Obtest/Tukstantmetis/Wolf Musick/1997 CD Review

  Obtest are a band from Lithuania that played a very raw and primitive form of black metal with this release and this is a review of their 1997 album "Tukstantmetis" which was released by Wolf Musick.

Drums range from mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding pagan black metal riffs while the lead guitars are very raw, primitive melodic and epic sounding pagan black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a dark medieval feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some spoken word parts and clean singing being thrown in at times, while the lyrics are written in Lithuanian and cover Slavic Paganism, Anti Christianity, War, Legends and Battles, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is a very great raw and primitive sounding pagan/black metal album from Obtest and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Karo Dvasia" "997-Menulio Karunos Kautynes" and "Amzians". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Lurker Of Chalice/Self Titled/Southern Lord Records/2005 CD Review

  Lurker Of Chalice is a 1 man  project from San Francisco and another one of Adam Wrest of Leviathan's side projects that plays a very militant, dark and ambient form of black metal and this is a review of their self titled 2005 album which was released by Southern Lord Records.

Drums range from slow militant drumming to mid paced and fast playing with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark ambient/avant garde edge to the music with some noise effects 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 ambient black metal riffs that have a very depressive sounding doom metal feel at times, while the lead guitars are very depressive ambient sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use full chords to being a very dark and militant sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly distorted and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of clean singing chanting and spoken word male and female parts, while the lyrics cover depression and misanthropy with a touch of Norse mythology, as for the production it has a very dark and powerful sound.

In my opinion Lurker Of Chalice are a very good dark sounding ambient/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Peicing Where They Might" "Spectre As Valkerie Is" "The Blood Falls As Mortal(Part III)" and "Vortex Chalice". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Secrets Of The Moon/Antithesis/Lupis Lounge/ Ajna Offensive/2007 CD Review

  Secrets Of The Moon are a band from Germany that started out as a more raw and primitive ritualistic occult black metal band but evolved into a more progressive occult black metal band with this release and this is a review of their 2007 album "Antithesis" which was released as a joint effort between Ajna Offensive and Lupus Lounge.

Drums range from slow to mid paced to fast drumming with some occasional blast beats being used at times, while the sound effects bring a very dark occultic avant garde edge to the music with a small amount of synth, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that also utilize some influences from thrash metal and progressive music with some clean and soft playing being used at times as well as some dark sounding melodies while the lead guitars are very chaotic and sounding black/heavy metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of spoken word parts, Gregorian chants and whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Luciferian, Crowley and Metamorphoses themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Secrets Of The Moon are a very good sounding progressive occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Versus" "Confessions" "Seraphim Is Dead" and "Lucifer Speaks". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Enslaved/Frost/Osmose Productions/1994 CD Review

  Enslaved are a band from Norway that played a very raw and primitive form of atmospheric viking/black metal with this release and this is a review of their classic 1994 album "Frost" which was released by Osmose Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times as well as some percussion work, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music mixed in with some electronics and pagan sounding mouth harps, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding at times while still utilizing a  lot of skill and melody as well as some influences from other forms of metal while the lead guitars which are only utilized rarely have a very raw and primitive sound to the guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to enhance the darkness and atmosphere of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of spoken word parts, clean singing and viking chants, while the lyrics are written in Norwegian and cover Asataru and Norse Paganism themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was the greatest album that Enslaved has put out and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Loke" "Yggdrasil" "Jotunblod" and "Wotan". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Lord Belial/Enter The Moonlight Gate/Death Records/House Of Kicks/No Fashion Records/1997 CD Review

