Cruelty's Heart/Die For Woden/Wodfreca Records/2011 EP Review

 Cruelty's  Heart  are  a  band  from  England  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  primitive  form  of  pagan/black metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  ep  "Die  For  Woden"  which  was  released  by  Wodfreca  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  primitive  black  metal  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  pagan/black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  raw  and  primitive  sounding  at  times  as  well  as  adding  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  thrash  and  traditional  metal  influences  in  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  enhance  the  atmosphere  of  the  music.

  Vocals are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  death  metal growls  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  and  Anglo  Saxon  Paganism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  most  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Cruelty's  Heart  are  a  very  great  sounding  pagan/black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep. RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Pentacle,  The  Sword,  The  Wand  And  The  Chalice"  and  "Die  For  Woden".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Hrafnblod Interview

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

I started Hrafnblóð in late 2010 because I was fed up of the generic metal-heads around my local area of Telford, and them having no substance. By 'no substance', I mean that they lacked an ideology or stance that I could relate to. They were just singing songs about having a broken heart, or trying to replicate the pointless, shock value style of lyrics by Cannibal Corpse.

Since those angry beginnings, I've released an independent EP (The Quintessence of Man), been signed to Wodfreca Records, and through them I have released a full length album (Heathen Psalms) and my latest release, a 4 track EP entitled ''Mid Weorðe Standan'.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

I don't know really. I like to try different things. There's a track on Heathen Psalms which has a harmonica solo. Why not? Who says there has to be rules?

Each release has been different, in my opinion. I think, as soon as you stick to a genre, you've put yourself in a box. I just call it Heathen Metal, because that's what I am, and it's Metal music.

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

I like to explore my ancestry (as many bands are doing now). The beauty of nature often comes into at least one song on a release. Between releases, I try to visit somewhere new in my country that has some form of ancestral history. The track 'Mount Tūalf'seni', for example, off the new EP is about a local area called 'The Wrekin', which has alot of history and folklore tied to it.

However, most of my songs have Anti-Zionist lyrics. People blame immigration for the reason that our Indo-European culture is slowly, but surely dying out. Yes, but who decides what happens in our Western Governments? Zionist Lobbies. If anyone is unsure on what Zionism is, visit - www.davidduke.com. He's someone who I look up to for his lack of fear in speaking the truth.

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

Hrafnblóð means 'Raven Blood' in Old Norse. The idea came from the 'Blood Eagle', which was a method of torture and execution that is sometimes mentioned in Nordic saga legends. It was performed by cutting the ribs of the victim by the spine, breaking the ribs so they resembled blood-stained wings, and pulling the lungs out through the wounds in the victim's back. Salt was sprinkled in the wounds.

That's where the inspiration for the name came from, and then I changed the 'Eagle' for 'Raven' as the latter is more prominent in Norse Mythology.

5. Currently this band is a studio project, are you planning on expanding the band for a live line up in the future, or do you choose to keep it in the studio?

I would love to take these songs to the stage some day. However, my hometown is still the shallow pit of braindead metal-heads as it was in 2010. So, I doubt I will be able to find musicians on the same wave-length.

I'm happy with keeping Hrafnblóð as a studio project for now though. I'm happy with how things are going. The only thing I'm worried about, is being known as another one man Burzum wannabe. But, hopefully, my music is different from Varg's enough where that won't become an issue.

6. Currently you are singed to Wodfreca how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support 

A close friend of mine introduced me to the label. He was friends with the Operator/Owner of Wodfreca 'Matt Kay', who also has a solo project called 'Æþelruna'. I emailed him with a link to a few of my tracks, and he emailed back a couple of days later offering me a one album deal. After signing the contract, I begun writing for Heathen Psalms in November 2011. I finished recording the entire album by February 2012, and it was released in May 2012, limited to 100 copies, with artwork by Black Raven Design.

The support I have recieved from Wodfreca has been amazing. He's a great guy, and we often speak over Facebook. I really honour anyone who parts with their own money in order to further someone elses' music.

