MORBID DEVASTATOR (DEATH INVOKER BAND, LEGION OF TORTURE ZINE, EVIL SPIRIT DISTRO) Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your musical projects?
Morbid hails from the almighty UKU-PACHA (something like "hell/underworld" in Andean mythology)!!! Here is Morbid Devastator from Peru - South America, ready to spit some black venom!!! I´m still a human, looking for other ways of self-development. In Metal matter I´m founder bass/vocals of Death Invoker, editor of Legion of Torture zine, owner of Evil Spirit distro: www.deathinvoker.weebly.com, www.legionoftorturezine.blogspot.com, www.evil666spirit.blogspot.com. In addition I have some other ideas/projects, but as far nothing is already being done, I find don´t worthy to speak about it.

2.You work as a musician and play in 'Death Invoker', can you tell us a little bit more about the band?
This necromantic abomination was expulsed from the depths of darkness on 2005. Since the beginning the idea was to play a classical and raw extreme Metal, praying cult to the ancient gods, as: Venom, Sepultura, Sarcofago, Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, Slayer, Death, Possessed; to mention the well-known, at the side of other acts. Lyrics or topics used by Death Invoker are linked with terror, death, destruction, infernal visions, dark history, ancient rituals and any kind of twisted - horrendous issues. We have vomited some releases as: "Reh.Desecrations 2005-2007" tape; "Demo 2010" (3 editions: Peruvian independent release, Polish by Time Before time Rec., Malaysian by Old Goat Corpse prod / Nusantarajim prod.); "Necromantic Desecration" live CD 2016 by Sociedade dos Mortos, Pictures from Hell distro, Diffamatoriv zine from Brazil; "Necromancy, Damnation, Revenge" 7ep vinyl by the same brazilian labels. Along the time it was not a priority to play live, but it is still an important moment when the links with METAL gods is closer. We have played almost 1 time per year since the beginning only. Death Invoker is not the "every weekend band", rejecting the rock star attitude for sure.

3.A lot of your lyrics deal with necromancy and death, do you have an interest in the occult?
666% interested. The sepulchral call of the darkside is something I heard since I was a boy. So I turned interested on this topics, even if this should "feared" a very young boy as I was. I´m much interested in mysteries, the occult and the spiritual darkside of existence. Yet, I´m not a practicer of any kind of ritual nor dogma, or anything. Just I have few knowledge or information. Beside this I have tried to build my own knowledge since many sources and deep reflections. I believe much things related to the "occult" topics, really belong to an ancient knowledge that was property of human beings. However, because of many historical events, this knowledge was banned and "demonized" to have people far away of a knowledge that could be much powerful and could put in risk powers that started to develop on this earth.

4.In your life performances you also do 'Sepultura' and 'Sarcofago' covers, what was the decision behind playing these songs live?
Sepultura (old) is what I call a gem of elder DEATH METAL. Sarcófago is among the raw bands that with very primitive and extreme noise conquered the pits of the ancient underworld. So, as fan of old Sepultura and having Sarcófago closer to the raw style we play, it turned like a tribute for the elder METAL to play some covers. Other bands, as Kreator or Slayer, were played and/or practiced in the reh.room.

5.Other than a live album in 2016 there has been no music from 'Death Invoker', is that going to change in the future?
There is no music where? In fact Death Invoker has the previous releases I spoke. If you speak about the web, Death Invoker gives priority to traditional formats, as far as we have still copies of royalties, so we would like to sell to support future recordings at studio. Without denying the benefits of technology, Death Invoker gives importance for tradition as a stronger value, not only for Metal, but for entire life. There were some supporters, those that put some Death Invoker noises in the web.

