Blut Aus Nord/The Mythical Beast Of Rebellion/Debember Morti/2010 CD Re-Issue Review

  Blut Aus Nord are a band from France that has a long history, with a musical style that I would describe as being a raw and avant garde take on black metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "The Mystical Beast Of Rebellion" which was re-issued by Debember Morti during the year of 2010.

Drums are mostly fast with a good amount of blast beats mixed in with some slow to mid paced drumming that is used a lot on the last few songs, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the sound effects they have a very dark avant garde ambient feel to them..

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow, mid paced to fast black metal guitar riffs that also have a very dark avant garde and distorted feel to them as well as a doomy edge at times, as for the lead guitars when they are utilized, they have a very distorted and dark sound to them.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal creams, while the lyrics have a concept edge to them and deal with dark and occult topics, as for the production it is very dark and raw sounding.

In my opinion this is was a great album from Blut Aus Nord and a sign of the future direction they where going into. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Fall Chapter I, II< and IV" and "Raita I". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Ninnagesh Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the project, how you came into existence and what are you doing nowadays?
1- Ok first thanks for this this interview really is a meet responds to your questions, Ninnagesh starts as a band of a person in the year 2000, Hugo Alejandro Gallego Zuñiga was the first member of the band, in 2005 he recorded the first Ninnagesh album "In times before the light... when the devil was god", one year later enter the current bassits Arleth Portela, this guy is great person with many things and ideas to provide, with this guy we recordered the second album and possibly the most known album... "Oculta", in the nowadays we worked in us new album "Absolata" released in the Winter of 2010.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the 2 albums that you have recorded so far?
2- Really now we have 3 albums,personally, I define the sound of Ninnagesh, as a powerful sound, with sound who experiment and transcend,but without leaving the concept of what we do...

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts that both albums explore?
3-the issues we deal in our songs, cover many things, Ninnagesh, power, elitism...there a special theme we draw much attention and is the subject and the mystical force that gives us the cosmos,we used a small part of this thought in our last album,we did a good job on this album, both the lyrics and musically.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name Ninagesh?
4- Ok,the meaning and inspiration behind the band name Ninnagesh, simply is Ninnagesh. This comes from an ancient Indian culture, is all that exists...is the door that illuminates the cosmos ancient, secret universal force, is reflected at the same time, able to drown out the lake at dawn, the energy of the seas, necessary the awakening of life.
its power can make the gods into beasts, there is evil in the Deep, Creature of the moon, the revival of the centuries, does not pass any light, illuminate the barking of wolves, is just part of past and future , born before he died, is the same force which is crowned with the stars...
The silence before the creation, the silence after the apocalypse.

5. Currently the band is a one man project, do you have plans on using other musicians in the future or are you going to keep it a solo project?
5- Ninnagesh began as a one man project, Currently the musicians are Hugo Gallego (Guitars/voices), Arleth Portela (Basses), we a have a new member Santiago Botero this guy is a excellent musician, to be honest we was playing with many drummers but never find a professional person as is santiago, I think this guy is a great friend.

6. Currently you are unsigned, do you have plans on working with a record label, in the future if so, what kind of label do you think that would do the best on getting your music out?
6- Currently us sign is Blakheartz Records, this is a sign of Germany, with this we have direct contact with countries like Austria, Poland, Russia,Italy,Swittzerland and of course Germany, really we would like work together with a American sign and so have the same contact with USA as we have with Europe, We have received proposals, but I personally think they are not serious people with which we want to work,but in summary,, yes! would like work with a North American sign.

7. Do you have any other projects besides this one?
7- Yes, all the members have others projects besides Ninnagesh... all great bands,, Hugo have a fusion jazz project called Alejandro Gallegoz, great band with a fresh sound, the personal project of Arleth is Mond, great Black Metal band he plays all the instruments in the Druidims album signed for a Dannish records,Santiago is a talented person he have many bands and many projects of unusual music haha...

8. On a worldwide level, how has the reception been to your music from black metal fans worldwide?
8- The reception been to the music from black metal fans worldwide, are very great,, the ninnagesh music many people love specially in Canada and Netherlands, was playing some shows in this country's and acceptance of people is really excellent, a hug for all us friends in all the world.

9. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
9- The musical progress over the years I think it was very good,we have learned and experienced many things with our music Fortunately people like our music and that's what really matters to us,,for the future, we want our music continues to evolve to continue trying to do something new, but enjoyable for fans.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10- Ok, the bands and musical styles that have influenced us music, are many bands as Immortal, Emperor,Gorgoroth,Bathory among many others black metal bands,, we also have many influence of Colombian music we have grown up with this happy music haha, nowdays we listen all the types of music,I think everyone has something to contribute in us music really good music there, other than metal ... all band members have musical influences and tastes very different, that makes us share and bring some originality.

11. What role does Satanism and Occultism play in your music, and how would you describe your views on these topics?
11- The role does Satanism and Occultism play in us music is important because in the "Oculta" album some songs deal with this topics,. I think about Satanism and the occultism, I think these thoughts have the power to make ourselves known to themselves explore our body and our senses.

