Proclamation/Execration Of Cruel Bestiality/Nuclear War Now! Productions/Ross Bay Cult/2020 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  another  review  of  a  recording  from  Proclamation  which  also continues  the  bestial  black/death  and  war  metal  style  of  their  previous  releases  and  the  album  was  released  in  2009  and  called  "Execration  Of  Cruel  Bestiality"  which  was  re-issued  in  2020  as  a  joint  effort  between  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions  and  Ross  Bay  Cult.

  A  very  dark  and  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  tribal  beats  and  chants  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  war  metal  elements,  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  

  Vocals are  a  mixture  of  bestial  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Finnish  and  Canadian  styles  of  the  genre,  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  bear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  All  of  the  riffing  also  avoids  any  use  of  melody  which  also  gives  the music  a  lot  more  brutality  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  Gregorian  chants  as  well  as  the  ritualistic  elements  also  returning  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  synths  can  also  be heard  briefly  on  a  few  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Blasphemy  and  Desecration  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Proclamation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  war  and  bestial  black/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Witching  Torment"  "Execration  Of  Cruel  Bestiality"  and  "Hammer  Of  Prophets".  8  out  of  10.

http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/execration-of-cruel-bestiality 

Proclamation/Messiah Of Darkness And Impurity/Nuclear War Now! Productions/Ross Bay Cult/2020 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of another  recording  from  Spain's  Proclamation which  continues  the  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2008  and  called  "Messiah  Of  Darkness  And  Impurity"  which  was  also  re-issued  in  2020  as  a  joint  effort  between  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions  and  Ross  Bay  Cult.

  A  very  dark  and  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking along  with  the  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  bestial  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  A  lot of  the  music  also  shows  some  influences  of  both  the  Canadian  and  Finnish  styles  of  the  early  90's  era while  also  sounding  like  Blasphemy  mixed  with  Archgoat  at  times.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  raw  yet  chaotic  style.

 All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  synths  also  make  a  brief  return  on  some  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  add  in  more  of  a  demonic  atmosphere  in  the  more  ritualistic  side  of  the  music,  all  of  the riffing  is  mostly  done  on  power  chords.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Blasphemy  and  Desecration  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Proclamation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  war  bestial  black/death  metal, you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nocturnal  Damnation"  Remains  Of  Sacrifice"  "Tyrants  Of  Desolation"  and  "Sabbat  of  Vengeance". 8out  of  10.

http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/messiah-of-darkness-and-impurity 

   

Proclamation/Advent Of The Black Omen/Nuclear War Now! Productions/Ross Bay Cult/2020 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Proclamation  where  a  band  from  Spain  that  played  a  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2006  album  "Advent  Of  The  Black  Omen"  which  was  re-issued  in  2020  by  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions  as  a  joint  effort  between  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions  and  Ross  Bay  Cult.

  A  very  dark  and  apocalyptic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  demonic  voices  and  whispers  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  bestial  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  yet  old  school  style.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  along  with  the  synths  also  giving  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  and  ambient  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  all  of the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Procalmation  played  a  musical  style that went  back  to  the  90's  era  of  war  and  bestial  black/death  metal  but  updated  it  for  the  era  they  where  around.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  blasphemy  and  Desecration  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Proclamation  where  a very  great  sounding  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  emtal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band. RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Evil  Blood  Of  Sodomy"  "Crucifixion  Vomit"  "Seed  of  The  Antichrist"  and  "Proclamation  Of  Doom".  8out  of  10.

http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/nether-tombs-of-abaddon   

    

Ba'al Interview

 

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

1. The past few months have mostly been focussed on completing the album. Naturally, the whole Coronavirus situation has prevented us from getting together

 and forced the cancellation of several gigs (including one with Wormrot that we were very disappointed to miss). But with no gigs we’ve had some time to work on our individual projects (COVID-permitting) as well. We were lucky that we completed the recording

 process just a few weeks before the UK went into lockdown, so the process wasn’t hindered massively. The time away has actually given us a certain eagerness to get back together and start working on the next phase of Ba’al after a needed break so in that respect

 it’s actually had something of a benefit.

2.You have your first full length coming out towards the end of October, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's and singles?

