Ghost Horizon/The Punishment Of Life/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Arizona's  Ghost  Horizon  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  group  expanding  from  being  a  solo  project  to  a  full  band  and  goes  for  an  atmospheric  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "The  Punishment  Of  Life"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction  while  all  of  the  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  at  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments.

  The  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  post  metal  elements  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  the  clean  playing  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness  and  Loss  themes.

bbIn  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Ghost  Horizon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Punishment  Of  Life"  and  "Wretched  Fiend  (The  Haunting)".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/GhostHorizonOfficial 

www.ghosthorizon.bandcamp.com 

www.instagram.com/ghost.horizon

    

Pagansarv/Kaarnakarva/Warhorn Records/2021 FUll Length Review

 

  Pagansarv  are  a  duo  from  Estonia  that  plays  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Kaarnakarva"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Warhorn  Records.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a v ery  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Clear  pagan  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in a   great  amount  of  90's  influences  but  also  keeping  ti  very  modern  at  the  same  time  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  the  outro.

  Pagansarv  plays  a  style  of  pagan  black  metal  that  is  very  fast,  aggressive  and  melodic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Estonian  and  cover  Paganism  and  Melancholy  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Pagansarv  are  a  very  great  sounding  pagan  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Surnute  Marrs"  "Ussimurki"  and  "Kaarnakarva".  8  out  of  10.

https://warhorn.bandcamp.com/album/kaarnakarva

https://www.facebook.com/pagansarvofficial

Dodskold/Ödesriket/Pesttanz Klangschmiede/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Dodskold  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  grim  and  cold  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Ödesriket"  which  was  released  by  Pesttanz  Klangschmiede.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Scandinavian  style.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

Melodic  vocals  are  also  added  on  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  album  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  melancholic  moments,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  keyboards  and  throat  singing  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  darkness,  death  and  melancholy  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Dodskold  are  a  very  great  sounding  grim  and  cold  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sista  Ridten"  " Ty  Döden  är  Lifvets  Lön"  and  "Ödeskväde  till Riddersmark".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp: https://dodskold.bandcamp.com/releases

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5LjKh4fSQkHZwv106ArboL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dodskold   

Eisenkult/...von Himmel, hoch herab/Purity Through Fire/2021 CD Review

 

  Eisenkult  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw,  melodic,  atmospheric  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "...von  Himmel,  hoch  herab"  which  will b e  released  in  June  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Dark  sounding  syn5ths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  era.

  Vocals  are mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  clear  singing  can  also be  heard  briefly.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  plating  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  synths  also  returning  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  also  giving  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  medieval  feeling,  growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  darkness,  death  and  folklore  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Eisenkult  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  melodic,  old  school  and  raw  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ein  Leib,  ein  Feuer"  "Brutal  und  furchtlos  Stumpf"  and  "Von  Himmel,  hoch  herab".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/Eisenkult

https://youtu.be/Eruy02prVX8

  

Klang Schreit Nichts Interview

 

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

This is TMK of Germany´s KLANG SCHREIT NICHTS speaking. Me and my weird sister MRK created KSN in the year 2008 and now, after 12 years we decided it was time again to create new immoral music. We are both artists and I am also a writer, so we incorporate everything into KSN to create the biggest mindfuck possible. In Metal there should not be any limits - this is what we take by the word.

2.A few months back you had released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

For „REDUZIERTER ALLGEMEINZUSTAND“ it was our goal to release the most furious, vicious and massive Black/Deathmetal record possible. No holds barred, ranging from Blackmetal, to Noise and Drone, Industrial, ultra massive Doom… you name it. From Immolation to Einstürzende Neubauten, from Beherit to Arcturus, David Bowie to Mayhem, Nina Hagen to Celtic Frost. Especially Celtic Frost: we both have Avantgarde in our blood so we added vocals inspired by Berlin`s Golden 1920`s to the mix. Sex, drugs, seances, no taboos and a whole lot of bohemian weirdness. Exploring the outer regions of Blackmetal was our credo.

3.All of the music was recorded around 2007 and 2008 but you waited until 2021 to release the album, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait?

We had a small pressing in 2009 which we completely sold out back then. We had some good reviews and two underground labels were knocking at our door. But for us „REDUZIERTER ALLGEMEINZUSTAND“ was a statement which we thought we had archived. I had some new tracks written, but we both had other projects running, I was also busy as a photographer and so we left KSN as a one-time statement. But last year I started writing again for Voices From The Darkside Magazine and I thought that KSN still has relevance today! Not much has changed in the last ten years in the metal music scene. A lot of old bands doing the same music as they did in the past and younger bands copying them. There are exceptions of course but still exceptions they are. So I dug out some unreleased KSN tracks, wrote new stuff and we created a new EP within a month. But before we release the new EP I wanted „REDUZIERTER ALLGEMEINZUSTAND“ remixed and remastered and finally be available again.

