Undertaker Of The Damned/Satanas Potestas Est/Australis Records/2018 CD Review

  Undertaker  Of  The  Damned  are  a  band  from  Chile  a  blasphemous  and  old  school  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018 album  "Satanas  Potestas  Est"  which  was  released  by  Australis  Records.

  Water  sounds  and  clean  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  demonic  voices  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  after  the  intro.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies.

  Vocals  bring  in  a  good  mixture  of  demonic  growls  and  grim  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  brief  use  of church  bells  can  also  be  heard  and  they  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  guitar  leads  are  used  briefly  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity  and  Blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Undertaker  Of  The  Damned  are  a  very  great  sounding  blasphemous  and  old  school  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  "Escupe  La  Cruz"  and  "Exterminio".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF6rZN0GeZM

    

Downfall Of Gaia/Ethic Of Radical Finitude/Metal Blade Records/2019 Full Length Review

  Downfall  Of  Gaia  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  atmospheric post  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  and  this  is  a  review  of their  2019  album  "Ethic  Of  Radical  Finitude"  which  will be released  in  February  by  Metal  Blade  Records.



  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while also  introducing  synths onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  the  music speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fat  parts.  When  acoustic  guitars  are  utilized  they  also gives  the music  more  of  a  progressive  style.

  Elements  of  post  metal  can  also  be heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  capturing  the  heaviness  of  sludge.    Some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  throughout  the  recording.

  Some  of  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  display  an  influence  of  crust  punk  while  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  At  times  the  music  also  captures  a  very  tragic  sounding  atmosphere  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  songs  also  start  bringing  in  more  diversity  as  well as  the  closing  track  also  introducing  clean  vocals  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  depression  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my opinion  Downfall  Of  Gaia  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  atmospheric  post  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Grotesque  Illusion  of  Being"  and  "Of  Withering  Violet  Leaves".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/DownfallofGaia 
https://www.instagram.com/downfallofgaia 

Nebula Orionis/Starthrone/Casus Belli Musica/Beverina/2019 CD Review

  Nebula  Orionis is  a  solo  project  from  Russia  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  cinematic  and  instrumental  mixture  of  black  and  space  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  album  "Starthrone"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Caus  Belli  Musica  and  Beverina.

  Ambient  style  soundscapes  and  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  programmed  beats  also  being  introduced  into  the  music  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  cinematic  and  atmospheric  elements  are  also  added  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  A  Couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length. 

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  music  also  captures  the  more  atmospheric  side  of  black  metal.  Elements  of  space  music  are  also  mixed  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  tracks  more  of  an  epic  and  sci  fi  atmosphere.

  Most  of  the  music  sticks  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  good  amount  of  melody. A  lot  of  post  black  metal  influences  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  also  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  Nebula  Orionis  is  a  very  great  sounding   atmospheric,  cinematic  and  instrumental  mixture  of  black  and  space  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Starthrone"  and  "Nullification".  8  out  of  10.   

NEBULA ORIONIS FACEBOOK
NEBULA ORIONIS BANDCAMP   

Heaume Mortal/Solstices/Les Acteurs de I'Ombre Productions/2019 CD Review

  Heaume  Mortal  are  a  band  from  France  that  plats  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "Solstices"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Les  Acteurs  de  I'Ombre  Productions.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  all  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Clean  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in  dissonant  structures  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower sections  of  the  music  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  Blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well as  some  nature  orientated  soundscapes  also  being  used  briefly.  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  at  times  they  screams  also  add  in  more  of  a  depressive  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  As  the  album  progresses  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Burzum's  "Erblicket  die  tochter  des  firmament"  as  well as  well  as  the  last  track  also  introducing  ambient  style  synths  onto  the  recording  which  is  also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics   cover  nature,  ancient  and  modern  world  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Heume  Mortal  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  atmospheric  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Yesteyears"  and  "Oldborn".  8  out  of  10. 

https://ladlo.bandcamp.com/album/solstices

Plaguehurst Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?



Scarrowscant: Plagurehurst just happened. We are cousins so we have known each other for some time however, this is the first time we have played together. I was in a vengeful place due to one band I was in falling apart, and it was the perfect antidote to all their fragile weakness, apathy and indecision.