2. It’s more expansive than anything we’ve released so far. It’s rooted in the same ideas and influences but they are all fleshed out a lot more. We’ve

 always blurred the lines between post-metal, sludge, and black metal. Since Joe joined as our vocalist, we have certainly seen a gradual shift towards the black metal side but it’s by no means a black metal album. We all come from different musical backgrounds

 (albeit with a lot of crossovers) so naturally, there is a lot of variation in the ideas that we bring to the table, which is something we encourage within the band. We don’t like to reject any ideas for being ‘too X’ or ‘not Y enough’ so we often find ourselves

 writing songs unlike anything we’ve written before.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

3. Lyrically the album deals with grief and the different stages of which we go through in life. Joe writes all the lyrics and they are very much reflections

 of his own experiences. That being said, we hope that people will share in the energy and draw their own conclusions.

We’ve never approached this band with any particular agenda which has always given a lot of room to explore different ideas and concepts. We find that

 the songs we write refine themselves quite naturally and it’s because of this that we are establishing our sound. It’s likely that following releases will expand further on certain elements heard on Ellipsism and perhaps move away from others, but this is

 uncertain and will be something that again occurs naturally.

4.I know that the name 'Ba'al' came from an ancient Canaanite God, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Occultism and Ancient Mythology'?

4. In truth we actually know very little! It’s true that it refers to an ancient iteration of beelzebub, although there are numerous sources which suggest

 the origins of the name are different. We actually chose the name for the far less compelling reason that it simply had an interesting ring to it. Of course it’s an appropriate name for a blackened post-metal band but we were more drawn in by the unusual spelling

 and pronunciation which seemed quite memorable and impactful.

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

5. ‘Ellipsism’ is variably defined as the sense of melancholy associated with the knowledge that one won’t experience the future. We initially went

 over a few ideas around the concept before being alerted to the work of Eeli Helin, an artist and musician from Finland. His work is extraordinarily dark and compelling and after taking in the message of the album he conceptualised and executed several pieces

 for us including the cover art. The image is representative of the harsh weight of knowledge, here presented as the rocks carried across the subjects back. I don’t think we could have found a more appropriate and visually striking image to represent this album

 and we are beyond thrilled with the work Eeli has produced.

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

6. We’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with some incredible names over the past few years. To name a few, Conan, Conjurer, Downfall of Gaia,

 Gnaw Their Tongues, Fen, Bong and many more. Bloodstock Festival was an early benchmark that we achieved which actually led to our recording sessions with Russ Russell. We also played and were involved in the organisation of Rolo Tomassi’s first hometown show

 in years which took place inside an amazing old cinema building in Sheffield.  

7.The new album is coming out on 'Clobber Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

7. We were made aware of Clobber through Argesk, another band on the label who Joe has known for a while. It didn’t take long to realise how much good

 work they’ve done in the underground metal scene in the UK. We saw that they were seeking new bands for their roster and submitted our album. The rest, as they say, is history!

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

8. It seems to go down fairly well! We’re always beyond pleased, and often dumbstruck, whenever we find out that someone has listened to us in another

 country. Even more so when we’re shipping merch or a CD to another country. Of course, in the internet age there is a massively enhanced sense of connectivity, so we are able to connect to people across the globe in ways that seem normal now that simply weren’t

 possible in previous decades but it still feels very strange to us. We hope that our music can be experienced and enjoyed by anyone, no matter their geographical location.

9.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?

9.

Hecate Enthroned (Joe's bigger, 'other' band), like most, had their plans for this year scuppered by COVID, but they're looking forward to getting

 back to playing live as soon as possible. Bleating Apocalypse (the 'easy listening metal' band featuring Richard and Luke) have been absent from the public eye for a good while now, working on new music, but they've been using this recent time to start demoing

 their next album from home, whilst also celebrating ten years as a band.

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

10. We’re not a band that wants to remain rooted in one sound and we’re always open to expanding our ideas. We are already informally writing ideas

 and putting together concepts for what comes next, including something that we definitely haven’t explored before.

11.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?

11. We listen to a very broad range of music both within metal and beyond. Hip-hop, techno, jazz, folk, pop, drone, ambient, noise, glitch; it’s all

 fair game in this band, though naturally, it doesn’t all make its way into our writing processes. We actually run a monthly playlist on our blog which details what we’ve all been listening to of late as well as what we like about them. You can view this via

 this link: 

https://cvltofbaal.wordpress.com/. With regards to Ellipsism, the most obvious influences are bands like Deafheaven, Amenra, Deftones, Primitive Man and Cult of Luna.