  Lord Belial where a band from Sweden that played a very fast, melodic and atmospheric form of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 1997 album "Enter The Moonlight Gate" which was released as a joint effort between Death Records, House Of Kicks and No Fashion Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a lot of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown in at times as well as some tribal style drumming being used on the hidden track, while the flute and cellos when they are utilized bring a very dark medieval feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive at times while still utilizing a lot of skill and talent with a great amount of melodic riffing being utilized at times as well as a small amount of thrash and death metal influences, while the lead guitars are very chaotic and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some clean singing female vocals being thrown in at times as well as a brief use of deep demonic growls and spoken word ritualistic parts being utilized on the least song, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism and Goetia themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this was the best album that Lord Belial put out and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Enter The Moonlight Gate" "Lamia" and "Belial-Northern Prince Of Evil". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Axis Of Advance/The List/Osmose Productions/2002 CD Review

  Axis of Advance where a band from Alberta, Canada that played a very heavy and brutal form of war/black/death metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "The List" which was released by Osmose Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a  lot of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine the most brutal elements of war, black and death metal together mixed in with a small amount of melodic riffing, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very chaotic and distorted sounding war metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched war metal screams with an brief use of deep growls, while the lyrics cover war and hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, brutal. raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Axis Of Advance where a very great sounding war/black/death metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Annihilation" "Sacrifice" and "Supremacy". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Absurd/Asgardsrei/Resistance Records/2002 CD Re-Issue Review

  Absurd are a band from Germany that plays a very raw and primitive form of ns pagan/black metal with punk/oi influences and this is a review of their 1999 album "Asgardsrei" which was re-issued by Resistance Records during the year of 2002.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the keyboards which are only used on the intro and the last song bring a very atmospheric and epic feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, to mid paced black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixing in influences from punk and oi to create a sound of their own, while the lead guitars are very primitive, epic and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing and spoken word World War II samples, while the lyrics are written in German and cover Asataru, Germanic Paganism, Anti Christian and Aryan Pride themes, as for the production it has a very raw, under produced and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Absurd are a very great raw and primitive sounding ns pagan/black metal band with punk and oi influences, while most of you have probably heard of this band their music is not very easy to find but if you ever come across this recording buy it as quick as you can. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Fur Germanien" "Als die Alten Jung noch Waren" and "Germanien uber Alles". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Ludicra/Hollow Psalms/Life is Abuse/2002 CD Review

  Ludicra where a band from Oakland, California that played a very original form of black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Hollow Psalms" which was released by Life Is Abuse.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording, as for the flute when it is utilized briefly it brings a very dark and esoteric sound to music, in addition there is a brief use of noise effects being utilized on the last song that give the music a very dark avant garde feeling.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some influences from hardcore and doom metal as well as a brief use of clean playing that brings a progressive feeling to the music and dark sounding melodies to create a sound of their own and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing as well as a small use of spoken word parts being used on the last song, while the lyrics cover despair, drugs, hopelessness and city life, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Ludicra where a very great sounding progressive black  metal band that was very original sounding and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hollow Promise" "Damn The Night" and "Awake To Grey". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Nebron/The Message/Dark Horizon Records/2000 CD Review

  Nebron where a band from Hungary that played a very raw, primitive, melodic and atmospheric form of pagan black metal and this is a review of their 1997 demo "The Message" which was re-issued by Dark Horizon Records in 2000 with bonus tracks.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the guitars bring a very epic and atmospheric feeling to the music, as for for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times that have a traditional metal feeling to them as well as a small amount of thrash influences, while the lead guitars when they are utilized have a classic metal feeling to the guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of a spoken word passages as well as a few seconds of deep death metal growls being used on one song, while the lyrics cover Hungarian Pagan Heritage, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nebron where a very great raw, primitive, melodic and atmospheric sounding pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Shadow In A Dreamworld" "Under The Dark Sky" :Lunar Revelations Of The Nocturnal Spirits" and "Eternal Solitude". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Vondur/Stridsyfirlysing/Necropolis Records/1996 CD Review