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
12- Our interests really are many things,such as motorcycles, cooking, reading, traveling the world, know countries, cities, culture, friends...anything that can satisfy us as individuals and so to enrich our music some sense.

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

13- Of course, as I said at the beginning of the interview thanks to USBMS for this space, to all who have helped us grow, all the people who have read this interview... i hope the Ninnagesh music like people who do not know us, a hug for all yours...
Stay metal!!!

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Khors/Return To Abandoned/Paragon Records/2010 CD Review

  Khors are a band from Ukraine that has been interviewed as well as having previous material reviewed in this zine, with a style that i would describe as being atmospheric pagan/black metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Return To Abandoned" which was released by Paragon Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and the occasional blast beat, while the keyboards have a very atmospheric pagan feel with some folk instruments being used at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs with the faster riffing having a very primitive feel and some hints of melody, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding pagan/black metal guitar solos, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use full chords to bring a folk music element to the music and some finger picking that has a classical feel to it.

Vocals are mostly deep growls that combine black and death metal with some occasional high pitched screams, while the lyrics cover Slavic and Nordic Paganism, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional.

In my opinion this is another great album from Khors and if you where a fan of their previous material, you should enjoy this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Asgard's Shining" "Mysteries Cosmos" and 'Sacrament Of Buyan". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.khors.info
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Svart Crown Interview

1. Can you give us a brief introduction to the band, how you came into existence and also what are you doing doing nowadays?

JB Le Bail(guitar/vocals) started the band in 2005. The band released a mcd, «Bloody Crown», in 2006 following by numerous shows and various line-up changes until Ludovic Veyssière, our current bass player joined the band before the recording of the first album, «Ages of Decay», released in 2008. After the album came out, Clément Flandrois (guitar) and myself, Gaël Barthélemy (drums) joined the band in order to promote the album with intense touring through two european runs and a lot of shows in France. In early 2010, we began the recording of our second full length entitled «Witnessing The Fall». The album has just been released in November on Listenable Records.

2. When I listened to your album I can tell that you blend black and death metal together, what made you go for this sound as opposed to the regular French Sounding black metal sound

We listen to various kinds of metal including thrash, death, black metal, doom, sludge, etc… and other styles of music as well. We don’t want to limit ourselves to one kind of atmosphere or be predictable. We’ll always have this attitude to keep things interesting and fresh.

3. What are some of the lyrical concepts and topics the new release cover and how would you say it differs from previous releases?

The lyrics are about the fascinating ability man has always had to hurt himself and people around him. History, through wars, politics or infamous behaviors, showed us that it’s a never-ending process of self destruction. We try to tell stories about the dark sides of human being. The cover art depicts a man in suffering, in the arms of this ambiguous character which looks at you and seems to say: «You’re running to your loss and you’re the only one to blame». Half the line-up changed since the first album and i think the band matured through the live process and we were more prepared for this one as we worked together on the whole concept and took care of every details.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name Svart Crown?

Svart is a scandinavian word meaning black. It’s kind of enigmatic and the fact that we mix two languages also represents our influences coming from the worldwide metal scene.

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

We toured Europe with Shining and Enthroned through October/November and we got really great shows on this one. I remember the show in London where the people went crazy and were shouting our name! Amazing. Well, on stage, we give 100% of ourselves as we feel a dark force surrounding us during the whole performance. We have to go off stage totally exhausted. If not, we failed!

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

The tour with Shining and Enthroned started when the album got released in Europe. In early December, we did a few shows with Melechesh. Some gigs are planned in France in January, a tour in the Balkans in February/ March and other things we’re working on. We’ll tour as much as possible for «Witnessing The Fall» as we strongly believe in this record.

7. I know that the band members have some experience playing in other bands around the French metal scene, are there any current side projects or is this a full time line-up?

Ludovic has his own project called Bestial and some projects could see the light of day in the future, who knows. But Svart Crown is the top priority for us and we’re determined to go as far as possible. Everybody walk in the same direction.

8. On a worldwide level, how has your music been received by black/death metal fans?

Listenable is doing a great job promoting this album, and we get a lot of reviews abroad and the feedback is really good. We also had positives reactions during the european tours we did so we have to go further and keep the constant touring.

9. What direction would you like to take the band into on future releases?

We want the band to be in constant motion. We want to surprise ourselves and create something that didn’t exist before, add new influences. There’s so many bands out there and we would simply be a death/black metal band among others? No, i don’t want that. We’ll see what the future brings.

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

Death and black metal have had a strong impact on us. Bands like Immolation, Morbid angel, Marduk, Slayer or Mayhem to name a few. But as i said above, we listen to a lot of different styles and everything we hear can inspire us. For example, Clément and JB are into post hardcore stuff while i enjoy myself some pop or electro music. These days, i listen to John Mayer, Beast (from Canada), Tool as well as Shining, Watain, or Dimmu Borgir. It’s wide!

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

I would not say in our lyrics but in our sound, as the tones we use have this very dark/evil feeling. We listened to a lot of bands that take inspiration from Occultism/Satanism. It certainly had an effect on us.