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

12. We are an inclusive band that believes that prejudice and hatred have no place in society, let alone music. We hope that our music can offer a safe

 place for all to enjoy regardless of their gender, race, culture, sexuality or religion.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaTl_lhddH8&feature=youtu.be

Gergovia Interview

 

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

Since the release of the album, I'm in full promotion. I receive a lot of solicitations and obviously the album is very appreciated, it's really nice.

2.In August you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

It's much more successful, worked and thought out than anything I have done before. I slowed down the tempos a lot in order to reinforce the dark atmospheres, and thanks to this slowing down, the fast parts are in their turn wilder.

There was also a lot of work on the production that I wanted massive and uncompromising, but at the same time I wanted it to stay natural and not overproduced. 

This is the problem with musical data processing, you can easily produce albums, but very quickly sanitized and too cold and soulless.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years?

My texts today are more incisive and biting than when I started, they must be read in the second degree. 

GERGOVIA's words have always been identical. 

GERGOVIA defends values, a way of life, I also portray the world today in a dark way as it is.

I got older and my vision of the world grew darker and darker, when I started I needed to express myself brutally and simply, directly, today everything is more complicated and dark.

4.Some of your earlier lyrics also covered Gallic Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Indeed, my first lyrics were inspired by paganism and my Gallics ancestors. They were more raw and uncompromising, they defended a way of life, customs today I widened the horizon so as not to go around in circles.

I does not mean that the words are futile, they are always identity, but in the broad sense of the term.

Identity, culture, values, it's what makes you what you are, what give you a place in this world where reigns the dictatorship of minaurities, the standardization, the americanization of the world.

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

GERGOVIA is a historic landmark at home in Auvergne (a region of France). It's the place where my Gallic ancestors we beat the legions of Cesar.

It's a plateau which dominate the plains in the middle of the magnificent chain of volcanoes. 

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

The cover represents the decay of our world of our values, this cathedral in ruins is the image with the image of the devil in filigree. 

7.With this project you record everything by yourself but have experience working with musicians in other bands, which one do you prefer?

Yes of course, I have been making music for 30 years now, I have participated in many bands and various musical project: Aliénation mentale, Lethean shore, Endless agony, Altaïr ...

It's always fun to play with other musicians but it's also too complicated when everyone is not going in the same direction.

That's why I prefer to be alone, even if it's sometimes complicated to compose alone, if something doesn't work you can only blame yourself.

I like being in my own studio and seeing a song come to life, in a band there will always be someone for whom this riff will not be enough this or not enough that. 

When you are alone you choose it's good or it's not, you keep or you throw. 

This does not prevent you from surrounding yourself with competent musicians who know what they have to do and when they have to do it.

8.You also have had a live line up for this project, what are some of the best shows that you have played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Yes I did a few concert with GERGOVIA, but frankly it's not my thing, we always come back to the same thing: when you're alone everything is simpler and at the same time more complicated.

You have to recruit musicians, rehearse, find lives, take care of management, that's a lot for one man. 

At the same time when you bring your songs to life in front of an audience it's really enjoyable. We can't have it all.

9.The new album was self released but you have worked with labels in the past, are you open to working with another label in the future?

"In Requiem Aeternam" was released on the Wolfmond productions label, a small record company but really dedicated to its bands.

I have already worked with other labels, CCP Records, Occultum productions.

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

You would think that the fans of the first hour would have dropped out but they are not, it's a great honor for me that all these guys have been following me since the first hour and supporting me.

I also think that the fans are evolved at the same time as the black scene, the fans like the cold and primitive brutality of the black metal of the yesteryear and also a more nuanced music which mixes several influences.

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

I don't belong to any bands anymore today.

12.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Frankly I don't know at all, your question is very complicated, music is lived day by day, today I'm releasing my tenth album, maybe there will be ten more maybe it will be the last, I don't know.

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?

80's Thrash and heavy metal, 90's black and death metal. I always listen to these music, I'm an old jerk, I can't find a band that connects me at the moment, or rare exceptions.

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

No nothing special, everything was said in your interview, thank you very much for your support for my humble project. 

Thank you all for your support and black regards!