Beormingas: I had not played in many years at the time but this all happened, and came to be very organically. There was no pushing, or forcing of ideas, we just came together and things started to happen.

Scarrowscant: This was the majesty of it all, I wanted to be involved in a project that had focus, and Plaguehurst has that in abundance, it is a sword thrust into the earth.



2.Early this year you had released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?



Scarrowscant: We would just work off each other. I would come up with the back bone, and Beorimgas would add the dynamic elements with his proficient guitar work, and elevate things to a supreme place. It was easy.

Beormingas: We wanted to keep that rawness, so everything was recorded as it happened.

Scarrowscant: I have an old mono Philips valve radio from the 1950’s which I used for all my guitar parts. We just used what we could find when we needed it. The drums for instance was one of the cheapest kits I could find. It was all about getting things down, getting that essence as it happens instead of thinking. Thought kills feeling.



3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored with the music so far?



Scarrowscant: I write the words to stand on their own. They are incantations, they are ritual verse and it is important to get them recorded in one take. I am not interested in what is meant to be a black metal lyric, what you should or should not say, this is reductive. I am possessed when I have verses to write, and have to get them down then and there. It is hate, total hate, and a constant sense of a vengeful shadow that follows all of the Devils servants. I only take part of the writing credit as at times the words come from another place.





4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Plaguehurst'?



Beormingas: The united kingdom is littered with plague pits, where they just dumped the corpses of those who died during the black death. A pit just like this was discovered very close to where we record, so it seemed fitting. Hurst is the old English word for hill, or mound.



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



Scarrowscant: That is a very big question. It is a photo of one of us, but which one is irrelevant. It represents the fact that we all stand in a stark blackness surrounded by the idiocy of hope, and white light faiths.





6.So far their is very little information about the band other than the bandcamp page, is that more of an intentional thing for now?



Beormingas: It is very intentional.



7.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?



Beormingas: I have played live over the years in many bands, and I am looking into this as a potential, and know of musicians who could learn our parts and make performing live a reality however Scarrowscant has always been resistant.

Scarrowscant: For the most part I would like for Plaguehurst to remain a studio band like most of my favourite recording artists. Also, I am reluctant to take to a stage as the feel of the record may be compromised in some way if we performed live. But, I am not thick headed, I am not completely locked to this notion and if I change my mind in the future so be it.

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



Beormingas: We have had many favourable messages and feedback has been good. I think for the most part people feel it is something different yet old and familiar.

Scarrowscant: We made the record for ourselves, so that did not constrain any of the arrangements, we didn’t sound guess ourselves with questions we just played off feel. Perhaps that has come through and is what is engaging people or repelling them.





9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?



Scarrowscant: We have recently decided to seek out labels, there are many labels I feel we would suit Plaguehurst perfectly. Time will tell.



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



Scarrowscant: We do not make plans, we just do.



11.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?



Scarrowscant: Craft, particularly early Craft is something that unites us both.

Beormingas: Definitely. We listen to a large cross section of music. Clandestine Blaze, Azelisassath, the criminally overlooked and underrated Throneum, lots of stuff is always on rotation.

Scarrowscant: It’s getting colder here in the U.K so some of the rawer stuff that has that perfect feeling, Sanguine Relic, Caverns, also I am listening to a lot of Korium, and Epheles at the moment. Feeling is everything.









12.How would you describe your views on Satanism?



Scarrowscant: I have walked with the devil since I was five years old, he is a part of me as much as my blood and flesh is. To me there is no point in trying to be part of any so called church, or group or sect or seeking out any mystically Satanic tomb. I did that in my adolescence, searched for the knowledge, and devoured the infernal books, but as time ravages and I grow older I know it is something that is unquantifiable, it is as mists or vapours. Like true black metal, Satan is a feeling, a sense, an atmosphere, it permeates everything you do without trying, without posturing, and without effort. That is how we approach the music, we let that timeless entity guide our hands.



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



Scarrowscant: Support the black flame, support Plaguehurst

https://plaguehurst.bandcamp.com/releases

Repudio Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Hellblast: We are a Brazilian black metal band, we started at December 2014 with two members, Hellblast (guitars and vocals) and The Black (Drums). With this line up, we recorded a rehearsal demo titled “The Legacy of Death” (2015) and a Full Length called “Crossing Into Darkness” (2016). Both had a great reception by black metal fans and, currently, we are composing a new album.