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

That's hard to gauge, really. I've had lots of support, great comments, reviews etc. Whether it be worldwide, or from just people in my own country, I have no idea.

Whether they are from Pagans, Christians or Jews, I have no idea. (Although, I doubt comments would be positive from the last 2)

The positive comments tend to be more about my riffs or my vocals, than anything else.

However, to anyone that has made positive comments, I thank you for taking the time to listen to my music.

8.Are there any other projects besides this band or is this full time?

No. Not ones I can talk about, anyway.

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

No idea. I listen to so many different types of music, and I think alot of it depends on what I'm in to at the time. I would like to add more clean vocals and folk instruments though. I'm sure I'll be blasted by Metal fan-boys, and be told that it's not 'cool' to do that. Well, fuck you. It's not your band.

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

I was raised on the classics - Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Nazareth, Hendrix, UFO, Mott the Hoople etc. I got into metal when I was 8. My first album was The Great Southern Trendkill by Pantera. It's still my favourite album of all time. To me, Pantera had the best idea of what metal is supposed to be.

I am currently listening to alot of Mastodon, Absurd, Pink Floyd, Tchaikovsky's concertos, Satanic Warmaster, Selbtmord, Eluvietie and Ulver.

My musical tastes change. I don't understand people who listen to one type of genre. Those are the types of people who are so insecure about their image. The type of people who think that if they listen to classical music, their friends will disown them. And so what if they do?

11. How would you describe your views on Paganism?

For one, I personally don't describe myself as Pagan. That terminology conjures up alot of negative steroetypes towards us. People hear 'Pagan' and they think that we re-enact The Wickerman every weekend. I use the term Odinism.

I won't go too much into this, as I feel it's a very personal part of my life. All I'll say is that I'm not an Odinist because I'm latching on to the musical ideals, that's why I don't feel the need to talk about as much in my songs. I know what I am, I don't want to be like some filthy Christian and throw my beliefs at everyone.

I honour the Gods. I learn from the Gods. That's all you need to know.

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

Anything nature orientated. I work alot. So, when I'm not there, and not writing, I like to get out of the concrete jungle and go out into the wilderness. It's the best thing any musician from any genre can do for inspiration.

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

Thank you for your questions. And thank you to anyone who reads it. I hope people will enjoy my new EP, available here for free download - http://soundcloud.com/hrafnblod/sets/mid-weor-e-standan-hrafnbl/

Hrafnblod/The Quintessence Of Man/Wodfreca Records/2011 EP Review

  Hrafnblod  are  a  band  from  England  that h as  had  their  most  recent  ep  reviewed  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  I  would  describe  as  being  Heathen  Metal  with  this ep  having  more  of  a  black  metal  sound  than  their  newer  material  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  ep  "The  Quintessence  Of Man"  which  was  released  by  Wodfreca  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  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  to  mid  paced  pagan/black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  influences,  while  the  lead  guitars  when they  are  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  bring  a  medieval  atmosphere  to the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls  being  thrown  into the  music  at  times, while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  and  English  Paganism  and  Mythology,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  raw,  powerful  and  heavy  sound   to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  release  from  Hrafnblod  which  is  a  little  bit  different  than  their  newer  material  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  pagan  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I  Met  The  Dragon"  and  "Across  The  Pagan  Vastlands". RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Hrafnblod/Mid Weorde Standan/Woodfreca Records/2012 Ep Review

  Hrafnblod  are  a  band  from  England  that  plays  heathen  black/pagan  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012   ep  "Mid Weorde  Standan"  which   was  released  by  Woodfreca  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  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  to  mid  paced  pagan  metal  riffs  that  are  heavily  influenced  by  black  metal  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  and  soft  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  pagan  growls  to  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing, while  the  lyrics  cover  English  Paganism  and  Heathenism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound.