6.You also do 'Legion Of Torture' zine, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
I started with this zine on 2009, after the arrival of Iron Maiden to Peru by first time. I started to move this and spread the zine moniker. Interviews and characteristics of issues were:
Issue 1, released in the mentioned year. Promo chants of death were: “Featuring The Merciless Cruelty Of: Infernal Conjuration (Mex), Evil Damn (Per), Pathogen (Phi), Necrofucker (Per), Lantern (Fin), Recrucify (Per)!!! Iron Maiden Gig Report, 1st Time In Perú!!! Reviews, Bios & Underground Info.!!! A5 Size, 40 Pages (Including Covers), The Whole Xeroxed, Small Font, Pc Made And Handmade. Limited To 80 Copies Handnumbered With Red Marker (Also Check The "Morbid Sign" To Know Your Copy Is An Original One, Fuck Off And Death For Bootlegers!!), Full English Written And No More!!!! First 40 Sold Copies Comes With A Diy Tape Comp. Called "Holistic Metal Tortures". Featuring Heavy, Death, Thrash And Black Metal!!! Limited For The First 40 Deaths Only!!! Also Is Possible To Take 2 Different Comps. ("Holistic Metal Tortures" + "Holistic Death") For The Same Price But In Different Mood, So Ask First”.
Issue 2 was released on 2010. Interviews and characteristics were: “32 pages, A4 size, English written. Interviews: Bestial Rape (ECU), Anarkhon (BRA), Persecutor (CHI), Non Serviam (PER), Demoniac Slaughter (PER), RIP (PER), Warlock's Voice (FIN), Goat Tyrant (POL), Insacred (MAL), Slaughter Messiah (PHI) + Ladies of the Underground section + Tortures from the Old East section + Arts of Torture section + Reviews + Gig reports”
Issue 3 is from 2011. Metal featured was: “… after 666 centuries and plenty of blood spilled… LEGION OF TORTURE ZINE - ISSUE 3, IS UNLEASHED!!! -Executions with: Abhorrot (AUS), Calígula (PAR), Demonic Cremator (SCO), Paganfire (PHI), Sartegos (GAL/SPA)!!! -Evokation of the cursed hordes from the Uku-Pacha (PERU): Croix Mortis, Disinter, Evil Spectrum, Necrofagore!!! Live Torture reports!!! Deadly reviews (more than 100 items reviewed: Cassettes, CDrs, CDs, EPs, zines) and underground information from the depths!!! -All of this offered in 32 xeroxed pages, A4 size, English written, small font (size 5 – 6 of PC)…”
Issue 4 is in progress since years. I could have finished before, but there was lack of time and I should give priority to other things in life. Hopefully it is going to be released for 2019, but I cannot be sure of anything.

7.With your zine you also print copies like the old days, do you feel the lack of paper zines does days hurts the value of the metal underground?
I think there are many worthy zines in the underworld. I think zines, cassettes, Cds, vinyl, should still exist. I think they can co-exist with other technology sources. But of course never is going to be like the old days.

8.What are some of the interviews and reviews you have planned for the next issue of 'Legion Of Torture'?
What I can say is that I usually feature bands from each corner of the earth and hell. There are some from South America, Europe, Asia... Stuff to be reviewed are mainly some that I got by trade and/or bought. There are some bands/people that sent stuff, and of course I should give total priority for this. It is matter of respect. Even if I have delayed 666 centuries and perhaps there are faster ways of promotion, stuff will be reviewed, maybe under other strategies to don’t lose time and work faster.

9.You also run 'Evil Spirit' distro, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
Just a low profile and very unproductive distro!!! hahahaha... The stuff I got is mainly the one I got by trade. I have had some buyers or supporters along the time, starting in 2008. But of course I don´t have massive sales or being millionaire because of this. In addition, years ago, I prepared some promo stuff for some bands that deserved promotion and wanted to work in my minimalistic ways. I spread this stuff among the underground, sending to zines and distros, as far as I could. Currently it is just an underground/personal/DIY distro. Nothing else.