  Vondur where a band from Sweden that was a side project of the members of Abruptum that played a very raw, primitive and humorous form of black metal and this is a review of their classic 1996 album "Stridsyfirlysing" which was released by Necropolis Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music. 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 synths when they are utilized they bring a very epic sounding feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black/war metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with the guitar being out of key or tune and there are no guitar leads or solos present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams with some spoken word male and female parts being used at times, while the lyrics are written in old Icelandic and cover Satanism, Anti Christian, dark and humorous themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was probably the best album that came out from Vondur in my opinion and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Dreptu Allur" "Fjordi Rikans Uppgangur" "Sigurskrift" and "Beitir Hnifar Skera Djupur". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Atrum Inritus Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Atrum Inritus delivers a message of the power contained within the void between life and death. Created by Eversor, Abyssus and Vindicare in 2010 with Occipitus and Crepitus rounding out the project a few months after its inception. Atrum Inritus resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
Atrum Inritus is not concerned with impressing people with our technical abilities or providing a sound that is easy to absorb. We call out to the darkness and its answer is what comes through us.The most accurate description in summary would be Brooding, Cold Atmospheric Black Metal.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Our lyrical content is based on our insatiable desire for the knowledge that has been hidden from the human race and the disgust we feel from those that ignore it.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Atrum Inritus translates to “ Void of Light “ Simply put, it is the darkness, in meaning and inspiration.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance, also have you had any opportunities to do shows outside of Minnesota?
Our CD release show was the only time we have performed our ritual for the public. The ritual is performed in candlelight without stage lighting as braziers fill the room with incense. Vindicare’s keyboard stand serves as the altar for the wine and chalice. We have turned down several offers for other shows based on the other bands on the bill and the venues in which they are set. Atrum Inritus is not a band that will perform for the sake of performing. Our ritual is an event that is done on our time and under our circumstances.

6. Do you any touring plans for the new album?
We are planning for spring/summer 2012 US touring. More information will be announced when the preparations have been completed.

7. Currently you are signed to Altar Of The Dead Productions, how did you get in contact with label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far, in addition do you feel honored to be the first release on this label?
Altar of the Dead Productions is co-owned by Abyssus and Eversor. Therefore, it was appropriate for Atrum Inritus to be the first band to be under the Altar of the Dead banner.

8. I noticed that the hidden track was a cover of Emperor's Ancient Queen what made you decide to pick this song for the cover tune?
Emperor has been very impactful in Black Metal and a favorite of all members of
Atrum Inritus. Vindicare, a female, is front and center delivering our message. She embodies the energy of the Ancient Queen.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
The reviews and feedback we have received thus far have been positive.

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Atrum Inritus will continue to craft the sound captured on “ Prognatus in
Vorago “ but the energies channeled in and around us will always determine our sound.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Music of all genres and styles influence us.

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism or Occultism and what are your main inspirations from the black arts, I have noticed that there is the armchair people who read but practice nothing, there is also the people that have studied and practice rituals, where do you stand at in this field?
Atrum Inritus is immersed in the Occult in theory and practice.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
See answer to question 12


14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We thank you for your interest. You will all be hearing more from us in the near future.

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Deviator Interview

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

Hails! Musical creativity is closely connected with every step of my life in this world
and songs actually reflect my own certain level of consciousness. So, every release of Deviator is logical to my own world as evolution of my mind. Now I am working on new EP and going to release it on the next year (2012). Title of new Creation will be very unusual and rather differ from previous works as in musical form and ideological position. Becouse new songs are dedicated to new generation of people - brave, noble and strong on all levels of existance united by Divine Flame...

2. How would you describe the music of the newer material and how it differs from the older releases?

Music of Deviator has been developed from minimalistic dark ambient sound on early releases to much more agressive, passionable and atmospheric sound of Black/Death metal on new albums. This process has begun since 2009 year and coninues now though as I have mentioned new songs are more epic and have another vocal.

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

Strong human feelings - anger, suffering, despair, frustration, pain; apocalyptic themes & destruction, honour and supremacy; Adversary archetype...