  In  my  opinion  Hrafnblod  are  a  very  great  sounding  Heathen  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Awakening"  and  "Shores  Of  The  Dead".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Hellspawn/Lords Of Eternity/Rotten Records/2001 CD Review

  Hellspawn  where  a  band  from  Australia  that  played  a  very  atmospheric  form of  satanic  black  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2001  album  "Lords  Of  Eternity"  which  was  released  by  Rotten  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  dark,  epic  and  atmospheric  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.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  dark  sounding  melodies  and  death  metal  influences  in  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording,  as  for  the  classical  guitars  when  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  dark  atmosphere  that  is  coming  out  of  the  music.

  Vocals a re  mostly  grim  sounding  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls  and  spoken  word  ritualistic  parts,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Anti  Christian  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  strong,  powerful,  and  heavy  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Hellspawn  where  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Whores  Of  Adramalech"  "Baphomet's  Disciples"  and  "Realm  Of  The  Black  Angels".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hellspawn/2920

Unlord/Lord Of Beneath/Displeased Records/2002 CD Review

   Unlord  where  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  played  a  very  fast  and  aggressive  form  of  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2002  album  "Lord  Of  Beneath"  which  was  released  by  Displeased  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  keyboards  when  they  are  utilized  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  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.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy,  brutal,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  influences  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  little  to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  brief  use  of  deep  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Anti  Christian  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound  which  does  not  take  away  from  the  aggression  of  the  music.

  In  my  opinion  Unlord  where  a  very great  sounding  heavy  and  aggressive  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Force  Of  The  Serpent"  "Angel  Of  Hire"  "Midnight  In  Hell"  and  "Hail  Satanas".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Unlord/3632

Baptism/The Beherial Midnight/Northern Heritage/2002 CD Review

  Baptism  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2002  album  "The  Beherial  Midnight"  which  was  released  by  Northern Heritage.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  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  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  with  some  thrash  influences  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  demonic  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness,  Evil,  Luciferian,  Satanism  and  Suicidal  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Baptism  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark,  raw  and  primitive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sons  Of  Ruin  And  Terror"  "Blasphemic  Tyrant"  "Forest  Of  Suicidal  Memories"  and  "The  Beherial  Midnight".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Deception Interview

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

Currently Hellthrasher Productions released our new material as a split with DEMONIC SLAUGHTER entitled “Worshippers Of The Darkness”. So now We’ll see how label will promote the album and We’re waiting for reactions and opinions. Soon We’ll start to write music for our 4^th album, which hopefully We’re going to record late next year.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the newer material and how it differs from the older recordings?

Deception still sound as old school death metal band. We grown up with music from late 80’s and early 90’s so here nothing changed. Of course We’re moving towards, but We don’t sound as a modern metal bands. We don’t like “plastic” music and We don’t spend to match time in the recording studio. There is no big difference between older and new stuff. Music is still raw, dark and very intensive.

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

I’ve never liked to talk about my lyrics. As always I prefer to play with the words, so the meaning is only now for myself. Of course people can read them and try to understand what chaos is doing inside my head…Lyrics are very important. Anyway all we going to die, so fuck them.

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

I have no idea. I wasn’t in the band at the beginning. I cannot answer that question. Sorry.

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

Looks like we got a “little” problem in here. We haven’t play any gigs almost three years from now. We love to play live, but there was a many changes in band line up. Honestly, even now again We got some problems with musicians. In the past We have played many gigs and always on stage We play loud and aggressive shows. Here is some of the bands We used to play with: Impiety, Infernal War, Mord, Bestial Raids, Spearhead, Stillborn, Anima Damnata, Hell United…

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

As I said, again We have some problems with the line up, so for the moment it’s impossible. I don’t like to make plans for the future, I live in the presence…We’ll see how things gonna work for Us.

7. I have read that one of the band members does the Dissonance Record label, can you tell us more about this label?

Hard to say if Dissonance Records still exist. It’s a small, independent label, which released few good underground positions. I think that now is some kind of distro then a proper label. To be honest I’m not even sure about that, because I haven’t hear from owner for a while since he left our band.