2.So far you have released a demo and one full length, musically how do they both differ from each other?
Hellblast: “The Legacy of Death is a rehearsal record in the beginning of the band. Raw and harsh, it counts on just one guitar, vocals and drums, so it has none studio resources and has some natural rehearsal errors. In “Crossing into Darkness” record was done on Krypta Bestial Studio and every instrument was separately record. I recorded the voices, guitars, bass and The Black recorded the drums. In that album we were with the songs done and well-rehearsed, the recording lasted 13 hours. The mix and mastering were done by Mallus Peior Pessimus that has a great experience producing black metal bands. The goal has been reached! For those who’ve not known the song, you can check it out in our digital medias.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with your music so far?
Hellblast: The themes, until the first album, are suicide, death, depression, blasphemy, darkness and misanthropy. Currently, I’m approaching occultism themes in the newest compositions.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Repúdio'?
Hellblast: The name “Repúdio” cames by an Anti-Demiugic manifest that was written by my wife in a sheet of paper where she had written the lyric of our song “Martírio Cristão”, that said “Deus é digno de repúdio e cuspidas na face” (God is worthy of repudiation and spit on the face). Repúdio has a vast sense and represents the rebellion to the created laws. It’s the wrath and aversion to the whole illusion of this world.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
Hellblast: the artwork and the whole layout is a masterpiece of the great Ewan Donnovan. I explained him the concept of the album and he represents it vey well. It’s a somber cover art and represents nicely the traverse to the darkness, the elements and the colors were well chosen by the artist. In 2016, this art work was considered one of the best of the year by the critics.

6.Originally the band started out as a duo, what was the decision behind expanding into a full line up?
Hellblast: We have done some shows as a duo, but after the album was recorded, the shows sounded different that I did in the studio. In December 2017 I invited some friends that love and had the experience to play black metal songs. Invited Black Warrior (Yersinia Pestes, Demonic War Front) to the bass guitar and Necrodaemon (Diabolichaos) to the guitar. We’ve done some shows with that formation and we had positive critics about the presentations. On year afterward, Necrodaemon leaves the band. Bçack Warrior leaves the bass and goes to the guitar, and then we invited Baaltzemoth to the bass guitar.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Hellblast: The best shows were in Ribeirão Preto/SP - BRA and São Carlos/SP – BRA. Our performances are full of feelings, the receptivity of the public always was positive and sometimes they sing our songs together and they are in the event just to watch us. It is very grateful.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Hellblast: Currently, we have some confirmed dates. February 9th in our city Varginha/MG – BRA, July 20th in Passos/MG – BRA and more six dates to be confirmed.

9.The album was released through both 'Terror Music', DFL Productions', and ‘Impaled Records” do you feel both of these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?
Hellblast: Yeah, they have done an excellent work of distribution and enabled the release, because we hadn’t resources to launch it. We have just to thank them.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Hellblast: Our stuffs were distributed in physic format only in Brazil, we were opened to proposals to release on the outside of the country, although we make available in digital medias as Deezer, YouTube, Spotify. There always have messages on the Facebook page and also my personal profile, congratulating our songs or commenting on the YouTube.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Hellblast: Currently, we are composing our second album and I can tell you it is more aggressive without loss of the roots. I’m approaching occultism themes and I believe that in the future we will try more of the left hand path in our lyrics and visual. The future shows will have the whole spiritual context involved. We are searching for musical and spiritual evolution, certainly Repúdio will be the extension of it!

12.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?
Hellblast: Mainly, my influences came by Brazilian black metal bands and the 90’s way to play.  My influences is Ocultan, Cruor Cultum, Agouro, Vobiscum Inferni, Patria, Mgla, Acherontas. I always take care to compose by my way, with no copy, because they are just inspirations. Currently I’m listening to some Brazilian black metal bands like Aka Funeral, U.N.C.U.L.T., YALDABAOTH, Lápide, Amort, Black Invocation. Foreigners band I’m listening Cryfemal, Watain, Belphegor, Dark Funeral, Mgla.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Hellblast: At first, i’d like to thank to Occult Black Metal Zine for the ceded space, thank to all that support us. I’ll let below some links for those who don’t know our song. Thank you so much!