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

Root "Dev" has indo-european origin and means "shining". Title of Deviator and logo with runescript reveals the Will to disclose the divine potential of our true essence....

5. I have noticed that this project has been both a solo project and also at one time had other musicians involved, which one do you prefer working solo or with other band members?

It is obvious that work as studio project has much better effect and development than short period being live band. Unfortunately I have not found suitable and serious people to play with me live. However some other people have helped me to realize my ideas...

6. Recently you have released a compilation album, what are your opinions on the release and what was the decision behind the compilation?

I think releasing this CD it is quite good idea as it traces an evolution of my one-man band, different level of sound as musical and conceptual development.


7. Currently you are singed to Glorious North Productions how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Glorious North Productions is the best label I have ever cooperated with. I have e-mailed to him with proposition to release some new Deviator material. I really respect this label and we have many outlook signs in common with it's owner...




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

I have noticed many positive reviews on my Creativity of course not such all of them. My music is not for everyone. Some songs have really deep sinister, obscure atmosphere influenced by totally negative feelings. But Evil is part of our life and I think this kind of Art for passianable but mentally and spiritually strong people with developed feeling of intuitive perception of the world...

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

In my opinion I have partially answered on this question. I would like to create more
spiritual and epic Art.

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

Burzum(early), Blut Aus Nord, Bathory(viking era), Metallica (early), Gorgoroth( early), Amon Amarth I like very much. Well, many kinds of extreme metal I have been listen to like atmospheric, viking, pagan, satanic, anti-cosmic, depressive, symphonic black metal, melodic/brutal death metal, funeral doom etc.



11. What are some of the forms Of Satanism, Occultism and Paganism that have had the most impact on your practices and music and also which occultists, philosophers and organizations do you find the most interesting?

I think it is very important to find own way for every person that means his/her true
Will. Not every knowledge is acceptable for human being. Nowadays we live in strange period of time and overloaded information of different kind. As for me I am interested to get really useful knowledge that means self-exploration and development, follow my natural insticts and true feelings but with awareness my own place between other stars...On the other hand I perceive my own limitation and I can not be always perfect and wise. Becouse Nature is measure of all things not human being with his/her own local perception of truth.( Nature is not only visible world but subtle worlds that organically connected with each other) . Of course is hard sometimes to keep balance and justice all the time but another life is here despite people according to their selfish goals do not want to see
it...As for second part of your question I should say I have no reliable info about certain occult organizations as I am not a member in any of them.(I do not trust people much).However some writers(personalities) has or had influence on my mind of course like K.G.Jung, F.Nietzsche, V.Vikernes, E.Levi, S.Grof, VeleslaV, A.Crowley...

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

Ancient history; North,Greek,Egyptian and other mythology, chess, Runes, Moon,
psychology(transpersonal too),ancient artefacts, pentacles, amulets, Martial Arts,
football, PC games(FPS, RPG, strategies), shamanism, sorcery, healing, levitation, astral, ghosts etc.

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

To forgotten Land
To forgotten Hope
To Sacrality of Blood
Wings will grow
With knowledge
To Create New World!
(c)L.H.

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Deviator/Way Of Warriors-Hyms To Immortals/Glorious North Productions/2011 CD Compilation Review

Deviator are a 1 man band from Ukraine that plays a very primitive form of ambient pagan/black metal and this is a review of their 2011 compilation album "Way Of Warriors-Hymn To Immortals" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drum beats range from slow, mid paced to fast parts with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in the music, while the synths have a very dark ambient/avant garde and depressive sound to them with a funeral edge 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 from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording except for the last song, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are mostly hateful and grim sounding black metal screams that have a depressive sounding edge at times with a brief use of spoken word parts in addition there is a small use of demonic growls being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover death, darkness, occultism, Norse Mythology and individualism, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Deviator are a very good raw and primitive sounding ambient pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Last Day Of Mankind" "Undying Darkness" "Funeral Future Bells" and "Way Of Warriors-Hymn To Immortals". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Legions Of Crows Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days? Well, apart from the Misantrof compilation album we're starting to write for the next full length. So far we have three original tunes and one cover on the go. It'll be slightly more experimental than Stab Me but still with the massive riffs! We're also gathering personnel for possible live dates and shooting a video for "Bullshit Acres"...pretty busy!