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The Wake/Born In 84, Dies In The 84th Year/Loud Rage Music/2020 EP Review

 

  The  Wake  are  an  international  duo  with  embers  from  Germany  and  Romania  that has had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  raw  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  ep "Born  In  84,  Dies  In  The  84th  Year"  which  was  released  by  Loud  Rage  Music.

  Breathing  sounds  start  off  the  ep  fore  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  only  track  that  is  presented  on  the  recording  is  over  15  minutes  in  length.  Whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  before  along  with  all  of  the musical  instruments  also having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Grim black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  song while  spoken  word  parts can  also  be  heard  briefly.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times,  psychedelic  sounds  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  and  the  ep  also  adds  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  this  recording  The  Wake  goes  for  more  of  a  raw  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  that  also  mixes  in  some  elements  of  death  and  doom  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Wake  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  8  out  of  10.

https://loudragemusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-wake-born-in-84-died-in-the-84th-year

    

Ordinul Negru/Nebuisa/Loud Rage Music/2020 EP Review

 

  Romania's  Ordinul  Negru  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  atmospheric  style  of  black  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  ep  "Nebuisa"  which  was  released  by  Loud  Rage  Music.

  Melodic  guitar  riffing  and  drum  beats  start  off  the  ep  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  At  times  the  riffs  also  get  very  technical  sounding  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  as  well as  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  one  track  also  introduces  female  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording.

  On  this  recording  Ordinul  Negru  takes  their  atmospheric  style  of  occult  black  metal  into  more  of  a  technical  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Romanian  and  cover  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Solitude  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Prdinul  Negru  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nebuisa"  and  "Maldoror".  8  out  of  10.

https://loudragemusic.bandcamp.com/album/ordinul-negru-nebuisa.  

Heteriik Interview

 

 For those that have never heard of you before , can you tell us a little bit about the musical project? 1) Personal , visceral inspirations. I let a story come to life that is created over time. The overall picture speaks of the repercussion of mental disorders, of "deviances" on the physical ; disorders induced in particular by societal needs, collective demands unsuitable for the main protagonist of the picture. For A.T.R . we are in the first chapter, in the first table , we are just beginning to explore falls and the unconscious. It is full of false certainties, of real questioning, why not see it as the first steps of an initiatory or therapeutic journey?

 So far you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording? 2) Everything is both instinctive and thoughtful . To try to be clearer, at no point in the creation or recording process do I ever stick to anything in terms of musical etiquette. Certain rhythmic and melodic lines were often made by instinct, I knew which music had to transcribe such and such an emotion at such and such a moment. Once it was laid down , even spat out, I could take the time to build around it and explore , experiment with the sounds. And that's what was great with S. Robitaille , who have mixed and mastered A.T.R , to be able to exchange and work on certain parts, certain sounds to get to what you can listen to today. No need or desire for a musical label of departure or arrival . 

What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music? 3) For A.T.R ., I gave you a lot of keys in the first answer. For the next opus, I will take you further in the unconscious exploration , letting the brain or the guts express themselves, whoever needs it on each piece. You will also find themes such as isolation (forced or wanted), internal prison , progressive loss of control . On other projects I have been fortunate enough to work on , I have explored a very wide range of themes, from Saturnalia to the battlefield , with varying degrees of satisfaction . Experiments on the psyche of the individual , climatic alterations, different human disorders are my favorite themes, certainly because the most personally speaking haha.

 What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Heteriik'? 4) Heteriik is a free rewriting of the etheric word. I echo the notion of the etheric body, and I let you rummage through the books if this notion is foreign to you :)

 5) Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover? 5) I was impressed by this photo, what it expresses, what it exudes in emotion and appeal to personal reflection . Everything is impeccable on this one , the light, the colors... And it fits perfectly with the music and the emotions I wanted to convey. This picture and the one on the round cd were made by M.S. and Benoît Mota. The insert is made by Satter, inspired by the theme of the EP and the colors of the cover. I take this opportunity to thank them again by the way. 

With this project you record everything by yourself but have experience working with other musicians, how would you compare the two? 6) Everything, absolutely everything is different. You only confront yourself in the end , and you make yourself evolve , always looking further. I'm a natural to question everything, often . So I think it's an asset to work on solo projects. Group work must be dynamic, you must also know how to make compromises and be flexible , without necessarily crashing either. It's still relational in my opinion , and when you have a dynamic that lasts over time then you already have half of the work done. Both ways of working are very interesting and enriching, on different points. You don't have the same constraints of time , of rendering. Working alone is a challenge too, for the necessary rigor, and it allowed me to learn a lot of new skills and use new materials. But I feel free to create in both ways. 