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

I enjoy sports a lot, like Football or Tennis (watching, and playing). Cinema (mostly DVDs) and books as well. I also like to watch shows about politics on television. Nothing too unusual!

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

Thank you for your interest for Svart Crown. We’re here to stay! Cheers! Gaël

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Blodheim Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band, how you came into existence and what you are doing nowadays?
1. Blodheim was started in mid 2008. We had played since 2007 under a different name. As Rælingen is a very small place in Norway, the ones that listen to/play black metal come together. Grotesqus and myself started the band with the intention of exploring the roots and black metal, but also experimenting with new elements.
At the time being we are one drummer short, but we are in the process of recording a new album.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that was presented on the demo, and the newer material that you are now working on?
2. The demo Warrior of the Abyss was a very experimental record. Experimental in the way that it was the first time we recorded anything in a studio. Everything was low-budget of course. The whole point of the demo was to get experience in studio and also to get our music out to others.
During the time between the first demo and now, we have build our own studio. The means that we have a lot more time and we can put more effort into the next record. The sound will be raw but epic and I think it will suit the many different elements of the record.

3. How would you describe the lyrical topics and subjects of the music?
3. The lyrics of Blodheim is all about the struggle we must endure every day. The struggle against Christianity and Islam and the modern way of thinking that completely destroys the good old Norwegian way of life. We look back to the days of old with honor and pride, and compared to the present, we are only weak. Blodheim lyrics is all about how humans should pick up the fight against such a weakness.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name Blodheim?
4. I will not fully describe the origin of our name, but I will say that Blodheim for us, symbolize a place where we can escape from all. It symbolize the nature as a place to be alone.

5. Have you had any opportunities to do live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
5. We have actually played a lot live. In late 2009 and during 2010 we have played a lot live. Black metal is not very popular here in Norway so we have been lucky to get as much live experience as we have. The best show we have played was at a local festival in Gjerdrum. The sound was excellent and we all performed a great show. I think we got the message across. I will not reveal too much of our live performance, but I can say that it contains the blood of pigs.

6. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of record label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the band?
6. When we started up, we said to each other that we did not need a label. But when we realized how difficult is actually is to get booked for live shows without a label, we changed our way of thinking. So, yes, we are looking for a label. Preferably an underground label. I have heard about a lot of serious and hard working underground labels in Germany. A lot of Norwegian bands are/have been signed down there.

7. On a worldwide level, how has your music been received by black metal fans?
7. The Warrior of the Abyss demo was printed in 100 copy's and we sent them all around the world. Only 3 or 4 copy's were sent to Nowray. So I hope that the people we have sent our music to found it interesting and want to hear more. As a Norwegian black metal band, we rely heavily on international interest as black metal is not widely appreciated here in Norway.

8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
8. That's a difficult question, but I can say that we are being more and more inspired by old Norwegian folk music.

9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time group?
9. I have a couple of other projects besides Blodheim, but Blodheim has always and always will be our primary project. Grotesqus play only in Blodheim for the time being.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10. Before we discovered black metal, we both listened to music like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, KISS, Metallica. Bands like these have created the foundation for our music. Since we are a part of the "video game generation" we are also heavily influenced by old soundtracks from games. As I mentioned above, old Norwegian folk music have also helped shape our music.
Nowadays I listen mostly to Norwegian black metal, music from movies and some punk. Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, John Williams and Ennio Morricone are the composers I listen to.
Grotesqus listen to a lot of death metal, so that also shape our music.



11. How would you describe your views on Satanism or Occultism?
11. When it comes to our lyrics, we also use some philosophical Satanic elements. And as a Norwegian black metal band we often use Satanic symbols. In our lyrics, we especially use the principle of how humans are the actual gods and that each individual should be his/hers own god. I'm not very familiar with occultism as we have an atheistic message in our music. We use old Norse gods and demons in our lyrics too, but only as symbols for human feelings and emotions.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
12. Look for updates on our myspace page. We will post the songs as they are recorded, mixed and mastered.
HEIDRA NOREGR!!!
BLOD OG JORD!!!!!
-Blodhorn

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Blodheim/3540286841

Svart Crown/Witnessing The Fall/Listenable Records/2010 CD Review

 Svart Crown are a band from France that plays a brutal form of black metal with a death metal edge, and this is a review of their 2010 album "Witnessing The Fall" which will be released by Listenable Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a lot of brutal blast beats, while the bass playing is mixed down low in the mix with some fast riffing which seems to follow the riffs that are coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars combine slow, mid paced and fast riffs together that mixes the most brutal elements of both black and death metal as well as a small amount of thrash influences, while the lead guitars are mostly death metal guitar solos that are also very talented and skilled.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark themes with somewhat of an anti-christian message, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Svart Crown are a very good band that mixes brutal black and death metal together, and if you are a fan of bands that hybrid these two genres together, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Dogs Of Gods" "Nahash The Temptator" "Strength Higher Than Justice" "Incestuous Breath". RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/svartcrown

Nachtmystium/Assassins-Black Meddle Part 1/Century Media Records/2008 CD Review

 Nachtmystium are a band from Chicago, Illinois that has been around since the mid 90's that started out as a more primal sounding black metal band but created their own style of black metal with this release and this is a review of their 2008 album "Assassins-Black Meddle Part 1" which was released by Century Media Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths have a very psychedelic sound to them that have a lot of 70's progressive rock influences as well as some noise effects that bring an avant garde feel, as for the bass playing it has a very thick, dark and heavy tone to it which is very easy to hear on certain songs.