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous demo?
Its really an extension of the demo that was a statement of intent...the sound is much bigger and more ballsy so we're pretty happy with it for a first album.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new album? Lyrically this one is very angry at the Government over here - its very anti establishment in all respects, from Religion to Politics. We don't fucking like it! Easy to say, but less easy to change anything and my bleating probably won't help, but it made me feel better!


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name? It came as we already had the song "Legions of Crows" - to me, the British Parliament reminds me of a buncha cawing crows sitting in ranked tiers of self serving shit. Its also very Doooom, innit.


5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do live shows or is this mainly a studio project? We've been offered numerous live shows but didn't have the necessary people. That is being sorted out, however.


6. I have read that the band members have a history that goes back to the NWOBHM days but at the same time you still sound very modern but with a more original sound, what is it that motivates you to move with the times when other musicians from that era still stick to their old sound? Hah! Glad you said that. I grew up with the NWOBHM and most of it was shit. A few bands shone through, like in a lot of genres, but many of them had a couple of decent songs and that was it. I was always more into Punk, early industrial and underground metal than I was that sound so this was natural for me to do...


7. Currently you are singed to Funeral Rain Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the suuport that they have given you so far? They were very supportive of us right from the demo and we struck up a relationship through Myspace. We'd had a couple of offers for an album, but Funeral Rain have great energy and are hungry to do stuff. They saluted me and I reciprocated! They, in tandem with Clawhammer are doing a great job now, so we are happy with the way things are going.


8. On a worldwide level how has your new album been recieved by fans of black and doom metal? Generally really good! I have some nice messages from all over the place and the reviews have been 95% very positive. We're looking forwards to reaching and meeting as many new people as possible.


9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases? As I said, slightly more experimental as we're exploring other older genres of music to meld with our Blackened Doom assault. There will be elements of German 20s chanson and traditional forms of art within the music, but still with the crushing riffs and massive sound.


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? Very many, from early Black Sabbath through to bands such as Shining and Skitliv. I also like the rawness of Darkthrone and Burzum, so they all make an appearance in my mind when I'm constructing the tunes. Doom and Black metal are the biggest influences along with a punky nihilism that I always loved bands like the damned for.


11. What role does Satanism, Occultism and Anti Christianity play in your music and how would you describe your views on these topics? It has its place in both mine and Revelators hearts for different reasons, so it will always resonate in the music. I'm not into merely screaming "Fuck God" etc as that is too easy to do. I'd rather let my feelings be known through songs like "Fellating the Lamb" and the sarcasm of "Provident Hymn"


12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests? Well mainly I like following Leeds United football club and kicking Manchester United fans. Revelator likes amphetamine. Other than that my hobbies include trying to work out what the fuck the little symbols in Pro Tools mean , motorcycles and studying comparative religions. Its good to understand the enemy.


13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Thank you for your support and we're gonna be around for a while. We got plans. Sort of.

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Pantheon Of Blood/Consociatio Solis et Lunae/Glorious North Productions/2011 EP Review

  Pantheon Of Blood are a band from Finland that plays a very raw and primitive form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2011 ep "Consociatio Solis et Lunae" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drums range from slow to mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing 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 raw and primitive black metal riffs that are epic sounding at times with some clean playing being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feel at times with some clean singing, while the lyrics cover national romanticism and occultism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound.

In my opinion Pantheon Of Blood are a great sounding occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Overflowing Manifestation. RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Moloch/llusionen eines verlorenen Lebens/Glorious North Productions/2011 CD Review

 Moloch are a 1 man project from Ukraine that plays a very depressive from of ambient black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "llusionen eines verlorenen Lebens" which was released by Glorious North Productions.

