cold’ for that.

7. How would you describe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the band heading into on future releases?
Zoltan: Musically we didn’t change too much over the years, we still determined to play black metal. Basicly, when we started the band we wanted to play primitive, old school, – and if you like- true black metal. After reforming the band we wanted to add something more to our songs, creating more atmosphere and add personality to de profundis, you know, when you hear it you can distinguish us from other black metal bands. So we started using synths and Yzokras wrote some unforgettable choir parts. We’ve already finished composing our first full-length album and it will follow the path of the EP. It will be raw, but melodic and beautifully misanthrope.

8. How have black metal fans worldwide reacted to your music so far?
Zoltan: The reactions, we got so far, are very positive, though nowadays it’s really hard to catch someone’s attention. Anyway, we try to promote our music everywhere and we got interest from all over the world from webzines, fanzines and all kind of dedicated metal maniacs. I know the music of de profundis stands out of the black metal mass, now we just have to be patient and wait until other people realize that. We’ve already been on the compilation CD of Hungarian Metal Hammer, which is a very positive feedback, I guess, since it is the biggest metal forum in Hungary right now.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
Zoltan: The biggest influences on de profundis were, not in particular order, early Ulver, Summoning, Darkthrone, Burzum and Limbonic Art. Basically black metal bands, which used melodies in their songs. They were more than just aggressive, they created an overwhelming atmosphere.
Personally, I loved German thrash metal bands like Sodom or Kreator. Actually, I was one of the biggest Sodom fanatics ever, so I brought this attitude towards aggressive music with me from my teenage years.
Nowadays I mostly listening to dark and doom bands like Swallow The Sun, Tiamat, The Cure, Shamrain, but I’m also a big fan of Neurosis. As for black metal, I stuck with my old favorites: Summoning, Ulver, Arcturus, Lord Belial, Limbonic Art, etc…

Yzokras: I’ve always been a heavy metal fan and particularly I like epic bands like Manowar, Bathory or old Hungarian bands like Pokolgép. In the black metal genre Burzum, Ulver, Summoning and Limbonic Art are the best for me.
I don’t care much about new bands, the only exception is Hungarian band ‘Dalriada’, which would deserve international attention, in my opinion.
As for classical music, I’m a fan of the Romantic era, mostly Chopin and Wagner.

10. Does Satanism, Paganism or Occultism play any role in your music?
Yzokras: We have nothing to do with satanism or occultism. In fact with paganism neither, but the Proto-Hungarian mythology and traditions appear in our songs, since we are proud of our roots. Our logo, too, is a Proto-Hungarian symbol: the tree of life from Anarcs, an archaeological memory, which turned up from a more than one thousand year old grave. This tree is a beautiful, manifold symbol: feeds on the depth, materializing in this earthly existence and connects this level with the transcendental one. It symbolizing not only the life of every man, but also the whole world itself or our music, which roots on our inner depth – sometimes maybe on our unconscious – and aiming to reach the horror sacri.

11. What is the metal scene like in your home country of Hungary?
Zoltan: I don’t really follow the new Hungarian bands, still listening to my old favorite LPs: Pokolgép, Ossian. As for black metal, there is Sear Bliss, which is an internationally appreciated band. There are lots of band in the underground, ‘true’ faces who don’t want to get out of the underground scene and not ‘true’, but musically demanding bands, which are not able to get out of the underground, even if they wanted to.

12. What are some of your interests outside of music?
Yzokras: For me sport and reading enjoying priority beside music. I’ve been doing sports since my childhood, though nowadays I’m not doing it competitive, but still intensive. As for reading, it is the most important recreation for me. Beside these I’m interested in history and politics.

Zoltan: Beside music I also like doing sports, reading and I’m a big movie fan, as well.

13. Any final words or thoughts?
Zoltan: First of all, in February our introductory demo came out as a self-released EP with professional booklet and printed CD. It’s entitled ‘Haunted By Ill Angels Only’ and so far it can be ordered directly from us, but we keep looking for distributors or a label. We try sending this demo to as many fanzines, webzines, magazines, labels, etc. as possible and hopefully one day a label will see enough fantasy in our music to release it and then we can record our first full-length album under professional circumstances.