8. Recently you have put out a split with Demonic Slaughter, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated?

DEMONIC SLAUGHTER music is something what is missing in the present scene. They are looking more into the past, and this is what I really like. They have few good records, so We’ve decided to cooperate and finally everything finished successfully. If you’re into decent, raw, old black metal, they should grab your attention. I recommend just last two of their materials, album “Revelations Of Death” and EP “Dark Essence”- crushing music! This is how should sound metal this days. Respect!

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

Deception belongs to underground, so there are our fans. All our releases have good feedback from death metal maniacs around the world. Only problem is with our last album “Inferno”. It’s been released by Deathrune Records in 2011 and hasn’t been promoted at all! We’re really disappointed by that.

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

I think that We still gonna walk on the same path. Soon We’re starting to write some new tracks, so We’ll see how they gonna sound. Old school never dies!

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

There is so many bands which inspired us to play. Just to mention few: Bathory, Celtic Frost, Possessed, Sarcofago, Incantation, old Morbid Angel and of course old Polish scene as: Kat, Merciless Death, Dragon, Armagedon, Ghost and many more. We listen all metal in general. Especially we pay attention to metal from 80’s and 90’s, old death metal Swedish bands.

Apart of metal We also listen movies soundtracks and good progressive rock from the 70’s.

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

???

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

Mountains, forests generally nature, books, good movies, exercise. Anyway music is always on the first place.

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

Thanks for your time! Worship live and death.

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Niden Div. 187/Impergium/Necropolis Records/1997 CD Review

  Niden  Div.  187  where  a  band  from  Sweden  that  played  a  very  raw  and  primitive  form  of  black  metal  with  grindcore  and  industrial  influences   and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1997  album  "Imperigium"  which  was  released  by  Necropolis  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music, while  the  samples  bring  in  elements  of  industrial  and  noise  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.

  Rhythm  guitars  range from  slow,  mid  paced  to fast  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy,  raw,  primitive  and  brutal  sounding  with  a  good  amount  of  grindcore  influences  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  spoken  word  samples  being  used  at  times,  while the  lyrics  cover  violent  and  hateful  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  heavy,  brutal,  raw  and  primitive  sound  with  the  songs  being  very  short  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Niden  Div.  187  where  a  very  great  sounding  heavy,  brutal,  raw  and  primitive  black  metal  band  with  a  grindcore  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  genre  of  music,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Genocide"  "In  The  Twilight  Of  War"  "Funeral  Pyres"  and  "The  End".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.    

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Azazel/The Night Of Satanachia/Holocaust Records/1996 CD Review

  Azazel  where  a  band  from  Finland  that  played  a  very  raw  and  primitive  form  of  occult   black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1996  album  "The  Night  Of  Satanachia"  which  was  released  by  Holocaust  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  used  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  tone  with  primitive  black  metal  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  in  the  90's  tradition  with  some  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  and  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness, Occultism,  Satanism  and  Vampirism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Azazel  where  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  primitive  occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Longing  For  Dark  Winterforest"  and  "The  Night  Of  Satanachia".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Svartkraft/den onda pesten/Perishinlight/2003 CD Review

  Svartkraft  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  melodic  and  depressive  from  of  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2003  album  "den  onda  pesten"  which  was  released  by  Perishinlight.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  only  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  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,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark,  raw,  primitive  and  depressive  sounding  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  and  soft  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  depressive  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  and    high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  brief  use  of  deep  growls,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  Depressing,  Satanic  and  Black  Metal  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Svartkraft  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  depressive  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Elementens  Fall"  "Liv  I  Ruiner"  and  "Frysande  Svart  Blod".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Massemord/Skogen Kaller/blackmetal.com/2003 CD Review

  Massemord  where  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  raw  and  primitive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2003  album  "Skigen  Kaller"  which  was  released  by  blackmetal.com.