Currently you are unsigned , are you looking for a label or have received any interest? 7) Yes. At first I didn't even think about it, preferring to focus on the release and some promotion . Then some good , even very good feedback from listeners came to me , and encouraging lyrics that led me to consider looking for a label , to support me in future releases on a different format than the CD. 

On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal? 8) I have some good feedback from France , Europe and Quebec at the moment. It's a good start, especially for a project that was released so recently I think. 

What is going on with your other band 'Verglas Sanglant' these days? 9) For Verglas Sanglant, we are in the promotion phase of our latest EP, "Tempête de Tourments", released last June and on the preparations for the tour in France in February 2021 with our friends from The Negation . Beautiful dates to come , and all the infos will be announced via the Facebook page and the band's website. 

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the music heading into musically during the future? 10) Soon , within a few months at the latest. As I told you my musical approach is rigorous and sincere , so I'm giving myself every opportunity to perfect the next opus. Which is on the right track , many tracks have already been recorded. The evolution will be the one that the project will bring in the end , with the research to take you very far, too far in the musical journey. We'll see what means it will take , I'm not ruling out any possibility for this project. We come back to the disinterest of musical etiquette , certainly I create a form of Black Metal , but codification is one of the victims of the journey with Heteriik. Codifying, putting in the little boxes, doesn't help you think. Here , I invite you to project yourself into the music, to feel it, to live it. In your own way. 

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? 11) Very clearly Black Metal , you will also find electro and experimental music in terms of influences. At the moment, in no particular order and without being exhaustive , I'm listening: Pink Floyd Leviathan Wardruna James Carter Shining DHG Deathspell Omega SUNN 0))))) Austere Igorrr Diapsiquir Quantic Charlie Parker Archgoat Behexen IC3PEAK 

Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 12) Thank you for your questions, which I enjoyed answering. Thank you for the support, and see you soon for a new musical step.

Bandcamp

Akral Necrosis/The Greater Absence/Loud Rage Music/2020 CD Review

 

  Romania's  Akral  Necrosis  have  returned  with  a  new recording  which  shows  the music  going  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "The  Greater  Absence"  which  was  released  by  Loud  Rage  Music.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the vocals  are  a  mixture  of  high  pitched  yet  grim  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  tremolo  picking  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  chaotic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  whispered vocal  also  being  utilized  briefly.

  One  track  also  introduces  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  getting  more  longer  in  epic  in  length  as  the  album  progresses.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  a  character  obsessed  with  the  occult  and  who  discovers  a superficial  approach  towards  the  unknown  can  have  unexpected  consequences.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Akral  Necrosis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Silent  Altar"  "Man  In  The  Cauldron" "Plaguebound"  and  "Damnatio  Memoriae".  8  out  of  10.

 https://loudragemusic.bandcamp.com/album/akral-necrosis-the-greater-absence  

    

Ceremonial Bloodbath/The Tides Of Blood/Sentient Ruin Laboratories/2020 Full length Review

 

  Ceremonial  Bloodbath  are  a  band  from  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada  that  plays  a  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album "The  Tides  Of  Blood" which  will  be released  in  October  by  Sentient  Ruin  Laboratories.

  A  very  dark  and  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  whispered  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  bestial  growls.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  showing  an  influence  of  90's  era  doom/death  metal.

 When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  as  well  as  having  their  melodic  moments  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  synths  can  also  be  heard  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ceremonial  Bloodbath  are  a  very  great  sounding  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Primitive"  "The  Throat  Of  Belial"  and  "Ceremonial  Bloodbath". 8out  of  10.

BANDCAMP RELEASE 

  

   

Essence Of Blasphemers/Calyx Of Black Metal/Purity Through Fire/2020 CD Review

 

  Essence  Of  Blasphemers  are  an  international  duo  with  members  from Germany  and  Ecuador  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Calyx  Of  Black  Metal"  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Clean  vocals  and  ritualistic  beats  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  era.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  tracks  also  sound  like  they  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  25  years  ago.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  raw,  melodic  and  old  school  style.