Keyboards when they are used bring a very dark feeling to the music, while the saxophones bring a jazzy feel to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are also influenced by many different genres of music such as classic rock in the catchier  riffing, while the lead guitars have more of a rock feel in the solos added in with a good amount of melody and some guitar slides, as for the acoustic guitars when they are used to bring in a classic sounding rock/metal feel to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams mixed in with a more shouting style of vocals, while the lyrics cover hateful style themes, as for the production on this recording which was recorded at Engine and Volume Studios in Chicago during the month of December sounds very professional and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion this was a good album from Nachtmystium and while their more hardcore fans considered this  recording a sell out, and they have also released new material since then, I still feel this is a good recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Assassins" "Ghosts Of Grace" and "Your True Enemy". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Deafest/Dunkelheit/Split Album/2008 CD Review

 Deafest are a band that my readers should be familiar with right now, Dunkelheit are also a band from Colorado with a more cold and depressive take on black metal, and this is is a review of their self released 2008 split album, and we will start out with Deafest.

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while the bass playing is mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs with the softer playing having an ambient feel to it that is very dark, while the lead guitar are very primitive sounding ambient black metal guitar leads mixed in with a doomy edge with not much in the way of solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams while the lyrics touch on nature orientated themes, as for the production it has a very dark and raw feel to it.

Now we will review Dunkelheit which also happens to be a one man project.

Drums are mostly mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used at times , while the bass playing has a very dark tone which is mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are mostly mid paced to fast black metal riffs , and there are no guitar solos or leads present on their side of the split.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover despair, cold and solitude, as for the production it has a very dark and raw feel to it.

In my opinion this is a good split and Deafest have the best songs on this split. RECOMMENDED TRACK  from Deafest "Embedded" and Dunkelheit "In Shadows". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Deafest/3540260272
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Dunkelheit/3540260273

Vesterian/Violent Hateful Black Metal/2008 CD Review

 Vesterian are a band from Hollywood, California that plays a very raw and hateful form of black metal and this is is a review of their self released 2008 e.P "Violent Hateful Black Metal".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a lot of brutal blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone which is mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs, while the lead guitars are very primal sounding black metal guitar leads.

Vocals are very high pitched black metal screams with some low ends on the vocals being used and on one sing there are some spoken word male and female vocals being used briefly, while the lyrics cover war, black metal and Satanism, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy and raw sound to it.

In my opinion Vesterian are a very good raw anti christian/satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style you should also check out this group, they also put on a good live show which I witnessed over a year and a half ago. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Violent Hateful Black Metal" and "Unseen Hordes Behind The Deafening Storms". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Wulfen Krieg/Demo 1/2008 CD Review

 Wulfen Krieg are a band from California that plays a very raw form of war induced Satanic/Anti Christian black metal and this is a review of their 2008 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a lot of brutal blast beats being thrown in, and there is no bass guitar being used on this recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw war/black metal riffs while the lead guitars are very primitive and raw sounding black metal guitar leads with not much in the way of solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal guitar s creams with only a small amount of deep growls being used on the first song, while the lyrics touch on war, misanthropy, anti Christian and satanic themes,, as for the production it is very dark and raw sounding with all of the musical instruments coming out with a very evil sound.

In my opinion Wulfen Krieg are a very good raw war/black/satanic metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Born In Flames" and "Dethroning The Holy Gods". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Wulfen_Krieg/3540265832

Deafest/Cynd Split/Mountain Draught/2009 CD Review

 Deafest are a band from Littleton Colorado that has been interviewed as well as had previous material reviewed by this zine, and Cynd is also from the same area, with both of their musical styles being nature orientated black metal, and this is a review of their 2009 split, we will start of the review with Deafest.

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while the bass playing is kind of mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs with some doom metal influences that also have a progressive edge to the softer parts, while the lead guitars have a shoegaze black metal style feel to them.

Vocals are mostly high pitched depressive black metal screams, while the lyrics are very nature orientated, as for the production it has a very dark and raw sound to it.

Now we will review the half from Cynd.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing seems to be mixed down low in the mix and follows the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs and there are no guitar solos or leads present on any of Cynd's songs, as for the acoustic guitars when they are used on the outro they have a very dark sound to it.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics touch on nature orientated subjects, as for the production it is very dark and raw sounding.

In my opinion this is a great split album from Deafest and Cynd, with the songs from Cynd being the best since they have a more faster raw and primitive approach. Recomended song from Deafest is "Coniferous" and from Cynd "Wweorpan".