Drum programming ranges from slow to mid paced beats with not much in the way of fast parts or blast beats, while the synths have a very dark ambient and depressive sound to them, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive ambient black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of depressive black metal screams and spoken word parts, while the lyrics are written in Ukrainian and cover nature, depression and individualism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Moloch are a very great sounding ambient/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ein düsterer Winter kommt ll" "Weg von dieser Welt voller Traurigkeit" and "Abgrund meines Wesens". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Ritual/The Resurrection/Funeral Rain Records/2011 CD Review

  Ritual are a band from California that has been interviewed by this zine a year and a half back that started out as a very atmospheric form of occult black metal but have evolved more into a melodic occult black metal band with this new release and this is a review of their long awaited return album "The Resurrection" which was released by Funeral Rain Records.

Drum beats range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats present on this recording, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful, as for the synths when they are utilized briefly they bring a very dark avant garde occultic edge to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced black metal riffs that are very melodic sounding that is very different than the previous recordings, while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark, satanic, anti christian and occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound.

In my opinion while this album is a lot less raw and primitive sounding than their earlier recordings  it  is  still a  very  great  recording  but if you are a fan of melodic occult black metal, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Resurrection" "Executioner Of The Elder Gods" "Nightmare" and "Temples Of Baphomets Sons". RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/ritualblackmetal

Diablery Interview

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

Diablery was founded at '07-'08 and was initially based in Chalkis,
Greece. One year later the band finds new members in Athens and moves
its base of actions there. At 2010 we released "The Catharsis" EP and
we have just released "The Eye" EP (the reproduced version of our old
release).

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the
new ep and how it differs from the previous release?

As i've said before, the musical direction is preserved as we are
talking for the same tracks of the first release ("The Catharsis" EP).
Alas the first release wasn't produced as we 'd like due to time
pressure and financial obstacles. We decided to "honor" these 4 tunes
by giving them some decent production and by enhancing them with some
ideas that came along. "The Eye" EP was the result of this effort.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the new release and
what progression did you make as songwriters with the new one?

The lyrical content, except some new lines and structures, is the same
with this of the first release. Beyond this fact, now, the lyrical
inspiration comes from the awareness and apprehension of inner and
outer realities. This involves contacting the Shadow aspect of our
psychism and Cosmos.

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

"Diablery" stands for the philosophy that commands the manifestation
process to obey the unified (in terms of archetypal patterns)
Luciferian nature..

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

We perceive every stage experience valuable in its own right.
Therefore we can't point out a "best show" but we can surely mark
significant moments from which we've learned important lessons. Our
participation to the "Battle of the Bands: Wacken" and also the
road-trip to Thessaloniki, to perform at "8ball Club" are some of
these moments.

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

Touring is a very important aspect of our existence as a band. So,
yes, we plan on touring as soon as the new album (our full-length
debut) comes out.

7. I saw online that you are looking for a drummer, what kind of
drummer are you looking for?

An open-minded drummer with fuckin good skill, fresh ideas and his own
equipment is someone who meets the band's need. He must also stay or
have a residence here in Greece.


8. Currently you are unsinged, are you looking for a label and if so,
what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your
music?

Definetely signing with a label is one of the targets. A consistent
label runned by solid individuals would suffice.

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

The feedback from all over the world is very positive. But a Devotee
must not embrace either good words or ill-mannered speech in order to
act without restrain.

10. Are there any other side projects besides this band or is this a
full time line-up?

Each member has some other band or side-project so he can murder some
more time in the altar of Musick. Adyton, Exarsis, Nethescerial,
Reclaim are some of these affiliated bands/projects.

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

I can tell you for sure that the full-length will have more complex
forms and bizarre soundscapes, more speed and eerie guitars. Also
major expansion of variety in the vocal territory.