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/r3pud10h0rd3

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cos52EspOE&t=1655s

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/6Cvwl6XGV0jAJV1HS2ujfA?si=xoVzJBezTQeTw6lDuCAatQ

Deezer
http://www.deezer.com/it/album/48735532

Oculum Dei/Dreams Of Desire And Torment/2019 Full Length Review

  Oculum  Dei  are  a  band  from  North  Carolina  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Dreams  Of  Desire  And  Torment"  which  will  be  released  in  February.

  Spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  which  explain  the  creation  of  hell  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  A  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  growls  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  style.  Acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard

  The  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  One  song  also  introduces  Gregorian  chants  onto  the  recording  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a ritualistic  feeling  and  when  tremolo  picking  is  also  utilized  it  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  edge  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  keyboards,  stringed instruments  and  operatic  female  vocals  are  also  used  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  religion  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Oculum  Dei  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  "Ghost  In  The  Corridors"  "Dreams  Of  Desire  And  Torment"  and  "A  Mist  Of  Heaven  outside  Of  hell".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/YXjPyNvOTvI   

Departure Chandelier/Antichrist Rise To Power/Nuclear War Now! Productions/2019 Full Length Review

  Departure  Chandelier  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  the  United  States  and  Canada  that  plays  a  very  raw,  epic  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "Antichrist  Rise  To  Power"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions.

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  they  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times  along  with  some  battle  samples  in  the  background  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  also  introduces  grim  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

 When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up  along  with  some  of  the  riffing  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  melodic  guitar  leads  onto  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Departure  Chandelier  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  epic  and  atmospheric  sounding  in  the  90's  tradition,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  Antichrist  Napoleon,s  rise  to  power.

  In  my  opinion  Departure  Chandelier  are  a  very  great sounding  raw,  epic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Life  Escaping  Through  The  Candle's  Smoke"  "Departure  Chandelier"  and  "Re-Establish  The  Black  Rule  Of  France".  8  out  of  10.

http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/antichrist-rise-to-power

DunkelNacht/Empires Of Mediocracy/Non Serviam Records/2019 CD Review

  France/Netherlands's  DunkelNacht  have  returned  with  a  new  album which  continues  their  aggressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of their  2019  album  "Empires  Of  Mediocracy"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by Non  Serviam  Records.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  technical  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  death  metal growls  a  few  seconds  later.  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  also  adds  in  some  progressive  and  dissonant  structures  at  times  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  A  decent  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  technical  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  sci-fi  atmosphere  on  one  song  while  also  adding  in  a  more  tragic  style  on  a  alter  track  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding   in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking.  As  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  and  the  music  is  a  lot  more  technical  than  the  previous  albums  that  where  reviewed  in  this  zine.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  revolving  around  world  supremacy.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  DunkelNacht  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Relentless  Compendium"  "Amongst  the  Remnants  of  Liberty"  and  "Non  Canimus  Surdis".  8  out  of  10.

https://non-serviam-records.bandcamp.com/album/empires-of-mediocracy

Plaguehurst/Communionem/2019 Full Length Review

  Plaguehurst  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Communionem".

  Punk  influenced  riffing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  a  more  raw  feeling.

  Acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  ona   few  songs  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  some  dissonant  structures  which  also  gives  the  music  a  more  up  to  date  style.

  At  times  the music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  while  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Rain  and Thunder  sounds  can  also  be  heard  fro  a  few  seconds  before  returning back  to  a  rawer  direction  and  the  music  also  gets  more  diverse  as  the  album  progresses.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness  and  Plagues. 

  In  my  opinion  Plaguehurst  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  style  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I  Am  The  Fucking  Pariah"  "Braking  The  Armour  Of  Light"  and  "Chimes'.  8/5  out  of  10.

https://plaguehurst.bandcamp.com/releases

Mallephyr Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
After releasing the “Womb of Worms” album we made a Czech tour with Secret of Darkness and Desire for Sorrow, then played some other gigs. Since the recording there were many gigs, because it was done in Spring 2018. Meanwhile, I started to compose some songs for our next release.