Yzokras: We’ve been planning this band for over 10 years now and we always hoped that there would be continuation despite

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Invasion Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
Phlegm: We just finished recording our new album “Orchestrated Kill Maneuver” due out on Rotting Corpse Records on June 6th 2010. It’s a 12 song assault that harkens the early days of Swedish death metal akin to bands like Dismember, Grave, Treblinka, Abhoth, Merciless and many others. It’s a vicious assault on the auditory system!!

2.How would you describe your musical sound for those that have never heard you before?
Phlegm: It’s a throwback to the early years of death metal but a mixture of early thrash (Dark Angel or Sadus) with the influences of the Swedish death metal movement that began in the very late ‘80s into the mid 90’s.

3.The last album I got from you came out in 2002, and I have not seen a new one since then, what have you been doing over the period of that time and when can we expect a new album?
Phlegm: The new album should be out in two/three months baring any unforeseen circumstances on Rotting Corpse Records. It’s a label from Chicago that has been very supportive since the beginning. After the 2nd album we took some time off to concentrate on our other bands & unfortunately lost the momentum we had built. We also lost our guitarist Tyrant after he moved to Australia & it took a while to secure the new guitarist Nifelhenious into the line-up. After that we kicked into gear and started churning out material. We already have 4 new songs for the next release.


4. I know the band has a fascination with war, what wars are some of your favorites?
Phlegm: We deal specifically with World War 2. There were so many different facets of that war to cover that it’s an endless supply of ideas. We have concentrated on the European theatre of war for this album & have pondered a new approach for the 4th album. My main interest lies in World War 2 but the First World War & the Korean War have piqued my interest lately & I’m slowly delving into the history behind those. Perhaps in the future will deal with those.


5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and what can we expect from a live Invasion performance?
Phlegm: We have only done a handful of shows but our best to date was playing with the European warlords ENTRHONED in Chicago! Fucking blast! We did manage to record some live material from one of our shows back in 1997 and we may release that as split vinyl with another death metal band but that is no confirmed. Those songs were on our first release “Conquered” which features material from 1989. As far as our live performance we incorporate the use of sound effects between songs & heavy smoke machines to simulate a mustard gas attack.

6. Are there any plans for a U.S or European tour?
Phlegm: There are no plans at this time for tours or anything that would last a duration. We are hoping to secure a few shows in Chicago first to hone our attack. All the members of INVASION are in other bands and it’s hard to accommodate all the projects. For our record release we are looking at playing with KOMMANDANT & CORPORATION SS but that is still being discussed.


7. How would you describe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Phlegm: INVASION hasn’t ventured too far musically or tried to progress and become a technical death metal band. We are true to our musical roots and what emerged in those early years and that is fitting for the INVASION style. All types of death/thrash/heavy metal have been hammered to death & it would not be beneficial for us to try and become overly technical or become something we are not. Brutal & uncompromising death metal is what we have been labeled by our fans & I don’t think we will venture far from that path.



8. I know some of the band members have a history in the Underground Metal scene that goes as far back as the mid 80's what are some of the bands that you have participated in the past and are there any current side projects going on besides INVASION?
Phlegm: Both Crusader & I perform with the death metal band NOCTURNAL TORMENT. They were initially called THANATOPSIS & formed back in 1988 and it wasn’t until 2008 they reformed & started writing new material. Another project was the Death/Thrash band SEA OF TRANQUILLITY that had several releases out on the Cursed Productions label in the early 90’s. Our bassist Warbastard initially started PROPHECIES ET SANCTUS back in 1988 & I believe was a member of the black metal band BLACK FUNERAL from Indianapolis. If I understand correctly he wrote the material for the first (2) releases. I also play bass for the old school maniacs SKULLVIEW & the stoner legends YELLOWTOOTH and Crusader has joined SUMMON THE VENGEANCE. Music is full time on this end, haha!!


9. How has your music been received so far by extreme metal fans worldwide?
Phlegm: For the majority of the people who hear our music they kill for the sounds of our uncompromising devastation. We don’t have acoustic parts or mellow singing so they know the music of INVASION could accompany a battle scene anywhere in the world. Some of the critics on the other hand bash us & think we are limited in ideas & our approach to their idea of “metal” and to them we say fuck off. We aren’t here to please you. If you don’t like what we play don’t fucking listen.