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

We think that labelizing is very bad for the evolution of art. But in
order to answer one has to use labels. Swedish black/death metal scene
is a major infuence as well as Norwegian (Ulver and Arcturus, Ihsahn,
Emperor etc.). Also we appreciate the French scene (Blut Aus Nord,
Deathspell Omega, Pensées Nocturnes etc) and also japanese black
metal. Hellenic scene has a place in our soul with bands like
Necromantia and Naer Mataron and we like discovering new or old bands
with one or two releases from all over the world. Jazz and
avantgarde/experimental music is another important factor in our
aesthetics as well as traditional music from all over the world
(Greece, Mesopotamia, Tibet, Iceland and America). From all the
questions this is the more difficult to answer - we listen stuff from
"pop" music, rock, even trance or industrial. Existence equals music.

13. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in your music and how
would you describe your views on this topic?

Our music/lyrics is related with the Occult in every sense. We think
that occult interests are essential for the evolution of a person.
Although we value Satan as an important figure we have come to reject
the solely materialistic current of modern Satanism and we tend to
focus more on the Luciferian/ Promythean archetype. Great insights are
to be found in hermetism and neoplatonism. Avoidance of mandatory
religious practices (as expressed by these large organization that
sell "spirituality") is very crucial in our way of life.

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

Our existence is infected with all shorts of different
diseases-interests. Walking forest/mountain routes, literature and
occult/philosophical texts. Science (from maths to sociology) books.
This is nothing but mere words and i can't really express how we deal
with all this experience that existence offers. Hunger is the only
word..


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

There is only one absolute Moment.

*“Show yourselves in power **and make me a strong seething **for I am of Him
** that lives forever”*

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Legions Of Crows/Stab Me/Funeral Rain Records/2011 CD Review

  Legions Of Crows are a band from the UK that consists of veterans from the NWOBHM scene that plays a mixture of necro black metal, traditional doom metal and Northern European Hymnody and this is a review of their 2011 album "Stab Me" which was released by Funeral Rain Records.

Drum programming range from slow to mid paced beats with some occasional fast parts and blast beats, while the keyboards bring a very dark and funeral like sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid  paced riffs that combine necro sounding black metal with traditional and funeral doom metal and at times they are some very raw and primitive sounding fast playing, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very classic sounding heavy metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals range from grim sounding black metal screams, clean singing and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Legions Of Crows are a very great and original sounding black/funeral doom hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Provident Hymn Malediction" "Defecate" "Dull Grey" and "Coventry Carol". RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/legionsofcrows

www.reverbnation.com/legionsofcrows

Dies Irae Interview

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

Hello, first that all thank you very much for the interview, actually im working on some improvements of our own recording studio, we plan to start working on some new songs again for ourselves so we needed a more professional platform, we already have several ideas for our next album and we want to start between January and February next year.

How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Well .. all albums in the band have been different, the music began to have a dark sound, melancholic, sad, which was transformed through time in a progressive and death metal sound; To this album, things have been different, this album is very personal, more intimate, Fernz and I were working for 2 years and the result has been most satisfying for me who has had throughout the history of dies irae. The new sound takes many elements that distinguished the band in its beginning, Music turns sad and dark again with many new elements that the time gave to me, we mixed our music with sounds from some of the new influences I had during the last 10 years and this gives a unique sound to the new album which we decided to label as PostMetal.

What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new album?

The lyrics in this album are still very personal, sometimes metaphorical allowing our fans interpret what they want to understand with their own view, the main issue is how life can change or how life has changed when one turns and looks back without have realized the time. We wrote about some scenarios that we imagine about complicated things that life throws along the way.

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

As everyone knows there have been dozens of groups in the world with the dies irae name, from what I've researched, we were the first in the metal scene in taking this name. It comes from a segment of Mozart's Requiem and the idea of naming the band with this name could be the same as Mozart title idea, making music for the dead in life.