2.In October you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I think it has more negativistic and nihilistic atmosphere, it’s more dissonant and harsh. But some of the characteristics of the debut album “Assailing the Holy” remained, of course. The way of composing was quite similar, but some progress in terms of some musical, technical and productional development is perceptible.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
The lyrical concept of the “Womb of Worms” album is about the mankind’s blindness based on its own existence. It’s something like the anti-human-ego treatise, the essay about the intrinsic pointlessness and nothingness. We all are just the miniature segment of the world’s cycle. In the lyrical way, on our debut album there were some of the anti-religious texts, some lyrics were inspired by the books I had read that time. Now, the whole album is cycling around the one theme, although I would not say it is a conceptual album.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mallephyr'?
It’s the combination of Malleus (means “hammer” in Latin) and Melafyr, the igneous rock with the grey-black coloration. Let’s say it kinda describes the character of our music – devastating yet cold.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork was made by the Czech artist Marek Škubal who, besides other things, presented his art also at the Brutal Assault festival few years ago. His drawings and sculptures are interweaved with worms. Our bassist Sinneral visited Marek’s exhibition in Pilsen and had a brainwave that we should cooperate on the second album because of its theme and name. You can see the result on the “Womb of Worms” album.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Every show is unique, I can enjoy the gig in the small venue with few people, when the energy is flowing the right way, just as the show on the bigger festival. But of course, there are some experiences I think back to very often, for example the show at the Brutal Assault festival. Or when we performed as a support for bands like Dark Funeral, Krisiun, Acherontas, Rotting Christ, Forgotten Tomb, The Stone and many more. The dreams came true with these gigs.

Our stage performance is nothing unusual. We perform in leather jackets with the static red lights behind us. For me, the energy flowing between us and the audience is more important than some decoration etc.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2019?
We are slowly planning the tour with one of the best Czech metal bands for the Autumn, but now it is too soon to uncover something in detail. But we have a few shows confirmed for 2019, for example in Prague with Portuguese raw black metal band Sardonic Witchery in February or with Acherontas, Inferno and Djevelkult in March. We will also play in Vienna in March and on Symbolic Open Air in Kolín in July. And I think some shows will be added later.

8.The new album was released on 'Satanath Records', how would you compare working with them to your older label 'Mad Lion Records'?
We were satisfied with Mad Lion Records and we are satisfied with Satanath Records. We just wanted to try something new, but we are very grateful to Przemek from Mad Lion that he gave as a chance with our debut album. Thanks to him we also performed four times in Poland. When the “Womb of Worms” was recorded, we sent two promo songs to many labels and Aleksey with Satanath Records responded almost immediately after receiving the package. He was interested in releasing the CD (in cooperation with the Czech label Murderous Production), the conditions were pleasant for us, so we made a deal. We are very satisfied with the promotion Aleksey made before releasing the album. Let’s see what the cooperation will bring to the both sides in the future. We are also still searching for the label to release the new album on LPs.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black and death metal?
I’ve noticed just a few reviews on the foreign webzines (and thank you for the one you wrote!), the reactions are very pleasant. The same can I say about the Czech webzines, some of the reviewers caught the essence of the album. It is also good that the whole album is available on YouTube, I noticed some very pleasant reactions there from foreign people. I’m glad how the “Womb of Worms” was accepted until now. It’s an honour.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
I also play with Stíny plamenů, sewer black metal from Pilsen. Its mastermind is Lord Morbivod, maybe you can know him also from Trollech, Umbrtka or War for War. He creates the music there and I think he slowly prepares the new Stíny plamenů’s album. The EP “20 let kanalizačních zmetků” was released last year as a celebration of the band’s 20th anniversary. I’m also a session member of War for War which changed its style from war black metal to industrial/electronica now. And few months ago I started to play as a live-guitarist with Cult of Fire who will perform at very interesting places this year. It’s an honour for me to cooperate with all the people from the bands mentioned above, I appreciate it very much.

Sinneral also plays in Panychida, pagan black/heavy metal from Pilsen. They prepare their fifth full-length album now in the KSV Studios, where we also recorded our albums, and they’re gonna also play in Brazil or Estonia this year.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
It’s a bit difficult question for me, because I do not know in advance where I will be led by my inner demons during the composition process. If I could predict, I would say the third full-length album will be more straight and aggressive than “Womb of Worms”, but we will see. As I wrote before, I prepared some songs just before releasing our new album, but most of them are meant for the non-full-length release. They are quite different from our “usual” stuff.