10.With your distro you sell home dubbed copies and cdr's, cd's and paper zines, are you able to still make a profit when most people these days download albums online and read online zines?
No fukking profit. Never there was a profit. I never wanted that it would turn in a profit. In fact, if it is about "money" of course I have lost A LOT OF MONEY. Hahahaha... but, running a distro was not a matter of business for me, but a way to be more involved into the underground. That was the main goal since the beginning. If someone wants "MONEY" it is better they go to study and then work. Not to use Metal. It will help to don´t corrupt the Metal spirit, in addition to earn more money of course.

11.Can you tell us on what was it that got you interested in extreme metal?
It was the call of the darkside. I was close to rock because of my mother and grew up watching those vinyls. For 7 y.o. I started to get my own cassettes and Eps of rock music, but never really being involved in such. It was my fascination for darkside that make me to felt closer once I listened to Metal by first time. The lyrics and topics, skulls and flames, the evil, the occult, the mystery. Just I met Metal almost by 9 y.o., in a school trip, but never really know about what it was and did not enter with force back then. This record was Iron Maiden´s – Piece of Mind. Years later, because of an old recorded I started to record as mad some/any TV programs, then I discovered there was a TV program, called, “Viernes de Metal” (conducted by a Metal drummer/musician of some bands, back in the day). I started to record and then remembered the music I listened time ago. Some older friends at school had some tapes, then I started to trade with them my recordings of the program. Then I was able to get access to other bands and that: Sepultura, Kreator, Slayer, Metallica, more from Iron Maiden, other Thrash bands that I don´t really like (Testament, Megadeth…)… This was the way everything started.

12.You also work as a 'social anthropologist', can you tell us a little bit more about this profession?
Specifically speaking about Anthropology has no a direct link with Metal. So I will tell the only thing that could be interesting for your readers (I guess so). As anthropology is the study of human behavior and culture, it is also possible to make research about Metal, considering it is a "community" and has own "values and culture". So, in the last times I started to make some research on Metal culture, as for example origins and development; and the mixture between this global/underground culture and Andean culture. In the proper time, I will reveal this.

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles you are listening to nowadays?
I always listen to traditional Heavy Metal and underground extreme Metal. However, I would not say I´m listening specific to a band currently. Time to time I make some research. Some of the best bands I discover recently are for example: … from the Abyss of Brazil; a powerful Death Metal. Uttertomb, Rotten Grave, Bloody Vengeance or Praise the Flame from Chile are deadly worthy Metal of Death!!!

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Just thanks to send me these questions. Still keep Metal flame in any of this forms!!! And be loyal to death!!! www.deathinvoker.weebly.com, www.legionoftorturezine.blogspot.com, www.evil666spirit.blogspot.com

Montes Insania/Fikcio Erao/Symbol Of Domination Productions/More Hate Productions/2018 CD Review

  Russia/Ukraine's  Montes  Insania  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  avant  garde  style  of  post  black  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  Fikcia  Erao"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Symbol  Of  Domination  and  More  Hate  Productions.

  Blast  beats  and  symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  grim  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later  along  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  avant  garde  elements  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in a   great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic in  length  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in a   great  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  female  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  one  of  the  later  tracks  is  an  instrumental  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  following  songs  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.

  On  this  recording  Montes  Insania  brings  in  more  symphonic  elements  while  also  expanding  on  the  avant  garde  elements  that  are  a  part  of  their  post  black  metal  style,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Russian  and  cover  existential,  Interpersonal,   and  Divinity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Montes  Insania  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Akto  De  Morto"  "Akto  De  Kaoso" and  "Akto  De  Malplena".  8  out  of  10.