  Drum  programming  ranges  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  beats,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  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  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  thrash  and  traditional  metal  influences,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  darkness  that  is  coming  out  of  the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  and  high  pitched  black  metal screams  along  with  a  brief  use  of  deep  growls  and  Gregorian  chanting,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in Nowegian  and  cover  Darkness,  Anti  Christian  and  Norse  Paganism  themes,  as  for  the  production  it    has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Massemord  where  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  raw  and  primitive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Etermal  War"  "Flowers  For  Your  Funeral"  "Soul  Deceiver"  and  "My  Last  Breath".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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The Legion/Unseen To Creation/Listenable Records/2003 CD Review

 The  Legion  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  aggressive  form  of  black  metal  mixed  in  with  some  death  metal  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2003  album  "Unseen  To  Creation"  which  was  released  by  Listenable  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced   to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  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,  as  for  the  synths  they  are  only  used  briefly  to  bring  a  dark  atmosphere  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  death  metal  influences  in  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  chaotic  sounding  black/death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  classical  guitars  when  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  darkness  that  is  coming  out  of  the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  The  Legion  are  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  black  metal  band  with  a  melodic  and  death  metal  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Retribution"  "Cosmopathic  Deathvoid"  "Awakened  Fury"  and  "Rise  Of  The  Fallen".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Trollheims Grot/Bizarre Troll Technology/Woodcut Records/2001 CD Review

  Trollheims  Grot  are  a band from Finland  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2001  album  "Bizarre  Troll  Technology"  which  was  released  by  Woodcut  Records.

  Drums  range  from slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sound  to  the  music  and  they  dominate  throughout  the  recording  and  they  have  an  industrial  feeling  on  the  last  song,  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  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  thrash  influences  in  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  grim  sounding  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  deep  growls  and  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  trolls,  blasphemy,  darkness  and  technology,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound  with  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Trollheims  Grot  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  a  thrash  and  melodic  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Troll Syndicate" "Bizarre Troll Technology"  and  "Electronic  Genocide".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Alghazanth/Thy Aeons Envenomed Sanity/Woodcut Records/2000 CD Review

  Alghazanth  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  satanic  black  metal  with  a  melodic  edge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2000  album  "Thy  Aeons  Envenomed  Sanity"  which  was  released  by  Woodcut  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  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.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  are  neither  too  mainstream  or  raw  and  primitive  sounding  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  thrash  influences,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals are  mostly  high  pitched  and  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing,  spoken  word  parts  and  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness,  and  Anti  Christian  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound.

  In  my  opinion  Alghazanth  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  satanic  black  metal  band  with  a  melodic  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Unbounded  Wrath"  "He  Awaits"  and  "The  Thorns  Cry  Blood".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Symuran Interview

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




Vlad Rommel: I created SYMURAN with my comrades in Kharkov,Ukraine in 2008.

In a short period I found a drummer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist and I became a vocalist.

Then we began to search for our style, but this led to many conflicts because all members tried to bring down their own musical preferences, so as a result, we have changed a lot of bass players and guitarists until we get a full line-up in spring 2009.

In the same period, we did live-demo "DEMOnized", which includes three our songs and two covers of Amon Amarth and Belphegor. Quality was terrible, but still with this demo-recording, we were able to start on stage and made debut in a friendly biker-fest "Nothern Lands-2009."

After that we’ve been first mentioned in the glossy magazine article))

In the end of a year we recorded one song and made another demo-tape called " The Night Will Fall Down Again " as online single. Until the spring of 2010 we have travelled with concerts all over Ukraine, and than we turned into a studio project.

In October 2011, we began the record of our debut album and in February 2012 it’s been mixed & mastered at one of the Kharkov studios.

At the moment, the album was released by Metal Scrap Records, now Khort and I going to recruit participants to transformate "studio project" in real band with live shows.

Also, now we are working with a new material - more technical and faster than our earlier works.