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?
Everything I listen to has an influence on me in some way. But definitely the greatest influence have some of the bands from the black or death metal genre, I would mention for example Aosoth, Inquisition, Nightbringer, Behemoth, generally Icelandic, Polish, French and Scandinavian black metal scene etc. It’s difficult to say, because I’m really influenced by many things I perceive. But, please, do not take the influence as an attempt to plunder from someone. You definitely can hear many influences in our music, but I would say we have our own approach to music.

Right now I’m listening to the new Cancer album “Shadow Gripped”. Recently I listen very often to the last Trollheims Grott, Adaestuo, Aevangelist, Valkyrja, Totenmesse, Svartidauđi, Kommandant or Hate Eternal albums. And the best recording of 2018 is Ascension – Under Ether for me. I’m looking forward to see them live in Prague in February! And I must mention Rebirth of Nefast – Tabernaculum – one of the best black metal albums I’ve ever heard. It has everything I’m searching for in black metal.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I would like to thank you for the interest in Mallephyr, for your questions and for the review. I would also like to thank all the supporters of this music, not only ours, but in general.
!WORSHIP.YOUR.INNER.DEMONS!

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Meka Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band? ⁃

We initially started Męka as a recording project for fun with no intention of playing out too much. This band is more fun than we all anticipated though so we’re just rolling with whatever happens. Męka is made up by Drew Arnold- Guitar, Jimmy Smolenski- Bass, Ronnie Farris- Drums, and Eli Fakes- Guitar/ Vocals.



2.In February you have an ep coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
⁃ We didn’t necessarily have a specific sound we were going for other then heavy, fast, and pissed. The first day we got together Drew had a few riffs that we all loved and we just fucked with them until they turned into War and Forsaken.

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

More or less just being fed up with everyone/ everything and dealing with it. We wanted the songs to sound as pissed and evil as possible and death is an easy subject.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Meka'? ⁃
“Męka” means torture in Polish.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover? ⁃
The art is just cool photo of a mummy. There’s not really much depth in the artwork. Life sucks, everyone dies, mummies are cool. “Why would anyone put a mummy in a museum?!”- Kevin Malone

6.So far very little is known about the band with no social networks or information to be found online other than sharing a member with 'Mutilrated', is this intentional for the time being?
⁃ For the time being, yeah. We haven’t expressed much desire to create social network platforms because this band is more about the music itself but maybe someday. Drew and Eli are actually both now active members of Mutilatred. Eli has been a part of Mutilatred for the past 3 or so years and Drew has been touring/ playing in the band for the last year or so, he’s a great fucking guitar player and is a perfect fit for Mutilatred.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
⁃ We’ve only played three shows so far. Our first show was with our friends in Pains from Wisconsin (listen to them if you’re unfamiliar). Our second show was one we picked up when Jimmy and Ronnie’s other band React was unable to play, that show was with Freedom out of Detroit and a few other Ohio locals. Our third was Halloween party in our friends basement with Drew’s other band Outside. All fun shows. We just all get very into what we’re playing and have fun with it.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the ep is released?
⁃ The only thing we have booked currently is in April 4th at the Sanctuary in Detroit with Wake, Uncle Ray and a few others.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
⁃ Honestly we don’t really know or care haha. This band is for us. If you like it then awesome, if you don’t then awesome.

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
⁃ We’ve got some new material in the works and have been talking about releasing a full length after “Ending My Life to Destroy Yours” but that might take a little time seeing as we’re all working full time and in other active bands.

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

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
⁃ Nothing much else on this end! Enjoy the album. We’d like to give a huge thank you to Redefining Darkness Records for helping us release these songs, Thomas is a great dude and is constantly working with awesome bands. Thanks for having us -Męka

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Neanderthalensis/Rain Over Scorched Earth/2018 Full Length Review

  Neanderthalensis  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  plays  a  cascadian  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2018  album  "Rain  Over  Scorched  Earth".

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  distorted  yet  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  bass  guitar  has  a  very  powerful  sound  to  it. All  3  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  drums  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  At  times  the  music  gets  very  atmospheric  along  with  a  great  amount  of  cascadian  influences.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  a  couple  of  tracks  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  3  of  the  tracks  sound  very  different  from  each  other  which  also  gives  the  recording  a  great  amount  of  diversity.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  political,  esoteric  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Neandertalensis  are  a  very  great  sounding  cascadian  style  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Pity  Is  The  Worse  Thing  You  Can  Give  Someone".  8  out  of  10.

https://h-neanderthalensis.bandcamp.com/album/rain-over-scorched-earth

  

Genuflexion/Apoteosis Fallida/Handful Of Hate/2018 CD Review

  Genuflexion  are  a  band  from  Argentina  that  plays  a  very  spiritual  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Apoteosis  Fallida" which  was  released  by  Handful  Of  Hate.