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
Phlegm: The Swedish death metal scene initially was the inspiration for the INVASION attack. It wouldn’t be possible without the sounds of ABHOTH, UNCANNY, TREBLINKA, NIHILIST or GRAVE. Also some of the Canadian bands had a hand in our sound: SLAUGHTER, SACRIFICE, ARMOROS, INFERNAL MAJESTY, DBC, etc. Black metal has played a part in our aesthetics as well but it may not be very apparent. SETHERIAL or DARK FUNERAL were excellent. As for current bands I can’t say anything has really struck home. I enjoy the new SÉANCE or MASSIVE ASSAULT releases but we seem to gravitate back to the darkest creations from the earlier years.

11. Does Satanism, Occultism or Paganism play any role in the music?
Phlegm: No. We deliberately deal with war & mankind’s downfall. Those topics are covered significantly by my brothers in other bands to whom we salute.


12. What are some of your interests outside of music?
Phlegm: Guns, books & history primarily. Outside of music we don’t find much enjoyment. The world as a whole is shit & mankind does nothing except feed off each other & absorb everything. Materialistic pricks.


13. Any final words or thoughts?
Phlegm: Thanks for the interview & prepare for INVASION!!! Our new release is scheduled for June 6th 2010. Prepare for war!!!

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Old Forest Interview

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

Old Forest are slowly putting together our 3rd installment of the 'Tales of the Sussex Weald' trilogy of EPs. The trilogy is about the myths and legends of our region that are the remains of the pre-christian beliefs and local history of the Sussex countryside. It was one of the last areas to be Christianised, and the area in and around the city of Brighton is internationally recognized as having a very active (oc)culture, with many secret groups of many aspects of paganism and occultism.

2. You recently where on a long hiatus, what made you decide to split the band for a few years, then make a comeback, also what where you doing the hiatus?

We decided to end activity in 2000 because we had all come to a point where we were having to live in different areas and any rehearsing was impossible. Another major reason is that we weren't happy about the lack of communication with Mordgrimm records. It was a chance meeting 6 years later when we discovered that all 3 members had returned to our point of origin and were eager to become musically active again. We met to play some old songs as well as a few covers, and decided it was time again to renew the Old Forest.

3. How would you describe the musical direction of your new material and how would you compare it with your older material?

The new material is musically similar to the demos and the debut album, but is more considered and planned that before. Sonically, we have more in common with Darkthrone and Burzum than with the likes of the more commercial bands.

4. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new material?

The writing of the lyrics has become a much more involved process, requiring an investment much time reading, researching and visiting local sites to discover more about the local history and legends of our area. This is in order ensure our lyrics are both historically and ethereally accurate.

5. How has the reception been to your music by black metal fans worldwide?

Well, of course, it goes without saying that the most important aspect of Old Forest is to remain true to our beliefs in the underground nature of Black metal ; It is not supposed to be popular or trendy, and any deviation from this renders bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth impotent in their works. For the amount of people who have discovered our material throughout the underground world, there has been a very positive reaction. We are often surprised how people come to hear about us, when we dont do any promotion other than to have a myspace page.

6. Out of all the music you have recorded so far, which album or demo are you the most satisfied with?

By far, the most superior and satisfying material has been the current trilogy. It is artistically, musically and sonically our best work to date. The demo tapes still remain a great source of pride for the band - so much so that we have made these available as free downloads from our current label Death To Music productions (www.deathtomusic.com).

7. I can tell by the band name and some of the themes there seems to be a Tolkien influence, which era of his literature do you prefer the more mainstream Hobbit/Lord Of The Rings or the Darker Simmarilion era?

The name was inspired by both the ancient forest that was, until a few hundred years ago, the main feature of the Sussex countryside, and also the works of Tolkien. When people speak of Tolkien's work these days, they immediately think of the recent Hollywood films. These people have genuinely missed the real magic of the books, and instead been fed the hollow visual stimulous which requires no imagination what-so-ever. As any student of the occult knows, the development of the imagination and visualization is paramount to any success in your workings. I personally feel that the greater period of Tolkien's works are The Hobbit and the first part of Lord of the Rings. Also, the parts concerning the orcs in Lord of the Rings are fantastic, but in general the second half of the trilogy is slightly let down by being over-blown and too pompous to easily retain the attention.