4.All of the music also avoids the use of any harsh vocals, are you going to include them on future releases?

No. There is a lot music of that type with harsh vocals. But there is almost none with vocals like KSN. 

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

There is a lot of twisted poetry in there, weird stories which cover philosophy and  psychology. The track „Klang Schreit Nichts“ for example plays with thought if humanities self-awareness – the awareness that we are and that we want – is a stumbling block in our evolution or not. And many know that that is true but there is an undying attempt to cover it up. You see, I love to study human behavior, which makes me a convinced misanthropist with a slight hint at positivism. Very black positivism that is.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Klang Schreit Nichts’?

Sound Screams Nothing, that is how you translate it. I wanted a shifting name, one where you understand the words but combined you only get an idea what it could mean. Its meaning is close to you but still seems to remain out of reach. The only thing you can be sure of is that it is nasty, haha.

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

Sometimes I paint and draw. I wanted a painted cover not a computer generated one. We named the music of KSN „Massive Berlin Theatre“ back then, so we needed a dark theatrical motive. Bloody of course.

8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

There is no real need. If we find a label that wants to book us on some shows I would hire some session musicians. In the future I will ask other people to contribute to certain songs but besides that we can do everything ourselves.

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

Admiration and confusing. Most agreed that the music is rich and good but not everybody is too fond of the vocals nor that they are sung in German.  Russians seem to like us.

10.You have a new album coming out in June, what can we expect musically once it is released?

Oh, the new record will be called „ERBAULICHE ANDACHT“. It will sound better, because I have become more experienced as a producer and mixer. We want the next record to be a logical follow up, so there is enough fast, massive and furious stuff going on. There are again three lengthy songs which will satisfy all your needs.

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?

You know that it is impossible to answer. I am always influenced by music, mostly by the atmosphere it creates. I believe in waves outsides genres, that overcome boundaries and connect almost un-connectable sounds. So it is possible that I listen to VON or BEHERIT while writing and melodic part, because its vibration reminds me of those bands. Concerning metal I am an old school guy, old-ENTOMBED, old-MAYHEM, CELTIC FROST, ARCTURUS, KREATOR, IMMOLATION, VON, SAMAEL, VED BUENS ENDE, XASTHUR, LEVIATHAN, PARADISE LOST, LUNAR AURORA, PROFANATICA. Nowadays I listen to almost everything which inspires me: VELVET UNDERGROUND, ANNA CALVI, LURKER OF CHALICE, BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE, THOM YORK, BEETHOVEN and DEAD CAN DANCE. The last records I bought was ABIGOR`s TOTSCHLÄGER. And before that „The Suspiria Soundtrack“ by THOM YORK and „The Infamous“ by MOBB DEEP. Everything goes! Except Reggae and Ska of course.

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

Thank you for your interest in KLANG SCHREIT NICHTS! And think of us when it comes to June/July: „ERBAULICHE ANDACHT“ which will be out then. All the best to you. TMK

Website: https://linktr.ee/KlangSchreitNichts

Bandcamp: https://klangschreitnichts.bandcamp.com/releases

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klang_schreit_nichts/

Anaal Nathrakh/The Codex Necro/Metal Blade Records/2021 CD Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  United  Kingdom's  Anaal  Nathrakh  which  shows  their  early  mixture  of  black  metal,  grindcore  and  industrial  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2001  and  called  "The  Codex  Necro"  and  the  re-issue  will  be  released  by  Metal  blade  Records  in  June  of  2021.

  Industrial  elements  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  some  of  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  brutality  of  grindcore.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  yet  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  also  getting  very  deep  and  demonic  sounding  at  times.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  some  touches  of  death  metal,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  clean  vocals  and  movie  samples  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Armageddon,  Misanthropy,  Nihilism,  Philosophy  and  Anti  Authoritarian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Anaal  Nathrakh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Supreme  Necrotic  Audnance"  "Pandemonic  Hyperblast"  "Inciped  Flock"  and  "The  Codex  necro".  8/5  out  of  10.

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Anaal Nathrakh/Total Fucking Necro/Metal Blade Records/2021 Compilation Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  compilation  album  from  United  Kingdom's  Anaal  Nathrakh  which  was  originally  released  in 2000  and  consists  of  their  self  titled  and  "Total  Fucking  Necro"  demos  which  where  originally  released  in 1999  and  2000  and  shows  their  early  raw  black  metal  style and  the  compilation  will  be  re-issued  in  June  by  Metal  Blade  Records.