VKontakte

Edremerion/Ambre Gris/Symbol Of Domination Productions/Anesthetize Productions/2018 CD Review

  Edremerion  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Ambre  Gris"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Symbol  Of  Domination  and  Anesthetize  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  which  also  adds  in  some  progressive  structures  at  times  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  avant  garde  moments, throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  tracks  also  bring  in  classical  guitars  and  clean  vocals  and  as  the  album  progresses  a brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard

  Edremerion  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  avant  garde  yet aggressive  at  the  same  time,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  death  and  philosophy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Edremerion  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Deule"  and  "Dechets  Nes".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

MySpace

    

Indesiderium/Of Twilight And Evenfall/Satanath Records/2018 CD Review

  Indesiderium  are  a  band  from Los  Angeles,  California  that  plays  an  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Of  Twilight  And  Evenfall" which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records.

  Tremolo  picking  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  faster  direction  which  also  introduces  blast  beats  onto  the  recording  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  few  growls  and  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  thrash  influences.

  At  times  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  synths  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  when  they  are  utilized.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a very  melodic  style  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  chants  can  also  be  heard  while  a  later  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  Dawn's  "The  Knell  And  The  World".

  Indesiderium  plays  a  style  of  occult  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive,  melodic  and  atmospheric  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Alchemy,  Astral  Projection,  Meditative  Introspection  and  Esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Indesiderium  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ascending  The  Serpent  Throne"  "The  Conqueror's  Return"  and  "Wrathcrown:  One  Final  Victory".  8  out  of  10. 

Facebook

SoundCloud

YouTube

Mallephyr/Womb Of Wombs/Satanath Records/Murderous Production/2018 CD Review

  Mallephyr  are  a  band  from  the  Czech  Republic  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Womb  Of  Wombs"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  Records  and  Murderous  Production.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  evolving  into  more  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  riffs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard while  some  tracks  also  bring in  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  also giving  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  they  are  utilized as well  as  the  songs  also b ringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  brief  return  and  at  times  the  music  also  brings  in  some  dissonant  structures  and  they  also  bring  in  an  acoustic  instrumental  before  closing  the  album  with  a  heavier  track.

  Mallephyr  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Misanthropy,  Nihilism  and  Anti  Religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mallephyr  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The temple  Of  Nothingness"  "The  Absolute  War  Genocide"  and  "Womb  Of  Wombs  II".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Bandzone

Facebook

    

Agos/Aonian Invocation/Satanath Records/Deathhammer Records/Heathen Tribes/2018 CD Review

  Agos  are  a  solo  project  from  Greece  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  occult  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Aonian  Invocation"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath,  Deathhammer  Records  and  Heathen  Tribes.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  a  few  seconds  later  while  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  synths,  percussion's  and  melodic  sounding  chants  to  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals, the  main  focus  is  on  more  of  a  mid  tempo musical  direction  and  ethnic  instruments  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Agos  takes  his  music  into  more  of  a  blackened  death  metal  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  mythology,  Sumerian  Civilization  and  Occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Agos  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Through  the  Straight  Of  Messina"  "Death  to  All  False  Oaths"  and  "Glorious  Return".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Instagram

From The Vastland/Daevayasna/Satanath Records/The Eastern Front/2018 CD Review

  From  The  Vastland  are  a  band  with  members  from  Norway  and  Iran  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Daevayasna"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  Records  and  the  Eastern  Front.

  Evil  voices  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  along  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Growls  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  used  briefly  as  well  as  most  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  one  song  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  it  is  utilized  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  ritualistic  atmosphere  and  the  music  also  incorporates  both  modern  and  old  school  elements.

  From  The  Vastland  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  raw  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  from  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Zoroastrianism,  Persian  and  Mesopotamian  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  From  The  Vastland  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fall  Into  Duzakh"  "Daevayasna"  and  "As  The  Gray  Clouds  Rain".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage

Myspace

SoundCloud

Spotify

Twitter

YouTube

  

Nordland/The Dead Stones/Satanath Records/More Hate Productions/2018 CD Review

  United  Kingdom's  Nordland  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  his  raw  style  of  pagan  black  metal  while  also  getting  more  melodic and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "The  Dead  Stones"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  Records  and  More  hate  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  grim  black  metal s creams  a  few  seconds  later  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  has  it's  atmospheric  moments  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  used  briefly  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard.