  Distorted  amp  noises  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  utilized  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  it  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  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.  melodic  yet  ritualistic  chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  mid  90's  to  early  2000's  influences.

  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  enhance  the  occult  atmosphere  that  is  presented  on  the  music.  Keyboards  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  gets  more  diverse  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  vocals  into  the  music.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  dark  spirituality  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Genuflexion  are  a  very  great  sounding  spiritual  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apoteosis  Fallida"  "Deidades  del  difunto"  and  "Adictos  a  la  ilusion  de  ser".  8  out  of  10.



http://h-o-h.bandcamp.com/album/apoteosis-fallida



    

Sinmara/Hvisl Stjarnanna/Van Records/2019 CD Review

  Sinmara  are  a  band  from  Iceland  that  plays  a  very  chaotic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  'Hvisl  Stjarmanna"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Van  Records.

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  dark  and  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style  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. Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  dissonant  structures  at  times.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Most  of  the  music  also  brings  in  more  of  a  modern  style  of  black  metal  while  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  classic  Scandinavian  style.  Clean  playing  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  main  focus  being  more  on  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Icelandic  and  English  and  cover  myths  relating  to  sirens,  ghosts  and  malevolent  spirits  beckoning  from  beyond.

  In  my  opinion  Sinmara  are  a  very  chaotic  and  melodic  sounding  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mephitic  Haze"  and  "Hvisl  Stjarmanna".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.facebook.com/sinmaraofficial

Lifeless Gaze Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
1. Lifeless Gaze is emanation of pain and depression. For me it's some kind of emotional exorcism.

2.So far you have released 2 albums, musically how do they both differ from each other?
2. Both albums are gateways for emotions - yet the first record turned out more by itself naturally, in some way it was improvised. Me and M met together booked studio, came with some random ideas and started recording - after 2 days we had full album finished, it was very natural recording session. Half of second album was already prepared and rehearsed - we played 'We Are Born to Suffer' and 'Never-Ending Void' live. Due to that situation we already knew what to expect and where we were going with 'The Unbearable Darkness of Being'.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
3. Despair, suffering, depression, misery, emanation of pain in cage called flesh, no future, solitude, agony, torment, emptiness, suicide, death.


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Lifeless Gaze'?
4. I wanted to find a name that would say everything about this project and give listener a feeling of what to expect.


5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
5. Front cover art - it's photo of one of us after a specific situation I will not talk about - but after taking this picture there came the idea to use it as cover for the second album. All the rest of the artwork is taken in a place close to one of us - the whole mood of this room was perfect for this album. All pictures were taken by AZ, who also prepared all sketches for our debut album.

6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
6. We will remain duo, there's no need for more members. Lifeless Gaze is two-headed creature based on our two selves and our past and inner demons. Additional people would only weaken it. During live rituals M plays all guitars, I do percussion, vocals and all ambient stuff - it works perfectly

7. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of dark ambient and depressive black metal?
7. We had some various good comments and messages from people around the world and also some negative feedback from people who don't understand that less is more.

8,What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
8. Currently I'm finishing new double album with Whalesong, it will be entitled 'Radiance of a Thousand Suns'. Except that I'm working on new Lugola (my dark ambient/noise project) and Grave of Love (my neofolk band) albums. M is preparing to release his first full length album under Darkdrone moniker - it's guitar based drone/ambient thing. We're also both preparing to record together third album with Useless - depressive black metal act.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
9. I think on third record we will go more into dark ambient and improvisational music. I have idea to record the album using various instruments and record it totally live.

10.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?

10. M is huge black metal maniac and he is also very influenced by bands like Tribes of Neurot. I am huge maniac of psychedelic rock, krautrock, various metal styles, industrial, noise, no wave, minimal, ambient, jazz and many many more.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
11. Definitely Cinema, especially old exploitation, giallo and good old hammer horrors - but you can already know it if you have seen our videos for Lifeless Gaze compositions. Except that books, philosophy, psychology, travelling, monoliths, sound.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. There is no future.