  Spoken  word  and  move  samples  which  also  appear  on  later  tracks  start  off  the  compilation  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  some  distorted  amp  noises  and  industrial  elements  as  well  as  also  adding  in  some  cover's  of  mayhem's  "Carnage"  and  "De  Mysterious  Dom  Sathanas".    

  On  this  compilation  Anaal  Nathrtakh  played  more  of  a  raw  and  aggressive  style  of  black  metal  and  avoided  the  grindcore  elements  that  where  more  dominate  on  later  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Armageddon,  Misanthropy  and  Nihilism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Anaal  Nathrakh  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  fast,  aggressive  and  raw  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Anaal  Nathrakh"  "The  Supreme  Necrotic  Audnance"  "L.E.T.H.A.L  Diabolic"  and  "Necrogeddon".  8  out  of  10.

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Luminous Veil/Vespers For The Loom And Lain/BMC Productions/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Luminous  Veil  are  a  duo  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  very  experimental  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Vespers  For  The  Loom  And  Lain"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  BMC  Productions.

  A  very  militant  and  keyboard  orientated  intro  starts  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.  Atmospheric  elements  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Spoken  word  parts  and  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  also  being  programmed  and  the  music  also  has  its  experimental  and  symphonic  moments.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  music  also  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  the  mid  90's  keyboard  orientated  black  metal  bands  at  times  but  mixed  in  with  the  more  modern  era  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  the  album  progresses.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Luminous  Veil  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  experimental  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical g enre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Balms  On  The  Wellspring  Scar"  and  "The  Wicker  Pall".  8  out  of  10.

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Cataphract/Coercion And Clairvoyance/Sordid Curse Productions/2021 Cassette Review

 

  Cataphract  are  a  band  from  Kansas  that  plays  a v ery  raw  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Coercion  And  Clairvoyance"  which  will b e  released  on  cassette  in  June  by  Sordid  Curse  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  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.  All  of  the  instruments  also h ave  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  stick  mostly  to  a  faster  musical  direction  and  only  slowing  down  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Distorted  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the music  also  mixing  in  some  old  school  influences  with  more  modern  dissonant  structures  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.

  Cataphract  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  raw  and  old  school  sound  of  the  black  metal  genre  and  mixes  it  in  with  the  more  modern,  atmospheric  and  dissonant  era  to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Alchemy,  Clairvoyance,  Hypnotism,  Paranormal  and  themes  of  being  chased  or  followed.  

  In  my  opinion  Catapracht  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical g enre,  you  should  check  out  this  cassette.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Odd  And  Ferocious  Alchemy"  "Lanterns  Of  Hypnosis"  and  "Vortex  Dreamt  Eternal".  8  out  of  10.

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Atrium Interview

 

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

Atrium is an atmospheric Black Metal band that moves in the old school from 90’s style with a very epic experience per se. I created the project in 2019 because I wanted to make a very epic sound with very introspective and meditative topics that walk beyond typical lyrics in Black Metal. The project is also inspired by dungeon synth and dark ambient music, with deeper and more dramatic soundscapes, I think Atrium is the consequence of my self-processing of my own thoughts, feelings and the sounds I’m interested in. 

2.You have a new album coming out in June, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording? 

I always liked bands they transmit a lot of emotions during their songs and music and always looked for make mine in that way, trying to give the listener emotions like: coldness, sadness and desolation for name some. When you listen Atrium’s music you find there a lot of this feelings and others more diluted into the music, and complemented by the lyrics. I started to look some deep and very epic sounds for make the background of the keyboards thus ensuring an emotive experience with a record very charged with old school Black Metal sounding.

 3.A lot of your lyrics cover dreams and cosmic trips, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic? 

Yes, as you said Atrium’s lyrics walks a lot at the oneiric fields because I’m very much interested in the deepness of this topic, as well as astral trips and that kind of stuff. I have a real interest on it and have a lot of read about this during my life, also practiced some meditations and other exercises I will not delve on it. I always try to go far and far and get the most knowledge I can, Atrium songs on “ancient spells” is a strange trip, a cold look in the mirror. 

4.You also cover hyperborea and forgotten kingdoms, how long have you been interested in this topic?