  On  this  recording  Nordland  pays  a  style  of  pagan  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive  while  also  having  its  melodic  and  atmospheric  moments,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Misanthropy  and  Paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nordland  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  aggressive  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Thrice  Crowned  King"  "Hunted  By  Pan"  "Throw  My  Ashes  To  The  Wind"and  "The  Oceans  Above  us".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Myspace

Official website

ReverbNation

YouTube

    

Automb/Esoterica/Satanath Records/Final Gate Records/2018 CD Review

  Automb  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Esoterica"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  and  Final  Gate  Records.

  Nature  and  ritualistic  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  chants  and  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  also  introduces  deep  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  music  also  mixes  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  getting  more  atmospheric  and  they  also a dd  in a  brief  keyboard  instrumental  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  remaining  tracks.

  Automb  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  sounding  while  also  adding  in  elements  of  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism,  Occultism,  Witchcraft  and  Esoteric  Knowledge  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Automb  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "Horned  God"  "Call  OF  Hekate"  and  "Into  Nothingness".  8  out  of  10.  

Perverticon Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Not much, to be honest. We are not really an active band in any sense of the word, but we rehearse once in a while and as for now the main focus is promotion of said album.

2.In January you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous album and demo?

In many ways it does not differ at all, but if it makes any sense I think that it is more scaled down, at the same time as it more thought through and elaborate. Production-wise the first album probably had a slightly more death metal sound to it, due to the equipment that was available at the time, some of which has since been stolen from us.

3.This is your first release in 6 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

The writing of new material is probably what has taken the most time, not because we are perfectionists, but because we do not have much spare time due to other occupations. As for the recording we spent two days in an professional studio recording the drums but everything else we recorded in our rehearsal space, which gave us the freedom to record whenever we felt like it. Comfortable, but not ideal for progress. We might play fast, but we work very slowly.

4.You also cover a lot of anti Christian themes lyrically, can you tell us a little bit more about your hatred for this religion?

Well, a lot of them aren't really anti christian as much as they are a celebration of all the horrible acts committed in the name of christianity, that christians are often very eager to deny. Of course, the lyrics are anti human, anti life and pro every change for a worse and darker tomorrow, which by definition also means they are against anything included in the official christian view of the world.

5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the music?

As the name would imply perversions of different kinds are central to the lyrics. Speaking for myself it usually starts with reading passages of the gospel and misinterpreting and twisting them in the sickest way imaginable.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Perveticon'?

It originally stems from something I misread in some context or other, which then seemed fitting. Most artistic expressions benefit from contrast, and the name contrasts itself between the two words it is comprised of.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

The artwork was made by O.S, our drummer and vocalist, so I can't really say too much about the process behind it. I do however know that depicts a vision of the apocalypse.

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

If you can even call it a show we have only made one appearance, privately and at the request of some acquaintances. It was well received, but not having a full line-up does pose certain limitations. 

9.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

No, not likely. We would need at least one more person to do the recorded material justice in a live setting, and we do not really see that happening. It is hard enough to find time for rehearsals and recording with just the three of us.

10.So far you have worked with 'Mordgrimm and 'Iron Bonehead Productions', do you feel these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out ther heard?

Yes. We are very grateful for their interest and support!

11.on a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Well, our research when it comes to international relations is severely lacking, not to say non-existent, but indications are that it has been appreciated.

12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

That is a surprise every time, we have not made any active decision in regards to musical orientation.

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Probably pretty much what you would expect after hearing it, a lot of 90's norwegian music such as Mayhem, Darkthrone and Gorgoroth. Also Deathspell Omega, Sorhin, Antaeus, Funeral Mist and Malign. Dissection to some extent, even if that might not be as prominent. As for newer releases there have been a lot of interesting music coming from Poland over the course of the last few years, e.g. Mgla, Kriegsmaschine and Medico Peste. 