  The  vocals  also having  their  deep  yet  evil  moments  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  some  of  the  songs  and  one  song  also  introduces  a  small  amount  of  synths  and  clean  playing  onto  the  recording,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Blasphemy,  Anti  Christianity  and  Black  Metal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Essence  Of  Blasphemers  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  satanic  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ritual"  "Exalted  Blasphemer"  "The  Satan  pest"  and  "The  Flames".8out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/essenceofblasphemers 

https://youtu.be/DGXc-5Fcl9E

  

Gergovia/In Requiem Aeternam/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Gergovia  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  plays  a  very  modern  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  album  "In  Requiem  Aeternam".

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Elements  of  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  angry  sounding  spoken  word  parts  into  the  music.

  Some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  vocals  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  industrial  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  and  programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  Gregorian  chants  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  War,  Gallics,  Misanthropy  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gergovia  are  a  very  great  sounding  modern  black  metal  solo  project  and  if you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  Include  "M'arracher  au  loin"  "Paria" "Le  fleau  des  sacrifies"  and  "Sonne  angelus".  8  out  of  10.

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Mørkt Tre/Земля забута богом і людьми/Darker Than Black Records/2020 CD Review

 

    Mørkt  Tre  are  a  band  from  Ukraine  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  folk  influenced  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Земля  забута  богом  і  людьми"  which  was  released  by Darker  Than  Black  Records. 

  Folk  instruments  and  tribal  style  percussion  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  pagan  style  female  vocals  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  pasts.  The  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

 Acoustic  guitars  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  clean  male  pagan  vocals,  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  folk  music  elements  also  mixing  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature  and  paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mørkt  Tre  are  a  very  great  sounding  folk  influenced  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Жертовна  кров"  and  "Той,  що  прародитель".  8/5  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZlS956kKOs      

Annihilus/Ghanima/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Chicago,  Illinois's  Annihilus  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  into  more  of  a  black  metal  direction  with  elements  of  noise  rock,  sludge, shoegaze  and  instrumental  synth  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020 album  "Ghamima".

  Dark,  heavy  and  melodic  riffing  starts  of  the  album  along  with  some  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  while  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  noise  rock  and  a later  track  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  recording.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard briefly  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  some  of  the  riffing  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  shoegaze  as well  as  some  blast  beats also  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up.

  All  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to them  and  the  album  also  closes  with  a  cover  of  The  Sex  Pistols   "Anarchy  In  The  U.K"  which  is  done  in  more  of  a  blackened  noise  style  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  interpretations  from  Neil  Gaiman's   The  Sandman  and  Frank  Herbert's  Dune. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Annihilus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  black  metal  with  some  shoegaze,  noise  rock  and  sludge  metal  elements,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Matthew"  "A  Moon  Falls"  and  "W.T.W.B".  8  out  of  10.

https://annihilus-sounds.bandcamp.com/album/ghanima   

            

Chrome Waves 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 actually began tracking drums and guitars and piano a week before we released “Where We Live”. Since COVID-19 cancelled all our plans for touring we stuck to writing new music and have an album and split schedule for 2021.

2.So far this year you have released a full length and a split, musically how do they differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Starting with our split in March with Grid Failure - this was a bit more experimental and had less overall vocal performance in favor of different instrumentation. Our new album, “Where We Live”, is a continuation into post-black metal and post-rock, with a bit more grunge and shoegaze elements.

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?

Lyrical topics have included grief, death and dying, addiction, political themes, apocalyptical, ect… As songwriters we’ve stopped trying to put anything in a box - and avoid what we find easy to write in favor of what we are passionate about, while continuing to evolve in sound.

4.All of the band members are also involved with other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of Chrome Waves that you are not able to do with your other groups?

 We like to explore more basic song structure, and simpler instrumentation in favor of melody, textures, and hooks.

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

 It is a song by Ride.

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

 It was created by our friend Brian Sheehan of Legerdemain Art.

7.From 2012 to 2018 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

The band members were all involved in other projects at the time, and the band was essentially “restarted” in late 2018 by Jeff, the only remaining original member, shortly followed by James.

8.Recently you were a part of a split with 'Gridfailure', what are your thoughts on the other project that participated on the recording?

Gridfailure makes very reality challenging music that is on par with soundtracks in my opinion. He would do a great job with a movie or video game.