 I have been interested in gnosis very long time ago, and I also believe in things like reincarnation, and some other kind of gnostic stuff. I made some reads to interesting authors like Luis Felipe Moyano and Miguel serrano and still try to discern and create my own vision about hyperborean is. By the way the forgotten kingdom of the “iron king” as I named it, this came after to have a sequence of three dreams in what I could see and feel a very dreamy medieval kingdom in what honour, justice and things like that was most important thing, these dreams make very emotional feelings on me so I decided to recreate the story with the music of Atrium because it seems very complementary. 

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

When I was younger I was out with some of my friends to get together and drink some beers, listen some music, talk about things we were interested for and things like that, we were a very little number of metal heads living in a small country and we frequented very often the atrium of an old church for a very long time for make our talk reunions. I was inspired by my mind old days’ “mystic” images with all friends, black dresses, spikes and things like that, my mind perhaps wanted to go back in time or something like that, I will never really know, but Atrium was the name selected for lead to my music to the right direction: very classic Black Metal stuff.

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

The artwork represents itself the meaning of the “lone wolf¨” I wanted to use that concept because this is a very personal album and also I was in charge of every aspect of the record, from the recording of every instrument to the artwork. I think it was very appropriate for give the record a more solid meaning and image. 

7.With this project you record everything by yourself but also have experience working with other musicians, how would you compare the two? 

Yes, I have been involved in another bands since a good number of years (Iblish, Solemne mortis, Infernal for name some) I also created Mantus back in 2007 as my first one-man project. After several recordings I decided to become it a full member band and we have been playing together over 4 years, I would say that the full band experience is a gate to get new knowledge from the people you play with, and also have the live experience what is something I really enjoy. The one-man project for me is a more introspective experience to create the most atmospheric soundscapes and go deeper into myself, I think both are complementary for me due I have the need to always keep writing songs and like to make it in different ways too. 

8.You also have experience playing death metal in other bands and projects, which genre do you prefer?

 I had play in a Thrash Metal and a Death Metal band, I’m also a big fan of Swedish early 90’s death metal, but my really favorite genre of Metal is Black Metal of course. 

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

I really believe the best music is the music made by the art itself. First I create my music to satisfy myself, I look into music till I have what I want for my songs, the feeling comes and then I know I have a song. I think this album have been well received by majority of those who have heard it from bandcamp, I also have received messages from some people saying they love it, even one named it like a piece of art, also this Signal Rex write me to sign the band, I’m very honored and satisfied with the response Ancient spells have, because I never expect to show the project beyond some friends.

 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? 

At this moment we are promoting the latest Mantus album called “Enter the dungeon” (2021) which contains 10 dark and dense tracks, and we are rehearsing for future live shows too, the drummer in Mantus and I we are making the new version of his former band Mashit in which I’m playing drums and he guitars/vocals we have a new album that will be released at Oct 31th from a local label. 

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

I always see myself making music till I can’t do it anymore, I have been involved on it since 96’ when I started to play instruments. I really hope all the things walks good and can get more distribution and can show my music to more people every time, to share my shadows, thoughts and feelings with all of them.

 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? 

I prefer classic Black Metal style than most of those masked bands from today, I like bands as Xasthur, Burzum, Blut Aus Nord, Gehenna, old Dodheimsgard, Celestia, Moevot, Inferno, Emperor, old Dimmu and things like that, I also listen a lot of other genres as dark ambient/dungeon synth music, including some goth/post punk stuff. 

13.Does Occultism play any role in your music? A lot. 

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? Thank you very much for this interview, I’m honored for come to more interested listeners who enjoy the atmospheric trip I offer, hope to see you soon again

atriumatmosphere.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/Atrium-Black-Metal-108970347560658

Sieta/Novgorod/Earth And Sky Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Sieta  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  pagan  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Novgorod"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Earth  And  Sky  Productions.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  ar e mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  keyboards  also  adding  in  more  of  a  symphonic  and  epic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Old  Russian  and  Old  Church  Slavonic  and  it  is  based  upon  the  conflicts  between  Christians  and  Pagans  in  the  ancient  city  of  Novgorod.

  In  my  opinion  Sieta  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  pagan  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Novgorod"  "Darkness"  and  "Battle".  8  out  of  10.

Website: skyglowprod.com
Bandcamp: sieta.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sietaband
Youtube: youtube.com/c/skyglowProductions
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4eloJUwRUF1zkBE8deXHly
Instagram: instagram.com/skyglow_prod/
Twitter: twitter.com/skyglowprod
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/skyglow_productions

VK: vk.com/sietaband  

Nefarious Dusk/Self Titled/Purity Through Fire/2021 CD Review

 

  Nefarious  Dusk  are  a duo  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  Cumbrian  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2021  album  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Purity  Through  Fire.  