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

While both are interesting subjects that have served as the foundation of a multitude of works that have inspired us greatly, there is an aspect of personal growth and development to actively practicing them. Since that is something we usually try to avoid I would not say that it is essential to our music in its own right.

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you very much for your interest and time!

Bandcamp

Facebook

Afraid Of Destiny/S.I.G.H.S/Talheim Records/2019 Full Length Review

  Afraid  Of  Destiny  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "S.I.G.H.S"  which  will  be  released  in  2019  by  Talheim  Records.

 A  synths  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  which  also  introduces  depressive  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  A  decent  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  music  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  some  growls  at  times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  synths  and  spoken word  parts  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  songs,  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  added  onto  the  recording  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  one  song  also  introduces  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  album.

  Afraid  Of  Destiny  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  atmospheric  and  depressive  style  of  black  metal  as  well  as  showing  their  growths  of  musicians,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misery,  melancholy  and  discomfort  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Afraid  Of  Destiny  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Take  me  Home,  Death"  "Shells"  and  "Killed  By  Life".  8  out  of  10.

E-mail: official.afraidofdestiny@ymail.comBandcamp: afraidofdestiny.bandcamp.com

Facebook: facebook.com/pg/afraidofdestinyOFFICIAL
Instagram: instagram.com/afraidofdestiny_official

Epitimia/Thread/Naturmacht Productions/2019 CD Review

  Epitimia  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  acoustic  and  dark  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Thread"  which  will  be  released  in  2019  by  Naturmacht  Productions.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  of f the  album  and  they  bring  in  elements  of  folk  music  while  atmospheric  sounding  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and r aw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  do  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  along with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic style,  acoustic  guitars  and  atmospheric  elements  are  also brought  onto  of  the  later  tracks  and  one  song  also  introduces  clean  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  touches  of  post  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  leads.

  On  this  recording  Epitimia  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  modern  and  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  post  rock,  and  dark  folk  elements  makes  the  music  stand  out  a  lot  more,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  monumental  depection  of  man's  inner  experiences

    In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Epitimia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Downfall"  and  "The  Tree".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Myspace

VKontakte

YouTube

Archean/Self Titled/Ogmios Underground/2018 EP Review

  Archean  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  ep  which  was  released  by  Ogmios  Underground.

  A  very  dark,  melodic  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  adding  in  elements  of  punk  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  music  also  has  a  lot  of 90's  influences.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  guitar  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style  and  atmospheric  sounding  drones  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.

 Archean  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  filthy  sounding  while  also  adding  in  elements  of  punk  to  create  a  sound   of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  conflictual  and  powerful  relationships  of  humans.

  In  my  opinion  Archean  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out t his  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Feat  Of  Vultures"  adn  "Disability".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/ArcheanBlackMetal

Infernarium/Kadotuksen Harmonia/Helter Skelter Productions/2019 CD Review

  Infernarium  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Kadotuksen  Harmonia"  which  will  be  released  in  2019  by  Helter  Skelter  Productions.

  Ritualistic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  choir  vocals  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  a  few  growls.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  second  wave  era  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  some  dark  sounding  melodies  at  times  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  choirs  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  they  also  bring  in  a  song  that  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  the  album  progresses.

  Infernarium  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  in  the  mid  90's  tradition,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  Occultism,  Blasphemy  and  Anti  Islamic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Infernarium  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Heikkoutensa  Orja"  "Huorienja  RottienSeurakunta"  and  "Isa,  Poika,  Pedofiili'.  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/saatanansairashuone​​​

Misanthropic Might/Feindt/HFC Records/2018 Full Length Review

  Misanthropic  Might  are  a  band  from  Austria  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  vicious  and  misanthropic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Feindt"  which  was  released  by  HFC  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavy  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  brutal  blast  beats  being  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  music.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  influences  which  also  brings  growls  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style, as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  in  some  thrash  influenced  riffing.