2. How would you describe your musical sound?



Vlad Rommel: First of all, our music is initially contest between two composers: master of melody and master of uncompromising hardness. We don’t have Pagan metal in music, but we use it as a lyrical component. Black metal dominates in earlier material such as DEAD and PESSIMIZM, in newer UNDER THE RUNES OF THE SUN and RISE OF HELHEIM'S BONEHANDS sound refers to Technical Death metal.

Absolutely darkness and cruelty :)



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

Vlad Rommel: - Main topics of the lyrics that I write for SYMURAN - war, destruction, Fire, Death, and anti-Christianity, pride, appeals to the ancient gods.

The idea of rebirth through the death flows through our music.



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



Vlad Rommel:

I suggested the name SYMURAN and all the rest of the formation supported me. Actually, Symuran is demonic incarnation of one of the most important Slavic Gods - Semargl-Ognebog. Symuran - winged wolf, spewing flames, destroying in the name of Creation, killing in the name of Life.

I do not think that our formation could go through all the problems having another name.

5. I have read that the band started out as a satanic band before evolving into a more pagan direction, what what the decision behind the change?



Vlad Rommel: - It’s true: we really began our path under the inverted pentagram. Maybe we followed the fashion. However, our band was originally an anti-Christian, and not satanic. Satan is the biblical character so we rejected to use it in lyrics t and replace the pentagram symbol on Semargl.

As for me, it even looks better, more aggressive or something :)



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



Vlad Rommel: - The best our show was in Dnepropetrovsk in early 2010. We were headliners at extreme metal fest.

On stage, we are warriors, murderers and violent punishers. We use the war-paint, various military accessories and symbols of the pre-Christian era.

Going wild emotions pour out into the hall and are given back with a powerful roar of the crowd and active slam.



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



Vlad Rommel: - Unfortunately, we haven’t such plans because nowadays SYMURAN horde cosists of two people, and it is not enough to enter the stage.



8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black, pagan and death metal?



Vlad Rommel: - The worldwide release of our debut album "Syklus av Helheim" will be only in October 1. So wait and see.

9. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?



Vlad Rommel: - Personally, I am involved in two projects with different levels: cover-poject and gothic-doom metal band. There, I'm just a vocalist and have no other responsibilities.

Khort: I have some propositions, one of them to became a member of black-doom project and I think it's interesting.

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



Vlad Rommel: - More technicality and aggression along with the black atmosphere.

At this point, we already have most of the material for the new album. And I assure you, it will be awesome!

Khort:Actually nobody knows how our future music will change because I think we must try to experiment to get something really hardplayed, something that included more agression speed and violence.

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



Vlad Rommel: - There are a lot of bands that have influenced our music. Among them Behemoth, Zyklon, Slayer, Sepultura, Belphegor, Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral.

I listen to a lot of Pagan, Folk, Viking, Black and Death metal, also I love Blues and Punk-rock.

My favorite metal band - Slayer. Really love Nile and meditative art of Varg Vikernes.

Khort: I have many bands in my musical library, some of them are: Dark Funeral, Darkwoods My Betrothed, Penumbra, Gorgasm, Fleshgod Apocalypse, King Diamond, Nile, Hour of Penance ,Immolation and so on.

12. How would you describe your views on Paganism?



Vlad Rommel: - I am of the belief of the Slavs and Aryans of pre-Christian era, and I think that it is best alternative to the decaying world religions. Freedom, honor and pride, not subservience of our soul and repentance.

Khort: I'm not religious.

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



Vlad Rommel: - Beside the music, I do graphic design and cary on my family. My wife and I often travel around the country - it's good broadens the mind :)

Khort: A few years ago I started to do some extreme things such as roup-jumping, parachuting etc. I want to try as much as possible to have my own opinion about all.

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

Khort: develop one's personality: do not lose a thirst for knowledge, courage to act in conscience and justice.

Vlad Rommel: - To live according to conscience., remember that there is no future without a past and without death there is no rebirth.

Thank you for your interesting questions.

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