Incidentally, Death To Music productions recently released a demo tape of a band called Orcrypt who wholly encapsulates this atmosphere. I bought one of the 30 copies of their demo tape "The Mirkwood Massacre" last year and immediately knew this was a band who would be a great find for any true Black Metal fan. Rather than let this release be forgotten, I convinced them to re-release it digitally which they have done. It is a genuine classic.

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

The music that inspires us mostly to write the music of Old Forest is the early 90s Black Metal of Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, Enslaved, Mayhem, Satyricon and also some of the darker Death Metal such as early Entombed, Bolt Thrower and Gorefest. These bands have a fantastic atmosphere which is long since a memory in metal. That said, inspiration is not the same as influence, and the music of Old Forest is an original entity.

9. What role does Asataru or Paganism play in the music and do you also have an interest in other forms of occultism or the more esoteric side?

We all have an interest in alternative and non-mainstream beliefs ; some aspects of new-age paganism, pre-christian european cultures, spiritual technologies, entheogenic experiences and altered states of consciousness, astral projection and lucid dreaming, old world beliefs and modern scientific research into the fabric of reality. It is rather a mix which goes into our personal philosophies..

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

For the future, I think we will be concentrating on finishing the current trilogy. After this, we will perhaps expand on the thematic area of our concept. I am greatly inspired by the literary works of Julian Cope, who has in recent years investigated the neolithic sites of the UK and, more recently, mainland Europe. We also plan to record an EP of straight-forward tune-less ultra-raw Black Metal which has no great concept behind it at all. It is really just a case of what we feel like at the time.

11. What are some of your interests outside of music?

I cant speak on Beleth or Grond's behalf, but my personal interests revolve around expanding my knowledge of this world and others beyond. I have a great interest in history, both in the immediate locality and internationally. My reading ranges from scientific studies through to medieval fiction through to the greek classics. I have most recently been reading the works of zecharia sitchin and Rick Strassman.

12. Any final words or thoughts?

Thank you for your time and questions. For those wishing to download our 1998 demo tapes, or to order copies of our EPs, then visit either our myspace (www.myspce.com/oldforestofficial) or Death To Music (www.deathtomusic.com).

Forefather Interview

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

We are in the process of demo-ing and choosing songs for our next album. This time we have many more songs than usual, so we’ll have enough material for at least half the next one too. Other than that we are just preparing our studio and dealing with the day to day tasks of selling some CDs, shirts etc.

2. Where did you come up with the band name?

It was quite a simple choice in the early days of starting the project. We needed something which represented times gone by. It was a matter of making sure nobody else had used it yet, which luckily they hadn’t. Other than that there is not much story behind the name.

3. I noticed that the band changes direction with each album, how would you describe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

We never make any intentional changes in direction, but inevitably our writing styles may change over time with experience. I think most of the changes we’ve gone through are down to sound rather than the music, although we seem to have naturally lost some of the more straight black metal stuff to more “traditional” or “heavy” metal. The black metal riffing is still there though, and I think it’s an integral part of our sound. Over the years we’ve become more elaborate in our vocal and synth work, and perhaps added melody on the guitar. I see this kind of stuff continuing on the next album; though if I had to give a more definite prediction I would say it may sound a bit like a mixture of the last 2 albums.

4. When can we expect new material?

We no longer give predictions of release dates as we got into lots of problems with this before “Steadfast”. All I can say is that we’re working on demos and I very much hope to get an album out this year. We shall see. In the end I think it’s better not to rush things. It’s not like we have a record company putting pressure on us. Things just get done when they’re ready.

5. Out off all the albums you have recorded so far which one are you the most satisfied with?

“Steadfast” because overall it is, in my opinion, the best thing we’ve created music wise, production wise and performance wise. However in some ways I think “Deep into Time” because of its simplicity and rawness. Not much was asked of it, so it lived up to our expectations.

6. How has your music been received so far by pagan metal fans worldwide?

Usually very positively, especially since “Steadfast” which seems to have gone down particularly well with many people. I haven’t heard many negative things for quite a few years now. Maybe this is because Pagan/Viking metal is more popular now, so the piss-taking remarks about “hey nonny nonnyisms” have died down.