  On  this  recording  Misanthropic  Might  remain  true  to  their  vicious  style  of  black  metal  while  also  adding  in  some  death  metal  influences  to  take  their  sound  to  another  level,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  darkness  and  occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Misanthropic  Might  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  aggressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Feindt"  "Strigoi"  "Demonic  Ritual  Carnage"  and  "!679  (der  schwarze  Tod)".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/misanthropicmight

https://misanthropicmight.bandcamp.com

Gorgon Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording of the new album?
I decided to rebirth the band in early December 2017 and I immediately booked the recording studio. The date of entry was early June 2018, also I had a few months to compose the content of what I thought was a mini-cd in the beginning. The French label Osmose Productions, among others showed interest and by signing with them they asked me for an album rather than a 5 tracks. Also, since Gorgon’s albums have all 11 tracks, I had finally to compose 10 new songs because Hreidmarr (ex-Anorexia Nervosia) composed an intro in parallel. The recording sessions and mixing took place at ArtMusic Studios with Seb Camhi in June. In addition, another guest came on it, the famous Italian singer Cadaveria (from the band of the same name) who came directly to the studio to make her parts. In September we finalized the artwork for the 3 versions (CD, cassette and vinyl) and everything was sent to the press for an imminent release now.

2.You have a new album coming out during the beginning of 2019, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I think this new album is the most brutal of our career, but this aspect of things came naturally. I did not try to copy what is currently being done or any particular band. The composition was made in a few months with regular work to find all the ideas I needed to achieve a satisfactory result. Moreover, this album enjoys the best sound we have ever had and it strengthens the impact of the songs, highlights some details. The vocal recording sessions were more intense too.

3.This is also your first full length since 2019, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time span?
Since our 4th album «The Spectral Voices», even if the band had not splitted up, it was no longer in activities. Meanwhile some records are out as a split CD with O.T.A.L. released by three French labels or our first demo in vinyl. At the end of 2017 I felt the need to do black metal because what I had been seeing for years, mainly in concert, was not great, so I decided to bring my vision of the thing

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore on the newer album?
The subjects are mainly based on Satanism, witchcraft, death and the dark side in general. Classical themes for this style but just too many bands calling themselves black metal use other topics in their texts, which is not compatible for me.

5.I know that the bands name comes form Greek Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this subject?
I am not particularly interested in Greek Mythology in general even if on our E.P. there was also a track on one of these deities. The name of the band was found in 1991 on a book of demonology where from «Demogorgon», the name noted, I only kept the second part. I like old stories, but from all parts of the globe, even if those of Greece are rich in matter and relatively well known.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork was made by a French tattoo artist, Stef Dess, who admired the group, offered to do work for us. Having been able to judge his artistic qualities, he made us the cover and all the interior drawings. Each song is illustrated by a specific drawing. Subsequently he also made the two visuals of the new t-shirt. The front of the cover, which he called «The birth of the Antichrist» makes really « middle-age » for me, which corresponds to the atmosphere of the album where witchcraft is very present.

7.You have been playing black metal since 1991 and where one of the first black metal bands in France, do you feel you have been a huge influence on the later bands that have came from the same country?
Yes, we are certainly among the pioneers, but I have the impression that the French scene is more inspired by the Norwegian scene and Dark Throne and Immortal in particular. The emergence of new bands often comes from a fashion and it was these two bands that were particularly highlighted at one time, hence the many French copies. Dark Funeral or Marduk have also been under the lights of the media, but for example not Beherit or Necromantia, hence the fact that there are not especially French groups in their wake.