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Deafest/3540260272
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Cynd/3540273762

Nidingr Interview

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

Right now we are rehearsing with Hellhammer, wanna make sure we sound solid for the first gig next year here in Oslo in February. Also there are some shirts in the making, design by Christian Sloan Hall, sold by Agonia Records . Also Peter Jackson wanted to make a video for us for free, but I'm not sure he would be the right one for us.

2. What kind of sound did you want to achieve with the new release, and how do you feel it came out?

For this one we did not have any specific plans on the sound, I think its best for us not to make to much plans on doing things, since they seldom being realized. On the last album, "Sorrow Infinite & Darkness", we wanted to sound like Autopsy in the beginning, but the end result was completely different. But I'm satisfied with both albums. "Wolf-Father" is a step forward production wise I guess.

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

The whole album is based on old Norse Mythology, its about the old Norse Gods, shit they did etc.

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

I guess it can have different meanings, the one we think fits the best is : a thief, a outcast or a shameless person. I read somewhere it could also be translated into "gay", that fits us perfectly since our bass player is gay as fuck. We plan on killing him onstage.

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

We have played 5 or 6 gigs since 1996, so its not hard to pick one out. Our first gig was supporting Mayhem here on Oslo, we kicked Mayhem's ass. We frogged them.But I guess our second gig was the coolest so far, small venue, small stage, overcrowded with people. Good times. Live we don't do much other than playing the songs and we also have the occasional head banging going on.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new releases?

Yeah, we want to do some touring, but not too long ones, since we are to lazy to stay on the road for too long. We got a booking agency doing stuff for us now, so who knows..they'll probably cook up something soon for us.

7. What is going on with the other bands these days?

Well, I have been working with King (x Gorgoroth) for some songs to the new God Seed album. Got an album out next year with The Konsortium, cover design still needs to be done, but I'm guessing its out around April next year. The NunFuckRitual album with Dan Lilker is basically done, expected to be released March/April. I have a Umoral album ready, been trying to record it for a couple of years now so once again I'm hoping for next year will be the year for that album.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black/death metal fans worldwide?

So far I have received good feedback from what I have been a part of.Of course ;)

9. What direction would you like to take the band into on future releases?

Like I said, Its no point of starting to think about things like that now, we just will wait and see what happens, but one thing is for sure, we have 2 more albums to make with a Crowley theme.

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

Man, I have no idea, I did the whole school of metal, starting out with Heavy Metal, then into Trash, Death and then Black. These days I don't listen much to music at all, haven't been listening much to music for the last ten years or so actually.

11. Outside of music what are some of the things that interest you?

Hmm not much, other than photography. I am a very simple person, don't find joy in too much things in this world.

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

Thanks for the support and good luck with your zine!

Teloch

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Setherial/Ekpyrosis/Regain Records/2010 CD Review

  Setherial are a band from Sweden that has been interviewed by this zine before, with a history that dates back to the early 90's with a musical style that i would describe as being brutal black metal with an atmospheric and melodic edge and this is a review of their 2010 album "Ekpyrosis" which was released by Regain Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast with a lot of brutal blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a dark tone that is overpowered by the guitars and drums and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal guitar riffs that are very brutal at times while retaining a slight melodic edge and a lot of skilled riffing that also has influences from other styles of metal, while the lead guitars are very chaotic and skilled black metal guitar solos that are also melodic at times.

Vocals are very high pitched black metal screams with a small amount of deep growls being used briefly on one song, while the lyrics are somewhat occultic with themes of cosmic and creation as well as dying and devourment, as for the production it sounds very heavy, powerful and professional with all of the music having a very brutal sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Setherial and if you are a fan of their previous works, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "We Shall Fall" "Celestial Realms Of The Cosmic Creation" and "A World In Hell". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Adar/Into The Frozen Ocean/Mountain Drought Distro/2009 E.P Review

  Adar are a band from Littleton, Colorado that has also been interviewed with a musical style that i would described as being raw black metal with a death metal edge by this zine before and this is a review of their 2009 E.P "Into The Frozen Ocean"  which was released by Mountain Drought Distro.

Drums range from mid paced to fast playing with some brutal blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and on the last song they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars are mostly mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs that also have a great amount of death metal influences and a great sense of melody, while the lead guitars combine black and death metal influences together in the solos and also utilize a great amount of skill with some technical parts, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a darker sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover dark themes with an occult edge, as for the production it has a very dark and raw feel to it.

In my opinion Adar are a very good black metal band, and if you are a fan of black metal that uses a lot of talent and skill, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Blood Stained Moon" and "Waves Of Oblivion". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Kastigation/Live At Sunshine Studio/2009 CD Review

Kastigation are a band from Colorado Springs that has also been interviewed before by this zine with a style that is black metal with a death metal edge and this is a review of their ep "Live At Sunshine Studio".

Drums are a mixture of slow, mid paced to fast playing with some brutal blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark, heavy and powerful tone.

Rhythm guitars combine slow, mid paced to  fast black metal riffs with some death metal and thrash influences being thrown in at times and some occasional soft playing t hat is only used briefly, while the lead guitars are very primal sounding black metal guitar leads that have a doomy feel to them on the last song.