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

During the tour "etherial" we had great presentations, I remember specially one of them supporting The Gathering in Mexico City with a great audience, I remember very well having played with Enslaved in Irapuato City many many years ago, that was a great gig also. The last gig of Dies irae was in 2002 when we presented the album "Naive", I described the performance as intense, the idea of a Dies Irae show is to connect audiences with the music, trying to interpret the main moments in the songs with the energy that people give us.

Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We are preparing a set list to play live, but now life has made things more complicated, the idea is to go out and do some presentations, maybe few, but we want to have the personal presence and reconnect with old fans.

I have noticed that you took a long hiatus, what where you doing during that time and what made you decide to reform the band after all these years?

As you say, the band went into a shadow of almost 10 years, was long distance. We had a strong situations that forced us to move away. But all the time we were not far from the music. Eduardo and I started a side project called The Ill over Death, with which we get an album called Steric.
After that Eduardo made changes in his life that led him away entirely from the music. I started to write some songs with Fernz who replaced Eduardo at The ill, and the result made me turn back because I felt he was returning to make things as Dies Irae and that's how the band has reborned

Have you recieved any backlash for your new sound?

Of course. I'm very happy to see that the Dies Irae very quickly resuming the place he had in the international scene, almost every day I go to the web and see something new about my band on google that comes from other parts far of Mexico. The album reviews has barely begun, it can be hard with the new stuff now because things move differently, and the new album offers a different style to what the metal offers today. Make changes and offer a different music sound is always risky if your idea is to have good reviews, I know that, one of them compared our Secret veils of passion with Tiamat’s A deeper kind of slumber which in turn was killed by critics and now everyone sees it as a great album .. This to me is very satisfying. I guess we will not get the best grades in the polls and the critical reaction but we are enjoying a lot the moment and we’re very very glad with the backlash.

On a worldwide level how have fans reacted to your music style, that have heard it so far?


The starting point for Dies Irae was very early, from the demo Ab imo pectore the band was exposed to the Critics in other countries like Italy, Turkey, Sweden, Norway, where the main metal scene was concentrated in the 90’s woldwide, each album gaves something new to us and we get more fans from other countries. People received Dies Irae so good, and criticism has been very good. Always positive and motivating.

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

It is always difficult to talk about the future of music, by the time the new songs are concentrated in a dark way, guitars are now speaking by themself much more than before and are taking their own voice in the music, so the next job could be described as more acoustic, more intense, more warm, but hard when its have to be.
Dies Irae is taking a definitive way in the sound and we are trying to make it perfect.

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

The bands that gave roots to the dies irae music were definitly doom metal and true black metal bands such as My Dying Bride, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Celestial Season, Paradise Lost basically.
Things have changed and the influences which can also be seen in each album.
I'm really far from the metal, I hear very few bands in this genre.
I'm currently really into Neofolk, Dark Ambient, Synth and Martial Pop which has opened an amazing world to me.

Does Occultism play any role in your music?

Definitely not, the church is more and more away from my beliefs and my preferences now, I think the laws of the church are becoming more retrograde and keeps the people blind but I try to find my own answers to my own decisions without flail to see if this good or what I did wrong. The lyrics and the music of Dies Irae maybe offer a little of this claim, but we are not in the occultism. Not for now hahahaha.




Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Well, outside of music I personally enjoy life with my daughter who lives with me, I like swimming, I like to enjoy my friends, I have to work hard to live as I live, I'm a graphic designer, now Im starting an design agency with Daniel HG and that's what I do apart from music. Fernz rebuilt his life and is enjoying the company of his wife and kids, he is working in the footwear industry and that is the real life of Dies Irae.


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

Just thank you for the support you’re giving to us, we thank our fans with whom we've been brought together, thanks for having reopened the doors of their ears, hope you like our new album and hope to see you soon on stage.
And remember, When unexpected things ocurrs…..!

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