8.With the exception of a drummer you recorded everything by yourself on the album but have had a full line up in the past, do you feel it is very hard to find musicians that share the same vision that you have for black metal?
I would much prefer to have a complete line-up with drummer, bassist and second guitarist but for this album I felt it was easier for me to make all the instruments I could, for a saving of time and efficiency. I thought for a moment that the drummer of our first three albums, seen at an Absu concert a few months before reviving Gorgon, could do the job but he didn’t answer. In addition, the last bass player of the band to whom I also proposed to do parts of his instrument declined my offer. Except for the drummer of our 4th album, which now makes guitar in a heavy-metal band, no longer any former member of Gorgon makes music. I think I can find musicians, but what I want is guys involved, for whom black metal is not something to be taken in the second degree. It has to run through their veins and not be a cool thing until finally in a few weeks they start to play death metal or something else. That is why I paid for a session drummer. He made his parts but is not an official member.


9.What where some of the best shows that the band played in the past and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We were good in concert, especially between 1995 and 1999, there was a lot of intensities and the songs were going well. In our early days we had less experience and in hindsight there were things we could improve. Toward the end of 2000-2001, I was the sole guitarist and I think it lacked power. I have two concerts in memory that I particularly enjoyed. The first date of the end of 1995 and took place in Clermont-Ferrand in France with Malveilance. It was sold-out and it was very evil. The audience wasn’t moving, and when we asked why after the concert, it was just because the audience didn’t want anything missing from the show. The second most memorable gig is the one in the town of Luynes in autumn 1997. We were never as prepared as I think that night, and everything worked out fine. It was the most powerful. Our performances were different every time, during the shows there was blood, make-up, video screenings, covers (Burzum, Venom, ..), guests like the members of Count Nosferatu and it was also related to the different lines-ups that the band knew and the new songs we had. There is no classical concert to offer invariably, each date was special and unique.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of black metal?
Everybody does not know that the band is back, and from more, a new generation appeared which does not know us specially, except by name maybe. The veterans of the scene, mainly in France, are happy for the greater part but wait rightly for the album to judge. Where in the 90s there were 15-20 bands in France, we have to be more than 300 now. All over the world, the news of our return circulates slowly but the plague will be spread more once the album will be out. Furthermore you should not ignore the number of productions which go out and the public cannot discover everything. When our 3rd album was released in 1998, it had near 1800 metal albums released that year, all styles combined. In 2017 there were more than 7700. These numbers do not take into account E.P., demos or reprint, so in 2019, we will be among the 7000 and some metal albums to be released. However, with the web, which did not exist in the 90s, I also know that we touch black metal fans who would not have known us before. I have faith in the potential of the album and the promotion that will come from your help.

11.What can we expect musically on future releases?
Since the end of the recording of summer 2018, I have started to compose again and the future songs seem faster to me even if I only rely on the 5 songs I have already written. It also seems to be more complex musically, and it’s good that these tracks are still different from what I’ve done. At the moment, I am always alone, but if in the near future a line-up was set up, it is also possible that the guys could bring me ideas that I would not have thought of, thus bringing new blood into the composition.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I currently enjoy a lot of Finnish bands like Curse Upon A Prayer, Sacrificium Carmen or Kryptamok, but I also listen new artists that come out, thanks to the web, to make me an opinion and discover interesting things to my ears. I give everyone a chance, regardless of their nationality, label or popularity. I don’t think, however, that I am influenced by a particular band, but may be by a style of composition with two different guitars, where as sometimes black metal bands, even with two guitars, offers only one rhythm instead of a melody and a rhythmic guitar.

13.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
There are so many different and sometimes even opposite visions, that I sorted and pioched in what was right for me to make my opinion. But for my part I do not belong to any organized group even if I can support them occasionally because behind it there is usually a common idea.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I know that this new album is long awaited by some, because since the announcement of the return of the band, only rares information has circulated, and especially no concert has taken place to judge what we are currently worth. Reviews or few interviews have provoked interest. I did my best to make this album the most faithful performance of Gorgon in 2018-19. I have no regrets about its content when sometimes, in the past, I would have liked to change such and such a detail. This is a good sign………..

Bandcamp

Bandcamp II

Facebook

Myspace