Vocals are very high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls being thrown in, while the lyrics cover the universe, inner strength and darkness, as for the production you can tell this is a live recording and it has a very raw and primal feel to it, while all of the instruments still have a very good sound to them.

In my opinion Kastigation are a good band for their style, and if you like black metal with a death metal edge, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Malignant Infidelity". RECOMMENDED.

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Belhor/Demo 2009/CD Review

Belhor are a band from Colorado that plays a very dark form of black metal that also has a death metal edge to it and this is a review of their 2009 Demo.

Drums are mostly slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the keyboards when they are used, they are only there to enhance darkness.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that also have a good amount of death metal influences to them, and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly black metal screams with some death metal growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark and raw feel to it.

In my opinion Belhor are a good black metal with a death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED.

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Zebulon Kosted/Dragon's Blood-Die Nibelungen Part One/Kapustin Yar Records/2009 CD Review

 Zebulon Kosted are a one man project from Missoula, Montana that has also been interviewed by this zine with a style that is a very raw form of black metal mixed with doom metal, experimental, noise and folk music and this is a review of their 2009 album "Dragon's Blood - Die Nibelungen Part One" which was released by Kapustin Yar Records.

Drums are mostly slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark and powerful tone that is very easy to hear on this recording, as for the noise effects they bring a very dark and avant garde edge to the music with a very dark sounding synth being used at times.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow, mid paced to fast raw black metal riffs that also take in a lot of influences from doom metal, while the lead guitars are very primal sounding black metal guitar leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they bring a very dark folk music feel to the recording with a lot of finger picking and full chords.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover Paganism, Inter-Dimensional Travel, World History and Cryptids, as for the production it is very dark and raw sounding but you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Zebulon Kosted are a very good band and if you are a fan of more experimental sounding black metal you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Hinsides Interview

1. Can you introduce the band, and tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came into existence?



The band consists of Oriasipes: guitar, Gravkald: vocals, Dunkelrot: bass and Stian: Drums.

I have been interested in music and the state it brings me into since I was a kid, that inspired me to start playing instruments and creating music.

The band was started up in 2005 by me. In the beginning I was creating music for this band, when I felt I had enough music I start to look for members. There was several line up changes during the first years. The line up now is stable and everybody is dedicated to the music.

　

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how does it different from past releases?



The new album has an intense and dense dark necro sound, compared to our previous album that have a more classic old-school underground sound. The sound we have on the new album fits the musical expression we wanted to achieve.

When it comes to our demo it was recorded on an eight track recorder. The sound is very raw but I think we managed to create a distinct sound on it.



3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new album?



The lyrics has different aspects, it is about the universe and the search for it’s mysteries from the beginning of time. The intention to put you into a state of feeling being in dark endlessness is absolutely present. Some parts of the lyrics are also very cryptic. I also put critical views on the society we live in in the lyrics. It has an Anti- Christian message.



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



Hinsides means beyond and the state of being beyond in English.

The name has been on my mind several years before I officially started up the band.

I think the name suits several themes we write about, especially our lyrics about universes and parallel worlds.

　

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



I like the shows we had at Karmøygeddon Arctic 2010 and the Sint October festival in 2008. We use some light effects on our shows, we do not move so much around on the stage. We want to create a dark obscure feeling for the audience.



6. Do you have any touring plans for the new releases?

We do not have any touring plans right now. We played at the Karmøygeddon Arctic festival 2nd of October and our album was released the 1st of October, so it was a kind of release concert for that album.

　

7. Are any of the band members currently involved with any side projects or is this a full time group?



Gravkald play drums in Nordavind and Kråke, besides he has a one man project called Eldvind. Dunkelrot has a one man band called Dweller. Stian has a one manband called Ulvaskar. I also write music besides Hinsides, I am planning to release that in the future, but it’s too early to say when.



8. On a worldwide level, how have black metal fans reacted to your musical sound?



We have got many positive feedbacks from black metal fans. Especially because we keep the old necro black metal feeling in our music, we do not modernize our music with progressive elements as many bands do today. We absolutely want to keep the dark feelings in our music and we want to make our music original within the frames of Black Metal.



9. What musical direction do you see the band heading into on future releases?



We are rehearsal and writing lyrics for our next album now. We want to too create a deep dark depressive feeling in it. I am manifesting my visions of an eternal dark cold never-ending expanding universe in the music.



10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also

what are you listening to nowadays?



I like too listen to old school black metal bands if they manage to create their own sound and feeling in their music. I also like noise music, classical, ambient and some death metal. I would not say that I get inspired to make music by listening to a band I like, but of-course everybody is under influence by their surroundings in life. I have been listening to Gorgoroth, Throne of Katarsis, Darkspace, Nile, Cryfemal and Furze the last weeks.

　

11. What role does Occultism or Satanism play in the music, and how would you

describe your views on these topics?



Our music has an Anti-Christian message, but there are also occult elements in it.