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

We have never played a live show so this is a somewhat empty paragraph from me.

8. Are there any plans for a U.S tour?

No. There are still no plans for any live performances.

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

Firstly metal such as Iron Maiden, Burzum, Rhapsody, Manowar, Bathory and also some ambient, folk and medieval music has influenced us. These days (personally speaking) I listen to very little music besides the new Burzum album and Vangelis, with some folk and medieval music occasionally. When you are around music so much, sometimes you don’t want to hear it anymore. Things can become stale and it’s more and more difficult to find something fresh sounding without digging back into the classic metal past to find a gem you never discovered, or continuing to follow the more established bands.

10. How would you compare Anglo Saxon Mythology to Norse Mythology?

They are very similar and have essentially the same roots. Differences come in the names of gods and festivals, but the important thing is the essential meaning of it all. Eostre and Nerthus seem to be particular to the English, but some may argue with that. Overall I see the two as basically the same ideas in a different mask. I’m more interested in the meaning, not the superficial side.

11. What are some of your interests outside of music?

Formula 1 racing, alternative views of history, the origins of religions, English history, films, exploring the outdoors.

12. Any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the questions. If you’re interested in the band keep an eye on HYPERLINK "http://www.forefather.net" www.forefather.net . I hope to be able to offer the new material this year.

Setherial Interview

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

Infaustus - Right now we are doing the final touches on our upcoming album ”Ekpyrosis” which will be released later this spring through Regain Records. We are also rehearsing for our upcoming European tour which will feature a different line-up than usual.
The tour line-up is:

Infaustus - vocals
Kekko - guitars
Kraath - guitars
Mysteriis - bass
Atum - drums

Other than that we are working on new material that will be released in different formats later on and a music video to promote the new opus.

2. What is the meaning behind the band name?

Infaustus - Setherial stands for absolute death and darkness. It is a name designed by us for us.

3. I remember in 2007 when I bought your last album Candlelight Records was trying to promote you as a new band, even though the band has been around since the early 90’s how that that make you feel?

Infaustus - Well, we have been around since 1993 so we are not exactly a new band. I don’t really know why they labelled us as a new band but we might be unknown in certain parts of the world due to the fact that we don’t tour all the time or make stupid statements in magazines etc to gain fame. We are pleased to be in the position we are in when we have the ability to create music when we feel to and to tour when the energies are right. Setherial has never been about fame or money. Setherial is a vessel which we express our dark art through without boundaries or outside factors.

4. When can we expect the next album?

Infaustus - On”Ekpyrosis” we have taken everything we have done in the past a bit further. It is a higher level of musicianship, more complex songs and arrangements. Not so”live-friendly” as the latest 2 albums, more in the vein of”Nord” and”Hell Eternal”. Most songs are around 6-8 minutes long with the exception of a 30-minute long song that will be released in a different exclusive format. We have also recorded everything ourselves and there are no triggers on the drums so it is a more organic and violent production that suites the new material just perfect. For a band that has been around as long as we have it is important to always challenge yourself so the music don’t gets stagnant.

5. After listening to your music over the years I noticed you change with every album without losing the heaviness what direction do you see the next album heading into?

Infaustus - Like I mentioned earlier, the new material is more dark and complex. People who are into our music will find elements from the past and they will also find new interesting inputs. It still sounds Setherial though so no one who is into this kind of dark satanic art will be disappointed.

6. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new music?

The lyrical theme of”Ekpyrosis” is about a metaphoric connection to the unavoidable conflict of the universe, through a satanic perspective. The ekpyrotic universe draws its name from the ancient Greek word ekpyrosis, meaning”conflagration” (disastrous fire or conflict). The album is a tribute to the complete obliteration of all particles that is ever created where the allseeing/alldestroying eye of Satan is represented by the destructive forces and dark energies of this vast, unknown universe.

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

Infaustus - Not much is going on with side-projects since all of our time has been devoted to”Ekpyrosis”. Regarding Blackwinds we have material for at least 1 full-length but there are no plans recording it any time soon. I myself will probably record something this autumn where I play all the instruments myself, if it will be released to the public or if I just do it for my own enjoyment I don’t know yet. Time will tell.