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  a  lot  of  old  school  influences.

  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.  All  of  the  music  also  avoids  the  use  of  any  guitar  solos  and  leads  and  also  remains  very  true  to  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  raw  musical  direction.

  On  this  recording  Nefarious  Dusk  goes  for  more  of  a raw  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  that  is  also  very traditional  sounding.   The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Transylvanian  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nefarious  Dusk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of r aw  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nefarious  Dusk"  "Fallen  Kingdom"  "Twisted   Thorns"  and  "Shadows  Of  Dawn".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/nduk666

https://youtu.be/A0VgaMjJvoE     

  

Order Of Nosferat/Arrival of The Plague Bearer/Purity Through Fire/2021 CD Review

 

  Order  Of  Nosferat  are  an  international  duo  with  members  from  Germany  and  Finland  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  raw  and  vampyric  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Arrival  of  the  plague  Bearer"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Dungeon  synth  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  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.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Some  of  the songs  are  also  dungeon  synth  style  instrumentals  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording,  a  small  amount  of  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  On  this  recording  Order  Of  Nosferat  alternate  between  raw  and  vampyric  black  metal  tracks  and  dungeon  synth  style  instrumentals  to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  vampirism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Order  Of  Nosferat  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  vampyric  black  metal  and  dungeon synth,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Arrival  Of  The  Plague  Bearer"  "Fear  The  Unchained  Ghoul"  "Beyond  Pitch  Black  Woods"  and  "A  Trial  of  Living  Coffins".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/Order-of-Nosferat-101630385169968

https://youtu.be/QsBXgAWBeRA   

  On  

    

  

Satyricon/The Shadowthrone/Napalm Records/2021 CD Re-issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  album  from  Norway's  Satyricon  that  was  released  in 1994  called  "The  Shadowthone"  which  displays  an  earlier  style  of  black  metal  and  was  re-issued  in  2021  by  Napalm  Records.

Grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  word  parts   onto  the  recording  as  well  as  some  nature  oriented  sounds  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  when  guitar  leads  are finally  added  into  the  music  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard  and  they  also  add  in  touches  of  folk  music.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Mysticism,  Nature  and  Apocalyptic  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Satyricon  and  if  you  never  have  heard  the  earlier  material,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hvite  Krists  dod"  "Vikingland"  and  "The  king  of  The  Shadowthrone".  8/8  out  of  10.

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Warmoon Lord/Battlespells/Werewolf Records/2021 CD Review

 

  Warmoon  Lord  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  medieval  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  album  "Battlespells"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Werewolf  Records.

  A  very  dark,  heavy,  melodic  and  epic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  medieval  style  battles.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  keyboards  also  being  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  tracks.

  A  ,lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  tradition  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  War,  Fantasy  and  Medieval  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Warmoon  Lord  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  medieval  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Purging  Nefarious  Vortex"  "Empowered  With  Battlespells"  and  "In  Perennial  Twilight".  8/5  out  of  10.

http://warmoon-lord.bandcamp.com/album/battlespells

    

Euthanized/Sanguine Spectacle/Helldprod Records/2021 Demo Review

 

  Euthanized  are  a  band  from  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2021  demo  "Sanguine  Spectacle"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Hellprod  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  demo  while  evil  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  also  has  a  lot  of  mid  80's  to  early  90's  influences.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  also  done  in  an  old  school  style  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  demo  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  it  is  utilized  and  the  recording  closes  with  a  cover  of  Venom's  "Live  Like  An  Angel,  Die  Like  A  Devil".

  Euthanized  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  old  school  in  the  mid  80's  to  early  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness  and  a  hatred  for  mankind.

  In  my  opinion  Euthanized  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sanguine  Spectacle"  and  "Revert  to  Savagery".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Youtube  

Klang Schreit Nichts/Reduzierter Allgermeinzustand/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Klang  Schreit  Nichts  are  a  duo  from  Germany  that  plays  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Reduzierter  Allgermeinzustand".

  Distorted  amp  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  musical   direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Clean  female  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  an  avant  garde  vibe.

 Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at times  while  dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Clean  male  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  all  3  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed.

  Dissonant  structures  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow  and  mid  tempo parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  distorted  yet  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  experimental  moments,  synths  and  drones  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  on  the  closing  track  a  small  amount  of  techno  style  beats  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Klang  Schreit  Nichts  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Klang  Schreit  Nichts".  8  out  of  10.

Website: https://linktr.ee/KlangSchreitNichts

Bandcamp: https://klangschreitnichts.bandcamp.com/releases

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klang_schreit_nichts/