I am interested in demonology and like to read about it.

I think practicing Satanism and Occultism is a good think to do, because it is against Christianity and can release people from their mental slavery.

The Christian religion is an instrument to suppress people and keeping the masses away from knowledge. They spread their religion in poor countries and build schools, hospitals and churches with the purpose of increase their power and the control over the people. Those countries often have a lot of analphabetism and the population is easy to convert. In general the Christian religion has been forced upon most of the people in the world since it started. The Christian religion should have been forbidden ages ago.

　

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

Here in Norway we have a lot of forests and desolate places, I like to visit places like that, it might sound like a cliché, but I think the Norwegian nature gives a special feeling and is unique in its own way.

I also like to travel around the world, especially in south East Asia and I am planning to travel in Eastern Europe and the countries around the Mediterranean ocean in the future.



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



I and Dunkelrot changed our artist names in early 2010.

My artist name is now Oriasipes.

Glaurung changed name to Dunkelrot.

　

Thanks for the interview.

Hinsides @ Last.fm

Hinsides @ Myspace

Hinsides @ Reverbnation

Hinsides Official Website

Cavus Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band, and how you came into existence?

Cavus was started a few years back by our guitarist J.K. and drummer T.T.T. in Porvoo, Finland. After they made some rehersal tapes the rest of us grew on pretty quickly and we recorded the self-titled EP that we released in 2009. We have from the first day had a very old school approach to our music, blending thick, dirty and rocking grooves with pure Black Metal. Devilry and powerful, the way it's meant to be.


2. What is the inspiration behind your lyrics, what sources or feelings do you bring into the songwriting?

Lyrically the album reflects on man under the influence of the Devil's spells and the attempts to overcome yourself, how to unify the master and the servant. The lyrics have a close to theistic approach to this because we feel that modern day symbolism is very weak and powerless, and to understand powerful things you have to use powerful imagery. In many ways they also are very visual, taking you back to ages and places where evil was feared and and death roamed behind decaying walls and shut nailed doors.


3. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Cavus?


Cavus is the original word for the english "cave". It describes the aura and atmosphere of the band but was originally chosen because of our bass player. He calls rehearsals caving (as in let's go caving) so it started from there. Our rehersal place is this old abandoned wooden house filled with toxins, moisture and weird smells so it's quite appropriate.


4. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album, and what recording studio or equipment did you use to create your musical sound?


We recorded the album in the prementioned house in a studio we built up there ourselves. We wanted a really original feel to it so that was the best choice. The drums were recorded on 8-tracks with one take from the beginning of the album to the end, with no click-tracks or tampering. Guitars were then done using old Soviet made tube amplifiers like Sovtek and Novik. Those fuckers really have a unique sound to them and they glow in the dark like Chernobyl. They actually use old MiG-fighter tubes in them so maybe that's one reason for the sound. This combined with baritone guitars and basses and we got quite the package! We like a lot of low end in the mix to get some punch and power to it. No whiny bedroom BM for us thank you.


5. I know that you have done a lot of shows with some bigger bands, out of all the gigs that you have played so far which one did you enjoy the most and what was your favorite crowd to play to?


Even if the Black Metal crowd is usually thought of us the silently standing type, we seem to get a lot of mosh pits and action on our gigs. With that in mind maybe one of the gigs we played with Mayhem in Helsinki would count as the most giving, but we also had a really good crowd in Caen, France a couple of weeks ago. Every gig is different what comes to the atmosphere, and sometimes you can play a really powerful and almost spiritual set even if the audience is small or not so active physically.


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new album?

We just toured 8 countries through Europe with Gorgoroth so we don't have anything on the schedual for now, only a couple one offs here and there. There are some plans to tour England a bit later and things like that, but we'll see what happens after the album is out in both North and South America. We are not really a touring friendly band in many ways because of our somewhat maybe difficult or extreme personalities, so we try to avoid having to set out for extended periods of time so no one gets killed in vain etc.


7. How have black metal fans worldwide react to your musical sound?


The overall reaction has been positive, even if some people who prefer the more serene touch to Black Metal have of course been more careful in their approach towards us. This is brutal music and we incorporate a lot of "rock elements" so it's no surprise to us that some purists find it a bit too much. This is still 100% Black Metal for us so we don't really care.


8. What direction do you see the band heading into during the future, are you planning on getting more brutal or do something different?

We don't feel a way to change to any direction so we leave it up to the future. Great deeds take great planning and execution but evil happens by nature, and this is also the way of Cavus. What will become, will be.


9. I know that the band members have a history playing in other bands, are there any current side projects going on, or is this a full time band?

Most of us have some things on the side but Cavus definitely takes most of the time right now. One can not command a painter to only paint on one painting and this is the rule here too. We have different projects to keep our needs satisfied, some of maybe will be heard of in the future.


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


We don't try to imitate any specific bands or styles, but of course if everybody enjoys 90's BM like we do, it will come through in some way. All of us then have their own "bands of the moment" that change with seasons, but right now maybe the new Deathspell Omega album is in the most heavy rotation. Then we have everything from doom to industrial and jazz so this question is maybe a bit too vague to have a pinpointed answer to.