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Blurr Thrower/Les avatars du vide/Les Acteurs de I'Ombre Productions/2019 EP Review

  Blurr  Thrower  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  plays  a  cascadian  influenced  from  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  ep  "Les  avatars  du  vide"  which  was  released  by  Les  Acteurs  de  I'Ombre  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  ep  along  with  both  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Clean  guitars  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  music  also  getting  very  atmospheric  at  times  and  adding  in  some  cascadian  influences.

  Elements  of  blackgaze  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  music  also  gets  very  melancholic  at  times.  All  of  the  riffing  is  done  on  power  chords  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  aggressive  edge  over  most  atmospheric  bands.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Blurr  Thrower  are  a  very  great  sounding  cascadian  influenced  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Silence".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Hh5f2ngLyAM

Automb Interview

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

We have been playing a few shows in support of the record and we have also been very busy writing material for our new record which will be coming out later this year.



2.In October you had released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

That’s a hard question- It ranges from atmospheric black metal to the classic death metal elements filled with melody and brutality.



3.Your lyrics cover a lot of occult, pagan, witchcraft and esoteric themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interests in these topics and how long you have been interested and involved with those practices?

We have both been very interested in all things occult and pagan for quite a few years. We both grew up in a Christian environment and just decided to break out and explore and have never turned back. Once you see how much knowledge is outside of the society and religious bounds, there is a whole world open to you.



4.Some of your lyrics also show an understanding of different pagan cultures, do you feel it is very important to be knowledgeable about the different occult or pagan philosophies than be stuck in one corner where a lot of people seem to go into when they get into esoteric practices?

Yes, absolutely. We focus on anything that has to do with the occult, which in a broad sense is everything to do with hidden knowledge, regardless of cultural practices. Also, we draw parallels between these practices which at the end represents the same energies and the same ideas.



5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Automb'?

We formed Automb in the autumn season and we gave it that name to incorporate the two ideas of autumn as the season and how many things die in that season, hence the “tomb’.



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

It represents a ritualistic setting in the forest during the full moon. The main totem represents the horned god deity (Veles, Cernunnos, Loki) which is present in almost every path and culture. We also incorporated many powerful runes and symbols into the trees which are personal to us. The cover also represents themes that we have present in a few songs in the album (Horned God, Mourned, Blood Moon, The Forest, etc.)



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

We have only played two shows so far so it is hard to accurately depict the “best” show so far. However, we would describe our stage performance as ritualistic, empowering and fierce.





8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We currently have three shows booked in the next few months and then we are hoping to do a tour this summer.



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

It’s been overwhelmingly positive from all-over the world. The response has been far beyond our expectations.



10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

We are not part of any other bands. Necrophagia is dead so Serge is putting all of his time and energy into Automb. And Scott Fuller was just the session drummer for ‘Esoterica’ and is still the full-time drummer of Morbid Angel. Catch Morbid Angel on tour this spring with Cannibal Corpse (In the US)!



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

We are always striving to be more progressive and improve our music and style. With every record we are planning to top our previous works with of course tying in previous elements that make Automb what we are.



12.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?

Some bands that have influenced our musical style are, Behemoth, Belphegor, Watain,Drudkh, Dissection, Emperor. We are currently listening to bands like 1914, Uada, Kroda, Necrophobic, and Cult of Fire.



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

We are finally on Spotify, so go follow us on there, and… Hail Chaos! Hail Esoteric Black Metal!

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Gast/Morkret Kallar/Black Market Metal Label/2019 Full Length Review

  Gast  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a varied  and  ferocious  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2019  album  "Morkret  Kallar"  which  will  be  released  on  January  25th  by  Black  Market  Metal  Label.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in a   good  amount  of  melody.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  one  track  also  introduces clean  guitars  onto the  recording.

   Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences.  As  the  album  progresses  nature  sounds  also  make  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  one  track  being  an  acoustic  instrumental  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  following  songs,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  darkness  and  satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gast  are  a  very  great  sounding  varied  and  ferocious  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Under  Satans  Vingir"  and  "Sorgens  Skugga".  8  out  of  10.

https://blackmarketmetallabel.bigcartel.com/product/gast-morkret-kallar