8. Out off all the albums that you have recorded so far which one are you the most satisfied with?

Infaustus - This is a hard question to answer since every album is special to us. Right now I would say”Ekpyrosis” since we have worked so devoted for such a long time with that one. The album we are the most displeased with production wise is”Lords of the Nightrealm”. The production on that album doesn’t give the music any justice at all. We have actually re-recorded some tracks from that album so it can be released to the public in the state it was supposed to have been. ”Nord” on the other hand will of course always be a special album since it was the first.

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

Infaustus - Since we only do shows when the energies are right we always give 100% onstage. We don’t rely on any fancy stage show with naked chicks; fire breathing guitars or other distractive bullshit like many other band do. We let the music and our sheer satanic death fanaticism do the talking instead. Of course we use the attributes that is used in black metal such as blood, spikes and corpse paint but we use those things to enhance the experience and not to distract from the music. Some of the most memorable shows we have played are the mini-tour we did with Marduk in Mexico and our last show in France at Black Metal is rising festival.

10. Are there any plans for a U.S tour?

Infaustus - We have had a few offers to go to the US and play but unfortunately the timing has always been bad so it has been impossible for us to attend. All in Setherial is eager to play in the US though since it is a new market for us and a different audience than usual. If everything turns right we will perform in the states early 2011. A US-tour is highly rated on our agenda so it is not a question”if” we will play; it is just a question of”when”.

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

Infaustus - Every time you hear an excellent album you get influenced in some form. Classic albums by Emperor, Burzum and Mayhem were very influential in the beginning of Setherial. Other than music we get our influences from all sorts of art forms such as literature, paintings, and movies and so on. I have always had a huge interest in following the black metal underground so I discover new bands every day. Most of them are pure rubbish but from time to time I find new music that is really good. Mostly I listen to the old classic bands/albums but ”new” bands that are worth mentioning is Lustre, Volahn, Wolves In The Throne Room, Coldworld, Craft, DsO etc. At the moment I listen to the new Burzum-album which is excellent.

12. How would you describe the bands views on Satanism or Occultism and what are some satanic or occult authors, philosophers and orders that have influenced your viewpoints?

Infaustus - Individuality is the potent key for personal and spiritual growth indeed. If you do not constantly challenge yourself and open about different matters and interpretations you’ll end up becoming narrow-minded and limited in mind-perspective, which in our opinion against all that black metal stands for.
We have a constant hunger for knowledge and have personal interests in the subjects and studies of scientific hypothesis and theory, religions, mythology, philosophy, occultism, metaphysics, cosmology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, symbolism to mention a few...
Individually is the freedom to gain perspective and knowledge to draw own conclusions in order for personal development. Who or what has/is the correct interpretation, and who knows the absolute truth/dogma is just the matter of belief and interpretation, the field of knowledge and belief is restricted by just how you can grasp it, on other terms how your brain can receptive impressions and conceptions. Satan is based on own conclusion and experience. That’s why the meaning differs a lot from whom you ask.
Satanism; in the elemental and symbolic sense is something that attract us and is used as our language, Satanism is also the light of Lucifer that illuminates the darkness(that is the oppressive way of religions and doctrines that keep the people enslaved). In Satanism there exist no ultimate reference or law like the bible, and it can be adapted to a sectarian practice or into a individual philosophy.
Intellectual individuals who question their current reality or possess a ideology of knowledge regarded as forbidden has always been label as dangerous enemy by the establishment, state church and the dogmas of society.
Every brain is neurologically unique and therefore we conclude individualism is in our biological nature.
13. What are some of your interests outside of music?

Infaustus - Besides vocals I also play guitars, bass and keyboards. All members in Setherial are multi-instrumentalists but other than music I have a lot of other interests. I work, study, read a lot of books, travel, I often go hiking, watch movies, and work out and so on. Besides music I am also interested in other art forms such as drawing, painting, photography, and moviemaking. I like to have many things going on at once so I constantly develop in the different fields of craftsmanship and knowledge. Most people seem to settle with doing nothing and consuming alcohol during the weekends but that has never been anything for me or any other member of Setherial.

14. Any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the interest in Setherial. Any updates concerning us can be found at www.setherial.com or

www.myspace.com/setherialsweden.