11. How would you describe your views on Occultism or Satanism, is there a certain path that you follow?


A true Satanist only follows himself and his only path is to overcome that very self. We don't practice magic or perform rites for any deities outside ourselves. This group consists of 5 highly individualistic people with their own visions and versions of the great truth.


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


Speaking here only for myself (as the vocalist of the band) and as a private person outside the group, I would say visual arts, history and specially hidden or forgotten history, science and psychology. Like Aleister Crowley said: "Anything that sheds light on the Universe, anything that reveals us to ourselves, should be welcome in this world of riddles."

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


Worship and Rot

best regards,

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Bestialized Interview

1. Can you tell us a little band about the band for those that have never heard of you before, on how you came into existence and give us a brief update on what is going on with the band these days?

Bestial Hailz!! I´m Satanized from Bestialized!!

Bestialized is formed by B-Morrt and I in 2004. We played together in other band and we decide to united forces and compose black metal songs. We share the same vision of life and we are really satanic Brothers. We started the production of our first recording “Destroying all Fucking Faith” a promo mcd for the followers of Speed Black Metal. We called our art Bestial Black Metal.

In 2007 we recorded a full length called "Annihilating the judeo-christian Generations" this album was a debut with 9 infernal songs and includes the songs of "Destroying All Fucking Faith" mcd, Old Cemetery Records From the USA released the album for worldwide distribution.

2010 Old Cemetery release "Bestial Flags Of Evilution" our second Full length with all the hate of BESTIAL BLACK METAL.

Nowadays we are recording our third attack. 10 songs for the real metal demons!!


2. When I listen to your music, it sounds like you go for the classic anti christian war/black metal sound, is that the right fit for your music or would you describe it alot differently?

I think we have the essence of Black Metal, we don´t try to copy other bands, We play the metal we like, if you listen to our songs you find all real metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal and Death Metal, we denominated this Bestial Black Metal.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts that the band brings out in the lyrics?

Misanthropy, anti religion ALL RELIGIONS, evolution, human weakness, satanic war, and many more issues, read the lyrics!!


4. Where did you come up with the band name Bestialized, what sources did you draw from?

The name born because we played very fast and we adore the beast that is in every one of us.

The name doesn't mean anything with the animals.


5. I know that you have done some shows around Columbia and South America, what are some of the best shows that you have played around that area and how would you describe your stage performance?

Some of our gigs with Inquisition were awesome. Weve played with Carpathian Forest, Marduk, Vader, Krisiun, Monstrosity.

Bestialized on stage is very bestial, with corpse paint, spikes, bullets, and a true Black Metal attitude.


6. Do you have any plans on bringing your live assault to North America or the European shores in the upcoming future?

That's the idea, I will travel to London next month for a year to study and at the same time I'll try to make contacts for a future tour in Europe, and try to get to the USA.



7.Currently you are signed to Old Cemetery records which has put out a good amount of brutal black metal over the last couple of years, are you happy with the way that they have promoted your music so far?

Yes, we are proud to be part of old cemetery. But we are open for other labels.



8. Are any of the band members currently involved with any side projects or is this a full time band?


We are working right now with a technical drummer with alot of experience, he has different bands.

B-Morrt has a solo project called Vermin Kult, Old School Black Metal.

I'm 100% with Bestialized, I have had bad experiences with side projects.



9. How have black metal fans and anti christian elitists worldwide react to your brutal brand of black metal?

Very well, the black metal maniacs send us e-mails from different parts of the world and via myspace too. So go on motherfuckers! a sign of horns to you!!!


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music, do you have any influences outside of black/death metal and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Our music is influenced by true metal: BLACK, THRASH and DEATH.

Nowadays I listen to

Nefarium - Ad Discipulum

Infernal War- Redesekration

Necrophobic - Death To All

Belphegor - Walpurgish Rites Hexenwahn

Nocturnal Breed - No Retreat No Surrender

Ad Hominem - Dictator - A Monument of Glory



11. How would you describe your views on Satanism, Occultism or Anti Christianity and how does it influence your music?

I think this is personal. Some people believe in different views of evil and anti religious statements, our music is influenced by a world free without morality and sin. God doesn't exist, evil is in your body and your mind, the nature has the power of the life and death, there is no creation, only evolution, OUR EVILUTION!!!




12. How would you describe the black metal scene in your home country of Columbia?

Here in Bogotá there is no scene, there are bands who play and record songs but here there is no support, bands like us look for distribution outside Colombia, because here the "Metal Scene"(not only black metal) is 4 or 5 bands who never been listened to outside Colombia and they act like rock stars and false metal heads follow them.

This is pathetic, in Bogotá only a few metalheads are true and support the true metal.


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

I'm psychologist, and outside Black Metal my interests are to continue studying behaviorism, and the Human behavior.



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

Support the Bestial Black Metal, a sign of horns to you!!

This is Satanized. STAY BESTIAL IN THE NAME OF SATAN!!!


For band contact visit
www.myspace.com/bestialized