9.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

 I can only speak to the last year since we reformed and began playing live, but some of our “local” shows in Indianapolis and Chicago have been the best in my experience. Also not local, Ottawa Canada, all in 2019. We are very performative and haven’t relied on backing tracks yet at this point, we pull a wall of sound out of our instruments and enjoy creating something different than the record at every stop.

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

To be honest, it’s not really a genre we’ve followed closely. I think it has been overall pretty positive, but most people aren’t sure what genre to throw us in, because it varies a bit by each release, especially the new LP, Where We Live. We’re comfortable with whatever genre tag is given.

11.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?

James is releasing an album with his band Amiensus on 10/02/2020, and his other band Comatose later this year. Jeff just released his first album under his solo project Deeper Graves, and has another project in the pipeline. Dustin is working on new albums with Wretch and Demicurous

12.I heard that the band is currently working on a new album, what can we expect musically once it is released?

Indeed, we have actually been tracking this whole week. Without giving too much away, don’t expect it to be metal, and don’t expect harsh vocals.

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?

Some influences include indie rock, 80’s and 90’s rock, as well as grunge and shoegaze, and 80’s City Pop. Speaking only for myself, i’ve enjoyed albums by Tricot, Ringo Deathstarr, Deftones, Narrow Head, Nothing

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

 We hope everyone enjoys the new album and takes a dive into our discography after if they are new to the band and enjoy a diverse collection of music produced over the last 2 years. Please stay safe, wear your mask, and we hope to see you in 2021 on tour in support of this album and the next!

https://www.facebook.com/chromewavesofficial

http://chromewaves.bandcamp.com

http://www.instagram.com/chromewavesofficial

Griim/Bete immonde/Purity Through Fire/2020 CD Review

 

  Griim  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  an  experimental  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Bete  immonde"  which  will  be  released  on  September  30th  by Purity  Through  Fire.

  Ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  samples  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  programmed  beats  also  add  elements  of  electronic  music  and  hip  hop  onto  the  recording  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  but  also  remaining  experimental  at  the  same  time.  Clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  the  tremolo  picking  also gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Non  sampled  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  some  ethnic  style  tribal  vocals  as  well  as  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  distorted  yet  melodic  style  when  they  are utilized.

  The  music  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments  along  with  all of  the  tracks  also  having  a  very  different  sound  to  them  as  well  as  all  of  the  songs  also  sticking  to  either  a  slow  or mid  paced  direction,  clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  French  and  English  and  cover  dark,  disturbing  and  depraved  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Griim  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  black  metal, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nymphe  decharnee"  "So  Long  Fuckers"  and  "Serotonin".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/jvucF9cLJmo

Desaster/Decayed/Hellprod Records/2020 SPlit EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Germany's  Desaster  and  Portugal's  Decayed  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Hellprod  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Desaster  which  shows  their  music  going  into  more  of  an  old  school  black  metal  direction.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  dark  yet  melodic  riffing  along  with  some  whispered  vocals  a  few  seconds  later.  When  the  music  speeds  up a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  which  also  adds  in  some  first  wave  touches  at  times  as  well  as  the  song  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  melody.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Desaster  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next up  is  Decayed  who  return  with  their  old  school  style  of  black  metal. 

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  aggressive  and  old  school  style  along  with  some  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  All of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  music  shows  influences  of  both  the  first  and  second  wave  as  well  as  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Portuguese  and  cover  Occultism  and  Ritual  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great sounding  track  from  Decayed  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp | Soundcloud

www.facebook.com/666Desaster666
www.facebook.com/DKD666

 

Sad/Misty Breath Of Ancient Forests/Purity Through Fire/2020 CD Review

 

  Sad  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Misty  Breath  Of  Ancient  Forests"  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Purity  Through  Fire. 

  A  very  fast,  raw  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  as  well  as  all  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  One  track  also  introduces  rain  and  thunder  sounds  onto  the  album  along  with  all  of  the  music  also  sticking  to  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  raw  direction.   

  Sad  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  melodic  in  the  90's  Nordic  Tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  mysticism,  death,  darkness  and  negativity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Sad  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  melodic  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  "Enjoy  Your  Pettiness"  "Hellish  Ride"  and  "Hades  Gazing".  8  out  of  10.

www.hordeavsad.webs.com

https://youtu.be/ng1n7otWkEM